Hebron council candidates talk roads, growth

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Ensign, Don-Hebron

Updated: January 23, 2012 2:18AM

HEBRON — In the Democratic primary, the old guard has a new challenger in two Town Council races.

For the two at-large positions, incumbents Donald Ensign and Dave Peeler are being challenged by Jeffry A. Pera.

In the 3rd District, Kevin Sloan is running against Jeff Grogan, who is in his second four-year term.

The incumbents want to continue what they see as work begun, especially with water and sewer systems; Pera also is concerned about water and drainage.

Ensign, who is finishing his second four-year term and is council president, wants to keep doing a little each year.

The water system was built in 1914 and expanded in 1964, and “some of that has never been replaced,” he said.

The town already built a new plant, but it has to look at development on the newly annexed north end of town.

“It’s going to come,” he said.

With gas going to $4 or $5 a gallon, Hebron needs to attract development, which will help the tax base.

Peeler, who has served two years replacing a previous council member, said, “We’ve got a lot of things going right now, and I’d like to see them through.” That includes building the new town hall and community center and fixing flooding on Oak Court.

Pera is a five-year resident of Hebron after moving there with his wife, Nada, a town native.

His concern with water is that water bills are skyrocketing, and drainage needs improving, he said. He also wants to keep an eye on economics and policies.

Born and raised in Calumet Township, Pera feels his age is an advantage over the long-time council members.

“I’m a little bit younger than the other candidates and have a different perspective,” he said.

Pera said people in the community have encouraged him to run, so he is throwing his hat into the ring to see what happens.

Grogan said the state’s reconstruction of Main Street, which is also Indiana 2, held up town growth but “we made great strides in the last years.”

Last year, 27 streets saw improvement, and new Main Street will bring in more businesses and subdivisions.

Besides encouraging growth, he wants to keep services and have more to do for young people.

Sloan could not be reached for comment.