Former Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson endorses Melina Kennedy

December 14, 2009

ENDORSEMENT: Former Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson endorses Melina Kennedy


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, December 14, 2009
Media Contact: Katie Lineweaver, (317) 313-6721

Indianapolis--Today, former Indianapolis mayor Bart Peterson endorsed Melina Kennedy in her campaign for mayor of Indianapolis. Peterson, whom Kennedy served as Deputy Mayor and Economic Development Director, singled out Kennedy's accomplishments, leadership and work ethic in supporting her candidacy.

"First, Melina is a proven and experienced job-creator. When hundreds lost their jobs at the United Airlines airport maintenance facility, I watched Melina work incredibly hard and show remarkable creativity to bring new jobs to Indianapolis. At the end of the day, after relentless effort, we brought a new company to Indianapolis that now employs hundreds at the facility again."

"Second, Melina is a courageous, passionate and visionary leader. As a husband and father, I know Melina will work tirelessly to build an Indianapolis where our children and grandchildren can be safe, receive high quality education, and reach their dreams. Melina knows how to reach across lines that sometimes separate people, bringing together families, neighborhoods, labor, business, and the broader community."

"And finally, no one out-works Melina. She won't stop until we are a leader in job creation. She won't stop until every child gets the education they need to achieve their potential. And she won't stop until our rivers run clean and we are a truly sustainable city."

Kennedy thanked Peterson for his support and his leadership of Indianapolis. "I am honored to have Mayor Peterson's support. His dedication to this city, his leadership, and his passion for new ideas made this city a better place to live, work and raise a family."
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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 Indiana 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 son and daughter.