“READERS FORUM” MAY 22, 2019
We hope that today’s “READERS FORUMâ€Â 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.
HERE’S WHAT’S ON OUR MIND TODAY
WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND TODAY?
Todays “Readers’ Poll†question is: Are you pleased with the overall progress of Evansville since Mayor Winnecke took office?
Planned Parenthood Hosts Statehouse Rally Against Abortion Bans
Planned Parenthood Hosts Statehouse Rally Against Abortion Bans
TheStatehouseFile.com
INDIANAPOLIS–Tiffany Brown hadn’t planned to speak at Tuesday’s Planned Parenthood abortion rally, but after listening to others she walked up to the Statehouse stairs and faced the large crowd to tell the story of her abortion.
Brown said she became pregnant after a man removed a condom during sex without her knowledge, leaving her feeling violated and lost. She decided to have an abortion.
“I felt like my body wasn’t my own. I felt like I couldn’t get him out,†Brown said to the crowd.
“No woman should feel like she cannot get a man out of her. No woman should feel like she does not have control of her own body.â€
Brown was one of many from the crowd who shared their stories and thoughts Tuesday afternoon. In the overcast weather, a couple of hundred people of different ages and genders filled the south steps of the Statehouse to protest recent abortion laws in several states in a #StoptheBans rally. They held colorful signs that read, “No uterus, no opinion,†and, “I say Roe way.†They chanted “Pro-choice united. We’ll never be defeated,†hoping those inside the Statehouse would hear them.
This event–and similar rallies Tuesday across the nation and in Washington–is a reaction to Indiana’s recent abortion law, which bans a form of second-trimester abortion, and recent enactments of laws in several states that ban abortion after six or eight weeks, make no exception for rape and incest victims and, in the case of Alabama and Missouri, make it a felony for a physician to perform an abortion except when medically necessary.
Indiana’s new abortion law will make second-trimester dilation and evacuation abortions illegal his law, like all other anti-abortion laws passed since 2013, is being challenged by the Indiana American Civil Liberties Union and two OB-GYNs, one of which was in attendance at the rally. Dr. Caitlin Bernard of Indianapolis told the crowd the government is trying to take away safe forms of abortion.
“The laws here in Indiana are already harming Hoosiers. You do not need to look at Georgia and Alabama as if that is the future. It is already here,†Bernard said. “It is only a matter of time before it is right here on our doorsteps.â€
Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill responded to the lawsuit filed by Bernard and the ACLU by saying in a press release that, “Indiana has a compelling interest in protecting the value and dignity of fetal life by banning a brutal and inhumane procedure.â€
Joni Chenoweth, a former physician assistant and director of the Protect Your Sister Project, had an abortion when she was 18. She said she can’t believe that people want to go back to the days before the Supreme Court in 1973 legalized abortion in the landmark Roe v. Wade decision.
“Roe v. Wade has been the law of the land for nearly 50 years,†Chenoweth said. “This is decided the law.â€
RaeVen Ridgell of Planned Parenthood, who helped organize the protest, told the crowds to let their state legislators know how they feel about abortion laws. She yelled out the phone numbers of anti-abortion Republican Sen. Liz Brown of Fort Wayne, House Speaker Brian Bosma, R-Indianapolis and Gov. Eric Holcomb.
“You call him (Holcomb) and you call him and you call him until he gets it,†Ridgell said. “Because it seems like he doesn’t.â€
FOOTNOTE: Emily Ketterer is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.
Pre-Hearing Conference In AG Hill’s Discipline Case To Be Public
Pre-Hearing Conference In AG Hill’s Discipline Case To Be Public
A pre-hearing conference in the attorney discipline case against Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill will be open to the public, despite Hill’s specific request that the hearing Wednesday be closed to the public and press.
Former Indiana Supreme Court Justice Myra Selby, now an Ice Miller partner who is serving as the hearing officer in Hill’s disciplinary case, issued an order Tuesday making the pre-hearing conference open to the public. Documents filed in the case, In the Matter of: Curtis T. Hill, Jr., 19S-DI-156, show that Hill’s counsel sent an email to Selby on Friday requesting that the conference be closed.
Hill is facing disciplinary charges stemming from his alleged groping of four women at a party in March 2018. The Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission filed the complaint in March 2019, and Selby was appointed hearing officer last month.
In response to the Friday email, Selby asked the parties to provide a briefing on whether the conference should be open to the public. According to Hill’s brief — filed on his behalf by former commission director Donald Lundberg and Indianapolis criminal defense attorneys Jim Voyles and Jennifer Lukemeyer — “(t)he purposes of a pre-hearing conference are ‘obtaining admissions, narrowing the issues presented by the pleadings, requiring an exchange of the names and addresses of prospective witnesses and the general nature of their expected testimony, considering the necessity or desirability of amendments to the Disciplinary Complaint and answer, and any other matters as may aid in the disposition of the action.’â€
Those actions, as prescribed in Admission and Discipline Rule 23(14)(e), are subject to public view under Rule 23(22)(a)(2), the commission argued in its brief. That rule requires that “all proceedings shall be open to the public,†with a few exceptions allowed pursuant to Section 22(b).
