12202011 - News Article - Williams named new Portage police chief

Williams named new Portage police chief
NWI Times
Dec 20, 2011
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/portage/williams-named-new-portage-police-chief/article_d4b741f5-1b2f-5ebd-8427-b25d20b0d836.html
PORTAGE | Fifteen-year Portage police veteran Troy Williams was named Portage's next police chief Tuesday afternoon.

Mayor-elect James Snyder made the announcement to a gathering of more than 100 officers and others at the Portage Public Library. Williams, 41, who presently serves as the school resource officer, will take the reins of the 61-person department on Jan. 1.

"Everything that Troy has done, he's excelled," Snyder said of his choice. He added that the standing-room-only crowd in the meeting room was "an amazing sign of unity."

Snyder said 10 Portage police personnel applied for the chief's position. They were, he said, "great candidates, all qualified to lead."

Williams replaces Mark Becker. Becker, a former FBI agent, was not interviewed for the position after Snyder was elected mayor and resigned as chief effective Dec. 17.

In addition to his police work, Snyder said Williams is a "committed member of this community."

"Troy possesses the unique quality of having worked undercover where he brought criminals, drug dealers and gang members to justice, yet he has also protected our city's greatest resource, our youth in the Portage schools," Snyder said.

Williams, a father of two, is a lifelong Portage resident. He thanked his parents, John Williams and Michelle Connolly, former Portage chiefs and others who he said helped him along his way.

Williams said the department's focus will be to continue to ensure public safety, to continue to work with the schools, to continue to "aggressively enforce traffic laws," to establish neighborhood watches, work with senior citizens and develop relationships with various organizations.

He also said the department will "work to protect our citizens by identifying and arresting anyone involved in gang activity and drug trafficking."

Maj. John Johnston, Portage High School Marine Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps instructor, also spoke during the news conference, saying Williams "is a guy who means not to do just a good job, but an outstanding job" and lauded him for his "tremendous perspective of our youth."

Troy Williams resume
- Graduated Portage High School in 1989
- Graduated from Indiana University Northwest with a degree in criminal justice in 2001
- Member of the U.S. Marine Corps from 1989 to 1995, serving in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm; received two Navy achievement medals, a good conduct medal and four letters of commendation
- Joined the Portage Police Department in 1996, serving two years with the Porter County Drug Task Force; member of the SWAT team
- School resource officer since 2006
- Named Indiana Police Officer of the Year in 2007; Portage Police Officer of the Year in 2006 and 2000; Portage Parks Department Volunteer of the year in 2006 and recipient of Portage Greater Chamber of Commerce "Putting Portage on the Map" award in 2006

12162011 - News Article - Snyder continues to make administrative appointments in Portage

Snyder continues to make administrative appointments in Portage

NWI Times

Dec 16, 2011 

http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/portage/snyder-continues-to-make-administrative-appointments-in-portage/article_80268b49-b790-5234-88c3-c97c88453c42.html

PORTAGE | Mayor-elect James Snyder continues to make appointments to his administration, announcing Friday the retention of two department heads and the return of two others.

Steve Charnetzky will return as street and sanitation department superintendent. Charnetzky served in the position for 16 years. He left the post in December 2007 after losing to Mayor Olga Velazquez in that year's May mayoral primary.

"Steve was there for 16 years and had done a good job. He has been most efficient in the role of superintendent," Snyder said about the appointment.

Charnetzky will replace street superintendent Chuck Haskell.

Also returning to the city will be Sherry Smolar as superintendent of the utility service department's billing office. Smolar served in that position under former Mayor Doug Olson. She is replacing Joan Sobczak.

"When she was at the water reclamation job, she did very good work," Snyder said of Smolar.

Snyder said he is retaining Utility Department Field Superintendent Bob Dixon and Fire Chief Tom Fieffer.

"I am very grateful to have all four of them agree to serve in my administration," Snyder said.

Snyder said no decisions have been made about police chief and parks department superintendent.

Previous appointments made by Snyder were A.J. Monroe as director of public works, Don Slawnikowski as utility department plant superintendent, Gregg Sobkowski as city attorney and Amanda Lakie as his administrative assistant.

12072011 - News Article - Portage Police Chief Becker resigns

Portage Police Chief Becker resigns

Post-Tribune (IN) 

December 7, 2011

http://infoweb.newsbank.com

PORTAGE — City Police Chief Mark Becker will resign his post effective Dec. 17. Last week, Becker was informed by Mayor-elect Jim Snyder that he will not be considered for the position in Snyder’s administration.

On Nov. 28, Snyder informed Becker he was starting to interview candidates for the chief position and Becker would not be granted an interview.

Becker submitted a letter of resignation to Mayor Olga Velazquez that will go into effect at midnight Dec. 17. Assistant Police Chief Larry Jolley will serve as interim chief for the rest of the year.

Becker became chief of police after 32 years at the FBI, including serving as an original member of the Gary Response Investigative Team.

In preparation for the selection of a new chief, Becker provided a summary of department activity over the past four years, including goals and accomplishments.

Becker thanked Velazquez for her leadership and for the opportunity to serve as chief.

“I thank you and those I worked with for all the support that I have received, and I wish the city of Portage continued success,” Becker said in a statement.

12072011 - News Article - Becker resigns top police post

Becker resigns top police post

NWI Times

Dec 07, 2011 

http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/portage/becker-resigns-top-police-post/article_9b6ac157-5954-5cd9-ba8f-c94e71007fc5.html

PORTAGE | What likely would have been a routine City Council meeting Tuesday night gave way to farewells.

In a letter read by Mayor Olga Velazquez, Police Chief Mark Becker announced he would resign his post effective Dec. 17.

Becker told Velazquez in the letter that incoming Mayor James Snyder had informed him Nov. 28 that Becker would not be a candidate for police chief in Snyder's administration.

Becker, a former FBI agent, was out of town Tuesday and did not attend the meeting. Assistant Chief Larry Jolley was appointed interim chief effective Dec. 17.

Tuesday likely was the final council meeting for Velazquez, longtime City Council members Ed Gottschling and Richard Turnak and one-term councilman Steve Sonaty. Gottschling and Turnak were defeated in the May primary, and Sonaty was defeated last month in the general election.

"I want to thank the residents and citizens," Velazquez said. "We accomplished some great things."

Velazquez, who presented plaques to outgoing councilmen and outgoing Clerk-Treasurer Donna Pappas, said the job as mayor has been "extremely rewarding." Velazquez defeated Pappas in the May mayoral primary.

Director of Public Works Craig Hendrix, who will not continue with the Snyder administration, also gave his goodbye.

"I'm really proud of what we've done and what this administration has done," he said.

Velazquez, who choked back tears, said, "I commend you for the dedication to this city. I thank you for the partnership. It has been wonderful."

Turnak, who served 20 years on the council, and Gottschling, who served 16 years, said their tenure and service to residents had been a privilege.

"Mayor Olga has done more for this city than we had done in a long, long time," said Turnak, adding he will be back.

