IS IT TRUE MARCH 30, 2015- Let The Candidates Speak For Themselves!

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IS IT TRUE that the race for the 2nd Ward City Council seat has officially begun?  …that this race pits two member of prominent, Westside political families against each other to represent residents of the City’s Southeast side?

IS IT TRUE that this race has garnered some interesting endorsements?  …that Missy Mosby, an incumbent Democratic City Council member, has been publicly endorsed by Republican Party Chairman Wayne Parke and the Fraternal Order of Police?  …that Democrat challenger, Steve Davis, has received the endorsement of the Coalition of Inner City Neighborhoods?  …that we expect many other groups and organizations to make endorsements in this race?

IS IT TRUE that seemly one the most interesting public commenters in this race so far may be from Public Information Officer Sergeant Jason Cullum of the Evansville Police Department?

IS IT TRUE that we expect elected and appointed officials and their subordinates to perform their duties on behalf of all citizens and not to use their tax-payer funded positions to influence political races?  …that Sgt. Cullum’s current assignment within the police department not only puts him in front of the cameras but could possibly give him the ability to craft a message to further a political cause?  …that some fellow officers, CCO readers hope that Sgt. Cullum’s official duties will not be influenced by the political leanings of his bosses?

IS IT TRUE that a possible example of our concerns appeared in yesterday’s article in the local newspaper?  …that the article lays out different views of the individuals seeking the democrat nomination for the 2nd Ward City Council seat?  …that it is a rather well-written article that contrasts the two candidates?  …that the interesting part of the article is that while it gives statements from Mr. Davis and Ms. Mosby, each time there was a disagreement, Sgt. Cullum comments was inserted into the article that bolster Ms. Mosby’s positions?

IS IT TRUE that we at the CCO believe in everyone’s right to participate in the political process?  …that we regularly invite our readers to critically look at issues, to participate in political meetings, and to vote?  …that we have no problem with any individual using their personal time, resources, and voice to support or oppose any political candidate or idea?  …that we do have serious reservations with any individual who actively uses his taxpayer funded position, his taxpayer funded resources (cell phone, internet, and departmental Facebook page) to interject his personal views into a political campaign?  …we hope that the publicly funded Public Information Officer for the police department personal opinions will not be appearing in any future political articles?  …if Mr. Cullum wishes to participate actively in the political process, perhaps he should ask to be reassigned or take a leave of absence until after the election to remove any perception that he is using taxpayer funded resources to possibly influence the electorate?

IS IT TRUE that yesterday’s newspaper article highlighted Mr. Cullum’s positive views on SpotShotter, Community Policing, and use of the Guardian?  …however, we are most interested in why a department with a $33,000,000 budget is unwilling to equip its officers with the life-saving opiate overdose antidote, Narcan, at a cost of around $6,000 per year?  …that Sgt. Aaron Bennett of the Warrick County Sheriff’s Department received a Silver Life Saving Award for saving a man’s life using Narcan?

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

63 COMMENTS

  1. I found it interesting that Missy relies on her constituents to tell her crime is down, but that Steve relies on facts and statistics to show that it isn’t. She’ll have to permanently park the Guardian at the corner of Washington and Weinbach to keep the Kangaroo Gas Station from being robbed again…..and again.

    • J, If an elected person is doing their job they will listen closely to what their constituents say.

      • If by “constuents” you are referring to whom we think you’re referring? I want take this time to wave my magic wand and unicorns will sprinkle us all with magic fairy dust that will make everything a dream… come…tarue!

  2. IS IT TRUE – that the machine cares not, …in the difference between a donkey and an elephant? …and that Steve may have to overcome Missy’s reputation for being “more than willing” to go along with administration spending policy?
    IS IT TRUE – that as alliances and endorsements emerge – a clear picture of the machine and its’ mechanisms will manifest?
    IS IT TRUE – that this reader will tend to support candidates who are careful with our scarce and precious remaining financial resources? …

  3. IIT that this is the third time in a week the Editor has pushed the “Narcan” issue for the city police?
    Could it be true the editor may have a financial reward awaiting if the city does buy this redundant service.
    IIT the editor has not grasp the fact that inside the city limits that paramedics are station throughout the city were the response time is quick, unlike the outlining area’s that the sheriff patrols?

