The management and ownership of the City County Observer, Vanderburgh County’s leading online news publication is pleased to announce that it will remain free to its readership for the foreseeable future. Over 100 subscribers that have already paid in advance for annual subscriptions will be refunded their fees in full.

Over the course of the last quarter, the City County Observer has secured the services of regular contributors in the fields of local government, business, architecture on a budget, and has filled its stable with guest authors of both ends of the political spectrum, said Ron Cosby, founder and CEO. Our commitment to reporting and opining on local government and other issues of local interest with a mission to promote “Good Public Policy” has enabled us grow our readership by over 400% during the summer. The metrics of page views and stickiness have both grown by over 150% during our period of restructuring and redesign of the content and the layout of our publication, continued Cosby.

When Cosby asked me to develop a business model that relied on revenue derived entirely from advertising, I knew it was the right thing to do, but that it would be a challenge said, Joe Wallace, of Hadannah Business Solutions, consultant to the City County Observer and a frequent contributor of content to the publication. In the age of internet publishing, the only business model that provides a path to a prosperous and sustainable future is a model that captures sufficient readership to provide advertisers with outstanding value to keep the content free to the general public. This mission after many considerations is in place and functioning, Wallace went on to say.

The City County Observer is excited to be involved at a time when rapid changes are taking place in the political, social, cultural, and business landscapes of Evansville, Vanderburgh County, and the State of Indiana. We want to thank and acknowledge our outstanding editor Don Counts, Dan Kisner for his creative and masterful political characters, Lifestyle Lil for her positive articles gleaned from her travels, and all of our well positioned, authoritative, and accurate moles, especially Mole #3, the Nostradamus of local politics.

Finally we want to thank our readers and advertisers who have enabled us to make this worthwhile publication available to the general public without charge. If you love and appreciate the reporting of the City County Observer please support our advertisers and be sure to tell them we sent you.

Greg Zoeller

INDIANAPOLIS – Through whistleblower lawsuits that exposed alleged Medicaid fraud, the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Botox will pay Indiana a civil settlement of nearly $636,000, Attorney General Greg Zoeller announced today. It’s part of a larger national settlement with federal and state governments where Allergan Inc. will pay a combined $600 million in civil and criminal penalties to resolve claims that it illegally marketed Botox for unapproved medical uses.

As part of his ongoing effort to raise awareness of whistleblowers’ rights under the False Claims Act, Zoeller noted the important role of company insiders in exposing Medicaid fraud through filing private lawsuits, which state and federal governments later can join after investigating the plaintiffs’ allegations.

“Whistleblowers who file suit to expose the illegal off-label marketing of pharmaceuticals are truly benefiting the taxpayers, because their actions help us to stop the overbilling of the Medicaid program and allow us to recover public dollars fraudulently paid out,” Zoeller said.

Allergan Inc. and Allergan USA Inc. have agreed to pay state governments and the federal government a combined $225 million civil settlement to compensate Medicaid, Medicare and other federal healthcare programs for reimbursements wrongly paid for Allergan’s drug Botox Therapeutic. In a related criminal settlement, Allergan also agreed Tuesday to plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge the U.S. Justice Department filed — for violating the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act — and the company agreed to pay a $375 million criminal fine and forfeiture. Allergan signed a corporate integrity agreement requiring strict scrutiny of its future marketing and practices.

Under the Allergan civil settlement, Indiana will receive $635,807.25, with $317,903.63 of that for Medicaid restitution only and another $317,903.63 for additional recoveries. Counting both federal and state portions, the total settlement obtained for the Indiana Medicaid program will be $1,699,473.06, the settlement says.

Although best known for its cosmetic version used as a treatment for skin wrinkles, Botox was separately approved by the Food and Drug Administration for medical treatment of rare diseases and conditions, such as strabismus (crossed eyes), uncontrollable eye blinking, cervical dystonia (abnormal head and neck posture) and severe underarm sweating.

Filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, three whistleblower lawsuits brought by five private plaintiffs – and later joined by the federal and state governments — alleged that from 2001 through 2008, Allergan illegally marketed Botox Therapeutic for uses not approved by the FDA and not eligible for reimbursement under Medicaid, Medicare or other programs.

Based in Irvine, Calif., Allergan was accused of off-label marketing that illegally promoted Botox Therapeutic for headache, pain, overactive bladder and spasticity – all unapproved uses. Allergan’s marketing allegedly targeted prescribing physicians with kickback schemes, honoraria and dinner workshops, and coached doctors to improperly code and bill Medicaid and other programs for off-label uses. The illegal marketing allegedly resulted in over-utilization of Botox Therapeutic for non-covered, medically unnecessary purposes — causing overbilling and fraudulent claims that Medicaid paid out, the lawsuits alleged.

