Peterson Plan III is in Long Line of Poorly Done Sequels

Is it just me or is Hollywood running out of ideas for movies? I mean I’m getting sick tired of the same old movie getting rehashed all the time for sequel after sequel. In Peterson Plan 3, we have the same old story; a local Real Estate magnate who is running for office, but this time, it’s for his third term. I know, I know, it’s the same old story….or is it?The first two chapters of this series were quite dull….right up until the end of the last one. Then things started getting interesting. Murder, conspiracy, and an explosion in crime were the names of the game. The first two were late spring/early summer releases that faired well for the (pro)(an)tagonist (the script really lets you decide). He almost seemed to come out smelling like roses.

But the producers, after bringing in tons of money with the first two releases had us believe that they would be finished with just two plans. But PP3, you can tell was made in haste…as if they didn’t think that it would be needed.

The early reviews are mixed:

“Voters should look at how well Peterson kept promises made in the first two volumes of the “Peterson Plan” before buying into the third edition.’ - Republicans

“In Peterson Plan II, he promised not to merge the police departments, and obviously he didn’t follow through on that. I just don’t think people will find Peterson Plan III credible,” - John Cochran (Ballard for Mayor Campaign Manager

“I think it’s a very mixed bag,” - Cathy Burton (Marion County Alliance of Neighborhood Associations)

(Read more below the fold)

The events leading up to PP3 are what make the timing of this release interesting. The main character “Bart” has had to deal with crime that is out of control, numerous ethical questions about his supporting cast (the majority on the Council, as they like to be called) and carry over issues from PP2 such as homelessness, abandoned homes, no movement on mass transit that weren’t taken care of and the broken promise to not consolidate the police department.

Wait….what’s that?…Peterson Plan III isn’t a movie? Just another long list of ideas that sound good, but will never get accomplished on top of previous promises and plans that have yet to be delivered? No wonder Peterson Plan III seems lame.

Here’s the breakdown of Peterson Plan II that the Indianapolis Star gave:

Reality check
How well has Mayor Bart Peterson been able to deliver on past promises? A quick look at Peterson Plan II:
• Promise: To conclude major studies and implement a regional action plan on mass transit.
• Reality: Studies are still ongoing, and there have been no decisions about how to move forward.
• Promise: To expand the Indiana Convention Center.
• Reality: Peterson forged a deal to move the stadium and expand the Convention Center.
• Promise: To reduce the number of abandoned homes.
• Reality: The administration could not provide updated numbers, but Peterson acknowledges that progress in this area has been a major disappointment.
• Promise: To provide property tax relief to city residents.
• Reality: Property tax bills this year jumped even higher than in 2003, though much of the responsibility lies with state changes and reassessment. (The 2007 assessment is being redone.)
• Promise: To increase the number of mayor-sponsored charter schools.
• Reality: The mayor sponsored five charter schools then; now there are 16.
• Promise: To increase police collaboration, but not go so far as to consolidate the Indianapolis Police and Marion County Sheriff’s departments.
• Reality: The mayor initiated a merger of the two departments as a cost-saving move.