    • NARCAN?
      Why save lowlife opiate addicts? Zero tolerance for dope-heads! “WE ARE EVV!” …
      (sarcasm intended)

      • Your right bubba, they ought to pack that Narcan along with a toothbrush and paste, that way they can brush their teeth for them while they are lying there with saliva oozing from their open drugged out mouth. (sarcasm intended)

      • I would not blame him if he didn’t read the comments in here. After all he gets to say his peace every day in the main column of IIT. And not all the comments in the comment section are in good taste so why would he want to read that crap? I would write my column and then only read comments that were 1 on topic
        2 respectful
        3 legitimate
        4 thoughtful

        The rest of the BS I’d delete and or ban the posters (on a hourly basis if necessary until they stopped posting attacks and rhetorical BS.) But then that I’m me not the editor or publisher.

        One a side note: The Evansville Courier and Press has decided to only allow people with a face book account to post messages onto their stories in the online paper section. And they still will require people to PAY for a subscription to their newspaper before they can post online there. Talk about restricting the people who can post and what people can say in their semi private forums. Have the stories can’t even be seen without buying a paid up subscription and using a real name (credit card or check for payment exposes one’s identity) {See back story in CCO about the publisher being harasses at his home or over the phone lines}. Tim Ethride could easily tell his political party associates who was talking out of school and then they could easily take retributions against those that speak out in public against the MACHINE in power. I say no to that!

        • Move, Should the editor ban the people who tend to ramble covering several matters ? A lot of them are off topic.

    • “…we are most interested in why a department with a $33,000,000 budget is unwilling to equip its officers with the life-saving opiate overdose antidote, Narcan, at a cost of around $6,000 per year? ”

      If The Editor is still ‘most interested in why’ then he/she is exhibiting willful ignorance. Literally dozens of comments have dealt with the very specific reasons ‘why’ EPD is not choosing to do this.

      Honest to God, is there no ability by anybody on this board to have their opinion changed based on presented facts?

      • DeltaBravo

        If you want FACTS, then lets try some for you!

        IIT that you apparently have no clue how the ambulances in this town and county operate?
        IIT that you have no clue that the AMR dispatch system uses a principle called “system status management”, and that during periods of high call volume that the number of ambulances for the entire COUNTY (which includes the City) can be down to 1 (or less)?
        IIT that at certain times of the 24 hour day AMR may staff as few as 5 ambulances to cover both Evansville and Vanderburgh County?
        IIT that AMR does frequent long-distance transfers (Indianapolis, Louisville, Nashville, St. Louis), which further strains the system?
        IIT that AMR also provides ground-based transport for both of the local medical helicopter services, meaning they might be on a very distant scene, or providing a long-distance ground transfer due to things like inclement weather (that does not allow the helicopters to fly)?
        IIT that during those times the “available” ambulances frequently hover near the 1 or less mark?
        IIT true that during those times that nearby counties are “requested” to operate on “stand-by” status for AMR, meaning that the closest available ambulance is Posey or Warrick County?
        IIT that if AMR reaches ZERO available ambulances and has to ask a nearby county to bail us out, that the response time to a narcotic overdose could easily approach the 20 minutes OR LONGER period?

        I suggest you do a little more research and stop being a shill for EPD on this. The CCO is agreeing with CAJE and are absolutely being correct and a proper “public service” advocates on this issue.

        There is (IMHO) absolutely and positively ZERO reason for EPD to not carry Narcan. To fail to do so is a failure to serve the Evansville community.

        • What is the average response time for a run ? I see this quoted in contract discussions so it must be available. If AMR isn’t getting the jib done they should be replaced.

          • I think around 8 minutes or so for AMR, could be wrong on that. In my response area it is fairly common for an ambulance to be there within 2 or 3 minutes of our arrival. EFD response time is generally around 3 minutes or so (from time of dispatch to time on-scene).

        • I am quite familiar with how the City ambulance service operates. I’ve worked on the EFD for 15 years, and in a local hospital emergency department for a little over two years. In both realms, I’ve responded to dozens and dozens (and dozens and dozens…) of overdose cases. Nothing you said was news to me, although I am impressed by the level of snark and needlessly condescending tone.

          I stand by my assertion that response times in the City limits are short enough for AMR/EFD units that narcan is not needed by EPD patrol personnel.

          You are welcome to your own opinion, of course.

