Sharon Darnell, D-4th, is now in her sixth term on the Chesterton Town Council and over her more than 20 years in municipal service has proved herself a highly capable and hugely valuable public servant.
Darnell—who began as an appointee to the Utility Service Board—was a prime mover in the redevelopment of the Calumet Business District, the first major infrastructure project funded by tax increment financing moneys.
As a member of the Redevelopment Commission, she was a key voice on the negotiating team which brought Urschel Laboratories Inc. to Coffee Creek Center as well as a vocal booster some years later of the Ind. 49 Utility Corridor Project.
Darnell also ran herd on two more recent projects: The 1050N drainage job and the new CPD station house.
Darnell is wise, savvy, and strong, and while she’s usually keen to keep her powder dry, she’s quick to touch a match to it when circumstances require a flash and bang.
At the end of the Town Council’s meeting Monday night, March 25, Darnell’s colleague, Member Jennifer Fisher, R-5th, took a moment to thank her for her example.
“In 1987, Congress passed a joint resolution designating the entire month of March as National Women’s History Month,” Fisher began. “For me as a women and as an attorney and politician, this is both personal and very meaningful. There is great value in studying the history of the law in the context of women’s rights. We have come a long way, from a time when women were without freedom, without rights, and not offered protections under the law. It’s important for all of us to stop and think about that journey and to give honor and thanks to the generations before us who paved the way for us to enjoy the freedoms and rights and protections, as well as the opportunities, we’ve had.”
“So this evening we would like to honor Councilwoman Sharon Darnell as a fierce woman in politics,” Fisher said. “Mrs. Darnell has dedicated many years of her life to serving Chesterton. During much of that time she has sat alone as the only woman on many boards and commissions in our community and demonstrated her courage, strength, and perseverance, but never shied away from fighting for what’s best for Chesterton.”
“She’s also been a source of support for other women in office, such as myself and (Member Erin Collins, D-2nd) and our Clerk-Treasurer, Courtney Udvare,” Fisher concluded. “Mrs. Darnell, we want to honor you for your groundbreaking hard work and your legacy of helping every woman know that her voice can be a voice that does have the ability to change and shape this world.”
Fire Chief Sean O’Donnell then presented Darnell with a bouquet of roses and a gift bag.
Darnell, utterly surprised and never one for the spotlight, thanked Fisher for her generous and gracious words.