12152016 - News Article - GUEST COMMENTARY: Snyder should resign for good of Portage

GUEST COMMENTARY: Snyder should resign for good of Portage
NWI Times
Chris Stidham - Portage Clerk-Treasurer
Dec 15, 2016
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/opinion/columnists/guest-commentary/guest-commentary-snyder-should-resign-for-good-of-portage/article_77331fc1-6ece-56e9-900d-77194e9c9806.html

I write this as a fellow elected official and constituent of Portage Mayor Jim Snyder. Much has been said by residents and elected leaders alike about his recent indictment. Not wanting to respond in knee-jerk fashion, I have tried to be more deliberate in my response.

As an attorney, I believe absolutely that Jim Snyder is innocent until proven guilty. But I also know that a grand jury of at least 16 everyday citizens found there was enough evidence to justify that the accusations are probably true. That's what the federal grand jury said when it returned three indictments against Snyder.

I have spent countless hours since Snyder's indictment reflecting on the best way to keep Portage moving forward. This is a serious and solemn matter, which deserves thoughtful and careful consideration. I've taken a look at all sides of the issue, including Jim Snyder's, in reaching a sincere conclusion.

As elected officials, we are specially entrusted as the people's representatives. That means we are held to a higher standard than the average citizen. Our job is a position of trust and confidence like few others. When an indictment brings that confidence into question, it creates serious concerns as to the ability of that official to continue serving the people.

The question of Jim Snyder's tenure as mayor is not a question of his guilt. Nor is it about "piling on" or scoring political points. It's not even about what's best for him; it's actually about what's best for Portage.

So what is best for Portage? A mayor distracted by a federal indictment? A mayor distracted by the trial of his life? A mayor distracted by constant questions about ethics? Where any deal, purchase, or agreement made by the mayor is looked at with suspicion? Where the CEO of a potential new employer wonders if they should sit across the negotiation table with an indicted mayor?

Simply put, whatever you believe about the nature of the FBI's years long investigation or resulting indictment, it is a dark cloud that looms over every aspect of this government. And whether we like to admit it or not, the cloud brings devastating repercussions for the city and its progress. And that cloud hangs over Portage because of Snyder.

Only when the cloud is removed can the city begin healing. Only then can the public's faith in government be restored. Only then can that next new business looking at Portage have faith and confidence in its potential new home. Most importantly, only then can we know, without doubt, that our highest elected leader is above reproach.

There's no doubt that some great things have happened in Portage in the last five years. That's a testament to the city's leadership team and the amazing city employees who work so hard every day. And if we could only live in our past successes, then that might be enough to sustain our future. But instead we must always look to tomorrow and how we can make each new day better than the last.

Certainly, putting on a brave face and carrying on as mayor is what's best for Snyder. Sadly, my heart tells me it's not what's best for Portage. Snyder should resign as mayor so the heavy weight of his indictment no longer hangs on this great city.

Chris Stidham is clerk-treasurer for the city of Portage. The opinions are the writer's.