    • armstrongres

      IIT that you apparently have no clue how the ambulances in this town and county operate?
      IIT that you have no clue that the AMR dispatch system uses a principle called “system status management”, and that during periods of high call volume that the number of ambulances for the entire COUNTY (which includes the City) can be down to 1 (or less)?
      IIT that at certain times of the 24 hour day AMR may staff as few as 5 ambulances to cover both Evansville and Vanderburgh County?
      IIT that AMR does frequent long-distance transfers (Indianapolis, Louisville, Nashville, St. Louis), which further strains the system?
      IIT that AMR also provides ground-based transport for both of the local medical helicopter services, meaning they might be on a very distant scene, or providing a long-distance ground transfer due to things like inclement weather (that does not allow the helicopters to fly)?
      IIT that during those times the “available” ambulances frequently hover near the 1 or less mark?
      IIT true that during those times that nearby counties are “requested” to operate on “stand-by” status for AMR, meaning that the closest available ambulance is Posey or Warrick County?
      IIT that if AMR reaches ZERO available ambulances and has to ask a nearby county to bail us out, that the response time to a narcotic overdose could easily approach the 20 minutes OR LONGER period?

      I suggest you do a little more research and stop being a shill for EPD on this. The CCO is agreeing with CAJE and are absolutely being correct and a proper “public service” advocates on this issue.

      There is (IMHO) absolutely and positively ZERO reason for EPD to not carry Narcan. To fail to do so is a failure to serve the Evansville community.

      • The German and Scott Township “fire and rescue” serves us well out here in German, Scott, and
        Armstrong township. Sounds like your little city has a management issue with their first responders!

        • Please advise when German Township got an ambulance? Scott Township has had one for probably a decade, but to the best of my knowledge German does not own an ambulance.

          Besides, the story and discussion was about Evansville and EPD, and had NOTHING to do with our local volunteer fire departments (all of which are marvelous).

          And you might want to double-check your facts. Pretty sure AMR still serves German.

          Try and stay focused and on topic. We are discussing EPD and Narcan, not German and Scott Township. Pitiful attempt to deflect your constant shilling for EPD

          • Press, You included the county in your post. The EFD and the volunteer depts all have trained medical people on them.

          • As cowboy mention also that you included “county” into your post.
            I made no reference to ambulance in post. It was “fire and rescue”
            which has the Narcan along with the Sheriff Department. Do not
            need your city ambulances to administrate Narcan out here.

            Sounds like maybe your having problems staying on topic?

            As far as “shilling” EPD. Please go back to all my post these last two
            days of the Narcan topic. Never said a ill word about the men/women
            in those blue uniforms. In fact, I had supported Bolin for his decision
            not to be redundant on a expense item. I just made mention of his
            bad way of saying no.

            Had you said constant shilling of city government then you would
            had been correct.

  5. Is it true that Governor Pence signed into Indiana law the same religious freedom protection act that Obama voted for as a State Senator in Illinois?

    “In an appearance on ABC’s This Week, Indiana governor Mike Pence defended his state’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act by noting that Barack Obama had voted for the same law as an Illinois state senator.

    “The Religious Freedom Restoration Act was signed into federal law by President Bill Clinton more than 20 years ago, and it lays out a framework for ensuring that a very high level of scrutiny is given any time government action impinges on the religious liberty of any American,” Pence said. “After last year’s Hobby Lobby case, Indiana properly brought the same version that then-state senator Barack Obama voted for in Illinois before our legislature.”

    This Week Host George Stephanoplous later asked White House press secretary Josh Earnest to respond to Pence’s claim: “Josh, you just heard the governor say right there this is the same law, he says, that Barack Obama voted for as a state senator back in Illinois.”

    Earnest didn’t dispute the Indiana governor’s statement. “Look, if you have to go back two decades to try to justify something that you’re doing today, it may raise some question about the wisdom of what you’re doing,” Earnest said.”

    https://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/indiana-governor-same-religious-freedom-law-obama-voted-illinois_902459.html

    “The first RFRA was a 1993 federal law that was signed into law by Democratic president Bill Clinton. It unanimously passed the House of Representatives, where it was sponsored by then-congressman Chuck Schumer, and sailed through the Senate on a 97-3 vote.”
    …
    “If there’s already a federal RFRA in place, why did Indiana pass its own RFRA?

