Does this mayor protest too much?

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| Monday, June 30, 2008 | (159 comment(s))

Someone in Hammond City Hall has been using city computers on city time to destroy public comments critical of Mayor Tom McDermott Jr. and his administration.

When I called to let McDermott know, he went absolutely ballistic.

Not because of the waste of tax money, but because he was told about it. "It sort of (makes me angry) that you are even calling me," he said, which I thought was kind of strange until I realized he thought I was accusing him of something shady.

I wasn't. I just thought as the city's chief executive he'd care how his employees were using their day, but instead he said he doesn't believe it and that it is impossible to trace a computer.

The Times has message boards on its Web site, on which people may post electronic thoughts on things from the war in Iraq to memories of summer evenings at Dari-Belle.

Some of the recent topics have been critical of McDermott's relationship with convicted political operative Bob Cantrell, of problems with development of the River Park property and questions over his personal use of a city car he gets through the water department.

The Times allows board users to remove responses on a thread, and the anti-McDermott threads have been vanishing like an endangered species.

Our online guy, Yuri Victor, traced the computers used to delete the anti-McDermott threads to City Hall, and I called McDermott to let him know.

It's the computer age equivalent of pulling campaign signs out of yards, but as long as we allow this to be done we can't complain about people doing it.

But if your staff has time to do this on city time with city equipment, don't tell us we need a county income tax. Don't send your fire chief to Indianapolis to cry poor mouth and say he will have to cut public safety and people will die because of property tax caps.

Delete at home, on your own time. Have your flunkies do it at home, on their own time. It may be babyish, but I don't care.

But don't respond with unbelievable stuff like, "I think you're making this up. I think you're on a witch hunt."

I let him speak with Victor, who explained how he traced the complex web back to City Hall.

"It doesn't satisfy me. I think you guys are lying. On the record, I think you're making stuff up," the mayor said. "I don't think it's possible to triangulate. I think it's impossible."

Why is McDermott so defensive? If I didn't know better, I'd say he sounds like a man with something to hide.

The opinions are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at markk@nwitimes.com or (219) 933-4170.

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What a joke wrote on Jul 10, 2008 6:35 PM:

" Mayor McDermott is doing good things for Hammond and most people relize it. Its just the same people who no longer are part of the gravy train that make all the noise here. I am proud to be from Hammond and i suppport McDermott. "

George wrote on Jul 10, 2008 3:34 PM:

" Wait....

So the question was, does McDermott protest too much?

If so, the answer is NO WAY

The problem is that other mayors doesn't stand up for themselves or their cities enough

...and others (Rudy Clay) just simply talk too much.

Where's Jesse Jackson when you need him? "

get a life wrote on Jul 9, 2008 5:35 PM:

" Hhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmm..........I wonder how many of these people are the same posters? This format is a joke. "

mc dip wrote on Jul 8, 2008 9:34 PM:

" " "To the Times" is right. This is a problem of the Times's own making. Simple solution: don't allow readers to delete others' postings. Why would you expect an arrogant and dumb mayor to understand the issue, much less care about doing the right thing? "

mayor lies remix wrote on Jul 8, 2008 8:36 PM:

" first he says the health dept. is a duplication of services,but the hammond legal aid clinic is the same duplication of services, what does that liar don't understand..he goes to say that it's more services liar, u could get the same services for for 1/4 of the cost. "

CAPTAIN CUT UP wrote on Jul 8, 2008 8:32 PM:

" THIS MAYOR LIED TO US ABOUT USING MONEY FOR PROPERTY TAXES, IT WAS SAID IN HIS CAMPAIGN,,,,,,WHAT A LIAR "

HEY TEAM HAMMOND wrote on Jul 8, 2008 8:28 PM:

" You guys don't know what your talking about as a matter a fact the mayor never lies prove it. "

tappy tappy tap tap wrote on Jul 8, 2008 8:26 PM:

" When the mayor got caught in a lie he dances around a bit then answers back. hhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmm better get those tap dancing shoes because there's gonna be a whole lot of tapping goin down. "

to much gel wrote on Jul 8, 2008 8:18 PM:

" all the weight on his head is making him go crazy, maybe thats why he's calling everybody a liar, it's the weight of the gel "

childish acts wrote on Jul 8, 2008 8:13 PM:

" IS WHEN THE MAYOR CALLS UP AN 18 YEAR OLD BOY AND THREATENS HIM WHEN RUNNING FOR OFFICE. "

Duh wrote on Jul 8, 2008 5:09 PM:

" A mayor without computer skills is not the problem, a mayor who, when informed about the issue, shows his lack of intelligence and calls people who have knowledge of computers "Liars" is a problem. A mayor who tells the citizens that his dad didn't make any money on the Cabela's/Woodmar CC deal, then Cabela's says that they paid Sr. $950,000.00 is a problem. Maybe Cabela's lied about it.
It's too bad we're stuck with his childish actions for a few more years. "

Re to everyone who has a problem here wrote on Jul 8, 2008 4:30 PM:

" " I would much rather have a mayor with no computer skills that can tranform a dying city, than a computer whiz running the city that has no clue how to improve our image."

- It seems that you have nither. "

to everyone who has a problem here wrote on Jul 8, 2008 3:34 PM:

" I would much rather have a mayor with no computer skills that can tranform a dying city, than a computer whiz running the city that has no clue how to improve our image. I think one comment that has been lost in these posts is the gentleman who pointed out IT IS VERY EASY TO HACK A SYSTEM TO MAKE IT LOOK LIKE AN IP ADDRESS IS THERE WHEN IN FACT IT IS ANOTHER IP ADDRESS. MAYBE SOMEONE MADE IT LOOK LIKE IT WAS AN IP ADDRESS FROM CITY HALL? BEFORE YOUR STORM THE MAYORS HOUSE WITH PITCH FORKS AND TORCHES, MAYBE YOU SHOULD RESEARCH FIRST. IT SEEMS VERY POSSIBLE THAT THE DELETIONS WERENT ACTUALLY FROM CITY HALL. jumping all over a mayor because of a halfwits article makes hammond residents seem like characters from the simpsons cartoon. are we really that naive? "

to to Mr.Negative and the like minded wrote on Jul 7, 2008 1:01 PM:

" If thinking there is a different way than the way you benifit from, is being a loser. Then in your sick mind I guess I am one. Doesn't make you any better than those calling the mayor, "McDimwit," it just indicates that you think you are. Maybe that's why most of us don't really like people like you, but understand that it takes all kinds to make the place work. Have a beer and relax, perfect agreement is perfect nonsense. "

Slammed Employee wrote on Jul 7, 2008 12:41 PM:

" But this Mayor brought CABELA'S to town so THERE! Well I at least got to work 2 Months before I was thrown out on the street like a Bum! 1 Month before Christmas. "

MPPS wrote on Jul 7, 2008 10:53 AM:

" Oops. That was embarassing. Lying about being able to trace IP addresses and computer activity? Doesn't he watch TV? I mean kids in gradeschool know they track IP adresses. This is further evidence that the Mayor needs a better mouth piece and gatekeeper. He is constantly saying stuff that he shouldn't be saying. That should be someones job to protect him from himself. Sign me up. 80 - 100k couple of clean gym socks and some duct tape. I could get the job done. Oh and a take home car too. "

