The 2015 election is behind us and now it is time for all of us to join together to move our city forward.
While we may not always agree, we cannot allow our differences to divide us or leave our community paralyzed. Through our differences, we are able to leave no stone unturned in our efforts to create strong policies that serve the best interests of our families and children. Through our differences, we are able to implement new programs and services that strengthen our efforts of building a dynamic and diverse city that continues to attract the best and brightest talent, events and businesses.
Now is the time for us to focus on what makes our city flourish. It’s time to reignite our focus on neighborhoods.
Listening to neighbors is not just a campaign slogan — it has been and will remain at the very heart of the way we do business. We will continue our work outside the walls of the City-County Building by being visible in neighborhoods where our families live.
An emphasis on economic development will also strengthen our city. Locally owned businesses serve as the foundation of our economy and enhance our ability to create well-paying, sustainable jobs. Over the past year we have increased our support for small business owners by providing funding for microloans resulting in significant business growth and innovation. Our ongoing commitment to retaining large corporations and assisting neighborhoods with identifying projects to revitalize local communities has and will continue to create a welcoming environment for all those who call Indianapolis home.
We will continue to utilize our time to focus on education. This year we leveled the playing field for our youth by expanding access to quality pre-K. This year hundreds of children jumpstarted their academic journey through high-quality early-learning experiences that will prepare them to become high-level achievers. In 2016, we will continue to make education a priority in order to make sure our children are prepared for academic success and are competitive in our global society.
While neighborhoods, economic development and education are important to our community, there is no higher priority than protecting our streets. During 2016, we will continue to visit neighborhoods and listen to residents and public safety officials about what is needed to maintain a well-trained, well-equipped police force with a system that is agile and responsive. The time has come for us to reclaim our neighborhoods. Neighborhoods belong to our families and our children, and we cannot become a community that lives in fear.
There are many challenges that lie before us, but within every challenge lay an opportunity. So let’s seize the opportunity to reclaim our schools, our streets, neighborhoods and city. Together, let’s march boldly into 2016 and enter the New Year with purpose and meaning. The time is now, and with God’s grace and mercy I’ll see you at the starting line Jan. 1.
Maggie Lewis is president of the Indianapolis City-County Council.
