Hudnut served an unprecedented four terms as mayor of Indianapolis, racking up an impressive list of accomplishments. He hosted the city’s first NCAA Final Four, presided over the construction of the Hoosier Dome, and lured the Baltimore Colts to Indianapolis.
In 1983, a chess team from IPS School No. 27 took on an elite private school from Manhattan in the National Elementary School Chess Championship—and won.
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett—vying for re-election this fall against GOP challenger Jim Merritt—plans to launch his television advertising campaign this week with a commercial that sings the praises of a former Republican mayor.
Unlike politicians who see the job of mayor as a low-level “stepping stone” to higher office, Hudnut reveled in being Indianapolis’ mayor. He had a passion for—and an intellectual engagement with—urban policy, and he understood the importance of a vibrant central core.
Hudnut was more than the city’s cheerleader-in-chief in his 16 years on the 25th floor of the City-County Building. He was a visionary who saw great promise in a city whose best years could easily have been behind it.
William H. Hudnut III was the longest-serving mayor of Indianapolis and a towering figure who led the city out of its post-World War II decay in the final decades of the 20th century.
I heard many times: “Bill, if you put that tax on, you will never be elected to anything again.” We had to stick to our guns, or give up. Part of leadership is knowing when to stand on principle and when to be flexible.
The statue at the northwest corner of Maryland Street and Capitol Avenue is scheduled for dedication Dec. 14, fittingly before an Indianapolis Colts home game.
Mayor Greg Ballard announced Friday that Capitol Commons will be rededicated in honor of William Hudnut, the Republican who began the push to revitalize downtown during his four terms as mayor from 1976 to 1992.
Hudnut will represent clients in federal government matters for Bose Public Affairs Group LLC, an Indianapolis-based lobbying firm. The former four-term Indianapolis mayor served the city from 1976 to 1992.
I happened to be in Indianapolis the week before Mel Simon passed away on Sept. 16, and talked with his secretary about visiting him briefly, because I knew he was very ill. But he was too ill to see me.
