Time For Some Tough Love
It’s no big secret that I like Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard. I knew him before he ran for Mayor and I think he is what this city needs at this moment in time. Instead of spelling out lofty visions full of empty platitudes, Indianapolis needs someone who gets down to brass tacks and deal with urban issues of crime, infrastructure and livability. I still believe that Greg Ballard is that person. However, the Mayor’s performance during the crisis involving the Capital Improvement Board has left him open to attacks by his enemies and some growing concerns by his friends and allies.
While I have never been a fan of empty news conferences, my friend Greg Ballard has made a serious misstep by not being more vocal regarding the CIB and its $47 million operational deficit. It is not the end of his administration by a long shot; but this is an incident that can have a long reaching impact on this city and his tenure as Mayor.
The Mayor’s strategy of focusing on getting results is one to be admired, however in the vacuum of his silence; others have come forward to fill the void. Whether it was Senate Republicans, Senate Democrats or House Democrats, by not being more vocal about his options to close the CIB operational deficit, my friend has allowed the issue to define him and not the other way around.
I do understand that Indiana cities and towns do not have home rule and they are at the whim of the Legislature. I understand he has inherited a situation that was not of his making. I also understand that Marion County Democrats reach a new level of hypocrisy when they question his role in the CIB mess. However, Greg Ballard is still Mayor and sometimes working behind the scenes to get things done unfortunately is not enough.
Believe it or not, the Mayor does operate from more of a position of strength than some might believe.
When the Pacers talk about being broke, someone should remind them that in 2011 the NBA renegotiates its collective bargaining agreement with the owners. It is unlikely that in this economic climate, which is going to last for a while, the Players’ union will walk away with as generous a deal as they do now. Therefore, the Simons will have a much bigger revenue stream than they do now, which means they should be able to contribute more to Conseco’s operations.
Second, the Colts have always been tough negotiators when they needed to be. It’s time for the Mayor to be just as tough. He should take a page out of the President’s book and remind Jim Irsay and Bill Polian that he is the only thing standing between them and Lucas Oil being burned to the ground (politically speaking) by an angry public. I would also say publicly while the Colts have been good citizens, Indianapolis needs them to be better citizens.
Third, when dealing with the General Assembly I would throw every non-tax increasing idea on the table as a way to close the operation shortfall; Sunday alcohol sales, expanding the downtown sports development district, privatizing Lucas Oil Stadium and Conseco Field House, a casino in Union Station, etc. Make sure the it is squarely on them if taxes go up. And for the record, I would not put bankruptcy on the table as some have suggested. I have researched what‘s happened to the handful of municipalities that have either filed or flirted with filing bankruptcy, the results are a lot more devastating and widespread than anyone could imagine.
I also would offer the public an apology for not being more vocal early on. Play it straight as you always have that you thought working behind the scenes would get more done, but you should also been more public about your wishes. Tell them you learned from your mistake and it will never happen again. You find them to be very forgiving, especially when they know you are fighting against putting anymore burden on the taxpayers to pay these facilities.
In the worse case scenario, I would ask the state for a loan to get through the next year, while at the same time have the Pacers provide an independent audit, the CIB do whatever restructuring it needs to do and let the Colts continue to demonstrate they would rather see citizens pay higher taxes and be bad neighbors. Hopefully by next year, a workable solution can be reached, especially if we have numbers that everyone can trust.
And one last thing, I caution anyone who reads this post with glee that my thoughts mean that the Mayor is done for, far from it. This crisis has wounded him, but he is not down for the count by a long shot. I think if anything, he will learn from this and will actually be a better Mayor because of it. But sometimes before you stand up, you have to get knocked down a bit, and sometimes it has to be friends who do the knocking down and who help you get back on your feet.
Now go give ‘em hell, Mr. Mayor.
April 12th, 2009 at 6:57 am
Most of your column makes perfect sense. Two observations:
First, Ballard was elected as a populist who ran against the political climate. I didn’t vote for him, but at the time, I liked his populist approach and the fact thet he owed nobody anything. He didn’t just beat Bart Peterson–he beat back everyday political thinking. What did he do as soon as he won? Put together an incredibly weak internal (staff) team. And for an external (CIB, etc.) team, he was heavily-influenced by the folks who think Steve Goldsmith hung the moon.
Secondly, while Ballard has been publicly AWOL on the CIB mess, 80% of the CIB’s fiscal mess is the Lucas Oil-related. And that is entirely within the governor’s venue. So your column applies to his strange silence, too. Ballard can’t publicly smack-down Mitch, but he can subtely remind the public this mess is not just Indy’s fault.
