 Years Served: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 |
Speaker Leo W. Cavinder was last elected as Speaker of the House on January 2, 2024. Due to his attendance at Indiana University Bloomington, he resigned as Speaker on July 1, 2023. During his time as Speaker, he has processed over 200 bills and 100 roll call votes. In addition, he established measures to protect individuals from getting sick by passing the Health Emergency Action Act and the Sick Reporting Act. He worked to establish healthy food measures. He brought the House together to pass the House Renovation Act of 2021 and the Outdoor Improvement Act. In addition, he established various departments and agencies to manage day-to-day operations of the House. Finally, in coordination with the Clerk, he developed HOUSE Net, a way for Members to process, report, and file various legislative and statutorily required information electronically.
 Years Served: 2023 |
I was raised on land in the county that has been in my family since 1827, before there even was a LaPorte County. These deep roots give me a sense of pride in our area as well as a sense of obligation to do something to give back. It is here with my wife of over twenty years we have raised our two children while tending to a variety of small farm animals and our three rescue cats.
My father was the most honest person I have ever known. He taught me at an early age that work could be difficult, tiring and at times exhausting but if something needed to be done you did it: cut and dry simple as that. (I am reminded of this every January when I’m walking through the snow and ice in single digit temps carrying water and food to our chickens and ducks.) If you tell someone you are going to do something, you do it, period. If you are asked a question, you answer it, straight out.
Though he passed away in 2001, these values have never left me, they shape how I see the world and others around me. I have zero tolerance for phony, fake people. Trust is as valuable as gold in my opinion and if lost is extremely difficult to regain.
I believe government exists to serve the people. They should not be telling people what they can and can not do. They should be listening to the people. As the County Council is entrusted with taxpayers’ money, I believe a watchful eye on every penny is appropriate to ensure we are utilizing our resources to full benefit.
I believe in moving forward with “Responsible Progress.” One that values and incorporates the unique foundations of our heritage and identity while embracing the potential economic opportunities that will undoubtably shape LaPorte County for generations to come. With transparency, efficiency, and accountability we can forge a path that will allow LaPorte County to become a place where our young people don’t move away because there isn’t much reason for them to stay.
There is much work to be done for the good people of LaPorte County in the forthcoming years. It will not be easy, fun, in fact may be difficult and tiring at times. But if it needs to be done then it should be done: cut and dry, simple as that.
