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http://www.michigancityin.com/articles/200.../news/news2.txt

Espar tries to unseat Przybylinski
By Jason Miller

The News-Dispatch

The primary race for the Democratic nomination to the 2nd Ward seat on the Michigan City Common Council is shaping up to be a battle between candidates who both see the need for North End redevelopment, but who see that redevelopment happening in different ways.

“Interest in the development of the North End is presently at an all-time high. Development of the North End has already begun,” said Marc Espar, challenger to four-term incumbent Democrat Paul Przybylinski. “The Redevelopment Commission is on an aggressive campaign to clear properties that have historically impeded the rebirth of the city's greatest potential. We are poised to witness the relocation of Blocksom and the first opportunity in 75 years to see the redevelopment of Trail Creek.”

Espar, brother of Michigan City City Attorney John Espar, will try to unseat Przybylinski, who's represented the 2nd Ward for 16 years. Przybylinski agreed that North End redevelopment is crucial, but took a different tack than Espar in explaining how he thinks redevelopment should happen.

“The North End has so much potential, the key is to have a reasonable plan,” Przybylinski said. “One that will bring all the components together; commercial, residential and recreational. Extreme care must be taken to keep the natural environment at the lakefront, as well as the public use of the Trail Creek area.”

Przybylinski has been a lightning rod for controversy on the council, drawing criticism from opponents for often disagreeing with expenditures and projects by the city's Park Department and Sanitary District, including a controversial restaurant proposal on Washington Park beach.

Last year he voted against giving Michigan City Area Schools money for the new Eastport Early Childhood Learning Center.

Przybylinski has defended the vote, saying the school should look at helping students currently struggling in schools rather than dealing with children before they enter school.

“We need to have tutors in those schools to fix the problem now,” he said. “We need to deal with the students who are struggling now.”

Espar is joining other challengers in pushing for a change on the council aimed at making the board more “professional” and more “people friendly.”

Proponents of that change often point to Przybylinski as the main culprit.

Espar said a lack of professionalism isn't a perception on the council, it's a reality.

“It's earned in large part by the demeaning and disrespectful antics of my opponent,” Espar said.

Przybylinski said the claim that there exists a lack of professionalism is simply an implication “spread by a few.”

“It is my duty to ask tough questions, that is the role of the City Council and city government. As the fiscal body of government we must be responsible in spending tax dollars. It is unfortunate that some departments do not feel the same way when it comes to spending taxpayer money.”

Republican Keith Harris is running unopposed. Since he's the only Republican who has filed for the 2nd Ward seat or any city office, there will be no Republican primary, so he will face the Democratic winner in the November general election.

Harris said he believes the North End needs to be redeveloped “at least to the extent to eliminate the blighted appearance experienced when traveling through the area.”

“I think a combination of residential and professional office development, coupled with the amenities of nearby grocery and pharmacy access, would suit the area,” he said.