Riecken Explains Intent Of Lawmaker Proposal To Help Long-Time Homeowners In Revitalized Neighborhoods
IS IT TRUE NOVEMBER 14, 2017
We hope that todays “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 in our most recent “Readers Poll” we asked the question:Â Do you feel its time to address the overcrowding problem at the Vanderburgh County jail? Â …349 people voted in this non scientific but trendy poll? Â …a whooping 253 people voted “YES”? Â …64 people voted “No”? …32 people had “NO IDEA”?
IS IT TRUE if the powers that be would have listened to past County Commission Dave Mosby, Vanderburgh County wouldn’t be experiencing the current jail overcrowding problem today? Â …Mr. Mosby wanted an additional pod added to the jail plans that would had housed 250 plus inmates about 20 plus years ago?
IS IT TRUE that the Elton John concert at the Ford Center on Saturday night was one that seems to have been a most enjoyable event in a town that has always loved Elton John?…the 70 year old rocker got a little testy on stage when his piano was not to his liking which caused a 10 minute delay and a couple of audible F-Bombs from Elton who stated, “I am not going to play this wonky piano?â€â€¦even the tabloid site TMZ picked up on the feisty fellows disappointment with the piano giving Ford Center some less than  appreciated press for a sell-out crowd so see the senior citizen rock and roller perform?…Elton’s concert in Evansville was one of only six on the current US Tour with the other places including Moline, IL, Portland, ME; Bangor, ME; and a couple of Vegas dates at Caesar’s Palace?…Elton spoke about slowing down to spend more time with his family but that must just be as far as United States concerts are concerned because he has concerts scheduled in Canada and across Europe before settling in for a 3 month run at the Colosseum at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas starting in February? …we congratulate the officials at the Ford Center for bringing the Elton John concert to Evansville?
IS IT TRUE that cost of living website Niche.com recently named Evansville the 2nd cheapest place in the United States to live?…we found that hard to believe given the cost of utilities, water and sewer where we are one of the most expensive places in the country?…on examination, Niche.com uses CPI data which excludes the cost of energy and food in their cost of living calculations?…other things and especially rent does seem to be quite cheap when compared to other cities so given the tarnished way the calculation was done, we accept the results?
IS IT TRUE the pile of dead bodies kept piling up over the weekend with 2 bodies being found in greater Evansville and another one being found dumped at Ellis Park with a bullet wound in a non-disclosed location?…investigators suspect foul play in the case of the body found at Ellis Park?…investigations for these deaths and the ones from last week are continuing according to law enforcement officials?  …we have great confidence that our outstanding law enforcement professionals will find out who are responsible for these tragic  murders?
 IS IT TRUE that Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke demonstrated a skill that no one knew he had developed so well in a Youtube video that was posted on Facebook?…we wonder who knew that our fearless leader Mayor was a phenomenal Hula Hooper?…we should have gotten the hint in the chicken fat video circa 2012 where he busted some real dance moves but spinning the Hula Hoop is a valuable public relations skill for the self-proclaimed ambassador from Evansville?
IS IT TRUE we feel that Vanderburgh County Clerk Carla Hayden is doing an outstanding job?
IS IT TRUE that the Vanderburgh County Public Defender’s Agency play an important role in our social fabric by insuring that those who can least afford legal representation in our Courts are fully protected?
Todays READERS POLL question is:Â Would you like to see a weekly TV program featuring the local GOP and Democratic party Chairmen?
