Onward, Kokomo!
Moore delivers State of City address, highlighting public safety, growth
Ever the cheerleader, Kokomo Mayor Tyler Moore tapped the fight song for the Kokomo High School Wildkats, “Onward, Kokomo,” for the theme of his State of the City address. He even chanted and clapped along with those in attendance to mirror the song’s closing words.
The message was not lost in the theatrics: the City of Kokomo scored several wins over the past year, particularly in the realm of economic development. That growth, along with a focus on public safety, dominated the majority of the mayor’s address.
Moore started with public safety, as it was the central component of the campaign that put him in the mayor’s seat. He highlighted the ongoing hiring of police officers and firefighters and encouraged people to apply for the several open positions that still exist. He touted the recent purchase of two fire engines – one of which came courtesy of the Center Township Trustee’s Office.
He also promoted the rollout of the city’s partnership with the Tip411 mobile app and tip line.
“We want all residents to have the tools to act as we collectively attempt to do our best to combat crime in our community,” said Moore. “Tip411 significantly improves the public’s access to the Kokomo Police Department. It allows residents to not only submit tips anonymously, but access agency alerts, social media notices, and more.”
But the mayor scored a standing ovation by recognizing three young men who recently intervened when coming across a burning house in the Indian Heights subdivision. On June 16, Max Campbell, Alex Lindley, and Julian Lindley spotted the fire and called 911. They then went to the home, alerted its occupants, and assisted in getting them out of the burning structure.
“Gentlemen, your bravery has not gone unnoticed,” said Moore. “And your example of selfless action is one we should all aspire to follow.”
Moore segued into economic development by celebrating the success of Championship Park in attracting thousands of youth baseball and softball enthusiasts and families to the City of Firsts. He highlighted the extension of the city’s walking trails, the purchase of two new trolleys, and the road improvements being made on Markland Avenue, Park Avenue, Center Road, and Lincoln Road.
The crown jewel of Moore’s economic development successes, however, was the May announcement of a $2.5 billion automotive battery plant which will begin construction in August. The joint venture between Stellantis and Samsung was actually the second major investment from Stellantis, as it committed $400 million to convert one of its transmission plants into the Kokomo Engine Plant in 2021.
“Typically, an announced $400 million investment that protects and retains jobs like we had with the engine plant in 2021 would be the largest headline,” said Moore. “But here in Kokomo we are now welcoming 1,400 new jobs to town with the $2.5 billion investment. … Our local economy is about to receive a major shot in the arm.”
Moore went on to reveal that potential suppliers to the battery plant have contacted the city about locating to the community. Though no details were provided, the mayor smiled broadly as he proclaimed, “We, once again, need additional land for an industrial park.”
The mayor’s final surprise during his speech came when he spoke of diversifying the local economy. It long has been a concern of leaders and everyday residents that Kokomo is too reliant upon the automotive industry. While the continued investments from Stellantis are worthy of celebration, the memories of layoffs and bankruptcies still linger.
Moore was happy to announce an expanded partnership with biosolids management company, Merrell Bros. Inc. The company has handled “sludge” from the city’s wastewater treatment facility for years, but a new venture, “Kokomo Green,” holds even more promise for the company and the community.
“(They) have developed a process to convert this biosolid waste from our plant into a marketable, Class A, pelletized fertilizer that can be used in gardens, fields, and yards,” said Moore. “Merrell Bros. has been testing this process and product out of its Florida operation, but now they are ready to launch this state-of-the-art technology right here at home.”
In closing, the mayor invoked the words of the “Onward, Kokomo” fight song, and the crowd happily followed his lead.
“While our community has seen its challenges this past year, these challenges have also created opportunity,” said Moore. “To learn from each other. To grow together. To connect with that innovative spirit that has laid the foundation of what Kokomo is today. Making Kokomo what we hope and believe it can be takes a collective effort.
“I am truly blessed to be a part of the collective team that is Kokomo. And every good team should have a fight song, right? With the momentum we have going for us and the challenges we have yet to face and overcome together, I’m confident that we will … win this game! K-K-K-O-K! O-O-O-M-O! KOK! OMO! Go, Kokomo, go!”