DEMOCRAT
SOUTH BEND
Hundreds turn out at community rally for Mayor Luecke
Rally shows West Side base is mobilized for unprecedented fourth term
South Bend, Ind. — The treats kept coming a day after Halloween as two West Side institutions, South Bend Chocolate Co. and Bruno’s Pizza, hosted a community rally Thursday in support of the re-election of Mayor Steve Luecke that drew hundreds of West-siders and supporters from throughout the city.
More than 600 people came to the South Bend Chocolate Co. factory on West Sample Street to show their support for the mayor and to sample some of the delicacies that make South Bend great. They consumed 500 slices of Bruno’s pizza, 400 hot dogs, 500 chicken wings, 60 pounds of chocolate and several gallons of hot chocolate.
The line began outside the complex and wound its way through the factory, museum and store. Mayor Luecke and his wife, Peg, welcomed visitors to the event, hearing words of encouragement from people who don’t like tombstones with their pizza. The Mayor pledged his continued efforts to provide great city services, reduce crime and bring good jobs and new economic growth to the whole city.
Mark Tarner demonstrated the entrepreneurial spirit that is alive on the West Side, while Congressman Joe Donnelly, former Indiana First Lady Maggie Kernan and Washington High School Principal George McCullough interacted with participants, including several dozen people who signed up to work on the Mayor’s behalf on Election Day.
The event’s excitement and energy sharply contrasted with the Republican mayoral candidate’s efforts to obscure his party affiliation and trash the reputation of city neighborhoods.
“There’s overwhelming support on the West Side for the Mayor. Steve Luecke lives on the West Side, goes to church on the West Side and has spent his life in South Bend working to help the West Side realize its potential,” said Mary Downes, campaign manager for the Luecke for Mayor Committee. “Next Tuesday, the voters will speak, and we’ll see behind the veneer of supposed West Side support for the challenger. Then, Mayor Luecke will begin an unprecedented fourth term to continue to work his vision for new growth on the West Side.”
Yet even though Halloween had ended, the tricks didn’t completely cease. At least one Republican candidate was seen at the event, masquerading as a Democrat.