Keith D. Milby :: blog

UPDATE: 10:42 PM - Well it seems that everyone is reporting that Greg Ballard is the next Mayor of Indianapolis along with a majority on the City/County Council. Yippee!!!  Here’s to better days in the future. Now if the national elections goes as well for Republicans, it will be a good thing. That’s all folks!

UPDATE: 10:31 PM - Well back at 51% of the vote with 847 of 914 precincts reporting and with the Indy Star reporting that Peterson has conceded to Ballard, this almost makes it official. Still a chance of Peterson pulling an Algore. I am feeling pretty better at the moment. Some are saying that this could turn out to be the biggest upset since Richard Lugar became the first Republican mayor of the city in 20 years, and ushered in a 32-year era of Republican rule in Marion County. Here’s hoping. Lord knows the democrats have been holding the city back long enough.

UPDATE: 10:03 PM - Feeling better now. Ballard back up to 52% with 69,141 votes, 781 out of 914 precincts reporting. I also found this guy with a report on the elections and this guy has been live blogging it. I guess I have to, but for different reasons. 

UPDATE: 9:35 PM - OK, now at 50% with  62,825 votes. Worry and concern is starting to creep in. I am going to hold strong for now.

UPDATE: 9:15 PM - Greg Ballard is still at 52% with 58,168 votes. The Indy Star appears to be coming around to the reality that Peterson may not be coming back for a third term. I am sure they are disappointed, in that all of the hard work they put in, might be going in vain. 

UPDATE: 8:57 PM - Greg Ballard at 52% with 54,059 votes. From other races of interest it seems the color Blue is turning to Red. At this point it appears the majority of the City/County Council will be handed to Republicans as well. Oh my, this is really starting to give me hope. With reservations.

UPDATE: 8:43 PM - Advance Indiana seems to be announcing that Greg Ballard along with other Republicans are sweeping into office. Here’s hoping they are right. 

UPDATE: 8:32 PM - Greg Ballard at 53%. I am starting to garner hope. But, I still have the disappoint that was Julia Carson being reelected to the House. Man was I sad about that. 

UPDATE: 8:15 PM - OK, now 50% of the precincts are reporting and Greg Ballard is still ahead. I will forgive myself for starting to get excited. 

UPDATE: 8:10 PM - Yes it is still early. But I have to say I like seeing Greg Ballard is still on top. Here’s hoping it continues.

Well even though these are early results, it is certainly nice to see Greg Ballard in the lead. Let’s hope it stays that way and he becomes the Mayor of Indianapolis.

Source: http://web2.radquest.com/wthr/includes/race4900.htm

Come October 1st we fine citizens in Marion County will be burdened with an income tax increase thanks to Mayor Bart Peterson.

Mayor Peterson is always smiles when you see him on TV and he is always optimistic about how the city is being run. Now I understand why.

Peterson is deaf to any dissent

Mayor Bart Peterson sat with Indianapolis Star reporters and editors earlier this summer and said he wasn’t hearing much dissent from the public about his proposed income tax increase.

If he had asked me he would have heard some dissent. I would have told him to stuff his increase and find some fat to cut out of the city budget. Just like the fat that thickens on the top of a cold pot of chicken and dumplings, the fat in a budget can usually be found in the same place.

It’s pretty clear our city’s mayor, a man who has so many admirable qualities, has fallen into a second-term bunker filled with loyal aides convinced all the critics are irrational, partisan or out for blood.

All of that came bursting into the public consciousness Monday evening, as Peterson delivered a defensive and ineffective 2008 budget speech in a room packed with political supporters while ordinary taxpayers were locked out.

Crushing of dissent. Imagine that.

Peterson likes to hear applause when he talks. If you doubt that, go to one of his news conferences. They’re usually packed with a posse of aides from various city government agencies. Their job is to smile and clap for the cameras. It makes you wonder why city lawyers, neighborhood liaisons and other taxpayer-funded employees have enough midday free time to play the role of press conference prop.

Last week, the mayor wanted supporters on hand as he unveiled his budget plan in front of the City-County Council. He didn’t want news coverage to focus on the protesters who have become common at council meetings this summer. But by stacking the room with backers, he got even worse coverage. News stories accurately told the tale of residents locked out by their government.

It is time for this guy to go.