With “neither resolutions nor ordinances this evening, which is kind of unusual” Mayor Jon Costas began another meeting of our city council overshadowed by the political controversy surrounding the school board president. This time the controversy centered around his behavior and the council’s allowance.
There was some city business before the council. The Human Relations Council update was presented by its president A. Quackenbush. The HRC was established in 2008 by the mayor to advise the mayor on human relations. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion were brought up in this conversation that was had by HRC president and council in describing the achievements and future direction of the human relations council. Council member Emilie Hunt was interested in the HRC doing programming where its intention and purpose was to the council and to assist the mayor.
The HRC is the council that drafted and proposed our Gay pride month ordinance to the council at the behest of Pflag Valparaiso. Councilman Cotton and A. Quackenbush discussed the 2016 human right ordinance enacted by council and the Investigation & Reconciliation committee created therein never achieving the potential that was written into the ordinance. There is a program this year for local nonprofits to get a matching grant for nonoperational funding through the HRC to help community organizations working towards the same goals as our city in welcoming all.
The Head of Utilities came to speak. He, at the request of council member Barb Domer, was looking into other communities that had a low income or senior bill assistance. Crown Point was mentioned as having one with a 100,000 dollar budget and between all that apply they get 30 dollars off their bill a year if they qualify. There is to be more research and speaking with other communities about this matter.
Before Public comment Mayor Costas and council president Kapitan made statements. Mayor Costas stated that “in presiding over more than 400 council meetings in the last 17 years I have tried to give all who wish to speak a wide berth in expressing themselves as we truly listen to all voices.” He continued “I’ve chosen to err on the side of allowing all who wish to express their opinions publicly the ability to do so uninterrupted. The first amendment right to free speech is an American cornerstone that the government must respect and foster in public meetings. To attempt to curtail a person’s words, even if hurtful or offensive to others is not in the spirit of the constitution.” He went on to say that turning to face the audience and finger pointing are not appropriate, referencing the school board’s president’s behavior at the last council meeting. He said, “it is never easy to make on the spot decisions in these matters, finding it more instructive to analyze best practices upon reflection and input from others.”
The new council president’s statement claimed Dr Behrend’s behavior at the last meeting raised “significant concerns, resulting in multiple meetings, multiple concerns from residents, a review of our security protocols, and engagement with the Human Relations Council to implement a formal Code of Civility.” Also saying “the yelling … the unfounded accusations, exceeded the boundaries of respectful discourse. There should be no question that his behavior was unacceptable.” A facebook post by another Councilwoman also shared the council president’s statement concerns that there might be some “Intimidation, threats, and outbursts,” that are outside the realm of civility. (See our previous article here)
There was person there who spoke again about removing the school board president and her personal experience of witnessing him speak. She promised not “to scream at the audience, or foam at the mouth with spittle flying” clearly attempting to add more fuel to the debate.
There was public comment made about there being no sidewalk connecting our downtown to the nearest grocery store, Town and Country, with accompanying photos of how difficult it is to navigate a collapsible grocery cart down Calumet Ave without a sidewalk.
There was public comment about council members who, (according to the Supreme Court’s 2024 decision Lindke v. Freed,) may have violated the first amendment by deleting opposing comments on their “state action” Facebook pages.
Valparaiso City council meetings are open to the public and are at 6:00 every second and fourth Mondays of the month.
MORE VALPARAISO ARTICLES . . .
Valparaiso Democratic Council Seeks Control Over Human Rights Council
The July 14th, 2025 Valparaiso city council began with recognition for the 2025 city Government Academy graduates. Valpo city government academy is a free seven week, once weekly course the city offers to residents. The meetings take place at various places around town like the police station, fire department, and waste water management…
Valparaiso Painters Excel as Finishers with Strong Family Values
The Finishers of Valpo is a trusted and established painting company proudly serving Northwest Indiana for over 10 years. With a decade of experience under their belt, they have built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality interior and exterior painting services, cabinet refinishing, drywall repair, and more. Their work stands out for its attention to…
New Gaming Facility Opens at VU
Valparaiso University is pleased to invite you to the grand opening of the Center for Games and Interactive Entertainment. This innovative space is dedicated to exploring and learning about the ever-expanding gaming industry, encompassing video games, board games, card games, and role-playing games. It also serves as a resource for educators to…
Valparaiso Creative Council Hires Full-Time Executive Director
Valparaiso Creative Council Expands Leadership with Full-Time Executive Director” The Valparaiso Creative Council (VCC) is excited to announce the promotion of Jessica Corral to full-time Executive Director, effective January 2, 2025. The expansion of this leadership role marks the Council’s commitment to enhancing the creative community and supportive offerings in Valparaiso…
Costa’s New Restaurant – Birdie’s Diner – Now Open
All Dish Restaurant fans have been waiting to learn more about this special addition to downtown, so getting this tour was extra special. 
Here’s a little overview from Evan Costas:
“The famously former “Tony’s Pizza” building is being transformed into a new and exciting downtown dining destination that will serve delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner. This expansive space at 218 Lincolnway will house two sister restaurants: Birdie’s Diner and Next Door at Birdies.
CONTINUE READING
Downtown Valparaiso Galentine’s Shop Around
Join us for the ultimate Galentine’s Day celebration in Downtown Valpo, Galentine’s Shop Around , on Thursday, February 13th from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.! Grab your galentines and hit Downtown Valparaiso participating restaurants & retailers for special Galentines Shop Around promotions, Valentine’s Day-themed treats & goodies, and so much more! No tickets required! Check out the downtown…
Aftermath Cidery & Winery ; Bao’s Pastry ; Be Good Juicerie ; Designer Desserts-Valparaiso;
Don Quijote Imports; E&A Jewelers ; Ella Jayms ; FLUID Coffee Roasters – Downtown Valparaiso ; FLUID Coffee Roasters – Valpo South;
Hungry Hound Boutique & Grooming ; Indie Indie Bang Bang ; Journeyman Distillery; Lifestyles ; Market 102 ; Merit Pilates;
Birdie’s ; Old World Market ; Peddlers Pizza Pub ; Pickles Kids; Pikk’s Tavern ; RADIUS-Valpo; Rocket Fizz Valparaiso, Indiana ; Scented Science
Silcott Shoes ; Six Cypress Boutique; The Spice & Tea Exchange; The Press; Toys in the Attic – Valpo Valpo Vintage;
vALPARAISO, INDIANA; ValpoEvents; Valparaiso Events; Things to do in Valparaiso; Downtown Valparaiso; Valparaiso Restaurants; Valparaiso Boutiques; ShopValpo; Valparaiso Events;
Susie Young Baxter, CEO, has published PanoramaNOW Magazine for 31 years. Her hobbies are Camping, Boating, Hiking, Nature, Gardening and Outdoor Activities. She is an Artist, Graphic Designer, an Avid Seamstress, Dabbles in Homemade Crafts and Landscaping. Since her Father was a Health Teacher, she also likes homeopathic Health Solutions. Since blogging started over 10 years ago, PanoramaNow has been added to Newsbreak – a national news affiliate.
