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LINK OF THE NOVEMBER 2023 PRINTED PAPER

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LINK OF THE NOVEMBER 2023 PRINTED PAPER

Nov. CCO Proof

“IS IT TRUE” JUNE 30, 2023 working Draft

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We hope that today’s “IS IT TRUE” will provoke honest and open dialogue concerning issues that we, as responsible citizens of this community, need to address in a rational and responsible way City-County Observer Comment Policy. Be kind to people. No personal attacks or harassment will be tolerated and will be removed from our site.”
We understand that sometimes people don’t always agree and discussions may become a little heated.  The use of offensive language and insults against commenters will not be tolerated and will be removed from our site.
IS IT TRUE that we are told that the majority of voters participating in the upcoming Evansville general election are going demand that candidates address the following issues that loom over our fair city?  …that the issues that should be addressed in the upcoming General election are: the city cash flow problems; excessive bond indebtedness; finding money to repair our crumbling streets and sidewalks; curtail the excessive water and sewer rates; find an affordable way to renovate our city parks; correct the serious financial shortfall of the City Of Evansville City Employee Health insurance costs;  improve the morale problems at the Evansville Poice Department and find a creative way to stop the serious losses at the Ford Center?

IS IT TRUE that we hope political officeholders are aware that Tortious interference? … also known as intentional interference with contractual relations, in the common law of torts? …that torts occurs when one person intentionally damages someone else’s contractual or business relationships with a third party causing economic harm?  …when individuals colluding with each other to get a third party to interfere in a way that a business is damaged for the reason of enhancing the blissful existence of a small number of privileged people could be considered Tortious interference?

IS IT TRUE that small businesses all across the nation are experiencing difficulty in hiring people to accept jobs that are open and available?…the principal reason for this is the unemployment supplement of $300 per week that was passed by the United States Congress and signed by the President of the United States?…this $300 per week supplement conveniently calculates to $7.50 per hour in addition to the regular unemployment benefit that can be as high as $480 in some states making sitting at home on one’s backside pay the equivalent of nearly $20 per hour?
IS IT TRUE that when management in the private sector is faced with a severe financial challenge they come up with creative solutions to correct it?  …when a governmental entity has a serious financial shortfall they either issue bonds, reappraise our property value, or raise taxes?
IS IT TRUE that when politicians reappraise our home value earlier this year they in essence increase our annual property tax payments?
IS IT TRUE that the taxpayers work very hard to earn their money? …that taxpayers have to work twice as hard to keep their money because of overzealous bureaucratic rules and regulations?
IS IT TRUE that is time for our local government leaders to learn the meaning of cognizant thought and only do what is mandatory and necessary to provide the services that a city is obligated to provide? …that does not include political patronage and pork barrel projects?
IS IT TRUE that incumbent politicians should campaign while they’re in office and not when they are running for re-election?
IS IT TRUE that Evansville Property Owners and Managers Association (POMA) membership is fired up over 3rd Ward Councilman Zac Heronemus’s filing of an ordinance to inspect every rental unit in the city?
IS IT TRUE that 3rs Ward Councilman Zac Heronemus also drafted an ordinance that could take money from the “Affordable Housing Trust Fund” by wanting the city to start and run a not-for-profit whose overhead will take up about 60% of the city’s contribution to the fund every year to help those who need those funds?
  1. This is the same councilman who spent $50,000 on a redistricting plan with no public input and shoved it through to vote in the 11th hour.
  2. The airport board and director, Nate Hahn, recently met with most Evansville City Council members to ask them to approve a $250,000 request some they can increase their marketing activity to increase air travel into and out of Evansville/Vanderburgh County.
  3. IS IT TRUE that 3rd Ward City Evansville Councilman Zac Heronemus
is trying to amend the current City Of Evansville “RENTAL REGISTRY” so that every rental unit in Evansville will be forced to have a “MANDATORY INSPECTION”?   …that every rental unit in the City Of Evansville will be charged a $50 inspection fee for each unit per year?  …that there are a few exceptions where the better rental properties in Evansville can be self-certified by the owners at a one-time cost of $75 per unit?
IS IT TRUE that we have been told that between 50% and 60% of the people living in Evansville live in rental properties and only a handful of City inspectors do a compliance check on the rental properties within the City limits?  …we wonder where Evansville City Council is going to get the additional many thousands of dollars to hire extra employees needed to inspect the many thousands of rental properties in Evansville proper if they pass Mr. Heronemus’s “Mandatory Inspection Ordinance”?
IS IT TRUE that we are also told that the President of the Evansville City Council member Zac Heronemus is planning to submit a document to amend the current “RENTAL REGISTRY” to the City Council sometime in late June or July?
IS IT TRUE that 3rd Ward Councilman Zac Heronemus is running for re-election and is facing stiff competition from a well-known individual with diverse experience in both the private and public sectors?  …we look forward to seeing if Republican Joe Kratochvil will take Councilman Heronemus to task concerning his overreaching bureaucratic amendments to the City Of Evansville’s “RentalL Registry”” and the “Affordable Housing Trust Fund”?
IS IT TRUE that government shouldn’t do for people what they can do for themselves?
IS IT TRUE the CCO has always said, “Evansville is a baseball town at heart”?…we do love our Evansville Otters?  …that over the years there have been fifteen (15) pro baseball teams that called Evansville home that no longer exists?… the best and most professional were the Triplets which were an AAA farm team for the Detroit Tigers? …the other failed baseball teams in declining order were the Outlaws, White Sox, Braves, Bees, Hubs, Pocketeers, Little Evas, Black Sox, Evas, Yankees, Strikers, River Rats, Blackbirds, and Hoosiers?  … all we can say is support the Evansville Otters

“IS IT TRUE” AUGUST 30, 2023

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City-County Observer Comment Policy. Be kind to people. No personal attacks or harassment will not be tolerated and shall be removed from our site.

We understand that sometimes people don’t always agree and discussions may become a little heated.  The use of offensive language, or insults against commenters will not be tolerated and will be removed from our site.

Any comments posted in this column do not represent the views or opinions of the City-County Observer or our advertisers

IS IT TRUE we get a big kick out of watching Evansville City Council members jockeying for a leadership position on the 2024 City Council?  …that sometimes names change but the games remain the same?

IS IT TRUE that is no greater ambassador of goodwill than a homegrown non-partisan community newspaper?  …that local newspapers can serve as a “Community Watchdog” by sounding the alarm when the citizen’s rights are being violated? …we realize that a community can have no greater ambassador of goodwill than one which keeps its citizens informed about their accomplishments, failure, and triumphs?

