CROWN POINT | The man whose vote could make a 1 percent personal income tax a reality has withdrawn his support for it.

Lake County Commissioner Gerry Scheub, D-Schererville, said Wednesday afternoon said, "I will vote to veto a county option tax."

This comes one day after Scheub publicly admitted he was being pressured by state legislators and big city mayors to yield in favor of an income tax.

Scheub, who represents most suburban communities on the county board of commissioners, said he spent 24 hours of soul searching and answering calls from constituents opposed to the tax before reverting to his previous opposition to an income tax.

Commissioner Fran DuPey, D-Hammond, who represents Hammond, Whiting, Munster and parts of Dyer, Griffith, Highland and St. John, issued a letter Wednesday repeating her opposition to a local income tax.

Their statement come as the County Council prepares for a vote -- possibly this month -- to enact a 1 percent income tax on county residents and employees later this month.

It would require four of the seven council members to pass a tax and the four representing Gary, Hammond and East Chicago appear to support it.

A veto by Scheub and DuPey would force the council to muster a larger majority to override a veto, but more votes could be hard to come by.

The remaining three council members represent suburban communities who see an income tax as an unfair way to force suburban taxpayers to subsidize unchecked spending in East Chicago, Gary and Hammond.

Scheub said he was pressured last week by state legislators and big city mayors to pass an income tax.

Region legislators said they sat down with county officials last week to explain that the levy freeze would hurt south county communities, not just the northern cities that are considered free spenders. They also said ignoring the income tax mandate would weaken their bargaining position when the General Assembly reconvenes in January.

State Rep. Charlie Brown, D-Gary, said "Many communities in south Lake have building projects and other projects on the drawing board, and they're going to be told 'No' if they have maintain the same levy."

State Rep. Earl Harris, D-East Chicago, said, "We would be down here with one arm tied behind our backs" if the county doesn't impose the income tax, Harris said.

DuPey wrote in her letter, "Lake County has been unfairly treated for many years. I will not put my signature on the council's actions...to approve."

Times staff writer Patrick Guinane contributed to this report.