01172008 - News Article - Portage mayor seat cost Olga Velazquez $106,000 - 37 elected officials fail to file annual reports

Portage mayor seat cost Olga Velazquez $106,000
37 elected officials fail to file annual reports
NWI Times
Jan 17, 2008
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/portage-mayor-seat-cost-olga-velazquez/article_01855d46-2bbc-57e7-96a2-e960f4701701.html
VALPARAISO | Portage Mayor Olga Velazquez spent $106,531 last year to edge out Republican opponent James Snyder, according to annual campaign finance reports that were due Wednesday.

Snyder raised $80,056 by comparison, with a lump sum contribution of $22,130 from the Porter County Republican Party.

Among those donating to Velazquez were the city's new law firm, Rhame and Elwood, $3,700; former city attorney Gregg Sobkowski, $980; Porter County Commissioner Bob Harper, $1,500 and his law partner, Larry Rogers, $500; and a $4,000 contribution from Velazquez herself.

The financial disclosure forms give a peek into the cost of running for local office, as well as identifying which individuals, businesses and organizations supported which candidates. The forms are available for public viewing at the county voter registration office.

A total of 37 candidates -- 19 Republicans and 18 Democrats -- failed to file their disclosure forms by Wednesday's noon deadline, said Kathy Kozuszek, Democrat representative at the voter registration office.

The county election board will likely discuss how to respond during its meeting at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday at the county administration center.

Steve Charnetzky, who made a failed bid for the Democratic nomination in the Portage mayoral race, was among a small number of candidates who filed their disclosure forms at the last minute Wednesday.

His primary race cost him $25,617, according to his form.

Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas reported spending $91,386 on his re-election bid, which included a contested primary race and an unopposed run during the general election.

Porter Superior Judge David Chidester is gearing up for his re-election bid this year.

Chidester reported raising $23,280 last year, including contributions from various attorneys and labor organizations.

Michael Essany, who made a failed bid for the Valparaiso City Council, reported contributions of $467, received entirely from former Valparaiso Mayor Dave Butterfield.