“None of those extraordinary reasons exist in this case,†the commission wrote. “… No witnesses will be called, no disruption is expected, no known security issues have been raised, no confidential information will be revealed, no known medical information will be discussed, and the Commission knows of no other ‘good cause’ that exists that would require a closed hearing.â€
But Hill’s defense team said a pre-hearing conference is neither a “hearing†nor a “proceeding†subject to public access. The defense lawyers expressed particular concern about the effect press coverage would have on the conference.
“The presence of the public at the pre-hearing conference would detract from its goal: a candid discussion of the case to facilitate its resolution,†Hill’s brief says. “… With counsels’ and the Hearing Officer’s comments subject to publicity in the press, the participants in the conference will need to focus, in part, on how statements might play in the press versus how the case can be efficiently managed to conclusion.â€
Hill argued that other portions of his disciplinary case would be open to the public, and that “the public and the press have never been invited to attend pre-hearing conferences.†But according to the commission, the public is generally uninterested in what occurs during a pre-hearing conference.
“In this case, however, there is great public interest and rightfully so,†the commission wrote.
The public conference will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday in the Indiana Supreme Court Conference Room at the Indiana Statehouse.
St. Vincent Evansville Birth Announcements
Tasha and Andrew Payne, Henderson, KY, daughter, Layken Nicole, March13
Amber and Kevin Graber, Evansville, son, Knox Emmett, April 26
Phyllis Burbridge, Henderson, KY, son, Josiah Alexander, May 9
Kayla and Christopher Lawrence, Newburgh, son, Jameson Parker, May 10
Shawna and Jeremy Foster, Elberfeld, IN, daughter, Aubrey Mae, May 13
Erin and Alex Abbott, Evansville, daughter, Ruth Felicity, May 13
Samantha and Matthew Shofner, Henderson, KY, son, Landyn Reed Lee, May 13
Laynie and Kyle Muller, Boonville, IN, son, Maverick Alan, May 14
Krista and Andrew Martin, Evansville, daughter, Victoria Taylor, May 14
Faith and Jairo Utrilla, Boonville, IN, son, Caleb Michael, May 14
Nickea Rosignol and Evan Brothers, Evansville, daughter, Lilith Rosalynn, May 14
Jamie and Mitchell Henderlong, Evansville, son, Reid Mitchell, May 15
Cassaundra and James Carter, Fort Branch, IN, daughter, Florence Patricia, May 16
Meredith and Matthew Alka, Mount Carmel, IL, son, Reid Alan, May 16
Maya Deisher and Glenn Eastwood, Evansville, son, Adrian Malachii, May 16
Gabriela Mendez and Jaycob Kiesel, Evansville, daughter, Heavenly Rose, May 16
Notre Dame Professor John Copeland Nagle Dies At 58
Il Staff for www.theindianalawyer.com
John Copeland Nagle, Notre Dame Law School’s John N. Matthews Professor of Law, died Saturday following a brief illness. He was 58.
Nagle, an expert on the legislative and regulatory process; environmental and property law; China and the law; and the intersection of religion and the law, joined the Notre Dame Law School faculty in 1998 and became a full professor in 2001.
He served as the law school’s inaugural associate dean for faculty research between 2004 and 2007, becoming the John N. Matthews Professor of Law in 2005. Nagle earned his B.A. in political science and environmental science with high distinction from Indiana University in 1982 and earned his J.D. cum laude in from the University of Michigan Law School in 1986.
“John has been a major figure in the law school as a brilliant scholar, much-loved teacher and mentor, and indispensable colleague,†said Notre Dame Law School Dean Nell Jessup Newton in a statement. “We will all miss him dearly.â€
Nagle was a prolific and nationally regarded scholar, with a passion for environmental law. He co-wrote casebooks on “The Practice and Policy of Environmental Law,†“Property Law†and “The Law of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management,†and wrote the book “Law’s Environment: How the Law Shapes the Places We Live.â€
His current book projects explored the role of humility and Christian teaching in environmental law and the centrality of scenic values in national parks.
Several of Nagle’s articles were published in a variety of news publications and law journals, including the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, the Yale Law Journal, and the Columbia Law Review. Some of his pieces offered criticism of upgrading the Indiana Dunes to a national park, unpacked the Grand Canyon’s political path to becoming a national park and explored “What We Don’t Want a President to Do.â€
“The affection and respect with which he was regarded by the entire law school community are evident in the spontaneous outpouring of grief from faculty, students, and staff upon hearing the news of his critical illness,†Newton said.
Nagle was recognized for his passion for the outdoors and photography, serving as a vice chair on the Endangered Species Committee of the American Bar Association’s environmental section.
He also served as a member of the executive committee of the Section on Legislation of the American Association of Law Schools and as the Notre Dame faculty adviser for Christian Law Students, Environmental Law Students, and Young Life.
Nagle is survived by his wife, Lisa, and daughters Laura and Julia. A memorial service is planned for 3 p.m. Monday, June 3, at Granger Community Church, 630 E. University Drive, Granger, with a reception to follow.
