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Last updated on Thursday, November 13, 2014
(INDIANAPOLIS) - Former U-S Attorney Joe Hogsett has formally announced his candidacy for mayor of Indianapolis.
Hogsett kicked off his campaign beneath the peace sculpture of Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King on Indy's eastside. He mostly steered clear of both policy specifics and criticism of Republican incumbent Greg Ballard, instead repeatedly declaring that "Indianapolis can do better."
Hogsett did call for more police and a renewed focus on community-oriented policing, and says the community must address an "expulsion epidemic" in Indianapolis schools. He says teachers deserve greater resources, including higher pay.
Hogsett praises last week's deal between Ballard and the Democratic City-County Council to establish city-funded preschool, calling it an example of putting aside potential political gain for the good of the city. Hogsett had criticized Ballard's original proposal to fund the program by eliminating a property tax credit.
Hogsett faces a Democratic primary battle with Indianapolis Representative Ed DeLaney. Republicans are searching for a candidate after Ballard's announcement last week he won't seek a third term. Indianapolis Senator Jim Merritt and former senator Murray Clark are considering the race.
Hogsett served as secretary of state for six years, but has not held elective office since leaving that post in 1994.
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