FORMER COUNCILOR TO OVERSEE INDIANAPOLIS ABANDONED HOUSING EFFORTS
Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard announced this weekend that he is picking former City-County Councilor Sherron Franklin to oversee the city’s efforts to reduce the number abandoned homes. Ballard made the announcement Saturday at the monthly meeting of the Marion County Neighborhood Associations. Franklin, a Democrat and police officer, will be assigned under IMPD’s Crime Reduction Strategist program. She will be assigned to the Mayor’s office as part of a special unit and will work with Deputy Mayor of Neighborhoods Olgen Williams.
Abandoned homes was of Franklin’s main issues while she served on the council from 2003-2007. As a City-County Councilor her goal was to increase the accountability of owners of abandoned homes. A formal announcement is expected in the near future. There at 7,000 abandoned homes in Indianapolis.
March 16th, 2008 at 11:54 am
So far I have been proud of Mayor Ballard. I have to caution him that this announcement reeks of political patronage and smells like Monroe Gray.
How does a police officer work for a deputy mayor? It seems that a police officer should be working for the chief of police. How can you have accountability with this?
-I’m missing something.
March 16th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Muckraker,
This happens all the time in government. Special units are created to deal with certain problems. Abandoned housing falls under neighborhoods and code enforcement. So you can create special units to deal with the problem, and even though they “report” to the chief they can also be used for other things.
The same open government is still there and you can FOIA time sheets and non-confidential work product to make sure people are doing their jobs.
March 16th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Abdul-
That’s a BIIIIIIIIIG stretch, but nice job on the spinning. Sounds a lot like Isaac, Monroe, etc. We’ll be watching the timecards…
I also take it you agree with taking an officer out of circulation to work on an issue a civilian can easily do.
I also take it you agree with the selection of Sherron. This is a complex issue and you just can’t put a rookie in that job.
Disaster.
March 16th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
…has anyone seen the reports that Deputy Fire Chief Monroe Gray was required to submit to the Fire Chief about his ‘activity.’ -Ohhh, those were ‘oral’ reports that nobody has a record of.
I’m still a supporter of Mayor Ballard, but taking a trained police officer out of police work to perform functions of code enforcement/building inspector/demolition requisition, just seems a poor use of resources.
March 16th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
PIR,
If she were a rookie with no clue, I would agree with you 110%.
March 16th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
If you think about it, it does make some sense. If they are going to go after abandoned homes based on crime, an officer would be a good asset. Code enforcement moves like molasses on a cold day. Police enforcement brings another set of teeth. (common nuisance, unsafe structure and the like). Oh but politics only time will tell.
March 16th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
It would seem to me that this is a clasic area where she should reach out to volunteers within the community to really tackle this problem, rather than merely working within the existing system. I do believe that there are retirees out here who would be willing to give of their time to do some of the ground work to get this mess cleaned up. Flood these absentee home owners with violation notice after violation notice. As they say in basketball “full court press”.
March 16th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Since Monroe was mentioned. Vern Brown is now a roving battalion chief and the rumors are he is still getting deputy chief’s pay. Can anyone confirm this?
March 16th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
First it’s sad that we have to deal with racial issues and haters. Sherron was not on the streets in uniform, she was assigned to arson and witnessed first hand the problem of abandon houses, she is starting her 18th year on police dept. Also she has a chain of command she report to Lt. Depew of Crime reduction stragist who report to Deputy Chief Conly who report to the the Chief. Amos she is an African American and democrat and police officer.
March 16th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Muckracker,
Before you critize, maybe you should read St Louis Missouri, appoarch to abandon houses. The Mayor is St Louis created a Problem properties Unit, in which police officers are assigned specifically to handle this issues, and it has been successful and generated income for the city. Oh by the way we had a 2 alarm fire on a vacant apartment Building at 2am where were you, and where is the delinquent landlord.
March 16th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Yet another appointment by Mayor Ballard that just PROVES that he is beholden to NO ONE!! Sherron is a good choice for this position, probably one of the best choices given her zeal for it. I have no problems with this appointment.
March 16th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
Well, at least he has A single black woman on the team, lets just hope its no more tokenism.
What about black female republicans that supported Ballard?
Why does Ballard hate his own black supporters?
2012 is just around the corner you know and the race baiters see this a simply tokenism.
Why do blacks always have to be shoved into “black” oriented positions. Are they not good enough to do anything else?
March 16th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
Based on press and interviews over the past year or two, Ms. Franklin strikes me as unusual person indeed, a young lady who can put the public ahead of party. I may not vote on her side of the aisle often, but I hope she has the chops for the job and wish her well.
