IS IT TRUE that Chuck Whobrey President and Business Manager of Teamsters Local 215 just sent the City County Observer this Op-Ed for publication? …we just published his article without opinion, bias or editing?
Tonight the EVSC school board has an opportunity. The board employs 700 of our community members who work for the school district as bus drivers, bus aides, special education paraprofessionals, secretaries and custodial and maintenance employees. Tonight the board will decide whether it will respect these workers who serve the children and families in our community.
I am hopeful that a majority of board members will have come to their senses over the 4th of July weekend, and contemplated the courage and bravery our founding public officials had when they instituted a government that embraced the foundations of American democracy: fairness, due process, rule by the will of the people. These same forefathers said that the fundamental tool in creating a society based on this vision was an educated public, and they created the first universal public education system in the world.
All Americans still deserve to live and work in communities that treat us fairly and with due process. This includes fair hearings when an employee has a serious problem at work, and it also includes respecting the will of a group of workers who voted overwhelmingly to negotiate a contract with their employer, setting down the rules and obligations of employees and the school system.
I don’t believe that when it gets down to making a serious decision, the majority of the EVSC board will turn their backs on their employees and the 40-year history of peaceful labor relations at EVSC. The principles of our founding fathers – the principles we teach our children at home and in our schools and that we celebrate on Independence Day – should be the principles that guide us when we decide how to behave towards our friends, family and neighbors.
IS IT TRUE we read with interest an article in Sunday’s Courier and Press about an upcoming political fundraiser by local attorney Pat Shoulders and 15 other Democrats? …that paper made reference that his law firm does all legal for the city? …the Courier and Press forgot to point out that Mr. Shoulders is the lead attorney for the Courier and Press and EVSC school system? …we wonder why the Courier forgot to point this out? …we can’t wait to hear what our readers think about Mr. Shoulders and his law firm doing legal work for all three of the above entities?
IS IT TRUE in Sundays article the Courier and Press stated that our Republican Mayor contributed to the Evansville African American Museum, advertised in OUR TIMES Â a minority owned newspaper, Â attended local civil rights events, maintains a profile at Labor Day celebrations, opposed a ban of same -sex marriage and hired past Mayor Wieinzapfels Chief of staff Rose Young in a newly created position with the Building Commission?
IS IT TRUE we wonder when Mayor Winnencke was a member of the County Council and County Commission did he openly support and contributed to the organizations as written in the Courier and Press article? Â …when he was President of the County Commission how many minority or openly gay workers were employed in county jobs?
IS IT TRUE we look forward for the Courier and Press to inform us what Mayoral Candidate State Representative Gail Reicken has contributed to the above organizations and also her stance on social issues over the years?
IS IT TRUE the Evansville Redevelopment Commission recentley approved the recommendation of the DMD Director to purchase the old CVS building located on the corner of North Main and Columbia Street? the ERC approved a whooping $450,000 plus for this vacant block building located in what is considered a questionable part of town for progressive and creative economic development? …we visited this property yesterday and noticed a 12 by 12 inch $1.00 dollar FOR RENT sign purchased from the Dollar Store advertising this property is for rent? …we wonder why the DMD and ERC felt that this property show be purchased at a price seemly well over assessed value in an extremely questionable part of town? …the Mayor gave his support and approval to purchase this building without any plans what to do with it once the city owns it? …we urge our readers to personal drive down to North Main and Columbia street and see what kind investment the City  DMD Director and Mayor made in your behalf? …we wonder if the past owner of this property is a large donor to the Mayor re-election campaign?
IS IT TRUE that employees of the DMD or the ERC shouldn’t waste their time by taking down the FOR RENT sign taped to the front door of the vacant CWS building because we already took a picture of it?
IS IT TRUE we wonder if anyone with the ERC or DMD would invest $450,000 plus of their personal money to purchase the vacant CVS block building located on the corner of North Main and Columbia Street without plans to develop it into a profitable venture?
 IS IT TRUE the Teamsters local 215 made four proposals concerning the grievance and arbitration clause?  …the last proposal made to the EVSC means new employees have a choice whether they want to be a member or not? …this proposal suggest current employees have a ten (10) day window to withdraw their membership? ..after that all employees who are members will be required to remain members for the duration of the contract? …the reason for this is the Union doesn’t want people joining because they need representation and then dropping out once their issue is resolved and then to re-join only if another issue arises then drop out again?
IS IT TRUE we were made aware the long-time former City Council Member (past President and Finance Chairman) Curt John was in town this past week? …we have in the past applauded the leadership and financial expertise that Curt demonstrated as a member of City Council? …the entire community misses this leadership and wishes Curt was still on the Council during this difficult period to keep the city afloat and bring about his tremendous knowledge in resolving the major financial issues the City is facing?
Please take time and vote in today’s “Readers Poll”. Also we just posted the current City County Observer TRI-STATE VOICES TV show for you’re viewing pleasure. Don’t miss reading today’s Feature article because it’s always an interesting read. Copyright 2015 City County Observer. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.IS IT TRUE JUNE 29, 2015