EDITOR’S FOOTNOTE:  Any comments posted in this column do not represent the views or opinions of the City County Observer or our advertisers
MIXED REACTION TO HOLCOMB AGENDA
Here’s Reaction To Governor Eric Holcomb’s 2018 Legislative Agenda
 INDY POLITICS written by Abul Hakim-ShabazzÂ
Senate President Pro Tem David Long
- “I applaud the governor for bringing an aggressive and well-thought-out agenda to the table. The Senate continues to believe that workforce development is a critical issue for our state, and the governor’s agenda reflects that priority. Senate Republicans will be announcing our own agenda prior to session, and we look forward to working with the governor and our colleagues in the House of Representatives to continue to improve the lives of all Hoosiers.â€
Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma
-  “Indiana’s strong economy continues to pay dividends through record job creation and low unemployment. To maintain this momentum, and to continue to attract employers in record numbers, it’s clear we have to strengthen our workforce pipeline. The governor has put forth a bold agenda, and we look forward to working with him on workforce and other critical issues facing our state and finding the best solutions for all Hoosiers.â€
House Democratic Leader Scott Pelath
- “In broad principle, House Democrats share many of the same goals. We all believe in a top-notch workforce, more job training opportunities, and freeing Hoosiers of drug addiction.  These concerns are nearly universal, and we look forward to working with the Governor to flesh out the details. It is imperative that Indiana strive for a healthy and well-trained workforce. Our workers are in demand of stronger wages, affordable healthcare, and better opportunities on the job.  Leaders of both parties should embrace solutions regardless of who proposed them.   Indiana House Democrats are committed to ordinary Hoosiers getting a fair shot in this economy. We have a long history of fighting for workers to get new job skills for themselves and their families. The Governor can expect that we will suggest improvements that will raise the earning ability of those who show up to work every day.  What worries me, however, is what might happen to us rather than because of us.  Job training becomes less fruitful when you are sick and broke. And it must be said that our national counterparts have been far from helpful on this front.  How will our state respond as our President, Vice-President, and Congress continue their assault on affordable health insurance for Hoosiers? While the full-frontal attack has flopped thus far, the Trump-Pence administration continues to sneakily dismantle the Affordable Care Act piece by piece.  Their schemes to hike insurance premiums, weaken coverage, and drive people away from health care are brazen and deliberate.  And all done in service of a campaign slogan.   The basic health care of more than 400,000 Hoosiers stands in the balance, and Hoosiers will not allow us to point fingers at a dysfunctional Washington forever.  How are we going to respond if this bizarre crusade comes true? It makes perfect sense that we need to prepare for the worst rather than hope for the best.  The Governor’s help is also needed to reform a system of governing that places a greater premium on preserving power than representing the public. We need him. A year ago, it seemed we were close to finally giving serious consideration to independent redistricting, only to see it disappear from the face of the earth, solely at the whim of one committee chairman.  That is not the change that people voted for in the last election.  Much of the Governor’s agenda is laudable.  It will be untarnished if he can restrain his party in the Legislature from adding needless distractions that fundamentally improve the lives of no one.  We stand ready to help.â€
Senate Democratic Leader Tim Lanane
- “I am glad to see that the governor is focusing on improving job readiness for Hoosiers and expanding our economy. Given that Indiana workers make substantially less than the national average, now is the time to ensure Hoosiers are just as successful as other Americans. Also, no full-time working person should be in a position where they can’t pay basic bills. I hope the governor will work with us to increase the minimum wage to ensure everyone can pay rent and buy groceries. Our caucus has offered skilled workforce bills in the past that didn’t get a hearing, so we’re looking forward to working with the governor on our aligned agenda items.  I was disappointed, that after the shockingly low voter turnout in past elections, the governor didn’t have anything on his agenda to make voting more accessible. The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy and when Hoosiers can’t vote, fixing that should be a priority for every elected official. As such, I will have an independent redistricting bill to take politics out of elections and restore confidence to voters. I hope the governor will treat upcoming voting access bills as a priority, and help us ensure every person is able to exercise their right to vote. These are small changes that could go a long way to actually taking Indiana to the Next Level.â€