Under the False Claims Act, a whistleblower who exposes Medicaid fraud is eligible to receive a percentage of recovered funds, through what is called qui tam (pronounced “key tam”) litigation. When a whistleblower files suit against a company alleging fraud on a government contract, the court seals the case until the federal and state governments investigate. Once the federal and state governments officially join the lawsuit as intervenors – as happened in the Allergan case — then the suit is unsealed and the original plaintiff shares in any out-of-court settlement or court-ordered damages that result from the case.

The five whistleblowers in the Allergan case from outside Indiana will receive a combined $37.8 million in the civil settlement under their 18 percent share of the recovery.

The lawsuit did not allege any fraud involving the separate use of Botox Cosmetic.

A branch of the Indiana Attorney General’s Office, the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) investigates false claims submitted to Medicaid for reimbursement and worked with its counterparts in other states during settlement negotiations.

In August, Zoeller kicked off a public awareness campaign to alert workers in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries to their legal right under the False Claims Act to file whistleblower lawsuits if they learn of Medicaid fraud.

“My staff and I have made presentations to large groups of health care employees and nursing students to explain the potential financial reward available to plaintiffs under the False Claims Act,” Zoeller said. “This law may not be well known to the general public, but it is an important legal right that workers in the health field ought to be aware of.”

Zoeller urges anyone interested in bringing a whistleblower action to learn more about the process by visiting his web site, www.in.gov/attorneygeneral/2807.htm

Anyone who is aware of fraudulent claims on Medicaid also can report them by contacting the Attorney General’s MFCU office at 1-800-382-1039.

9/1 5-7PM Women’s Caucus Fundraiser for Gail Riecken/Patty Avery/Stephanie Terry/Kathryn Martin/Maura Robinson
9/6 9AM Labor Day Parade Warrick County Fairgrounds, Boonville, IN
9/7 5:30-6:30PM The John F. Kennedy Club of Vanderburgh County – Monthly Meeting – Evansville Labor Temple – 210 N Fulton
9/8 6:30-7:30PM Vanderburgh County Democrat Club – Monthly Meeting Evansville Labor Temple
9/11 7AM YMCA 10k (Downtown YMCA)
9/11-12 11AM-4PM St. Wendel Social 10542 W. Boonville-New Harmony
9/11 TBD Bob Deig Barn Party Fundraiser – Meal/Band/Karaoke
9/15 TBD Sam Locke for State Auditor Fundraiser
9/19 10AM-4PM St. John’s Daylight Social 5301 Daylight Dr.
9/20 8AM-3PM Labor For Deig – Golf Scramble @ Helfrich Hills Golf Course
9/21 6:30-8PM Evansville For Change – Monthly Meeting Central Library – Browning Room A
9/22 6-8PM 1st Annual Public Safety Meet & Greet #1- Firefighter’s Local #357 & FOP Local # 73 Held at 801 Court St. (812) 422-7373
9/23 6:30-8:30PM UNOE – Candidates Night – Red Cross Building at 29 S. Stockwell Road = Township Trustee, Township Board, Prosecutor
9/24 8AM-5PM Williams for Sheriff Annual Golf Outing Eagle Valley
9/25 10AM-6PM Haynie’s Corner Art Festival 2nd St. @ Adams Ave $5 Adults/Kids Free
9/28 TBD Maura Robinson For County Auditor Fundraiser
9/29 6PM Central Labor Council Candidates Night – Labor Temple 210 N Fulton Ave
9/30 TBD Troy Tornatta Golf Scramble – Cambridge Golf Course
10/2 12-5PM Rick Riney For Perry Township Trustee Fundraiser – West Side Sportmans Club 1000 N Peerless Rd.
10/2 3-11PM Jazz, Wine & Arts Fest Downtown
10/4 AM 1st Day a voter may vote absentee ballot in Election office
10/4 Close of Day Voter Registration Ends at close of business day
10/4-9 10AM-8PM West Side Nut Club Fall Festival
10/5 5:30-6:30PM The John F. Kennedy Club of Vanderburgh County – Monthly Meeting – Evansville Labor Temple – 210 N Fulton
10/8 Close of Day End of Pre-Election Campaign Finance Reporting
10/13 6:30-7:30PM Vanderburgh County Democrat Club – Monthly Meeting Evansville Labor Temple
10/14 TBD Maura Robinson For County Auditor Fundraiser
10/15 12pm Deadline by noon to file pre-election campaign finance reports for all candidates and parties
10/19 6:30-8PM Evansville For Change – Monthly Meeting Central Library – Browning Room A
10/21 8AM First day a confined voter, a voter caring for a confined person at a private residence, or a voter with disabilities may vote an absentee ballot before an absentee voter board at the voter’s residence or place of confinement
10/25 MIDNIGHT Deadline by midnight (except for confined voter or voters caring for a confined person requesting delivery of a ballot by an absentee voter board), for the Clerk to receive mailed, hand-delivered, or faxed absentee ballot applications requesting to vote absentee by mail
10/30 7-10PM 2010 Jefferson-Jackson Dinner The Centre
11/1 NOON Deadline, by noon, for the clerk to receive mailed, hand-delivered, or faxed absentee ballot applications from confined voters or voters caring for a confined person requesting delivery of a ballot by an absentee delivery board
11/1 NOON Deadline, by noon, for a voter to vote an absentee ballot in the office of the circuit court clerk
11/1 Deadline for a confined voter, a voter caring for a confined person, or a voter with disabilities to vote an absentee ballot before an absentee board at the voter’s place of confinement
11/2 6AM-6PM General Election Voting: Polls Open 6am-6pm
11/2 6PM-10PM Election Return Results – Veterans Memorial Coliseum
11/9 5:30-6:30PM The John F. Kennedy Club of Vanderburgh County – Monthly Meeting – Evansville Labor Temple – 210 N Fulton
11/10 6:30-7:30PM Vanderburgh County Democrat Club – Monthly Meeting Evansville Labor Temple
11/12 NOON Deadline, by noon, for a voter to produce proof of identification to the county election board to validate their provisional ballot from the general election
11/16 NOON Deadline, by noon, for a candidate to file a verified election recount or contest petition
11/16 6:30-8PM Evansville For Change – Monthly Meeting Central Library – Browning Room A
12/1 8AM Voter Registration Opens
12/7 5:30-6:30PM The John F. Kennedy Club of Vanderburgh County – Monthly Meeting – Evansville Labor Temple – 210 N Fulton
12/8 6:30-7:30PM Vanderburgh County Democrat Club – Monthly Meeting Evansville Labor Temple
12/21 6:30-8PM Evansville For Change – Monthly Meeting Central Library – Browning Room A
12/31 Midnight End of Annual reporting period for 2010 for campaign finance reports for candidates and parties

