01312017 - News Article - Portage officials ask for indicted mayor's resignation

Portage officials ask for indicted mayor's resignation
Post-Tribune
January 31, 2017
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/news/ct-ptb-snyder-portage-resign-asked-st-0201-20170131-story.html

Portage City Council President Mark Oprisko has joined a growing list of city officials calling for Mayor James Snyder to resign in light of his federal indictment in November on public corruption charges.

Oprisko also said the council may consider ordinances to neutralize Snyder as chairman of the Portage Utility Services Board.

"It's in the best interests of every official and every resident for (Snyder) to step aside," Oprisko said Monday. "We have great department heads. Let the city run. Let us run it so we don't have to keep hearing about the indictment."

In an e-mailed statement, Snyder remained defiant, citing his "American Civil Rights" and the presumption of innocence, while acknowledging the indictment "is weighing heavily on Portage."

"No Resigning!" Snyder responded when asked if was going to resign. He also said Portage residents continue "receiving the great services they have come to expect, and those services will continue because of the hard work of the public servants working."

Oprisko, D-at large, and Councilman John Cannon, R-4th, met with Snyder in City Hall. Oprisko also said he is "considering different options" to remove Snyder from his position as chairman of the Portage Utility Services Board or weaken him in that spot.

Cannon, who described the discussion with Snyder as "spirited," said he is a longtime friend of Snyder's, but the November indictment may be a factor in where the city goes from here. Cannon said he did not "directly ask the mayor" to step down.

"I think Council President Oprisko and myself, we have real concerns about our city and if there's something holding our city back from growing and holding back all of the wonderful things this mayor has done, then we have to address that," Cannon said. "(Snyder) may not be able to continue to do the wonderful things he's done if there's a cloud hanging over him."

In November, Snyder and John Cortina, owner of a towing company in the city, were indicted. Snyder was charged with one count of tax evasion and two counts of bribery.

In a final 2016 annual campaign finance report, Citizens for Snyder, the mayor's campaign committee, reported receiving $2,000 in direct support from Cortina and a $10,000 loan from the businessman.

On the Hammond courthouse steps Nov. 18, the day he was indicted, Snyder's attorney, Thomas Kirsch, indicated they could prove Snyder received a loan from Cortina, not a bribe.

The campaign finance report also showed Citizens for Snyder gave $6,300 to the Committee to Elect John Cannon between March and August last year for Cannon's failed run for county commissioner.

Cannon defended the contribution as part of his efforts and Snyder's efforts to give Portage residents more say at the county level.

"I'm assuming at some point in time I'll be put in same light as mayor because of that relationship and our party," Cannon said. "The perception may be we're connected at the hip, and that's the farthest thing from the truth.

"Campaigns are not about the person running. It's about what we're going to do to better the citizens of Portage."

The City Council agreed on asking Snyder to resign, Oprisko said, and one member, Collin Czilli, D-5th, in a separate statement, said Snyder is innocent until proven guilty, but "if Mayor Snyder truly believes in Portage's future success, it is incumbent on him to resign his office, effective immediately."

Clerk-Treasurer Chris Stidham called for Snyder's resignation earlier in January.

"I think it's a powerful message the president of the City Council has joined my previous call for Mayor Snyder to step down," Stidham said Monday. "My call was based on the fact this indictment was an enormous distraction."

Snyder seemed to shock city officials last September when he asked the utility board to pay for his more than $90,000 in legal fees, to that point, related to the federal investigation.

Oprisko, who is the vice chairman of the board, said he immediately sought to stop the board from paying the expenses,.

The council president said he is exploring ordinances to remove the mayor's office from the utility board seat or deny Snyder compensation.

01312017 - News Article - Portage officials ask for indicted mayor's resignation

Portage officials ask for indicted mayor's resignation

Post-Tribune

January 31, 2017 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/news/ct-ptb-snyder-portage-resign-asked-st-0201-20170131-story.html

Portage City Council President Mark Oprisko has joined a growing list of city officials calling for Mayor James Snyder to resign in light of his federal indictment in November on public corruption charges.

Oprisko also said the council may consider ordinances to neutralize Snyder as chairman of the Portage Utility Services Board.

"It's in the best interests of every official and every resident for (Snyder) to step aside," Oprisko said Monday. "We have great department heads. Let the city run. Let us run it so we don't have to keep hearing about the indictment."

In an e-mailed statement, Snyder remained defiant, citing his "American Civil Rights" and the presumption of innocence, while acknowledging the indictment "is weighing heavily on Portage."

"No Resigning!" Snyder responded when asked if was going to resign. He also said Portage residents continue "receiving the great services they have come to expect, and those services will continue because of the hard work of the public servants working."

Oprisko, D-at large, and Councilman John Cannon, R-4th, met with Snyder in City Hall. Oprisko also said he is "considering different options" to remove Snyder from his position as chairman of the Portage Utility Services Board or weaken him in that spot.

