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http://www.michigancityin.com/articles/200.../news/news3.txt

North End development important to 1st Ward candidates

By Jason Miller, The News-Dispatch

The sudden resignation of former 1st Ward Michigan City Councilman Chuck Lungren last month left a hole that had to be filled on a temporary basis through the vote of a three-person precinct committee.

Two 1st Ward residents hope to fill the position on a full-time basis by winning the nomination in the May 8 Democratic primary.

Lynne Kaser and Richard Murphy - both of whom lost to Angelo Corley in the Democratic caucus to replace Lungren - will face off.

Kaser is looking to push Michigan City toward fulfilling a potential she says she's always seen.

Murphy, a city resident for the past five years, said he is looking to push the city forward through change. A property developer and businessman, Murphy said the city can be a tourist destination and “the No. 1 place to live and work, all at the same time.”

“We're at the dawn of incredible opportunity, a crucial time where our leaders will mold the future of our community,” Murphy said. “I can feel a change in the air, a change to a new way of thinking and a return to the traditions that made Michigan City great.”

Kaser, the widow of former News-Dispatch columnist Bob Kaser, is the retired executive manager of International Friendship Gardens and said the subject of North End redevelopment is an important one.

“There is much to be excited about in the North End,” she said. “Projects already in the works will provide further impetus for business, development and other attractions to locate and thrive in the area.”

Murphy said the goal of the City Council should be to develop the North End to the point where a recreational waterfront area can be the city's calling card and main tourist draw.

He also said an “urban living experience” must be created downtown to allow people to walk from their homes to shops “and enjoy greenspace and a stroll down the riverwalk to the beach,” he said.

As far as growth and the current city government and the perception that many in it are “anti-growth,” Kaser said “new” must meet “old” amicably.

“I can only affirm that I believe in progress, and will work for the implementation of plans and development that will revitalize and renew our community, yet still preserves, protects and respects the rich history of our neighborhoods,” she said.

Contact reporter Jason Miller at jmiller@thenewsdispatch.com.