Think Positive at least 70%of the time. Negative thoughts are not good for any individual. It is easy to blame elected officials than saying good job!

Well-spoken Ernie.

Excellent point.

I apologize. Mayor Ballard is a nincompoop.

Abdul, I saw your tweet on the curve-A-grade. It's grade inflation--I thought you taught at U of I? A solid Methodist school shouldn't be participating in grade inflation.

Pshaw.

Dawg, I think once again, this nincompoop mayor has spoken out of turn.

But no one's paying attention.

The trees are falling in the forest, but no one hears.

He's a complete zero.

We can't call President Barry by his name but you can call our Mayor names??? ...where's the respect for the elected that your always harping about? Ballard's made more positive changes in Indianapolis than President Barry has for our nation and no respect from TA??? Shame on you.

nincompoop. :)

Abdul, Did I really hear the Mayor say this morning that all township government should be consolidated under Health and Hospital Corporation? Are they going to turn some of those abandoned buildings Center Township owns into Nursing Homes??

TA: It's not so much a "try" as it might be disagreement, no big deal, this is America. It's TWO YEARS into the Mayor's term, during an historic period of broader / general economic downturn & turmoil. Two years to go, of bending "the mold" back 'n forth, we'll see how it goes...

One-two-three is much better GA marketing than it will live in practice. But, given the Governor's smarts, I'll concede there may be something else going on here...

Nice try, Dave.

But it's flushed. He wasted an opportunity. He's not the first, and he wont' be the last.

That deer-in-the-headlights look he sometimes gets, is, on occasion, true wonderment. Sometimes it's anger. It may even be gas.

But too often, it's just plain incompetence. And that's not pretty on a politician, regardless of party. FOR INSTANCE:

I detest almost All Things Daniels. I think he's getting too much credit for keeping the state budget green, and not enough blame for his USOMB duties as a Bush acolyte.

But I never cease to be amazed at his brains, and his staff, and his abililty to be in the right place at the right time looking like a leader.

In that, there is value. In Ballard, we have not one ounce of it.

And that does not make me happy. I really hoped he'd break the mold and let some sunlight into the 25th floor.

Mold rules.

TA, you nailed it on Daneiels. If he isn't an actual leader, he's putting on a great act. And in comparison to Ballard, all one has to do was their joint press conference during the CIB mess in the last state legislature session. Daniels, with Ballard right next to him, talked as poorly as he could of someone of the same political party and took hold of the problem. Unfortunately, Ballard withdrew his support of Daniels plan.

While I might not agree with Daniels on everything, I at least know where he stands. Ballard, I can't really say that about him.

I agree on Daniels. I really like Daniels except for one MAJOR area.

He's a disinterested administrator. He does not seem interested in supervising the state agencies which he is supposed to oversee. I can understand that - he has bigger picture issues deal with. But he at least needs to appoint a strong chief of staff and other lieutenants who will supervise the agencies. Too much goes on in those agencies that is overlooked by the Governor's Office. The agencies end up on the front page of the paper for things that could have easily been addressed BEFORE they made the paper if the adminstration took a hands on approach to administration.

I have often said, "if you believe everything mitch tells you, he's doing a kick-ass job as Guv."

Trouble is, you gotta believe Twinkie the Kid, and I do not.

TA: McANA is very familiar to neighborhood activists, though I haven't attended any recent meetings. What you've experienced is what it is, you were there.

Tough questions are good for everyone & my / our experience with the Mayor has found him to handle them well, and we / he don't necessarily or always agree; having witnessed a few, entirely sincere, red-faced exchanges that concluded in reasonable or civil fashion- this is America.

The outreach we've seen from Center Township out, citizens groups to veterans, has been genuine, but not all of it "comfortable," that's OK. Best solutions demand tough questions. If tendered in a spirit of progress or improvement, we should all welcome tough questions.

Abandoned properties have become a toxic problem, largely driven by gluttonous tax policy that's hostile to the precepts of an
ownership society. The result can't be a surprise; abandonment results in less population (those pesky citizens) & private ownership. Ain't those morbidly minded bureaucrats brilliant?

We should all encourage the Mayor to call attention to the roots of this problem from his elected pulpit, but so much of the problem is weighted at the west end of Market Street. Genuine solutions however, are other than west end distractions like one-two-three.

