Ballard Proud of ‘New Generation of Leadership’
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowAs Greg Ballard reflects on his eight years as Indianapolis mayor, he points with pride to the nearly $2 billion cleanup of the city’s crumbling sewer system and a $450 million privatization of the city’s water utility. He is also spotlighting a downtown with exploding residential growth and new corporate headquarters like Cummins Inc.‘s (NYSE: CMI) global distribution business and California-based Appirio. But in an interview with Inside INdiana Business, the two-term Republican mayor said his greatest legacy may not be bricks and mortar, but rather, people.
"I do believe we created a new generation of leadership in the city," said Ballard, pointing to Indiana Sports Corporation President Ryan Vaughn, Indy Chamber Chief Executive Officer Michael Huber and Central Indiana Workforce Development Initiative Executive Director Jason Kloth, all former deputy mayors.
"I was really proud of our team," said Ballard. "They were young folks who did a great job and now all of a sudden are in some really prominent positions."
Ballard believes new Democrat Mayor Joe Hogsett is taking the reins of a city that is poised for good things. "I think there is really a sense of optimism," said Ballard. "I think people know we have been preparing for the future and you can tangibly see the results on the street."
As for Ballard’s future, after some time off to "recharge my brain," speaking, consulting in the energy sector and a university post are all possibilities. "An education institution of some kind would be a good place to be," said Ballard.