A REPOSTED LETTER TO THE CCO EDITOR FROM GAIL RIECKEN OF MAY 16, 2015

EDITORS NOTE:  We were looking back in our achieves looking for old articles concerning city finances and came across this most interesting letter that Mayoral candidate Gail Riecken sent us.  We find this letter to be extremely appropriate in todays discussion concerning the 2017 City Budget short falls because of the poor spending decisions and practices of our current Mayor and  City Council.

We look forward to an open and lively discussion concerning Ms. Riecken  (visionary) concerns published on May 16, 2015 concerning the future Ivy Tech’s exclusion from the IU Medical  Center project and the city’s dependency on Riverboat revenue.

ATTACHED BELOW IS GAIL RECKONS MAY 16, 2016 LETTER TO THE EDITORL

Dear Voters

Because I continue to be genuinely grateful for the show of support from the Democrat voters on Primary Election Day, allow me to extend yet another heartfelt “thank you.” Your reaction to my candidacy continues to motivate me and underscore my commitment to serve this great city.

I am not alone in failing to understand Ivy Tech’s exclusion from the IU Med Center project. I am hearing from an increasing number of residents who find this decision to be illogical. The bigger question is, “How does spending $80 million to serve 400 students make sense?”

Discussion at the City Council meeting this past Monday was both substantive and enlightening. Allowing for a timely and open discussion of fund balances and transfer of funds between accounts can only help both city leaders and the public have a “hard time” understanding of the city’s true financial picture. It goes without saying that moving funds among accounts has been done by prior administrations.

However, recent State Board of Accounts audit reports and the lack of clarity over the city’s financial situation have served to shake the public’s trust. Public discussion of the reasons behind the need to move money between accounts and the timeframe will give taxpayers a better understanding and greater confidence.

My administration will be centered on transparency and openness, especially in the critical area of public finance.

The discussion Monday also served to underscore the city’s dependency on riverboat revenue, a scenario Democrat Mayor Frank McDonald warned against when he steered the city through the passage of the state’s riverboat legislation, the referendum and subsequent selection of the company to establish Indiana’s first riverboat casino business in Evansville.

We must look back to the admonishments made by responsible city leaders who feared a time when the casino could float away, leaving dwindling municipal accounts that had been bolstered by gaming revenue. With our riverboat casino now able to move to land, we need to review Mayor McDonald’s well-stated commitment to avoid reliance on riverboat money for operational expenses, even though the possibility of “floating away” is now ending.

As always, thanks to my volunteer team, which continues to work diligently. Their work in the field, on the phone and in planning for the many upcoming events is greatly appreciated. Neil Woods is a valuable asset and a great friend who is ensuring that my campaign will be represented at all Neighborhood Associatoin Meetings..