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IS IT TRUE MARCH 3, 2015

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IS IT TRUE yesterday that we broke the local internet? ….the traffic to this website ranked as one of our busiest days of all time ?….the publisher was forced to expand his real estate in cyber space? ….if you were unable to read and comment yesterday, we apologize and invite you to try again today?

IS IT TRUE the Indiana Senate is poised to vote on repeal of our Common Construction Wage statute? ….State Representatives Holli Sullivan and Wendy McNamara cast their votes for repeal when the measure cleared the Indiana House? ….the history of state prevailing wage laws stem from the Davis-Bacon Act of 1931? ….the legislation mandates that local prevailing wages be paid for federally assisted public works construction projects?….there was a movement for state prevailing wage laws thereafter with 33 states taking such action, and Indiana passing prevailing wage legislation in 1935?….the Indiana Prevailing Wage Act, now known as the Common Construction Wage Act, was passed to establish wage rates paid to construction workers on public works projects in the state, with the wage rates determined by a board in the county where the project is located?….the boards are made up of five representatives from the local community: an industry representative appointed by the awarding agency, a labor representative appointed by the Indiana AFL-CIO, a contractor appointed by the Associated Builders and Contractors, a taxpayer appointed by the awarding agency and a taxpayer appointed by the County legislative body?….projects costing less than $350,000 and federally funded or partially federally funded are exempted?….private entities that receive tax credits or other economic development assistance from the state or local governments are also exempted?

IS IT TRUE the genesis of the Common Construction Wage law was to combat out-of-state contractors from the South who were entering the market and undercutting the bids of local contractors?….Indiana and local governments have laws which basically require that they accept the lowest bid?….public construction accounts for approximately one fourth of the construction market throughout the nation?….the requirement to take the lowest bid by public bodies creates downward pressure on wages, benefits and working conditions, along with the seasonal and temporary nature of construction projects?….construction workers are always working themselves out a job and are vulnerable to accepting reduced wages while they wait for another project?….at the same time, the skills necessary to build our buildings, roads and bridges require years of training and experience?….there is an inherent rub between the short-term relationship of public entities and contractors and creating incentive for contractors to invest in their workers?

IS IT TRUE the Common Construction Wage Act prevents government from using its substantial purchasing power to reduce wages and benefits in a community and is an example of one of this country’s oldest public policies to regulate labor markets?….by taking labor costs out of the equation of competitive bidding, contractors are left to compete based on productivity, quality, material costs, technology, management practices, logistics and profit margins?….stable wages are good for a community, as they incentivize the best and the brightest to enter the construction industry and they force businesses in the industry to train their workers to maximize productivity?….it is a myth that the law promotes only the interests of unionized construction workers?….studies done at both the federal and state level demonstrate that the prevailing wage is often set by non-union rates and union contractors are not typically higher bidders on projects than non-union contractors?….this myth in Indiana most likely stems from the high rate of unionization within the constructions trades in the state, which was 33% in 2013?….ultimately, there is no evidence that prevailing wage laws increase construction costs, and therefore repeal would not save money for taxpayers?….the real myth in this debate is that lower wages have no impact on productivity, quality, worker experience and worker skill?

IS IT TRUE that the potential to harm Indiana businesses and families is great if the Common Construction Wage Act is repealed?….over 90% of public projects in Indiana are completed by in-state contractors?….undermining a local labor market negatively impacts the ability of contractors and workers to support their family, and in turn the community?….repeal of the law would annually drain nearly $250 million dollars from other industries throughout the state, such as retail trade, health care and professional services?…..the existing law boosts the Indiana economy by about $700 million dollars a year by increasing consumer demand throughout the state?….the status quo also increases tax revenue to all levels of government with $21 million dollars in local and state tax revenue and $66 million in federal tax revenue from higher wages and increased spending?

IS IT TRUE that the current split in the Indiana Senate is 17 to 17 with 16 undecided or unknown?….it’s good for the soul to pick up the phone today and make 16 calls or send 16 emails?….the names of the Senators needing to hear from you and what you learned today are Pete Miller (3172329414 s9@in.gov); Chip Perfect (3172329541 s27@in.gov); Jeff Raatz (3172329488 s2@in.gov); Jim Smith (3172349426 s44@in.gov); Brent Steele (3172329814 s40@in.gov); Joe Zakas (3172329490 s11@in.gov); Ron Alting (3172329517 s22@in.gov); Phillip Boots (3172349054 s23@in.gov); Mike Delph (3172329541 s29@in.gov); C. Susan Glick (3172329493 s46@in.gov); Ron Grooms (3172349425 s18@in.gov); Randy Head (3172329488 s7@in.gov); Luke Kenley (3172329453 s14@in.gov); Dennis Kruse (3172330930 s25@in.gov); and Jean Leising (3172349054 s16@in.gov) ….I made my calls yesterday, and each call took less than one minute?  …our Mayor has quietly sent a letter to Indianapolis expressing his political opinion on this issue?….we hope that the Mayor’s letter will be made public?