For too long, Indianapolis is the red-haired stepchild when the legislature is in session. They’re either jealous of Indy or stupid. All 150 of them need a civics lesson in the unique needs and duties of a capital city. They’re a bunch of arrogant igorant brats.
If I were Ballard, I’d read your column, do everything you’ve advised, and then, like a good Marine, purge my staff after the solutions are found. Start with Olgen, and go all the way to Weber. I refuse to believe the GOP administrative bench was that short.
He needs some wise bulldogs on the 25th floor. There are none now. Not a damned one.
Oh yeah–stop listening to the Goldsmith alums. Bob Grand & Co. were a part of the biggest debt-mongers this city has ever known. There are plenty of bright younger lawyers and professionals out there, who are post-Goldy. Look around.
April 12th, 2009 at 7:36 am
Think Again, WAKE UP! Really, you’re dreaming.
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Clean house? Why clean the house when you don’t think it’s dirty? I don’t think the Mayor thinks the house needs cleaned.
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After all, 9 out of 10 people he listens to are all telling him how great his house looks.
April 12th, 2009 at 8:35 am
I dont think the mayor has a clue….
April 12th, 2009 at 9:54 am
Obviously it’s time for some deceived and gullible Indianapolis citizens to put out their old, dusty “HAD ENOUGH?” signs out in their front yards again…
April 12th, 2009 at 10:47 am
1) Unless I misread, the Colts need to cooperate with an independent audit as well. This whole mess is a JOINT endeavor with taxpayers. If the shoe was on the other foot, the owners would want an audit in a heartbeat before spending more of their hard-earned money. Is our labor worth any less? I still can’t see fiscal cover for greater taxation or dirversion of revenues, or the moral cover in expansion of vice for sports teams. Thanks for the piece, Abdul.
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2) For a guy maddeningly loyal to one party, even at undeserving moments, you can come-up with some insight that may benefit all, Mr. TA. I hope Mayor Ballard weighs your words.
April 12th, 2009 at 11:03 am
“Obviously it’s time for some deceived and gullible Indianapolis citizens to put out their old, dusty “HAD ENOUGH?” signs out in their front yards again…”
Wilson it’s obvious that you read or comprehend only what appeases you.
Ballard is trying to clean up your boy’s mess. Repairing Peterson’s screw ups will require more than a year in office and unfortunately millions of taxpayers dollars.
Had Enough? HELL Yes we have..we’ve had enough of DEMOCRAT municipal miss-management.
Ballard will get it right and Indianapolis will be better because of his leadership.
April 12th, 2009 at 11:23 am
Can’t help but wonder if there is someplace where wagering on the outcome (or even parts of it) are up for consideration. Good article and very clear on the role of the legislature on too many local matter particularly for a state that is legally a “home rule” state. Another point, why can’t the Mayor take on the governor—he, the governor, felt free to take on his own people in the legislature. Time for all to stand up for what they believe is the “best final solution”. If that is goodbye to Pacers and/or Colts so be it, if Indy has to go it alone then much of the state will applaud since for too many years they have perceived that there was a lot of time spent in the legislature with special legislation or exceptions granted to Indy. Yes, I am a resident out in the sticks and do not identify with Indy very closely. While I wish they would find a solution I do not support being too much a part of it.
April 12th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
The Mayor, Governor, and Jim Irsay and Mel Simons representatives have been talking for months.
Its past time that these four people get in a room and hammer out a deal.
After all the positioning it appears only the Colts and Pacers are able to hide in the shadows and say it is not their problem.
If Jim and Mel don’t want to play, then the Mayor gets to publicly shame them for not being part of the solution and the mayor and governors people go on a publicity tour demanding that they step up.
P.S.
David Simon is going to be on Inside Indiana Business this week(Perfect time for him to announce the Simons contribution of paying off the CIB’s mall investors)
April 12th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
It looks like poor Greg Ballard’s enthusiastic supporters are down to just Winnie and IndyErnie – the true believers!