Sunday, Sept. 12, marks an important date for EVSC Foundation. Twelve individuals who have contributed to bettering the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation, as well as the community will be honored for their time, work, generosity, and contributions to society during EVSC Foundation’s first Hall of Fame ceremony. The inductees’ ceremony will take place inside the WNIN Studios in a private luncheon. The event will be recorded for future broadcast on WNIN. Following the ceremony, the newly inducted honorees will be publicly recognized outside at the EVSC Foundation’s EVSC Reunion.

Honorees will include:

Brent Beeler, Harrison High School alumnus and recently retired Chief Operation Officer for Berry Plastics

Beeler graduated from Indiana State University with a BS in marketing and management. He dedicated his career to building Berry Plastics into a $4.1 billion business with 75 manufacturing facilities and more than 14,000 employees worldwide. Beeler serves on the executive board of the Rigid Plastic Packaging Group and leads the National Plastics Recycling Stakeholder Group of the American Chemistry Council. He serves on the board of directors of the Boys and Girls Club of Evansville, EVSC Foundation Board of Directors and the EVSC Superintendent’s Business Council. He also is involved in the University of Evansville’s Institute for Global Enterprise in Indiana and the Growth Alliance for Greater Evansville. He chairs the steering committee of the Harrison High Schools’ capital campaign.

Chuck Bundrant, North High School alumnus and founder of Trident Seafoods Corporation

Bundrant revolutionized the fishing industry and now owns the world’s largest seafood processor. He began his career working in a cannery earning $1.59 an hour and leveraged his earnings to purchase his first fishing vessel. Trident Seafoods has a fleet of 40 fishing vessels with 18 locations throughout the world. Among his philanthropic endeavors is support of the American Cancer Society and education in Seattle where he resides. He also provides scholarships for students in Alaska interested in the maritime business.

Gayle Cook, Bosse High School alumna, and founder of Cook Group, Inc., in partnership with her husband

Cook and her husband, Bill Cook, founded the medical manufacturing company Cook Group, Inc. She is dedicated to preserving communities through restoring historic landmarks across America. She worked to restore the West Baden Springs Hotel and the French Lick Springs Hotel, saving a historic structure once considered the Eighth Wonder of the World. She has been honored by the Indiana Landmarks Foundation and received the Distinguished Achievement in the Advancement of Education Award from IU’s School of Education.

Lee Hamilton, Central High School alumnus, and former member of the U.S. House of Representatives for Indiana’s Ninth District

Hamilton served from 1965-1999 as congressman for Indiana’s 9th district. He is a member of the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board, the Homeland Security Advisory Council, FBI Director’s Advisory Board, and CIA Director’s Advisory Board. He also is co-chair of the National Security Preparedness Group. He serves as the director of the Center on Congress at IU and as the president and director of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, DC. He has authored several books including “How Congress Works and Why You Should Care” and “Without Precedent: The Inside Story of the 9/11 Commission.”

