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.
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