Ballard Responds to Peterson Attacks

Bart and the Democrats should know at least one thing; Never attack someone who has served their country in the military.

I guess they didn’t get that memo. Read Greg Ballard’s response to Bart inserting his foot into his mouth in his recent press release.

Greg Ballard, Republican candidate for Mayor of Indianapolis, commented today on Bart Peterson’s latest campaign television advertisement. Mr. Peterson’s commercial takes a negative tone and attacks Greg Ballard’s experience and ability to serve as the Mayor.Ballard said, “Yesterday was a sad day in Indianapolis politics.

To date the candidates for Mayor have engaged in a frank and open discussion of the problems facing Indianapolis without resorting to personal negative attacks.Mayor Peterson’s latest campaign ad is a turn in the wrong direction.

“The Mayor’s charge, using the words of the local newspaper, is that a twenty-three year career in the U.S. Marines Corps leaves you “inexperienced” and “unqualified” to serve as mayor.”Mr. Peterson’s ad demonstrates a complete misunderstanding of the education and training men and women in the military receive,” said Ballard.

(Read the rest of Greg’s response below the fold)

“For my part, I graduated from the Marine Corps Command and Staff College and earned a Master’s Degree from the Marine Corps University.”Ballard continued, “In my twenty-three year military career, I held numerous positions that called upon the same kind of skills one would utilize as mayor. I am sure that I am more prepared now than Mr. Peterson was when he first ran for mayor eight years ago and I am certainly prepared to lead Indianapolis today.”But the worst part of Mr. Peterson’s ad is that it implies that service or a career in the military just isn’t good enough and it tells Hoosiers in the military that they are not qualified for public service,” said Ballard.

“History, of course, says otherwise. Our nation’s veterans have historically used their military training and leadership to become some of the best leaders in politics, business, and their communities.”Ballard concluded, “Mayor Peterson and I have disagreed a lot about our city’s problems and the solutions, especially taxes, spending and crime.

But I have not questioned his personal abilities and I am disappointed that the Mayor’s campaign has taken a different course.”