IS IT TRUE that some of our elected officials seemly have forgotten that the first amendment to the U. S. Constitution states “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the rights of the people to peaceably assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievance”?
IS IT TRUE when small-town politicians that preside over an increasing crime rate and a mediocre economy get national attention, every pissant politician who rides in parades hearing “Hail to the Chief” in their own mind catches “Buttigieg Derangement Syndrome”?…that this political disorder may be contagious enough to infect the thinking of current Mayors too?
IS IT TRUE we hope that someone with common business and political sense will come forward and encourage the newly elected Indiana Governor to push our lawmakers to approve simulcast horse racing at casinos?  …if the Indiana power brokers delay this decision the Commonwealth of Kentucky will have the upper hand in generating future gaming dollars?
IS IT TRUE we are extremely pleased with the way that State Senator Vaneta Becker is representing the people of this State?
IS IT TRUE that inflated egos, know-it-all attitudes, self-serving demeanors, and inflated opinions about one’s leadership skills have created a dysfunctional Evansville City Council?
IS IT TRUE that it would be extremely interesting if a local historian would give the outgoing Evansville City Council members a performance review concerning how they addressed “Good Public Policy” issues over the last four years?
IS IT TRUE we are told because of the serious philosophical and personality conflicts between elected Democratic City Council members that Mayor Winnecke is able to craft a political and budgetary strategy that will ensure that his future capital projects plans will become a reality?  …we are told that divide and conquer politics most always succeed?
IS IT TRUE when a Chairman of a political party sweeps an election he takes total credit for this accomplishment?  …when a Chairman of a political party loses he blames everyone else for the loss?
IS IT TRUE that the Evansville DMD also has given hundreds of thousands of our tax dollars of “Facade Grants” to local businesses over the last 12 years?
IS IT TRUE that “political patronage” came about at about the same time that the Tammany Hall shakedown tactics in New York City were being used to drain the public coffers to enrich the politically connected?…the one thing that “political patronage“ staffing never seems to require is any expertise at all with respect to the job that one is being appointed to?
IS IT TRUE that “Political patronage” staffing is a dangerous artifact of the past and has no reason to exist in the present?…the need for competence as opposed to loyalty will someday drive ‘political patronage” staffing from local government, but until then shenanigans like putting campaign managers and workers into well-paid positions that are out of their league will continue?
IS IT TRUE we are pleased with the way that State Representative Wendy McNamara is representing the people in her district?
IS IT TRUE that a past Harvard Business School study that assesses the competitiveness of the United States of America?…in this study, it states that in 1964 a full 77% of the population trusted the federal government to do the right things to make progress happen and that today only 17% of Americans trust the federal government?…that has increased from a low of 15% in 2009?…one could almost surmise that with that low of a number trusting the federal government that it can’t go much lower since roughly 15% believe silly things like Elvis is alive and Hitler is living in Argentina plotting a return to power?
IS IT TRUE to hear some American progressives talk about our social progress one would have to conclude that we are light years behind the Nordic countries which are capitalist economies with a stronger safety net than ours?…the reality is a breath of fresh air compared to what one reads and hears these days
IS IT TRUE we wonder who is in charge of putting up the holiday displays in the North Main areas of Evansville last Christmas?  …the movers and shakers of this area could have done a better job in the promotion of the upcoming Holiday season if they would have talked to the merchants on West Franklin Street?
IS IT TRUE that we have been told that over the years inflated egos, know-it-all attitudes, self-serving demeanors, and inflated opinions about leadership skills have created a dysfunctional Evansville City Council?

IS IT TRUE that our “Readers Poll” is non-scientific but trendy?

If you would like to advertise on the CCO please contact us at City-County Observer@live.com

STOPPED ON DEC 9, 2019

“IT IS TRUE” JULY 27, 2023 draft draft

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City-County Observer Comment Policy. Be kind to people. No personal attacks or harassment will be tolerated and will be removed from our site.”
We understand that sometimes people don’t always agree and discussions may become a little heated.  The use of offensive language, or insults against commenters will not be tolerated and will be removed from our site.
Any comments posted in this column do not represent the views or opinions of the City-County Observer or our advertisers.
IS IT TRUE that every four years the United States of America holds an inauguration ceremony where the duly elected President of the United States swears to uphold the Constitution of the United States and is sworn in as our President?…this ceremony is all about honoring the traditions associated with the Office of the Presidency and not the human being who is being sworn in?…the Presidency itself is and always has been bigger than the person who is elected to the job?…it is the hope of the City-County Observer that person who is fairly and duly elected by the people of the United States of America according to the rules established by our founders, will put all personal issues aside and uphold our Constitution while making the best decisions that can be made for the next for years?…it is furthermore hoping to see all members of the legislative and judicial branches of our government honor the Office of the Presidency whether they like or dislike the person being sworn in?
IS IT TRUE that Kalah Hirsch, Records Specialist, and Asst. IDACS Coordinator for the Evansville Police Department is doing a credible job in providing us with the daily EPD Activity Report in a timely manner?

IS IT TRUE that the long-awaited election of 2023 is finally upon us and mercifully we will be able to stop being bombarded with empty promises and negative smears put forth by nearly every campaign from dog catcher to President of the United States, Governor and City Council??  … that the City-County Observer encourages everyone to vote and hopes for a quick and accurate outcome that is accepted by whichever side loses?…the time for resistance, derangement, and violence in the streets like a third grader throwing a tantrum are over and hopefully such disrespectful and destructive things will end for good on November 4th?…the last four years have been a period of embarrassment for things the have happened both inside and outside of the halls of government?…the last four years have exposed quite a lot of adults as spoiled children and they come in both blue and red?…whoever prevails will hopefully be recognized as the lawful winner and will be treated as such?

IS IT TRUE that Vanderburgh County Chief Deputy Treasurer Dottie Thomas is not only extremely professional but she knows her stuff?  …we need more people like her working at the Civic Center?  …the way she conducts the people business is the reason why is she running unopposed for the Vanderburgh County Treasurer position?
IS IT TRUE that the Honorable Vanderburgh County Superior Court Judge Les Shively has proven to be an outstanding judge and public servant? …he’s extremely outgoing and likable? …that Judge Shively is listed on the November 3, 2020 election ballot as an unopposed non-partisan candidate?  …we strongly urge you to give him a vote of confidence in order to let him know how you appreciate the outstanding job he does in ensuring that justice is well served in his court?
IS IT TRUE that the Honorable Vanderburgh County Superior Court Judge Les Shively has proven to be an outstanding judge and public servant? …he’s extremely outgoing and likable?

 

IS IT TRUE that the second Living Outside the Box speaker series event was held Wednesday, June 26, 2019 in Evansville, Indiana and the attendance was oversubscribed by nearly 100%?…this was the second such speaking event in the newly established series that is named after former City County Observer editor Joe Wallace’s book?… Joe’s book debuted as the #1 best seller on Amazon in the Green Business category and was also the #1 New Release in 3 other categories?…it also rose to the #2 Best Seller in the Intergovernmental Policy category?… Wallace was the first speaker in this newly established series that is sure to bring more high-impact people to Evansville in hopes of teaching the lessons of the book to the movers and shakers of the Tri-State.

IS IT TRUE that people along the Evansville waterfront on Monday were treated to a performance by a log riding ax-wielding man that was obviously inspired to do something quite off the wall?…this dude decided for whatever reason to swim out into the river and mount a log while carrying an ax that he promptly used to chop at the log like he was trying to get ready to build a fire with the wood?…stranger things have happened and this one sort of takes the cake for something so unexpected yet legal and strange that it merited some attention?…it has been 10 years since a would-be Santa Claus got stuck in a chimney and had to be busted out by the Evansville Fire Department?…this sort of thing make you think that meth is making a comeback in River City?
IS IT TRUE that the Romp Bluegrass Music Festival that is now beyond its 10th year in Owensboro is getting so popular that it is causing traffic jams?…in the first year the crowds came out to watch Saturday Night Live veteran Steve Martin pick a banjo and sing bluegrass music?…the success of this festival goes to show how much interest there is in something that is both native and entertaining?…this probably would have worked in Evansville if there was not an obsession for boat racing that has now been eliminated again?

 

IS IT TRUE everyday members of our local law enforcement work many scenes of shootings several times every week? …they also chase and apprehend suspects fleeing the scene of the shootings? …we are proud of our men and women in blue for helping keep our community safe from bad people? …our law enforcement has an extremely stressful and dangerous job?  …the next time you see our first responders please give them a “thumbs up” for doing a great job in protecting us?

IS IT TRUE that Ellen Horan has just resigned as the Executive Director to take a job in Texas?  …we wouldn’t be surprised if this “E For Everyone” group will pay big bucks to hire an out town agency to find an out-of-towner to replace Ms. Horan?
IS IT TRUE we are told that the avoidance of being held accountable sometimes causes politicians to decide not to run for re-election? …for a few politicians, the intoxicating elixir of power is too great to resist even if the lash of accountability is coming unless, of course, they need the small stipend of service to make ends meet?
IS IT TRUE that over the years the City-County Observer has studied and published articles that examine the economic expectations and realities of proposed capital projects within Vanderburgh County proper? …our conclusion is that a lack of planning has created an unavoidable last-minute quagmire that leaves our county in the unenviable position of needing to provide significant incentives to secure a binding and enforceable agreement to entice a developer to build profitable projects?
IS IT TRUE that every four years the United States of America holds an inauguration ceremony where the duly elected President of the United States swears to uphold the Constitution of the United States and is sworn in as our President?…this ceremony is all about honoring the traditions associated with the Office of the Presidency and not the human being who is being sworn in?…the Presidency itself is and always has been bigger than the person who is elected to the job?…it is the hope of the City-County Observer that the person who is fairly and duly elected in the future by the people of the United States of America according to the rules established by our founders, will put all personal issues aside and uphold our Constitution while making the best decisions that can be made for the next four years?…furthermore hoping to see all members of the legislative and judicial branches of our government honor the Office of the Presidency whether they like or dislike the person being sworn in?