This is about the first wrote on Jul 7, 2008 10:07 AM:

" amendment. A very serious travesty; as the feds get involved there will be a trial and some will be jailed. Keep the comments germain. Some of the Mayor's staff seem to think this is funny business: it is not! If the Mayor were intelligent, he would expose and discipline the perpetrators before his house of cards collapses. The U.S. Attorney's office should already be responding with an investigation. "

Common Sense wrote on Jul 7, 2008 9:34 AM:

" I agree with the business owner going by:to mr negative. Evertything except making 4th gen. family member deal with the other losers in NWI. Wow, look at all of them on this blog.
Oh, and it does not take an MIT grad to make a post look like it is coming from another IP address. "

Baby McDemott wrote on Jul 7, 2008 8:13 AM:

" McDermott has to go
crime up
taxes up
politicians raises up. "

LIGHTS wrote on Jul 5, 2008 9:50 PM:

" those new lights in the new h.s. WHICH MAKE U GET VITAMIN D AND SMARTER!!!!! well we should put some of those in city hall i'll start APPROPRIATING MONEY FOR IT ESPECIALLY ON THE SECOND FLOOR. THERE GONNA NEED A BOXFUL IN ONE ROOM. "

MR BUDGET SHIFTER wrote on Jul 5, 2008 9:46 PM:

" i took the garbage dept. put it on the water dept. and wow i cut 5%..i don't care if your water bills go up i cut the budget bye 5% duh "

moron wrote on Jul 5, 2008 9:45 PM:

" stop budget shifting around budgets saying your cutting the budget MORON "

city hall deleter wrote on Jul 5, 2008 9:42 PM:

" These posts aren't even on the topic anymore. You're just spewing hate. Does this actually make you feel better about yourselves?

when u seen him did u tell him that hes a liar "

hey duh wrote on Jul 5, 2008 9:40 PM:

" you think u know all the corruption you haven't seen nothing. mayor tommy took an oath and is breaking it, may god what next. "

lets play it safe jimmy wrote on Jul 5, 2008 9:36 PM:

" He took out John Garcia firm the only minority firm and now somebody in indianapolis takes over there has to be some kik bak "

head roll wrote on Jul 5, 2008 9:32 PM:

" When I called to let McDermott know, he went absolutely ballistic.

yeah i know what tour talking about "

Duh wrote on Jul 4, 2008 10:38 PM:

" "I bet once he reads it he will feel like a complete moron. "

That's a losing bet!
When stupid people wake up in the morning, they don't realize that they are stupid. They think the rest of the world is stupid and they're smarter than everyone else. Even when you prove them to be stupid, they still don't believe it.
Our mayor thinks he is smarter than everyone else and can't understand why people are against him. He's a legend in his own mind. "

Such vitriol here. wrote on Jul 4, 2008 6:47 PM:

" These posts aren't even on the topic anymore. You're just spewing hate. Does this actually make you feel better about yourselves?

For my part, I saw Mayor McDermott at the Whiting 4th of July parade today. What a treat! "

JustDucky wrote on Jul 4, 2008 2:01 PM:

" " well....., uh, ummmmmmm, well, ahem..... you see, uh.......ummmmmmmm. "

Which can be said by any old politician.

The part that cracks me up is the repetitious, "Vote them out!"

Only to vote in a different party/person and the same results....

Don't you all know, the only way to suceed is to be a politician? You make money lyin'! They all lie. "

Mcimwitt please read wrote on Jul 4, 2008 1:08 PM:

" Someone needs ot point mcdimwitt to the story here with the lawsuit by Viacom towards youtube. Mcdimwitt needs to read the part where it states that viacom wants the video logs from youtube which show the viwer's login id and IP address of the computer used to view the video clips. maybe once mcdimwitt reads that story he'll finally understand that IT IS possible to trace a computer thru it's IP address. I bet once he reads it he will feel like a complete moron. "

Bobby MAc wrote on Jul 4, 2008 8:22 AM:

" Maybe this is why Romero never answers the phone at city hall...too busy deleting!!! "

Boo Mayor McD wrote on Jul 4, 2008 6:34 AM:

" He is nothing but a huge LIAR! I wouldn't be surprised on bit if it was him deleting the "Bad" (but most likely truthful)things about himself. Anything that I read about him makes me want to gag...give the job to someone who cares "

artistotrac wrote on Jul 4, 2008 12:15 AM:

" "Am starting to show more and more less faith with this mayor George from Hammond". "

taxing agent wrote on Jul 4, 2008 12:13 AM:

" thats all hes been trying to do all this time with the city in 96 million dollar debt and asking for more and higher taxes "

who let da dog out wrote on Jul 4, 2008 12:12 AM:

" mcmayor doesn't even answer to nobody except himself and as soon as u say something u goooooonnnnnnnnnnnnnneeeeeeeeeee "

yo slurpee wrote on Jul 4, 2008 12:06 AM:

" you don't know what your talking about as a matter of fact ur wrong. the mayor said his dad had nothing to do with the cabelas deal then lied, "

chest pain wrote on Jul 4, 2008 12:04 AM:

" this mayor's bad for my health he likes more taxes and is now denying it on the radio "

superman wrote on Jul 4, 2008 12:04 AM:

" So you see, Chico, even if your name had been Seamus Patrick McNamara, your name was mud once you'd stepped into an opposing position to he who holds the power in your city.

power this mayor is kryptonite "

cry baby mayor wrote on Jul 4, 2008 12:02 AM:

" It's prompted Councilman Homero "Chico" Hinojosa, D-6th, to rip Mayor Tom McDermott Jr. for latent racism, but with all due respect to Hinojosa, I think he's misplaying the race card. What he is seeing is not racism but business as usual when the mayor does not get his way. "

protest no- cry alot wrote on Jul 4, 2008 12:00 AM:

" Jim Premeske is a member of Team Hammond, a loosely knit bunch of maverick Republicans whose mayoral candidate, George Janiec, lost to incumbent McDermott by only 4 percent, which scared the heck out of Team McDermott. "

poor stadola wrote on Jul 3, 2008 11:59 PM:

" Stodola's crime? He was one of 18 of 90 Hammond committeemen who backed Louis Karubas for mayor against McDermott in 2003.

what a mayor instead of reaching out he just exterminates them. "

mcliar wrote on Jul 3, 2008 11:57 PM:

" The residency issue is before the Lake County Election Board, and Woerpel said he is not being urged by McDermott to pursue this. "I wish I were that close to Mayor McDermott," he said

the mayor mentioned this at the mayors night out as if he were proud "

mr. pink slip wrote on Jul 3, 2008 11:56 PM:

" I don't know the Spanish equivalent for the English slang "pink slip,"

pink slip ---- ahoja roha the count down 3and a 1/2 years to go "

hinosa wrote on Jul 3, 2008 11:52 PM:

" "I don't know the reason," Hinojosa said. "I hope it's not to retaliate against me." it's racism "

slurpee wrote on Jul 3, 2008 11:51 PM:

" But it's strange that when someone opposes the administration, there is suddenly a move to disenfranchise them. "

kiesling wrote on Jul 3, 2008 3:34 PM:

" A clarification seems to be necessary.

I do not have the authority to approve or delete messages from this comment space. I do not see them before they appear.