Statesmen multiply solutions whereas politicians divide problems. Previous mayors have enjoyed far more support from the funky west end; where Mayor B is still viewed by some in both parties, as a game changer or unwelcome surprise. The west end's team purple, has locked up too many of the tools needed for real world, real time progress.

Dave, I'm with TA. Ballard would be torn to shreds at a MCANA meeting. Those people know their stuff. All Ballard can do is spout canned lines that his staff feed him. That might get him by neighborhood meetings, but certainly not MCANA. They're not just going to take some BS talking point there. They are going to ask tough, followup questions.

TA

IBJ reported in 2008 that Indianapolis' Center Township trustee collected an average of $6.9 million in the previous seven years—mostly from taxes—to help needy residents, but only $2 million reached the penniless. At the same time, former Trustee Carl Drummer built up a surplus fund to a high of $10.4 million and accumulated a $10 million portfolio of mostly vacant properties.

And, Center is not the only township with a superabundance of vacant/foreclosed properties. So much for the neighbourhood thing...

Balanced budget!?!?!? I am wiping tears of laughter from my eyes. Keep up the great humor Abdul.

Crime is down nationwide, not just Indy. Should we give Ballard the credit for that as well?

And what about Ballards 3 overseas junkits for economic development? How many jobs were created? Yea that is what I thought.

What about all the IMPD officers getting charged with crimes?
And what about Marion County public school system to going to the crapper?
And what about the rising STD rate among black youths in Indy?
Or the overall out of wedlock births in Indianapolis/Marion County?
Or the overcrowded jail and court system in Indianaoplis/Marion County?
Or Ballards inablity to fund the arts in Indianapolis/Marion County?
Or Ballards inablity (deafening silence) to consolidate township government in Indianapolis/Marion County?
Or Ballards lack of leadership regarding tax increases specifically Wishard Referendum and property taxes in Indianapolis/Marion County?
Or Ballards lack of leadership regarding a mass transit system in Indianapolis?
Or Ballards lack of vision regarding the defunct City Market?

2010 will not be kind to your buddy Ballard, Abdul.

“And what about Ballards 3 overseas junkits for economic development? How many jobs were created? Yea that is what I thought.”
If you attended a Mayors night out that question would have been answered for you. Several NEW businesses are expanding to Indy eventually that will result in hundreds of jobs.
“What about all the IMPD officers getting charged with crimes?”
They have been fired and are facing prosecution and jail time. No different than any other criminal..
“And what about Marion County public school system to going to the crapper?”
IPS has been in the crapper for years. The Mayor has no control over IPS. Elect a new school board and you may see the changes you desire.
“And what about the rising STD rate among black youths in Indy?”
Tell the kids to stop screwing. What do you expect of any elected office holder? This is a family issue.
“Or the overall out of wedlock births in Indianapolis/Marion County?”
See above.
“Or the overcrowded jail and court system in Indianaoplis/Marion County?”
Sorry Charlie but our jail isn’t over crowded.
“Or Ballards inablity to fund the arts in Indianapolis/Marion County?”
The Arts in Indianapolis should be self funding. Tax dollars should be spent on infrastructure and public safety.
“Or Ballards inablity (deafening silence) to consolidate township government in Indianapolis/Marion County?”
Ballard has NO control over township consolidation. The State Legislator's are considering that issue this year. It is a State Issue.
“Or Ballards lack of leadership regarding tax increases specifically Wishard Referendum and property taxes in Indianapolis/Marion County?”
The citizens voted to build the new Wishard. Like it or not the citizens have spoken.
“Or Ballards lack of leadership regarding a mass transit system in Indianapolis?”
Mass transit hasn’t and never will work in Indy. Mass Transit is a burden on every city who embrace's it. Programs are in place for those who really need it.
“Or Ballards lack of vision regarding the defunct City Market?”
The Market was gifted to Indianapolis with strings attached. The Mayor has little control over it’s use.

For the most part I like the job Ballard has been doing. The changes on fixing potholes is a great example of what he has done. I am not about to claim that everything is now perfect in Indianapolis - but I do think he has moved us in a positive direction.

My biggest complaint is how he handled the CIB. Basically - he did nothing. I don't feel like he provided any leadership on this issue at all.

