Aviva Valparaiso recently hosted a Political Meet and Greet on Tuesday, October 6, connecting its residents and other community members directly with local political candidates from across Porter County. The event was organized with the stated goal of keeping residents informed and encouraging civic activity and involvement in local government.
Local politicians representing a range of political affiliations attended the event at Aviva. Each candidate spoke briefly about themselves and their respective platforms, providing an overview of their positions and priorities. Following these initial presentations, attendees had the opportunity to engage in one-on-one conversations with the candidates. This format allowed for direct interaction, enabling residents to ask specific questions and discuss issues directly with those seeking to represent them.
Aviva Valparaiso extended an open invitation to all politicians within the county to participate. This outreach resulted in an impressive number of local candidates attending, including individuals running for significant local positions such as Porter County Commissioner and the Superior Court. All participating candidates were available to be questioned directly by the residents and community members present.
Tricia Catlin, the Sales Director at Aviva Valparaiso, was instrumental in organizing the Political Meet and Greet. Catlin expressed a strong commitment to her residents' engagement, stating, "I’ve been wanting to do this for years," regarding her long-held desire to facilitate such an interaction. She firmly believed in the importance of the event, noting the spirited political interest among many Aviva Valparaiso residents, and emphasizing the value for residents to gain a clearer understanding of who is running for local office.
A significant portion of Aviva Valparaiso's residents are "transplants," having relocated to the area to be closer to family. These individuals often do not possess decades of history living in Porter County, meaning they may not be familiar with all local candidates seeking office. The Political Meet and Greet served as an opportunity for these newer residents to gain a better understanding of the candidates, information they might not have researched otherwise. Catlin noted that this situation was a core reason for creating the event, observing that "a lot of people aren’t familiar with their options." She added that such events are crucial for learning important information, even for those who typically vote a straight party ticket.
The decisions made in local, more intimate political positions can have a profound effect on entire towns and counties. Therefore, staying informed on local politics is vital for every community. The event, described in the source material as Aviva Valparaiso’s 2026 Political Meet and Greet, actively encouraged civic participation, especially within the sphere of local government. Through this initiative, residents of Aviva Valparaiso received first-hand information and a direct channel to converse with individuals aspiring to represent them in public office. The event provided a platform for residents to become more informed and actively involved in the democratic process shaping their community.
