Mayor Sue Lynch grew up in Wheeler, Indiana and is a lifelong resident of Porter County. Sue was elected mayor in 2019 and has since been implementing her vision for a better Portage—one formed on trust, transparency, and progress. She is the widow of Jim Lynch, former Porter County Veteran Service Officer. She has three children, Andrea (Randy), John (Leanne) and Cathy (Danny), six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. She attended Ivy Tech Community College, where she studied Communications and Indiana University, where she studied Environmental Science. Professional Life
Sue served as the Executive Director of People Against Hazardous Landfill Sites (PAHLS) for 12 years. The organization opposed, and ultimately closed, the toxic Wheeler landfill. During that time, she was appointed to serve on the Board of Directors of the Environmental Research Foundation in Washington, DC. In addition, Sue was also the Office Manager for Calumet Park Cemetery in Merrillville. Public Service
In 2002, Sue was asked to serve her community and ran for Portage Township Advisory Board. She was re-elected to the position in 2006. Sue was elected to the Portage City Council in 2007, and was reelected in 2011 and 2015. As a City Councilmember, Sue served as;
- City Council President (2012-2015, 2019-2020)
- Redevelopment Commission member (2012-2016)
- Porter County Recycling & Waste Reduction District (2008-2020)
- Portage Traffic Commission Chairperson (2016-2019)
- Portage Licensing Board member (2018-2019)
- Mayor’s Senior Advisory Committee (2012-2020)
In addition to her role on the City Council, Sue was a member of the Portage Utility Service Board from March 2017 through 2018. While serving on the Board, Sue led the effort to craft the first budget in the Utility’s history, ensured projects were completed on time and within budget, and help to manage over $10 million in Utility bond projects. A Commitment to Veterans and Community
Sue is a Life Member of the Vietnam Veterans Associates and a member of Vietnam Veterans Chapter 905, where she was the editor of the Vet Gazette for over 10 years. She is also a member of American Legion Post 502 Auxiliary and serves as the Post’s newsletter editor. She is a member of the Dunes Leathernecks Marine Corps Detachment 1056 and serves on the Porter County Veteran’s Panel. Sue is a Board Member of the Portage Township Live Entertainment Association and the Maestro Society. She is also a member of the Portage Historical Society and the Bonner Senior Center. Peter Lutheran Church in Portage, where she serves as Outreach Coordinator and as a Shepherd. She also works with the Ladies Guild on various projects.