 

IS IT TRUE that we wonder why liberal judges who say we don’t need to stand up when the Nation Anthem is played expect us to stand up when he enters the room? …we wonder what would happen when a liberal Judge enters the courtroom if everyone would go down on their knees?
IS IT TRUE that after the transfer of Bally’s future income advance of $12,500,000 from the Riverboat fund to deposit into the City of Evansville General Fund? …this transaction is a case of mortgaging the future to cover the perceived need to fund fun and games initiatives of today?…the legacy of buying a new car on credit while letting the toilet leak inside the trailer with a hole in the roof has caught up with the City Of Evansville City Council of 2023?
Please take time and read our articles entitled “STATEHOUSE FILES, CHANNEL 44 NEWS, LAW ENFORCEMENT, READERS POLL, BIRTHDAYS, HOT JOBS” and “LOCAL SPORTS”.  You now are able to subscribe to get the CCO daily.

If you would like to advertise on the CCO please contact us City-County Observer@live.com.

 

IS IT TRUE in the spirit of “SNEGAL” (sneaky but legal) still alive in Evansville?  …that after the unauthorized transfer of Bally’s future income advance of $12,500,000 from the Riverboat funds was deposited into the City of Evansville General Fund? …this transaction is a case of mortgaging the future to cover the perceived need to fund fun and games initiatives of today?…the legacy of buying a new car on credit while letting the toilet leak inside the trailer with a hole in the roof has caught up with the City Of Evansville 2023?

 

IS IT TRUE that downtown Evansville for the first time in many years has fewer buildings with “available” signs in the windows? …growth has been a long time coming to Downtown Evansville and many millions of taxpayer dollars have been used to incentivize this growth spurt but the jury is still out on whether or not this really sticks this time or not?

IS IT TRUE if present and past City Council members made the appropriate allocations of local tax dollars to cover our contractual obligations during the last decade, the urgency of today would not be an urgency at all?…the same mindset that sits back and allows the infrastructure to decay while spending freely on fun and games was hard at work in deferring these legitimate expenses?

IS IT TRUEt that many people feel that the 2023 edition of the Evansville City Council is extremely controversial?  …where was Curt John and Connie Robinson when we need them?

IS IT TRUE it has been aptly pointed out that when former President Trump says “America First”, it doesn’t necessarily mean that other countries are last?…what this means is that our duly elected president has expressed an intention to make the best deals possible for the people of the United States?…we have no problem with taking care of the home folks first as the catatonic growth of the last decade has eroded the lifestyles of rank and file Americans to the point that our charity needs to begin at home?

IS IT TRUE that Evansville City Council persons Missy Mosby, Jonathan Weaver, and Ron Beans are the only elected City officials that push for a major improvement in our parks?

IS IT TRUE there are fences and guard shacks at the U S and Mexican border crosses? … that the fences located away from border crossings are not much more sophisticated than the ones around a residence?…that it’s projected that a halfway competent construction team should be able to build a wall for $6 Billion or less?…that would include trenching under it to make digging under difficult and a state of the art surveillance system?…from a pure construction perspective, a wall should be simple and the cost should be way less than the numbers being tossed about in the media?

IS IT TRUE that Kalah Hirsch, Records Specialist, and Asst. IDACS Coordinator for the Evansville Police Department is doing a credible job in providing us with the daily EPD Activity Report in a timely manner?
IS IT TRUE that the time for empty political promises and an empty dialog will come to an end tomorrow evening?

 

IS IT TRUE it has been aptly pointed out that when former President Trump says “America First”, it doesn’t necessarily mean that other countries are last?…what this means is that the former president has expressed an intention to make the best deals possible for the people of the United States?…we have no problem with taking care of the home folks first as the catatonic growth of the last decade has eroded the lifestyles of rank and file Americans to the point that our charity needs to begin at home?

IS IT TRUE that today the City-County Observer is posting a link to the Indiana State Boards Of Accounts audit of 2016 for the City Of Evansville?. ..we encourage our readers to analyze the attached link to the Indiana State Board of Accounts audit and tell us what they found out?  …here is the link to the Indiana State Boards Of Accounts audit for the City Of Evansville for 2016?  …here’s a copy of the audit reports

Please take time and read our articles entitled “STATEHOUSE FILES, CHANNEL 44 NEWS, LAW ENFORCEMENT, READERS POLL, BIRTHDAYS, HOT JOBS” and “LOCAL SPORTS”.  You now are able to subscribe to get the CCO daily.

If you would like to advertise on the CCO please contact us City-County Observer@live.com.

EDITOR’S FOOTNOTE:  Any readers comments posted in this column do not represent the views or opinions of the City-County Observer or our advertisers 

 

FOOTNOTE:  STOPPED posting on NOVEMBER 2, 2020

 

“IS IT TRUE” JUNE30, 2023 draft

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We hope that today’s “IS IT TRUE” will provoke honest and open dialogue concerning issues that we, as responsible citizens of this community, need to address in a rational and responsible way.
IS IT TRUE that we wonder if any of the Evansville City Council members would sign a personal loan agreement without knowing the exact pay-off dates, other details of the contract, or the exact interest rate of the loan to be repaid?`
IS IT TRUE that when management in the private sector is faced with a severe financial challenge they come up with creative solutions to correct it?  …when a governmental entity has a serious financial shortfall they either issue bonds, reappraise our property value, or raise taxes?
IS IT TRUE that it’s time for you to sell your home because this year’s appraisal rate was raised by leaps and bounds and you should get a big sell price based on your recent appraisal?

IS IT TRUE that a certain political officeholder should be aware that Tortious interference, also known as intentional interference with contractual relations, in the common law of torts? …that torts occurs when one person intentionally damages someone else’s contractual or business relationships with a third party causing economic harm?  …when individuals colluding with each other to get a third party to interfere in a way that a business is damaged for the reason of enhancing the blissful existence of a small number of privileged people could be considered Tortious interference

IS IT TRUE that is time for our local government leaders to learn the meaning of cognizant thought and they should only do what is mandatory and necessary to provide the services that a city is obligated to provide?
IS IT TRUE that we are told by reliable sources that the City of Evansville has serious revenue problems because of the excessive spending on political pork barrels and fun and games projects?
IS IT TRUE that a Democratic member of the Indiana House of Representatives recently addressed a group of politically nonpartisan people?    …that we have been told by several people attending this event were shocked when the Democratic State Representative encouraged those in attendance to vote Republican in the upcoming primary election?

IS IT TRUE that we have been told that the proposed $28 million dollars “Aquatic Center”  will be built at Garvin Park just right across from historic Bosse Field on the current site of Garvin Park swimming pool and tennis courts?  …by building the new “Aquatic Center” at the Garvin Park location the city can use the North Main Street “TIF” money to build it?  …this the same funding source that the Mayor used to redo the $16 million dollars North Main Street project?

IS IT TRUE that over the years we have made numerous references that the Evansville Water and Sewer Utilities Board was not only known for its political patronage activities but was also used as a funding source to help the City of Evansville in their occasional financial cash flow problems?  … it’s safe to say that over the last several years the Evansville Water and Sewer Utilities Board give the City of Evansville many millions of dollars in cash advances to help the city with cash shortfalls?