Cannon, who described the discussion with Snyder as "spirited," said he is a longtime friend of Snyder's, but the November indictment may be a factor in where the city goes from here. Cannon said he did not "directly ask the mayor" to step down.

"I think Council President Oprisko and myself, we have real concerns about our city and if there's something holding our city back from growing and holding back all of the wonderful things this mayor has done, then we have to address that," Cannon said. "(Snyder) may not be able to continue to do the wonderful things he's done if there's a cloud hanging over him."

In November, Snyder and John Cortina, owner of a towing company in the city, were indicted. Snyder was charged with one count of tax evasion and two counts of bribery.

In a final 2016 annual campaign finance report, Citizens for Snyder, the mayor's campaign committee, reported receiving $2,000 in direct support from Cortina and a $10,000 loan from the businessman.

On the Hammond courthouse steps Nov. 18, the day he was indicted, Snyder's attorney, Thomas Kirsch, indicated they could prove Snyder received a loan from Cortina, not a bribe.

The campaign finance report also showed Citizens for Snyder gave $6,300 to the Committee to Elect John Cannon between March and August last year for Cannon's failed run for county commissioner.

Cannon defended the contribution as part of his efforts and Snyder's efforts to give Portage residents more say at the county level.

"I'm assuming at some point in time I'll be put in same light as mayor because of that relationship and our party," Cannon said. "The perception may be we're connected at the hip, and that's the farthest thing from the truth.

"Campaigns are not about the person running. It's about what we're going to do to better the citizens of Portage."

The City Council agreed on asking Snyder to resign, Oprisko said, and one member, Collin Czilli, D-5th, in a separate statement, said Snyder is innocent until proven guilty, but "if Mayor Snyder truly believes in Portage's future success, it is incumbent on him to resign his office, effective immediately."

Clerk-Treasurer Chris Stidham called for Snyder's resignation earlier in January.

"I think it's a powerful message the president of the City Council has joined my previous call for Mayor Snyder to step down," Stidham said Monday. "My call was based on the fact this indictment was an enormous distraction."

Snyder seemed to shock city officials last September when he asked the utility board to pay for his more than $90,000 in legal fees, to that point, related to the federal investigation.

Oprisko, who is the vice chairman of the board, said he immediately sought to stop the board from paying the expenses,.

The council president said he is exploring ordinances to remove the mayor's office from the utility board seat or deny Snyder compensation.

01302017 - News Article - Portage council call for mayor's resignation

Portage council call for mayor's resignation
NWI Times
Jan 30, 2017
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/portage-council-call-for-mayor-s-resignation/article_b3075069-fa04-5665-a429-2f830c689ff9.html

PORTAGE — The City Council here has called for the resignation of Mayor James Snyder.

Council President Mark Oprisko, a Democrat, and Councilman John Cannon, the council's lone Republican, met with Snyder on Monday afternoon for more than an hour.

"I basically told him how I feel, as well as the others, that it is time to resign. The focus is now more on the indictment and the charges than the city," said Oprisko, adding he has had reports from employees that the mayor's legal status is impeding their jobs.

"I told him if you are not going to resign, stay home and collect your salary and let the city move forward," said Oprisko, adding that if he doesn't resign, the council will propose an ordinance to remove him as chairman of the Utility Services Board.

Snyder was indicted on three counts in federal court in November including bribery and tax evasion. His trial is set for April 10.

Oprisko said there are several reasons why they are calling for the mayor's resignation, including recent spending trends, the effort by the mayor to pay $93,000 of his personal legal fees prior to his indictment without seeking approval from the Utility Services Board and, most recently, his trip to Washington D.C. for a mayor's conference and to attend the presidential inauguration, taking two police administrators and his family.

Council members Sue Lynch, Liz Modesto, Scott Williams and Collin Czilli all said they agreed with Oprisko's and Cannon's request of the mayor. Member Pat Clem was out of the area.

"I am standing behind the city council members in asking him to resign," said Lynch. "If he truly loves the city, he needs to do what is best for the city."

"I am 100 percent in support of President Oprisko's decision to approach the mayor and ask him to step down," said Williams. "I believe the morale has been affected to prevent the city from operating properly and it is the time the council stepped forward and made a stand."

Modesto said "it is not just one thing, it is a combination of things" that caused her to agree to seek Snyder's resignation, citing recent issues with the mayor's spending.

"I still believe what I said in my statement of Nov. 18 to be true, Mayor Snyder is innocent until proven guilty and deserves his day in court," said Czilli. "However, after two months of consideration, I have reached the conclusion that if Mayor Snyder truly believes in Portage’s future success, it is incumbent on him to resign his office, effective immediately."

The council's call for Snyder's resignation follows that of Clerk-Treasurer Chris Stidham.

Snyder gave a statement to The Times via email saying "When I signed my oath of office there was no clause giving up my American Civil Rights, including my presumed innocence. My rights and my oath of office are no different than Councilman Oprisko or Councilman Cannon’s rights. They are correct that this is weighing heavily on Portage and we are operating well under these circumstances. Residents of Portage are receiving the great services they have come to expect and those services will continue because of the hard work of the public servants working. My dedication to working with other City elected officials has not feigned and together Portage will see more big things accomplished. Any rash decisions are ill advised and detrimental to the future of Portage."