Don Korb, Bosse High School alumnus and retired from 38-year career with Crescent Plastics, Cresline Plastic Pipe Company, and Wabash Plastics

Korb attended Wabash College until called into active duty in the Navy. Later he was transferred to the Navy Supply Corps Midshipmen Officers School at Harvard Business School. He also holds an MBA degree from Harvard. He served as a lieutenant aboard the USS Tallulah A050 in the Pacific Theatre/Okinawa Campaign and in the occupations of Japan and Korea. He has been an instructor of economics at Colgate University and worked for many years at Crescent, Cresline and Wabash Plastics companies in Evansville. He serves on the board of directors of numerous agencies and has served on the Evansville Redevelopment Commission, Board of Directors for Family and Children’s Services and Evansville Federal Savings and Loan. He is currently on the EVSC Foundation Honorary Board, Board of Directors of the Historic New Harmony, and is a life trustee of the Nature Conservancy, Indiana Chapter.

William Mays, Lincoln High School alumnus and owner of the Indianapolis Recorder and founder of Mays Chemical Company

Mays holds a bachelors’ degree in chemistry and a master’s degree in business administration from IU. He founded Mays Chemical Company which provides chemical products to the food, Pharmaceutical and automotive industry and owns the nation’s 4th oldest surviving African American newspaper, The Indianapolis Recorder. Mays was the first African American chairman of the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce and first African American appointed chairman of the Indiana Lottery Commission. He serves on the board of directors of numerous organizations and corporations and is a trustee of the Indiana University Foundation and Indianapolis Museum of Art.

James McCarty Sr., Bosse High School alumnus and founder of Colonial Garden Center, Inc., Colonial Enterprises, and Landel Enterprises

McCarty is a graduate of Purdue University and has exhibited his love of education through the development and oversight of Bosse High School C.A.R.E.S. program which encouraged high school students to pursue their college education. He received the Evansville Rotary Civic Award for outstanding civic, charitable, humanitarian, and cultural service to Evansville and was named “Boss of the Year” by the Evansville Business Women’s Association. He has been a major supporter of Ivy Tech, Purdue and the EVSC, and is a successful real estate investor and developer.

Mattie Miller, retired as principal from Harper Elementary School

Miller is a much beloved educator, who retired from teaching English and language arts at Harper Elementary School. She has served as an adjunct professor of English Composition at Ivy Tech Community College and an adjunct professor of multicultural education at the University of Evansville. She has received the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash community service award and the Leadership Evansville Lifetime Achievement Award for 2010. She was considered a pioneer and bridge-builder for race relations in the 1960s and is a member of CYPRESS, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Evansville Rotary, the Fire Merit Commission, Mayor’s Education Roundtable and is active at the Evansville African American Museum.

William Ridgway, Central High School alumnus and retired from long career in ophthalmology

Ridgway attended the University of Evansville and graduated from IU with an MD degree, and completed postgraduate study in Ophthalmology at Northwestern University. He served as the ship surgeon aboard the USS Valencia, AKA-81 in the U.S. Navy from 1945-1946 and active duty with the U.S. Navy as regimental surgeon with the First Marine Division, in Korea from 1953. He had a long career in Ophthalmology and was a former assistant clinical professor at the University of California. He serves on the Board of Trustees for the Evansville Museum and the University of Evansville, and on the board of directors of the Harlaxton Society, as well as the EVSC Foundation Honorary Board. He established Harlaxton College in Grantham England for the University of Evansville and the Ridgway Award to ensure Vanderburgh County graduates have the opportunity to attend UE.

Randall Shepard, Harrison High School alumnus and currently Chief Justice of the Indiana Supreme Court

Shepard was appointed to the Indiana Supreme Court in 1985 at the age of 38 and was appointed chief justice in 1987. He graduated cum laude from Princeton University and holds law degrees from Yale Law School and the University of Virginia. He served as Vanderburgh Superior Court judge from 1980 until his appointment to the Supreme Court. He is chair of the ABA Appellate Judges Conference and of the Section of Legal Education and Admission to the Bar. He teaches courses at Yale, Indiana and NYU law schools and also at the Randall T. Shepard Academy for Law and Social Justice for high school students, now in its first year in the EVSC.

John H. Schroeder, Bosse High School alumnus and founder and current chairman of Crescent Plastics, Inc., Cresline Plastic Pipe Co., Inc., and Wabash Plastics, Inc.

Schroeder graduated from Wabash College and earned his master’s degree in Business Administration from Harvard Business School. He pioneered the plastics industry and developed Evansville as a nucleus of this country’s “Plastic Valley.” Schroeder is a supporter of multiple organizations within Evansville, including: UE, USI, Ivy Tech Community College; and the Southern Indiana Career and Technical Center through in-kind donations to the plastics program. He has served on the Board of Trustees at numerous organizations as well as sat on the board of directors for local businesses. He currently serves on the EVSC Foundation Honorary Board and is the trustee emeritus of UE and Wabash College and Director Emeritus of Welborn Baptist Hospital.