IS IT TRUE it has been estimated that the downtown Evansville Medical Schools will create over 3,700 good jobs by 2022?…given all of these positive enrollment projections Evansville the political types by expending $40 million dollars on a downtown hotel?… Evansville’s leaders should have selected local private investors to construct a hotel without public assistance?… hotels do not bring people…people bring hotels?… Evansville is not able to print money and we are now approximately $900 million in debt in funding and guaranteeing capital projects over the last 20 years?

IS IT TRUE it incumbent upon us to remind our City and County officials that Revenue Bonds are rated based on the revenue they generate to make principal and interest payments and based on any assets pledged to secure the bonds? … that Corporations are judged on their ability to generate earnings, while a state or local municipality may also issue a general obligation bond, which is backed by the taxing power of the municipality? …the more revenue a bond can generate, the higher its credit rating?

IS IT TRUE the tide has turned and businesses across the country including some in Evansville, Indiana are unable to re-open because the workforce is unavailable due to being paid not to work by a government that asserts that it wants to reduce unemployment?  …it is only a government that can do something that is so inept that any 5th grader understands? …if you don’t believe that you should find yourself a 5th grader and offer to double their allowance if and only if they refuse to do their chores?

IS IT TRUE that small businesses all across the nation are experiencing difficulty in hiring people to accept jobs that are open and available?…the principal reason for this is the unemployment supplement of $300 per week that was passed by the United States Congress and signed by the President of the United States?…this $300 per week supplement conveniently calculates to $7.50 per hour in addition to the regular unemployment benefit that can be as high as $480 in some states making sitting at home on one’s backside pay the equivalent of nearly $20 per hour?

IS IT TRUE everything that has been done with good intentions with respect to the pandemic has not performed as they were intended?…today, businesses all over the nation are having extreme difficulty attracting workers back to work?…this difficulty is being driven by the $300 per week enhancement to unemployment since in many cases it pays more to stay home on the couch than it does to return to work?…it is merciful that the $300 per week extra that the federal government is providing will sunset in September?…this will make it pay to work instead of being paid more not to work that one does to work?…this $300 enhancement needs to be allowed to die a natural death and should probably be canceled now, but that is not how elected officials operate?…there are some in congress who would extend the $300 extra in perpetuity?…this is a formula to create a permanent class of noncontributors?
IS IT TRUE that back in 2019 the State Board Of Accounts (SBOA) passed a new State Law that gives Governmental entities six (6) months to find a remedy to correct the problems of overdrawn city accounts?  …we wonder if our local governmental entities are in compliance with this State law?

IS IT TRUE we are told that the practice of not posting unrecorded accounts payable in a timely manner was to come to an end starting January 1, 2020?  …starting back in 2020 Finra and the SEC required cities with populations greater than 100k to submit the year-end financial report to the State Board of Accounts by using the accrual method of accounting?  ..we wonder if our local governmental entities are in compliance with this State law?

IS IT TRUE that over the last several decades the City Of Evansville Employees Healthcare Insurance has continually posted a severe deficit each year?  …it looks like it’s time for the City Council to vote to retain an Employee Health Insurance broker in order to find a long-term solution to create an affordable the City of Evansville Employee Healthcare Insurance program?  audit

IS IT TRUE that what elected officials seem to forget when they issue a bond to build a multi-million capital project is making sure that they borrow enough money to take care of the annual maintenance cost of the project?

IS IT TRUE if you’re looking down-home place to find an incredible tasting thick T-BONE STEAK or a scrumptious 2-inch PORK CROP please take a short drive to Oakland City, Ind and visit TAYLOR Two Restaurant.  …the service is top notch and the prices are extremely affordable?
IS IT TRUE that we would like to thank the City Of Evansville Communication Director Noah Stubbs for doing an excellent job in sending us current and accurate news articles?
IS IT TRUE that the City-County Observer newspaper is a proud supporter of our law enforcement?
IS IT TRUE when the people fear the Government we have Tyranny?  …when the Government fears the people we have Liberty?
IS IT TRUE that incumbent politicians should campaign while they’re in office and not when they are running for re-election?

 

IS IT TRUE that political officeholders should be aware that Tortious interference, also known as intentional interference with contractual relations, in the common law of torts? …that torts occurs when one person intentionally damages someone else’s contractual or business relationships with a third party causing economic harm?

IS IT TRUE that Scott Massey, a Purdue University graduate and founder of Heliponix, a company that makes an appliance that fits under a kitchen counter and grows produce year-round, is hoping to bring sustainable agriculture methods to third world countries?  …that several years ago Scott Massey was selected for a second Mandela Washington Fellowship to lead educational workshops at Cameroonian universities?  …that  Approximately 200 million hectares of suitable land remain unfarmed across Africa, causing many observers to wonder how African nations can unlock their full agricultural potential?  …that Scott Massey is leading the way in achieving this lofty goal of bringing sustainable agriculture methods to Cameroon?
FOOTNOTE:  Please take time and read our articles entitled “Statehouse Files”, Law Enforcement, Weekly Birthday, Hot Jobs, and “Local Sports”.  
You now are able to subscribe to get the free City-County Observer daily.  Please go to the top upper right corner of the front page of the CCO and click the “Subscribe” link to sign up.
If you would like to advertise on the CCO please contact us at City-CountyObserver@live.com.

 

 

IS IT TRUE JUNE 30, 2023 DRAFT

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We hope that today’s “IS IT TRUE” will provoke honest and open dialogue concerning issues that we, as responsible citizens of this community, need to address in a rational and responsible way City-County Observer Comment Policy. Be kind to people. No personal attacks or harassment will be tolerated and will be removed from our site.”
We understand that sometimes people don’t always agree and discussions may become a little heated.  The use of offensive language and insults against commenters will not be tolerated and will be removed from our site.
IS IT TRUE that in December 2021 the former manager of Burdette Park, Jerry Grannon, self-reported financial irregularities at the campground facilities?…the SBOA (State Board of Accounts) reflected that in 2021, $24,000 was booked but not deposited that year at the campgrounds? …the Vanderburgh County Commissioners, alongside Burdette Park, then terminated both the campground managers and implemented many changes at the Burdette Park campgrounds?…after a two-year investigation the Feds have now concluded that both former campground managers should be arrested for felony theft?  

IS IT TRUE  that on July 28, 2019, we posted an article covering a new health report on lead and arsenic-contaminated soil in Evansville that says Vanderburgh County children have higher blood lead levels compared to statewide numbers?  …that a public health assessment by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), a federal public health agency, said Vanderburgh’s high blood lead levels in children indicate there is a higher exposure to lead and that it is a health hazard. … that It casts the high blood lead levels as an environmental justice issue, linking risk of exposure in some of the city’s most affected areas to aging housing, poverty, and race.  …that more than 64 percent of residents in the Jacobsville contamination site live in older housing where there can be lead in paint and plumbing.  …that nearly 21 percent of the population there lives in poverty

IS IT TRUE that law enforcement professionals have borne the brunt of the blame for the increase in violence the reality is that the “defund the police” movement poisoned the atmosphere in American cities to the point that police have either been restricted to prevent violent crime?…some law enforcement officers have become terrified to do their jobs in large cities that have actually encouraged what is essentially a war on the police?.
IS IT TRUE that the local Republican party is currently experiencing some political infighting within its own ranks?  …we predict that local Republican party movers and shakers will regret that they showed favoritism towards a couple of City Council candidates listed on the November General election ballot?
IS IT TRUE that according to the HOWEY Daily Wire that Posey County Bird flu was found on hobby flock – Indiana now has its first reported case of H5 avian flu in 2023 (WIBC)? The Indiana Board of Animal Health said a hobby flock of 23 birds in Posey County tested positive for the bird flu Wednesday. The report was filed due to a “significant” number of birds passing away. It’s unclear where that flock is located within the county. Hobby flocks and commercial bird farms in the area will be tested to make sure there’s no trace of the flu left. The board said Indiana is still considered “influenza-free” because the flock did not sell birds or eggs.

