Mayor James Snyder Stresses Efficiency, Excellence in 2014 State of the City Address

The Portage Chamber of Commerce’s February luncheon played host to Portage Mayor James Snyder as he shared his administration's recent accomplishments in the city with his 2014 State of the City Address.

The address touched on the various departments of the City of Portage and focused heavily on infrastructure improvements taking place throughout the city. He referenced his motto of “Efficiency and Excellence”, quoting his 2012 pledge to be in a “State of Correction” and in 2013 to be in a “State of Communication”. In 2014, Snyder stated his desire for Portage to be in a “State of Construction and Customer Service”.

“Through continued efficiency and excellence and with a clear vision set forth by this staff, you can rest assured that with each day that passes, you will have a better Portage,” explained Snyder.

He cited the the transformation from being a city with a sizeable deficit to being one with a $2 million-plus budget surplus. He also highlighted the consolidation of the city employees’ health care coverage, which was previously under six different providers.

“I want to publicly thank the City Council for their resolve in making this daunting task a reality,” said Snyder. “I think these contracts are probably the single most significant accomplishment of this administration as our employee’s security and happiness are reflected in their work throughout the city.”

Snyder also credited a commitment to communication as another strength of the city government during his time in office, with increased participation in city-wide recycling and sidewalk repair programs, and monthly breakfasts with concerned citizens.

“Each one of these breakfasts and phone calls prove valuable as many things we don’t see or think of are brought up,” he explained. “Each department has worked tirelessly to call each phone call back in hopes of solving each issue or letting them know why we can’t.”

He also addressed the demolition of the Portage Yacht Club as a savings that will be passed along to the Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk to ensure “it remains the diamond it was meant to be.” Snyder then addressed City Council members opposed to a proposed bond to improve infrastructure at Woodland Park, Imagination Glen Park, and Gilbert Park.

“A quality park system is key to retaining and attracting residents and businesses alike. So we must invest in this now for our residents and for our future ,” said Snyder, referencing a recent statement of support for the bond from Councilperson Mark Oprisko.

Snyder also spoke about the city’s planned investment of $7 million into paving, road, sidewalk and drainage issues. He also asked residents to thank members of the city’s various departments who worked together tirelessly over this harsh winter on snow removal. “You, the residents of Portage, have the best workforce a city has to offer. They represent excellence,” said Snyder.

The police department was also commended for a second straight year of decreased crime levels, down 13.5% in 2013. The Portage Fire Department was commended for the most cardiac arrest saves in Portage history this past year as the department looks forward to christening a new ambulance soon.

He then looked ahead to 2014 with investments in the Portage downtown with the construction on an amphitheater among the major projects slated to take place. He also cited the many new businesses that opened its doors in Portage this year as positive developments that bring in real jobs to Portage residents. Improvements at City Hall and the US-20 corridor were made to support excellence in the city because, as Snyder put it, “Excellence is cleaning up our act before telling others to clean up theirs.”

Snyder talked about the recent decision to grant assistance to Gary for snow removal as another example of excellence in the past year. Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson was given credit for her commitment to Gary and building relationships with surrounding communities. “For many the word ‘regionalism’ is a lot of talk. For Gary and for the City of Portage, it is action,” he stated.

The delivery was Snyder’s second of three addresses during the day; one was held this morning for Portage Township Schools and another will be held later in the night, open to the public.