April 12th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
Mayor Ballard is worth the effort, thanks for the timely topic Abdul. Government needs to shed its lipid layers of purposeless dysfunction (perhaps 50%+ of its girth). Look at the toxic policy of conflicted approaches in NYC, they’re downsizing public sector employment (conceptually good start) while taxing themselves into new world “prosperity;” a dumb idea. Gambling isn’t an “industry” upon which to build a vibrant economy (where is that taught?). Each percentage of increase, in direct or hidden tax (trumped up fees, etc.), is lost hiring & purchasing power in what’s supposed to be a free market. Sovereign minded adults will opt for freer & greener markets (Michigan is losing population at an alarming rate). Citizens need, relevant, good public policy to economically magnatize this city & state; not the continuance of, or rescue, of blue blooded (and therefore oxygen deficient), limited, upper circulation cronyism. Good policy is cellular or citizen centered.
April 12th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
Will the Pacers or the Colts become the savior that gets a huge public relations bump by stepping up first?
Who will be demonized as the evil billionaire owner that prays on the public and fans by demanding taxpayer bail outs?
Which teams players will soon have their pictures posted with their salaries on blogs, yard signs, TV, and print ads asking for a taxpayer bailout?
Which team owner will have protesters showing up at their homes with signs demanding they help their community and fans in their time of need?
Plenty of YouTube videos showing the revolt at the statehouse speech and select out takes of less than favorable views of team owners and players.
It would be much better for them to step up in a meaningful way.
April 12th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
It takes more than a year to fix our fiscal ills after eight years of bad management, Wilson. (Gov. Daniels is trying to overcome sixteen.)
Since your greatest political hero was the queen of underachievement, I’m a bit surprised by your new-found respect for standards.
April 12th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
I suspect the Simons will be the heros and Irsay will become the villain.
The Simons are smarter, richer, more committed to the community,and know a win win opportunity when they see it.
Simons will get all the glory and Jim will come off as a greedy goof that doesn’t care about the fans or community.
Stay tuned, We will find out this week!
April 12th, 2009 at 3:35 pm
It’s been over 15 months now since Ballard became Mayor of Indianapolis. The C.I.B. mess has been developing for years but what leadership has Ballard done to resolve the CIB mess? Zilch!!!
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Frankly, he’s been A.W.O.L. and nearly everybody (except for Winnie and IndyErnie) is clamoring for Ballard to finally step up to the plate and show some leadership at last. He is the Mayor, isn’t he?
April 12th, 2009 at 4:28 pm
Don’t forget me Wilson…………….There are many people still behind Ballard.
April 12th, 2009 at 4:58 pm
Ah yes! Bob Grand and “flipper” and Olgen Williams! Anybody else?
April 12th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
Why jump on the Mayor? Frankly I like it that he is letting them hang out to dry- we all see what they are doing pointing at the mayor for what a bad deal they made, how the legislature, the ones who really have the control, are again poorly handling it. The alcohol tax should be statewide- there should be a casino in Union Station for entertainment in spite of all you that love to tell others what they should or should not do with their money, the teams need to step up, and the legislature should stop kissing ass of the team owners. There are benefits for those outside of Marion County of having the stadiums so all should pay the measly increase for alcohol.
I guess next they will blame the Mayor for Barts gross negligence in the water company debacle. Of course no one will notice that the current Mayor has been trying to refinance this quietly.
Anyway, I hope when the Mayor does “speak up” he lets tells them off and all the armchair quaterbacks.
April 12th, 2009 at 5:14 pm
I think maybe Winnie has changed her mind and it is down to IndyErnie whom most people ignore…Olgen Williams, even if you listened to him, he never speaks in sentences and used the incorrect words to the point NO ONE has any idea what he is talking about…..he is a joke.
April 12th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
Stick around Wilson, your doing a stellar job of exciting the masses against your dumbocrat buddies.
Sooner or later someone will tie this mess to your lord and savior…Andre Carson. I’m sure there is a connection somewhere.
Maybe it will be a campaign contribution from the Simons for some congressional Staff Lobbing on their behalf during the Peterson negotiation session.
When the Carson team finds out about the revelation you will again be told to stay off the blogs and to shut up. So until then keep up the good work, we will miss you.
April 12th, 2009 at 6:15 pm
I’ve got my fingers cross that our mayor makes some bold moves this week.
April 12th, 2009 at 6:22 pm
Chill on your usual sputtering and spewing, IndyErnie. This posting by Abdul isn’t about you or me or Congressman Carson: it’s about the wishy-washy Mayor Greg Ballard needing to get his act together and showing some real leadership at last on this CIB mess. He’s been missing in action (accent on the “inaction”).
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If you and “flipper” are still permitted to speak to him, tell that Mayor to do his job: be a leader and lead in the solution to this CIB crisis. Everybody else has spoken up: it’s way, way past time to hear definitively from Ballard!
