It was an exciting day here in Indiana this past Monday. I am pleased to be able to say Gary, Indiana swore in the State’s first African American Female mayor and the cities first female and African American Female mayor, Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson. With a campaign based on hope for the city and change to come Mayor Freeman-Wilson inspired the city to rally behind her this past November and allow her administration bring some hope and prosperity to this grief and poverty stricken city.
Mayor Freeman-Wilson served as a presiding judge of the Gary City Court from 1995 to 2000. In 2000, she was appointed Indiana Attorney General by Governor Frank O'Bannon to serve the remaining eleven months of the term of Jeff Modisett, who resigned to become Deputy CEO and General Counsel to the Democratic National Convention.
Her win this past November came with a landslide victory of 87 percent of the vote. Her campaign received a well-respected endorsement from the then incumbent, and former opposing candidate in 2007, Mayor Rudy Clay. Mayor Clay decided not to run for reelection due to health problems.
Although are parties may differ the sprite of bi-partisanship reigns over her new administration with State Attorney General Gregg Zoeller (R) made an appearance to commemorate this historic occasion. Zoller spoke of Mayor Freeman-Wilson and encouraged the city laying politics aside to get behind the new Mayor of Gary by saying ‘"It's time to put aside politics and partisanship," Zoeller told the crowd. "Karen Freeman-Wilson has a monumental task ahead. Everyone in Gary needs to get behind the new mayor for there to be a new day in Gary, and it starts with me. I'm always willing to work with the new mayor to serve the common good of the citizens."
Mayor Freeman-Wilson spoke of the same coming togetherness by saying “This is what unity looks like,” I wish her and the City of Gary the very best in the future. This Story was was referenced from NWITimes.
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