01/10/2025
This press release has not received the attention it deserves.
I look forward to working with my fellow council members. I was elected to serve the residents of District D and I believe finding ways to work together is our best way forward. We will not always agree but we can agree that hostility is not going to help the residents of St. Joseph County.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 8, 2025
COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBERS ANNOUNCE A GOVERNMENT OF COMMON CAUSE
South Bend, IN – In a groundbreaking move, a bipartisan majority of the St. Joseph County Council has announced the formation of a "Government of Common Cause" to address the county’s most pressing challenges. The new majority aims to prioritize collaboration over partisanship, focusing on critical issues that impact the county’s functionality and prosperity.
"The work before us and the issues we anticipate over the next two years are so vital that we must unite," stated Council Vice President Pro Tem Mark Catanzarite (D - District G). "We are here to serve all citizens of St. Joseph County, not just the ones who may have voted for us."
KEY PRIORITIES
The coalition has outlined the following priorities for the next two years:
Public Safety
Housing Needs
Economic Development
Infrastructure Investment
Government Efficiency
Competitive Compensation for County Personnel
Enhanced Collaboration with County Commissioners
A HISTORIC APPROACH
Drawing inspiration from President George Washington’s 1796 Farewell Address, the coalition emphasizes the importance of our "common cause." While members retain their party affiliations and individual beliefs, they are committed to prioritizing public service and collaboration.
"We will not allow contemporary party politics to derail us from serving the people of St. Joseph County," said Council President Pro Tem Bryan Tanner (D - District H). "Our constituents deserve leaders who put public service above politics."
STRUCTURAL CHANGES TO ENCOURAGE COLLABORATION
To support this new approach, the County Council is implementing several structural changes:
- A Rules Committee consisting of two Democrats and one Republican (Council President).
- Leadership of the Council’s four standing committees by Democratic members, with a Republican majority on each committee to reflect the current 5-4 Republican majority.
- Alternating seating arrangements during meetings and shared office assignments to foster bipartisan engagement.
This initiative aims to set a new standard for effective governance in St. Joseph County and is signed on by council members Dan Schaetzle, Jennifer Shabazz, Diana Hess, Mark Catanzarite, and Bryan Tanner.
Newly appointed Council President Dan Schaetzle (R - District C) concluded, "In a time of extraordinary change, our ultimate goal is to facilitate greater opportunity and a higher quality of life for the people who live and work in St. Joseph County.”
