The Platform

Eight commitments to Whiting

Rebeca's plan to protect Whiting's finances, grow its economy, and change the culture of City Hall.

Work with the Clerk-Treasurer to keep Whiting in a strong financial position, regardless of the impacts of Indiana Senate Bill 1.
Expand the tax base by redeveloping the Stadium District and Indianapolis Boulevard with the community, offsetting any lost revenue.
Carefully review and pursue federal grant opportunities to bring outside funding to Whiting.

Launch an online community feedback portal so residents can say directly what businesses they want to see in Whiting.
Lead a community-wide conversation on redeveloping the Stadium District with businesses and housing, bringing jobs and homes to Whiting.
Lead a community-wide conversation on redeveloping Whiting's stretch of Indianapolis Boulevard so it serves residents with the businesses they want and deserve, and gives commuters a reason to stop.
Fill empty storefronts, an eyesore and a lost opportunity, by working with local businesses and partners to bring in new businesses or expand existing ones.

Develop retention plans with a new police chief to recruit officers who want to serve Whiting and stay for the long term.
Add a new code of conduct to police officer contracts, setting a clear baseline for service and professionalism.
Direct the police department to work with the School City of Whiting's School Resource Officer to keep students and school staff safe.
Continue the work to complete the bridge out of Whiting Lakefront Park, ending the current safety risk for park visitors.

Walk through City Hall and every department each week, so city workers can be heard directly on what can be improved.
Hold public forums and attend community events, so residents know their mayor understands what is happening in Whiting.
Run City Hall more like a business: treat residents as customers, with clear standards for response times, permits, and resolving issues. No resident should have a call go unanswered or a bad experience at City Hall.

Completely revamp the city website through the IT department so it is modern and easy to use, in line with other cities.
Redesign the city's official social media with the IT department and the city's event director, so residents get timely updates during emergencies and citywide events.
Launch a community online portal, similar to Hammond's 311 app, so residents can send service requests and information directly to City Hall and its departments.

BP has long been a landmark and a major employer in Whiting, and it will remain a key partner into the future.
That partnership does not mean BP should be able to buy more city land.
Keep a strong working relationship with the leadership of BP's Whiting plant, so open dialogue continues on decisions that affect our city.

Work with local businesses and the city's event director to bring more kid- and family-friendly events to Whiting throughout the year.
Bring local organizations, businesses, and city government together to sponsor and support community events.

Support diversity in our city, from the people who live here to the businesses that operate here, in every decision made while leading Whiting.
Continue promoting acceptance and inclusion throughout Whiting, as Rebeca has on the City Council and as Founder-President of the Whiting Hispanic Heritage Organization.

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