ENDORSEMENT: AFSCME Local 1887 (Indy Parks) Endorses Melina Kennedy

November 20, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 20, 2009

Media Contact: Katie Lineweaver, (317) 313-6721

Indianapolis--Today, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 1887 Indy Parks endorsed former Indianapolis Deputy Mayor Melina Kennedy's exploratory committee for mayor of Indianapolis. AFSCME Local 1887 President Shane Brinkman discussed the union’s unanimous endorsement and released the following statement:

“AFSCME Local 1887 Indy Parks has voted unanimously to endorse Melina Kennedy for the office of Mayor of Indianapolis. Melina Kennedy has been a friend of this union for over ten years, and everyday has worked hard for all the citizens of Indianapolis. We cannot think of any person to whom we would rather entrust the future of the parks in our community than Melina Kennedy. We look forward to working with [her] before and after the election.” 

Kennedy thanked Brinkman and Local 1887. "AFSCME Local 1887 and its members display their profound commitment to this city everyday, and I am proud to accept their support," Kennedy added. 

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Melina Kennedy recently formed an exploratory committee for the Office of Mayor of Indianapolis. As Deputy Mayor for Indianapolis under Mayor Bart Peterson, she was recognized for her efforts in job creation and economic development, including securing hundreds of new jobs at the vacant United Airlines airport facility, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service in Lawrence, numerous urban redevelopment projects like the Keystone Enterprise Park in the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood, and helping launch long term strategic job creation initiatives like BioCrossroads. 

Melina and her husband, Bob Kennedy, Olympic and former Indianan University distance runner, started a small business in 2001 that now consists of four running and walking specialty stores in the Central Indiana region. Melina supports a number of community organizations in leadership roles, including: President of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society board of directors; co-chair of the Great Indy Neighborhoods Initiative; Board member of Dress for Success; President of the Legacy House board of directors; and numerous other organizations. Melina and Bob are the proud parents of a daughter and son.