"I may stop by once in a while because I'm a citizen now," he said.

12032011 - News Article - Portage mayor-elect Snyder begins forming administration

Portage mayor-elect begins forming administration

NWI Times

Dec 03, 2011 

http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/portage/portage-mayor-elect-begins-forming-administration/article_729e1252-d326-5bdc-9853-7acc4cdbd26f.html

PORTAGE | With four weeks to go before taking office, Mayor-elect James Snyder is beginning to put his new administration in place.

There are some old names that will be returning to City Hall.

A.J. Monroe, who served as the city's planner under the Sammie Maletta and Doug Olson administrations, will remain to work with Snyder. The mayor-elect has chosen Monroe to serve as the city's director of public works, replacing Craig Hendrix.

"A.J. oversaw, from the planning side, some of the greatest expansion in the city of Portage. It is a privilege to have him," Snyder said.

Gregg Sobkowski, who serves on the Board of Works and as attorney for the Redevelopment Commission, was named as city attorney, replacing Ken Elwood. Sobkowski also served as city attorney for the Olson administration.

Amanda Lakie, Snyder's secretary at his mortgage business, will be Snyder's administrative assistant, replacing Norma Laboy.

Snyder said he also has decided to retain Don Slawnikowski as the plant division superintendent for the Utility Service Department.

Snyder said he has not made any other decisions concerning personnel but hopes to have his administration put in place by the time he takes office Jan. 1.

"My goal is not to make rash decisions but to make strategic decisions," he said, adding he is looking at a balance of "continuity and change" when making personnel decisions.

"We are also looking at the city budget and finding savings where we can. We are making sure we are fiscally sound next year," he said.

Snyder said he is working with a committee to choose a new police chief. Thus far, he said, he has received between six and nine applications for the position. Those applications have come from within the department's ranks. Police Chief Mark Becker is not among the applicants.

Snyder said he is looking at all other city departments but has not made any decisions.

"We are not going to trade quality for speed," Snyder said, adding that personnel changes will give him an opportunity to restructure City Hall.

"The first part is finding out who is going to be where. The second part is finding how to structure City Hall to be the most efficient and responsive to meet residents needs," he said.

He and his staff have adopted a motto — "Excellence and Efficiency" — for city employees for 2012, he said, and signs will be posted in City Hall and "every police car and firetruck" to remind employees of their responsibilities.

11142011 - FAX To Portage Mayor James Snyder - Portage Police Chief Mark Becker - Unlawful police entry/deaths of Abbi and Bailey -- Porter County Indiana -- Cause No. 64D01-0708-DR-7804

11132011 - News Article - New Portage mayor-elect begins transition on the fly

New Portage mayor-elect begins transition on the fly

Post-Tribune (IN) 

November 13, 2011

http://infoweb.newsbank.com

Jim Snyder’s life has gone from super busy to crazy super busy, literally overnight.

The new Portage mayor-elect had a roller-coaster, bittersweet Election Day on Tuesday, eventually ending in jubilation with his close victory over incumbent Mayor Olga Velazquez.

But hours earlier, Snyder was stunned to hear of the death of 19-year-old Ashley Burbee of Portage, who was killed that morning in a traffic crash on Indiana 49. Burbee was a volunteer in his campaign, and Snyder was asked to break the news to members of her family who were working at Portage polling sites for his election.

“It was very rough for them,” Snyder told me Friday morning at his Central Avenue office during a brief break in his busy schedule.

There, his phone is constantly buzzing or ringing. His list of office guests is growing. He’s already leaning on his mayor mentors for guidance. His receptionist, Amanda Lakie, is swamped with coordinating his future. And prayers are welcome, he often tells supporters.

But he loves it all, and he appears giddy at the task ahead of running this region’s third-largest city, beginning Jan. 1.

These days, Snyder is reassessing the city’s strengths, weaknesses and employees. By Thanksgiving, he plans on notifying any city employees who may not be retained after he officially gets into the mayor’s office.

“Otherwise, it’s not fair to them to drag it out for a long time,” he explained.

After months of rumors that Police Chief Mark Becker will be one of those fired or demoted employees, Snyder still maintains that Becker’s position is up for review along with other city workers.

A transition team has already been created, and no one on this team has a financial interest in city business, Snyder said.

“Each person is each going to be assigned a different department to help me make those important decisions regarding the evaluation of all department heads,” said Snyder, who has hit the ground running.

“(Former) Mayor (Doug) Olson brought me to reality, telling me the day after election that he had five months to plan his transition and I have only six weeks,” he said. “But we’re humbled and excited.”

His broad goal over the next four years is to get as many Portage residents into city government as possible.

“There’s no city in Indiana with the opportunities as this city,” he said while donning a suit jacket to leave his office. “I feel we have a good plan in place.”

All of Snyder’s efforts and energy were focused on getting elected, he said, up until Wednesday morning when he started looking to Jan. 1.

“Hopefully in the next couple of years, people of this city are going to say that I meant what I said and I did what I said I would do.”

He has his critics, and they will surely keep close watch of his actions, decisions and campaign promises. And so will I.

And across the county line ...

Gary Mayor Rudy Clay routinely calls the mayoral position in his city the “toughest mayor’s job in the country,” and I don’t doubt it.

But regardless of what you think about the city, its leaders and its past reputation, you have to admire and appreciate the new buzz since Karen Freeman-Wilson was elected mayor.

Yes, she faces a daunting task. And yes, that buzz may fade when things settle down. But I find it refreshing for my hometown’s residents to once again have an opportunity to believe in something more tangible than rusted promises.

From a columnist’s standpoint, I’m looking forward to writing about this renewed attempt to change the city’s reality and, almost as important, its perception from outsiders.

I certainly don’t wear rose-colored glasses with this issue, but it would be nice to focus on a new vision for realistic change.

Listen to Jerry’s new radio show “Casual Fridays” on Fridays at noon on WLPR 89.1-FM or www.thelakeshorefm.com.

11122011 - News Article - Snyder picks transition team, begins evaluations

Snyder picks transition team, begins evaluations

NWI Times

Nov 12, 2011 

http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/portage/snyder-picks-transition-team-begins-evaluations/article_c6587457-60eb-54e5-957d-9ab5ded7ffb7.html

PORTAGE | Just days after his victory in the Portage mayoral race, James Snyder has begun to put together a transition team he says will help him evaluate and offer advice in decision making prior to taking office Jan. 1.

Snyder, a Republican, defeated incumbent Democratic Mayor Olga Velazquez last week by 238 votes in a sometimes contentious race for the city's top seat.

Jim Fitzer, a retired NIPSCO official, will head the transition team, Snyder said. Additional members will be Dave Fagan, a former Republican Portage City Council member and financial secretary for the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150; Susan Kelly-Johnson, a local attorney and member of the city's Redevelopment Commission; and Dave Kasarda, director of the Portage Township YMCA.

Snyder said he intends to appoint a fifth member to the committee, but the individual has not yet committed.