In regards to making sure, I guess, that we don’t fall into becoming beholden to our donors. One thing that I do currently is that I serve on the Alcoholic Beverage Board of Vanderburgh County, and any time there is a local restaurant or bar owner that I have received funds from, I recuse myself from voting, and that’s something that I take pride in, because I want to make sure that all of my constituents know that even though I could do someone a favor because they’ve helped me, that’s not what my job is on that board, and that’s not what it would be on the council.”

IS IT TRUE that many are hoping and expecting that we will come out of this pandemic better in the long run but allowing violent crime to occur unchallenged because law enforcement officers have had their prevention tools taken away will not help with that?…people are already flooding out of cities as telecommuting becomes prevalent?…this opens up opportunities for small cities like Evansville but the mid-sized cities that handcuff their police departments will not be seeing these people?…we encourage Evansville to avoid the trap of doing things like violent places like Portland and Chicago do?…it would be well advised to avoid the actions that place like this have taken that have clearly made these once vibrant cities become unlivable to civilized people?
IS IT TRUE that we hope one day our elected officials, law enforcement officials, judges, civil rights activists, legislative bodies, community leaders, citizens, and clergy will sit down and have open and pointed discussions on how to begin the long and challenging task of how to end the race, social, economic injustices while addressing reasonable judicial and law enforcement reforms

IS IT TRUE In 2020, American heroes in grocery stores, the U.S.P.S., hospitals & more became known as “essential workers.” risking their lives by working in unsafe conditions. As the Covid-19 crisis continues into 2023 and the deadly workplace risks remain?

CITY COUNCIL VOTED TO “LEASE RENTAL REVENUE BONDS” FOR FORD CENTER  

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CITY COUNCIL VOTED TO ISSUE “LEASE RENTAL REVENUE BONDS” FOR FORD CENTER By A 6-2 VOTE. 

(MISSY MOSBY AND RON BEANE Voted Against This Ordinance.  JONATHON WEAVER was absent)

LINK OF EVANSVILLE CITY COUNCIL ORDINANCE CONCERNING THE “LEASE RENTAL REVENUE BONDS” FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS AT FORD CENTER.

LINK OF ORDINANCE G-2023-17 

PROPOSED LISTS OF CITY OF EVANSVILLE STREETS TO BE LEASED BY EVANSVILLE REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY TO THE EVANSVILLE REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION.

Boyden Court from Pomona to the cul-de-sa

RECENT CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA DOMINATED BY MONEY REQUESTS

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City Council Meeting
SEPTEMBER 11, 2023

5:30 P.M.

AGENDA

I. INTRODUCTION

 

09-11-2023 Agenda Attachment:
II. APPROVAL OF MEETING MEMORANDUM

 

08-28-2023 Memo Attachment:
III. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

 

IV. SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY

 

V. CONSENT AGENDA:  FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

 

A. ORDINANCE G-2023-18 An Ordinance to Vacate a 15’ X 20’ Public Utility Easement Located Near the Southwest Corner of Lot 25 in The Promenade Section 7, Phase I, Being at the Northeast Corner of the Intersection Formed by Vogel Road and Vision Court having a Common Address of 1229 Vision Ct Sponsor(s): Trockman Discussion Led By: Public Works Chair Brinkmeyer Discussion Date: 9/25/2023 Notify: Bret Sermersheim, Morley
G-2023-18 Attachment:
B. ORDINANCE G-2023-19 An Ordinance Fixing the Salaries of Every Appointive Officer, Employee, Deputy, Assistant, Departmental and Institutional Head of the City of Evansville and the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Levee Authority for the Year 2024 and Establishing Salary Administration Procedures Sponsor(s): Beane Discussion Led By: Finance Chair Beane Discussion Date: 10/9/2023 Notify: Russ Lloyd, Jr., Controller
G-2023-19 Attachment:
C. ORDINANCE F-2023-13 An Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of Evansville, Indiana Fixing the Salaries of Elected Officials for the City of Evansville, Indiana for the Year 2024 Sponsor(s): Beane Discussion Led By: Finance Chair Beane Discussion Date: 10/9/2023 Notify: Russ Lloyd, Jr., Controller
F-2023-13 Attachment:
D. ORDINANCE F-2023-14 An Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of Evansville, Indiana Appropriating Monies for the Purpose of Defraying the Expenditures of Departments of the City Government for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2024 Sponsor(s): Beane Discussion Led By: Finance Chair Beane Discussion Date: 10/9/2023 Notify: Russ Lloyd, Jr., Controller
F-2023-14 Attachment:
E. ORDINANCE F-2023-15 An Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of Evansville, Indiana Appropriating Monies for the Purpose of Defraying the Expenditures of Evansville-Vanderburgh Levee Authority District for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2024 Sponsor(s): Beane Discussion Led By: Finance Chair Beane Discussion Date: 10/9/2023 Notify: Russ Lloyd, Jr., Controller
F-2023-15 Attachment:
F. ORDINANCE F-2023-16 An Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of Evansville Approving and Adopting the 2024 Budget for the Port Authority of Evansville Sponsor(s): Beane Discussion Led By: Finance Chair Beane Discussion Date: 10/9/2023 Notify: Russ Lloyd, Jr., Controller
F-2023-16 Attachment:
G. ORDINANCE R-2023-29 An Ordinance to Rezone Certain Real Estate in the City of Evansville, State of Indiana, More Commonly Known as 501 N Sixth Ave Owner:Hartford Bakery, Inc Requested Change: R2 to M2 Ward: 6 Brinkmeyer Representative: Maria Bulkley, Kahn, Dees, Donovan & Kahn, LLP
R-2023-29 Attachment:
H. ORDINANCE R-2023-30 An Ordinance to Rezone Certain Real Estate in the City of Evansville, State of Indiana, More Commonly Known as 509, 511, 515, 517, 519, 521 and 523 N Sixth Ave Owner:Hartford Bakery, Inc Requested Change: R2 to M2 Ward: 6 Brinkmeyer Representative: Maria Bulkley, Kahn, Dees, Donovan & Kahn, LLP
R-2023-30 Attachment:
I. ORDINANCE R-2023-31 An Ordinance to Rezone Certain Real Estate in the City of Evansville, State of Indiana, More Commonly Known as 301 NW Third St Owner:Global Integrity Investments, LLC Requested Change: C4 to C3 Ward: 4 Burton Representative: Bret Sermersheim, Morley
R-2023-31 Attachment:
J. ORDINANCE R-2023-32 An Ordinance to Rezone Certain Real Estate in the City of Evansville, State of Indiana, More Commonly Known as 1223 Bellemeade Ave Owner:Shellback Realty, LLC Requested Change: R2 to CO2 Ward: 3 Heronemus Representative: Jillian Kratochvil, Stoll, Keenon, Ogden, PLLC
R-2023-32 Attachment:
K. ORDINANCE R-2023-33 An Ordinance to Rezone Certain Real Estate in the City of Evansville, State of Indiana, More Commonly Known as 250 S Red Bank Rd Owner:Robert S McCarty Requested Change: R1 & C1 w/ UDC to C1 Ward: 6 Brinkmeyer Representative: Matt Lehman, RLehman & Son Consulting
R-2023-33 Attachment:
L. ORDINANCE R-2023-34 An Ordinance to Rezone Certain Real Estate in the City of Evansville, State of Indiana, More Commonly Known as 1406 Oakley St Owner:John H Smith Requested Change: C4 to R2 Ward: 6 Brinkmeyer Representative: Matt Lehman, RLehman & Son Consulting
R-2023-34 Attachment:
VI. COMMITTEE REPORTS

 

VII. REGULAR AGENDA:  SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

 

