Despite consistent attacks from critics, recent allegations of missteps involving campaign finance reports, and investigators sniffing around his office, Portage Mayor James Snyder still appears giddy to be in public office.
"I'm a little more measured than I used to be, but I'm still very excited," said Snyder, who has been unapologetically optimistic since I met him four years ago.
Last month, Snyder, a Republican who is unopposed in the May primary, declared his re-election bid as mayor of the third largest city in Northwest Indiana, a surprise to no one. His State of the City address last month doubled as his first campaign speech, full of boasting about Portage's growth, lower crime rates and new developments.
Still, he knows that his Democratic mayoral challengers in November – either Portage Township Trustee Brendan Clancy, Leo Hatch Jr. or J. Robert Casko – will use against him the "self-inflicted wounds" regarding his mishandled campaign finance reports. Snyder missed the deadline to file his 2014 financial report, which ended up more than $18,000 in the red. The Porter County Democratic Party filed an election law complaint against him.
"No excuses. I should have had my campaign finances in order, period," he told me last week at City Hall.
Snyder raised nearly $140,000 in campaign funds last year and expects to raise $300,000 this year, an election year.
"I'm not independently wealthy but I've worked hard and campaigned hard for that campaign money," said Snyder, who still operates his mortgage company in the city.
He insists he has nothing to hide and nothing to be worried about. But when the investigators come for your records, it would shake anyone, even Snyder, a father of four who's had to use campaign funds for legal fees.
In his State of the City speech, he labeled 2012 as the "year of correction," focusing on trash collection automation, health insurance and cost savings. The next year was the "year of communication" to better relate with residents, and 2014 was "year of construction," including the new $5.5 million street department building.
The same can't be said for the proposed new fire station and police station renovations, as plans for both are on hold with city officials until their March 18 meeting. There has been talk of housing the police station inside the Portage University Center on Central Avenue, where a glaring amount of empty space is available. Snyder said he won't allow it.
"What would this say about Portage if we build a building for higher education and then use it for a police station?" he asked. "I'm going to fulfill the initial vision for that building."
Despite the dilapidated police station – which had its last major renovation in 1976 – crime in the city has dropped each of the past three years, according to police records. In 2012, by 17 percent, in 2013 by 13 percent and in 2014 by another 10 percent.
"This is the first time in our history we have had three straight years of crime decreases," Snyder said.
He gave all the credit to his city department heads, who he claims are the most talented, hardest-working personnel in Northwest Indiana, although the majority of them don't agree with him, ideologically speaking.
"They work so hard," he said.
It's no secret that Snyder has battled against a Democrat-dominated City Council since his first week in office, and every department is filled mostly with Democrats, too. With an eye on his re-election bid, Snyder said he has the support of city firefighters and is still courting city police, who served as his political muscle back in 2012.
The city has seen noticeable growth since then, reflected by a total of 2,000 new jobs created by year's end, he said. The breakdown ranges from 150 jobs at Monosol to 300 jobs at Meijer to an estimated 50 to 60 jobs at Mercy Diagnostics, which will be located in the Old Port Tavern.
If you're scoring at home (or running against Snyder for mayor), here is a more detailed breakdown, according to City Hall records: Ratner Steel – 30 jobs, Phoenix Services at the Port – 80 jobs, Green Sense Farms – 20 jobs, Pet Supplies Plus – 10 jobs, and Brain Balance – five jobs (look for an upcoming column on this intriguing new business).
This spring, Founder's Square will be opening with its new 2,300-square-foot splash pad underneath the downtown water tower. And construction will be starting soon at the property that once housed Don's Motel, the eyesore on U.S. 20 that was finally razed.
Snyder could barely contain himself over a new recreational development coming to just south of the Marina Shores property, south of U.S. 12. It involves a 180-acre proposal and purchase agreement for what would become the "biggest attraction in the Chicago area," he insisted.
"It's already approved and all the preliminary work is done," said Snyder, promising the deal will close by next month.
I'm skeptical about such promises, especially during an election year. But that's my job, not Snyder's, who enjoys engaging with residents on social media.
"Because of social media and Facebook, it's a new era in politics and public office," he said.
Snyder also hinted about a big name, high-profile national chain restaurant arriving in Portage, with a public announcement coming soon. "It will be a game-changer for this city," Snyder said.
I know what's (allegedly) coming but I promised not to reveal it, citing the obvious lack of big name, high-profile restaurants in my city of 35 years. Snyder disagreed, though acknowledging the lack of variety of stores and restaurants in Portage.
"There isn't a city in this country with a population of 40,000 that has a Bass Pro Shop on one end and an Imax theater on the other end," Snyder said.
Possibly, but if he truly wants to score brownie points with voters in the city, all he needs to do is land an Olive Garden. And no, that's not the promised game-changer.
