Gregory A. Ballard
Encyclopedia
Gregory A. Ballard is the Republican
mayor of Indianapolis
, Indiana, United States. On Tuesday, November 6, 2007, he defeated two-term incumbent Democratic Mayor Bart Peterson
by 51% to 47%. It was described as one of the biggest upsets in the political history of Indiana.
to Duard and Mary Ballard. He graduated from Cathedral High School
, a Catholic high school, having lived in Indianapolis for his entire childhood.
Ballard earned a Bachelor's Degree in Economics from Indiana University
. At Indiana University, Ballard became a member of Delta Tau Delta
. After graduating, he joined the United States Marine Corps
. He continued his education while serving in the Marines, becoming a distinguished graduate of the Marine Corps Command and Staff College
, and attained a master’s degree in military science
from the Marine Corps University
, which included operations analysis
studies.
While stationed in California, he met his future wife Winnie. He later was transferred to Okinawa, Japan. He also served in the first Gulf War
. His military career culminated in his service with the United States European Command
in Stuttgart, Germany, where he retired in 2001 with 23 years of service. While in the service, he earned numerous awards, including the Legion of Merit
, the Meritorious Service Medal
, the Kuwait Liberation Medal
, the Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal
, the Humanitarian Service Medal
, and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
.
Beginning in 2001, Ballard worked for Bayer
in Indianapolis, before becoming self-employed as a leadership and management consultant. He authored and self-published The Ballard Rules: Small Unit Leadership. He has also taught seminars at the Indiana Business College. He is an avid golfer.
Ballard was dramatically outspent by Peterson. He had only $300,000 in campaign funds and low name recognition when he began the race. In comparison, Peterson already had $2.9 million in April while Ballard had only $9,560 at the time. As late as October 14, Ballard had run no TV ads. An October 19 campaign finance report showed that Peterson had raised $1.5 million since April and still had that much on hand to spend. At that point in time Ballard had only $51,000 left, meaning that Peterson had 30 times the funds that Ballard had during the last three weeks of the campaign.
Nonetheless, on November 6, 2007, Ballard won the race to become mayor of Indianapolis. Unhappiness with rapidly increasing taxes and crime were seen as the biggest reasons for Peterson's defeat. Republicans also recaptured control of the City-County Council
for the first time in four years. In his acceptance speech, Ballard told the audience he considers this campaign "the classic, if not the ultimate, example of grassroots politics."
Ballard said that his first act as mayor would be to put the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department
back under mayoral control, instead of its then-current control by Marion County
Sheriff Frank J. Anderson
. Other long-term goals as mayor included eliminating various township organizations, and taxing authority for non-elected boards.
Ballard was officially sworn in to office on Tuesday, January 1, 2008 at the Indiana War Memorial
, in downtown Indianapolis
. Ballard chose this site saying that it honored the men and women of the armed services.
Improvements will include: paving, resurfacing, new sidewalks, more greenways, repaired bridges
The $55 million package of street, sidewalk and bridge projects is spread around the city, with many side streets selected for resurfacing as well as some major roads. Ballard also announced a $2 million set of projects that will improve traffic flow and pedestrian access in targeted areas along Michigan Road from Cold Springs Road to 86th Street—a stretch with few sidewalks—and along 71st Street and Westlane Road in the same area. The projects kick off an aggressive infrastructure improvement program. The mayor's office anticipates spending more than $500 million on such projects in coming years, largely funded by proceeds from the pending sale of the city's water and sewer systems to Citizens Energy Group, a nonprofit trust, and stimulus money. The utilities transfer is awaiting approval from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission after winning the City-County Council's OK earlier this year. Among its selling points for Ballard is the money to fund infrastructure improvements—though Ballard has said the city's needs are so great that the money won't cover them all.
On August 19, The City of Indianapolis announced it has received $13.8 million more than originally expected from a bond issue secured by the pending sale of its water and sewer utilities to Citizens Energy Group. The bond proceeds of $153.8 million compare with $140 million originally anticipated as one of the chunks of money from selling the utilities. The money will be spent on street, bridge and sidewalk projects, under the city’s “RebuildIndy” program. That would bring total proceeds from selling the utilities—before subtracting fees and other costs related to the sale—to $504.4 million, from $490.6 anticipated when the City-County Council approved the sale last month.
In August 2010, Mayor Greg Ballard and the Office of Sustainability announced a program that provides incentives for property owners and developers to renovate or construct new buildings in a sustainable manner. The program allows for projects built after Aug. 1 to receive up to a 50 percent rebate on building permit fees associated with the green project. The incentive encourages building owners and developers to integrate sustainable design techniques and practices into building projects.
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
mayor of Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Indianapolis is the capital of the U.S. state of Indiana, and the county seat of Marion County, Indiana. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population is 839,489. It is by far Indiana's largest city and, as of the 2010 U.S...