A. ORDINANCE G-2023-17 An Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of Evansville, Indiana, Appropriating the Proceeds of Bonds of the City of Evansville Redevelopment Authority, Including Investment Earnings Thereon, and Related Matters Sponsor(s): Beane Discussion Led By: Finance Chair Beane Discussion Date: 9/11/2023 Notify: Marco DeLucio, ZSWS
G-2023-17 Attachment:
B. ORDINANCE F-2023-12 AMENDED An Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of Evansville Authorizing Transfers of Appropriations, Additional Appropriations and Repeal and Re-Appropriation of Funds for Various City Funds Sponsor(s): Beane Discussion Led By: Finance Chair Beane Discussion Date: 9/11/2023 Notify: Russ Lloyd, Jr., Controller
F-2023-12 Amended Attachment:
C. ORDINANCE R-2023-24 AMENDED An Ordinance to Rezone Certain Real Estate in the City of Evansville, State of Indiana, More Commonly Known as Part of 3400 N Green River Rd Owner:Evansville Day School Requested Change: R1 to C4 w/UDC Ward: 5 Koehler Lindsey Representative: Matt Lehman, RLehman & Son Consulting
R-2023-24 Amended Attachment:
VIII. RESOLUTION DOCKET

 

A. RESOLUTION C-2023-24 A Resolution of the Common Council Approving an Interlocal Agreement with Vanderburgh County Sponsor(s): Mosby, Beane, Heronemus Discussion Led By: President Heronemus Discussion Date: 9/11/2023 Notify: Marco DeLucio, ZSWS
C-2023-24 Attachment:
B. RESOLUTION C-2023-25 A Resolution and Declaration of Official Intent to Enter into Lease Purchase Agreements for Three Fire Trucks Sponsor(s): Brinkmeyer, Mosby, Weaver Discussion Led By: President Heronemus Discussion Date: 9/11/2023 Notify: Marco DeLucio, ZSWS
C-2023-25 Attachment:
C. RESOLUTION C-2023-26 A Preliminary Resolution of the Common Council of the City of Evansville Declaring an Economic Revitalization Area for Property Tax Phase-In for the Rehabilitation of Real Property and Installation of New Equipment 111/119 West Division Street, Evansville, IN (The Van Arkel Group dba The Lloyd Self Storage LLC) Sponsor(s): Trockman, Beane, Burton Discussion Led By: President Heronemus Discussion Date: 9/11/2023 Notify: Patrick Hickey, Evansville Regional Economic Partnership
C-2023-26 Amended Attachment:
C-2023-26 Attachment:
IX. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

 

A. THE NEXT MEETING of the Common Council will be Monday, September 25, 2023 at 5:30 p.m.
B. TAX PHASE IN COMPLIANCE REPORT; Patrick Hickey, Evansville Regional Economic Partnership
C. ADDITIONAL MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
X. COMMITTEE REPORTS

 

XI. ADJOURNMENT

RECENT OP-ED ARTICLES SENT TO CCO BY CANDIDATES SEEKING STATE AND LOCAL POLITICAL OFFICES

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RECENT OP-ED ARTICLES SENT TO CCO BY CANDIDATES SEEKING STATE AND LOCAL POLITICAL OFFICES

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

(Attached below is a COLLAGE OF OP-Ed articles that THE CITY-COUNTY OBSERVER has decided to post without bias, opinion, or editing in order for our readers to get an idea of why local individuals have decided to run for local and state political offices in the upcoming November 8, 2022, General election)

OP-ED:  VANDERBURGH COUNTY SHERIFF CANDIDATE LIEUTENANT NOAH ROBINSON OFFERS HIS THOUGHTS ON THE UPCOMING ELECTION

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

This nearly two-year journey that I embarked on in January of 2021 has been nothing short of an adventure. Working as a full-time sheriff’s deputy while also campaigning 40 hours a week has been the challenge of a lifetime, both for me and my family. I am proud of what we have accomplished, the team we have assembled, the consensus we have built, and the work we have done.

The role of county sheriff is an immense responsibility, but my nearly 22 years as a sheriff’s deputy have prepared me for the position. Throughout my career, I have strived never to become stagnant or to get comfortable in an assignment. I have pushed myself, obtaining the rank of sergeant, then lieutenant, then major, and finally chief deputy sheriff. At every opportunity, I took on more responsibility, innovated, and improved my competence and knowledge.
VANDERBURGH COUNTY SHERIFF LIEUTENANT NOAH ROBINSON
During My Career At The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office, I Was Able To:
  • Train dozens of new recruits to become effective sheriff’s deputies
  • Modernize our public records web portal
  • Add accountability to our Use of Force policy
  • Draft dozens of Operating Guidelines
  • Streamline our traffic citation system
  • Create the first-ever Sheriff’s Office Bicycle Patrol
  • Enhance the resources provided to crime victims
  • Deepen ties with our Neighborhood Associations
  • Improve the safety and security of our public schools, parochial schools, and the University of Southern Indiana
  • Design a radio system program for the Sheriff’s Office and Evansville Police Department that promotes communication between all public safety agencies within our County
  • Obtain Over A Million Dollars In Grant Funding
The next Sheriff will inherit a whole series of challenges when he takes office. Jail overcrowding, staff shortages, rising levels of violent crime, and concerns about school safety are just some of the high-profile issues the public will expect immediate action on in 2023.
During my first term, the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office will tackle tough problems head-on. Together, we will:
Enhance School Safety
  • Improve School Safety by increasing the number of specially trained School Resource Deputies present in our county’s public and parochial schools.
  • Mentor children and identify students who are having difficulty in order to prevent kids from becoming criminals.
  • Advocate for school safety through environmental design and embracing a safety culture.
Focus on Community-Based Crime Prevention
  • Re-imagine the way we patrol our community by assigning deputies to individual neighborhoods and business districts.
  • Encourage residents to form neighborhood watches and homeowner associations, and then partner with those neighborhoods.
  • Prevent, detect, and solve the crime by forming relationships with the residents we serve.
Hold Offenders Accountable
  • Assign additional staff to our local federal task forces and go after violent criminals and those who fuel the violence by supplying stolen or illegally purchased firearms.
  • Fight for an expanded jail that fully implements an aggressive substance abuse and mental health treatment program.
  • Conduct vocational job training and life skills development in the jail in order to prevent younger criminals from becoming career criminals
  • Serve delinquent child support warrants, holding negligent parents responsible and preventing youth from falling into a cycle of poverty and criminality.
  • Target drug dealers who poison our community with fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine.
  • Arrest drunk drivers who selfishly place our families in danger.
Modernize Our Agency
  • Ensure our deputies and confinement officers are trained in the most effective law enforcement techniques and procedures, better equipping them to do their jobs.
  • Hire only the best and most qualified individuals while improving diversity by recruiting from historically underserved populations.
  • Promote trust and transparency by ending the practice of investigating our own in-custody deaths.
The next Sheriff will need to immediately take control of the Office, ensure continuity of our operations, and coordinate with the Council County and Board of Commissioners. I am the only candidate in this race with a track record of accomplishment, the training and qualifications to be sheriff, and a legitimate plan for the future of our agency.
I urge every citizen of Vanderburgh County, the City of Evansville, and the Town of Darmstadt to place public safety over divisive political rhetoric and vote Noah Robinson for Sheriff.
Sincerely,
Noah Robinson
FOOTNOTE: THE CITY-COUNTY OBSERVER posted this article without opinion, bias, or editing.
When we receive Sheriff Robinson’s Republican opponent’s OP-ED article we will post it without opinion, bias, or editing.

 

DR. JASON SALSTROM, PH.D. OP-ED ARTICLE

SALSTROM CHARGES THAT INDIANA IS UNDERPERFORMING

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

Newspapers across the state published James Briggs’ article from the Indianapolis Star “Indiana is a college degree desert and the economy is wilting” in which Briggs cites three recent reports: “Brookings, American Affairs, and Ball State University have each published deep dives with similar findings: Indiana is underperforming the nation by most metrics…”

This article could not have been better timed for Jason Salstrom, ED D who launched his campaign this week for State Representative District 78. “The root cause of our state falling behind the nation in education, productivity, earnings, wages, etc., is the Statehouse,” said Salstrom. “Their top-down ideology, with power and resources concentrated in Indy, is the problem and preeminent obstacle to Hoosier prosperity in the 21st century.”

