1/28/2005
Media Contact:
Steve Campbell, [317] 327-3622
Monica Whitfield Brase, [317] 327-3690 |
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Mayor applauds business, labor leaders for creating bi-partisan, non-profit corporation to support Indianapolis Works
INDIANAPOLIS -Mayor Bart Peterson today applauded a group of business and labor leaders who have formed a not-for-profit corporation whose goal is to provide the public with information about his Indianapolis Works plan.
The non-profit, called Indianapolis Works, Inc., has started a public education campaign about the mayor's plan to streamline local government and save property taxpayers $35 million per year. A broad range of media will be utilized to reach as many people as possible.
Indianapolis Works, Inc.'s officers include: Jerry Semler (chairman); John Dillon (president); Connie Thurman (vice-president); Yvonne Shaheen (Secretary); and Derrick Burks (Treasurer).
"I am pleased to have these business and labor leaders involved in educating our community about what Indianapolis Works will do for our city," said Mayor Peterson. "This proposal is about better, more effective, more accountable, and more efficient government, and I'm gratified that these local leaders share that vision."
"Businesses in every industry are under tremendous pressure from their constituents to provide greater value by improving productivity and overall effectiveness," said OneAmerica Chairman of the Board and Indianapolis Works, Inc.'s chairman Jerry D. Semler. "In recent years, the need to run our businesses more efficiently, yet produce growth, has become even more challenging. We've all had to make some very difficult decisions with regard to change management.
"The City of Indianapolis has experienced dramatic redevelopment," added Semler. "We must continue to build on that momentum, but the city must find a way to get its cost structure under control. Change is required and, as a businessperson and as a taxpayer, I applaud the Mayor for proposing changes that will allow our tax dollars to be used more efficiently. Anyone who is concerned about their tax dollars and the effectiveness of local government should support Indianapolis Works."
In addition to Indianapolis Works, Inc., the plan has been endorsed by others including:
* Indianapolis Firefighters Local 416
* International Association of Firefighters
* Professional Firefighters of Indiana
* Indianapolis Star
* Indianapolis Business Journal
* Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce
* Indiana Chamber of Commerce
* Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of Realtors
* Indianapolis Downtown, Inc.
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