01242017 - News Article - Former cop charged in shooting death gets trial date

Also See:

11182015 - Tiara Thomas OIDV Murder, Portage Indiana - Gary/Hammond Indiana Police Officer Kevin Campbell Charged With Murder

Former cop charged in shooting death gets trial date
Post-Tribune (IN)
January 24, 2017
www.newsbank.com
A summer trial date has been set for a former Hammond and Gary police officer accused of killing the mother of his three children in 2015.

Kevin Campbell has pleaded not guilty to a charge of murder in the shooting death of his former girlfriend, Tiara Thomas, 30, in Porter County Superior Court and is being held without bond.

At a hearing Monday, Campbell's trial was scheduled to begin Aug. 8, going a few days a week for three weeks, concluding Aug. 24. He also has hearings scheduled for April 24 and July 10.

Thomas was found with gunshot wounds to her chest, head and both wrists the morning of Nov. 18, 2015, at the Portage apartment she shared with her fiance in the 5900 block of Old Porter Road in the Park Place apartment complex. She died a short time later at a Gary hospital.

When Campbell was arrested, Portage police said there may have been a financial motive involved. Campbell's vehicle was repossessed, and he and Thomas argued about child support payments, according to charging documents. Police also found numerous voice mails from creditors on Campbell's cellphone, and he had a bank account balance of $7.58 when Thomas died, court documents said.

Campbell was terminated from the Hammond Police Department five days after Thomas' body was discovered. He previously worked as an officer with the Gary Police Department.

01242017 - News Article - Trial date set for ex-officer charged in slaying of woman

Also See:

11182015 - Tiara Thomas OIDV Murder, Portage Indiana - Gary/Hammond Indiana Police Officer Kevin Campbell Charged With Murder

Trial date set for ex-officer charged in slaying of woman
Associated Press State Wire: Indiana (IN)
January 24, 2017
www.newsbank.com
VALPARAISO, Ind. (AP) — An August trial date has been set for a former Hammond and Gary police officer charged in the death of the mother of three of his children.

Kevin Campbell of Hobart has pleaded not guilty to a murder charge in the shooting death of his former girlfriend, 30-year-old Tiara Thomas. He's being held without bond.

At a hearing Monday in Porter County Court, Campbell's trial was scheduled to begin Aug. 8.

Authorities say phone records indicated Campbell and Thomas argued over nearly $1,500 in child support he paid and that creditors were calling him.

Police also found numerous voicemails from creditors on Campbell's cellphone, and he had a bank account balance of $7.58 when Thomas died.

Campbell was fired by the Hammond Police Department days after Thomas' body was discovered.

01242017 - Indiana Senate Bill No. 314 - Inclusion of pets on protection orders

01242017--Indiana-Senate-Bill-No.-314--Inclusion-Of-Pets-On-Protection-Orders

Protecting Pets From Domestic Violence with Protection Orders - Video

Renee' Harrington/Michigan OIDV

November 05, 2014

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnhBMGpG5qc

01242017 - News Article - Portage mayor raises, spends more than $136,000 in campaign funds

Portage mayor raises, spends more than $136,000 in campaign funds

NWI Times
Joyce Russell 

January 24, 2017

http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/portage-mayor-raises-spends-more-than-in-campaign-funds/article_1d4bc1e0-8251-5712-be25-9b94b120079a.html

01182017--Snyder's-2016-Financial-Report-For-Citizens-For-Snyder

PORTAGE — Mayor James Snyder's 2016 campaign spending doesn't pass the "stink test," according to two Hoosier political analysts.

Snyder, who was elected in 2015, raised in excess of $136,000 in campaign funding last year and spent it all in 2016, according to his campaign finance report.

Among the contributions to his campaign, outlined in the 2016 year-end report of receipts and expenditures of a political committee released Friday, was a $2,000 donation and $10,000 loan from his co-defendant in his federal bribery case.

John Cortina, who was indicted along with Snyder in November, has made donations to Citizens for Snyder for many years, said Snyder's campaign treasurer, Kenard Taylor. The donations support the Mayor's Roundtable, which brings other mayors to Portage for events. 

"This year he also lent the campaign $10,000," Taylor said.

Practice not unusual for larger cities

While 2016 was not a mayoral election year, and Snyder has said he will not seek a third term as mayor, Taylor said it is not unusual for some politicians to raise funds in an off year.

"You'll find it goes both ways through the state. He went out and raised money for other candidates. He wants to help people who will promote Portage, help people who can help his community," said Taylor, who prepares campaign finance reports for other candidates as well.

Andrew Downs, director of the Michael Downs Center for Indiana Politics at Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne, said it would not be uncommon for a politician to raise and spend money in an off-election year — had Snyder not announced he wasn't running for re-election. 

Usually, said Downs and Hoosier political analyst Brian Howey, that is saved for larger cities and higher state or federal offices.

