[Southsider2k12]

http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2010/0...fa966437762.txt

Szilagyi set to challenge Beckman

By Alicia Ebaugh
Staff Writer
Published: Thursday, January 28, 2010 4:17 AM CST
LA PORTE — Filing Tuesday to challenge La Porte County Prosecutor Robert Beckman in the May Democratic primary, attorney Robert Szilagyi said he would improve the office’s interaction with the public if elected.

Beckman lacks the professional temperament, commitment to cooperation and quality leadership necessary for effective law enforcement, Szilagyi said.

“Open, courteous and candid communication must be maintained with all police departments and other law enforcement agencies in order to facilitate effective law enforcement and protect every La Porte County citizen,” he said in a press release.

Szilagyi alleged that in the past few years, Beckman has made inappropriate comments, even threats, toward various public officials. He recalled a meeting nearly two years ago, at which he represented the county Plan Commission, when Beckman came to oppose a development about a mile from his home on Pahs Road.

“He basically told the board that if they ruled in favor of the project he knew who they were, he knew who their families were, he knew where they lived,” Szilagyi said. “The board took that as a threat.”

The current attitude from the prosecutor’s office is one of intimidation, not cooperation, Szilagyi said.

“Any showing of lack of respect for police officers, public officials or the courts has a chilling effect on law enforcement and is unacceptable,” Szilagyi said. “La Porte County law enforcement has been placed in an awkward and compromising position because of Beckman’s demeanor.”

Beckman would not respond to Szilagyi’s claims, saying he is simply running on his record of service.

“In this job, you make friends and enemies every day,” he said. “You ruffle feathers along the way.”

Szilagyi said he’d provide an even temperament along with strong, common sense leadership if elected county prosecutor. He also would encourage cooperation and teamwork by regular communication with all law enforcement agencies, the coroner’s office and social services.

Szilagyi has practiced law in the county for more than 30 years. He also is a former deputy prosecutor and former County Commission attorney. He was attorney for the county Plan Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals for 26 years. He also is the attorney for the town of Kingsbury.

Szilgyi has four children and is a graduate of South Central High School and Valparaiso University School of Law. He is retired from the Army after 28 years of active and reserve duty.