Would I vote for him again? It depends upon who is running against him. So far I haven't seen anything that indicates to me there is a better person for the job.

Good points, Taxpayer, except: in Indiana, mayors have almost no control over educational expenses.

Would that it were so.

I agree, but was really fishing for a leadership stance to get the dialog started. Kind of like Rokita re redistricting.

However, as Abdul pointed out, Ballard seems more nuts and bolts than working the floor or the press.

About as well as could be expected. My budget perception is it now has less smoke and fewer mirrors, not any more balanced. Trimming educational overhead and real taxpayer representation on the CIB would put him over the top for me. Otherwise, if there's a Democrat who'll be as frugal, tackle those issues, with no greater political debts to pay- I'm there.

Ernie and Dave, you're dead wrong on the neighborhood thing.

He agreed to regular meetings with the largest neighborhood group--the Marion County Alliance of Neighborhood Associations (McANA). he held a couple and didn't like these folks--they're well-prepared and diligent. They asked tough questions and weren't impressed with his bodyguards.They go to every zoning meeting. They know their stuff. He stopped the meetings.

He gives lip-service to neighborhoods and their concerns, at best.

Most of the solid Republicans in the true-neigborhood-activist crowd have flushed him. Completely.

His abandoned house program is a complete joke. It's a huge job, and frankly, if he committed enormous resources to that alone, and accomplished only that goal, he would be an overwhelmning success. I would applaud his efforts. It's a huge issue that's getting worse by the day with rampant foreclosures. A press release alone, with an incompetent staff person to oversee the program, don't cut it. Getting rid of abandoned houses takes diligent work on property rights, patience and a wrecking ball on 24/7 standby.

The Dept. of Corrections moved the Women's Prison population out of their Woodruff location and changed it to a transitional facility, right under the city's nose. Neighbors were aghast, and the city did nothing meaningful.

He has appointed folks to zoning boards who do not understand the base law governing variances: statutes require petitioners to prove a hardship. That standard has been slipping for years--Ballard's appointees have taken it to an art form. (Are you listening Brad?)

Our brownfields efforts have some success, but the development loan market is gone, so that's on hold, effectively.

Do I need to go on?

TA how many republican club meeting do you attend? I attend several, Mayor Ballard is alive and well with his base.

It's amazing that you'll look the other way while Ballard does exactly the same thing you protested about Peterson doing.

You actually think rank and file Republicans are happy with Ballard's performance? Wow, keep drinking the Kool-Aid. My Republicans friends and I are betting whether you or Abdul is the last off of the Ballard bandwagon. I'm guessing it will be you. Abdul will eventually realize there is no self-interest left in staying on a ship that is sinking. (Sorry to mix metaphors.)

"My Republicans friends and I are betting whether you or Abdul is the last off of the Ballard bandwagon."
It's nice to know that both of your GOP friends are still talking to you.

"It's amazing that you'll look the other way while Ballard does exactly the same thing you protested about Peterson doing."

It's obvious that you know nothing about me. I've never been accused of looking the other way on any issue with which I disagree. Actually I’ve grown to accept the fact that I’m overly aggressive on most issues. Maybe I’m mellowing a little, who knows.
Thus far Ballard has accomplished more in his short time in office than Peterson would have accomplished if he had twenty years in office.
I can answer as to who will be last...unless Ballard shits in my breakfast cereal...and I don’t think he would dare ... I will be the last man standing.

Bad news IndyErnie. When I go to Republican meetings I'm very, very popular with the rank and file Republicans who love that I'm speaking out. It's the Marion County GOP leadership, I'm not at all popular with. Even elected officials speak highly of what Republicans like Gary Welsh and I are doing. hey are tired of dealing with a corrupt local GOP and want it cleaned up. It's unfortunate you want to continue with the corruption and insider dealing. You certainly are in the minority though...there are very few rank and file like you.

FYI several of those same republicans who are expressing gratitude to your face express a different opinion when you are out of earshot.
Paul I have no problem with you speaking your mind at GOP meetings, that's where it should happen. Exposing our internal issues to the democrats and libertarians is a different matter.

Abdul is right on with his analysis. Ballard has accomplished a complete turn around for our city. We are miles from where we were heading. Like his style or not he is doing the job and getting the right results.