And while some candidates raise funds on off years, Howey said he finds it unusual for a mayor of a city the size of Portage to do so.

Commingling accounts

Howey was more surprised by Snyder's use of campaign funds to pay personal expenses.

Those include paying his wife $12,000 for campaign management; $11,300 to Taylor for consulting and financial services; $8,300 in rent toward his campaign office, which is shared space with his personal mortgage company; $9,700 to his company SRC LLC for his campaign's share in office supplies, equipment or salaries; $5,000 to himself as a loan repayment and $3,851 to Google for advertisements and web promotion.

There also are campaign expenses involving Snyder's golf outing and additional fundraisers, Taylor said.

"I haven't heard of that kind of intermingle of funds since the 1996 Pence congressional campaign," Howey said. "It is highly irregular commingling personal and campaign accounts."

Downs said Snyder's expenses are likely legal, but "don't pass the stink test."

Snyder did donate $12,300 to various Republican candidates and to the county Republican organization. He also used $22,000 to pay attorney Thomas Kirsh, who is defending him in federal court.

That too is legal, Taylor said, because the investigation and indictment involves his position as mayor.

Downs was surprised that Snyder maintains a campaign office year-round and pays campaign workers, as well as rent. Downs said even Fort Wayne's mayor doesn't maintain such an office. Most candidates, particularly in a city the size of Portage, might have a storefront for a few months around the election and a cellphone for someone to take calls.

Remaining expenditures went to meals, travel, charitable donations and other incidentals.

As for donations, Snyder received 35 donations of $2,000 or more, many coming from companies that do business with the city, including the city engineer, city attorney and Allen's Lawn Care, which holds the city's landscaping contract; Holladay Properties, developers of AmeriPlex and the Founders Promenade development; Marina Shores at Dune Harbor, which received approval to offer the first residential tax abatements in the city; Midnight Blue Towing, which is on the city's towing list; the Pangere Corp., contractors for the new fire station, and SEH of Munster, which holds several design/engineering contracts with the city.

Snyder's committee ended the year more than $19,000 in debt, including the loan from Cortina and the remaining money owed himself. He did not return an email request for comment.

01232017 - News Article - Former cop to stand trial Aug. 8 for murder

Also See:

11182015 - Tiara Thomas OIDV Murder, Portage Indiana - Gary/Hammond Indiana Police Officer Kevin Campbell Charged With Murder

Former cop to stand trial Aug. 8 for murder
NWI Times
Jan 23, 2017
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/former-cop-to-stand-trial-aug-for-murder/article_3f021691-5a7c-51cb-880f-a04c46f6670e.html

VALPARAISO — An Aug. 8 trial has been scheduled for a former Hammond and Gary police officer charged with murdering the mother of three of his children.

The trial involving Kevin Campbell was scheduled out over three weeks after Porter County Chief Deputy Prosecutor Matt Frost said it could go for as long as 10 days.

Porter Superior Court Judge Roger Bradford hears trials on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursday so as not to interfere with the routine court call.

Campbell, 32, is charged with killing Tiara Thomas, 30, who was found covered in blood about 7:30 a.m. Nov. 18, 2015, in her unit at Park Place Apartments, 5970 Old Porter Road in Portage. She died later at the hospital.

Court records allege Campbell shot Thomas sometime between 4:37 a.m. and 5:55 a.m., then took their three children to school.

The couple's oldest child, a middle school student, reportedly told investigators that on the way to school that morning, they stopped at Columbus Park in Lake Station, where Campbell dumped a bag the child believed contained shoes and other unknown items at the park. Police have not recovered the bag.

Campbell kept the three children overnight the night before Thomas was killed, which was unusual, according to court records. He allegedly requested his oldest child bring him a key to the apartment nearly two weeks before the killing.

There was no forced entry into Thomas' apartment the morning she was killed, according to the court document.

The affidavit states Campbell paid Thomas nearly $1,500 per month in child support and the two often argued about the money and how it was spent. The charges indicate Campbell was in debt and his vehicle had been repossessed.

Campbell made an unsuccessful attempt this past summer to be released on bond while his case proceeds.

While Bradford agreed with the defense that there may not be a lot of physical evidence linking him to the crime, he said the presumption of his guilt is strong based on circumstantial evidence and that is enough to justify continuing to hold Campbell without bond.

A status hearing in the case was scheduled for April 24, with a pre-trial conference July 10.

01192017 - News Article - Indiana bill would protect pets in domestic violence cases

Indiana bill would protect pets in domestic violence cases
Courier Press
January 19, 2017
http://www.courierpress.com/story/news/politics/2017/01/19/indiana-bill-would-protect-pets-domestic-violence-cases/96768198/
Local Senator Vaneta Becker proposed legislation that allows courts to give victims possession of pets.
Organizations supporting domestic abuse victims have heard countless tales of animals being harmed or used as a tactic for getting victims to stay with abusers.

Oftentimes, those tactics work. Catherine O’Connor, the president and CEO of The Julian Center said they get calls from people in violent relationships concerned about their pets at least once or twice per week. .

