Rex welcomes new Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard and extends our congratulations to all of the leaders in his new administration.
Mayor Ballard has outlined his priorities and is ready to take the reigns of a city nervous about crime and angry about taxes. There are also many points of pride in Indy, like the Colts, downtown, conventions, the new airport, etc. But when it comes to the fundamentals, like most Indiana mayors, he's inherited a municipal government and finance structure that is fractured and held together with bailing wire and scotch tape. And, like Indianapolis mayors before him, he must rely on the state legislature to make the changes necessary to give him the room to lead. Let's help him with that.
But the key thing about Ballard appears to be his leadership style - not politics as usual. His key appointments show creativity, skill and leadership - no paybacks here. He's taken the CEO approach to team building. As an ex-marine we know he will be decisive, but he also appears poised to accept guidance and input from the strong group of experienced leaders he has placed around him. Looks like we're getting a big bag of experience and wisdom in what arguably has been the "newbie" on the scene.
It's refreshing.
Godspeed, Mayor Ballard.
Ah, Sue. It's so refreshing to see IFI playing partisan politics though. Tell Ballard not to worry - you'll do it for him!
After all, a beloved Congresswoman dies that's of the "other" political persuasion. She lays in state. Big wigs from across the state come to give their respects. Does IFI even go so far as to mention the death or funeral or anything on the blog? Nope.
Ballard has had a half day in office and already IFI is singing his praises. Oh, wait. Could that have anything to do with "he also appears poised to accept guidance and input from the strong group of experienced leaders he has placed around him"? I'm sure IFI is salivating at the chance of influencing government policies. That's what good Christian not-for-profits do - they help Republicans "rule", right?
Oh to be a Republican in Indiana and have so many "non-political" friends. *rolls eyes* I'd take Julia's "political" friends any day. At least they were honest in their grief and dedicated to their cause without resorting to using the name of God for political purpose.
Posted by: bilerico | January 02, 2008 at 10:35 AM
Hey, Bil, just because IFI is a 501(c)(3) and gets a tax free ride here in pushing this or that Republican shouldn't matter. It's the letter of the law rather than the spirit that matters, and you know what Jesus thought about tax regulations anyway Just check the Scriptures. I think.
Posted by: Friendly Critic | January 02, 2008 at 10:47 AM
They tell me I'm not supposed to be defensive on the blog, so I'll just be factual: your comments are downright weird. Equating no comment on Julia's death and a well wish to a new (outsider) Mayor whom I've met one time is quite a stretch. And get your facts straight fellas...I absolutely adored Bart Peterson and working with him and his administration. (To my own detriment within the R party, I might add). Sorry, no drama here. I actually think Ballard's military decisiveness and the fact that he brought in new types of leaders is a good thing. Go figure.
Posted by: Sue Swayze | January 02, 2008 at 02:51 PM
Bil,
The world doesn't revolve around you and your odd notions of political correctness.
The agenda of the militant gay extremists to silence alternative and honest perspectives as "hate crimes" or 501(c)3 violations is nothing more than a selfish effort to distort reality.
Snap of your delusion and welcome to free speech.
Reality is the city of Indianapolis was better managed by Lugar, Hudnut and Goldsmith than by Boswell, Losche and Barton. And Peterson.
Fortunately voters recognized the need for change and IFI recognizes the challenges facing Mayor Ballard.
At least have the character to join IFI in wishing the new mayor godspeed. And, please, no more boycotts of family businesses while they suffer through the loss of a dear loved one.
Posted by: Kenn | January 03, 2008 at 05:50 AM
C'mon now Sue... Julia Carson's death was one of the biggest news stories in Indiana in 2007. Veritas Rex conveniently over looked it. Could it be because she's a Democrat and didn't subscribe to IFI's world view of Indiana as a theocratic state?
Let's see what's been said nice about Democrats - there was the Terri Austin thing. Oh, wait. Not nice.
I think there's been a couple of Pat Bauer comments, but I can't doublecheck since there's no search feature on Veritas Rex. (That's convenient when double dealing!) In fact, I'd have to search to find a nice word about Peterson - I don't remember any!
Now how many Republicans? You've talked glowingly about Brian Bosma, Eric Miller, Cindy Noe, David Long, Mayor Ballard, and a host of others. All got glowing reviews and puff pieces.
There's an agenda here, Kenn. But it ain't mine.
Posted by: bilerico | January 03, 2008 at 10:22 AM
I think you're forgetting nice posts about Hillary Clinton...twice! And she's considered a nightmare by most conservatives.
By the way, the coincidence could also be because IFI is conservative..duh...there are more conservative Republicans than Democrats...duh...
Posted by: Stacey | January 03, 2008 at 11:01 AM
Oh, and I believe they have been critical of the Governor as well.
Posted by: Stacey | January 03, 2008 at 11:02 AM
Bil:
There is, in fact, a search function on this website. It is in BRIGHT BLUE on the top left.
Posted by: Kurt | January 03, 2008 at 11:04 AM
(Wonder how Bil handled the passing of Dr. Falwell?)
Posted by: Kenn | January 03, 2008 at 11:24 AM
God speed Mayor Ballard...... Not politics as usual.....Are you that naive? Go meditate and find your personal salvation my brother and then become a great example for others. Your aggression and ego perpetuates all that is wrong in our society...
Posted by: | January 03, 2008 at 11:37 AM