April 12th, 2009 at 6:49 pm
For those thinking the whole state should assist with a bail out–alcohol tax or otherwise would sure like to have good reason presented besides that it is the state capital. Seems to me Indy did this all to themselves with or without governor involvement. I do not remember having a say in whether all this is/was a good idea and certainly do not identify strongly as a super fan or anything of the sports teams. I do not drink any alcoholic beverages so not my tax but again see no justification for thinking the whole state owes anything for such a massive screwup.
April 12th, 2009 at 7:31 pm
I would guess, Mayor Ballard’s leadership style is drawn from his past, so it is top-down, do not question. It is not pro-active, it is reactive. He has already shown in many instances as Mayor for this to be his communication style. It is weak when your constituency is not a bunch of enlisted grunts. But this is what we voted in…
I agree this could be good when speaking to Colt’s and Pacer organizations. It isn’t going to get him far in solving the problem though.
We need help from the state, which means asking Mitch for assistance. Why do we need help? It isn’t right to have downtown carry the load of the CIB mistake when the vast majority of those enjoying the facilities in question are living in the surrounding donut counties. That’s right, we need to involve the Indianapolis MSA. This is not a “city limit” problem. Frankly, it is a problem that plagues many of the pieces of infrastructure Indianapolis has. Roads? Who commutes to the downtown? People from the donut. Whose tax base maintains it? Indianapolis…
This is a major problem that requires help from higher up. The story of major metropolitan areas that let the center area rot is a sad one…Fleeing to the suburbs should not exclude people from carrying the weight of their usage. Shoot, be fair. Charge only the users. You buy season tickets and your driver’s license is from Fishers, you pay a usage tax. Not much different than ticketmaster’s service fees. If your state income tax shows you work in Marion county but live in Boone, you pay a different rate from the Boone resident working in Boone. Simple.
Hotels in the donut that we all know benefit from events in Marion county have their tax raised to what the downtown tax is currently.
Taxes suck. But the building are built and must be paid for now. Users need to step up, not penalize downtown restaurants and hotels further or risk destroying our cities convention business.
Donut county citizens have gotten off easily for far too long, save for the occasional flat tire from an Indy pothole.
If we are going to attract new businesses to the Indianapolis area, we need to improve as a whole, which means including the middle. Talk to people whose job it is to convince businesses to relocate here and they’ll confirm that weakness hurts us all, not just inside the 465 loop.
April 12th, 2009 at 8:22 pm
He is leading Wilson. I know its hard for you to understand since you are accustom to having no leadership at all from within your party.
Ballard and his staff will come to an understanding with the policy makers without lying to the general populist. The way your guy did. Yes, I’m referring to Peterson of course. You didn’t think that those BART LIES signs got printed because Peterson was a choir boy, did you? They were printed and posted because of eight years of phlegm flam artistry and deceit. It will take a while but Ballard will resolve the issues in time.
Oh and yes I do talk to him on occasion and you can too. Mayor Ballard is very approachable and friendly guy. I’m sure he would listen to you too. Though I’m not sure he understands your liberal socialism.
April 12th, 2009 at 8:26 pm
Wilson didn’t your Mother teach you not to pick on girls?
Leave Winnie alone. We didn’t attack Mrs. Peterson. Your attacks on Winnie are low class.
April 12th, 2009 at 8:43 pm
Hard to believe Ballard is afraid of anyone considering he was willing to kill people for our nation.
Go kick some a** Mayor!
April 12th, 2009 at 10:19 pm
IndyErnie, get on your meds……we are tired of your rantings….how about discussing an issue instead of personal attacks
April 12th, 2009 at 10:28 pm
I wish it were as simple as all Republicans or Democrats are evil. It would make things a lot easier.
April 12th, 2009 at 10:49 pm
Taxpayer, I’m not maddeningly wed to one party. I’m in love with common sense. A fatal flaw, perhaps, given I’m a citizen of Indianapolis Indiana…with America’s worst state legidlature and a City Council that makes the legislature look like geniuses. And I assure you Ballard does not take my calls.
Taxpayer in Post 28 is right, Ernie. Steve Goldsmith borrowed us into oblivion and was an arrogant prick. Bart listened to the wrong folks and failed to heed the public’s call for reforms.
Add this one to your list of recommendations for Ballard, Abdul: drop a dime on Beurt SerVaas. He’s ancient, and he’s wrong on a lot of policy issues for my taste. But he has a heart of gold, and he knows how this city works. A little birdie told me he and Ballard have had exactly zero visits.
