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Eddie Melton

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Eddie Melton
Melton in 2023
22nd Mayor of Gary, Indiana
Incumbent
Assumed office
January 1, 2024
Preceded byJerome Prince
Member of the Indiana Senate
from the 3rd district
In office
November 9, 2016 – December 5, 2023
Preceded byEarline S. Rogers
Succeeded byDavid Vinzant
Personal details
Born (1981-01-26) January 26, 1981 (age 43)
Gary, Indiana, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
SpouseCrystal
ResidenceGary, Indiana
Alma materCalumet College of St. Joseph (BS)

Eddie Melton (born 1981) [1] is an African American politician from the state of Indiana, who was born in the city of Gary and is serving as the 22nd mayor of Gary, Indiana. A member of the Democratic Party, Melton served in the Indiana Senate as the Senator for Indiana Senate District 3. He also serves as Deputy Chair of the Indiana Democratic Party where he has focused on equity and inclusion.

Biography

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Melton was born and raised in Gary, Indiana, attended Jefferson Elementary, and graduated from Horace Mann High School. He started his secondary education at Kentucky State University, where earned an athletic scholarship to play as a quarterback. During his time at Kentucky State University, he was a part of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and earned a degree in business management.[2] He later completed it at Calumet College of St. Joseph, graduating with a degree in organizational management.[3][4][5] Melton served as Manager of Corporate Citizen and Community Relations for NIPSCO.[6] Melton was a contributor to the National My Brother’s Keeper Initiative, which was created by Barack Obama.[7] He served on the Indiana State Board of Education. Melton was elected to the state senate in 2016.[8][9] In June 2019, he announced his candidacy for Governor of Indiana in the 2020 election.[1][10] but he ended his candidacy in January 2020.[11] In November 2020, Melton was elected as the Assistant Minority Floor Leader of the Indiana Senate.[12] Melton currently resides in Gary, Indiana, with his wife, Crystal, and their four children.[13]

Previous Jobs

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Early Career

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Eddie Melton began his career in community engagement and social work, focusing on empowering underprivileged communities. He worked for NiSource, as a community relations and corporate citizen manager, where he led initiatives to foster stronger ties between the corporation and local communities. His role involved developing partnerships and programs to address educational inequality, workforce development and access to resources to vulnerable populations.[14]

State Senate Career (Nov 2016 - Dec 2023)

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In November 2016, Melton was elected to the Indiana State Senate, representing District 3, which includes parts of Gary, Indiana and other areas of northwest Indiana. He advocated for equitable education funding, infrastructure improvements, and workforce readiness programs during his tenure. Melton worked closely with state and local leaders to address systemic issues such as school closures, economic stagnation, and public safety challenges in his district.[15][16] Known for his bipartisan approach, he focused on securing resources for communities affected by industrial decline.[17][18]

As a state senator, Melton was pivotal in securing funding economic and environmental issues in northwest Indiana, including efforts to revitalize Gary's economy through transportation projects and urban redevelopment. He was also a vocal advocate for youth services, promoting the expansion of after-school programs and summer employment opportunities.[19][20][21]

Mayoral Campaign

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2023 Democratic Primary

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On November 16th, 2022, Melton declared his candidacy for mayor of Gary, Indiana, in the 2023 Democratic Party primary election.[22][23] Melton was the first to challenge incumbent mayor Jerome Prince. Melton became the main competitor to Prince's reelection bid, criticizing Prince's lack of progress in his term.[24] Melton and Prince ended up being the only two candidates on the Democratic Primary ballot due to disqualifications.[25] On May 2nd, 2023, Eddie Melton defeated Jerome Prince with over 58% of the vote in the Gary Democratic Primary to win the bid of the Democratic nominee for mayor.[26][27]

Eddie Melton's Campaign

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Melton ran a campaign on themes of change and urgency, with his catchphrase “Gary deserves better NOW”.[28] Melton claimed that he had a plan, with a call for immediate better economic investment and public policy. Being born and raised in Gary and a current resident with his wife and four children, Melton was dissatisfied with the current leadership of the city and claimed to run on change from that leadership.[24] Melton ended up having many endorsers, such as members from The Jackson 5 group,[29] state legislator Earline Rodgers,[30] and singer Deniece Williams,[31] among many union groups.