, Indiana, United States. On Tuesday, November 6, 2007, he defeated two-term incumbent Democratic Mayor Bart Peterson
Bart Peterson
Barton "Bart" R. Peterson is the former mayor of the U.S city of Indianapolis, Indiana. A Democrat first elected in 1999, he was defeated in 2007 in a bid for a third term in what was widely viewed as a huge upset.A lifelong Indianapolis resident, Peterson graduated from North Central High School...
by 51% to 47%. It was described as one of the biggest upsets in the political history of Indiana.
Background
Ballard was born at Methodist Hospital of IndianapolisMethodist Hospital of Indianapolis
Methodist Hospital of Indianapolis is a hospital part of Indiana University Health, located in Indianapolis, state of Indiana, United States. It is the largest hospital in the state of Indiana and one of only two regional Level I Trauma Centers in the state...
to Duard and Mary Ballard. He graduated from Cathedral High School
Cathedral High School (Indianapolis)
Cathedral High School is a private, Catholic institution in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. There are over 1,200 students in grades 9 to 12. It once was located within the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Indianapolis, and was run independently by the Brothers of Holy Cross...
, a Catholic high school, having lived in Indianapolis for his entire childhood.
Ballard earned a Bachelor's Degree in Economics from Indiana University
Indiana University
Indiana University is a multi-campus public university system in the state of Indiana, United States. Indiana University has a combined student body of more than 100,000 students, including approximately 42,000 students enrolled at the Indiana University Bloomington campus and approximately 37,000...
. At Indiana University, Ballard became a member of Delta Tau Delta
Delta Tau Delta
Delta Tau Delta is a U.S.-based international secret letter college fraternity. Delta Tau Delta was founded in 1858 at Bethany College, Bethany, Virginia, . It currently has around 125 student chapters nationwide, as well as more than 25 regional alumni groups. Its national community service...
. After graduating, he joined the United States Marine Corps
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
. He continued his education while serving in the Marines, becoming a distinguished graduate of the Marine Corps Command and Staff College
United States Marine Corps Training and Education Command
The Marine Corps Training and Education Command is the primary training command of the United States Marine CorpsIt develops, coordinate, resource, execute, and evaluate training and education concepts, policies, plans, and programs for Marines to meet the challenges of operational...
, and attained a master’s degree in military science
Military science
Military science is the process of translating national defence policy to produce military capability by employing military scientists, including theorists, researchers, experimental scientists, applied scientists, designers, engineers, test technicians, and military personnel responsible for...
from the Marine Corps University
Marine Corps University
The Marine Corps University reports to the United States Marine Corps Training And Education Command. It was established on August 1, 1989 by General Alfred M...
, which included operations analysis
Operations research
Operations research is an interdisciplinary mathematical science that focuses on the effective use of technology by organizations...
studies.
While stationed in California, he met his future wife Winnie. He later was transferred to Okinawa, Japan. He also served in the first Gulf War
Gulf War
The Persian Gulf War , commonly referred to as simply the Gulf War, was a war waged by a U.N.-authorized coalition force from 34 nations led by the United States, against Iraq in response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait.The war is also known under other names, such as the First Gulf...
. His military career culminated in his service with the United States European Command
United States European Command
The United States European Command is one of ten Unified Combatant Commands of the United States military, headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany. Its area of focus covers and 51 countries and territories, including Europe, Russia, Iceland, Greenland, and Israel...
in Stuttgart, Germany, where he retired in 2001 with 23 years of service. While in the service, he earned numerous awards, including the Legion of Merit
Legion of Merit
The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements...
, the Meritorious Service Medal
Meritorious Service Medal (United States)
The Meritorious Service Medal is a military decoration presented to members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguished themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the United States subsequent to January 16, 1969...
, the Kuwait Liberation Medal
Kuwait Liberation Medal
The Kuwait Liberation Medal is a military service medal of several countries. The medal is issued in different versions for each country, those being:*Kuwait Liberation Medal *Kuwait Liberation Medal *Kuwait Liberation Medal...
, the Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal
Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal
The Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal is a decoration of the United States Marine Corps which was first created on 8 May 1919. Originally known as the Marine Corps Expeditionary Ribbon, a full-sized medal was authorized in July 1921 by Presidential Order of Warren G. Harding...
, the Humanitarian Service Medal
Humanitarian Service Medal
The Humanitarian Service Medal is a military service medal of the United States armed forces which was created on January 19, 1977 by President Gerald Ford under...
, and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
The Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal is a military award which was created under Executive Order 12830 by George H. W. Bush on January 9, 1993...
.
Beginning in 2001, Ballard worked for Bayer
Bayer
Bayer AG is a chemical and pharmaceutical company founded in Barmen , Germany in 1863. It is headquartered in Leverkusen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany and well known for its original brand of aspirin.-History:...
in Indianapolis, before becoming self-employed as a leadership and management consultant. He authored and self-published The Ballard Rules: Small Unit Leadership. He has also taught seminars at the Indiana Business College. He is an avid golfer.