March 16th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
Hello
I normally do not respond to blogs. My cell number is 501-6680 and my e-mail is vabrown2022@ yahoo. I prefer doing business face to face as Abdul is well aware of. I have worked for IFD for 27yrs. My merit rank is that of a Battalion Chief. I acheived all three of my merit promotions in numerical order through a competitive process. I voluntarily requested a transfer to my merit rank in November of 07. The vacancies were posted 3 weeks ago.I have been assigned to the A shift as a Battalion Chief Safety Officer effective 031708 based on my seniority and certifications. If you ever have any questions for me about my assignment or my career on the IFD please do not hesitate to contact me personally. I am very proud of what I do and of the Department. I hope that this answers Johns concerns.
March 16th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
I had a chance to meet Ms. Franklin, when she was a councilor in my area. I am a Rep. and I was hesitate to ask for her help. However, I did and I must say she did more to help me than Dan Burton did! I got to know her and I must say she put our neighborhood before politics! I know a LOT of politicians and I have never encountered such real and honest person – I appreciate her and I know she will do well in her new position.
As you can see Mayor Ballard thinks the same way. Not what party are you from but can you do the job?
Good Luck Sherron.
March 16th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
It is simply a mechanism for oiling the machinery of the foreclosure lottery. Unfortunately, it hasn’t worked in Detroit, St. Louis, Pittsburgh &c…And, it won’t work here, either…
March 17th, 2008 at 8:15 am
Pay Attention: I think you need to pay attention! You see, Abdul is the blog administrator here, not that hate monger, Amos!!! Further, you allege something about race. This blog had no mention of anything to do with race until you brought it into the blog for a excursionary spin.
You also mention a fire at a building…that also has nothing to do with this thread.
The ignorant always try to divert the thread. I wonder if “Pay Attention” isn’t Wilson???
March 17th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
No, Darla, it’s not me…
March 17th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Speaking of Monroe Gray there will be a meeting March 20th at 6.pm at the city county building.
This came after, your truly, has been putting pressure on the committee and this week the full council to review this matter.
After putting in a formal complaint to the full Council today the meeting has been set by Ginny Cain. She also said that we may be the only ones there or everyone may show up. It will be interesting to see what happens. Abdul, it would be nice if you could also be there.
I also like Ms. Franklin. She even calls people back when she is E-mailed.
March 17th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
Let’s see, if the Mayor appoints a white, republican male to a position then the cry is racism. If he appoints a black, democrat female then the cry is tokenism. Democrats, you must choose, you can’t have your cake and eat too even though you think your entitled to it.
March 17th, 2008 at 8:25 pm
Muckraker is NOT Darla.
March 18th, 2008 at 6:54 am
I have to say, I’ve dealt with Sherron on a couple of issues. I’ve also watched her in person and on Ch. 16 multiple times.
The fact that she was ever elected to anything is a mystery to me. My example is probably not scientific enough for some, but I’d say I have sene or or interacted with her, usually in groups, maybe 10-12 times in the last four years.
On over half those occasions, she exploded into a rage. On all of those occasions, she mumbled off some answers that were part gibberish, part mumble and completely off the mark.
And on none of those occasions did I witness one word of discussion about abandoned houses. Or her concern over same.
It apepars to me as if her image is being rebuilt here. That’s fair, I suppose, but my observation is: she’s not the swiftest boat in the canal, and she flies off the handle way too easily for a police officer or public official.
Again, not scientific, and perhaps unfair, but it’s consistent in my dealings or observations.
Besides that, I cannot beleive, the Mayor could find no one more qualified, who knows about zoning laws, foreclosure laws, property rights issues, and the like.
I’m real disappointed in this appointment. That said, because I love this city and think this problem is huge, I hope to God I’m wrong.
March 18th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
This is ridiculous. Another new job?? So much for his promise to cut staff.
Ballard also hired a Chief of Staff for his wife. No other mayor had that.
I’d like to have someone comment on that.
March 18th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
Melissa Hauger
Chief of Staff to the First Lady
Mrs. Winnie Ballard
City of Indianapolis
200 E. Washington St .
Indianapolis , IN 46204
(317) 327-4491
mhauger@indygov.org
Salary: $32,000/yr
March 18th, 2008 at 8:04 pm
oops: Salary: $32,500/yr
March 28th, 2008 at 9:57 am
SHERRON I WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS SOME IDEAS AND THOUGHTS,ON HELPING YOU WITH YOUR NEW POSITION 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE ON REHABING HOMES..AND IF THEY CAN BE REPAIRED. I HAVE MET WITH MIKE HUBER ON SOME OTHER ISSUES 28 YEARS RETIRED CITY EMPLOYEE.
