Ballard, Hogsett Begin Transition Process

INDIANAPOLIS -- The newly elected mayor of Indianapolis says he doesn’t have anyone in mind just yet for key city department roles. That was among the questions Joe Hogsett fielded from reporters this morning after the Democrat won election last night. 

Outgoing Republican Mayor Greg Ballard invited Hogsett to the 25th floor of the City-County Building Wednesday morning. And they kept it casual.

"Had them tell him, he didn’t have to wear a tie today," Ballard joked to reporters.  Hogsett then quipped: "I do what my mayor tells me."

The two men appointed staff to transition teams to work together over the next two months. Hogsett said he doesn’t plan to dismantle Ballard’s eight years of work. He hasn’t decided who will lead major city functions, like public safety and the police department.

"No, I don’t have anybody in mind," Hogsett said. Or the other way to say it is, everybody is certainly worthy of consideration."

Hogsett said he would be open to including the man he defeated, Republican Chuck Brewer, in some role, something Brewer expressed interest in Tuesday night.

"So I would welcome his participation," Hogsett said.

Hogsett said first up, though, is a vacation with his wife.

Ballard said he wants a smooth transition to Hogsett’s administration. He also said he’s begun offering some advice.

"I’ve already given him two or three. Some of those I’ll keep between us," Ballard said. "But as long as he looks to the future and keeps the interest of the city at heart, It’ll all be fine, it’ll be fine."