Matt Williams, FJ Reitz High School alumnus, and founder of Wind Dancer Films

Matt (Mark) Williams, a University of Evansville graduate, has had a lucrative television career, including writing and producing The Cosby Show for three seasons, creating and serving as the executive producer of Roseanne, and serving as co-creator and executive producer of Home Improvement, Carol and Company (starring Carol Burnette), Buddies (starring Dave Chappelle), Thunder Alley, Soul Man, and Costello. In addition, he produced and directed the film Where the Heart Is and produced the film What Women Want. During his career, he has directed more than 30 off-Broadway plays, including his first play, based on a high-school project, Between Daylight and Boonville, which appeared on Off Broadway and was recently produced by the Evansville Civic Theatre.

EDITOR’S NOTE: WE WELCOME ANY POLITICAL ORGANIZATION TO SEND US THEIR NOTICES CONCERNING “WHAT GOING ON IN THEIR ORGANIZATION”.

September 3, 2010: State Rep. Suzanne Crouch will hold a golf outing and Bar-B-Q lunch at 11:00am with a shutgun start at noon. A prize raffle will be held at the end of the round. Costs: individual player – $150, hole sponsor – $300, beverage cart sponsor – $500, foursome – $600, silver sponsor – $1000, and gold sponsor – $2000. Make checks payable to “Friends of Suzanne Crouch”. Address: Suzanne Crouch 12345 Browning Road, Evansville, IN 47725.

September 9, 2010: Vanderburgh County Commissioner candidates Marsha Abell (Rep.) and incumbent Troy Tornatta (Dem.) will come together in a debate on September 9 at Central Library. The event, open to the public, will be hosted by local group WOMEN R.O.C. in Browning Rooms A and B; start time is 6 p.m. For more information about the Sept. 9 Vanderburgh County Commissioner debate or to R.S.V.P. contact Melissa Mauser, V.P. Communications, at womenrightofcenter@yahoo.com or call 812-480-2675.

Mark Your Calendars: 2010 Reagan Day Dinner

Mark your calendards for Thursday, September 30th when the Vanderburgh GOP will host its first annual Reagan Day Dinner, which will feature Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman. The dinner will be held from 6-9pm at Cambridge Golf Course. Cost: Platinum Corporate Table Sponsor – $1500, Gold Corporate Table Sponsor – $1000, Individual Dinner w/ VIP Pass – $250, Individual Dinner – $100. Make checks payable to the “Vanderburgh County Republican Party” — 815 John Street Suite 110, Evansville, IN 47713. If you have any questions about this event please call Republican HQ at (812) 425-8207.

Donate to the Party Online!

Please consider supporting the Vanderburgh County Republican Party through financial contributions made online. http://www.vanderburghgop.com/?page_id=358 to make a secure donation through PayPal and help the Republican Party sweep election contests this November.

American Red Cross

(Evansville) – Down the street and across the country, there are patients in need of lifesaving blood. Everyone in the Tri-State area can be a summer lifesaver and make a difference in the lives of others by donating blood through the American Red Cross.

“Every day, blood is needed for people with blood disorders, cancer patients, transplant recipients, trauma victims and many others,” said Matt Bertram, Regional CEO, American Red Cross. “When you give blood, you reach out to help those in need. The need for blood is constant but donations tend to decline around holidays like Labor Day.”

Labor of Love Blood Drive
Tuesday, September 7th
10am – 6pm

American Red Cross of Southwestern Indiana
29 S. Stockwell Road, Evansville
www.redcrossblood.org

Help cut down on your wait time on September 7th. Make an appointment by calling 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (448-3543) or go online to redcrossblood.org. All blood types are needed to help maintain a sufficient supply for patients in need. Donors with type O negative, B negative and A negative blood are especially encouraged to schedule appointments for the important holiday blood drive.

Double red cell donation opportunities will also are available at the Labor of Love Blood Drive. Donors who meet the eligibility requirement should consider doubling the difference they make with a double red cell donation! Plus, all presenting donors will also be entered in “FOCUS on Saving Lives Campaign” for a chance to win a 2010 Ford Focus or one of two $500 gas cards. The Labor of Love Blood Drive is the last day to enter for a chance to win. You don’t want to miss this opportunity!

If you are unable to attend today’s blood drive, please consider making an appointment to give in the very near future as the need for blood is always constant. Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (448-3543) or go online to redcrossblood.org to schedule a blood donation appointment and for more information. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in Indiana), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.

Please help us spread the word that for YR’s 23rd year, we have funding available for youth-led community service projects – should they pass the Teen Advisory Council Grant Screening Committee and pending the YR board’s approval! ‎To date, 127,389 local children and teens have been involved in 1,972 youth-led service projects and have received over $692,427 in grants from Youth Resources. More than 700 youth were directly involved in 19 Make A Difference Grants projects in the 2009-10 school year, making a positive impact on nearly 5,800 others in our region!

Over the past five years, 42% of the youth who volunteered with the Make a Difference grant projects were economically disadvantaged and 25% were minorities. We are proud that the Make a Difference (fiormerly named Youth As Resources) grants have reached all youth and taught them the importance of giving back and community service.

