March 15, 2025 | Valparaiso, IN
In a striking move to rally public opposition, Porter County Council Vice President Ronald “Red” Stone, R-1st, has funded a series of eye-catching billboards across Northwest Indiana to protest a proposed state bill that could lead to tolls on Indiana’s interstates. The bold yellow and black signs, proclaiming “Attention Hoosiers: New Tolls Equals Highway Robbery!!” with “Paid for by Red Stone” at the bottom, have sparked widespread discussion in the region. Stone’s campaign is a direct response to House Bill 1461, which passed the Republican-controlled Indiana House on February 21, 2025, by a 72-21 vote and is now under consideration in the Indiana Senate.
A Grassroots Stand Against Tolling
Stone, a longtime Republican and former Duneland School Board member, has taken his fight to the streets—literally. The billboards, strategically placed along major thoroughfares like Interstate 94 near Burr Street in Lake County and Indiana 49 in Chesterton, are designed to capture the attention of commuters and locals alike. A digital sign on I-94 flashes the anti-toll message every nine seconds, while additional billboards are planned for high-traffic areas, including Calumet Avenue and Indian Boundary Road in Chesterton and along Interstate 65 in Porter County. “Somebody had to do it,” Stone told *LawCo.News*, emphasizing his deep conviction against the tolling proposal. “I feel so strongly about this issue, and the people of Northwest Indiana don’t want this.”
House Bill 1461, sponsored by State Rep. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie), would grant Governor Mike Braun authority to seek a federal waiver to implement tolls on Indiana’s interstate highways. The bill removes a previous restriction preventing tolls on interstates within 75 miles of existing toll roads, such as the Indiana Toll Road, which runs through Northern Indiana. If approved, the legislation would allow the Indiana Department of Transportation to pursue tolling without requiring further legislative approval for certain project-related activities. Stone and many of his constituents see this as a step toward “highway robbery,” burdening Hoosiers and out-of-state drivers with additional costs.
A Community United in Opposition
Stone’s billboards have struck a chord with Northwest Indiana residents, who, according to the councilman, have overwhelmingly supported his stance. “I’ve heard from so many people, and the feedback has been a flood of support,” Stone said. “Everybody in Northwest Indiana does not want tolls. That’s a fact.” He also noted that a significant portion of interstate traffic in the region comes from out-of-state drivers, raising concerns about the economic impact of tolls on both locals and visitors.
Michael Simpson, recently retired chair of the Porter County Republicans, echoed Stone’s sentiments but cautioned that tolling is not a done deal. “It’s not a fait accompli,” Simpson said. “We need to explore other avenues for funding our roads.” While Simpson refrained from fully endorsing the billboard campaign, he acknowledged the public’s frustration and the need for alternative solutions to maintain Indiana’s infrastructure.
Stone’s Track Record of Leadership
Elected to the Porter County Council in November 2022, Stone defeated Democrat Becky Mateja Lombardini by nearly 10% to secure the District 1 seat. A 15-year veteran of the Duneland School Board, Stone is known for his hands-on approach to governance, emphasizing direct communication with county officials and workers. “I’m a big believer in talking with the people who do the work,” Stone said during his campaign. “I’m a bottom-up kind of guy.” His experience implementing the Duneland Schools Mental Health Program highlights his commitment to community-driven solutions, a philosophy he now applies to his fight against toll roads.
Stone’s billboard initiative is not just a protest but a call to action. By leveraging his platform as a council member, he aims to galvanize public opposition and pressure state legislators to reconsider the tolling proposal. “The people do not want this,” he reiterated, urging residents to contact their state senators to voice their concerns.
A Broader Context of Public Discontent
Stone’s campaign comes at a time of heightened political tension in Indiana. Recent town halls hosted by Republican lawmakers, such as U.S. Representative Victoria Spartz in Westfield, have drawn significant backlash over unrelated federal policies, including proposed government spending cuts and controversial administrative decisions. While Stone’s billboards focus on a state-level issue, they tap into a broader sentiment of frustration with policies perceived as burdensome to everyday Hoosiers.
What’s Next?
As House Bill 1461 awaits a vote in the Indiana Senate, Stone’s billboards will likely remain a fixture in Porter County, keeping the anti-toll message front and center. The councilman has vowed to continue his advocacy, encouraging residents to stay engaged and vocal. “This is about standing up for what’s right,” Stone said. “We can’t let our highways become another tax on the people.”
For more information on House Bill 1461 or to contact your state senator, visit the Indiana General Assembly’s website at *iga.in.gov*. To learn more about Red Stone’s campaign or to get involved, follow updates on his official Facebook page, *Red Stone for Porter County Council
