Council poses new challenge for Mayor Ballard - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Mayor Greg Ballard's re-election may be tempered by a big change on the Indianapolis City-County Council. As the Republican begins four more years in office, the balance of power has dramatically changed on the council.

Democrats will now be in the majority with a 16-13 edge. A Republican mayor has never had to work with a Democratic council in Indianapolis before.

Mayor Ballard's discussion with Republican lawmakers about regional mass transit was more cordial than what his first encounter with a City-County Council controlled by Democrats is likely to be.

"He's pretty much closed the door on us. Now he is going to have to deal with us," said Angela Mansfield (D-District 2).

Mansfield, who hopes to be the new majority leader, insists Ballard even didn't talk to Democrats during his first term.

"That's not necessarily true, but I think it will be fine. We pretty get along pretty much with anybody," said Ballard.

But Mayor Ballard didn't get along with council members wanting to ban smoking in bars and clubs. The proposal he killed is Mansfield's top priority.

"We are hoping to get it done before the Super Bowl," said Mansfield.

"We'll see. I said we'll talk about it," said the mayor.

Democrats also want the city to provide health care and other benefits to unmarried partners of city employees and a bigger say in the budget and how tax dollars are spent.

They'll have to be cautious. In a lot of neighborhoods, residents split their votes.

Democrats put Democrats on the council but at the same time put a Republican back in office.

"Neighborhood redevelopment is my number one priority from day one," said John Barth (D-At large councilor-elect).

Barth quickly sent a message to one of the mayor's advisors.

"I don't know what happened last year or the year before, with the relationship, and I don't care," he said.

But others will care, and Mayor Greg Ballard, who's proven he knows how to win, may not have to prove he knows how to compromise.

The mayor says he will focus on more jobs, investments, improved public safety, roads, sidewalks and bridges. It's hard to imagine Democrats arguing against any of that. The debate will be in the details and determining which issues get priority, and where the funding comes from.

The new balance of power begins with the new year.

See all election results for central Indiana here.