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Columnist

A lifelong resident of Indianapolis, Williams has been an active member of the business community since starting his career in public service as an aide to two-term governor and current U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh.

As an entrepreneur, Williams helped organize several private-equity firms with top-notch investment performance and aided in the formation and growth of multiple businesses. Williams’ leadership in health care supply-chain companies has resulted in service on committees of the Healthcare Distribution Management Association.

Williams has been and is active in charitable organizations, including the Venture Club of Indiana, 500 Festival Associates, the American Pianists Association, the Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series, Indy Reads, the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Indiana, the Sycamore Institute, the Indianapolis Cultural Trail Development Committee, the St. Thomas Aquinas School Commission, the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, LaPlaza Inc., the Archdiocese of Indianapolis and the Indiana Humanities Council.

E-mail: bwilliams@ibj.com

WILLIAMS: Anchor MSA redevelopment with City Hall

September 22, 2012

Any successful revitalization of the Market Square Arena site demands restoring the former City Hall as the public’s house. City Hall’s decaying grandeur casts a long shadow over the neighboring parking lots created by the implosion of MSA 11 years ago and is probably overwhelming the facile designs associated with redevelopment proposals.

WILLIAMS: Biodiesel makes sense for Indy

July 14, 2012

The rebirth of downtown and its continued viability are the result of clustered assets—hotels, the convention center, sporting facilities, familiar restaurants—and a strong convention business.

WILLIAMS: It really is the right to work for less

March 24, 2012

In which category do the 23 right-to-work states lead the nation? In poverty.

WILLIAMS: Expand IPS to Marion County borders

December 31, 2011

Absent a focus on county-wide educational reform, these efforts may address underachievement within IPS but fail to address needs of top academic performers, the large academic middle, and underperformers in all Marion County schools.

WILLIAMS: What is the IU name worth to us?

March 19, 2011

Who has the right to give away a state asset, as the IU name is, for what reasons and under what terms?

WILLIAMS: Light rail to airport is key for downtown

January 29, 2011

If Union Station was linked to an urban transportation system extending from downtown to the Hendricks County border, workers in the gargantuan warehouses west of Indianapolis would have access to a reliable transit system.

WILLIAMS: Indiana must overcome wage gap

January 8, 2011

Unfortunately, despite the governor’s pledge, the dollars spent by public-private entities and the recession, Indiana’s per-capita income has not risen.

WILLIAMS: Rebuilding a sustainable Indianapolis

October 9, 2010

Rather than simply building and repairing streets, sidewalks, bridges and parks, ratepayers and taxpayers should demand that these projects set standards for construction in Indianapolis by reusing or recycling materials, using environmentally friendly products, and designing public spaces to encourage physical activity.

WILLIAMS: IPS needs leadership overhaul

July 13, 2009

The challenges facing Indianapolis Public Schools are daunting. The socioeconomic level of its students and their families, fiscal constraints, and a necessary heightened focus on security issues are just a few, but all contribute to high dropout rates, low academic achievement, achievement gaps between middle-class and low-income children and declining enrollment.

Here is a sustainable plan for the CIB

May 11, 2009

A vibrant Indianapolis powers a dynamic Indiana and the governor, the mayor and the members of the General Assembly should all recognize that.

Here's a sustainable plan for the CIB

May 11, 2009

A reasonable and workable solution to the financial challenges confronting Marion County its Capital Improvement Board should include the following:

State offices could use some fixing, too

March 9, 2009

Although the Kernan-Shepard report focused on local government efficiencies, it is also clear that the management of Indiana's public resources and assets at the regional and state level has not kept pace with the technological and socioeconomic advances of the last century.