East Chicago
Emiliano Perez, East Chicago’s newly elected councilman at large, took his seat for his first Common Council meeting July 24.
Perez, who was elected July 18 after the death of former council member Ronald London, said the years he spent serving East Chicago residents in different capacities made his transition to the Common Council an easy process.
“I wasn’t nervous at all,” Perez said. “My job is to just come here and do the right thing.”
Perez, formerly fire chief and Mayor Anthony Copeland’s chief of staff, appeared comfortable and to fit in seamlessly with the council.
Council member Gilda Orange, D-6th, who said she was scared during her first council meeting nine years ago, said Perez’s previous experience helps him transition.
Perez, who as fire chief served on the board of public works, said he’s accustomed to preparing for meetings.
“I’m a guy that reads my packet,” Perez said, referring to the heap of papers each council member is given before every meeting.
During the meeting, Perez often lifted his glasses on his forehead to review some of the information in front of him before voting on an ordinance.
Perez often voiced his opinion and even provided clarity on an ordinance that was believed to increase the salary for police officers and firefighters, but the ordinance applied only to police personnel.
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