2023 General Election

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On November 7th, 2023, the Gary Indiana general elections were held between Eddie Melton and Republican challenger Andrew Delano. Melton ended up getting over 95% of the vote, winning the election.[32] Melton resigned from the State Senate on December 5, 2023, following his election as mayor.[33][34] On December 30th, 2023, Eddie Melton was sworn in as the 22nd mayor of Gary Indiana, officially taking office on January 1st, 2024.[28]

Mayor Of Gary (Jan 2024- Present)

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Inauguration

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Melton was sworn in to office on December 30, 2023 by Lake County Prosecutor, Bernard Carter at West Side Leadership Academy.[35]In his inaugural address, Mayor Melton emphasized the need for change and a forward-looking vision for a "greater Gary."[36]

First 100 Days

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Upon taking office on January 1, 2024, Melton announced his 100-day plan titled "Leading Gary to Greatness." The plan focused on nine areas: greater government, public infrastructure environmental and parks, public safety, economic development and redevelopment, education, housing, arts, culture, and tourism, and community engagement.[37]

Economic Development

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On March 7, 2024, his administration negotiated with the large local company, Indiana Sugars. The company was looking to expand and perhaps move out of Gary, but with Melton’s efforts, Indiana Sugars remained local and purchased 70 more acres in Gary. [38][39]

In March 2024, Melton’s administration received a $3 million dollar donation from Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana to aid in the demolition of run down and abandoned properties in downtown Gary. Melton also helped Gary Works secure a $300 million investment from Nippon Steel.[40][41][42]

Public Infrastructure

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In July 2024, Melton announced that the city would be partnering with Notre Dame School of Architecture’s Housing and Community Regeneration Initiative to work on rebuilding Gary in order to revitalize the economy and create a better downtown area for residents. [43]

In June 2024, to address concerns of aging infrastructure, Melton introduced the Relight the City program to repair all streetlights in Gary by 2025. The city council allocated $3.5 million dollars to fund the plan. Improved street lighting has been seen to reduce crime rates and road injuries in cities. [44][45][46]

In late May 2024 the Melton administration formed a partnership with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) and law enforcement to form an illegal dumping task force. The city also received a half $1 million grant from IDEM to help combat and clean up illegal dumping sites. Melton spoke at a press conference announcing the task force and encouraged residents to use the 311-nonemergency line to report illegal dumping in the city. [47][48][49]

Electoral history

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2020 Indiana Senate election
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Eddie Melton (incumbent) 38,445 100
Total votes 38,445 100.0
Democratic hold
Democratic primary for the 2023 Gary, Indiana, mayoral election[50]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Eddie Melton 6,345 58.87
Democratic Jerome Prince (incumbent) 4,438 41.13
Turnout 10,790 100.00
2023 Gary, Indiana, mayoral election
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Eddie Melton 6,373 95.09
Republican Andrew Delano 314 4.69
Write-in 15 0.22%
Total votes 6,702 100.0
Democratic hold