He said he also is drawing on advice from Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas, former Portage Mayor Doug Olson and Marion Mayor Wayne Seybold.

"They will help me evaluate each department head and each department," adding it is not his intention at this point to "clean house" of present city employees.

"It is my priority not to be emotional, but to also be firm," he said.

Police Chief Mark Becker became an issue during the election. Snyder said he has not decided whether he will ask Becker to continue to serve.

He does, however, believe the police chief should be a resident of the city. Becker lives in Union Township.

"The police chief should go through what we go through on a daily basis," he said.

The same residency requirement may not have to be met for other department heads. Portage Fire Chief Tom Fieffer lives in Chesterton.

"We will take it on a case-by-case basis," Snyder said.

He did not hint last week as to which department heads may be asked to stay or leave. He said those department heads who will not be asked to remain with his administration will be notified by Thanksgiving.

Snyder said he also hopes to meet with the City Council to review goals and learn what residents told them during the campaign.

"I want to create a plan of what we can do quickly, and they will be a part of that," he said, adding he also hopes to sit down with Velazquez at some point to facilitate a smooth transition.

One top priority, he said, will be to begin discussions on modernizing city trash collection. Snyder proposed mechanizing trash pickup to make it more efficient and save money.

He also pledged last week to "do everything we can to make the University Center a success." The building under construction on Central Avenue was an issue of debate during the mayoral race. 

Snyder said, once in office, he will conduct a survey of the community about City Hall operations and to evaluate customer service. He has not determined how the survey will be conducted.

He also added that he plans on being a full-time mayor with no plans of hiring a deputy mayor.

"My office has run well for the last six months (while running for the mayor's office) and it will do well when I take office," he said of his mortgage business.

"No city in Indiana has the opportunities that we have here. There is so much we can do here to have a direct effect on jobs recovery," Snyder said.

"I will be the mayor for everybody. I want to make the people who worked so hard to elect me proud. I am not perfect. I will make mistakes. I am a listener. I want to listen to people," he said.

11082011 - News Article - Snyder defeats Velazquez in Portage mayoral race

Snyder defeats Velazquez in Portage mayoral race
NWI Times
Nov 8, 2011
nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/portage/snyder-defeats-velazquez-in-portage-mayoral-race/article_c37e690e-b0fb-58ab-9940-27f55348ce11.html
PORTAGE | James Snyder said he was at a loss for words as he garnered handshakes and hugs from supporters Tuesday night.

Snyder, a Republican, defeated incumbent Democrat Mayor Olga Velazquez in a contentious campaign by a margin of 238 votes. It was a repeat of a race between the two from four years ago. Back then Velazquez defeated Snyder by about 300 votes.

The campaign focused on public safety issues, the University Center building and job creation among other things.

"I am just humbled and honored that the citizens gave me this opportunity and I am going to work really hard not to let them down," said Snyder, who met with supporters at Islamorada restaurant inside Bass Pro Shops.

Across Ind. 249, at the Portage Yacht Club, the mood was much more somber as vote totals were announced precinct by precinct. When one was won by Velazquez, supporters cheered. When she lost, they were silent.

Velazquez, however, remained upbeat in her concession speech.

"What a journey. It has been a roller coaster ride," she said, thanking her supporters.

"I always made the decision based on what's right for the community," she said, adding many of the precincts she lost were in the Stone Avenue project area which has undergone a two-year stormwater redevelopment project.

"Should I have waited another four years?," she said about the project, adding "that's not me, that's not who I am."

Velazquez, who urged her supporters to remain involved in the city, said she believes she's left the city better than it was four years ago.

Snyder said his organization worked hard and had the city's streets and sanitation, fire and police unions and workers backing him.

"It took an enormous amount of people to make this happen," said Snyder, adding despite any divisions caused by the election, "I want the people of Portage to know that I am going to be all of their mayor."

Snyder said his victory was tinged by tragedy, however. One of his volunteers, 19-year-old Ashley Burbee, was killed in a car wreck Tuesday morning.

"It reminds us during these times how small these elections are compared to our lives. Our hearts are with (her) family," Snyder said.

11062011 - News Article - EDITORIAL - ELECTION 2011 ENDORSEMENT: We pick Velazquez in close call

EDITORIAL - ELECTION 2011 ENDORSEMENT: We pick Velazquez in close call

NWI Times

Nov 06, 2011 

http://www.nwitimes.com/news/opinion/editorial/endorsement-we-pick-velazquez-in-close-call/article_e79412e4-301f-5590-aa30-5c874b5220bc.html

The slugfest between Portage mayoral candidates Olga Velazquez and Jim Snyder has given validity to the term "grudge match" for a second contest between political candidates. The bitter campaigns made our decision in this race difficult — much more so than any other mayoral race in Northwest Indiana.

Democrat Velazquez, the incumbent, has made campaign fundraising blunders that caused us to question her judgment. When the first fundraising controversy arose, she should have immediately addressed it by saying she was returning the money inappropriately given by the nonprofit donor — on whose board she sits — and that she was giving extra scrutiny to other donations to make sure any other money given inappropriately was returned to the donors. Instead, the public endured waves of criticism against her.

But we have to give Velazquez credit, too, for results. It is under her watch that Fronius announced it would relocate to Portage, bringing vital jobs with it.

And while the Stone Avenue reconstruction project was rocky, she brought not just repaving but entirely new infrastructure to a part of the city that needed it most.

Republican Snyder, who was narrowly defeated four years ago, promises department heads will not campaign or raise money on his behalf. He also said the right things about supporting regional efforts involving other communities.

Snyder has a strong focus on making Portage a business-friendly environment. At the same time, he is sensitive to Portage's union-heavy population and has bucked his party in opposing right-to-work legislation in Indianapolis.

But then he seems to undermine the leadership of the city's highly respected Police Chief Mark Becker by siding with rank-and-file police officers from whom he is getting support.

Snyder raised the possibility of undoing the 911 dispatch consolidation Velazquez accomplished. Despite the state law that forces consolidation, Snyder said Portage could serve as a backup to the county and vice versa. But Porter County already has backup, in a neighboring county.

That stance on 911 consolidation is a red flag. But Snyder's position on patrolling apartment complexes and mobile home parks, which have private roads but high population density, is appalling.

Velazquez's administration has made arrangements for police to patrol two of those private areas. That effort should continue.

Snyder wants those developments to hire private security to patrol those areas. Portage police still would respond to reports of emergencies.

Since when does the Portage Police Department not serve and protect apartment dwellers and mobile home residents, often low-income areas, as well as as it does residents in single-family homes?

What is that saying to the drug dealers and other criminals? Come here. That's the wrong message.

Embracing the police union's desires and going against Becker's leadership is a fatal flaw.

If Snyder is elected, we hope he reconsiders his position on this issue.

It is a close call, but we endorse Velazquez. Snyder's position on the police issues was the tipping point for us.

We urge the voters to re-elect Velazquez.

