Key Positions South Bend Council member enjoys interacting with residents

When Councilwoman Sheila Niezgodski answers calls from constituents in South Bend’s sixth district, the requests are seldom for big stuff. Instead, most of the calls concern alleyways, trash pickup, potholes and traffic concerns in their neighborhood.

She was elected to office in 2020. The sixth district is a mix of business and residences. It is also the neighborhood in which Niezgodski has made her home for 24 years. She is a lifelong resident of the city, except for few years in Michigan City and when she was deployed with the U.S. Army during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. She is the third generation of her family to serve in the military.

Since retiring from her role at her husband David’s family- owned plumbing business, Niezgodski has transitioned into the political scene.

She serves as chair of the committee of the whole and vice president of the common council. She also chairs the public works and property vacation committee and personnel and finance committee.

Other duties include being the president of the solid waste board and vice president of the South Bend Plan Advisory Commission.

“Council members are a bridge for residents to help direct them to the right resources,” Niezgodski said, especially in helping them navigate the often complicated zoning or permitting process.

Niezgodski said she was approached by several people and asked to seek office. It was certainly not her life plan to move into local politics.

“It’s really about helping people,” she said. “What can I do to make the quality of life better for residents?”

Time management is an essential skill for anyone who is considering a role on the city council, Niezgodski said. Demands for her time are numerous, between her obligations on the common council, her committee appointments and her interactions with the residents in her district.

Another skill needed is the ability to have a conversation and communicate to work through issues. “Not everyone will agree with you,” she said.

Niezgodski said if someone wants to put in the time to seek and hold office, these opportunities should be available to anyone who wants to serve in that capacity. Age does not matter, as long as the person is older than 18.

“Young people want to move the community forward,” she