Snyder makes run for Portage mayor official
NWI Times
Jan 23, 2011
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/portage/snyder-makes-run-for-portage-mayoroff-cial/article_1d26ee4d-f1eb-5670-b2a3-cbd22ef4096a.html
PORTAGE | Jim Snyder made his official announcement to run for mayor of Portage on Saturday during a gathering held at Portage High School.
Mixing pizza and politics, more than 100 people attended the event, enjoying soda and pizzas, while listening to Snyder's reasons why Portage deserve a change in leadership in January 2012.
"This feels very different than three years ago when I ran, when it was just me and my wife, Deborah, and my family in the living room of our home making the announcement decision with my committee," Snyder said.
"It's great to see so many people here today, all sharing the same hope."
Snyder works at First Financial Trust Mortgage, a division of GVC Mortgage, in Portage.
The event kicked off with supporter Jim Fitzer introducing Snyder's 4-year-old daughter, Reagan, joined by 94-year-old Byron Catterton to lead the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance before an opening prayer.
"Mr. Catterton wants everyone to know that during the almost eight decades he's been voting, the last election for Portage mayor was the first time he's ever voted Republican, when casting his ballot for James Snyder."
During his speech announcing his run, Snyder said his campaign will be built on "community stewardship, fiscal responsibility, economic development and leadership."
"We can save our city millions of dollars of dollars by simply changing the way we collect our garbage," Snyder said.
"Our garbage pick-up is still the most antiquated in the region and we raised this issue three years ago, and have seen our garbage fees increased and no value added to the service."
Prior to Snyder's formal speech explaining his qualifications to be mayor, he was introduced by Diane Highlands, whose late husband Dave served on the Portage City Council for 18 years.
"Dave was about to run for mayor when he passed away," Diane Highlands told those gathered.
"He, like so many others, knew the many opportunities to make this city great. And now, is the time for change."