Messages are approved or deleted in accordance with the policy of The Times, which is spelled out in the yellow rectangle at the top of the comment section. "

the post is right wrote on Jul 3, 2008 2:39 PM:

" even mcdermott admitted his father got a huge finder's fee for the cabelas deal after he swore his father wasn't getting anything. mcdermott has been caught in quit a few lies since he became mayor. I don't believe he is honest and I also have a problem with his close relationship with the cantrell family. face it bobby was convicted and mcdermott came out singing how wonderful his buddy is after the conviction. sounds like he's afraid of what cantrell may say. "

to posts have been deleted wrote on Jul 3, 2008 1:50 PM:

" At least your posts make it online for some people to read. I try to make a point on here, and it is never posted. I wonder why? maybe cause it proves all these naysayers wrong. If I completely prove the naysayers wrong, the comment never gets posted. Strange, a little. Hypocritical of MK, definately. "

to mr negative wrote on Jul 3, 2008 1:47 PM:

" I actually own a business in Hammond. I am sitting here at work once again responding to your ignorant comments so that everyone does not assume your comments are true. I am looking out on indy blvd. I drive around hammond all day. I see everything happening to hammond and am excited for the first time in my life. I am a third generation hammond resident. If someone is complaining about McD administration they are simply misinformed or they just enjoy complaining. I am not a city employee. I am a gavit graduate, IU Bloomington Graduate, and an IUN MBA student. I plan on raising a fourth generation of Hammond resident. I plan on keeping my business in Hammond for 30 more years. We have been in business in Hammond since 1970's. Talk about deleting posts, my posts that are positive about McD are never posted. I have attempted to say this 5 times now, but it has never been posted by the times. Whenever I try to defend McD 4 out of the 5 posts never make it to public view. Thanks MK! "

PLEASE GO ON YOURE FUNNY wrote on Jul 3, 2008 1:40 PM:

" Property values were higher. So property values have declined in Hammond? No , thats a lie.

Crime rate was MUCH lower. Really? Policed by who? the former police cheif was as corrupt as they come and the police force showed that.

McDermott saved us each about .03 cents in total property tax by eliminating the health department, gee, thanks. Where did you get that calc from? Atleast he's trying to cut redundant govt

He shifted more of the tax burden to home owners by giving Cabelas 30 year tax break. A TIF does not eliminate taxes, it redirects the taxes back to the area being developed in order to improve the infrastructure. If cabela's never came, woodmar CC would have just kept paying their property tax bill which was not very much.

That was not dropped in his lap however, $900,000 was dropped in his daddy's lap with that move. And you can prove that? You began this rumor back when your team hammond tried running for office in november. get over it, its not true. "

to You are slow wrote on Jul 3, 2008 1:31 PM:

" how much of my tax dollars are being spent to pay you to paste the same lame response to anything negative posted about mayor McSwindle? Does he have you pasting while he deletes comments he doesn't like? " "

Tim S wrote on Jul 3, 2008 12:44 PM:

" I am not a member of Team Hammond, I am a progressive, contributing Democrat who simply doesn't believe that McDermott is right for the community, or the times we live in. This CAVE concept is pathetic. Many of you who support McDermott do so because he seems old line. Providing jobs for the card carrying Union folk. It's you who have your head in the past. Keeping supporters employed while doing little to improve the lot of the majority is old time, archaic politics at its best. You guys need to get out your 8 tracks, crack upen a Bud, listen to Sha Na Na and let the rest of us get on making a better place for eveyone. "

Posts have been deleted wrote on Jul 3, 2008 12:43 PM:

" Go get them Mark! I have started two topics on the board about your article and they have been deleted in less than two hours!
Keep digging in on this issue. I have not heard they Mayor state that if this is being done in City Hall that the person(s) should stop it immediately. Gee...why hasn't he done that yet?? "

Many things were better wrote on Jul 3, 2008 12:07 PM:

" The water/sewer rates were much lower. Property values were higher. Crime rate was MUCH lower. McDermott saved us each about .03 cents in total property tax by eliminating the health department, gee, thanks. He shifted more of the tax burden to home owners by giving Cabelas 30 year tax break. That was not dropped in his lap however, $900,000 was dropped in his daddy's lap with that move. Shall I go on? "

i will reiterate slow mo wrote on Jul 3, 2008 11:44 AM:

" You team hammond folk have short memories. what was so great about hammond before McDermott? And don't say property taxes, cause that was dropped in his lap the day he took office. Please, name something about Hammond that was better before McDermott took office, please.......

I said not taxes. Name one thing that was better in Hammond before McGenious took over. One thing that was BETTER before McD took office. What did Dede-nothing do that McD doesn't do better? Please name one thing. Not something that McD did that you dont agree with, something that was better when Dedelow was in office. What was so much better about Hammond before McD? What is it that McD is screwing up in Hammond? What did Dedelow improve in Hammond while he was here? CAVE man you are. "

Lets all cut and paste wrote on Jul 3, 2008 11:35 AM:

" you see, it doesn't matter what he says or does, WE DON'T TRUST HIM! he's lost what little credibility he once had when he went to indy to put an end to property tax relief. his intent was to ensure we never got any but he failed. he was successful in seeing to it we have to wait 12 years for the relief other counties and cities will get in 2009 though, I'm sure he's proud of that.

conbine the above with McDermott's child like behavior, his "get even" attitude, his past lies regarding his father not getting anything in the cabelas deal (lies, lies, lies) and he thinks we will suddenly believe he is now telling the truth? sorry, we're not half a stupid as tommy thinks we are. top it all of with his comments commending Bob Cantrell for his indiscretions and we see the mayor as just another crook. does that answer your question? " "

Tim S to You are slow wrote on Jul 3, 2008 11:25 AM:

" i see no good reason to compare Hammond now to 5 years ago but, the lakefront was more open to the citizens, there was a fairly sensible police policy, development was gradual (except for the Golf course; which was planned to be more user friendly than it is now) and more attentive to the city as a whole, there was less scandal, and I thought the guy could have done better and was not a supporter. I traverse Hammond by bike, car and foot all the time and don't see these great things you're talking about unless you mean the wall and clubhouse for the privileged few. My neighborhood is residential but a McDermott supporter has somehow been able to operate a construction business from his house, complete with industrial dumpster and employee parking on the street. The mayor treats gaming dollars as a personal fund for go nowhere projects. Look at the college bound programm; other than sounding like like Mom and Apple Pie what real sense does it make. Most similar programs are privately, or corperately funded and provide benifits to giver and receiver. I appreciate the benifit to some parents, but really, it's all for the mayor. "

Oh and asnother thing wrote on Jul 3, 2008 10:50 AM:

" McFan, you wrote " I am the one and only McFan". You got that right, you are the one and only fan that loser has. "

Yo McFan wrote on Jul 3, 2008 10:48 AM:

" don't you mean "run a city into the ground"? Is that what you mean, Tom, er uh, ummm uh....., well, uh, ahem.... McFan! You looked really intelligent on CNN by the way. "

McFan wrote on Jul 3, 2008 10:30 AM:

" I am the one and only McFan not like that immature hater, lire and smuck that keeps posting under my name! Tom McDermott has done nothing but good for Hammond and those who can't see that are fools! As for the 10 promises they have all been filled and them some just look around and open your eyes! I just can’t understand why some people hate our fine Mayor so much. I mean what has he ever done to you and how many of you post your hate even ever met McDermott or know him personally? All you haters can do is post your hate propaganda and call him names like McDimmwit, McSleezy and McDummy. Get a life and grow up already. I don't see any of you running for Mayor. What a matter the job to hard for you or maybe you just don't have the brains and courage to run a city like Tom McDermott! "

to You are slow wrote on Jul 3, 2008 10:15 AM:

" Perhaps you can explain why McDermott had to travel to Indy with fire chief Hamm to thwart property tax relief for Hammond property owners? Care to explain how his kniofe in the back serves citizens? Now we will wait 12 years for the relief the rest of the state gets next year. Want more? "

YOU ARE SLOW wrote on Jul 3, 2008 10:00 AM:

" Basically you are saying that McDermott is guilty by association. So because McDermott knows the Cantrells very well, he is as guilty as them? I think that is ignorant. McDermott has been in office for 5 years. His actions speak for themselves. He has brought nothing but good to Hammond. And of it is his father giving him advice, great, cause what he is telling him is working. Great things are happening all over Hammond everywhere, everyyear, since McDermott ousted Dede-nothing and the crew. You team hammond folk have short memories. what was so great about hammond before McDermott? And don't say property taxes, cause that was dropped in his lap the day he took office. Please, name something about Hammond that was better before McDermott took office, please. "

The Realer McFan wrote on Jul 3, 2008 9:34 AM:

" well....., uh, ummmmmmm, well, ahem..... you see, uh.......ummmmmmmm. "

Well said Tim S wrote on Jul 3, 2008 9:01 AM:

" I couldn't agree with you more. It appears as though the mayor is making more enemies all the time and that IS good for Hammond. It's too bad these people didn't see McDermott for what he really is before last November but I would wager if the election were held again tomorrow he would loose by an astoundingly huge margin, regardless of who his opponent would be. "

McFan wrote on Jul 3, 2008 8:40 AM:

" um, eh, er.... ummmm, uhhhhh, er, um ahhh, well uh, er, ahem, uhhhhh "

Ten Election Promises wrote on Jul 3, 2008 8:27 AM:

" Which one has been fulfilled? Anybody? Which one, Tom? I'm not referring to you promise to make Daddy's life easier or the ones made to your handlers in the Cantrell family either. Just name one. Can't do it because you have kept none of them! I would bet your answer to be the same 2 years from now, if you haven't been tried and convicted by then. "

Martin wrote on Jul 3, 2008 8:01 AM:

" I agree with yo, rats to tend to associate with their own kind. I think mayor Tom is a crook to. And besides what has changed for the better that actually is a direct consequence of mayor Tom being in office. I can't think of even 1 thing.oxq "

Hello Yo Yo wrote on Jul 3, 2008 7:56 AM:

" Most everything was better before the corrupt McDermott made promises he didn't keep . As for his "friendship" with the Cantrells, criminals do tend to hang with their own kind. Let's call it what it is. The mayor manipulated the country club to stuff over $900,000 in daddy's pockets. Daddy fails to pay his property taxes. Daddy takes over health insurance for city workers which costs citizens millions. McDermott is guilty of profiteering to say the least. I could go on but you already know nearly as much as the US Attorney. We'll learn more when Bobby sings! "

Tim S wrote on Jul 3, 2008 7:13 AM:

" Both sides of this issue are using vindictive over reason. I am not, nor ever have been a fan of the mayor. He came out of nowhere, never truly having lived here but only visited as a son from our then mayor's previous marriage. He came with the apparent support of a political organization (Cantrell/Pastrick) that has proven to be of questionable ethical standard, if not legal position. He has allowed the city to be economically driven by the narrow interests of the gaming and liesure industry, and this has proven to be unsuccessful for the city, while profitable for developers. He has created jobs in the old Riley School location, while creating there a public space that is unwelcoming of the public. He has demonstrated a palpable disdain for the disadvantaged through either neglect of resources in those areas, or actual destruction of housing. At the same time we see an increase in gang activity, some of it blatant. Those in opposition to this man need to address sensibly those issues that are obvious and lay off the name calling before you sink to the level of the mayors father and his 'brain dead' reference to Hammond residents. "

lollipop wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:53 PM:

" mayor if your reading your a liar and you got caught so don't feel bad. "

NANCY GARY wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:52 PM:

" AM STILL WAITING FOR THE MAYOR TO FIX THE FLOODING NOW FOR FIVE YEARS AND FOUR YEARS AGO HE TOLD ME THAT WOULD BE FIXED AND NOW AM STILL WAITING AND MY BASEMENT KEPTS FLOODING ON MORRISON AND COLUMBIA. "

Police Chief wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:46 PM:

" AM GOING TO TRACE DOWN ALL THESE IP ADDRESSES AND MAKE SOME ARREST. WHO KNOWS I BETTER NOT END UP AT CITY HALL WERE KEISLING WAS TOLD HE WAS A LIAR. THEN THE MAYOR BETTER NOT TELL ME AM A LIAR AND SAY IT WAS THOSE KIDS FROM HAMMOND HIGH!!!!!!!!!! "

Mr. Caterpillar wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:42 PM:

" One time i went to Team Hammond meeting and they were nothing but a bunch of people who wanted to retire without having to dig in there pensions to pay for taxes. I don't doubt them we all should retire going on vacation not loose our homes to taxes when we retire. "

hey team hammond wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:36 PM:

" MAYOR'S DAD BIG TOMY IS STILL CONNECTED TO HAMMOND BY FAR. MAYBE THEY THINK WE DON'T KNOW BUT WATCH OUT. I'LL BE HAPPY TO FILL YOU GUYS IN, NEXT MEETING WHICH WILL BE MY FIRST. "

bill cox wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:26 PM:

" am a proud team hammond member and they formed a grass roots org. from the ground up. wev'e accomplished alot and will continue to do so. "

anita cox wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:25 PM:

" of course i got it the mayor accuses everybody of lying until proven wrong in court. "

Citizen Kane wrote on Jul 2, 2008 6:54 PM:

" You guys should see the money that is wasted in Crown Point at the Lake County Government Center. Phantom time cards, working 5 hours a week tops, getting paid for 40. "

MaryO wrote on Jul 2, 2008 5:08 PM:

" I did not vote for the Mayor the first time around but are all you folks in 3rd grade? Calling a MAYOR of my town, Hammond, McDimwit? Talking about being ignorant. You don't like the guy, fine. But try and move beyond 3rd grade name calling. Doesn't help your case one bit. Such a disappointment that folks can't state how they feel without resorting to school ground name calling. "

Katie wrote on Jul 2, 2008 4:36 PM:

" Thank you Mr. Kiesling, for exposing what a baby the City of Hammond's leader is. McDermott cannot control his mouth and is digging his own grave. He has behaved like this a countless number of times and I'm glad someone is finally bringing it to the attention of us Hammond folks who don't want to be embarrassed every time McMayor opens his mouth. Keep up the good reporting, we are all watching what will happen next... "

To YOYO wrote on Jul 2, 2008 4:10 PM:

" You are smart Mr. yoyo. You take an ignoramous comment and make it sound intellegent. basically you are saying that McDermott is guilty by association. So because McDermott knows the Cantrells very well, he is as guilty as them? I think that is ignorant. McDermott has been in office for 5 years. His actions speak for themselves. He has brought nothing but good to Hammond. And of it is his father giving him advice, great, cause what he is telling him is working. Great things are happening all over Hammond everywhere, everyyear, since McDermott ousted Dede-nothing and the crew. You team hammond folk have short memories. what was so great about hammond before McDermott? And don't say property taxes, cause that was dropped in his lap the day he took office. Please, name something about Hammond that was better before McDermott took office, please. "

Yo Team Hammond wrote on Jul 2, 2008 1:22 PM:

" You say we are turning every stone looking for corruption? You are known by the company you keep, ever heard that? McDimwit was partners with John Cantrell, his wife works for the judge Julie Cantrell, the recently convicted Bob Cantrell got McDimwit elected mayor and McDermott looks up to this clown as a mentor. You really don't have to turn over many stones, just look for the one from which the mayor crawled out from under! "

Tracing IPs wrote on Jul 2, 2008 12:51 PM:

" I work as a Network Adminsitrator at a high school and even kids in high school know how to trace an IP address. If Hammond city hall can't trace an IP address then they are wasting our tax dollars on a moron who knows nothing about computers. Mcdimwitt just walk into any hammond high school and ask a student to trace an IP address for you, I can bet you anything they can do it in under 5 minutes. This crook has something to hide. "

To Team Hammond wrote on Jul 2, 2008 12:15 PM:

" I too am a lifelong Hammond resident, however I am not a McDimwit supporter. I'm glad to see people watching the way the mayor is dragging this city down to fill his faminly's pockets and speaking up about it.
Team Hammond is a spinoff of the Dedelow organization? Who appointed Duane Dedelow to be his successor? None other than Tommy Sr! When Tommy Sr. couldn't control Dedelow, he set up things for his son to be mayor. When you see Little Tommy's mouth move, it's Tommy Sr. doing the talking. If the idea makes no sense that's because little Tommy came up with the idea without talking to daddy first. Those are the times he has to backpedal, which he has gotten pretty good at!
Maybe Mr. Janiec should have lowered himself to your level of education and you would have understood the truth about the McDimwit Klan, unless of course, you are either a member of that family or the Cantrell Klan. "

TURN UP THE HEAT wrote on Jul 2, 2008 11:55 AM:

" What's the matter mayor, getting a little warm for you? "

McFans jumping ship wrote on Jul 2, 2008 11:30 AM:

" wow, it really sux to be McDimwit. looks as though the 10 of us posting the negative comments about him has grown to at least 25 or perhaps even more. For every post you can bet there are another 25 that do not post but feel the same. What will he do for work when he gets out of the clink? "

Melissa Orona wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:54 AM:

" And...again I find myself disappointed with the Mayor of our city. Look, I'm trying to raise a family in a city that is on a consistent spiral decline in morality. It would certainly be nice if we at least had a head official who my kids could respect and emulate. But, lo and behold, I find myself teaching my children how NOT to become a man like Mr. McDermott. He sure did schmooze me the first election and many others the second election. I see now that people's eyes are opening to his twisted truth and Hammond residents are quite done with him. I appreciate the honesty and fearlessness of Mr. Kiesling and Mr. Victor. Well done gentlemen. "

Chico Hinojosa and Joe Escobedo wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:45 AM:

" Both have to go!!

They are a big disappointment to my Mexican ancestry.

I say, "BASTA" to "Do-Nothing" Chico & "Loudmouth/Crybaby" Joe.

And "VIVA" to Mayor McDermott!! "

Team Hammond wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:39 AM:

" I too am a McDermott supporter and backer of all of the good he has brought to Hammond in the past 5 years.
I have also had the pleasure of speaking with some of the members of "team hammond", a grass roots group focused on gaining back control of hammond. They are a spin off of the Dedelow organization. Most are retired and have nothing better to do than focus their attention on government. I do not mind having some people with a lot of free time turning every stone to find some government corruption. However, the tactics of team hammond are ridiculous.

I spoke with two individuals from team hammond in the past. First was mayorial hopeful G Janiec just before election day. He had a bushel full of unproven accusations directed toward the mayor. I grew more and more upset as our hour long conversation developed. Janiec felt he could talk to me in his educated dialogue and trick me into believing what he said. Unfortunately for him, I am a lifelong hammond resident and know what is going on in Hammond under McD...... "

Barely Re-elected wrote on Jul 2, 2008 8:06 AM:

" I think more people are learning what McDermott is about, they are finding his friendship with Bob Cantrell contemptuous. They are seeing him for what he is, a little spoiled boy, stomping his feet when he doesn't get his way. My 5 year old is more mature. He will never go any further than being a big fish in a little pond, politically speaking. I really believe there is a lot more to his friendship with other crooked politicos, like Cantrell, than we know but the truth will eventually be known. "

Ed wrote on Jul 2, 2008 7:00 AM:

" Call it a Times witch hunt or anything you want. ALL MEDIA needs to report more on GOVERNMENT CORRUPTION and MISAPPROPRIATION of the publics’ monies.

Go Times! "

oh yea wrote on Jul 2, 2008 4:14 AM:

" If Chicago was to ever build a casino in their city , Mcdimwit and his buddies would be blowing a fit! that's his personal piggy bank right there! i thought once the casino's came to this town that they would be helping with road work, and other things with the money that goes thru there, but it hasn't done anything.

And yea, he'd probably be laying off alot of police and firefighters, if you can get them out of the buffet at the horseshoe!! "

golec wrote on Jul 1, 2008 9:59 PM:

" I know what your saying, because the city and towns financial report for 2006 in Hammond don't add up. They were different the one here in hammond and the one in the dlgf in Indianapolis "

fairy fighter scott wrote on Jul 1, 2008 9:55 PM:

" oh ok so know the mayor wants to start calling everybody a liar even the guy on the radio am starting to loose faith in this mayor "

mcmaniac wrote on Jul 1, 2008 9:54 PM:

" i knew this wasn't a done deal the mayor never tells the truth so guy called him a liar at the mayors night out one time in may "

horseshoe wrote on Jul 1, 2008 9:52 PM:

" after they build casinos in chicago then this mayor will be screaming and hollaring police and fire layoffs again what a scare tactic "

Tim S wrote on Jul 1, 2008 7:10 PM:

" Tom Tom; you and your 21st century gang of visionaries are just not really that bright for this complicated age. If you took criticism better, and had some actually smart, honest people around you maybe you wouldn't need to be so defensive, and maybe you'd be able to accept criticism positively and those 10 of us that keep writing these negative comments would just disappear. It is getting difficult to come up with these hundreds of aliases to disguise our true identity. By the way, does the word 'paranoia' make you defensive as well. "

Finally wrote on Jul 1, 2008 5:38 PM:

" I want to thank you, Mark and Yuri! I had nearly lost faith in true representation of facts relating to politics and political figures. I have noticed troubling issues in our city pertaining to our local government and have been somewhat vocal about my concerns and opinions. It makes me smile to know that others are watching how Hammond government is run and are also making our community aware of the possible corruptions within our City Hall...specifically within our Mayor's office and among his business associates. Excellent reporting...how do I go about nominating one for an award?! "

Everyone is on to this now wrote on Jul 1, 2008 4:57 PM:

" young man. You, and the councilpersons you own, attempted to discredit Bob the only councilman to represent the citizens: to your discredit. Your clowns went after Team Hammond leadership: to your discredit. Now you endeavor to violate the civil rights of all Hammond citizens. If only the voters had listened to Team Hammond prior to November, you would already have moved on. "

Tim S wrote on Jul 1, 2008 2:42 PM:

Couldnt be Tom wrote on Jul 1, 2008 2:35 PM:

" I don't think the mayor could be the one censoring free speech. From what I can see, most of the posts here are well written and quite a few have many multi syllable words, far to big for our child mayor to comprehend. "

To to dear ruby wrote on Jul 1, 2008 2:00 PM:

" What?!? Now you think you're responding to the mayor?!? You're obviously certifiable. "

Joe to Stacy wrote on Jul 1, 2008 1:58 PM:

" Stacy, you claim to have attended high scholl with McDermott. I thought he went to high school in California. Can you back that up?

