Kevin Tracy and Jim Biggs answers in Times

I missed this article and since I only saw two comments on the Times it's possible many of you did as well - was interesting to see that Jim Biggs is for staying in the RDA and Kevin Tracy is for getting out. A significant difference for those trying to choose whom to vote for in May's primary:

Newcomer Kevin Tracy is facing off against former County Commissioner Jim Biggs in pursuit of the Republican nomination for the Porter County Council's 1st District seat.

But neither candidate is as concerned about the other as the two are about incumbent Democratic Councilman Bob Poparad.

Tracy, 26, who described himself as a social, fiscal and national security conservative, said the party approached him to run and he agreed because he wants to give back to the area. Tracy also said he feels incumbent Poparad has conducted himself unprofessionally.

Biggs, 52, served two terms as a county commissioner 10 years ago. Biggs has accused Poparad of lying conveniently when he ran on a platform of no new taxes then agreed to double the county income tax to support the county's membership in the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority.

"I don't know how you define that any differently than that," Biggs said.

Tracy is a Chesterton High School graduate who said he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. He subsequently has worked as a consultant to the government about terrorist issues. Tracy said he now offers a consulting service to congressional candidates on international issues.

Tracy said as a council member he would look for ways to cut spending, such as favoring road maintenance work over new road construction.

Biggs, who faulted Poparad and the council for contributing to the many years of late property tax bills, said his experience as a commissioner would allow him to adjust quickly as a council member. He said he has served on numerous transportation and planning boards, and will be as closely involved with the various county departments as he was while serving as commissioner.

Biggs said his job as a national accounts manager for a national security firm will allow time for that level of involvement.

Regarding the County Council's legal battle to withdraw from the RDA, Tracy said he feels the council erred in joining in the first place. He favors pulling out if the obligation to pay $3.5 million in annual dues is eliminated. He wants to find other ways to work together regionally.

Biggs criticized the council for acting so quickly in attempting to withdraw from the RDA and said a lack of local leadership resulted in the creation of the RDA legislation and its fate winding up in the hands of an out-of-county judge.

Biggs said he will support the court's decision that Porter County must remain an RDA member.