NEW ALBANY —
As rain pelted the New Albany Amphitheater, and chilly winds blew across the Ohio River, those that attended Democrat John Gregg’s announcement Tuesday that he’s seeking the governor’s office drew close together to ensure they heard every word.
In Gregg’s opinion, state leaders also need to move closer together and end the gridlock he said has stifled economic and educational growth in Indiana.
“People want to see some action, and they want to see people work and get along,” said Gregg, who is a former State Speaker of the House that was first elected in 1986.
Gregg stopped in New Albany as part of his tour officially declaring his intentions to seek the Democratic nod for the 2012 gubernatorial race. Gregg is considered the front-runner for the Democratic Party, as Republican Mike Pence is widely viewed as the GOP favorite.
Whoever wins the May primary for each party will advance to the November 2012 general election for a chance to take the place of Gov. Mitch Daniels, as the Republican’s term limit will expire after next year.
With local Democratic officials including Jeffersonville Mayor Tom Galligan and New Albany Mayor Doug England in attendance, Gregg declared jobs and education to be his top two priorities.
“They’re so intertwined, we really can’t separate them,” he said.
Gregg said there are “empty seats around the table” for local leaders and advocates to fill and add their ideas when it comes to improving the economy and the state’s educational system.
“I’ve never felt that great answers come from Washington down, or even Indianapolis down,” he said.
Indiana leaders must develop a skilled and well-trained workforce to improve the economy by strengthening employment, Gregg said.
“We can’t afford to lose one more job to India and China,” he said.
Gregg began his announcement tour Saturday in his hometown of Sandborn, as he joked there are only about 300 residents in the town but more than 300 people showed up to hear his declaration for the gubernatorial race.
“My dad said it was the biggest crowd since they won the sectionals when I was boy,” Gregg said.
Gregg retired from public office in 2002 after six years as Speaker of the House, and has since served as interim president of Vincennes University and continued his private law practice.
Gregg pledged to work with both parties to improve the economy, education and agriculture in the state. He said his campaign will not be marked by anger or mudslinging, as he pointed to his nearly bald head and remarked that obviously people could tell he doesn’t have any horns.
“We need a governor who’s worried about Indiana, not the next election,” he said.
Floyd County
Related Photos
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Democratic gubernatorial candidate John Gregg talks with Floyd County Clerk Linda Moeller and attorney Nick Stein on Tuesday during a visit to New Albany. Staff photo by Daniel Suddeath
Discussion
Gregg discusses his gubernatorial run in New Albany
Former Speaker of the House hoping for Democratic nod in 2012
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