Make A Difference Grants address real problems and enhance young people’s brainstorming, planning, budgeting, communication, teambuilding, and leadership skills. During the process youth learn practical applications to academic learning, use cognitive and social skills, develop future job skills, and realize they can solve community problems, which helps to build self-esteem.

To download a Make A Difference Grant application please go to http://youth-resources.org/Make-A-Difference-Grants.aspx!!! Make A Difference Grant Program Manager, Jessica Fehrenbacher, may be reached at 421-0030 or emaiiled at jessica@youth-resources.org!

Gail Riecken

Republican Plays Blame Game Instead of Taking Ownership of Mistakes

Evansville – District 77 State Representative Gail Riecken is challenging her opponent’s statement made at the United Neighborhood Organization of Evansville candidate forum last Thursday evening. Cheryl Musgrave was asked by a concerned citizen a question concerning a Homestead Tax Credit Exemption error under her leadership as Director of the Department of Local Government Finance. At the UNOE forum, Musgrave blamed the error on the Allen County officials.

Following the forum an attendee suggested Representative Gail Riecken check out the accuracy of her opponent’s statement pertaining to the Homestead Tax Credit Exemption error. Research revealed that the Ft. Wayne Journal Gazette report uncovered that the error was committed by DLGF and not Allen County officials.

“It is disappointing that my opponent appears to be running from her record as head of the DLGF and making misleading comments to voters in our community,” Riecken said. “My voting record at the General Assembly is public and I have nothing to hide. Unfortunately, it seems like my opponent does not feel the same way about her own record.”

An editorial in the Ft. Wayne Journal Gazette reported the error totaled to $6 million. If the error had not been caught by Allen County officials, it would have deprived Allen County homeowners of $6 million on their Homestead Tax Credit Exemption.

“Homeowners cannot afford costly mistakes like this,” Riecken said. “Especially not during the tough economic times we are in, increasing tax bills would stretch Hoosier wallets even thinner and even put some families into foreclosure.”

According to the report, the Auditor said, “She [Mrs. Musgrave] didn’t exactly tell the truth. She said the error had been caught earlier, but we contacted them [Department of Local Government Finance] on July 9th, and they sent the correction later that day. …. It’s pretty insulting.”

The Journal Gazette editorial went on to report, “This page has earlier detailed complaints from local government officials that the relationship between them and the DLGF under Musgrave has changed from a partnership to one of mistrust. It’s not a partisan issue – all involved in this case are Republicans.”

The Journal Gazette editorial reported and I quote “State Auditor Tim Berry intervened in the exchange between Musgrave and the local office. He said he was frustrated at the time that communications had broken down. ‘Lisa and Tera both do a great job,’ he said. ‘There was a mistake, and they needed recognition of their work……I don’t think the DLGF fessed up to the mistake that was made.’ “

“At a time when confidence in government is waning, we cannot afford to have any more politicians who play the blame game and run from responsibility,” Riecken said. “We need leaders who will work to find solutions to the problems facing Hoosiers.”

The Editorial stated, “But taxpayers shouldn’t have to pay employees to run interference between the head of a state agency and their own elected officials. Musgrave boasts of a new taxpayer-focused approach when, in fact, her failure to work with local government officials compromises service to taxpayers.”

Mole

GENEROUS ACT
IS IT TRUE THAT MEMBERS OF THE KNIGHT TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE LEGISLATIVE BODY (ADVISORY BOARD) RECEIVES A YEARLY STIPEND OF EXACTLY $1,884.00 PER YEAR FOR SERVING ON THIS BOARD? …. THAT THE $1,884.00 IS FOR ATTENDING 4 MEETINGS PER YEAR? …..THAT LEGISLATIVE BODY MEMBER J D STROUTH DONATED HIS YEARLY STIPEND BACK TO THE TRUSTEES OFFICE IN ORDER THAT THE MONEY COULD HELP THE POOR OF KNIGHT TOWNSHIP? …..WE WANT TO THANK BOARD MEMBER J D STROUTH FOR THIS MOST CARING AND GENEROUS ACT?

WHAT AN EVENING!
IS IT TRUE THAT THE POLITICAL FORUM SPONSORED BY THE UNITED NEIGHBORHOODS OF EVANSVILLE LAST WEEK WAS A ROUSING SUCCESS? ……THE CITY COUNTY OBSERVER WAS EXTREMELY IMPRESSED WITH THE QUESTIONS ASKED BY THE ATTENDEES AND THE ANSWERS GIVEN BY THE CANDIDATES? ….MARSHA ABELL (CANDIDATE FOR COUNTY COMMISSIONER) AND PATTY AVERY (CANDIDATE FOR STATE SENATE) STOLE THE EVENING BY DISPLAYING THEIR SUPERIOR PUBILIC SPEAKING SKILLS AND “RIGHT ON” POLITICAL MESSAGE? …..THAT MARSHA ABELL’S COMMENTS CONCERNING THE ENBATTLED “EVANSVILLE GAGE” GOT THE ENTIRE ATTENTION OF THE CROWD? …..WHEN MRS. ABELL PROMISED THE AUDIENCE THAT WHEN SHE IS ELECTED TO THE VANDERBURGH COUNTY COMMISSIONERS THAT SHE WILL PUSH TO GET RID OF “GAGE” WAS MET WITH A RESOUNDING ROUND OF APPLAUSE? …WE HOPE THAT CURRENT MEMBERS OF THE VANDERBURGH COUNTY COUNCIL IN ATTENDANCE AT THIS FORUM TOOK SPECIAL NOTE OF THE CROWDS RESPONSE TO MARSHA’S REMARKS?

