Accountability and Responsible Use of Lake County Jail Commissary Funds

A recent special investigation conducted by the Indiana State Board of Accounts revealed that approximately $300,000 from the Lake County Jail Commissary Funds were misspent. State law clearly stipulates that money from the commissary fund is restricted for specific purposes. Permitted uses include initiatives related to substance abuse, child abuse, domestic violence, drinking and driving prevention, and juvenile delinquency. Proper allocation of these funds could have supported programs and services that benefit communities throughout Lake County.

As the community prepares for the upcoming tax session, it is critical to remember that the funds entrusted to elected officials or generated by their respective departments ultimately belong to the citizens of Lake County. Responsible stewardship of these resources is essential to maintaining  public trust and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used for the intended public good.

With the upcoming election for Lake County Sheriff, residents have a valuable opportunity to assess where their preferred candidates stand regarding this investigation. Voters are encouraged to visit candidates' websites to understand their positions. It is important to note that the Sheriff's Office operates with one of the highest, if not the highest, budgets in Lake County Government.

If a candidate fails to address this issue, it raises questions about their approached to managing public funds. Citizens should consider whether their potentially elected official will treat tax dollars as an opportunity for personal enjoyment or with the respect and responsibility that public money deserves.

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David K. Crane

Republican Candidate for Lake County Sheriff

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This is a letter that was sent to the Hammond "Times"

paid for by the committee to elect David K. Crane jr. Lake County Sheriff