Mayor Ballard is committed to outreach, perhaps more than press release- he's all over town. The Mayor is accessible to anyone willing to attend a monthly Mayor's Night Out, or by appointment.

An hour is 60 minutes, and budgets by expectation of definition, require balance. By definition, the administration has successfully budgeted vs. "new rules economics;" overspending excused as an undisciplined "exception."

Yep, the CIB is a mess of those living far outside the expanding ghetto; much of it created & maintained at the west end of Market Street.

Crime is down, that's a quality of life issue.

The city has a record number of abandoned properties (2007 skyrocketing property taxes anyone?), many of which are of no interest to homeowners & therefore investors, because there's no longer a market for them or the failed policies they represent (30% graduation rates, ownership denied in double / triple factored hyper-taxation, etc.). Excessive overcharges in the form of property taxes have contributed greatly to this problem, a significant story, untold in unwritten headlines. The problem is ongoing, with a market bottom that's yet to be found. It's a budget problem as well. Like many American cities, Indianapolis (indeed the state), needs to hit the reset button on "stable" revenue sources. Unlike property taxes, sales taxes are stable; real time & tied to relative economic health.

Neighborhoods exist as economic viability, not ornament. A morbidly proportioned public sector is not economically viable, that's the main challenge facing this city & state. Public sector growth is the shrink wrap of the private sector; that bureaucratically misunderstood place, where "the money" actually comes from.

Sadly, I perceive that to get the Mayor to show up for something involves a promise of plenty of free food. I'm sure it isn't (quite) true, but photo ops almost always seem to catch the Mayor noshing.

My biggest "plus" for the Mayor (so far)? He FINALLY listened to someone about not wearing white shirts on TV. lol

I know I'm gonna hear about it. I have to agree with Abdul. He is doing the best he can with the situation in hand. Not one person can run a city this size with out teaming up with the law firms and the politicians even if he doesn't trust them. I know I would not trust Tom John as far as I could throw him or Brizzi either. Like they say, keep your friends close and your enemy's closer. At least Peterson and Sweet Pea are out of the picture thanks to the Ballard win. Now the taxpayers have to deal with Vaughn in charge of the CCC.

C-minus, with a bullet--headed to F.

Here's why:

The budget is a huge plus. He has the council majority that is more disciplined than Peterson's slim majority ever was. (to effectively rule, Dems need three or four extra votes, given the nutjobs within their ranks) The Repubs do a much better job of walking lock-step. They always have.

Ask four or five of those Council Repubs what's inside tha tbudget, or specific questions about cuts they approved, and you'll get a blank look. I could name names. but it's pointless. They stayed together, and gave him a solid budget win.

He has no other wins. Period. Listening to this man talk this morning was like getting my teeth pulled without anesthetic. He used that naive attitude to win, and it was refreshing. It could've been a truly-winning four-year term.

But he lined his offices with ineffective folks. Robert Vane was a smart hire, but it was tardy. And without the proper authority and lee-way, he'll be ineffective.

Inertia pays big-time. Ask around.

As for the smoking ban, you're still wrong, but the expenditure of political capital is a solid point. The Smoke-Free Indy folks are ciculating memoranda indicating they're back for a council hearing in April. We'll see.

I'm still itnerested in the DMD's fee structure, the other fees this nutcase administration proposed. Stupid.

Abdul -- you really have become a shill for the Tom John-led GOP and the moneyed interests in town. All of what you say may be true, but given the incredible challenges facing the city, there has been an abysmal lack of leadership in facing the many public policy issues the city and county must deal with. To give this guy and his band of merry midgets anything less than a D+ strains credulity. And in terms of issues, you are way too kind with the CIB/Pacers/Colts etc, neglect such key issues as the development of the MSA site, infrastructure needs, continued flight out of town, lack of any true involvement (from a moral leadership perspective) in IPS (which continues to be an anchor dragging down the city). There has not been any "new" or creative offerings from Ballard. It has been a real disappointment

A "B?" I wonder if Abdul grades that generously in his U of I classes. Apparently a "B" is earned just by showing up, even if you sleep through class and fail every assignment. It's hard to find any accomplishments of this administration and the trail of broken campaign promises could reach around the globe.

