We hope that today IT TRUE will provoke honest and open dialogue concerning issues that we, as responsible citizens of this community, need to address rationally and responsibly.
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IS IT TRUE that public employees working in the Vanderburgh County Civic Center are engaging in a “Workday Scavenger Hunt” to help make work more fun? …that the employees are searching hallways of the Civic Center for “Small Animal Figurines” that are hidden by other employees? …that the employees have also started a Civic Center “Tiny Animal Scavenger Hunt” Facebook group? …that since the Facebook group was created, it has grown to over 130 people, representing 16 different city and county departments. …that the department with the largest number of employees in the group is the County Clerk’s office with at least 8? …that we are sorry to report that several “Tiny Animals Figurines” have been taken from employees’ desks? …this is a developing story? …all we can say about this situation is “Peace Out”?
IS IT TRUE that the revelation in 2023 that the three entities that have partnered for more than a decade to do the economic development work for the City of Evansville, Vanderburgh County, and parts of the surrounding counties have been merged into a single organization convinced some people as a way to save money and concerned others about the concentration of efforts?…the merged entities consist of the Chamber of Commerce of Southwest Indiana that did traditional chamber activities like mixers, lobbying, and the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) to mentor micro businesses, the Growth Alliance for Greater Evansville (GAGE) that was formed to foster entrepreneurship in industries that pay a thriving wage. …that the Southwest Indiana Coalition for Economic Development which focused on the attraction of outside businesses was merged into a new entity called E-REP which stands for Evansville Regional Economic Partnership?… historically local government supported the two economic development entities and private businesses supported the Chamber of Commerce?
IS IT TRUE that “E-REP’s River Redevelopment” plan is short on numbers, costs, and sources? …that “The Southwest Indiana Regional Development Authority” which funds E-Rep, has the statutory authority to levy a tax on any project shortfall costs on the property owners in Vanderburgh, Warrick, Gibson, and Posey counties?
IS IT TRUE that several of our more politically savvy friends in Indy tell us that some of the movers and shakers in State government are saying that it looks like we now have four (4) governmental branches in Indiana? …that they are: Judicial, Executive, Legislative, and Regional Economic Development entities?
IS IT TRUE that from the first day of formation, E-REP with the help of several well-heed financial individuals and groups helped position those in political control to build a political and financial dynasty?
IS IT TRUE that Regional Economic Development Groups cover all 92 counties that have shared $500 million in state development grants?— although none will get close to the planned maximum of $75 million” Gov. Eric Holcomb also responded sharply to criticism from some Republican gubernatorial candidates charging that his administration is imposing a “top-down approach” on development efforts around the state. (Davies, State Affairs
IS IT TRUE that Democrat County Commission candidate Hope Fussner is getting a head start on the general election campaign season? …that she is using social media to sell t-shirts and recruit sign locations? …that Republican supporters of Cheryl Musgrave who supported Stephanie Terry in the general election for mayor are not likely to publicly support Fussner, but many of them will quietly be supporters?
IS IT TRUE we are told it’s not the best time to be Vanderburgh County Republican because of personality conflict issues generated by a couple of past and current GOP powerbrokers?
IS IT TRUE that several of our more politically savvy friends in Indy tell us that some of the movers and shakers in State government are saying that it looks like we now have four (4) governmental branches in Indiana? ...that they are Judicial, Executive, Legislative, and Regional Economic Development entities?
IS IT TRUE that history has taught us well? …that when politicians build expensive capital projects they forget to put enough money in the construction budget to take care of the long-term maintenance expenses?
IS IT TRUE that we have been told that long-time Water And Sewer employee Harry Lawson recently retired with little notice? …that we hope everything is well with Mr. Lawson and we wish him the best in the future?
IS IT TRUE that free government money always comes with strings attached?
IS IT TRUE what government giveth they can also taketh away?
IS IT TRUE when taxpayers see something they want they check their budgets to see if they can afford to purchase the item? …when the government wants to build an expensive capital project they just issue bonds?
IS IT TRUE that we have been told that the WESTSIDE NUT CLUB recently donated to the Evansville Fire Department many thousands of dollars worth of special firefighting tools and equipment to assist in fighting future fires?
IS IT TRUE that one of the hardest words for our local politicians to say during a budget hearing is the word “NO”?
FOOTNOTES
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