Mayoral candidate Lynn Coleman has received the endorsement of former South Bend Mayor Stephen Luecke.
Luecke – who is South Bend’s longest-serving mayor – has kept a relatively low profile since leaving office at the end of 2011. Coleman was a member of the former mayor’s administration.
“I have known Lynn Coleman for over two decades – as a friend, a community leader, and a valued member of my administrative team,” Luecke wrote in a letter shared with Coleman’s supporters via email. “He has a passion for our community, especially for its youth, wanting to make sure that our children have every opportunity to develop their gifts and to succeed in life.”
Luecke says that while “many candidates talk about reaching out to all segments of the city,” Coleman “has lived that mantra his entire professional life – from his time as a school resource officer, through his service as an Assistant Chief of Police, to his work as Assistant to the Mayor.”
“I am proud to offer my support and endorsement for Lynn Coleman to be the Democratic nominee for Mayor of South Bend,” Luecke concludes.
Luecke’s successor, Pete Buttigieg, has endorsed James Mueller, who is Buttigieg’s childhood friend, former chief of staff, and a former executive director of South Bend’s Department of Community Investment.
Editor’s Note: As part of our Election 2019 coverage, South Bend Voice has offered to publish statements from each of South Bend’s mayoral candidates. We have also sent out a questionnaire to the campaigns. We will publish the responses that we receive before the May 7th primary.