‘Elected officials are not doing their job’: State Sen. Young calls for state-controlled downtown

INDIANAPOLIS — A state senator is currently working on legislation that would place downtown Indianapolis under the control of a governor-appointed commissioner amid ongoing safety concerns, wresting authority away from elected leaders such as Mayor Joe Hogsett.

This comes following Indiana Gov. Mike Braun’s criticism of Mayor Hogsett amid a flurry of violence in downtown Indy. One of these incidents resulted in seven people being shot and two juveniles being killed during the July 4 weekend.

State Sen. Michael Young (R-Indianapolis) unveiled his plan on Thursday, which would involve designating a state-appointed commissioner to serve in a “mayoral” role with a board acting out as the “council” role.

“The recent violence in downtown Indianapolis has left the public feeling unsafe and scared in their own city,” Young said. “Elected officials are not doing their number one job in Indianapolis – ensuring public safety – and it is not a good image for Indianapolis. We need to protect our citizens, and this legislation would do just that.”

These potential roles would oversee the enactment of new ordinances, law enforcement, the fire department, roads and any other service that the city currently provides.

The board would consist of two board members appointed by the Senate, two appointed by the House of Representatives and one member appointed by the governor. The governor would also be responsible for appointing the commissioner.

Additionally, the Indiana Attorney General would be responsible for the prosecution of crimes within the Mile Square instead of Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears.

This Mile Square would include downtown and other facilities, including the Indiana Convention Center, Lucas Oil Stadium, Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Victory Field, Virginia Avenue Parking Garage and Hudnut Commons.

The commission would use the area’s revenue from the food and beverage tax, as well as the property tax. Residents outside the area would not bear a financial burden, according to Young.

Young is still in the stage of drafting this legislation.