State Sen. Vaneta Becker, R-Evansville, has proposed legislation that would allow courts to give victims possession of pets and to protect those animals.  Senate Bill 314 would also direct police officers to retrieve an animal from the house for the victim after the fact.

Up to 40 percent of the time, victims said they delayed leaving out of concern for their pet's safety, according to the Beacon of Hope Crisis Center, and other studies reported higher numbers.

On Wednesday, various animal advocates and domestic violence organizations spoke in support of the bill during the committee hearing, including the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

"Victims of family violence are often left deciding whether to stay in an abusive situation or to go and leave behind their beloved pet," said Vicki Deisner, the Midwest legislative director for ASPCA.

She cited an example of a colleague whose father broke his beagle's legs. The mother and child continued to stay in the abusive home until the dog died.

Sandra Ziebold, the CEO of Beacon of Hope Crisis Center had similar stories. Recently they responded to an incident where a pit bull was stabbed after getting between an abuser and the victim.

"Those are accounts as a CEO of our community, but also I'm a survivor and my pet was harmed in 2002," Ziebold said. "Having had this would have been immensely helpful."

Beacon of Hope Crisis Center offers a foster pet program, but sometimes acquiring the pets either takes too long or they don't have enough foster families to take the animals. She also said the portion of the bill that enables law enforcement to retrieve the pets is extremely important, because of how often victims ask the center to help get their pets back.

Becker has worked on legislation concerning domestic violence since her initial session in the Indiana House. In 1982 she presented legislation that enabled married couples to file for protective orders, even before divorcing.

Her mom had been threatened by her father when Becker was a child, so the issue is a personal one as well for Becker.

She has never been abused herself, but understands the love people have for their pets. Pictures of her dogs sit on her desk in the Statehouse.

"If I had been in an abusive situation, I wouldn’t have left if I didn’t know that my dogs, that I could either take them with me or make arrangements for them to be taken care of," Becker said. "You know your animals are like a part of your family; it’s not just a little thing."

01182017 - Portage Mayor James Snyder's 2016 Campaign Financial Report - Citizens For Snyder

01182017--Snyder's-2016-Financial-Report-For-Citizens-For-Snyder

01162017 - News Article - EDITORIAL: Buncich, Snyder selfishly hold posts

EDITORIAL: Buncich, Snyder selfishly hold posts

NWI Times
The Times Editorial Board  

Updated: January 16, 2017

http://www.nwitimes.com/news/opinion/editorial/editorial-buncich-snyder-selfishly-hold-posts/article_dc7f2c86-7e55-5c11-8195-336982e2ac74.html

The Times recently reported that Lake County Sheriff John Buncich sought a continuance in his federal criminal case in which the county's top lawman faces felony bribery charges.

In court filings, Buncich argued he needed more time to prepare his defense against the criminal indictment in Hammond federal court.

If Buncich would do the right thing and resign now, he would have more time to focus on his criminal charges, which will only cause further distractions and obstacles to the important business of serving as sheriff.

We've argued this before, but it's worth restating.

Buncich and Portage Mayor James Snyder, who faces a separate and unrelated federal bribery case, both should resign and stop hauling their constituents through the legal distractions and drama.

Both men face unrelated felony bribery charges related to towing contracts under the stewardship of their respective public offices.

It’s only going to get worse the longer they wait to step down.

One of Buncich’s chief deputies already has pleaded guilty in the scheme and pledged to aid federal prosecutors.

In the meantime, how many local and federal law enforcement agencies will want to continue partnering — or funding — an agency run by a leader facing federal felony charges?

The Lake County Sheriff's Department, like other local police agencies, frequently relies on federal funds for various law enforcement initiatives, including overtime money for special patrols.

It's hard to fathom any branch of the federal government looking favorably on granting money to a police agency whose leader is operating under such a dark shroud.

In both the case of Buncich and Snyder, abdicating office, guilty or not, is the right thing to do for both government reputations and taxpayers.

Mounting a defense against federal criminal charges will take immense time, effort and attention. It's impossible to conceive of there being much time left to focus on the important duties they were elected to execute.

Federal grand jury indictments accuse both Buncich and Snyder of illegally enriching themselves via their public offices. It's a clear allegation of greed infecting government.

If they're interested in showing their intentions are pure — which their pleas of not guilty portend — they'll take the selfless act of resigning.

Right now, they're showing nothing by selfishness in refusing to abdicate.

Nearly two months have passed since these charges were leveled. Constituents and fellow government leaders should apply more pressure for these men to do the right thing and step down.

01112017 - News Article - Officials dispute north county complex future

Officials dispute north county complex future
NWI Times
Updated Jan 11, 2017 
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/offcials-dispute-north-county-complex-future/article_630dce79-083f-55a8-a571-d3f9003113ce.html
PORTAGE — Porter County government is taking a close look at its north county government complex, which at nearly 40 years old is falling short of today's needs.