11042011 - News Article - Snyder needs to say if he would replace qualified police chief

Snyder needs to say if he would replace qualified police chief

Post-Tribune (IN) 

November 4, 2011

http://infoweb.newsbank.com

It’s time for Jim Snyder to man-up.

Snyder is the Republican candidate for Portage mayor.

And he and his followers are becoming more obsessed with Portage Police Chief Mark Becker by the day.

A month or so ago, I wrote that Becker — who retired from the FBI to take the chief’s job in Portage — would be ousted if Snyder won the mayor’s race.

I went on to say that it would be a shame because Becker has more law enforcement knowledge than any chief in Northwest Indiana — perhaps even the entire state.

Becker, quite simply, is that good at what he does, except for the fact he is a Green Bay Packers fan.

Snyder had a fit, saying he had never said he would fire Becker if elected mayor.

Well, then, I said, if that is the case, tell me that you will keep Becker as your chief if elected mayor.

Nope, can’t do that, Snyder said.

So that means you are going to fire him, I said.

Nope, it doesn’t mean that at all, Snyder roared back.

If you won’t say that you will fire Becker and you won’t say that you will keep him, then how are you going to select a police chief, I asked.

By committee, Snyder said.

By committee, I wondered to myself. Just what Portage needs is a butcher, a baker and a candlestick maker picking the city’s police chief.

OK, so there will be one former law enforcement guy on the committee.

Then it made me think about that sign that read, “God so loved the world that he didn’t send a committee.”

Anyway, Snyder reiterated the fact that he thought I was a fairly despicable person because I said he would fire Becker, and he said he hadn’t said that. But yet, he couldn’t say he would keep him either.

Then Snyder said something that almost tipped his hand.

He said there are rumors that Becker is going to run for Porter County sheriff and that he would have to start campaigning for that at the first of this coming year.

The point being that he’d be campaigning almost full-time and wouldn’t be much of a police chief.

I don’t know if Snyder made that up or someone whispered in his ear.

The point is that he was off by a couple of years. Porter County won’t elect a new sheriff until 2014, with the winner taking office in 2015.

But, what the heck, there’s no sense in letting the facts get in the way.

But now the worm has turned.

Now the Snyder supporters are the ones saying their candidate never has said he would oust Becker.

Some of those Snyder folks are writing letters and telling anyone who will listen that he won’t fire Becker.

Nope, he won’t have to. What the backers now are saying is that Snyder has said the police chief will have to be a resident of Portage.

I guess the thinking is that if you don’t wake up in Portage you wouldn’t have a clue about Portage crime, or how to go about fighting it.

I guess that means burglaries in Portage are totally different from, say, burglaries in Chesterton.

And, I guess it doesn’t matter that the chief doesn’t have the best crime-fighting mind available, as long as he or she lives in Portage.

There’s no light at the end of that tunnel.

You’ve probably figured it out by now. Becker doesn’t live in Portage.

Apparently that hasn’t been a handicap over the last four years.

Man-up, Snyder.

Just admit you don’t want Becker as police chief.

It’s really not that hard to say.

And if Mayor Olga Velazquez is re-elected, Snyder won’t have to say anything.

Rich James’ column appears on Friday.

10262011 - News Article - MARK KIESLING: Political contributions likely legal, but not wise

MARK KIESLING: Political contributions likely legal, but not wise
NWI Times
Oct 26, 2011
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/opinion/columnists/mark-kiesling/mark-kiesling-political-contributions-likely-legalbut-not-wise/article_f3f7069c-4aae-5dcb-9a00-c34ed8f70cb3.html
I guess we will only know after the November mayoral election if the flap over Portage Mayor Olga Velazquez had any significance.

Or whether it was much ado about nothing, or sound and fury signifying nothing, to continue the Shakespeare analogies.

Velazquez accepted $500 from the Portage Economic Development Corp., on which she serves on the board of directors.

Whether this was some kind of conflict of interest has yet to be determined. Did she use her mayoral agenda to further PEDCO's agenda because of the donation? So far, there is no evidence that this is the case.

Yet in Northwest Indiana, where political shenanigans are more of a holy mission than a crime, it might have been smarter of Velazquez to have bypassed that $500. She doesn't need it that badly.

"We weren't looking at it as a campaign contribution," said Bert Cook, the executive director of PEDCO, of the decision to buy the $500 in tickets to a mayoral golf outing.

I'm not saying I don't believe Cook, but if he's telling the truth he must be incredibly naive. Golf outings are one of the primary sources of campaign funding, and Cook must know the $500 went into the re-election war chest of Velazquez, the Democratic incumbent.

And even though Cook says the foursome of golf was perfectly legal under PEDCO and nonprofit lobbying regulations, he admitted he likely will steer clear of doing it again.

Ditto with the Portage Township Schools, which also took part in the same golf outing and which also kicked in the same $500.

The school district is re-evaluating a decision by its athletic department to take part in the golf outing.

There's nothing wrong with contributions to a political campaign, even from people who stand to benefit from the victory of the candidate.

But I say that with a caveat: Entities like schools should steer completely clear of appearing to back one candidate over another. Schools should not be used for political purposes.

If the athletic director wants to golf on a nice fall day, fine. Let him or her spend his or her own money.

The PEDCO situation is a bit different. It is allowed, as a nonprofit, to spend as much as 20 percent of its annual total expenditures on lobbying, which includes contributions to candidates perceived as friendly to their cause.

But when the candidate sits on the board of directors, no one should be shocked when allegations of conflict of interest are raised, as they were by Velazquez's opponent, Republican James Snyder.

"It's a mayor's golf outing, not a charitable ball," he said.

I'm not convinced Velazquez can be bought for $500, either by PEDCO or the school corporation's athletic department.

But she would have been wiser to keep them at arm's length and avoid giving Snyder ammunition for his campaign.

10262011 - News Article - Velazquez issues debate challenge to Snyder

Velazquez issues debate challenge to Snyder
NWI Times
Oct 26, 2011
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/portage/velazquez-issues-debate-challenge-tosnyder/article_34c5e425-119d-5578-bd13-c9fe80d2556e.html
PORTAGE | With less than two weeks left before the Nov. 8 election, Mayor Olga Velazquez has issued a challenge to her opponent, Republican James Snyder.

Velazquez said she wants to debate Snyder "any place, any time."

"Just last week, we enjoyed an open to the public forum hosted by the Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce where we both publicly discussed our vision to the public followed by questions from the public," Snyder said in response to Velazquez' challenge.

Velazquez said she does not believe the chamber forum was a debate. She added Snyder said he was too busy to debate her last week on a radio program, but held a press conference the same day to criticize her.

"I've had enough," she said, adding she wants residents to have the chance to hear about the issues directly from the candidates instead of "half-truths, misleading facts and whisper campaigns."

"Around 650 Portage voters attended our Portage neighbor night at Woodland Park earlier this month where I took very pointed and direct questions from the residents, most of whom I had never met," Snyder said. "We have been taking our message for nearly eight months of public safety, jobs and fiscal responsibility directly to the Portage residents. Our message is being well received by the voters, and we are looking forward to Nov. 8."

