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North Township Trustee Race Heats Up: Hague vs. Statzer

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  Published in Business and Finance on Wednesday, March 18th 2026 at 21:47 GMT by The Times of Northwest Indiana
      Locale: UNITED STATES

GARY, INDIANA - March 19th, 2026 - The contest for North Township Trustee is intensifying as Republican challenger Ben Statzer and incumbent Democrat Jason Hague present contrasting visions for the future of the township. With the election slated for November 5th, voters will be tasked with deciding whether to continue with Hague's established leadership or embrace Statzer's call for change and a new approach to township governance.

For 16 years, Jason Hague has served as North Township Trustee, previously bolstered by his experience on the Gary Common Council. He is framing his campaign around a proven track record of serving residents and a deep understanding of the township's needs. Hague's message is one of continuity, promising to build upon existing successes and ensure continued access to vital services for the community, particularly its senior population. He emphasizes the tangible results of his tenure, pointing to established programs offering food assistance, utility bill aid, and support for local charities as evidence of his dedication.

"I've spent 16 years working directly with the residents of North Township, and I'm proud of the progress we've made," Hague stated. "I'm committed to continuing that work and ensuring that our seniors have the support they need, and that our residents have access to essential services."

Ben Statzer, a local business owner entering the political arena, is positioning himself as the agent of change North Township needs. He argues that a "fresh perspective" is crucial, coupled with a commitment to transparency and fiscal accountability. Statzer, portraying himself as an outsider unburdened by political maneuvering, intends to leverage his business acumen to streamline operations and optimize resource allocation within the township. He promises a thorough review of spending habits, with a focus on identifying potential areas for cost reduction without compromising essential services.

"I think it's time for a fresh perspective and a renewed commitment to transparency and accountability," Statzer asserted. "I'm not a politician. I'm a business owner who understands how to manage resources and deliver results."

The core divergence between the candidates lies in their philosophies regarding the role of the Township Trustee. Hague sees the position primarily as a provider of direct services and a responsible manager of township resources, focused on meeting immediate needs. Statzer, however, advocates for a more proactive role - that of an advocate for residents, actively lobbying for improved services at the county and state levels. He envisions the trustee as a vocal representative of the community, ensuring their concerns are heard and addressed by higher authorities.

"The trustee is a vital link between residents and the larger government entities," Statzer explained. "I want to be a voice for the people of North Township and ensure that their needs are being met."

The debate over the appropriate role of the trustee reflects a larger conversation about the evolving expectations of local government. In an era of increasing complexity and interconnectedness, some argue that trustees should transcend the traditional role of service provider and become proactive agents of change, advocating for policies that address the root causes of community challenges. Others maintain that the primary focus should remain on delivering essential services efficiently and effectively.

Beyond their philosophical differences, the candidates also offer distinct approaches to communication and community engagement. Statzer proposes leveraging technology and expanding community outreach initiatives to improve transparency and foster stronger connections with residents. This could involve utilizing social media, online forums, and town hall meetings to solicit feedback and keep residents informed about township activities. Hague, while emphasizing his long-standing commitment to direct engagement with residents, hasn't detailed significant changes to his existing communication strategy.

The outcome of this election will likely hinge on which candidate can best resonate with the diverse needs and priorities of North Township residents. While Hague's experience and proven record may appeal to voters seeking stability and continuity, Statzer's message of change and fiscal responsibility could attract those who feel the township needs a fresh start. The coming months will undoubtedly see increased scrutiny of both candidates' platforms and a vigorous debate over the best path forward for North Township.