Kevin Brinegar, Indiana Chamber
- “We see evidence everyday of Indiana’s economic and job accomplishments. This agenda – particularly clarifying software-as-a-service (SaaS) tax treatment, increased management of our water resources, accelerating efforts on autonomous vehicles and expanding STEM opportunities through increased computer science education – properly looks toward the future and will help ensure those successes continue.â€
Barbara Quandt Underwood, state director of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB)
- “The governor’s commitment to building a skilled and ready workforce is a big deal to small business. Our members say they’re having a harder and harder time finding qualified applicants, and that makes it harder for them to grow and create more job opportunities. I think a lot of people hear about the workforce shortage and think it applies only to big businesses, but that’s not true. Small businesses are struggling to find qualified workers, too. NFIB supports the governor’s efforts, and we’ll do whatever we can to help the governor’s plans become reality.â€
John Zody, Indiana Democratic Party
- “Statehouse Republicans have been peddling the same empty promises about skilling up the Hoosier workforce for more than a decade, yet their actions prove otherwise†said Zody. “The governor likes to cite rankings. Just look at the numbers, past efforts haven’t made a dent. Hoosier workers just want a shot at gaining the skills to earn bigger paychecks. If past performance is any indicator, Governor Holcomb’s plan won’t be that opportunity any more than past Republican efforts were.â€
Kyle Hupfer, Indiana Republican Party
- “Indiana is already experiencing incredible momentum, as evidenced by the news that we have more job commitments than ever before in our state’s history. And today, on the one year anniversary of Governor Eric Holcomb’s historic election victory, he unveiled a legislative agenda that will accelerate that momentum by yet again focusing his efforts squarely on helping Hoosiers, from growing our economy and adding jobs, to strengthening our infrastructure and combating the drug epidemic.  With the support of Hoosiers and his partners in the State House and State Senate, Governor Holcomb’s 2018 legislative agenda will continue Indiana’s forward momentum and deliver even more positive results on behalf of Hoosiers in every corner of Indiana.â€
USI, Evansville Sports Corp. Set To Host NCAA II XC Championships
Approximately 500 student athletes from more than 80 NCAA Division II institutions will converge on the Tri-State area this weekend as the University of Southern Indiana and the Evansville Sports Corporation host the 2017 NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships Saturday at Angel Mounds.
The 2017 National Championship marks the fourth time that USI has hosted the NCAA II Cross Country Championships and the first time since 2009. USI and the Evansville Sports Corporation have co-hosted the NCAA II Midwest Region Championships at Angel Mounds from 2014-16, while USI hosted the national championships in 1987, 2004 and 2009.
Of the 32 teams competing in this year’s women’s race, 24 teams are ranked in the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches’ Association Top 25 as well as four additional teams receiving votes outside the Top 25. Cal Baptist has been ranked No. 1 in the nation since October 11, while Grand Valley State University, the defending champions, are ranked No. 2 entering Saturday’s race.
Locally, USI’s women have an individual competing in junior Hope Jones (Cumberland, Indiana), who was sixth at the NCAA II Midwest Region Championships. The Screaming Eagles, ranked No. 23 in the latest USTFCCCA Top 25, did not qualify as a team after finishing fifth at the regional.
Among the 32 teams participating in the men’s race, 22 teams are ranked in the USTFCCCA Top 25 as well as an additional six teams receiving votes outside the Top 25. Defending national champion Adams State University sits atop the national rankings, while Colorado School of Mines, the 2015 NCAA II champion, is ranked No. 2.
Three Great Lakes Valley Conference teams will compete Saturday, including No. 5 USI, No. 10 Lewis University and No. 20 Bellarmine University. No. 3 Grand Valley State, the Midwest Region champion, also will be in in competition Saturday.
The women’s six-kilometer race is set for a 10:15 a.m. (CST) start, while the men’s 10k is slated to begin at 11:30 a.m. All tickets for the Saturday’s meet will be sold at the gate on race day only. Admission prices are $10 for adults, $5 for students, while children, ages five-and-under, are free of charge.