Joe "

To Great Job wrote on Jul 1, 2008 1:09 PM:

" If you want Hessville to stop stinking like garbage, as Chico and his kickback buddy Garcia to move back to East Chicago. "

Great Job wrote on Jul 1, 2008 11:59 AM:

" About time someone looked into his petty grievances on on-line posts. Great job on your part Mark. Keep up the good articles.

Can you do one now about how bad it stinks in Hessville on windy days?? The Times and the city havent taken a stand on it. Councilman Hinojosa is on it, but he can't do it alone!! Our summer is disgustingly smelly right now and I'm considering moving. "

I love it wrote on Jul 1, 2008 11:10 AM:

" Professor Anderson below wrote that "As Mayor McDermott almost certainly knows from his time in the service (I am a retired LTC), such activity would constitute use of official government equipment and resources for other than official business - in effect a taking of public funds. It's also government interference with free speech, a constitutionally protected right".

Wow, Tommy, maybe your are guilty of these crimes. If its someone in your administration doing this you are ultimately responsible under "agency" and the legal doctrine of respondent superior. You might want to look into this, ask judge julie if your wife can explore this. She's the more competent attorney between you. "

Ridiculous wrote on Jul 1, 2008 10:45 AM:

" Interesting that they have tried to track IPs and have found it to be "impossible". It really isn't that hard to find the location of a computer with a valid IP, and IPs are captured each time you make a click online, let alone a post. So he is either lying about it (surprise surprise) or they are going to continue to track "unsuccessfully" under the radar to use the information for god knows what. "

K. Matonovich wrote on Jul 1, 2008 9:58 AM:

" Now it is becoming apparent that more people are learning just who McDermott is and what he stands for. The final straw for me was when he defended Bob Cantrell with all his "old school" rhetoric. Like public corruption and keeping silent regarding other criminals was something to be proud of. He let his true colors show with those statements, he won't get my vote for anything again. "

To to dear ruby wrote on Jul 1, 2008 9:40 AM:

" sorry, tom, not all of us are followers and you're certainly no leader. city employees and especially you, mayor mcdimwit, work for me as a tax payer. the mayor needs to tend to city business rather than worry about his popularity. by the way, when will he fulfill any of his "10 election promises? never would be my guess. "

To To To Dear Ruby wrote on Jul 1, 2008 9:33 AM:

" Obviously you didn't read the original Ruby's comment. Duh! In it, she said "How about a search for the REAL hackers." It's only TWO comments below my own. Try to follow the discussion before you comment, please. Nowhere did I say that Kiesling said anyone hacked into anything. Come along, I know you can follow. "

Hey wrote on Jul 1, 2008 9:32 AM:

" Thats Mc-Cockroach to you! "

Mayor Cockroach seeks wrote on Jul 1, 2008 9:22 AM:

" to silence his critics. Take off the rose colored glasses Tommy, south lake county knows what a louse you are and your career will end in Hammond. "

Duh wrote on Jul 1, 2008 8:51 AM:

" I've seen a few of my posts deleted too!
It figures that McDimwit would be behind it, probably coached by the Cantrell Klan. How come he doesn't want Hammond crime statistics reported?
What you don't know CAN hurt you and hurt him. If all the facts had been out from the beginning, he would have certainly been "One=Term Tommy"! "

No free speech in hammond wrote on Jul 1, 2008 8:36 AM:

" Don't forget, this is the same man that chastised some high school students for voting in Crown Point because he, tom McDermott, Jr. perceived they might be voting for a candidate he does not support. He based his argument on the race of the candidate and the race of the majority of students. Just a little bit racist in the least or he is about manipulating votes. Something I'm sure he picked up from his close friend, Robert Cantrell.

Now, he has a problem with people that do not approve of his association with a convicted felon, specifically, Robert Cantrell. it would appear that his concern is that others will figure out that he, Tom McDermott Jr., is a tad on the shady side and more than a little corrupt himself! "

To To Dear Ruby wrote on Jul 1, 2008 8:03 AM:

" Obviously you didn't read the column as Kiesling didn't say anyone hacked into the system. He said someone is being paid with my tax dime to sit and defend a sleazy guy named McDermott. Mr. Kiesling was saying why are tax dollars being spent to do this on city time when mayor McDimwit cried to the state for more tax dollars, thats all.

Mayor should know, its not news to any one who reads the paper that he is in tight with the criminal Bob Cantrell and the rest if his criminal enterprise! Jeffrey L. Crook

No need to trace this one mayor, you don't scare me!52a "

Dear Ruby wrote on Jul 1, 2008 7:17 AM:

" There are no "hackers" to go after in this story. No one hacked into anything. The Times ALLOWS people to delete messages from the messageboards. Mr. Kiesling has done some extremely lazy reporting here. He hasn't proven that anyone has done anything wrong. He's just mudslinging. I'm not interested in politics but I AM interested in good reporting. This isn't it. "

BeePea wrote on Jun 30, 2008 7:57 PM:

" McDermott claims he doesn't read the forum. Does anyone believe a narcissist like McDermott doesn't need to know what is said about him? He is nothing if not vain. Today on the radio, he had an opportunity to tell those responsible for irresponsible computer use to desist. Instead he attacks a columnist and the truth. He also revealed that the city has tried, unsuccessfully, to trace IPs. I wonder what the motive was? "

Ruby wrote on Jun 30, 2008 5:08 PM:

" Mayor McBaby is sounding enough like a drama queen to be the "lady" who doth protest too much. How about a search for the REAL hackers? "

Henry wrote on Jun 30, 2008 4:20 PM:

" I resent Hammond being called the Arm Pit of the area. I've lived here all of my life, I've travelled the world and Hammond is not as bad as the snobs south of Hammond would like it to be.
There is not one city in Northern Indiana which is any better than any other city. It is extremely childish, immature and ignorant to believe that your city is any better than any other. "

good point just check wrote on Jun 30, 2008 1:52 PM:

" I think what the mayor meant was he never reads what he posts before hitting the "post comment" button or he would realize how ignorant he sounds as "the Real McFan". We all know its him, he has no actual fans. I've talked with several city employees about him and what they have said about lil tommy the Times could never print. He has no fans at city hall and he's the butt of many jokes. "

Just Check wrote on Jun 30, 2008 1:28 PM:

" McDermott can check with Al Gore the inventor of the internet. I'm sure Al can tell him it is able to be traced.

