Marathon meeting has Straub in hot seat

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The City-County Council grilled Public Safety Director Frank Straub, then gave others the chance to comment during a meeting that lasted until 11 p.m. Wednesday night.

Straub was facing a no-confidence vote by the council, but that vote was postponed until April 18. His presentation alone lasted more than hour, and council questioning and comments from the public and various emergency workers lasted another four after that.

Straub said he wanted to talk about the accomplishments during his tenure. He pointed to the success of the Super Bowl, saying that the department actually spent less than was predicted during that event. He noted that for the first time in recent memory, there were no incidents at the Black Expo Summer Celebration.

But he also said he wanted to set the record straight on some things, including his salary. He earns $125,000 a year - a pay cut from his previous position, he noted. And he also expressed frustration at the Fraternal Order of Police's relationship with him. He said many wanted to see him fail. The FOP leadership, however, later spoke in the meeting, taking issue with that statement.

And even with the successes, Straub highlighted, some weren't convinced.

Councillor Pam Hickman raised concerns.

"We have a lot of work to do on crime reduction," she said.

Before the meeting, critics said the vote holds no muscle because the council cannot terminate Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard's appointment.

It also appears Ballard has no plans to remove Straub if there is a no-confidence vote.

"The mayor nominated Dr. Straub. He believes he is the best man to lead the city," said Marc Lotter, Ballard’s spokesman.

Lotter added that current laws protect the mayor's appointment until he nominates someone else.