Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Ballard Gets FOP Endorsement

A $90 million income tax increase to fund public safety, which included funding for a new contract for our uniformed-officers, was not enough for Mayor Bart Peterson to win the support of its largest union, the Fraternal Order of Police. The group endorsed Peterson's Republican challenger, Greg Ballard. "I am honored to accept this endorsement on a day that means so much to the men and women of law enforcement," Ballard said as he accepted the FOP endorsement. "These men and women put their lives on the line every day to protect this great city and its citizens. I thank you for everything you do."

Aaron Sullivan, FOP President, explained that Ballard's support for placing operational control of IMPD under the mayor was the driving force behind the union's endorsement. "Candidate Ballard is the only candidate who is willing to take responsibility for law enforcement in Indianapolis." Mayor Peterson's law enforcement consolidation ordinance placed operational control of IMPD under Marion Co. Sheriff Frank Anderson's office.

The FOP endorsed only Republican candidates in the city-county council races, except for Councilor Sherron Franklin (D), who is an IMPD officer, and at-large Libertarian candidate, Tim Maguire. Other than Franklin, only Councilor Mary Moriarty Adams among Democratic candidate sought the endorsement of the FOP.

12 comments:

Sir Hailstone said...

Isn't Mary Moriarity Adams' husband an IMPD officer? I believe Frank is his name?

Anonymous said...

And the police should know what is really going on with the consolidation, the crime etc. This city needs a change.

Anonymous said...

Huh? The Republicans endorsed a Republican? Ya Don't Say!

Big shit, we've seen what difference FOP endorsements make...

Sue Anne Gilroy
Tom Schneider
Greg Jordan
Steve Davis

0 for 4 in "law enforcement" endorsements...

Anonymous said...

Reply to 8:36:
I was never a big supporter of Sue ann or Schnider but look where we are today. Maybe if people would only listen to the police we would'nt be in the state of affairs that Peterson, Anderson, Gray, Brown and others have hung on this City. We told you that there would be no cost savings in Consolidation and that it would not work. We told you the truth.
I have talked to many people on the street; Brightwood, Meridian Kessler and Mapleton Fall Creek areas and I think the message that Ballard is sending is starting to sink in. Have you noticed the "Had Enough" signs? They are starting to blossom like flowers in the spring time.
Police, by nature, are somewhat conservative. But we also have a finger on the pulse of the City. WE are contantly "with the people" and we know the problems this City is facing. We see, feel, taste, smell and hear the problems of this City each and everyday. Can you say the same? In the future, please take a moment of your time and stop and talk with a policeman in Indianapolis and ask him for the real scoop on "whats up"! You will be in for a great civic lesson on local government and its effects on the people it was elected to serve.
You may not beleive this but we are the "fine blue line" and in this community many politicians have crossed that line and should be stopped at the polling places. (or arrested) We are the defenders of the Constituion because we belive in this country and we swore to protect you and all the citizens. Have a nice day and please seek out the truth and share it with your friends and family.
(PS: The new IMPD prohibits police officers from speaking out against the administrations. I hope you wonder why!)

Mark W. Rutherford said...

The FOP also endorsed Libertarian candidate Timothy Maguire, who is running for an At-Large seat on the City-Council.

Gary R. Welsh said...

Thanks for pointing that out, Mark.

Anonymous said...

Hey LEO'S and Firefighters
We need help bad. This is a grass roots campaign for Greg Ballard. If any of you can help by walking neighborhoods, delivering yard signs, walking in the Beech Grove parade this Saturday. Please call 635-8881
The campaign is beginning to roll.

Please any donations even if it is $ 5.00 would be appreciated. donating time even if for a few hours would help us.

Anonymous said...

Conveniently unmentioned in the FOP announcement: Bart didn't even seek their endorsement.

Of course they're entitled to their opinions. But their electoral influence has been zippo over the last several elections. They've been fearce advocates of their position in contract talks: that's the way it's supposed to be.

Their history is, they're loathe to endorse any Democrat. So be it. This is barely news.

Anonymous said...

To "0 for four"....looks like law enforcement got the endorsements RIGHT. Take a look at this craphole of a city...nuff said. Because the citizens of Indianapolis are an apathetic, lazy and uninformed bunch, idiots keep getting elected to run us into the ground.

Wilson46201 said...

With attitudes like "this craphole of a city" and "the citizens of Indianapolis are an apathetic, lazy and uninformed bunch" how do Republicans ever expect to get elected again?

Anonymous said...

The FOP endorsement doesn't mean squat. The inept local Republican party is not supporting Ballard financially so he has about a snowballs' chance in hell of defeating Peterson. Sure seems like the Mayor owns them now doesn't it?

guy77money said...

Crying in your beer Wilson! Ballard is the best thing that ever happened to Indy! Your boy Bart never really cared about finances. In his first run for mayor we were at the county fair and he kept coming up to people and saying "Haven't I met you somewhere?" My wife surprised him by saying "A lot of people look alike when your out campaigning". Not that Bart wasn't and isn't a nice guy but when it came to spending he didn't have a clue. Just like all the yuppies with their credit cards. Want to guess the average credit card debt of two college educated married couples. $25,000.00 Have you looked at the interest rates on credit cards lately. That is the same way Ex.Mayor Bart and Servas ran Indy. Mayor Ballard understands you can't keep handing out blank checks and issuing bonds. Follow the money trail who made all that money when bonds are issued. Bart and Servas friends?