If it is determined a new building is needed for the courts and other government offices, it likely will be constructed at the same site south of U.S. 6 along the west side of Willowcreek Road, according to Porter County Commissioner Jeff Good, R-Center.

But Portage Mayor James Snyder said he would prefer to see a new county building sited farther north in the city's downtown area, between the new fire and police stations.

The downtown location would provide the city with a much-needed anchor for the downtown, while fueling economic development for the city and county, he said. Development occurred around the site of the current location, he said, but now that that has occurred, it would be a lost opportunity for the downtown to put a new building up at the same site.

Porter County Commissioner Jim Biggs, R-North, said he understands Snyder's point of view, but agrees that it makes more sense for the county as a whole to rebuild, if necessary, at the same site.

The county already owns the land, and it's more easily accessible than the downtown, he said. The current site is also where there is the most potential for growth, especially if Willowcreek Road is one day extended south to U.S. 30.

Snyder said the downtown location would be closer to the Duneland area and easily reached by the Indiana Toll Road.

The county could sell the valuable land that it now owns, and the city would be willing to look at all options to make the downtown site a reality, he said.

01112017 - News Article - Portage mayor's trial delayed until April

Portage mayor's trial delayed until April

NWI Times

Updated Jan 11, 2017  

http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/portage-mayor-s-trial-delayed-until-april/article_0f5b5005-e942-581d-884a-11e014b74189.html

PORTAGE — Mayor James Snyder's federal trial on bribery and tax evasion charges has been postponed. The trial will now begin April 10.

Snyder's attorney filed a motion for a continuance last month saying his firm had not received discovery materials from the federal government as yet. That motion was unopposed by the federal prosecutors and granted this week by the courts.

Snyder was indicted on three separate charges in November following a more-than-two-year investigation by the FBI.

He was released on bond the same day. His trial, along with that of co-defendant John Cortina, had been scheduled to begin Jan. 23.

01062017 - News Article - Push in Portage for transparency delayed

Push in Portage for transparency delayed

Michael Gonzalez

Post-Tribune

January 06, 2017

http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/news/ct-ptb-portage-city-council-st-0109-20170106-story.html

Proposed ordinances to make towing agreements and all other agreements subject to more scrutiny in Portage were delayed even as some city council members wanted them quickly passed in the wake of indictments of the mayor and a towing company owner.

Four council members tried to suspend the rules and get the measures passed on first reading, but Councilman John Cannon (D-4th) voted against rushing a final vote. He has said he is a life-long friend of the son of John Cortina, who was indicted in November along with Mayor James Snyder, and expects to be interviewed by federal authorities about the corruption charges.

"We need to have a little more discussion on this. It's not an emergency to get it done, we've waited all this time," Cannon said. "I believe the only reason it was brought up is because of other issues around the city."

When asked if those other issues were the indictments, Cannon said, "that could be part of it."

Snyder was charged with taking bribes from Cortina's towing company and with tax evasion. He opened the recent council meeting but left soon afterward, citing a scheduling conflict. Council President Mark Oprisko and member Elizabeth Modesto did not attend the meeting.

One proposal would move approval of towing agreements from the Portage police chief to the city's Board of Works. The agreements generally have no dollar amounts, as they are not contracts and require no city funds since drivers bear the costs of towing.

Clerk-Treasurer Chris Stidham said the towing measure would subject such agreements to more public scrutiny.

"It makes (towing agreements) more transparent and open to the public, given everything that's going on," he said.

Portage Police Chief Troy Williams agreed with the Board of Works having authority over approving towing agreements.

"Pretty much everything is the same, but (the ordinance) just adds another level of transparency," Williams said. "(The council) is leaving the managing and overseeing of towing agreements to the chief of the police department."

The council also discussed a second measure to have all agreements entered into by the city go to the Board of Works for approval, even if those agreements cost the city nothing. Such agreements include contracts, where city money is spent, and memoranda of understanding, or MOUs.

Councilman Collin Czilli (D-5th) tried to introduce an amendment to the proposed ordinance that would require the Board of Works, the Port Authority, the Parks and Recreation Departments and the Redevelopment Commission to notify the council of agreements and contracts they enter into, but he later withdrew it.

The two measures overlap and probably could be combined, Cannon said after the meeting.

The council tabled the city agreements policy ordinance for a February meeting.

01052017 - News Article - Lake County sheriff seeks delay in corruption trial

Lake County sheriff seeks delay in corruption trial
Post-Tribune
January 05, 2017
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/news/ct-ptb-buncich-snyder-trials-st-0106-20170105-story.html
Lake County Sheriff John Buncich asked a federal judge to delay his trial on corruption charges.

Buncich's attorney, Bryan Truitt, filed a motion in federal court Thursday that aims to move the sheriff's trial from Jan. 17 to April, according to court documents, and cited the potential for needing to review "voluminous" material, including more than 45 CDs of audio and video recordings.

Truitt, in his motion, said that Buncich's defense team has yet to receive discovery material from federal authorities and would not be able to prepare for a January trial. Without being prepared, Buncich would not receive a fair trial, Truitt said.