Wasting a resource like that is a felony, regardless which party is in power. Even Bart and Goldie sought his opinion.
Didn’t always follow his advice, but they listened.
You know, listen: the lost art.
April 12th, 2009 at 11:18 pm
sick of you, politics is personal. get over it. Soft stepping and sweet talking is what got us into this mess.
Wilson can take it as well as he gives it.
Read between the line and you should see that I am talking about issues.
April 12th, 2009 at 11:22 pm
As common sense seems to be agreed upon, as not proprietary to any one party, acknowledging it’s existence (and citizenship) denotes some worthiness to these qualities. Hopefully, a definite starting place for many of us. I think it’s when we merge these ideals with economics and responsibility- then things seem to get sticky. A good night to all and thanks to Abdul for the use of his forum.
April 13th, 2009 at 3:51 am
No mention of:
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A. Replacing the entire CIB.
B. Pursuing criminal or civil charges against the previous CIB and current CIB.
C. Impeachment of the overseer’s of the CIB
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When these CIB folks are ‘appointed’, don’t they have some sort of fiduciary (or other) responsibility to act in our best interests? Isn’t there ANY penalty (other than removal from the CIB) that can be imposed against these appointed people?
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And what of the reprobates that appointed them, AND let them continue to wreck us as the past CIB did with the Ir$ay sweetheart deal?
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It’s inconceivable that there are no immediate penalties to be imposed against ANY of these people.
April 13th, 2009 at 8:41 am
Ernie, you can have your own opinions, but you cannot have your own facts.
If you’re sick, take some Pepto. Politics may be personal, but it doesn’t have to be stupid.
April 13th, 2009 at 8:53 am
Wilson. I would rarher be known as a guy who backs Ballard, he hasn’t hurt the city like Bart. You’re telling me you are proud to back a guy like Peterson who has done irrepairable damage with his deals with LOS, Conseco and the water co.? That says a lot about you, doesn’t it Wilson. Will you even admit Peterson did a terrible job with these issues?
April 13th, 2009 at 8:59 am
And Wilson. All the Mayor has to do is say he doesn’t want to comment on something until he has studied it and knows what he is talking about. If it works for Obama (regarding AIG)it should work for Ballard also. Right? No double standards allowed.
April 13th, 2009 at 9:01 am
OH,and Wilson. All the Mayor has to do is say he doesn’t want to comment on something until he has studied it and knows what he is talking about. If it works for Obama (regarding AIG)it should work for Ballard also. Right? No double standards allowed.
April 13th, 2009 at 9:27 am
Think again you are right we all have opinions I guess compared to your great intellect mine appear stupid. If you have all the answers I’m sure that you could govern. Have you ever considered running for Mayor?
Jon. Wilson isn’t coming back for awhile…he got the call this morning to stay off the blogs, Carson’s peeps came through again.
April 13th, 2009 at 9:30 am
Ballard’s been Mayor for 15 months now. If he’s still “studying it” quietly after 15 months, he must be a mighty slow learner…
April 13th, 2009 at 10:12 am
Question. Why did the State or Indiana get involved with the financing of Lucas Oil Stadium when it is a local(city) issue? Can someone explain?
April 13th, 2009 at 10:27 am
If only IndyErnie would be quiet with his ignorant comments and ideas for 15 months, the city of Indianapolis would be a better place to live.
April 13th, 2009 at 11:45 am
LIKES THIS!
“Which teams players will soon have their pictures posted with their salaries on blogs, yard signs, TV, and print ads asking for a taxpayer bailout?
Which team owner will have protesters showing up at their homes with signs demanding they help their community and fans in their time of need?”
April 13th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
Just shows you how much of a mess Peterson has made, and I’m sure that this isn’t the only thing on his plate or does the same go for Obama
April 14th, 2009 at 12:58 am
No such luck IM.
April 14th, 2009 at 10:45 am
Ummmm, to date, Ballard has done ZERO on crime and infrastructure and livability. Crime is just as bad as it was under Peterson (if not worse!)
So if he’s the man for the job, Abdul, he’s failing miserably.
April 14th, 2009 at 10:48 am
Jon G-
This was NOT Peterson’s mess. Can anyone say Daniels and Kenley?
How can anyone logically and credibly say that a project that the State came in and took over and said “We can do it better and cheaper” is now somehow Bart’s fault????
Saying it over and over again doesn’t make it so.
You’re smoking the doob, my friend.