Keep Indianapolis' libraries open, not just temporarilyMay 12, 2010
Indianapolis—Today, former Deputy Mayor Melina Kennedy released the following statement regarding Mayor Ballard’s announcement about the temporary reprieve for the six libraries in the heart of six Indianapolis neighborhoods. “Like the people of Indianapolis, today I was relieved that the Mayor finally came to realize how important these six libraries are to their neighborhoods. I was at the meeting on Monday night. In nearly every place I have visited over the past month or so I have been listening to our neighbors plead that we not close these vital neighborhood resources. I know Indianapolis faces tough fiscal times like every other city in America, and that government needs to re-think its priorities and cut back in some places, just like families are doing every day. But let me be clear. Libraries are not a temporary priority but a permanent one for me. I will fight against closing libraries on my watch when I am mayor. I understand that not every priority can be met, not every need can be fulfilled, and the next mayor is going to have to make some difficult decisions. But the one thing that can’t be done is to cut the heart right out of our city. And for me, the library system is part of what makes Indianapolis a vibrant city. The neighborhood libraries in Fountain Square, Glendale, Brightwood, West Indianapolis, Flanner House, and Spades Park are some of the most important centers in our community. We cannot close them. Our public libraries are one of the rare institutions in society where every resident can benefit, from the toddler learning how to read, to the senior who is looking for a good book and good company. And libraries can even play a role in helping improve our economy: Our neighbors go to the library to search for employment opportunities, to find ideas, to enhance their knowledge base. To close libraries is completely counterproductive in the short and long term for our city’s economic well being. We should be finding ways to expand their reach in our neighborhoods, not diminishing them. When I am Mayor we will do just that. I call on Mayor Ballard to open up the books. I call on the Mayor to explain how it is he has $170 million more than he said he needed to run this city, continues to raise fees and taxes, but until a loud public outcry, he stayed silent about the potential closing of libraries. I call on the Mayor to acknowledge that solving the library problem is at least as important to our community as the negotiations with the Indiana Pacers - not just in the short term, but for the long term. Our neighbors are hungry for leadership, hungry for assurances that their library will remain open. Let me assure everyone that with me, they will remain open, that they are a permanent priority, not a temporary one.” |
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International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 103February 25, 2010Today, the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 103 endorsed former Indianapolis Deputy Mayor Melina Kennedy's candidacy for mayor of Indianapolis. IUOE Local 103 President and Business Manager Bruce Tarvin described Kennedy as “an expert job-creator.” Melina Kennedy has 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. |
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Ironworkers Local 22 Endorses Melina KennedyFebruary 23, 2010Indianapolis--Today, the Ironworkers Local 22 endorsed former Indianapolis Deputy Mayor Melina Kennedy's candidacy for mayor of Indianapolis. Ironworkers Local 22 Business Manager Jeff Stinson discussed Kennedy's "fantastic record of creating new jobs." Melina Kennedy has 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. |
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Marion County Clerk Beth White endorses Melina KennedyFebruary 10, 2010FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 10, 2010 Media Contact: Katie Lineweaver, (317) 313-6721
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Former Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson endorses Melina KennedyDecember 14, 2009ENDORSEMENT: 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." -30- 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. |
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INDIANAPOLIS CEOs, ENTREPRENEURS and BUSINESS LEADERS ENDORSE MELINA KENNEDYDecember 04, 2009INDIANAPOLIS CEOs, ENTREPRENEURS and BUSINESS LEADERS ENDORSE MELINA KENNEDY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 3, 2009 Media Contact: Katie Lineweaver, (317) 313-6721
Indianapolis--Today, ten leaders from the Indianapolis business community endorsed former Deputy Mayor Melina Kennedy’s candidacy for Mayor of Indianapolis. Among the group were business leaders from large, small, minority and women owned businesses in a variety of industries, including CEOs, entrepreneurs and other business leaders:
Jeff Smulyan, Founder and CEO, Emmis Communications Steven Crane, Managing Director, Crane Capital Management David Becker, Chairman of the Board and CEO, First Internet Bank J.A. Lacy, President and CEO, FinishMaster, Inc. Gerry Richardson, Founder and CEO, The Anson Group Jerry Jones, President and CEO, Cannon IV, Inc. Billie Dragoo, President and CEO, RepuCare and RepuStaff Kevin Martin, CFO, Johnson Ventures Anne Nobles, Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer, Eli Lilly David Barrett, President and CEO, Gene B. Glick Company
“After watching Melina’s excellent work in growing the Indianapolis economy as Deputy Mayor for Economic Development, I trust in her leadership,” said Smulyan.