"The government represents that the discovery is massive and the defense would not be able to sort through it all by Jan. 17, 2017, even if the same were received today," Truitt wrote.

Buncich, former Chief of Police Timothy Downs and William Szarmach, of CSA Towing in Lake Station, were named in a multicount indictment Nov. 18 alleging an illegal towing scheme in which the sheriff accepted bribes in the form of thousands of dollars in cash and donations to his campaign fund, Buncich's Boosters, according to court records. All three are facing charges of wire fraud, while Buncich and Szarmach also are charged with bribery.

The sheriff, whose department was in charge of deciding which companies were called for towing services, and Downs allegedly steered business toward towing operators in exchange for cash and checks, the U.S. attorney alleged in a 14-page indictment. Buncich allegedly took more than $25,000 in cash bribes and $7,000 in checks from Szarmach and another towing operator identified as "Individual A," according to the indictment.

Buncich and Szarmach pleaded not guilty during their initial appearances in November.

Downs struck a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney's office, which a federal judge has not yet accepted, admitting he allegedly cooperated with Buncich to solicit brides from tow truck operators for favorable treatment. In addition, Downs, in the agreement, said he submitted his resignation from the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

As a part of the plea agreement, Downs would cooperate with federal authorities and provide any information relative to the commission of any crime.

During Downs' plea hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip Benson said authorities have a series of recordings between "Individual A," Downs and Szarmach that reportedly detail the scheme to solicit and collect bribes in exchange for towing jobs.

As Buncich seeks to have his trial delayed, a federal judge agreed to move the trials of two Porter county men charged with corruption.

On Wednesday, Judge Paul Cherry granted Portage Mayor James Synder and John Cortina, of Kustom Auto Body in Portage, a continuance for their trials, which were set for January. Trials are now set to begin April 10, according to court documents.

Snyder and Cortina were charged with allegedly violating a federal bribery statute. Capp said the mayor solicited money from Cortina and "Individual A" and gave them a towing contract for Portage.

Snyder received an additional bribery indictment for alleged accepting $13,000 in connection with a Board of Works contract, and allegedly obstructing Internal Revenue laws.

01052017 - News Article - Without answer, former commissioner's reimbursement bid on hold

Without answer, former commissioner's reimbursement bid on hold
POST-TRIBUNE NEWS
January 05, 2017
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/news/ct-ptb-porter-federal-probe-st-0108-20170105-story.html
Former Porter County Board of Commissioners President John Evans' request to have $5,000 in legal fees reimbursed because of an investigation by federal officials appears to be on hold because the U.S. Attorney's Office has not provided a clear answer on the status of the investigation.

Evans' request came before the County Council in early December. The council tabled the matter, pending additional information on the investigation, and asked council attorney Harold Harper to reach out to the U.S. Attorney's Office to find out more. A Republican, Evans' term on the council ended with the year; he chose not to seek re-election.

Councilman Dan Whitten, D-At large, who was president of the council at the time, opened the discussion on the reimbursement and said then the council needed confirmation that the investigation was closed before fulfilling the request.

Under Indiana Code, a municipal officer or employee who is the target of a grand jury investigation can apply for reimbursement for legal expenses having to do with that investigation "if the grand jury fails to indict the officer or employee and the acts investigated by the grand jury were within the scope of the official duties of the officer or employee."

In a Dec. 20 letter to Harper, U.S. Attorney David Capp said he couldn't be of any assistance because, "This office neither confirms nor denies the existence of a grand jury investigation, or if there is such an investigation, does not comment on the status."

Without a definitive answer from Capp, Harper said, the council can't move forward with the request.

"The wording of the statute puts the council in a difficult position," Harper said. "We will never get a definitive answer from the U.S. Attorney's Office because of the nature of their work."

Evans said he'd have to make another claim for the reimbursement anyway because the previous one was for last year's budget.

"The ball is out of (the council's) court. They were asked to make a transfer in last year's budget. They have no ability to do that now," he said, adding he does not know when he will resubmit the claim, but it won't be before the council's first regular meeting of the year on Jan. 24.

Regardless of if or when Evans resubmits the claim, the stance of the U.S. Attorney's Office on the investigation is unlikely to change, Harper said, as is a resolution of the matter.

"I would have to agree with John (Evans)," Harper said. "It's probably not going to come up unless he submits it again or someone on the council brings it up."

Portage Mayor James Snyder asked for reimbursement of about $93,000 in legal fees from that city's Utility Services Board in early October because of a federal investigation into his proceedings as mayor. The board tabled the matter until it could get more information.

01042017 - News Article - Portage looking to toughen towing regulations

Portage looking to toughen towing regulations

Joyce Russell

January 04, 2017

NWI Times

http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/portage-looking-to-toughen-towing-regulations/article_0ba5a945-706b-5434-bd70-f3e7d7c14426.html

PORTAGE — The City Council is looking at two ordinances aimed at making city business more transparent.