    Great question. In a 1997 Supreme Court case (City of Boerne v. Flores), the court held that federal RFRA was generally inapplicable against state and local laws. Since then, a number of states have enacted their own RFRA statutes: Indiana became the twentieth to do so. Other states have state court rulings that provide RFRA-like protections. Here’s a helpful map from 2014 that shows you which states have RFRA protections (note that Mississippi and Indiana have passed RFRA since this map was made)”
    ,,,

    “The point of RFRA is not to discriminate against gay Americans. It is supposed to prevent the government from discriminating against religious Americans.”

    http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/indianas-religious-freedom-restoration-act-explained_900641.html?nopager=1

    • ” “If there’s already a federal RFRA in place, why did Indiana pass its own RFRA?

      Great question. In a 1997 Supreme Court case (City of Boerne v. Flores), the court held that federal RFRA was generally inapplicable against state and local laws. Since then, a number of states have enacted their own RFRA statutes: Indiana became the twentieth to do so. ‘

      Excellent information, Joe. Answers a significant question I had. Thanks!

      • DeltaB, here’s an interesting article on the Religious Freedom Restoration Acts (RFRAs) by a Virginia Law School Prof. who is is a very strong proponent for gay marriage. If people took the time to understand the Indiana RFPA is to protect the government from discriminating against religious belief, this would be a non-starter:

        “Part of the problem is conservative legislators and activists promising the base that a state RFRA will protect them against gay-rights laws. That’s just pandering; there is no basis in experience to think that. But the gay-rights side has piled on with the charge that these laws are licenses to discriminate. So both sides are misleading the public. And the academics who have actually studied these laws and know what they do can’t get anyone to pay attention over the din.
        …
        State RFRAs have not produced very many cases. But those cases are deeply important to the people affected. I attach a letter that a group of us wrote to the Indiana legislature. It may have more detail than you want. But read through it to the end (or if you prefer, just skip to the end). It has the remarkable story of Mary Stinemetz, who died for her faith for lack of a state RFRA. Fortunately, that doesn’t happen very often. But that’s a real case. None of the incredible denunciations of the Indiana RFRA are based on a real case; they are all talking about things that have never actually happened.

        And if you want to know where I’m coming from: I filed a brief in the Supreme Court urging the Court to require same-sex marriage as a matter of constitutional law. And then to protect the religious liberty of dissenters. I believe in “liberty and justice for all,” with an emphasis on “all.” Most of the activists in this fight, on both sides, want liberty and justice only for their side. They want to crush the other side.”

        http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/uva-law-prof-who-supports-gay-marriage-explains-why-he-supports-indianas-religious-freedom-law_902928.html?page=2

  6. Jason Cullum was a major part of Rick Davis’s Mayoral campaign in 2011 and now he atracks Rick’s brother to defend a Republican running as a Democrat (Mosby)? Cullum is the only member of Davis’s campaign staff that has a better job than he had before Winnecke became mayor. Odd how that worked out for him.

    • West, You saw Mr Cullum’s comment as an attack. I don’t recall him attacking anyone. Did he say something that wasn’t true ?

  7. Article on the condition of City Parks in Monday C & P, featuring the views of Steve Davis and Missy Mosby.

    Steve Davis wants to reduce the number of parks from 65 to some lower number of parks which could be properly maintained, citing a 2nd Ward park at Vann & Pollock as one which is neglected. Missy Mosby not only wants to keep all 65 parks, but for two straight years voted for Roberts Park.

    Russ Lloyd weighed in by stating that as of right now, the City Parks fund stands at $ -511,000 (that means book cash balance is negative).

    Talk amongst yourselves.

  8. In Detroit, they closed something like 72 parks (1/3 of their parks) overnight in 2008. They simply drove around and removed the trash cans. Volunteers then took over, especially in one case I saw, six retired guys on riding lawn mowers kept the grass mowed ( with no weed eating or trimming), for safety reasons (i.e., keep people from hiding in the weeds).

    The one thing Steve Davis said that I believe to be true: “There is no plan” re: maintaining our Parks.

  9. Missy said they were going to fix Vann Park in 2011. Never happened. Now they are going to fix it in 2015, with some miraculous grant. Bet that other than a trash pickup day it won’t happen this year either.

