Gary Common Council President Tai Adkins outlasted seven challengers in a Democratic caucus held Thursday at the Calumet Township Multi-Puporse Center to replace former Trustee Kimberly Robinson.
“It’s an honor to continue serving the community that has given me so much,” Adkins said.
Adkins won over Sherita Smith, Shanita Starks, McKenya Dilworth Smith, Sharon Chambers, Glenn Johnson, Carol Ann Seaton, and Linda Collins-Brown. Smith received six votes, Seaton seven, and Johnson, a Gary Community School Corporation member, eight, but Adkins won with 25 caucus votes.
Adkins won over Sherita Smith, Shanita Starks, McKenya Dilworth Smith, Sharon Chambers, Glenn Johnson, Carol Ann Seaton, and Linda Collins-Brown. Smith received six votes, Seaton seven, and Johnson — a Gary Community School Board member — eight, but it was Adkins who was elected with 25 caucus votes.
Adkins said her immediate focus will be on ensuring the township delivers essential services smoothly. “My first priority is to ensure that we continue delivering vital services to those who rely on us,” she said. “It’s essential that we maintain stability and reliability for our residents.”
Adkins also expressed interest in improving the township’s operations. “I’m eager to get to know the inner workings of the township, so that I can help improve our internal processes and bring fresh, innovative solutions to the table,” she added.
Adkins takes over the township after Robinson’s resignation last month following a guilty plea to wire fraud charges. In her plea, Robinson admitted to completing fraudulent applications and purchase orders totaling $11,200 in township funds for her personal rent.
Reflecting on her time on the Gary Common Council, Adkins highlighted several accomplishments she believes will guide her in this new role.
“Looking back on my time serving on the Gary Common Council, I am most proud of the work we did together,” she said. “I was instrumental in leading the effort to provide solutions that helped the council make sound fiscal decisions, strengthen the city’s finances, launch initiatives like the Jewel Park program, and tackle critical infrastructure projects.”
Adkins also pointed to her support for small businesses and nonprofits during her council tenure.
“I’ve always been focused on getting results that improve people’s lives,” she said. “I worked hard to help small businesses and local nonprofits grow and serve our community. These experiences have shaped the approach I’ll bring to this new role, and I’m excited to keep building on this momentum.”
Tai Adkins has been the president of the Gary Common Council since 2023. (Javonte Anderson/Capital B)
Adkins has been a member of the Gary Common Council since her election to represent the city’s 4th District in 2019. She served as council vice president until 2023, when, following the departure of then-President William Godwin, she took over as president. The Gary native received her undergraduate degree from Purdue University in West Lafayette and a Master of Business Administration from University of Wisconsin-Madison.
The Calumet trustee’s office provides, among other things, emergency relief to eligible residents. Other services include rent and mortgage assistance, utility assistance, and food and burial assistance.
Adkins’ election as Calumet Township trustee leaves her position as Gary Common Council president and 4th District representative vacant, with a caucus vote set to determine her successor in the coming weeks.
This story has been updated.
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