Mayoral Races Linked To Business Success

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(UNDATED) - Last week’s municipal elections brought a tidal wave of change throughout the state. And it goes far beyond Greg Ballard’s stunning upset of Bart Peterson in the Indianapolis mayoral race.

Many of the mayors who were swept out of office were big players in economic development. The Indiana Chamber of Commerce says nearly 1 in 3 races statewide resulted in a change in power, a shift that is bound to have an impact on business and economic development.

For example in Anderson, Republican Kevin Smith, whose aggressive business recruitment efforts landed a major nestle plant among other deals, will be replaced by Democrat Kris Ockomon, who has already stated that he doesn't think international business recruitment is worth the effort.

Similar examples can be found throughout the state. Greensburg Democrat Mayor Frank Manus, who helped land a major Honda plant, was voted out of office; in LaPorte, Republican Leigh Morris, a leading advocate for a major Intermodal facility is out.

In Terre Haute, Democrat Mayor Kevin Burke, who helped seal several high profile economic development deals, including downtown development projects, was also likewise voted out after serving just one term.

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