Mayoral win
Ballard was the only Republican to file for mayor, as few members of the city's once-dominant Republican Party were willing to run against Peterson.Ballard was dramatically outspent by Peterson. He had only $300,000 in campaign funds and low name recognition when he began the race. In comparison, Peterson already had $2.9 million in April while Ballard had only $9,560 at the time. As late as October 14, Ballard had run no TV ads. An October 19 campaign finance report showed that Peterson had raised $1.5 million since April and still had that much on hand to spend. At that point in time Ballard had only $51,000 left, meaning that Peterson had 30 times the funds that Ballard had during the last three weeks of the campaign.
Nonetheless, on November 6, 2007, Ballard won the race to become mayor of Indianapolis. Unhappiness with rapidly increasing taxes and crime were seen as the biggest reasons for Peterson's defeat. Republicans also recaptured control of the City-County Council
Indianapolis City-County Council
The Indianapolis City–County Council is the city legislature of Indianapolis, Indiana and Marion County, known as Unigov. It was formally established in 1970 upon the merger of the city government with the county government. Both the Council and Mayor's office are located within the Indianapolis...
for the first time in four years. In his acceptance speech, Ballard told the audience he considers this campaign "the classic, if not the ultimate, example of grassroots politics."
Ballard said that his first act as mayor would be to put the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department is the law enforcement agency for the city of Indianapolis, Indiana, in the United States. Its operational jurisdiction covers all of the consolidated city of Indianapolis and Marion County except for the Airport Authority and three of the four...
back under mayoral control, instead of its then-current control by Marion County
Marion County, Indiana
Marion County is a county located in the U.S. state of Indiana. Census 2010 recorded a population of 903,393, making it the largest county in the state and 55th most populated county in the country, greater than the population of six states. The county seat is Indianapolis, the state capital and...
Sheriff Frank J. Anderson
Frank J. Anderson
Frank Anderson served as Sheriff of Marion County, Indiana from 2003 until 2011 when he was succeeded by Sheriff John R. Layton, and is the first black individual to serve in that post. He is the second black Sheriff in Indiana after Oatess E. Archey.-Early life and career:Frank Anderson grew up...
. Other long-term goals as mayor included eliminating various township organizations, and taxing authority for non-elected boards.
Ballard was officially sworn in to office on Tuesday, January 1, 2008 at the Indiana War Memorial
Indiana World War Memorial Plaza
The Indiana World War Memorial Plaza is an urban feature located in Indianapolis, Indiana, originally built to honor the veterans of World War I. The five-city-block plaza was conceived in 1919 as a location for the national headquarters of the American Legion and a memorial to the state's and...
, in downtown Indianapolis
Downtown Indianapolis
The term Downtown Indianapolis refers to the central business district of Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. The boundaries of downtown Indianapolis have varied over time as the city has grown. The city's original platted area, the Mile Square, is sometimes used to denote the downtown area...
. Ballard chose this site saying that it honored the men and women of the armed services.
Proposed Utility Transfer
The Ballard administration is taking steps to sell the City's water and wastewater utilities to Citizens Energy Group and spend the $450 million the city will get in return on fixing streets.Improvements will include: paving, resurfacing, new sidewalks, more greenways, repaired bridges
RebuildIndy Initiative
On September 9, 2010 Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard announced the first batch of projects in the city's RebuildIndy initiative.The $55 million package of street, sidewalk and bridge projects is spread around the city, with many side streets selected for resurfacing as well as some major roads. Ballard also announced a $2 million set of projects that will improve traffic flow and pedestrian access in targeted areas along Michigan Road from Cold Springs Road to 86th Street—a stretch with few sidewalks—and along 71st Street and Westlane Road in the same area. The projects kick off an aggressive infrastructure improvement program. The mayor's office anticipates spending more than $500 million on such projects in coming years, largely funded by proceeds from the pending sale of the city's water and sewer systems to Citizens Energy Group, a nonprofit trust, and stimulus money. The utilities transfer is awaiting approval from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission after winning the City-County Council's OK earlier this year. Among its selling points for Ballard is the money to fund infrastructure improvements—though Ballard has said the city's needs are so great that the money won't cover them all.
On August 19, The City of Indianapolis announced it has received $13.8 million more than originally expected from a bond issue secured by the pending sale of its water and sewer utilities to Citizens Energy Group. The bond proceeds of $153.8 million compare with $140 million originally anticipated as one of the chunks of money from selling the utilities. The money will be spent on street, bridge and sidewalk projects, under the city’s “RebuildIndy” program. That would bring total proceeds from selling the utilities—before subtracting fees and other costs related to the sale—to $504.4 million, from $490.6 anticipated when the City-County Council approved the sale last month.
Office of Sustainability
In October 2008, Mayor Greg Ballard announced the creation of the City's first Office of Sustainability and unveiled the SustainIndy initiative. The community-wide plan is focused on taking local action to be more environmentally conscious. Kären Haley currently leads the office.In August 2010, Mayor Greg Ballard and the Office of Sustainability announced a program that provides incentives for property owners and developers to renovate or construct new buildings in a sustainable manner. The program allows for projects built after Aug. 1 to receive up to a 50 percent rebate on building permit fees associated with the green project. The incentive encourages building owners and developers to integrate sustainable design techniques and practices into building projects.