10252011 - News Article - Nonprofit group says political contribution was legal

Nonprofit group says political contribution was legal
NWI Times
Oct 25, 2011
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/portage/nonprofit-group-says-political-contribution-waslegal/article_1c95ca4e-f8a2-5d9f-a513-eb7a459cbcac.html
PORTAGE | The Portage Economic Development Corp., which is a nonprofit group that receives nearly half its annual funding in the form of tax dollars from the city, contributed $500 to the re-election bid of board member and Democratic Mayor Olga Velazquez.

Executive Director Bert Cook said his organization's decision to take part in Velazquez's Sept. 19 golf outing was for the purpose of networking among the city's business and community leaders.

"We weren't looking at it as a campaign contribution," he said.

Even if that were the case, Cook said his accountants assured him Tuesday the nonprofit has the legal right to spend up to 20 percent of its annual total expenditures on lobbying. The contribution for the golf foursome was taken from the marketing portion of the budget, which is made up of private contributions and other nontax dollars.

Cook said he intends to re-evaluate the decision to take part in the campaign fundraiser and probably will steer clear of this type of event in the future.

The Portage Township School Corp. also is re-evaluating a decision by its high school athletic department to take part in the same golf outing for a contribution of $500.

Republican James Snyder, who is attempting to unseat Velazquez, said that as mayor, he would not take money from PEDCO considering the funding is not contributed for political reasons.

"It's a mayor's golf outing," he said. "It's not a charitable ball."

Velazquez said PEDCO's participation in the golf outing was a legitimate expense and any questions being raised are just a diversion from the real issues in the mayoral race.

"Let's get back to the issues of this campaign," she said.

Velazquez serves on PEDCO's board of directors along with City Planner Joe Csikos and Scott McClure, of the city's law firm of Rhame & Elwood.

Cook said none of these individuals is on the board's executive committee, which is the decision-making arm that gives recommendations to the group.

10242011 - News Article - Portage schools to discuss contribution to Mayor Velazquez

Portage schools to discuss contribution to Mayor Velazquez
NWI Times
Oct 24, 2011
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/portage/portage-schools-to-discuss-contribution-to-mayor-velazquez/article_8cbce109-2530-50d6-ad3c-17cea5187916.html
PORTAGE | The director of the Portage High School athletic department said he did not have politics in mind when he decided to use $500 from his department to take part in a golf outing last month supporting the re-election bid of Democratic Mayor Olga Velazquez.

"We were going out there thanking the people getting behind Portage athletics," Jeff Smith said.

While the department generates most of its funds through gate receipts, concessions, sponsorship, donations and sources other than taxes, Portage Township Schools Superintendent Mike Berta said this expenditure on the golf outing merits discussion by the school corporation.

Berta said he understands the need for the athletic department to build relationships and was aware the foursome took part in the Sept. 19 outing, which fell on a school day.

Velazquez downplayed the value of the contribution, saying she gives money to the athletic department and other community groups from the same campaign funds.

"I support the schools in whatever way I can," she said.


Jason Wille, sports information director for the Indiana High School Athletic Association, said it sounded like the issue is one for the schools and not his organization.

Republican James Snyder, who is seeking to unseat Velazquez, said he does not believe those, such as himself, who contribute to Portage school athletics, intend for their money to go to politics.

When Snyder learned Smith said he would attend Snyder's golf outing if he is elected mayor, Snyder said he would offer Smith the chance to take part free of charge.

While Smith said he has taken part in the mayor's golf outing for the past 10 years -- four while serving as athletic director -- this was the first time he dipped into his department's funds to cover the cost. He has traditionally been invited as someone's guest, he said.

Smith said he was joined at the mayor's golf outing by assistant athletic director Kelly Bermes, Portage High Principal Caren Swickard and guidance counselor Tim Kunstek.

Smith said he visits various community groups as part of the same outreach effort. The athletic department also has contributed money to other nonathletic causes.

10232011 - News Article - Portage mayoral candidates weigh in on public safety

Portage mayoral candidates weigh in on public safety

NWI Times

Oct 23, 2011 

http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/elections/portage-mayoral-candidates-weigh-in-on-public-safety/article_a82c1d43-83ca-5138-bbc9-2d6c4f68a1bd.html

PORTAGE | One thing the two candidates for mayor can agree on is that public safety is a top issue in this year's campaign.

Democratic incumbent Mayor Olga Velazquez said she's made great strides in protecting Portage residents. It started, she said, with the hiring of former FBI agent Mark Becker as the city's police chief nearly four years ago.

"The things Chief Becker has implemented are working. Crime is down in Portage. It was one of the best decisions I made to bring this professional to our community," Velazquez said.

Velazquez said Becker has stepped up traffic stops as a crime prevention method, improved communication through his chief's email, increased continuing education for officers and teamed with various drug- and gang-prevention agencies.

Republican mayoral challenger James Snyder disputes the crime statistics.

"The mayor talks about crime decreasing during that time, but it is the way crime was logged that has changed. Ask any police officer in the city and none believe crime is down. At the same time, I believe our police officers are doing a great job and I don't believe crime is rampant," Snyder said.

Velazquez said the crime statistics Snyder is doubting are those reported to the FBI each year. Those statistics indicate the city's crime rate has decreased 22 percent since 2008.

"She's correct on her numbers, but it is a fudge job," said Snyder, contending that during her administration, the department has changed systems on the way crime is logged and that has affected the numbers.

The two also disagree on 911 dispatching.

During her term, the city's dispatch center was consolidated with that of Porter County. The effort, Velazquez said, was mandated by the state and has saved the city money.

State law requires each county to consolidate to no more than two dispatch centers by 2014.

"We were very conscientious in taking our time in making the decision. We did not take it lightly. We did our due diligence in looking at all the aspects and considered the 2014 state mandate for consolidation," said Velazquez, adding the city also worked to make sure the city dispatch employees were hired by the county.

"State law said they would have paid for a study. She didn't ask for a study," said Snyder, adding that he would work to see dispatchers return to the city and, if that were not possible, would work with the county to make sure Portage dispatchers man the Portage consoles at the county center.

Snyder said the closing of the dispatch center also has left the police station closed to the public at night and on weekends. He said he would work to reverse that.

Velazquez disputes Snyder's accusation.

"The police station is not closed. It is a 24/7 operation," she said, adding that a telephone system is available to residents who may come to the police station when clerical staff is not available. "If the dispatch center were still there, they would still have to call 911."

Another issue is police efforts within private residential developments.

The city has signed agreements with two private developments to allow police to patrol on private streets, a crime prevention effort, Velazquez said.

Snyder said he believes that is the wrong approach. If elected, he said, he would like to see the private developments -- apartment complexes and mobile home parks -- charged a special assessment for public safety protection or, at least, have them hire their own security to patrol the streets within the developments.