IS IT TRUE I’ll be back tomorrow with some scathing commentary about something going on in our part of the world, but for today we should pull together for Indiana?….our readers from Indiana should make the calls or send the emails, because this change will impact everyone, and we should take a stand against such an act that lacks credibility?….we thank you for your support and look forward to bringing you the news in a way that not only brings you into the discussion but makes you feel compelled to participate?

Response to the Mayor’s State of the City Address By Gail Riecken

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This past week Mayor Winnecke gave his State of the City Address. As usual, there was a great delivery, and he was very positive. One gets the feeling everything is fine in River City. However, the facts are at odds with the Mayor’s claim our city is “fiscally strong.”

And it isn’t just me. Mayor Winnecke’s City Controller Russ Lloyd Jr. reported there are problems with city finances (See Langhorne, Thomas Lines Drawn in the Sand over City Fund Transfers, Evansville Courier and Press, 31 January 2015). Despite the Mayor’s cheerful spin, Russ Lloyd Jr says that the city’s cash balances are declining.

Evansville Redevelopment Commissioner and fellow Republican Cheryl Musgrave agrees with her statement “there are real problems with the finances” (See Evans, Zach. Strong City Finances? Not necessarily, some say, Evansville Courier and Press, 24 February 2015).

Far from accepting the challenge to answer these concerns of a negative trend in our finances, the Mayor has continued over the last three years to overspend his operational funds on a monthly basis. In 2012, the administration spent more than it took in by $6.8 million dollars. In 2013, it was $7.1 million dollars, and although it’s not yet official, 2014 will show $7.4 million dollars in overspending.

How can the Mayor claim the strong finances when, under his leadership, our city’s cash balances have declined so rapidly?

The Mayor’s answer to his overspending is just as troubling. City Controller Russ Lloyd, Jr. said recently, “We’re paying bills out of the general fund and using other accounts to offset it…” (See Lines Drawn in the Sand over City Fund Transfers).

Mayors have transferred funds before to cover expenses, but they make sure that expenditures don’t exceed revenue by controlling spending. As early as last July the Administration said they were designing a spending plan. Where is that plan today?

The administration’s lack of transparency and poor planning has effected economic development in Evansville. The prime example is the downtown hotel. This project suffered from poor planning from the start. As the Mayor admitted in his speech, the hotel project first stumbled over geotechnical issues due to his proposed site location. There were additional problems with private partner financing and bids for construction that were nearly $13 million more than what was budgeted. The Mayor’s office led the community through a symbolic groundbreaking in March of 2014 and followed that with press release after press release that the real groundbreaking was just weeks away.

All of this happened before we were finally told in December of 2014 by the Mayor that the project “cannot move forward” (Martin, John, Winnecke: City cannot move forward on current hotel deal, Evansville Courier and Press, 18 December 2014). The poor planning and a lack of transparency cost city residents and development partners $1.6 million as of September 30, 2014 with more bills to come.

Poor planning and a lack of transparency led to the downtown hotel project as originally proposed by this Mayor failing. The public endured yet another attempt to build a hotel that lasted eighteen months with over half of that time spent assuring the public that the project was about to start. When it failed, the City Council was blamed despite the Mayor agreeing in September of 2013 that a $20 million bond was sufficient for the project.

As Mayor, I will always be forthright about our challenges, and engage the community at every opportunity with the truth. As I’ve done as State Representative, I will continue to ask people their opinion and even more so when we disagree. I want to serve the community, not blame others. I will always take responsibility for the actions of my administration.

Given the Mayor’s lack of leadership on the hotel project, I am concerned that he is celebrating too early on the funding allotted by the state legislature for the transformative project proposed as the IU/UE/USI/Ivy Tech medical campus. The Mayor talked a lot about his recent meetings with the Governor where he asked for funding for the project, but the Governor’s budget fails to provide enough money to complete the project as envisioned. I offered an amendment within the Ways & Means Committee to fully fund the project and did not get Republican support.

Like with the hotel, the Mayor is holding celebrations before getting enough funding and will be satisfied with less than what our community wants and needs. Without the funding, these projects don’t get done, and without getting done they can’t bring jobs and development to Evansville.

We cannot afford four more years of Mayor Winnecke’s reckless spending, poor planning, and lack of transparency. This administration fails to understand that words and press conferences are not enough to pay our bills. The Mayor is blind to our current financial struggles and therefore cannot offer a solution.