David Ricks, CEO of Eli Lilly, speaking before the Economic Club of Indiana on April 21, contradicted the Governor and Statehouse’s refrain about the strength of the Hoosier economy. The fact that Eli Lilly is investing billions of dollars in other states, such as Massachusetts and North Carolina, is perhaps the strongest condemnation of the Statehouse’s economic policy.

DR. JASON SALSTROM, PhD

Salstrom has been warning of these trends for years, formulating solutions, and that is why he says he is running for office. “Economic competition has changed in the last 50 years, but the Statehouse does not understand that,” said Salstrom. “If you think that Intel disregarded Indiana and took their $100 billion economic impacts to Ohio because of incentive packages, you are wrong.”

According to Brookings’ Indiana GPS Project report “State of Renewal”, advanced industries, which include 50 industries, including Hoosier automobile manufacturing, aerospace, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, oil and gas extraction, electric power generation, software, and telecommunications, are “languishing” behind the nation in “competitiveness”, falling nearly 40% behind the national average.

“The Statehouse ideology of trying to bribe industry to rescue Indiana with jobs will continue to drive our state into crisis,” said Salstrom. “Changing course effectively and efficiently requires institutionalized regional economic development infrastructure, working for and accountable to the region, coupled with the local control, not Indy control, giving local elected officials the power to respond to challenges and seize opportunities.”

 Visit the campaign website for additional details about Jason Salstrom by clicking  www.hoosiersforlocalcontrol.com.

FOOTNOTE:  THE CITY-COUNTY OBSERVER posted Dr. Jason Salstrom’s, Ph.D. article without opinion. bias or editing.

We invite Dr. Jason Salstrom, Ph.D. opponent of District 77  State Representative Tim O’Brien to send us an OP-Ed article explaining why he is seeking re-election.  We will publish his article without opinion, bias, or editing.

 

OP-ED:  WHY I AM RUNNING FOR DISTRICT 76 STATE REPRESENTATIVE SEAT

By Katherine Rybak, J.D., Democratic Candidate for State Representative, District 76

September 30, 2022

 I Want To Help Hoosiers Who Struggle To Make Ends Meet

I worked as an attorney for low-income and elderly clients for forty years. During my years of service, I learned that our legal system tends to kick people when they are down. For example, if you can’t pay your rent, you get evicted and you get a judgment against you for the rent, plus damages, plus attorney fees, plus filing fees, plus 8% interest. A public record is made of your eviction, so you cannot find a new place to live. If you get a job, your old landlord can take 25% of your pay through a garnishment of your wages. If you have enough money in the bank to pay your next month’s rent, your bank account can be frozen and cause you to be unable to pay your rent once again.

Katherine Rybak, J.D

To address this issue, I want to protect more income for workers and limit garnishments to a smaller percentage of wages. I want to increase the amount of money in the bank that is protected from attachment from $450 to $1000.

Most states allow a tenant to repair their home and deduct the cost from the rent after giving the landlord a reasonable time to make repairs. A law to permit repair and deduct would help tenants who rent from out-of-state landlords who neglect their property.

Access to health care improved in Indiana with the passage of the Healthy Indiana Plan. I will vote to preserve and improve access to health care.

I Want To Rein In Monopoly Utility Companies

We need a better balance between the interests of utility companies and ratepayers. Part of the problem with utilities is all the money they contribute to political campaigns for the General Assembly. I will not take money from the utility sector.

The goal of utilities is to maximize profits. It is the job of the IURC and the state legislature to protect ratepayers. My opponent has consistently voted with the utility companies. I propose that we reinstate Energize Indiana and net metering, shift some of the risks of doing business back to the utility companies, have regional representation on the IURC, and elect the Utility Consumer Counselor, who is supposed to represent ratepayers. I will stand with consumers and not with utility companies.

I Want To Restore Reproductive Freedom

The loss of freedom, privacy, and personal autonomy hurts our quality of life. The Republican supermajority has a proven record of taking away freedom, privacy, and personal autonomy. S.E.A. 1 (the abortion ban), which was sponsored by my opponent, will cause Indiana to have more child poverty, more maternal deaths, fewer doctors, and less investment by companies due to a legal environment that is hostile to women and

physicians. My independent opponent promises to eliminate all exceptions to the abortion ban, a policy that will certainly cause more maternal deaths and devastate the lives of many women and girls.

I support legislation to reduce the need for abortions while protecting the health and freedom for women and girls. I want to repeal S.B. 1, the abortion ban; make contraceptives more widely available; improve sex education, and make sure that women have access to a full range of reproductive health care.

 I Want To Help Hoosiers Get Back To Work

I have a plan to help Hoosiers get back to work. First, we need to promote investment in childcare and increase the availability of subsidies for those who cannot afford childcare. Second, we need to modify the garnishment statute. Third, we need to invest wisely in public education and support teachers so that Indiana graduates are prepared for the jobs of the future. Finally, we need to make treatment available for everyone with substance abuse disorders who is trying to get sober.

 I Want To Support Law Enforcement And Public Safety

During the regular 2022 legislative session, representatives of law enforcement provided testimony to our legislators that repealing the requirement for a permit to carry a gun would make their jobs more dangerous and more difficult. Nevertheless, my opponent and the supermajority voted to allow anyone who is not a prohibited person to carry a gun without a permit. I will support legislation that enhances the safety of our first responders and our community.

I worked as a civil legal aid lawyer for forty years prior to my retirement in 2020. I have experience as a nursing home ombudsman and Medicaid advocate. I served on the boards of directors for Albion Fellows Bacon Center, Guardianship Services of Southwestern Indiana, and United Caring Services. I am a volunteer tax preparer, a volunteer guardian, a part-time public defender, and a family mediator.

I want to serve in the Statehouse as an advocate for the people of District 76. Many of my proposals for addressing the real needs of Hoosiers have died in the legislature because the Republican majority refused to give them a hearing. It is time for a change. I would appreciate your vote on November 8th.

FOOTNOTE: Katherine Rybak obtained her B.A. in Economics and Political Science from Boston College and her J.D from Cornell University.

THE CITY-COUNTY OBSERVER posted Katherine J. Rybak’s, JD article without opinion. bias or editing.

We invite KATHERINE J. RYBAK, J D opponent of District 76  State Representative Wendy McNamara to send us an OP-Ed article explaining why she is seeking re-election.  We will publish her article without opinion, bias, or editing.

 

OP-ED:  VANDERBURGH COUNTY COUNCILMEN JAMES RABEN Cites Leadership and Fiscal Responsibly

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

I am the Republican candidate running for re-election this November for Vanderburgh County Council in District 1.  I have served as the Vanderburgh County Council Finance Chairman for 20+ years and served as President for 4 years. I have a reputation for being fair and fiscally conservative. I have a proven track record of holding down the cost of county government by spending your tax dollars wisely, while still providing all necessary government services and an environment that nurtures economic development and job growth. I am a proud supporter of our law enforcement and have served as the Vanderburgh County Sheriff Liaison for the past 3 Sheriff’s Administrations.

I am a lifelong westside resident of Vanderburgh County.  For over 40 years I was a Partner/Operator of Raben Tire Company and was elected to serve on the Tire Industry Association Board of Directors as the Governmental Affairs Chairman of North America.  As a 36-year member and Past President of the West Side Nut Club, I was elected to serve on the WSNC Board of Directors from 2011-2021.

VANDERBURGH COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBER JAMES RABEN

I have been married to Judi (Canterbury) Raben for 38 years, and together we are members of St. Joseph Catholic Church.  We have two sons, Jordan (35) and Alex (31), and are the proud grandparents of 1 granddaughter and 3 grandsons.

