John asks Democrats to join Republicans in support of first “Honest Budget” in years

September 22, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS—Marion County Republican Central Committee Chairman Tom John today called for bipartisan passage of the 2009 Budgets for Indianapolis and Marion County. The City-County Council is scheduled to vote on the budget proposals at its meeting tonight

“This city can be proud that it has elected a true leader in Mayor Greg Ballard who has put forth the first honest budget in years,” said John. “This budget doesn't have empty pages or financial shell games, but rather will return Indianapolis to a sound fiscal ground. It is important for the future of this city that this budget is passed tonight.”

John made his call in front of the Indianapolis Fire Department headquarters. IFD and its overtime budget have become often-cited examples of how the Peterson Administration left millions in unfunded obligations out of its budget.

“In committee meetings this week, Democrats admitted that past budgets had been dishonest or they had been duped by the past practice of leaving millions of known expenses out of the budget each year. This was irresponsible, and Mayor Ballard has put an end to it with this budget,” John said.

John called on all Councilors, particularly the Democrats to put politics aside and to vote in favor of the Ballard Budget and continue the City’s progress towards solidifying its financial footing.

“Mayor Greg Ballard’s financial stewardship has already produced dividends; amidst a credit crunch, our city’s credit rating has been raised,” said John. “I call on the Council to put past practices aside and to make this a bipartisan vote, passing this budget to continue our financial progress that Mayor Ballard has begun.”

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