February 27, 2021

The Halloween costume and theme of the joke was inappropriate behavior for anyone, at any time,
and at any adult age, even if done for the sake of humor. I have spoken with Mr. Minchuk and
understand he was not a member of the Town Council at the time and the individual in the second
costume was not anyone related to town government. I was surprised to learn of this incident,
especially coming from someone who has been a strong, positive, and active leader in the
community since 2016. The Town Council will meet next week to discuss the issue and decide
appropriate next steps.

Before this incident was brought to our attention, The Town Council initialized a program referred to
as Study Circles. These Study Circles will begin in April so those in town government can attain
knowledge and gain exposure to the existence and realities of racism, institutional racism, and
privilege. By planting seeds of change, participants will have the opportunity to view the community,
especially any discriminated individual or group, through a more comprehensive lens. The facilitators
will be provided by the Merrillville Community School Corporation through a program designed by
Dr. Dan Lackey. After management completes the 5 weekly sessions, the town will have all 150
town employees learn through the Circles.

The town has made great strides in recent years in increasing our diverse representation: the 43%
minority Town Council members, and with the inclusion of our Clerk-Treasurer and Town Judge, the
town’s minority leadership increases to over 55%. Recent studies site Merrillville with 35,000
residents as a diverse community with 36.6% Whites, 42.5% Black or African American, 1.2%
Asians, 16.4% Hispanic or Latino and just over 3% American Indian, Alaska Natives, or two or more
races. It is this diversity that makes Merrillville a wonderful place to live. I’ve lived here for over 55
years, owned three homes, served on the council in the past, and am currently serving my 2nd year
of a new 4-year term. This incident saddens me and reminds us that there is always more work to be
done. I do not condone this type of behavior from anyone.

As a member of the council, and as a leader who knows he needs to learn, change, and grow, I
hope that we can take this incident and turn it into an opportunity to educate, continually increase
awareness of the need to recognize the inequities that polarize and limit one’s potential; be
cognizant of explicit bias and implicit bias; and increase understanding of how inequities, (structural,
institutional, and commonly accepted practices) may hinder, stifle and sometimes prevent any
discriminated individual/group from having equitable opportunities.

-Rick Bella, Merrillville Town Council President & Ward 5 Representative