10212011 - James Snyder Campaign Finance Form - Citizens For Snyder

James Snyder Campaign Finance Form - Citizens For Snyder
Oct 21, 2011

10212011--James-Snyder--Campaign-Finance-Form--Citizens-For-Snyder--PDF--Google-Drive

10212011 - Olga Velazquez campaign finance form - Olga For Mayor Committee

Olga Velazquez campaign finance form - Olga For Mayor Committee

10212011--Olga-Velazquez--Campaign-Finance-Form--Olga-For-Mayor-Committee--PDF--Google-Drive

10212011 - News Article - Incumbent Porter County mayors top opponents in fundraising

Incumbent Porter County mayors top opponents in fundraising
NWI Times
Oct 21, 2011
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/duneland/incumbent-porter-county-mayors-top-opponents-in-fundraising/article_95604d78-1f54-5ae2-90ec-7cf538053d0c.html
VALPARAISO | Porter County's two incumbent mayors have raised far more money in their re-election bids than their opponents, according to candidate financial disclosure forms that were due Friday.

Democratic Portage Mayor Olga Velazquez, who is the only mayoral candidate who had to fund a primary race in May, led the way with $79,582 in contributions since April 9 and had available $179,565 for the year.

Her Republican challenger, James Snyder, reported contributions of $59,540 since April, for a total of $73,985 for the year.

Fellow Democrat Donna Pappas, who made a failed attempt to unseat Velazquez during the primary election, reported having $4,282 for the year.

Meanwhile, Republican Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas reported contributions of $76,744 since April and had available $87,074 for the year.

His challenger, independent Robert "Bob" McCasland, had a reported $5,282 for the year.

Top contributors to Velazquez's campaign include Ironworkers Local 395 in Portage at $3,300; engineer Greg Henneke, of Indianapolis, at $2,700; Boilermakers Local 374 at $2,500; former Porter County Commissioner Bob Harper at $2,000; Republic Services, of Phoenix, at $2,000; and $1,600 from Rhame and Elwood, which serves as city's law firm.

Snyder's top individual contributors include Crossroads PAC, of Schererville, at $8,563; International Longshoremen's Association at $5,950; Indiana Republican State Committee at $5,000; Porter County Republicans at $4,500; Alex and Lisa Gariup, of Munster, at $2,000; Matthew Gariup, of Gary, at $2,000; and $1,500 each from Splash of Lake Station, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 in Countryside, Ill., Indiana Realtors Political Action Committee and Goodrich Quality Theaters of Kentwood, Mich.

Top contributors to Costas' campaign include Kurt and Kimberly Minko, of Crown Point, at $5,000; Matthew Gariup, of Gary, at $4,250; Willis Conner, of Indianapolis, at $3,500; Valparaiso Firefighters PAC at $3,000; Sound Construction, of Valparaiso, at $3,000; Donald and Edna Weiss, of Chicago, at $2,500; Barnes & Thornburg, of Indianapolis, at $2,500; Royal Brush Manufacturing, of Munster, at $2,000; Bargain Barn, of Valparaiso, at $2,000; DLZ, of Burns Harbor, at $1,750; and County Commissioner Nancy Adams at $1,000.

McCasland did not itemize his contributions and lists a $1,700 debt to himself and his wife.

10202011 - News Article - Mayoral candidates try to sell themselves to chamber

Mayoral candidates try to sell themselves to chamber
NWI Times
Oct 20, 2011
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/elections/mayoral-candidates-try-to-sell-themselves-tochamber/article_09893a99-d4ea-5d69-bc0f-d11fd5bc8742.html
PORTAGE | The two candidates for mayor took center stage Thursday during a forum hosted by the Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce.

Incumbent Democrat Olga Velazquez and challenger Republican James Snyder tried to promote themselves to some 140 people attending the luncheon at Woodland Park.

Velazquez told the group her accomplishments during her first term, citing the hiring of Mark Becker as police chief, a decline in crime, investments in infrastructure and road improvements. She also listed the businesses that have come to the city or expanded operations including Fronius, Greycor and NLMK.

Snyder also outlined his accomplishments of the past four years as senior loan officer for First Financial Trust Mortgage, saying his company survived the mortgage crisis and worked to keep "between 75 and 100" Portage families from loosing their homes to foreclosure.

While Velazquez and Snyder shook hands before a round of questioning, they took subtle jabs at each other at the podium.

Snyder's outline of his past four years of service to the community was in response to a recent flier sent by Velazquez comparing her community service to his.

He even quipped that when his children were old enough, they'd join the Porpoise Swim Club so he could list that on his resume.

Velazquez also used the venue to retort some of Snyder's recent comments and claims.

"The University Center is not a place that will bring in riffraff. It is a place to prepare people for the workforce," said Velazquez, responding to Snyder's comments on Wednesday that it is inappropriate to locate WorkOne in the city's downtown.

She also shared quotes from various developers who have located within the city during her tenure lauding the city's amenities and favorable business climate to show the city is "business friendly," rebutting comments from Snyder that the present administration is unfriendly towards business.

The two also were asked about their management styles.

"What gets monitored gets done," said Velazquez, adding she believes in setting goals and objectives and people being responsible to meet those requirements.

"I'm more of a delegator. I believe in surrounding myself with the best people," Snyder said.

10192011 - News Article - Snyder criticizes Velazquez on University Center, flier

Snyder criticizes Velazquez on University Center, flier
NWI Times
Oct 19, 2011
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/elections/snyder-criticizes-velazquez-on-university-center-flier/article_7253a11f-29a1-54a7-bbe9-6e4c032c6d98.html
PORTAGE | Republican mayoral candidate James Snyder on Wednesday criticized his opponent, Mayor Olga Velazquez, over construction of the University Center and a city-paid flier touting the facility.

"Our mayor, desperate to make election-year news once again, rushed into an ill-advised project in many capacities," Snyder said Wednesday morning during a news conference.

Velazquez said, "Business at City Hall does not stop because of an election. The University Center is a Redevelopment Commission project. It is a five-member body that made the decision to move forward. It wasn't my decision alone, as he implies."

Snyder, in front of about 40 supporters, said, "In no way, shape or form are we against a university in Portage."

Snyder criticized Velazquez for moving ahead with the building, not having secured leases with WorkOne or the four universities that will occupy classrooms in the building and sending out a flier this week at city expense touting the building.

"Portage residents have been duped by a mayor who cares more about her re-election than she does the education and financial stability of the residents," Snyder said, adding instead of using local dollars for the building he would have worked more diligently with the state to secure funding.

Velazquez said, "It is unfortunate he has chosen a positive project which not only provides economic benefits for our residents now by providing union jobs that are putting people to work but that will help provide an educated workforce for the future."

"What we are doing here is legitimate; it is a process. The universities are committed," she said, explaining a committee of university and city representatives is working on leases that benefit the universities and the city.

"These are not traditional leases. It is almost a time-share concept," she said, adding universities are working together on decisions involving curriculum and use of the building.

As for the mailer, which was paid for by proceeds from the bond issue used for the building's construction, Velazquez said that also was a committee decision to reach out to residents who may be making decisions now about enrolling in college next year.

