Post Tribune: McDermott best pick for Hammond

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In Hammond, Democratic Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. is the clear choice over Republican George Janiec.

McDermott has managed to balance the city budget during tough financial times that are compounded by the state-imposed levy freeze. McDermott has done this without negatively impacting city services. He has brought stability to an urban city.

McDermott, too, continues to focus on regionalism while running the city.

When the Regional Bus Authority two years ago asked him to blend the Hammond bus system into the RBA, McDermott stepped right up, while knowing it could hurt him politically.

McDermott’s College Bound program that provides college scholarships to the children of city homeowners continues to be popular and provides an anchor for housing.

McDermott personally has grown and become more adept at balancing the role of mayor and county Democratic chairman.