I know that you are worried about our spending and our recent failures to complete important projects. I hear your concerns and will continue to be your voice. As Mayor, I will be a good steward of your tax dollars while we all dare to dream of what this community can achieve.

Gail Riecken

IN State Representative and Candidate for Mayor

New School Resource Law Enforcement Vehicles Unveiled

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In the spring of 2013 the “Choose Not to Lose” program was introduced to the public. The program is a long-term commitment to area youth from community partners who provide support through donations and volunteer work.  “Choose Not to Lose” stresses the importance of youth making good choices.

Originally, seven new Jeep Wranglers were provided by Audubon Chrysler Center for use by the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office and the Evansville Police Department. The Jeeps will now be replaced by seven new Dodge Ram pick-up trucks, once again provided by Audubon Chrysler Center. Each truck has been artfully covered to reflect the high school the vehicle represents. The artwork was provided by Mr. Terry Moore and the  vinyl wraps by Mills Graphics.

The trucks will be on display at Eastland Mall until Saturday, February 29, 2015. The vehicles will then be assigned to School Resource Deputies and Officers for their use.

Pictured above: Sheriff Dave Wedding, Deputy Mark Gilles and North High School students show off the new North High School School Resource Deputy Dodge Ram pickup truck.

Pictured above: All seven new School Resource vehicles (image courtesy of the Evansville Police Department)

 

Vanderburgh County Recent Booking Records

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SPONSORED BY DEFENSE ATTORNEY IVAN ARNAEZ.
DON’T GO TO COURT ALONE. CALL IVAN ARNAEZ @ 812-424-6671.

http://www.vanderburghsheriff.com/recent-booking-records.aspx

EPD Activity Report

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SPONSORED BY DEFENSE ATTORNEY IVAN ARNAEZ.
DON’T GO TO COURT ALONE. CALL IVAN ARNAEZ @ 812-424-6671.

EPD Activity Report

LLOYD POOL MAINTENANCE

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Lloyd Pool will be closed Monday, March 9, through Friday, March 13, 2015 for annual routine maintenance.  The work will involve coating the filtration tank and replacing the tank filters.

Lloyd Pool has received several improvements in recent months, including installation of new bleachers, new heaters, a new diving board, fresh paint, a new lobby floor and doors.  The public is encouraged to visit the pool, especially during winter months, to see the improvements and utilize the facility.

Lloyd Pool is located at 6101 N. 1st Avenue.    Pool hours are 3 to 8:p.m. Monday through Friday, noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