10152011 - News Article - Portage mayoral election a rematch of four years ago

Portage mayoral election a rematch of four years ago
NWI Times
Oct 15, 2011
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/portage/portage-mayoral-election-a-rematch-of-four-yearsago/article_ba28421f-7616-59c7-889e-5707c5c2fdf4.html
Editor's note: This is the first in a series of stories involving the Portage mayoral election.

PORTAGE | This year's mayoral race is a rematch of the two candidates from four years ago.

The difference is one candidate, Democrat Olga Velazquez, is the incumbent. She defeated Republican James Snyder four years ago by just more than 300 votes.

"I want to fulfill and complete what we started. I want to fulfill the commitment I made," Velazquez said about seeking a second term.

Velazquez said she's started several projects during her first term, such as the Stone Avenue stormwater project and construction of the University Center, and wants to see them completed.

"These are things that can't be completed in one term," she said.

Snyder, senior loan officer at First Financial Trust Mortgage, said he's taking a second shot at the mayoral seat because of what's not been done in the past four years.

"A lot of the things, a lot of the good ideas we talked about four years ago, none of them have been done," Snyder said.

Among issues being discussed by the candidates is economic development.

Velazquez said despite the economic downturn during her term, she has been successful in bringing development to the city.

She points to the relocation of Graycor Construction, bringing 50 new jobs to AmeriPlex at the Port as well as expansions at PSC Machining and Engineering and NLMK Indiana, which together brought in 41 new jobs.

The most significant accomplishment, Velazquez said, is bringing the U.S. headquarters of Fronius, a solar inverter manufacturer, to the city. The company is expected to bring more than 500 jobs to the city.

"With Fronius, the bottom line was AmeriPlex was there. They took the risk. The same is true for BP and Graycor," said Snyder, adding he intends to be more aggressive in soliciting businesses to the city.

He also points to the city-owned north side business park and a lack of development there. Snyder said his vision would be to facilitate the development of a state-of-the-art training center for police and fire departments from throughout the region.

He also said the city has a reputation of being unfriendly toward business.

"The business world is a small community and Portage has a reputation of being difficult to do business in, and we are going to change that," Snyder said.

Velazquez disputes Snyder's claims of an unfriendly business climate and lack of vision for the city's north side development.

"What we've done is to make sure we have the infrastructure in place so that when the market rebounds they can be put in place," she said, using the wastewater treatment plant as an example and efforts to expand its capacity to serve future development.

Velazquez said the city has increased its marketing efforts, working with the Portage Economic Development Corp. to develop marketing tools for various areas of the city.

"Are there times we have to hold the bottom line and ask business to meet our standards? Yes, because that's what the Portage community wants," Velazquez said. She used the proposed Meijer development from a few years ago as an example. The developer wanted to include high-density housing as part of the development, she said, but residents had made it clear they didn't favor any additional apartment developments in the city. The city was working with the developer to alter the plans when the economic downturn occurred.

09282011 - FAX to Indiana AG - Mayor Velazquez's illegal campaign contributions

09202011 - News Article - Portage mayor returns campaign money after realizing 'mistake'

09142011 - News Article - Mayor Velazquez returns $4,500 in campaign contributons

09142011 - Mayor Velazquez returns $4,500 in campaign contributions

08262011 - News Article - Portage police secure with Velazquez, Becker

Portage police secure with Velazquez, Becker

Post-Tribune (IN) 

August 26, 2011

http://infoweb.newsbank.com

Jim Snyder is slick. Most people who run mortgage companies are. But he’s also wrong and needs to be told.

Snyder is the Republican candidate for Portage mayor.

He’s facing Mayor Olga Velazquez, just as he did four years ago when he narrowly lost.

Snyder is trying to make the Police Department and public safety one of the key issues of his campaign.

You get the impression that Velazquez has let the Police Department go to hell and that crime is running rampant. Just the opposite.

And, unfortunately for Portage, Snyder has put city police officers at center stage of his campaign.

Snyder is walking arm-in-arm with members of the Police Department as he goes door-to-door around the city stumping for votes.

That’s the last thing any candidate for mayor should do.

Injecting police officers into the frontline of politics compromises those cops and jeopardizes the city.

Snyder says he received the unanimous endorsement of the Portage Fraternal Order of Police, although there is a question as to how many of the members were invited to the endorsement vote.

So bent is Snyder on ripping Velazquez on public safety that he talks about the Police Department being closed to the public at times, including New Year’s Day of 2010.

Snyder said that there are times when residents must use a phone in the station lobby to talk to police.

That is in the wee hours of the morning when it would make little sense to have a clerk on duty.

My gosh. Petty things like that shouldn’t even be a campaign issue.

What’s really confusing about the cops backing Snyder is that they don’t really say why, other than they think Snyder would be a better leader and they want the ability to communicate openly with the mayor’s office.

Given that a Police Department is a quasi-military operation, you go through the chain of command to talk to the boss.

Snyder is a bright guy but he doesn’t know a lick about law enforcement. Maybe that’s because he is in the mortgage business. Maybe because he’s still wet behind the ears.

While Snyder is trying to make public safety a cornerstone of his campaign, it also is the very reason he shouldn’t be mayor.

The most important thing Velazquez did after being elected mayor was to appoint Mark Becker as police chief.

Becker was a career FBI agent who retired from the federal agency to take the police chief’s job.

I know I’ll step on somebody’s toes, but it needs to be said. Becker is the best police chief in Northwest Indiana. There aren’t many better around the state.

Becker is extremely bright, strong and driven, yet compassionate.

He has a locker full of recognitions from his FBI days.

He was one of the best at pursuing white-collar crime and later tracked down and helped send Gary gangs to prison. That’s the kind of guy you ought to like as your chief in an ever-changing world.

Velazquez in her campaign literature says that burglary is down 28 percent, vehicle theft is down 41 percent and stolen property is down 46 percent.

Those numbers are attributable to the men and women of the Police Department. The same ones who call Becker “chief” every day.

So, if Snyder is elected mayor, he will dump Becker as the police chief because, well, because he can.

It doesn’t matter that it would be a terribly wrong thing to do.

I don’t know that I could vote for someone for mayor who had judgment that poor.

Rich James’ column appears on Fridays.

08252011 - Indiana Attorney General - Response to unlawful police entry / deaths of Abbi and Bailey

07242011 - News Article - Snyder says cops have his back

Snyder says cops have his back
Post-Tribune (IN)
July 27, 2011
http://infoweb.newsbank.com

Jim Snyder strolled up to my front door last month accompanied by Portage police officer Ross Haynes, which surprised me a bit.

I heard that the city’s police officers backed Snyder for Portage mayor, and he also nabbed the official endorsement of the department’s Fraternal Order of Police — a rare accomplishment in my city for any mayoral candidate.

But it caught my attention for cops to actually go door to door with Snyder, the Republican candidate who lost by only 302 votes to incumbent Olga Velazquez in 2007.

“We’re behind him,” said Haynes, a longtime officer in the city.