References

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  1. ^ a b "Eddie Melton, Democratic senator from Gary, explores run for governor". Indystar.com. June 4, 2019. Retrieved July 13, 2019.
  2. ^ "Office of the Mayor". www.gary.gov. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
  3. ^ "MEET EDDIE". EddieMelton.com. Retrieved January 8, 2024.
  4. ^ "Indiana Legislator Database". Archived from the original on December 3, 2019. Retrieved August 15, 2019.
  5. ^ "Meet Eddie". Eddie Melton for Gary. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
  6. ^ "Eddie Melton – NewDEAL". December 2, 2024. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
  7. ^ "Meet Eddie". www.gary.gov. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
  8. ^ "Melton succeeds Rogers in Senate Dist. 3 race | 2016 Election". nwitimes.com. May 3, 2016. Retrieved July 13, 2019.
  9. ^ "Indiana Senate (District 3) « Capitol & Washington". Capitolandwashington.com. March 3, 2015. Retrieved January 27, 2020.
  10. ^ "Indiana governor's race: Democrat Eddie Melton declares run". Indystar.com. October 8, 2019. Retrieved January 27, 2020.
  11. ^ "Indiana Sen. Eddie Melton withdraws from governor race". WRTV. January 7, 2020. Retrieved January 27, 2020.
  12. ^ Smith, Brandon (November 6, 2020). "Sen. Greg Taylor Is First Black Leader Of Legislative Caucus In State History". WFYI Public Media. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
  13. ^ "Office of the Mayor". www.gary.gov. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
  14. ^ ""Meet Eddie"". Retrieved December 10, 2024.
  15. ^ "Ballotpedia". Retrieved December 10, 2024.
  16. ^ "Melton, State Budget Committee Approve New Gary Transit Development District". August 31, 2022. Retrieved December 10, 2024.
  17. ^ "Melton Bill To Address Blight, Promote Economic Development Moves to House". The Chicago Crusader. March 6, 2023. Retrieved December 10, 2024.
  18. ^ "Senator Eddie Melton". Retrieved December 10, 2024.
  19. ^ "New Greyhound Parternship Brings More Bus Routes and Economic Growth to Gary". October 3, 2024. Retrieved December 10, 2024.
  20. ^ "Senator Melton Celebrates Economic Development Legislation Becoming Law". The Chicago Crusader. May 29, 2023. Retrieved December 10, 2024.
  21. ^ "Melton Bill To Address Blight, Promote Economic Development Moves to House". The Chicago Crusader. March 6, 2023. Retrieved December 10, 2024.
  22. ^ "'Ready for Eddie': State Sen. Melton announces bid for mayor of Gary". November 16, 2022.
  23. ^ Post-Tribune (November 17, 2022). "Melton announces run for Gary Mayor". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
  24. ^ a b DeVore, Molly (April 6, 2023). "Gary mayoral candidates critique one another, discuss platforms during debate". nwitimes.com. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
  25. ^ Post-Tribune (February 2, 2023). "Municipal candidates continue to file, giving a clearer picture of May primary ballot". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
  26. ^ Gallenberger, Michael (May 3, 2023). "Gary mayor unseated in primary". WFYI Public Media. Retrieved May 9, 2023.
  27. ^ Dalton, Alex (May 3, 2023). "Eddie Melton declares victory in Democratic primary for Gary mayor". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved May 9, 2023.
  28. ^ a b Martinez-De La Cruz, Adrian (December 30, 2023). "Eddie Melton sworn in as Gary's 22nd mayor: "Gary deserves better now"". nwitimes.com. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
  29. ^ Carden, Dan (March 13, 2023). "The Jacksons endorse Eddie Melton for Gary mayor". nwitimes.com. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
  30. ^ "Gary voters pick Melton in Democratic mayoral contest". May 5, 2023. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
  31. ^ "Senator Eddie Melton releases comprehensive housing policy". April 10, 2023. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
  32. ^ Gallardo, Michelle (November 8, 2023). "Indiana Election Day: Gary, East Chicago, Valparaiso mayoral races wrap up". ABC 7 Chicago.
  33. ^ Dalton, Alex (November 29, 2023). "Gary Mayor-elect Eddie Melton to leave State Senate seat Dec. 5, triggering caucus". Chicago Tribune.
  34. ^ "Eddie Melton leaving Senate ahead of becoming Gary mayor". State Affairs. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
  35. ^ Adrian.Martinez-DeLaCruz@nwi.com, 219-798-8416, Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz (December 30, 2023). "Eddie Melton sworn in as Gary's 22nd mayor: "Gary deserves better now"". nwitimes.com. Retrieved November 19, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  36. ^ "Greater Gary 2024". www.gary.gov. Retrieved November 19, 2024.
  37. ^ Staff, Crusader (January 16, 2024). "Mayor Melton unveils ambitious first 100-day plan". Retrieved November 19, 2024.
  38. ^ "A sweet deal for Gary". wndu.com. March 4, 2024. Retrieved December 11, 2024.
  39. ^ Carlson, Carole (March 7, 2024). "The back story that kept Indiana Sugars from leaving Gary". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved December 11, 2024.
  40. ^ Pfundstein, Heather (March 27, 2024). "Hard Rock donates $3M to blight demolition in Gary TDD • Northwest Indiana Business Magazine". Northwest Indiana Business Magazine. Retrieved December 11, 2024.
  41. ^ Brown, Alex. "Nippon Steel commits to $300M investment in Gary Works". Inside INdiana Business. Retrieved December 11, 2024.
  42. ^ "Greater Gary 2024". www.gary.gov. Retrieved December 11, 2024.
  43. ^ Rulli, Carrie (July 25, 2024). "School of Architecture partners with city of Gary on downtown revitalization plan". Notre Dame News.
  44. ^ "Gary Council allocates nearly $3.5 million in ARPA funding for streetlight upgrades". Lakeshore Public Media| Public Broadcasting for Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland. June 12, 2024. Retrieved December 11, 2024.
  45. ^ "Greater Gary 2024". www.gary.gov. Retrieved December 11, 2024.
  46. ^ "Bright Lights, Fewer Serious Crimes in New York City Projects". NBER. Retrieved December 11, 2024.
  47. ^ Davis, Calvin (June 4, 2024). "Gary Taps Law Enforcement, County Resources to Crack Down on Illegal Dumping". Capital B Gary. Retrieved December 11, 2024.
  48. ^ "IDEM, Lake County Sheriff's Office helping Gary crack down on illegal dumping". Lakeshore Public Media| Public Broadcasting for Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland. June 5, 2024. Retrieved December 11, 2024.
  49. ^ "Residents, officials aim to target illegal dumping in Gary". NBC Chicago. Retrieved December 11, 2024.
  50. ^ Fajman, Michelle R.; Angerman, Leann J. "Lake County, Indiana 2023 Municipal Primary Election Results". Lake County Board of Elections and Registration. Retrieved May 9, 2023.
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