This is the excerpt from Gov. Daniels new book Keeping the Republic that has every Lake County Democrat (and those who don’t actually pay attention to what happens in Lake County) up in arms:

“Culturally close to Chicago in both economics and politics, and with a reputation for governmental corruption and labor union aggression, our northwest corner is a place employers are more likely to flee than invest in.”

I was born in the Region. I have lived here all my life. I love where I live and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Unfortunately, the Governor hit the nail right on the head. The Governmental corruption that plagues Chicago has spilled over and directly effects Lake County. Lake County has now grown its own style of political and cultural corruption that has caused the unfriendly business environment and the huge entitlement base that plagues northern Lake County. Let’s face it: In modern history, there have been over 50 elected Lake County Democrats  who have been convicted of breaking the law and have gone to jail. Let’s also not forget the newest indictments of former Lake County Clerk and current Coroner Thomas Philpot and the 3 sheriff’s deputies that were under Dominguez’s watch. 

Then the Democrats (namely Hammond Mayor and Lake County Democratic Party Chairman Thomas McDermott) have the audacity to slam Daniels for his comments, saying that he has thrown the region “under the bus.” Truth hurts sometimes, doesn’t it? Sometimes you just have to call it as it is. We can’t keep lying to ourselves and saying that Lake County is fine, burying our heads under the sand, hoping for this to all go away. It must be taken head-on, or it will never reverse. Now, it’s not that Republicans have been perfect. We all have our bad apples. However, at some point, when a trend starts to form, you must think to yourself – what is the problem? Now the Democrats are a bit scared because their corruption has been given a national spotlight – thanks to Gov. Daniels. Let’s not even get me started on the problematic labor unions here in NWI. That’s a whole other problem that really needs to be addressed separately.

Now, there are some good Lake County Democrats. I am friends with some of the honest ones. We must, however, not ignore the fact that until we make tough changes county-wide in our local government, we are going to continue to spiral downward and Gov. Daniels point will continue to be made. Unbalanced county budgets, missing money, missing assets, late tax bills, dysfunctional government, overpaid government workers, too many government workers – just a few problems in Lake County Government.

It’s time to take this thing head on! Thank you to Governor Daniels for making light of the issue across the state and the nation.