I want to share a few of our most recent accomplishments at the Vanderburgh County Council within the past year:

  • The County Council along with the County Commissioners approved a $10 million partnership with AT&T for countywide broadband coverage, paid for by American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds to be completed in 2023.
  • The County Council approved and funded the County Commissioners’ unprecedented $7 million road re-paving plan to be completed in 2023.
  • The County Council approved funding $15.2 million towards jail expansion to address the overcrowding issues and camera systems at the Confinement Center, and $1 million for a mental health wing.
  • The County Council approved $4.5 million from American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds for additional court space for Vanderburgh Superior and Circuit Courts. This is necessary to increase the speed of the judicial process, decrease delays in court hearings, and to reduce the jail population.

All of this with no impact on Vanderburgh County taxpayers’ property taxes.

Tough decisions and a sound plan require not only leadership but also a keen understanding of county finances.  My many years of experience as Finance Chairman provide me with the financial expertise to help direct the tough decisions, which is critical for the many challenges facing county government today.

I appreciate your vote on Tuesday, November 8th.

FOOTNOTE:  THE CITY-COUNTY OBSERVER posted this article without opinion, bias, or editing.

 

OP-ED:  Vanderburgh County Could Be Headed Toward Mounting Economic Hardship

By Karen Reising-Democratic Candidate for Vanderburgh County Council, District 1

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

Speaking at the Economic Club of Indiana, David Ricks, CEO of Eli Lilly & Co., added his voice to the number of researchers, labor officials, and educators who have been warning Indiana politicians for years of a looming crisis: Residents could face mounting economic hardship due to a mass departure of employers and the failure to compete with other states to attract new business.

Large employers like Eli Lilly are being repelled by Indiana’s lack of educational attainment, inadequate workforce training, and low wages. These companies depend on our government to provide educational opportunities and quality of life amenities to recruit and retain employees.

CANDIDATE FOR THE VANDERBURGH COUNTY COUNCIL SEAT KAREN REISING

A state or local government that won’t prioritize these investments dooms itself to a downward spiral—a complex chain of events that drags the area’s economy down to new lows.

Here locally, the Vanderburgh County Council’s record on such critical funding has too often been inadequate. Responsible for taxing, budgeting, and spending, the County Council is the ultimate decision-maker regarding fiscal affairs; it sets the priorities for the allocation of county funds. So when the County Commissioners propose such initiatives as improving our roadways and sewers, increasing broadband access, expanding the county jail, or raising salaries for law enforcement and staff so they won’t look elsewhere for better-paying jobs, those projects can’t move forward unless the Council approves the funds.

And the fact is, over the decades and under the leadership of my opponent, the Council has consistently underfunded, delayed, or blocked programs essential to Vanderburgh County’s overall health. A recent study undertaken for the Vanderburgh County sheriff’s office estimated that over 70% of our jail population is dealing with mental health and/or substance abuse issues which accounts for our high recidivism rates. Aside from the recent boost in funding provided through the American Rescue Plan, our local treatment programs have been underfunded and understaffed for years, negatively impacting our county both socially and economically. Mental health and substance abuse issues tear families apart and weaken our workforce. Businesses need to be able to count on a robust, healthy, and sustainable talent pipeline to staff their operations; family members need to be able to count on each other. To strengthen our economy, we must first strengthen our families by adequately funding treatment programs designed to address these issues.

My opponent has been the Councilmember for District 1 for thirty-two years and no one has run against him in twelve years, which means that the voters of the west side of the county haven’t had a choice in who represents them. At a time of high levels of public mistrust in the government, we cannot afford to re-elect a politician who ignores important social and health needs, refuses to seek our input or feedback, and consistently delays and defers decisions that would address the problems we’re facing.

I grew up here in Evansville, and the values my family and community taught me have shaped my life. My parents modeled hard work and perseverance, with my dad and his brothers keeping their graphic arts business going for over forty-five years, and my mom spending decades as an R.N. caring for our neighbors at the McCurdy Nursing Home. I graduated from Memorial High School and earned a BA from Indiana University and an MA from Georgetown. I built my own twenty-seven-year career—first with a Washington, DC consulting firm and then with Lucent Technologies, developing new telecom markets in the Middle East. After 9/11, I worked with public safety agencies across the United States to improve their communications networks. My work took me all over the world, and my travels gave me a keen appreciation of our democracy here at home.

I will bring those values and the insights I’ve gained over my career to the County Council to ensure that we have an effective, efficient government that fights for what matters most to the citizens of Vanderburgh County, and the West Side in particular. As your Councilmember, I will prioritize practical solutions and sound fiscal policy while consistently seeking your input and feedback through regular public meetings. I will support investments in infrastructure to modernize roadways, expand broadband access, create jobs, and grow the economy. I’ll push for coordinated law enforcement, mental health, and addiction recovery programs to respond to the current spike in violent crime and support those neighbors struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues. And I’ll back residential and commercial solar development to help rein in our rapidly rising energy costs.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 8. I hope that every eligible voter will turn out to vote because, in a democracy, voters have the power; elected officials simply exercise that power on our behalf. The deadline to register to vote is October 11 and October 12 is the first day of early voting. To register to vote, confirm your registration status, or check deadlines, dates, and rules, visit www.indianavoters.in.gov.

If you live in Vanderburgh County Council District 1, you can vote for new ideas and vision backed by a wide breadth of experience—or you can vote for the same old way of doing things that have us poised to slip further behind. This year, you have a choice.

Sources

Eli Lilly CEO’s comments are foreboding for Indiana – The Daily Reporter – Greenfield Indiana (greenfieldreporter.com

FOOTNOTE:  THE CITY-COUNTY OBSERVER posted this article without bias, opinion, or editing.

 

 

Recap Of The City-County Observer’s “Annual Community Awards” Luncheon

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Recap Of The City-County Observer’s “Annual Community Awards” Luncheon

by Kyra L. Howard For Statehouse Files

EVANSVILLE—Roughly 240 people gathered at BALLY’S-Evansville for The City-County Observer’s Annual Community Awards Luncheon. It was a record turnout for the paper.

The CEO, and publisher of the City-County Observer kicked off the Nov. 3 gathering by expressing his appreciation for attendees’ help in honoring the outstanding community members. The luncheon brought students, political candidates, elected officers, elected judges, members of the business community  and people from across the region to support their families and friends receiving awards.   

The luncheon is also a tribute to good journalism. Many of those who attended the luncheon said they valued that.

Among them was Ron Geary, owner of Geary Capital, who has done business in Evansville for years.  “The CCO  finds the truth and reports it,” said Geary.  

The CCO publisher was not the only journalist in the room at the affair. John Krull, director of the Pulliam School of Journalism at Franklin College, delivered the keynote address. 

 Krull told the story of his journey in building TheStatehouseFile.com. It was intended to get students off campus during the month of January and work outside of their comfort zone, both physically and mentally. But what started out in a small closet with a table—and Wi-Fi, as Krull noted—is now an official news source, with more than 35 paying media partners and a newsroom at the Indiana Statehouse.

 Due to the struggles of the news business and increased demand for content, Franklin College students now report from the Statehouse year round. 

 “It allows students to cover great intellectual distances in a very short period of time,” said Krull.  

Krull was honored after his speech by Vanderburgh County Commissioners Cheryl Musgrave and Ben Shoulders that dedicated Nov. 3 as “John Krull Day” in Vanderburgh County to recognize his dedication to being a journalist and mentor. He also was given five $1,000 scholarships to help fund students working at the Statehouse.  

These scholarships were named in honor of the 2022 “CCO Community Service” award recipients: W. Harold Calloway, Joe Kiefer, Superior Court Judge Robert Pigman and Sue Schriber and John Dunn. 

When accepting the award, Dr. Dunn used his time to give a public apology to a fellow community leader, Vanderburgh County Superior Court Chief Judge Les Shively. The two had been on opposite sides of a legal battle years before. Judge Shively approached the stage for a tearful hug. Their reconciliation drew arousing applauses and tears and symbolized what the awards are meant to be about. 

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