On Wednesday, March 27, Irving Elementary School hosted Mayor’s Night Out for the second district of Hammond. This event is an open public forum that allows those who reside in Hammond the ability to discuss the current state of Hammond.
In attendance, alongside the Mayor, were representatives from each city department to answer any questions that have to do with their respective department. The Hammond community that was unable to be there could watch in the comfort of their homes as there was a live telecast available. Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. wanted tonight’s address to reach not just those in the room, but everyone in the community.
McDermott and company had a long list of topics on their agenda for the evening. Those topics include lead lines in public housing, energy subsidies, traffic safety, emergency response times, the Food and Beverage Act, and other local projects including the future of downtown Hammond.
“I will tell you, Downtown Hammond's $26 million condominium is underway right now. They are going to be leasing out and once again, we have a train station that is going to get funded. It is designed so we cannot start building until the train rolls,” McDermott said. “This place is going to look a lot different, the downtown area is going to look a lot different from 10 years ago. There will be a drastic difference. The second district is where the majority of our money has been spent and it has been well worth it.”
The elected officials in Hammond showed great composure as they were questioned throughout the evening. They let it be known early-on that the public’s best interest is in mind when every decision is made for the city which was received properly from the room.
Those in attendance were able to write-in questions prior to the event starting and they were randomly chosen throughout. This method allowed for open conversations to begin and allowed the public to have the ability to speak their minds, good or bad.
“We try to have civil meetings and I take pride in our ability as a city to have those civil meetings,” said McDermott.
Irving Elementary School is located in the second district of Hammond and the topics of discussion were all associated with the district. The public were informed on some of the local upcoming projects and economic advances that should be coming through Hammond in the near future.
All of the information given was backed up by each head of department in attendance, studies, and facts that the public may or may not have known prior to coming. The open discussion only encouraged engagement and the ability to feel heard.
McDermott spoke on the good and bad that has happened over the past few years within Hammond. Topics were not hard to come-by and there was a strong presence of trust as well. The Hammond community left tonight’s event with the ability to say they were informed.
For more information visit: www.gohammond.com/
