02082019 - News Article - Portage mayor's race grows as incumbent is away at public corruption trial

Portage mayor's race grows as incumbent is away at public corruption trial
NWI Times
February 08, 2019
https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/portage-mayor-s-race-grows-as-incumbent-is-away-at/article_e319f3cc-5f41-5a0c-a147-1c41f681ae35.html

VALPARAISO — As Portage Mayor James Snyder, a Republican, is away at his federal public corruption trial, the list of candidates seeking to replace him continues to grow.

The city's director of economic development, Andy Maletta, has joined the pool of Democrat candidates that include Leo T. Hatch Jr., City Council member Sue I. Lynch and Clerk-treasurer Christopher D. Stidham, according to Porter County's online election website.

Republican John Cannon has filed for mayor, too.

Those wanting to run in this year's municipal election have until noon Friday to register as candidates.

Other races in Portage include:
Clerk-treasurer: Democrats Elizabeth Modesto and Nina Rivas. 
Council at-large (two seats): Democrats Ferdinand Alvarez, Mark S. Oprisko, Debbie Podgorski and Steve Sonaty; and Republican Austin Bonta.
Council 1st District: Democrat Gina Giese-Hurst.
Council 2nd District: Democrats Patrick Clem and Frank O'Reilly.
Council 3rd District: Democrat Scott Williams and Republican Antonio C. Gutierrez.
Council 4th District: Democrat Brian M. Gulley and Republican William P. Fekete.
Council 5th District: Democrat Collin W. Czilli.