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.