McGINN QUESTIONS
IS IT TRUE THAT 1ST WARD CITY COUNCILMAN, DAN McGINN PREPARED TWO (2) QUESTIONS THAT WERE ASKED TO EVERY DEPARTMENT HEAD THAT COMES BEFORE COUNCIL AT THE CURRENT CITY BUDGET HEARINGS?
IS IT TRUE THE FIRST (1) QUESTION IS, “DO YOU RECEIVE ANY INCOME FROM ANY NOT-FOR -PROFIT ENTITY THAT IS FUNDED IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY ANY BOARD, DEPARTMENT OR AGENCY OF THE CITY OF EVANSVILLE, IN ADDITION TO THE SALARY LISTED IN THE LINE ITEM? ….. EVANSVILLE FIRE CHIEF, CITY OF EVANSVILLE CORPORATION COUNSEL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF METROPOLITAN DEVELOPMENT, ACTING DIRECTOR OF THE EVANSVILLE WATER AND SEWER UTILITY ALL ANSWERED “YES“ TO THIS QUESTION?
IS IT TRUE THE SECOND (2) QUESTION WAS, “DO YOU OR ANY RELATIVE OWN OR HAVE ANY INTEREST IN, OR RECEIVE ANY MONEY, OR BENEFIT, OR INCOME FROM BUSINESS THAT DOES BUSINESS WITH OR CONTRACTS WITH ON A REGULAR BASIS‘? …..THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF THE EVANSVILLE WATER AND SEWER UTILITY, THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF SUSTAINABILITY, ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ANSWERED “YES” TO THIS QUESTION?
IT TRUE WE WONDER IF ALL THE ABOVE INDIVIDUALS HAVE A “CONFLICT OF INTEREST “STATEMENT FILED WITH THE VANDERBURGH COUNTY CLERK OFFICE?

BRIDGE TO NOWHERE
IS IT TRUE THAT ALASKA HAD PROPOSED TO BUILD TO “BRIDGE TO NOWHERE”? ….THAT THIS BRIDGE WAS NEVER BUILT DUE TO PUBLIC OUTRAGE OF “PORK BARREL” SPENDING? …THAT THE EVANSVILLE CITY COUNCIL AND THE VANDERBURGH COUNTY COMMISSIONERS NOW HAVE TWO SUCH BRIDGES ALREADY BUILT? ….THEY RUN TO THE PARKING GARAGE LEADING TO ABANDONED EXECUTIVE INN AND THE OTHER GOES FROM “THE CENTRE” TO THE HALF DEMOLISHED HOTEL? ….THAT IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THE BRIDGE LEADING FROM THE HALF DEMOLISHED EXECUTIVE INN TO “THE CENTRE” COST THE VANDERBURGH TAXPAYERS ABOUT $3 MILLION DOLLARS?

SHELVE IT UNTIL NEXT CITY ELECTIONS
IS IT TRUE THE CITY IS PUSHING THE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT TO LEASE THE ROBERTS STADUIM PROPERTY TO THE EVANSVILLE AND CONVENTION AND VISITORS GROUP FOR 99 YEARS AT THE COST OF $1 A YEAR? …..IT WOULD MAKE BETTER SENSE IF THE EVANSVILLE TAXPAYERS WOULD BAND TOGETHER AND STOP THIS DEAL FROM GOING THROUGH UNTIL AFTER THE NEXT YEARS CITY ELECTION? .….WE DON’T HAVE TO REMIND YOU ALL OF THE STATUS OF THE EXECUTIVE INN, AND McCURDY APARTMENT/CONDO PROJECTS ARE STILL UP IN THE AIR?

NO 9-0 VOTE
IS IT TRUE THAT THE 2011 CITY BUDGET MAY NOT GETA UNANIMOUS VOTE? …..THE VOTE COULD BE 7-2 OR 6-3 FOR PASSAGE?