Snyder also received an endorsement from the city’s firefighters, and he is confident of getting a similar endorsement soon from the city’s streets and sanitation workers.

“All 14 firefighters who live in the city are behind Jim Snyder,” he said confidently.

Snyder claims the city’s police officers are supporting him because they want respect from their administration and the ability to communicate openly with the mayor’s office, among other policy issues.

Portage Police Chief Mark Becker is at least one officer who is not supporting Snyder, and he believes the FOP endorsement vote is deceiving.

“If you review those in attendance at the FOP meeting when the endorsement vote was taken, you will find that approximately only a third of our active officers were present,” Becker said. “Also, plans to take the vote were not made known to all of the members, which may not have been in accordance with state FOP standards.”

“I am a member of the FOP and I was not told of the intended vote,” he added, noting that not all the officers in attendance voted in favor of the endorsement.

However, police officer Troy Williams, who’s been on the force for 15 years, said the FOP vote was indeed a unanimous vote.

Last Saturday, he too campaigned door to door with Snyder and confirmed that the overwhelming majority of his department is backing him.

“Jim Snyder has the type of leadership we’re looking for,” Williams said.

Another officer told me that “80 to 85 percent” of the police department is behind Snyder.

“It does say something if you are the current mayor and all the city departments are publicly endorsing another candidate,” the officer told me, asking for anonymity.

‘Public safety’ campaign cry

Regardless of exactly how many officers are behind Snyder, “public safety” has become his war cry during the campaign battle leading up to Election Day on Nov. 8.

He routinely reminds voters that the city’s police station was “closed” to the public on Jan. 1, 2010. What he means is that citizens must use a phone in the station lobby to talk with police or call 911.

“We should have a police station that has its doors open all the time,” Snyder said.

Becker said he has clerical personnel on duty from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday, and on a more limited basis on Saturdays. Other police departments in the county also have a similar set up if not on a more limited basis.

“I fail to understand how a records clerk sitting behind a desk at 2 a.m. equates to increased public safety?” Becker asked. “Our crime rates are down (and) we consistently reach out to the public to help us identify problem areas.”

Snyder, a city resident since 2002, is a proud Republican who is pro-life regarding abortion, admires Ronald Reagan and believes in gun owners’ rights.

Although I never brought it up during our chat, he told me a few times that although he attended Fairhaven Bible College in Chesterton in his youth, he no longer is affiliated with the controversial church.

He’s also showed confidence in unseating Velazquez, citing several issues he has with the city under her reign. For starters, outsiders view the city as “anti-business” in regard to attracting and catering to new firms, eateries and factories.

“You don’t think that Olive Garden, Chili’s, and Chick-fil-A, for example, know how hard it is to do business in Portage?” he asked rhetorically. (Yet don’t be surprised by a pre-Election Day “surprise” of a Meier store coming to the city, he hinted.)

He also routinely reminds voters on his campaign trail that the city’s newest development project on Central Avenue is nothing more than a pricey unemployment office.

“You can call it a university center, and Ivy Tech has its name on the sign and will be there someday, but right now it’s a $6.1 million unemployment office,” he said, referring to the Workforce One building being built downtown. “Is that the best way to spend taxpayer dollars?”

Since meeting Snyder on my driveway last month, I’ve talked to dozens of Portage residents. Many are still on the fence regarding their choice for mayor, so next week I will talk to Velazquez for a follow-up column on these issues. Stay tuned.

06162011 - Mayor Velazquez and Chief Becker - - City official Carl Fisher's confrontation [06152011]

From: Renee' <sur5er1998@aol.com>
To: ovelazquez <ovelazquez@portage-in.com>; mbecker <mbecker@portage-in.com>
Subject: Fisher's confrontation
Date: Thu, Jun 16, 2011 9:50 am

Mayor Velazquez
Chief Becker
Is there a reason why Carl Fisher [Board member of the Portage Parks], came into my place of employment [Portage Marathon @ 6003 Central Avenue], last night /June 15th and very loudly and angrily confronted me? His angry comment regarding my dogs' deaths with:  “Whatever!” was extremely cruel. Fisher's loud confrontation and remark about my dogs was witnessed by another employee and several customers.

I am left to assume that this confrontation of Fisher's was due to the complaint I filed against the police department. The last time I saw Fisher in my place of employment was in November 2010...after I had filed a complaint with the corporate ReMax office, concerning Fisher's questionable sale of my home [in violation of two court orders].

After the October 7th police incident, I have no police protection from my abusive ex-husband [who has a criminal conviction for his threat to kill me / violation of a PPO]. I am dealing with my ex's recent killing of my dogs, for which my ex is not being criminally charged for. The significance of my ex's killing of my dogs and this being one of the warning signs of the danger of me possibly being killed by my ex, is lost on the Portage PD. In addition, the two recent domestic violence murders in Porter County last month, has me and every domestic violence victim in the county walking on eggshells and looking over our shoulders.

Yes, I know how much danger I am of being killed by my ex. But there is nothing I can do about it. Please do not send your city employees / officials into my place of employment to take advantage of my vulnerability and reinforcing the vulnerable situation I am in. I already know how much danger is. The problem is that you don't care.

Renee' Harrington

*********************************************************************************

*********************************************************************************

Carl Fisher [Portage City Board member and one of the Remax Realtors involved in the questionable sale of my home days after the illegal entry], is the customer on the right. Mena is waiting on Carl. I am out of the shot of this camera, getting a tobacco product for the customer on the left. Carl can see me. He also knows I am at work, because of my Chevy pickup truck with Michigan plates, that is parked on the front pump= this was not an accidental meeting.

Carl Fisher [pointing towards me], begins yelling at me. I am ignorning him and waiting on a customer. NOTE THE LITTLE GIRL TO THE LEFT.

Carl Fisher [right], yelling at me.

Me [to the left], waiting on a customer and trying to ignore Carl Fisher's confrontation.

Carl Fisher becomes louder and starts with the finger pointing.

Still doing my best to bite my tongue, as Carl Fisher continues to yell at me.

Carl Fisher [right], continued to yell at me.

I've had enough. I remind Carl Fisher of Abbi's and Bailey's deaths... I ask him about his role in the illegal police entry [so he could profit from selling my home from under me, for my ex-husband].

My turn with a city official who was  possibly connected to the illegal police entry and Abbi & Bailey's deaths

My turn with a city official who was  possibly connected to the illegal police entry and Abbi & Bailey's deaths

 I've said my peace...but Carl Fisher wants to continue the confrontation.

 I've said my peace...but Carl Fisher wants to continue the confrontation.

I've said my peace...but Carl Fisher wants to continue the confrontation. Fisher has completed his transaction at Mena's register and is now waiting for me to finish the transaction with the gentleman at my register.

Carl Fisher waiting for me to finish transaction with customer, so he can continue confrontation with me.

When I ignore Carl Fisher, he storms off, yelling: "Whatever! Whatever!"

Abbi's and Bailey's mama: 10 points.
Portage City Official Carl Fisher: 0 points.