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Update on Indy, July 12, 2025 - From Roundtables to Results: Smarter Policy, Safer Indy, Stronger Direction

By Minority Leader Michael-Paul Hart

Working to Make Indianapolis the Smartest City in America


🔷 Public Safety Roundtable: A New Standard for Government Accountability

Public Safety Roundtable Sets New Standard for Collaboration


This week, we brought together all the top leaders in public safety for a first-of-its-kind roundtable hosted by our caucus under the SmartIndy banner. We were joined by:


  • Chief of Police: Chris Bailey

  • Chief of IFD: Ernest Malone

  • Chief of EMS: Daniel O'Donnell M.D.

  • Chief of MESA - Tom Sellas

  • Marion County Prosecutor - Ryan Mears


This wasn’t a photo-op or a soundbite session. It was a candid, working meeting to identify where communication breaks down between the Council, city departments, and first responders and more importantly, how we can fix it. Smarter Policy Safer Indy & Stronger Direction


We asked tough questions, focused on operations (not politics), and left with a clear directive: to start building smarter policy that addresses real barriers to safety and efficiency.

SmartIndy

Republicans are leading the way on this because we know the people of Marion County deserve more than slogans. We need systems that work. We’ll be publishing a full breakdown soon, and we invite all residents to follow our progress through the SmartIndy Initiative.

🔹 In Case You Missed It

🗳️ City-County Council Actions

The Council passed a $27 million Spring Fiscal Ordinance, which included a key Republican-led transparency measure: the Office of Public Health and Safety must now report measurable crime reduction outcomes before receiving continued funding for intervention programs.


I also joined Hammer and Nigel on WIBC to talk crime, budgeting, and where Indianapolis goes from here.


A proposal to reduce the juvenile curfew drew major attention. The public hearing is Wednesday 7/16 at 5:30 PM—all are encouraged to attend.

As always, we’re focused on accountability, public safety, and common-sense leadership.



🧱 Washington Square Cleanup and Code Enforcement Push


After receiving messages on Nextdoor, I followed up on several ongoing concerns around Washington Square Mall. This area has long been neglected, but we’re staying persistent.

This week, I worked with city departments to open multiple violations:

  • High Weeds & Grass: HWG25-02842

  • Illegal Dumping: INV25-15146

  • Property Neglect: VIO25-005927 & VIO25-005936

We’re also looking into the long-abandoned Hardee’s nearby. Change won’t happen overnight, but small actions build long-term improvement. I encourage everyone to use RequestIndy to report issues. We all play a part.

🙌 Community Spotlight

🏥** Visit to Shepherd Community Center: A Model Worth Scaling**

Shepherd Community Center

I spent a morning with Jay Height at Shepherd Community Center on the Near Eastside. What I saw there was humbling and inspiring. Shepherd is serving families, reducing barriers, and making a measurable difference—all without city funding.

This is what works. And as we reflect on the city spending dollars on "pop-up tents for peace," it’s clear that our priorities must shift. We should be scaling what succeeds, not propping up what sounds good.


If we truly want to be the Smartest City in America, we need feedback loops that identify what works and get behind it with real support.


“A smart city doesn’t just fund programs. It supports what works.”


🛠️ Policy in Motion

One of the smartest changes we made this year as a caucus was building out a dedicated policy team. With only six of us in the Republican caucus, and all of us juggling jobs, families, and community responsibilities, we knew we needed help.


Now, we have a team helping with legislative research, event planning, and proposal reviews. Their work was instrumental in preparing the Public Safety Roundtable and will continue to be a major asset as we shape better policy.


Republicans are working smarter for Marion County. It’s the only way to lead in a city this complex.

📢 Final Thought

“Republicans in Marion County aren’t just talking we’re leading. We're showing up, solving problems, and staying focused on building a smarter, safer, stronger Indianapolis.”

Thank you for staying engaged as we work to build the Smartest City in America.

We are leading with real action, practical leadership, and a vision for every township, not just downtown.


👉 Follow along at michaelpaulhart.com or sign up for updates on our work to make Indy the Smartest City in America.


 
 
 

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