TABLED
IS IT TRUE WE’RE GLAD TO HEAR THE TOM BARNETT’S PROPOSAL TO INCLUDE THE DOWNTOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT IN A TIF DISTRICT WAS STALLED BY THE EVANSVILLE-VANDERBURGH COUNTY AREA PLAN COMMISSION LAST MEETING? …..HIS RECORD SPEAKS FOR IT SELF SINCE HE HAS BEEN THE DIRECTOR OF THE EVANSVILLE METROPOLITAN DEVELOPMENT. …..THAT MR. BARNETT’S AND HIS FAVORITE BOARD (EVANSVILLE REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION) INVOLVEMENT WITH THE HAYNIE’S CORNER ”GREEN ALLEY” PROJECT, McCURDY CONDO/APARTMENT, EXECUTIVE INN, THE GAGE-BARNETT SALARY DEAL, A NON-INTERST AND UNSECURED LOAN TO GAGE AND MOST OF ALL THE FAILED FRONT DOOR PRIDE PROJECT IN THE INNER CITY MAY HAVE SCARED THE AREA PLAN TO SUPPORT ANOTHER “PIE IN THE SKY” PROJECT PROSPOSAL BY BARNETT? ….THIS IS ANOTHER DECISION SHOULD BE TABLED UNTIL NEXT YEARS CITY COUNCIL ELECTION?

HE SAID WHAT?
IS IT TRUE THE BUDGETUARY COST CUTTING SUGGESTION MAKE BY 6TH WARD CITY COUNCIL, B J WATTS TO TURN OFF STREET LIGHTS IN THE CITY HAS CAUSED QUITE A BUZZ AMONG THE “POLITICAL WATCHDOG” GROUPS? …..THEY KEEP ASKING THEMSELVES THIS QUESTION -“HE SAID WHAT“??????????

GRASS ROOT SUPPORT
IS IT TRUE THE EXTREMELY POPULAR VANDERBURGH COUNTY TREASURER, RICK DAVIS IS HIGHLY CONSIDERING TO RUN FOR THE MAYOR OF EVANSVILLE. …..HE HAS THE GRASS ROOTS SUPPORT AND ENOUGH MONEY COMMITTED TO HIS CAUSE TO TAKE ON ANY COMPETITION IN THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY? …..IF HE DECIDES TO RUN, HE SHALL ANNOUNCE IN NOVEMBER OF THIS YEAR?…. THAT CCO MOLE#3 SAYS THAT IF MR. DAVIS DECIDES TO RUN FOR MAYOR OF EVANSVILLE THAT HE WILL WIN THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY?

OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVANT
IS IT TRUE WE FEEL THE NEWLY APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF THE EVANSVILLE ZOO, AMOS MORRIS IS DOING AN OUTSTANDING JOB????? ……THE ANSWER IS A RESOUNDING “YES”?

Joe Gries

Republicans dominate all Polls, Reflecting National Trends for Independents

During the last half of August, the City-County Observer conducted non-scientific online polls for both of the national offices and for the Vanderburgh County offices of Assessor and Auditor.
In our polls for the congressional races our readers that elected to cast votes in our polls preferred Republican candidate Dan Coats who is running for United States Senator against the former Vanderburgh County Sheriff and local favorite son Congressman Brad Ellsworth. In the other poll newcomer Republican Dr. Larry Bucshon who is challenging the long time popular state legislator from Posey County Trent Van Haaften to become the Congressman from Indiana’s 8th District. In both races many votes were cast but much to our surprise in the end the Republican candidates garnered roughly a 2 to 1 margin over both Democrats. Our surprise was rooted in the fact that our readers are predominately independent.

National polls project a 20+ point margin of victory for Dan Coats over Congressman Ellsworth, but only project a moderate margin of victory for Dr. Bucshon.

The poll for Vanderburgh County Assessor pitting Republican Bill Fluty against incumbent Democrat Jonathan Weaver drew the highest vote tally to date of any poll conducted by the City County Observer.
In a race that attracted nearly 400 votes Mr. Fluty outpolled Mr. Weaver by roughly a 2 to 1 margin. Mole #3 tells us that there was some mischief going on among Mr. Weaver’s Democratic friends. It seems as though Mr. Weaver’s willingness to oppose the status quo and take independent positions inspired many of his pseudo Democratic supporters to cross party lines. Was this to send a message to Mr. Weaver or was it because a group of Democrats really want to elect a Republican to the office of Vanderburgh County Assessor? We are counting on Mole #3 to advise us on the real breakdown someday soon, so stay tuned.

In the race for Vanderburgh County Auditor between Republican Joe Gries and newcomer Democrat Maura Robinson, the results were even more one sided. In a poll that drew less than 200 voters Mr. Gries drew approximately 6.5 votes for every vote that Ms. Robinson attracted. One reason for Ms. Robinson’s shallow support could be her service on the board of directors of the politically embattled and controversial GAGE (Growth Alliance for Greater Evansville). As a newcomer who is not politically well known she may be able to explain her tepid support.

The City County Observer appreciates its readers expressing their preferences through voting in our polls and we will continue to solicit the input of our readers by posting polls. Next up, we shall see. Good luck to all of the candidates in the following campaign season.