Besides the mayor said this morning that he never reads the "chatboard" so he doesn't care what people write. I wonder why someone keeps deleting stuff then. "

Stacy wrote on Jun 30, 2008 12:20 PM:

" To: Steve J

You called Tom McDermott Jr. a cockroach? How long have you known him, most people don't discover the true Tom for at least 6 months but you nailed it! I went to high school with him and he hasn't changed a bit. "

Dale wrote on Jun 30, 2008 11:56 AM:

" My family and I recently moved out of Hammond after 18 years. We left, in large part due to McDermott. His priorities ar himself as someone else wrote. He is doing little or nothing to help the average homeowner and in many ways he makes owning a home in Hammond extremely difficult with excessive fees and offers little in return for the taxes imposed. Tree years ago it became obvious that this man has his own agenda and although he acts in public as though he has tax payer interests at heart, nothing could be further from the truth. It took nearly 2.5 years to sell our home, due to the high taxes, finally we got a buyer after we lowered out asking price far below the actual value of the home. We are just happy to be out of Hammond and wish good luck to those stuck behind. "

DJK wrote on Jun 30, 2008 10:47 AM:

" To: Real McFan

you wrote: "...and updating Woodmar mall"?

We must have missed that, what Woodmar Mall? Smoke & Mirrors from lil Tommy McLiar. "

Hey Tommy wrote on Jun 30, 2008 10:45 AM:

" Maybe you should seek counsel from Bobby Cantrell before he goes away. Maybe he can help you out of this one, after all, with out him you never would have been elected mayor the first time around, would you? "

YES GO MCDERMOTT wrote on Jun 30, 2008 10:40 AM:

" Go away! You've ruined enough. Wal-Mart is not your doing, its Wal-Marts. If Menards remodels, again, its not due to anything you have done. The Wonder Bread building is setting like Woodmar did for years, half demolished. People and businesses are leaveing as fast as possible. You prevented hammond property owners from getting any tax relief by crying in Indy. You are just another member of the Cantrell crime family! "

Go McDermott wrote on Jun 30, 2008 10:28 AM:

" We are about to have another year with great opportunities to move Hammond forward. The expansion of the boat at the lakeshore, a new Wal-Mart will be built, Menards is considering a redesign, and there are other great projects. But the C.A.V.E. people (Critical About Virtually Everything) never see opportunity unless they personally benefit from it and will always be there to criticize. I don't see them coming up with better ideas. "

The Real McFan wrote on Jun 30, 2008 10:24 AM:

" Where have all the whiners and complainers gone? They have all moved to Hammond. If you people put 1/4 of the effort that you do whining & complaining about McDermott into doing something constructive Hammond just might be a place worth living. But Noooo you would just sit on your lazy behinds and cry! You don't deserve this new development project. Or is it the fact that you can't recognize that your Mayor is doing something good and don't want to give credit where credit is due. I also bet you would all like to see the river park apartments back too! New roads, new sewers, new schools, college bound program, rebuilding and updating Woodmar mall, new parks, new casino expansion, new walmart, new baseball fields and lower crime rate and so on... Why are you going to ignore all the good things that are happening? How very selfish, ignorant and rude! By the way the cost to raze River Park was worth every penny! Hammond is getting better by the minute and those who can’t see that are fools! "

Tom D rules wrote on Jun 30, 2008 10:23 AM:

" Quit knocking our fine Mayor! He has done more good for Hammond than you could ever wish for. Don't worry Tom McD we got your back! You are A-OK in my book. I bet all of you know some one who has broken the law sometimes. I mean look at Obama he hangs out with lots of questionable people. "

steve j. wrote on Jun 30, 2008 9:49 AM:

" Thanks Mark for turning on the light (again) on this cockroach. I made the mistake of voting for him twice, never again! "

Third term wrote on Jun 30, 2008 9:42 AM:

" Don't count on it, mayor! "

No way wrote on Jun 30, 2008 9:40 AM:

" If Mcmayor really didn't know his actions could be traced he really is a McDimwit. "

To jkhackster wrote on Jun 30, 2008 9:32 AM:

" My dear Mr. Mayor, I mean hackster, every computer has an ISP address. Just like every phone has an individual number. You can trace a computer via the ISP address and get the location where en e-mail was generated. While you can not prove who sent the e-mail you can learn where it originated. The recipient of an e-mail, if savvy enough, can locate the street address of the sender. In this case we can assume the deleted e-mails and the responses of say "McFan" were done by Mayor McDimwit or perhaps someone working for him. I doubt too many of those working for him like him enough to delete anything, I believe is was McMayor himself. "

Political Career wrote on Jun 30, 2008 8:42 AM:

" I think the mayor is angry because he realizes that he will go no further in politics than being mayor of Hammond. His association with the Cantrell family and his questionable practices as tyrant, I mean mayor, are becoming more widely known throughout the region and the state. He is a child in a dishonest man's body and this is it for him, career wise. Stick a fork in him, he's done! "

When is the next rally wrote on Jun 30, 2008 8:37 AM:

" Does this mean mayor tommy won't be throwing anymore meaningless feel good rallies at Carson's? "

IP Tracer wrote on Jun 30, 2008 8:36 AM:

" Jeez, Mayor Tom, it's called tracing IP addresses. And individual computers have what are called MAC addresses (nothing to do with Apple computers -- it stands for Media Access Control) that provide another verification stamp. There's nothing to do with triangulation -- that's a Hillary Clinton political tactic.

And while we're talking about the taxpayer's dime, when is Hillary going to pay for her visit to the Hammond Civic Center? "

McSleazy wrote on Jun 30, 2008 8:28 AM:

" Poor misunderstood mayor McSleazy. He, his father, and his frineds, the Cantrells, are all slimy windbags! Its just a matter of time before the Feds nail lil Tommy and send him away for a few years. Bye Tommy, don't forget to send us a card! "

McFan wrote on Jun 30, 2008 8:14 AM:

" Whaaaa! whaaaaaa!!! I'm telling my daddy! You people don't want to believe every thing you're told. I'm not a crook just because I hang out with convicts, whaaaaa!

So what if I am like one of the family with the Cantrells. I've got my best interests in mind. Don't you people know I'm trying to get rich? Mark Kiesling is upsetting the apple cart. Whaaaaaaaaa! "

To Henry wrote on Jun 30, 2008 8:09 AM:

" The Times is not going to war, people just need to know that we have a criminal in the mayor's office. He is best buddies with John and Bob Cantrell. He hired a Cantrell in-law in return for Julie Cantrell putting his wife to work. Tom McDermott is a sneaky, shady, slime ball and he doesn't want people to know he hangs with convicted felons! "

To JKhackster wrote on Jun 30, 2008 7:23 AM:

" The "10 people or so" DO matter. I think you are angry that there are MANY more than ten people who are questioning the mayor's integrity. And I would hardly classify writing a newspaper column as "hiding". You know where to reach Mr. Keisling. "

cj wrote on Jun 30, 2008 3:48 AM:

" Ya think a Noter Dame Law school grad would have been a bit more, lets say diplomatic. If the guy would have said, "you know Mark, I look into it and get back with you." would have been a fair answer.

