11072007 - News Article - Madame Mayor - PORTAGE: Democrat Velazquez defeats Republican Snyder in close mayoral race
Madame Mayor
PORTAGE: Democrat Velazquez defeats Republican Snyder in close mayoral race
NWI Times
Nov 7, 2007
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/madame-mayor/article_adeee8c3-dee5-5441-a503-b9b8aa7a799f.html
PORTAGE | With results from two precincts yet to come, a loud celebratory cheer went up just before 8 p.m. at the Portage Yacht Club Tuesday night.
"Can I have your attention," shouted Ken Elwood. "Olga's our next mayor."
Surrounded by chants of "Olga, Olga, Olga," Democrat mayoral candidate Olga Velazquez took center stage.
"I am so proud. Everyone in this room contributed to the success and future success of Portage. Thank you," said Velazquez, a five-year City Council member who was endorsed by Mayor Doug Olson 11 months ago when he announced he wouldn't seek a third term.
Velazquez defeated Republican James Snyder in a close race, winning by just 302 votes.
"I ran on the principles of leadership, experience and vision, not on what another candidate didn't do or wouldn't do," said Velazquez. "I am a leader that leads by example. I worked hard and will continue working hard for Portage. That's who Olga Velazquez is, and that's who she will continue to be."
Velazquez said despite challenges, that example was "to stand up for what you believe in."
Her husband, Julio, also addressed supporters, thanking them and paying tribute to several friends and supporters who died in recent months, calling them "fallen heroes, comrades and friends."
"I encourage all of us, especially the young people, to stay involved, run for office and fight for democratic principles," he said.
While she and Snyder took opposite views on many of the issues facing the city during the campaign, on election night they agreed on one thing -- the need to bring the city and its residents together.
"I am the mayor for all the citizens of Portage. The challenge is to earn their respect and loyalty. I want to make our city stronger," she said.
Across Ind. 249 at Islamorada restaurant inside Bass Pro Shops, Snyder, who entered the campaign late, congratulated Velazquez on her victory and urged his followers to support the new administration.
"I enthusiastically offer her my wholehearted support," he said, asking his supporters to do the same. "It is incumbent upon each of us to humbly accept the results and work together. Let's extend our hands and our hearts to help our new mayor and our city."
Snyder, who announced for mayor in July, said he believed the city benefited from the choice of candidates and the debate that resulted.
He said he believes his candidacy offered ideas and choices along with a plan.
"I hope they find value in it and draw from it in the future," he said, thanking his workers who invested their time in the campaign.
Velazquez said she would act on one of her campaign promises today, by submitting her resignation from the job she's held for the last 20 years.
Velazquez said after cleaning up her office she planned to take a little time and then establish a transition team.
"Then I will be ready to take over the reins from Mayor Doug Olson, who has been my mentor," she said.
11072007 - News Article - Porter County election briefs - Supporters ready with Olga victory sign
Porter County election briefs
Supporters ready with Olga victory sign
NWI Times
Nov 7, 2007
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter-county-election-briefs/article_c54c5a33-5693-5449-84a1-1011a3ff8f89.html
PORTAGE | Supporters of Portage mayor-elect Olga Velazquez were prepared for her victory Tuesday night.
As soon as it was announced she'd won the close election over Republican James Snyder, supporters hoisted one of her campaign signs above their head. It had already been altered to reflect her victory, changed from "Olga Velazquez for Mayor" to "Olga Velazquez IS Mayor."
'No Lake County Politics' at Snyder hub
PORTAGE | A handful of supporters wearing anti-Olga Velazquez shirts tying the Democrat to Lake County politics, were rooting on James Snyder, Tuesday night. Snyder made no mention of the supporters' message during his concession, but has previously said he had no ties to similar yard signs that sprung up late in the campaign.
11042007 - News Article - Snyder: Why I want to be mayor of Portage - Guest Commentary by James Snyder
Snyder: Why I want to be mayor of Portage
Guest Commentary by James Snyder
NWI Times
James Snyder
Nov 4, 2007
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/opinion/snyder-why-i-want-to-be-mayor-of-portage/article_19503590-695e-5e5a-819e-97499e6403f8.html
Having lived in Portage Township since age 12, I understand this area. I know the neighborhoods, the citizens of this area, the infrastructure. I appreciate Portage and think of this great city as my home.
For that reason, my wife, Deborah, and I made the decision to remain in Portage and raise our family here. We love it here!
Over the last few years Portage has grown rapidly, and that creates new challenges for our schools, for a health care system, for funds to pay for a growing community, as well as job creation and bringing quality businesses to the area.
It is because of the passion I have for the city of Portage, combined with the challenges I see sitting on Portage's doorstep, that I've decided to run for mayor. This is a great community, one that my children will grow up in, that I've worked in, and will continue to work in, and one that my wife and I have a great fondness for. It is for those reasons that I will work hard to create a quality of life for Portage citizens that is second to none.
As mayor, I would like to ensure that schools are not overcrowded and that students are receiving the quality education they deserve. After all, they are the future of this great city.
I also believe Portage needs, and deserves, a better recycling plan. With proper planning, recycling could save Portage $250,000 annually. With that money, we could be building sidewalks and maintaining our streets. This plan we will keep our garbage fees low and protect our environment at the same time.
In addition to that, I'd like to bring in a strong health care facility and strengthen our economy by encouraging more businesses to make Portage their home. I want Portage to be a city that encourages its citizens to become more actively involved with their city government. No citizen should ever be unpleasantly surprised by what their government has done to them, but should be celebrating what their government is doing with them and for them.
Finally, we must wean our dependence on property taxes. This will require exploring other means by which to shift from our reliance on property taxes. We must first critically evaluate every policy, every procedure and every activity to assure our government and its services are as efficient and effective as possible. Our goal must be zero-waste government.
11032007 - News Article - Pappas: Don't include me on campaign flier - Clerk-treasurer doesn't support Olga Velazquez
Pappas: Don't include me on campaign flier
Clerk-treasurer doesn't support Olga Velazquez
NWI Times
Nov 3, 2007
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/pappas-don-t-include-me-on-campaign-flier/article_91671ef2-5872-5f53-9b33-a5739ba1e148.html
PORTAGE | Democratic Clerk-Treasurer Donna Pappas is crying foul over a campaign mailing sent to residents by her own party's central committee.
The mailing, which was paid for by the Porter County Democratic Central Committee, lists the full slate of Democratic candidates in the city of Portage, along with platform points and voting information.
On Friday, Pappas said the appearance of her name on the campaign literature makes it look like she is endorsing her fellow Democrats, but she has been outspoken in her opposition to Democratic mayoral candidate Olga Velazquez, who is running against Republican James Snyder.
"I'm running unopposed, my name doesn't need to be on there," Pappas said. "In the past, whenever we've done something like this, they've always asked permission to include the person."
Porter County Democratic Chairman Jeff Chidester acknowledged that Pappas was not notified about her inclusion on the campaign mailing, but said the intent is to get residents to vote Democratic.
"We're trying to get the Democrats elected in the city of Portage. She's part of that team, so we went ahead and did the whole slate," Chidester said.
Pappas has said she is not supporting Velazquez because the mayoral candidate has not responded to Pappas' concerns that residents are being promised things the city cannot afford.
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