Portage mayor facing federal corruption charges plans to still be mayor next year
Chicago Tribune
Feb 15, 2018
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/news/ct-ptb-portage-state-of-city-st-0216-20180215-story.html
Portage Mayor James Snyder delivered his sixth State of the City address Thursday and insisted his future as head of the city is bright and clear.
"I plan to be here again next year," Snyder said after his speech. "We've been saying all along I've done nothing wrong."
In November 2016, Snyder was indicted on multiple federal corruption charges. His trial has been continued twice, with a new date set for this June. Since the indictment, Snyder's first attorney, Thomas Kirsch Jr., has been appointed U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, and Snyder was forced to find new counsel.
Several audience members said they appreciated Snyder's 2017 wrap-up and his plans for the coming year even if their forecasts were not as clear as the mayor's.
"I think the mayor did a great job recapping the successes of 2017 and laying out his vision for 2018 and recognizing all the achievements of the people who are providing services to the residents," said Ryan Smiley, president and CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana. "But, I think (the trial) causes everybody a bit of concern, just because of the uncertainty of the situation."
Retired steelworker John Arroyo, president of the Portage Athletic Boosters Club, said he was not aware of the details of Snyder's legal woes, "but, I'm absolutely concerned. I think (Snyder's) been pretty transparent about it, and he now has a new attorney, but we don't know where this is going to go.
"We wish (Snyder) well and hold him and all the other public leaders in prayer to do the right thing."
There were no city council members at the event. Clerk-Treasurer Chris Stidham, who, like Councilman John Cannon, D-4th, is eyeing the mayor's spot in the 2019 election cycle, also skipped the speech.
Unlike last year, when Snyder made brief comments before turning the podium over to his department heads, the mayor listed a number of business and social successes, like the development of Hannah's Hope Playground, what local officials have called the "first, truly all-inclusive playground for children of all abilities."
Snyder also spoke of the Promenade at Founders Square, a mixed-use retail and residential development towering over an area city leaders have been promoting as Portage's first real downtown center.
Snyder also touted the Central Avenue West project, a multi-stage remake of one of the city's main drags. Beginning at Willowcreek Road, the plan will upgrade the infrastructure, add roundabouts and add a lighted trail to the city's west side.
The mayor began and ended his comments by describing 2018 as the city's "year of courage."
"Portage is courage," Snyder said. "I, my staff, and the people serving you will make sure that this year is, again, one of the most successful years Portage has seen, and we will stand and be strong no matter what is thrown at us."
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