Now, due to the level of defense by the Mayor, I really wonder if it was not one of his primary supports who is an ex radio personality, who also works in the sanitation department.

When is there gonna be some cleaning by the feds in Hammond? "

mark somebody said... wrote on Jun 29, 2008 11:28 PM:

" you hide behind your column ... personally, the way i see it, your column speaks for you ... & in this case, it speaks for me, too. THANKS. You are the kind of reporter i am grateful for. My dad used to tell me " i might not agree with what you say, but i would fight to the death for your right to say it. Is not free speech a basic tenet of our constitution. The mayor's minions should be out filling potholes instead of censoring free speech...those worthless goons!!! "

the damage tricky tommy family... wrote on Jun 29, 2008 11:18 PM:

" have incurred on hammond is immoral & reprehensible (at best)... where is joe van bookelen when we need him??? "

the mayors daddy got a mil for the cabelas deal a mil a year for the hammond self insurance... wrote on Jun 29, 2008 11:16 PM:

" and now he can't pay his property taxes ...??? i would be embarassed, too!!! "

mark i admire you ... wrote on Jun 29, 2008 11:13 PM:

" ...this is the kind of reporting that a free press is expected to pursue.... i agree with you 100%...tricky tommy turtle has something to hide... keep up the good work, mr. keisling...the american public has a right to know!!! I wish i had your way with words.... i bet that hammond employee was well paid & underworked. "

forum member wrote on Jun 29, 2008 10:32 PM:

" no one message board member should be able to unilaterally eliminate posts. Yuri should be reviewing these "offensive" requests prior to letting government employees or candidates remove them. "

Because he is a willing opponent wrote on Jun 29, 2008 8:42 PM:

" No further comment necessary "

gus wrote on Jun 29, 2008 7:25 PM:

" because he is shady,like all of his other pals,and the people of hammond are either too dumb or too apathetic to realize it
much like gary,these 2 cities are the armpits of nwi ,thanks to politicians like these jokers "

Henry wrote on Jun 29, 2008 2:33 PM:

" Why has the Times decided that it is a good idea to go to war with the Mayor of Hammond? "

So now hes a computer expert wrote on Jun 29, 2008 2:02 PM:

" Deny, Deny, Deny - Sounds like Mayor McDimwit learned that line from Mayor Pastrick. And it's good to know that our mayor is a computer specialist = now we can layoff some high priced city staff, save money, and let the mayor work on the city's networks. "

outside the th century wrote on Jun 29, 2008 12:37 PM:

" Perhaps we need to inform the Mayor that it is possible to trace phone calls and you don't have to keep the person on the line for more than 20 seconds.

A Notre Dame Grad in Law and he has no idea about computers. Boy and he says the School city of Hammond isn't doing there job so he wants to take them over. There computer courses will be back to wiring up computer board like in the early 70's. Check a little further and that computer might well be IN the Mayors office. "

I am more concerned... wrote on Jun 29, 2008 12:07 PM:

" about you using your power at the paper to track down people who post comments or remove comments on the messageboards. Rest assured I will NEVER post on the messageboards. I appreciate at least a minimal level of privacy. Let's assume everything you wrote is completely true. You said yourself that, "The Times allows board users to remove responses on a thread..." so I'm assuming you really don't have a problem with anyone deleting these messages. The Times allows it after all. If you don't like it, don't allow it. Secondly, you have no idea if this was done "on city time." Don't city employees get breaks? I believe the laws makes breaks for all employees, even city employees, mandatory. I'd be furious at you if I were the mayor too. Quit wasting his time, my tax dollars are paying for it. "

Uh.. Mark.. Um. wrote on Jun 29, 2008 9:25 AM:

" I think, uh... you might be right Mark. Um... 'Cause why else would he be so defensive... 'Cause he DOES have something to hide... Um! "

sabio wrote on Jun 29, 2008 8:35 AM:

" hes called me a liar twice and i got good sources he just never asked as a matter of fact am just going to mail them to him lol "

Hammond Homeowner wrote on Jun 29, 2008 8:25 AM:

" Mark:
So now that you have some guy named Victor checking everyone's internet ID who posts, should we assume you know all your critics and where they live? Is this the type of story the Times thinks is newsworty? If anything, it just confirms that you are on a witch hunt--maybe all of us who post should be just as concerned about Big Brother Mark Keisling and his sidekick Victor?? "

D. Lenier Anderson Ed.S. wrote on Jun 29, 2008 8:19 AM:

" While noting that I am a supporter of Mayor Tom McDermott Jr. and the job he is trying to do....

1. I am an associate professor of computer information systems (with the additional technical certifications of MCSE, CCNA, CIW Security Analyst)in Illinois. Done correctly, it is absolutely feasible to know exactly which computer system with internet access is accessing a web site.

2. If Hammond employees are (and I don't know that they are) using public resources and time to edit free speech issues that it is not simply a "my bad". As Mayor McDermott almost certainly knows from his time in the service (I am a retired LTC), such activity would constitute use of official government equipment and resources for other than official business - in effect a taking of public funds. It's also government interference with free speech, a constitutionally protected right.

Someone needs to be identified (IF the reported misconduct is correct) and disciplined. Even if it was done with "good intentions", this is not something tolerable in a public servant. "

withheld wrote on Jun 29, 2008 7:46 AM:

" Just more of Little Tommy showing his better side. The spoiled brat side that is. "

disgusted wrote on Jun 29, 2008 7:34 AM:

" how come all mayors don't have to diclose all the expenses they have and get reimbursed by the city heard on radio Gary mayor has a leased Hummer
is this not a bit much to expect from his tax payers "

Jkhackster wrote on Jun 29, 2008 1:47 AM:

" Keisling you have once again proven you are nothing more than a 2 bit rookie reporter. Do you really have ANYTHING better to do than write about someone taking down the dribble that makes it to the Times' message Boards?? Over 2/3 of the stuff that's on them regarding Hammond and Mayor McD is authored by about 10 people who have hated him since the day he took office. Keep letting them think they matter by writing about the fact that their inane comments have been taken down. It isn't very hard to see that you are on a witch hunt--just like the other 10 or so people who criticize McD incessantly. You, like so many others, love to focus on the negative. You hide behind your column. Come out into the light once in a while and show your face in public so you can take some of the criticism that you deserve. "

Marsha Hahney wrote on Jun 29, 2008 1:32 AM:

" Thanks Mark and Yuri for looking into this. Many of the posts that have been removed were written by me. My River PArk posts have been removed over 40 times. I kept putting them back up, and almost instantly they would disappear. Someone had to be sitting there, on the taxpayer's dime, just watching all day for anything deemed "offensive."
It's bad enough that this bunch doesn't want any discussion of a project that has already cost Hammond taxpayers $22 million, but to carry out this censorship while they are supposed to be working is outrageous.
I'm also troubled by the mayor accusing Mark and Yuri of lying. It's exactly what he did on his WJOB show Friday when a caller brought up his dad's $43,000 past due property tax bill. The Lake County Treasurer's website has displayed the delinquency on McDermott Senior's Crown Point home for weeks, and a Treasurer's employee confirmed it to me on the phone later that day.
It seems like a very childish reaction from the mayor. "

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