    • jbyrd
      Before they slap a coat of paint over those rusty bolts, …the Vann Ave parking lot needs around 1000 tons of crushed limestone in order to eliminate the “lake effect” that remains, …as we speak. Either that or put up some
      “no swimming-lifeguard not on duty” signs. …

      • Maybe if the City complies with the USEPA/Federal Courts consent decree and fixed the sewers/storm water drainage system the water will not stand in the middle of the parks lawn anymore. And if we stop global warming it may stop raining excessively and we won’t drown in rising sea levels.

      • They have “volunteer” lifeguards! If you got a need for weed, or meth, or whatever-they’ll stand by and watch you drown while they roll one up.

      • the last time she ran and had a primary challenger
        she talks a good game but has no follow through, unless of course it helps Winneke or her boss Carol

  10. Just when you thought it couldn’t get worse for Americans with the Iranian nuclear concessions and the rise of radical Islamic jihadists, the Community Organizer is at it again:

    “The federal government has signed agreements with three foreign countries — Mexico, Ecuador and the Philippines — to establish outreach programs to teach immigrants their rights to engage in labor organizing in the U.S.

    The agreements do not distinguish between those who entered legally or illegally. They are part of a broader effort by the National Labor Relations Board to get immigrants involved in union activism.”
    …
    “Last month, Griffin instituted a new policy in which the board will “facilitate” obtaining visas for illegal immigrants if their status impedes it from pursuing a labor violation case against a business. The policy gives illegal immigrants living in the U.S. a strong incentive to engage in labor activism, because doing so will make employers reluctant to fire them and potentially get them a visa, and therefore legal status, if they are fired.”

    http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/u.s.-signed-agreement-with-mexico-to-teach-immigrants-to-unionize/article/2562215

    This answers all questions as to why the Community Organizer will not defend our borders. National security be damned, we need more political conrributions from unions!

    • This administration is leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of stacking the electoral and political contribution decks. If this much effort were employed in developing a cohesive foreign policy plan, it would benefit our nation and the rest of the world. Right now, Iran is both an ally (in Iraq) and an enemy (in Yemen).
      It is beyond absurd.

    • ob·ses·sion
      əbˈseSHən/Submit
      noun
      the state of being obsessed with someone or something.
      “he disliked him with a devotion bordering on obsession”
      an idea or thought that continually preoccupies or intrudes on a person’s mind.
      plural noun: obsessions
      “he was in the grip of an obsession he was powerless to resist the posting”
      synonyms: fixation, ruling/consuming passion, passion, mania, idée fixe, compulsion, preoccupation, infatuation, addiction, fetish, craze.

      • Yes. And aren’t we all “obsessed” with something? In fact, some are “possessed” by something.

      • V – You have taken the first step in dealing with your obsession about saving the planet from those pesky humans – you have identified your problem. Good job and good luck.

  11. The EPD rank and file are not connected to any part of the recent blunders of EPD Administration.

  12. Isn’t Coalition of Inner City Neighborhoods comprised of 10 people? IIT they have less than zero influence on anything? Does their endorsement come with any financial backing?

    • C.O.I.N. is a collection of neighborhood associations and is very respected and active in the community. Fred Cook was just invited to speak with Chief Bolin last week. Financial backing isn’t a part of their Mission Statement. Besides, this is an election not an auction.

      • Is that the same Fred Cook that was President of the Goosetown neighborhood association ?

  13. IN OTHER NEWS
    Anonymous comments are history, …on the Courier&Press site.
    Facebook required.
    City-County Observer rules! …

  14. Missy thinks the city has an open checkbook with unlimited cash reserves. She wants to spend, spend and spend. She has never presented any thoughts on how to curtail spending or how to improve efficiencies. Over and over she votes to spend money and every ill conceived gimmick. Missy, please, just once, come up with some ideas to save money and reduce cost.

  15. Re: poster above who cited today’s Courier & Press and Russell Lloyd’s proclamation that the Parks Dept. has NEGATIVE CASH of $ 511,000:

    Exactly how much maintenance can a department do to its (our) infrastructure when THERE IS NO MONEY ? The answer: NONE. Not only does Parks Dept. not have any money, they owe another 1/2 Million, and are relying on future property tax installments ?

    Call in the band Dire Straits. Our City Administrators are the “Sultans of Swing . . . and Miss”

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