One is aimed at tightening regulations regarding the use of towing companies and was suggested by Clerk-Treasurer Chris Stidham following the November indictment of Mayor James Snyder. One count of the federal indictment involves bribery and a local tow company.

"This whole thing originated with an email I sent to the council and (Police Chief) Troy (Williams) seeking clarification of the city's current tow policy," Stidham said. "At the December council meeting I asked the council to draft a stronger ordinance addressing this issue.

"The whole goal is to simply make the process public. Currently, it is all the discretion of the chief of police. I didn't even know what tow companies were on the list prior to the indictments. So at the very least with the new ordinance people will know when the tow companies change," Stidham said.

The present tow policy was developed by former Police Chief Mark Becker and modeled after the one used by the Porter County Sheriff's Department. It was maintained when Troy Williams was named chief five years ago.

Basically, the policy sets forth a procedure to get on the city's towing list and lists various requirements of a towing company and sets fees the towing company can collect. The city does not collect fees from the towing company. If the company meets the requirements, it is signed by the police chief.

The proposed ordinance, which was introduced Tuesday night at a council meeting, would require the agreements between the police chief and towing company to also be approved by the Board of Works. Snyder was present at the beginning of the council meeting, but excused himself due to a previous engagement and left before discussion on the proposed ordinance began.

The ordinance passed first reading, with Councilman John Cannon, R-4th, voting against it.

"We need more discussion on it. There is no emergency. We need to discuss it in front of a full council," Cannon said. Council members Mark Oprisko and Liz Modesto were absent.

The second ordinance, which was suggested by Oprisko, would require all agreements, contracts, memorandums of understanding, pacts or commitments except those made by the Parks and Recreation Board, Port Authority Board or Redevelopment Commission to also be approved by the Board of Works.

Councilman Colin Czilli introduced an amendment to the ordinance which would require copies of contracts from the four boards to be presented to the City Council for review.

After discussion the council tabled the ordinance, saying members needed greater clarification on documents included in the approval and review process.

01012017 - News Article - EDITORIAL: Resolve to push out corruption, promote civility

EDITORIAL: Resolve to push out corruption, promote civility
The Times Editorial Board 
NWI Times
Jan 1, 2017
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/opinion/editorial/editorial-resolve-to-push-out-corruption-promotecivility/article_9ac1aa89-c933-5303-a8bf-9236f2b7bf85.html
Looking ahead with hope is one of the greatest opportunities a new year provides.

If 2016 is any indication, the Region has much to look forward to.

Here are a number of things Northwest Indiana, its leaders and citizens should resolve to work toward or realize in 2017:

Losing the chip
Our Region is notorious for its "us against them" mentality when it comes to relations with Indianapolis, state leaders and just about any other neighboring state or region.

Let 2017 be the year when the collective chip on our shoulders diminishes.

Northwest Indiana enjoys the economic and social benefits of a world-class city to our north with a far more attractive tax rate than Chicago — or our Illinois neighbors as a whole.

The Region hotel industry is booming, home construction is strong and our opportunities for economic growth remain within reach.

We enjoy one of the most beautiful freshwater coastlines in the world, with all of the recreational and natural resource benefits.

Region leaders from Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties are beginning to click with the important notion of our connected borders, economies and the need to share resources and ideas.

We have nothing about which to feel inferior. Lose the chip.

Clean government house
Despite the growing number of Region positives, a strong negative remains in some government leaders who believe public service is synonymous with self-enrichment.

Region leaders and residents should resolve to press for the resignations of Lake County Sheriff John Buncich and Portage Mayor James Snyder in 2017.

Both men face felony criminal charges in Hammond federal court in separate bribery schemes.

Guilty or not — and both will have their days in court — Buncich and Snyder should be pressured to resign by fellow public officials and party leaders.

The shroud of their criminal cases will continue to damage the reputations of their respective political offices and constituencies.

Lake County Councilman Jamal Washington, who pleaded guilty earlier this month to battering his wife, also should be pressed to resign.

Washington pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor battery count, thus avoiding trial on the original felonies he faced in Porter County Criminal Court.

But our elected leaders shouldn't have the repugnant embarrassment of a battery conviction looming over local government.

Washington remaining on the council continues to send a message that battering women holds little consequence.

Commuter rail
The economic benefits of expanding the South Shore commuter rail line have been demonstrated time and again.

We know commuter rail expansion attracts young professionals and their families to communities. It also further connects existing residents with the jobs and social opportunities afforded by Chicago.

Communities not already fully on board with expanding the line to Dyer and double-tracking the Region line for speedier commutes should punch their tickets in 2017.

Civility Counts
This is a no-brainer.

Mocking people, calling them names or degrading them is bad social and political policy and shows poor character.

The Community Civility Counts initiative began as a partnership between the Gary Chamber of Commerce and The Times and has grown to a nationally recognized movement.

Resolve to strive for more civility in 2017.

It's a smarter, kinder and more thoughtful way of conducting ourselves.

01012017 - Porter County Local Court Rules

Porter-County-Local-Court-Rules--01012017