11082011 - News Article - Snyder defeats Velazquez in Portage mayoral race

Snyder defeats Velazquez in Portage mayoral race
November 08, 2011
By Joyce Russell
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/portage/snyder-defeats-velazquez-in-portage-mayoral-race/article_c37e690e-b0fb-58ab-9940-27f55348ce11.html

Portage Mayor-elect Jim Snyder, center, is congratulated Tuesday by supporters after defeating incumbent Olga Velazquez. The Times

Democrat Olga Velazquez talks to supporters at the Portage Yacht Club on Tuesday after losing the Portage mayoral race against Republican Jim Snyder. Jon L. Hendricks. The Times

James Snyder supporters expose a "Mayor Elect" sign hanging at Bass Pro Shop after the Republican candidate for Portage mayor defeated incumbent Olga Velazquez in the general election. The Times.


PORTAGE - James Snyder said he was at a loss for words as he garnered handshakes and hugs from supporters Tuesday night.

Snyder, a Republican, defeated incumbent Democrat Mayor Olga Velazquez in a contentious campaign by a margin of 238 votes. It was a repeat of a race between the two from four years ago. Back then Velazquez defeated Snyder by about 300 votes.

The campaign focused on public safety issues, the University Center building and job creation among other things.

"I am just humbled and honored that the citizens gave me this opportunity and I am going to work really hard not to let them down," said Snyder, who met with supporters at Islamorada restaurant inside Bass Pro Shops.

Across Ind. 249, at the Portage Yacht Club, the mood was much more somber as vote totals were announced precinct by precinct. When one was won by Velazquez, supporters cheered. When she lost, they were silent.

Velazquez, however, remained upbeat in her concession speech.

"What a journey. It has been a roller coaster ride," she said, thanking her supporters.

"I always made the decision based on what's right for the community," she said, adding many of the precincts she lost were in the Stone Avenue project area which has undergone a two-year stormwater redevelopment project.

"Should I have waited another four years?," she said about the project, adding "that's not me, that's not who I am."

Velazquez, who urged her supporters to remain involved in the city, said she believes she's left the city better than it was four years ago.

Snyder said his organization worked hard and had the city's streets and sanitation, fire and police unions and workers backing him.

"It took an enormous amount of people to make this happen," said Snyder, adding despite any divisions caused by the election, "I want the people of Portage to know that I am going to be all of their mayor."

Snyder said his victory was tinged by tragedy, however. One of his volunteers, 19-year-old Ashley Burbee, was killed in a car wreck Tuesday morning.

"It reminds us during these times how small these elections are compared to our lives. Our hearts are with (her) family," Snyder said.