“I have known Melina for years and believe that that she will do a great job of creating a good environment for investment in Indianapolis,” Crane added.
“I work everyday with other women in business, and I can tell you that Melina has a strong following among women business owners who are excited by her candidacy,” Dragoo said.
“As an Angel Investor and as someone who has organized many small businesses, I believe in Melina’s ability to get the Indianapolis economy moving again,” Becker added.
“I am honored to have the support of these pillars from our local business community, and I look forward to working with them to build a strong local economy that creates new jobs and lays a foundation for our business community to flourish,” said Kennedy.
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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. |
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ENDORSEMENT: AFSCME Local 1887 (Indy Parks) Endorses Melina KennedyNovember 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. -30- 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. |
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Insulators Union endorses Melina KennedyNovember 17, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 16, 2009 Media Contact: Katie Lineweaver, (317) 313-6721
Indianapolis--Today, the International Association of Heat & Frost Insulators & Allied Workers Local 18 endorsed former Indianapolis Deputy Mayor Melina Kennedy's exploratory committee for mayor of Indianapolis. Insulators Business Manager Scott Collier cited Kennedy's experience creating jobs as key to the union’s endorsement.
"As a Deputy Mayor, Melina was a proven job-creator," Collier said. "And as a proven job-creator, as somebody passionate about Indianapolis’ future and as somebody who has a vision that gets this city moving again, Melina’s leadership will mean a better tomorrow for Indianapolis," Collier added.
Kennedy thanked Collier, and praised the Insulators dedication to Indianapolis and its future. "I am proud to announce this endorsement, and am honored to have the Insulators at my side," 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 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. |
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Kip Tew, Indiana Chairman of Obama for America, Endorses Melina KennedyNovember 12, 2009FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, November 12, 2009 Media Contact: Katie Lineweaver, (317) 313-6721 Indianapolis--Today, Kip Tew, Chairman of President Barack Obama’s Indiana campaign and former Indiana and Marion County Democratic Party Chairman, endorsed Melina Kennedy. Kennedy said Tew's endorsement and involvement is key, coming off the heels of guiding one of the most historic presidential campaigns in Indiana history.
“I was also considering running for Mayor myself, but after months of meetings, listening to folks, and watching Melina's work ethic and ability on the campaign trail, I decided she is the best candidate for our party at this time,” Tew said. “Melina is an experienced job-creator, she is passionate about all of our families’ futures, and her vision of an Indianapolis that reaches higher is something--as a father--I believe in.” “I spent months working with Kip on President Obama’s campaign and watched his work produce tremendous results. His endorsement of my candidacy is a great boost to my campaign. Campaigns are tough, and Kip's willingness to stand with me and work together means a lot,” Kennedy said. -30- 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. |
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Fmr. Congressman Andy Jacobs, Jr. Endorses Melina KennedyOctober 29, 2009
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LIUNA Endorses Melina KennedySeptember 24, 2009FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONACT: Katie Lineweaver, (317) 313-6721 Thursday, September 24, 2009 INDIANAPOLIS -- Laborers International Union of North America (LIUNA) Local 120 (Indianapolis) today endorsed former Indianapolis Deputy Mayor Melina Kennedy's bid for mayor of Indianapolis. Laborers Business Manager David Frye cited Kennedy's experience as a proven job-creator as a key factor behind the union's endorsement. "As a deputy mayor, Melina was very successful in her fight to bring new jobs to Indianapolis," Frye said. "Melina's experience creating jobs, her passion for the future of working families and her vision to get this city moving forward again is the kind of leadership our city needs." Kennedy thanked Frye, and praised LIUNA's dedication and invaluable work on behalf of Indianapolis. "The Laborers' commitment to Indianapolis, and its future, is inspiring. Quite literally, they have built this city," Kennedy said. Currently an enviromnmental attornery at the Indianapolis law firm Baker & Daniels LLP, Melina Kennedy previously served as Deputy Mayor for Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson, counseling the Mayor on a variety of issues relating to municipal government and economic development. Melina helped lead efforts to attract the Conrad Hotel to the city, keep Simon Property Group from leaving its downtown headquarters and find a company to fill the void left when United Airlines closed its maintenance hub at the airport. She also helped launch various workforce development, community development and neighborhood development initiatives on behalf of the City of Indianapolis. |
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