March 28th, 2008 at 10:53 am
But we did have security taking the First Lady around under Peterson didn’t we? I mean while thats important to secure her safety I think some of those guys also doubled as staff for her. If not I can not imagine that she was on her own to schedule appts and the like. That unpaid job is too important for her to be ont he phone at home setting up her own schedule. Someone in past Mayor’s offices did that for the Mayor’s wife I am sure.
May 27th, 2008 at 9:20 am
why can i not get a response back from you,I have 40 years in rehabbing homes an buildings,I could be an asset to you and the city,I am currently getting ready to start my 169th home I would appreciate an answer back from you and I WOULD LIKED TO HAVE BEEN ON YOUR COMMITTEE FOR ABANDON HOMES ,PLEASE REPLY…
May 27th, 2008 at 9:23 am
sherron franklin I SPOKE TO MIKE HUBER ABOUT YOU AND I HAVE NOT GOT A RESPONSE BACK FROM HIM EITHER,I GUES I WILL FAX THE MAYOR ABOUT NO REPONSE, PLEASE REPLY CITY OF INDLS SOMEONE
May 29th, 2008 at 9:15 am
SHERRON FRANKLIN MAY 29
2008
I HAVE NOT HEARD BACK FROM YOU,2 MONTHS AGO,I
SENT YOU AN E-MAIL. STILL NO RESPONSE..I THOUGHT THE MAYOR HAD AN OPEN DOOR POLICY,AT LEAST LAST TIME I SPOKE TO HIM.THIS IS WHY PEOPLE GET UPSET ,YOU WANT THE PUBLICS INPUT ,BUT NO ONE IS LISTENING.LEASE RESPOND
May 29th, 2008 at 9:25 am
MAYOR BALLARD MAY29,2008
DID YOU KNOW THAT AN EMPLOYEE DERICK BLAND IS CITING AND WARNING BUSINESS OWNERS ON 16TH STREET.THAT THEY ARE NOT ALLOWED TO PUT UP COLORED BANNERS OR FLAGS,FOR OPENINGS OF THEIR NEW BUSINESS .HE ALSO SAYS THAT BLACK AND WHITE FLAGS CAN ONLY BE USED DURING THE MONTH OF RACES AT INDPS MOTOR SPEEDWAY.YOU KNOW PEOPLE STARTING OUT NEED SOME WAY TO ADVERTISE THE CHEAPEST WAY POSSIBLE.PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS PRATICE IT IS NOT RIGHT.OWNERS OF COMPANIES ON WEST 16TH STREET….PLEASE RESPOND
August 11th, 2008 at 7:41 am
MAYOR GREG BALLARD
BEST WISHES,ON GETTING BACK UP AND AROUND SOON.
GARY
June 4th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
I am really concerned about a apartment building that has never been up and running since it was built years back off Bridgeport and Washington St next to Jameson Camp. I always see people around it and everything is boarded up and blocked so no one should be in there. this is by my house and it bothers me cuz too much crime happens in these vacant buildings. please help get more info into this location, nothing has been done to this place in years and it has drug crimes, bums,teenagers having sex in them, much more going on inside. please see that this gets somehting done. i am desperate or i will move away from it!!!
June 5th, 2009 at 1:16 am
not heard anything about Ms. Franklin’s accompishments recently. Maybe you can have her on the show to discuss…
September 30th, 2009 at 6:29 pm
It would be nice if all departments would work together to crack down on abandoned houses. But from my experience with these so called abandoned houses they are not what they seem. Most are in the foreclosure process and so the owner has moved because the bank is taking their house back. Now what you have left is an empty house sitting in the owner's name but the bank is holding it and waiting to sell it for the price they want. Thus the city calls them abandoned. No action is being taken on the banks for not taking care of their property. You can't tell someone your going to take back an item and expect that person to maintain the item for you. Get real I would not upkeep a property that I have no rights to. So tell the banks to get these homes in their names and finish the foreclosure process. To allow a bank to tie a home up for 1 month to 10 years is ridiculous.
September 30th, 2009 at 11:29 pm
It would be nice if all departments would work together to crack down on abandoned houses. But from my experience with these so called abandoned houses they are not what they seem. Most are in the foreclosure process and so the owner has moved because the bank is taking their house back. Now what you have left is an empty house sitting in the owner's name but the bank is holding it and waiting to sell it for the price they want. Thus the city calls them abandoned. No action is being taken on the banks for not taking care of their property. You can't tell someone your going to take back an item and expect that person to maintain the item for you. Get real I would not upkeep a property that I have no rights to. So tell the banks to get these homes in their names and finish the foreclosure process. To allow a bank to tie a home up for 1 month to 10 years is ridiculous.