Live result links, video links and additional meet information can be accessed at GoUSIEagles.com/2017ncaaxcchampionships.com.
Indianapolis Judge Being Considered For Drug Czar
Marilyn Odendahl for www.theindianalawyer.com
Marion Superior Judge William Nelson, whose stepson died of a drug overdose, confirmed Monday he is under consideration to be the nation’s drug czar.
Nelson applied to be the director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy last December and he traveled to Washington, D.C., in July for interviews with Trump administration officials.
The White House subsequently tapped Pennsylvania Republican Rep. Tom Marino, but he withdrew in October after reports surfaced that he authored legislation that crippled law enforcement’s effort to stem the flood of prescription painkillers. Nelson said he has recently gotten a call from the administration, asking if he was still interested in the position, which he said he was.
Nelson said he is “humbled by the honor†of even being considered.
A graduate of Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, Nelson presided over Marion County Small Claims Court for six years before being elected to the Marion Superior Court, Criminal Division, in 2000.
He said he has been encouraged by the changes he sees the Trump administration bringing to the Office of National Drug Control Policy. Nelson believes the agency lost momentum under the Obama administration, having its role reduced and doing a lot of talking but taking little action.
The judge pointed to administration’s support for the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, which provides money to states for drug use prevention and treatment, as well as for the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program, which supports local police activities to target high crime neighborhoods. However, the White House initially considered cutting the department’s budget by roughly 95 percent before changing direction and offering a budget proposal that included $27.8 billion for drug control efforts.
If he is nominated, Nelson will share a heartbreaking experience that a growing number of families have had – losing a child to addiction. Bryan Fentz, the son of Nelson and his wife, Kristina, became addicted when he was prescribed painkillers after a car accident. He entered treatment and, according to Nelson, wanted to kick his drug habit. But in 2009, he overdosed and died.
Kristina Nelson discovered her son dead in his bedroom on her birthday.
The tragedy changed Nelson’s perspective from the bench. He has come to realize drug users are suffering from a disease, often taking narcotics to stave off the painful symptoms of withdrawal. Also outside of the courthouse, he and his wife have talked openly about their son and have advocated for prevention programs and treatment for addicts.
“My standpoint as a judge, we’re not going to arrest our way out of this problem,†Nelson said. “We can’t continue to jail the people suffering from this disease.â€
That stance does put Nelson at odds with members of the Trump administration, in particular with Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who has pushed for a tougher approach to drug users. Speaking in July at the 30th DARE training conference, Sessions emphasized prevention, described law enforcement as key to keeping drugs off the streets, and sounded skeptical of treatment.
Nelson sees the administration as making a distinction in its approach. “I think President (Donald) Trump has been quite vocal about distinguishing dealer and traffickers from people suffering from addiction,†he said. “I think it’s important to distinguish between the two.â€
Getting nominated would put Nelson in the spotlight and highlight his family’s financial difficulties after Bryan’s death. He said he has been honest with the administration about the struggles.
Nelson said Bryan, unbeknownst to either him or his wife, took money from their retirement accounts and diverted their monthly mortgage payments all to support his daily drug habit. The couple then faced penalties from the Internal Revenue Service for the withdrawals from retirement savings and saw their home fall into foreclosure.
Attempting to prevent the loss of their home, Kristina Nelson forged her husband’s signature. Nelson attributed her actions to grief and said she admitted responsibility, eventually being convicted of a misdemeanor. Also, he said they were able to work through their financial entanglements and recover on their own.
It is another part of the drug experience that Nelson and his wife endured. He said he has learned that people suffering from substance abuse disorder are smart and resourceful but will lie, steal and cheat to chase drugs. Nelson does not see his stepson as a criminal but rather as a straight-A student who wanted to overcome his addiction.
“Addiction touches everybody one way or another,†he said. “I don’t know anybody out there who doesn’t know someone or have a relative or family member who’s been affected by this crisis.â€