Straub faces no-confidence vote

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Public Safety Director Frank Straub could lose the backing of Indianapolis City Council.

This comes after Straub revealed his department is facing a $15 million deficit.

Straub is also accused of doubling the Public Safety's administrative budget. His executive staff has six people at a total of $417,000. The Public Safety director before him, Scott Newman, hired four people and carried a salary of $204, 000.

"When your budgets are facing a crisis, it begs the question: Do we need all these folks?" said Council Member Mary Moriarty Adams.

Indianapolis City Council members are expected to give Straub a no-confidence vote Wednesday.

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.