IS IT TRUE? January 18, 2011

IS IT TRUE that the City County Observer achieved 100,000 pageviews in its first three months of having a third party counting service just as planned?…that bigger and better things are coming and that 1,000,000 pageviews are quite likely to be seen in 2011?…that promoting good public policy by exposing bad public policy has its benefits?

IS IT TRUE that American General Finance is changing its name to Springleaf Financial Services?…that American General as it has been known locally for years is now a subsidiary of Fortress Investments which purchased AGI in November from the famous AIG (American International Group) that became a household name during the bailout days of 2009?…that several Moles have told us that the Evansville based mortgage department of American General is being strongly considered for consolidation into a Fortress Investments facility in Texas?…that this consolidation could mean that 100 Evansville workers jobs are jeopardized?…that we sincerely hope that this solid piece of information turns out to be incorrect or can be stopped in its tracks?…that the State of Texas has no income tax?…that now is a time of opportunity for local leaders to step in and see what can be done to change such consolidation plans?

IS IT TRUE that the #6 nationally ranked University of Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles basketball team took on the 18th ranked Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers last night at the PAC Center on the USI Campus?…that the house was packed and that as always these two powerful programs took it to each other for 20 minutes before the Eagles exploded in the second half for an overwhelming victory?…that ranked vs. ranked does not often happen in Evansville?…that NCAA Division II national championship contenders of the past drew crowds of over 12,000 people to the games at ROBERTS STADIUM?…that the Eagles could consider scheduling the Panthers in the Evansville Arena next year and promote the daylights out of the game where both team wear vintage jerseys?…that a pre-season game between the University of Evansville Purple Aces and the USI Screaming Eagles is the only appropriate way to open the new Evansville Arena to sports?…that every ticket will be sold if this match-up is arranged?… that vintage jerseys and vintage prices of $5 per ticket will fill every seat?

IS IT TRUE that the Honorable Superior Court Judge, Wayne Trockman is handing the responsibility of the Vanderburgh County Drug Court to the Honorable Judge, David Kiely? ….that the citizens of this community owe a debt of gratitude to Judge Trockman for doing an outstanding with the Drug Court? ….that 10 years and 300 graduates later Judge Trockman is ready to take a long and well deserved break from this extremely important work? ….because of Judge Trockman’s work in this endeavor, many people’s lives have been salvaged. ….we know that Judge David Kiely will do an excellent with this program?

IS IT TRUE we agree with the Editorial written by Courier and Press editor, Mizell Stewart lll entitled “ACCESS LAWS NEEDS MORE TEETH”? …..we also hope that the State lawmakers amend the “OPEN Door LAWS” to force non profit agencies and organizations receiving money from State, County or City governmental entities to adhere to Public Access Laws? ….we highly recommend that Mayor Weinzapfel’s Press Secretary pull up the “Public Access Laws” presently on the books, read them and start to comply with them? ….we recommend you read Mizell’s right on article printed on page 12 A of Sundays, January 16, 2011 issue?

IS IT TRUE that the Republican Candidate for Mayor of the City of Evansville will make a soft announcement of his intentions known to media on either Tuesday or Wednesday of this week? ….that he shall make his official/formal announcement this weekend at his old high school?

IS IT TRUE that the City County Observer is strongly opposed to the proposed elimination of the Evansville Psychiatric Children Center? ….that this facility is extremely important to this community? ….we want to congratulate the outstanding Doctors and support staff at this medical facility for doing an excellent job? ….we have complete faith that our local lawmakers will stop this facility from closing?

IS IT TRUE its time for the State of Indiana law makers to take serious look at the overall laws presently on the books that regulate Township Trustee offices? ….it’s time to look at consolidating and even eliminating some Township Trustee offices in rural areas? …..the State should require any Township Trustee office that has a substantial surplus of taxpayer money at the end of the fiscal year to refund it back the State Treasure? ….if all Township Trustee office were run like Mary Hart’s (Pigeon Township) office here in Vanderburgh County the state lawmakers wouldn’t be looking at making adjustments to the Trustees offices?

And Just So You Don’t Forget

IS IT TRUE that it has now been 1,346 days since the announcement was made on May 14, 2007 that the McCurdy Hotel was to be refurbished into luxury apartments?…that it has now been 1,200 days since the Evansville Redevelopment Commission at the request of Mayor Weinzapfel approved the spending of $603,000 to purchase the parking lot.

IS IT TRUE that there are now 664 days remaining in the two years that the EPA had given the City of Evansville to present an acceptable solution to the Combined Sewer Overflow problem?…..that this plan is an expensive and complex endeavor that needs immediate attention to avoid the embarrassment and expense of another round of fines?