On Thursday, February 12th, the Nipsco Resistance Leadership team met again for a press conference in front of Nipsco headquaters in Merrillville Indiana. CBS Chicago was there and LIVE videos were posted on Facebook with thousands and thousands of people watching, sharing and commenting. The Nipsco Monology Madness group on Facebook has over 35,000 Members!
The previous deadline for their 7-day notice, Wednesday, February 11th had come and gone. If their concerns are not addressed, they have moved into Phase 2, which is asking for the local officials of our cities, town, and Counties to step in. Why aren’t the city officials and law enforcement standing with the very people who voted them in? Energy bills have doubled. Some have tripled. Families are choosing between heat and groceries. Small businesses are barely staying open. But where is the public outrage from the ones elected to represent us? If the people are hurting, shouldn’t leadership be visible? If the town is frustrated, shouldn’t those in office be speaking just as loudly? Even though the Indiana utility, NIPSCO, is supposed to be regulated by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, but they are all appointed by the Indiana Governor, which is a biased and and prejudicial appointment.
Government Representation isn’t just about control. It’s about voice. It’s about standing up for your community even when you don’t hold all the power. We applaud the Town of Munster for standing up and announcing a Proclamation.
We vote for leaders to fight for us — not just manage paperwork. This isn’t about politics. It’s about accountability. It’s about families. It’s about fairness. If the people are crying out, leadership shouldn’t be silent.
Leo Tatro Addressed the Phase 2 as the following:
“Not in anger, not in division but in unity. This is not about attacking anyone. This is about bringing our community together. During Phase 2, we will:
• Assign peaceful community leaders in each area
• Call for a respectful sit-down meeting with local officials
• Invite NIPSCO leadership to join the conversation
• Organize prayer meetings across our communities
• Hold candlelight unity vigils
• Conduct peaceful 24-hour presence /BBQs/ food giveaways/protesting gatherings
• Create open community forums for residents to speak weekly or bi weekly
• Work together on solutions for energy efficiency and long term independence
• Support seniors and struggling families through coordinated outreach We believe solutions happen when people come together not when they pull apart. We are calling for unity between:
• Residents
• Churches
• Community leaders
• City officials democrats and Republicans
• Business owners
• Utility leadership
Let’s sit down together. Let’s find solutions together. We remain peaceful. We remain humble. But we remain committed to standing for our families.”
UPCOMING DATES FOR NIPSCO PROTESTS:
Saturday, February 21st, 3pm – 4:30pm (FACEBOOK LINK)
Gary Public Library, 200 West 4th Ave., 219-716-0700
NIPSCO PROTEST: (FACEBOOK LINK)
Saturday, March 7th, 2pm, 1460 E. 15th Ave. Gary, Indiana
Located south of 80/94, and East of I-65, (219) 730-3987