Home Improvement Fraud Often Arrives with Warm Weather
- Summer will soon be getting underway and so will many home improvement projects. If you can’t handle a project yourself, you’ll likely contact a home improvement contractor to do the work for you.
The vast majority of home improvement contractors are trustworthy and committed to maintaining their reputation by performing quality work. Unfortunately, some criminals will pass themselves off as legitimate contractors and attempt to offer services at a substantial or unrealistic discount. These imposters are rarely qualified to perform the work they propose. The elderly, those who live alone, and those who have recently suffered a weather-related disaster can be tempting targets for a home improvement fraudster.
Warning Signs
Few reputable contractors sell their services door to door. You should be skeptical of an offer if:- The contractor claims to have “left over” material from a nearby job.
- The contractor proposes an unrealistic timetable (such as grading, preparing and paving a driveway in one afternoon).
- The contractor does not appear to have the proper equipment for the job.
- The contractor uses high pressure tactics to persuade you.
- The contactor quotes a price that seems too good to be true.
- The contractor is unable or unwilling to provide any references or is not listed with the Better Business Bureau or on file with the Vanderburgh County Building Commission.
- The contractor claims to be from out of town, or claims to be local but his vehicle displays an out of state license plate.
Suggestions
From experience, we offer the following suggestions to help avoid becoming the victim of home improvement fraud:- Don’t invite an unexpected visitor into your home or leave your door unlocked if you walk outside.
- Don’t commit to a home improvement project on the spur of the moment.
- Select a contractor with care. Check with the Consumer Protection Division of the Attorney General’s Office and the Better Business Bureau to determine if the contractor you are considering has a history of complaints.
- Deal locally. Use an established contractor with ties to the community.
- Be wary of a low price. Time and material drive the price of any job. If a bid seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Don’t commit to a job unless you have been given a formal bid. Project bids should be in writing and clearly spell out what work is to be performed.
- Indiana law requires written home improvement contracts for jobs exceeding $150.00. Before signing a contract, make certain it clearly defines: the material to be used, the work to be performed, the timetable for completion, and the total price along with provisions for any contingency expenses. Make sure the contractor’s name and contact information appears on the contract. The contractor must sign the contract and leave you a copy.
- Verify the contractor is licensed, bonded and insured. Contact the Vanderburgh County Building Commission to verify a contractor’s license is in good standing.
- Avoid paying for a project until the work is completed; if this is unavoidable never pay more than 1/3 of the total cost as a down payment.
- A reputable contractor should guarantee his workmanship. Get a copy of any warranty or guarantee in writing.
- Retain all records related to the project, including any correspondence.
Remedies
Even when both parties are dealing in good faith, disputes can still arise. If you have exhausted all efforts to resolve a disagreement with your contractor, consider filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. The Consumer Protection Division of the Indiana Attorney General’s Office can also be a valuable resource to assist in resolving a dispute.Contractors who receive payment and never perform work (or perform the work so poorly as to constitute obvious fraud) should be immediately reported to the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office by calling 911. Home improvement fraud is a crime in Indiana and can be charged under both IC 35-43-6-12 (Home Improvement Fraud) and IC 35-43-4-2 (Theft). The law also provides for enhanced penalties if a victim is sixty (60) years of age or older.Final Thoughts
Thankfully, the Sheriff’s Office has had no confirmed reports of any home improvement fraud occurring this year. Residents should still be on alert for this particularly deceptive form of criminal. Exercise due diligence, avail yourself of consumer protection services, and promptly notify the Sheriff’s Office of any suspected fraud. Together we can make home improvement fraudsters think twice before visiting our county.
ADOPT A PET
Scooter is a male black Lab/Pointer mix. He’s estimated to be about 3 years old. He was transferred in to VHS from Evansville Animal Control so not much his known about his background. His adoption fee is $110 and includes his neuter & shots! Contact Vanderburgh Humane at (812) 426-2563 for adoption details!
Gov. Holcomb Public Schedule for May 22 and 23
INDIANAPOLIS – Below find Gov. Eric J. Holcomb’s public schedule for May 22 and 23, 2019.
Wednesday, May 22: Hidden Heroes Cities Luncheon
WHO:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Gov. Holcomb
U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole
Tom Hanks
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett
WHAT:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â The governor will give remarks.
WHEN:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Noon, Wednesday, May 22
WHERE:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Bankers Life Fieldhouse
Entry Pavilion
125 S. Pennsylvania St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Thursday, May 23: Rolling Thunder Indiana Chapter #1 Ride to the Wall Departing Ceremony 2019
WHO:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Gov. Holcomb
Lawrence Mayor Steve Collier
Brigadier General (RET) Steward Goodwin
Indiana Chapter #1 President Michael Clark
WHAT:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â The governor will give remarks.
WHEN:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 8:30 a.m., Thursday, May 23
WHERE:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Fort Harrison Veterans Center
9450 E. 59th St.
Indianapolis, IN 46216
Thursday, May 23: Governor’s STEM Awards
WHO:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Gov. Holcomb
WHAT:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â The governor will present award letter jackets and scholarships to the 2019 STEM team.
WHEN:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 11:30 a.m., Thursday, May 23
WHERE:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Indiana Statehouse
Governor’s Office
200 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204