I just love the "balanced budget" accomplishment. Peterson had 8 years of balanced budgets. Goldsmith had 8 as well. Hudnut had 12. You want to know why? Because by law the city's budget has to be balanced!

What promises were broken? Seems like they were all fulfilled so far.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rk6pxuJM464

"Without taking more of your money"

So far, he pushes for multiple tax increases for the CIB (alcohol, food/beverage, hotel, car rental) and supported the $27 million loan from the state.

As first reported by the Indianapolis Times, he's pushing to raise multiple fees for city services to local businesses.

Pushed for increase in water rates (http://www.in.gov/iurc/files/43645order_063009.pdf)

Made COIT increase passed by Peterson into a permanent tax (though did slightly lower it).

Should I go on?

Abdul---not to worry as you are well aware you attract a wide variety of readers and responders so no matter what you say or don't say there will be negative input. The point is also too frequent that it can be predicted who will respond is what manner. Guess some need their daily negative input.

Regarding the "Pluses" (and without challenging the numbers you cite).

Is crime down six percent nationally? Statewide? The Metro area? Or is this truly a local trend? The mayor cannot claim any medals if this is anything other than a local trend.

The budgets are a plus. Yet, had they been any different it would have been a calamity, not simply a Minus.

On the face of it, the COIT reductions are a plus.

The Mayor can hardly claim a laurel and hardy handshake for any movement on jobs. Factors beyond his control.

Charter schools are a mixed bag. Want a plus here? Get the Mayor to facilitate some accomodation between IPS and the State Superintendent.

The Super Bowl was a done deal. Why do all mayors make claims on work promoted by their predecessors? Mayor Peterson himself did it with Fall Creek Place.

The resolution of backlogged complaints is a real plus. Kudos to the Mayor on that one,


Regarding the Minuses.

Oh, I think that the CIB resolution came across as having some direction. It just wasn't in the taxpayer's best interests.

Agreement over the smoking ban flop. Sometimes, spending one's political capital is a pitiful waste.

Public Safety is the bane of most Indy Mayors. Incorrect priorities (the pursuit of "offenders" who can pay fines, rather than "offenders" who actually commit personal/property crimes) dooms Indianapolis Public Safety to marginal success (at best) year in and year out.

Agreed on crime. I think crime is one of those things that is truly out of a mayor's control. There are many other factors at work besides who occupies the 25th floor and I'd like to think the police force works the same no matter which party or person occupies it. This isn't to say there aren't things a mayor can do to affect crime (negatively and positively), and either way the electorate is sure to blame the incumbent for problems, but I think for the most part it's beyond any mayor's control.

As for the city services, it's a mixed bag. Pot holes get filled faster? Sure. On the other hand, maintaining parks seems to be put off until the last possible minute.

Any Indianapolis Mayor has several tools available for the direct influencing of the local police. Mayor Ballard has availed himself of a couple of those tools since he became Mayor.

I just happen to disagree with the direction that he has provided. And, in my personal opinion, that direction will continue down an incorrect path into the forseeable future. They thing is, law enforcement happens to agree with the Mayor here, not with me.

So, I expect the incidence of robberies, assaults and the like to continue unabated until the economy improves, or until some unforeseen change is instituted by some future politician or public safety official.

A balanced budget isn't exactly something to brag about considering it's required by state law. It's just a matter of getting the numbers you want. For example, putting a grant into the city budget for police vehicles even though you haven't gotten the grant monies and don't even qualify for the grant monies, as seen in recent months.

Nice spin on COIT. It's also worth pointing out that originally the COIT increase was made as temporary near the end of Peter's time in office. Cockrum introduced legislation to make it permanent in 2009. It passed.

If the CIB mess was resolved, then why do I keep hearing about "continued negotiations with the Pacers?" It is far from over.

Wow. Take the blinders off dude. Even the Snuggies and Cupcakes crowd over @ Indianapolis Monthly gave up the red Flag on this guy.

So what did I write that wasn't true?

You write what fits your agenda. That's what makes it so funny.

C'mon, this guy couldn't think his way out of a paper bag. Just read the comments below for specifics on the last 2 years. Melina or maybe Brian is going to mop the floor with this guy in 2012.

So What did you right that was not true Abul? Don't ask such a question because you know they do not have a answer for you.