09142007 - News Article - Olson's name dragged into campaign - PORTAGE: Republican mayoral candidate's tag line considered misleading by opponent

Olson's name dragged into campaign
PORTAGE: Republican mayoral candidate's tag line considered misleading by opponent
NWI Times
Sep 14, 2007
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/olson-s-name-dragged-into-campaign/article_b577e656-4832-5ea1-9a0e-2bb604c1329e.html
PORTAGE | Republican mayoral candidate James Snyder is touting on his campaign literature, Web site and billboard that he will be "continuing the legacy of Mayor Doug Olson" if elected.

He said he truly believes it, but his Democrat opponent Olga Velazquez this week called it a "political strategy" and "misleading."

Olson said, while he said he considers campaign tagline complimentary, he is not comfortable with it.

"I'm with Olga 100 percent, and this election is not about me," said Olson, who endorsed Velazquez as his successor last year when he announced he wouldn't seek a third term.

"Olga has been part of the legacy, part of the team that has accomplished many things in Portage. I endorsed her. If I didn't believe in her, I wouldn't have endorsed her," said Olson.

"Mayor Olson has been a good mayor and I'm proud to use his name. I know that I'm more aligned with his goals and accomplishments. His endorsement is strictly party line. I've been door-to-door. The people know Doug Olson and know who he is backing, but in the privacy of the voting booth, Mayor Olson will vote for who is best for Portage," said Snyder.

His Web site and literature, while acknowledging Olson is not endorsing him, also features a photo of himself and Olson and cites his appointments by Olson to the Plan Commission and a commission to investigate the future of a new municipal building.

"I do think it is misleading. His strategy is that Doug has been a popular mayor and he wants to attach (Olson's) name to his campaign," said Velazquez. "There are many Democratic voters in the city of Portage and he's hoping they will consider him."

While Velazquez's Web site contains a link to Olson's endorsement, the five-year City Council member said she is running on her own merit.

"I appreciate Doug's endorsement, but I have to run on my own record, my own name, the things I have accomplished in the city and the things I want to accomplish," said Velazquez, who has also served on the city's Plan Commission.