Ballard's jobs numbers solid; work on economy pays off
4.13.11

INDIANAPOLIS STAR

The attacks on the job commitments Mayor Greg Ballard's administration secured over the past year are incredible. Ballard's opponents refuse to accept that his efforts have created a business-friendly environment and have led to more jobs. Over the past few weeks, one fact is becoming increasingly apparent: Other candidates are trying to gain political points by devaluing the success of the mayor.
Ballard was able to secure more than 8,700 job commitments and $934 million in capital investments last year. That is a record. In fact, the 2010 numbers secured by the Ballard administration top the numbers of 2003, 2004 and 2005 combined. Interestingly, Melina Kennedy served as deputy mayor for economic development under the Peterson administration; the numbers are compiled exactly the same way now as they were then.
Others are making comparisons by failing to compare apples to apples. When you do, there is no question the incredible impact our mayor has made in a city that is performing far better than cities in nearby states. Ballard is helping build a positive economic future. The city continues to see signs of recovery. Along with the new job commitments in 2010, the city facilitated a 1.5 percent drop in unemployment from February 2010 to February 2011.
Ballard's opponents will continue to attack his accomplishments, but we cannot hide from the numbers. Mayor Ballard, thank you for your hard work and continued leadership.
Eric Richards
Indianapolis
http://www.indystar.com/article/20110414/OPINION01/104140371/-1/7daysarchives/Ballard-s-jobs-numbers-solid-work-economy-pays-off