In Episode 44 of The Roof Trollz Podcast, Elijah and Jeff sit down with one of the youngest mayors in Indiana history, Austin Bonta, the current Mayor of Portage.
What happens when a former special ed teacher becomes mayor… and then changes the entire game? From streamlining outdated city codes to supporting his wife’s Carnegie Hall dreams during campaign season, Mayor Bonta shares the behind-the-scenes of running a modern city, with vision, hustle, and a little humor.
Whether he’s fighting for small businesses, solving zoning messes, or just hyping up Portage’s Imagine movie theater, Austin brings refreshing transparency, community-first leadership, and a surprising love for classic rock.
This episode isn’t just politics, it’s what leadership looks like when you actually give a damn.
🔥 Highlights:
▶ How a teacher on the Plan Commission became Mayor in 6 years
▶ The zoning glitch that almost shut down Biggby Coffee
▶ Why Portage said “no” to a gas station and how $210k got wasted
▶ Building Sound Tide Music School with his Carnegie Hall wife
▶ The Mayor’s unexpected creative writing + pre-law background
▶ Portage vs other cities: music festivals, movie theaters, and fireworks
▶ Downtown dreams and Exit 19: what’s next for Portage
▶ What happens when mayors start posting like real people
If you think mayors are boring, this one might change your mind. Part 2 drops next week, and it gets even better.
#TheRoofTrollz #AustinBonta #PortageIndiana #SmallTownLeadership #TeacherToMayor #CityHallStories #ModernMayor
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