WINE TALK-THE JACKSON LEGACY

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The Jackson Legacy

It has been nearly four years since Jess Stonestreet Jackson, the visionary vintner, passed away. Jackson was, like Robert Mondavi and Ernest & Julio Gallo before him, a towering figure in the California wine industry.
His namesake winery, Kendall-Jackson, introduced an entire nation to the pleasures of chardonnay, one of the world’s great white wines but barely a blip on the radar of American wine enthusiasts before Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve chardonnay became a household name in the early 1980s.
Later in a career that spanned nearly four decades Jackson embraced mountain vineyards and the idea that he should grow most of the grapes that went into his wines, as opposed to purchasing fruit as he had done in the early years of K-J.
Today K-J owns thousands of acres of vineyards from Mendocino to Santa Barbara, and everywhere in between along the coastal corridor that produces most of California’s finest wines. It wouldn’t have surprised anyone if K-J had slipped a notch or two following the death of Jackson, but his widow, Barbara Banke, has maintained her late husband’s zeal for the K-J brand.
That was evident recently when I say down to taste the entire Kendall-Jackson portfolio — more than 30 wines — with longtime winemaker Randy Ullom, who’s been at the helm of the K-J winemaking team for the past 17 years.
“Barbara just picked up where Jess left off,” said Ullom.
Over the course of a couple of hours I ran the gamut of Kendall-Jackson wines, from its $13 Vintner’s Reserve sauvignon blanc to the $125 Stature red Bordeaux-style blend. Over the years I had done the same tasting with Jess, always impressed at his command of the subject, for Jackson was an attorney by trade and only got into wine later in life.
I can say with utter confidence that, if anything, the Kendall-Jackson wines are better than ever. What’s more, there is value at the entry level Vintner’s Reserve end and extremely high quality in the estate and vineyard-designate tiers, which range in price from $30 to more than $100.
Jess Stonestreet Jackson may be gone, but his vision lives on.
Best Value
Wines are rated on a 100-point scale. Wines are chosen for review because they represent outstanding quality or value, and the scores are simply a measure of this reviewer’s enthusiasm for the recommended wine.
Zocker 2013 Gruner Veltliner, Paragon Vineyard, Edna Valley ($20) — I’ve long admired winemaker Christian Roguenant’s work with the Austrian grape gruner veltliner, which is not widely planted in the U.S. despite its growing popularity. The Zocker gruner is planted in cold clay loam soils in the cool Edna Valley, where the nearby Pacific Ocean moderates temperatures even in the middle of summer. The result is a gruner Veltliner with steely minerality and structure, wrapped in luscious stone fruit, lime and melon aromas. It is the top gruner made in America in my humble opinion and this vintage may well be the finest yet. Rating: 95.
Clayhouse 2012 Syrah, Red Cedar Vineyard, Paso Robles ($14) — Clayhouse syrah may well be one of the finest $14 bottles of wine on the planet. What’s crazy is they seem to nail it every vintage. The 2012 offers a nose of violets and spice, while on the palate the wine is fresh and nervy, showing an intense note of blueberry. The tannins are supple and smooth, and the palate long and inviting, with tremendous persistence through the finish. Remarkable wine for the price. Rating: 91.
Casillero del Diablo 2013 Reserva ‘Devil’s Collection’ White, Casablanca Valley, Chile ($15) — Casillero del Diablo is Concha y Toro’s entry level brand, yet it is very capable of the occasional home run. The Devil’s Collection white from the cool Casblanca Valley delivers on that promise with a crisp and scintillating blend of mostly sauvignon blanc (85 percent) with chardonnay and a touch of spicy gewurztraminer. Produced in a zesty New Zealand style, this wine offers aromas of gooseberry and fig, with a hint of floral on the nose. Perfect with freshly shucked oysters or steamed clams or mussels. Rating: 88.
Buried Cane 2013 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley ($14) — This most unusual chardonnay from Buried Cane will find wide appeal within the crowd that believes too many chardonnays are overdone. This somewhat lean expression of chardonnay from Washington’s Columbia Valley sees a little bit of oak but most of the production was fermented in stainless steel tanks. For a bit of roundness a small percentage of semillon was blended in. The result is a crisp chardonnay that exhibits freshness with aromas of baked apple, pear and fig. And the price is right. Rating: 88.
Tasting Notes
Follow Robert on Twitter at @wineguru. To find out more about Robert Whitley and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
COPYRIGHT 2015 CREATORS.COM

Potential for Rain; IDHS Reminds to Watch for Flooding, Structural Issues

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In partnership with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security the Indiana State Police is sharing this important weather related message.

INDIANAPOLIS -The Indiana Department of Homeland Security reminds Hoosiers to be vigilant as the potential for rain moves into the state. Rain can saturate snow, making already significant accumulations even heavier.

Wet snow can tax structures, especially roofs that are flat or with only a slight pitch, especially if they are next to taller, steeply pitched areas, allowing snow to slide and collect.

Signs that a roof could be under stress are severely bent rafters or cracking and popping sounds. Another sign of an issue could be jammed doors at the front or back of the home. Residents concerned about their roof can lighten the load using a roof rake with an extension pole or hire a professional for the job.

Another concern, is if temperatures warm quickly, or warm weather is accompanied by large amounts of rainfall, the potential for flooding could be high. Flooding conditions can develop very quickly. Some of the significant floods to strike Indiana have occurred during late February and early March.

Individuals with property or other interests in flood prone areas should remain alert to daily weather conditions and know the difference between a flood or flash flood watch, and a flood or flash flood warning. For detailed weather and flood information, visit www.weather.gov/ind and listen to NOAA Weather Radio, local radio or TV stations. If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of flooding.

IDHS recommends keeping a portable radio, flashlight, extra batteries and light bulbs, and other essential supplies on hand. Be prepared to take a disaster kit if evacuatiom is necessary.

Additionally, consider clearing nearby storm drains. Warming temperatures across the state and the potential for rain in some areas can accelerate snowmelt. Cleared drains help water move away from properties, lessening the potential for flooding in urban areas.

Flood Insurance

IDHS also reminds Hoosiers that in most cases, flood insurance is sold separately from homeowners insurance and most homeowners, renters and business insurance policies do NOT cover flood damage. It is important to remember that there is usually a 30-day waiting period from the date of purchase before a new flood insurance policy goes into effect.

Flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) as long as a community participates in the program.  For more information about NFIP, visit http://www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-800-427-4661.

Get to Know Sister Gertrude Levy, DC, and St. Mary’s Health Foundation Volunteer

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Would you please share a little about yourself?

I was born and raised in the French Quarter in New Orleans. I have been a Daughter of Charity for the past 78 years. I made my first vows in 1941. I attended a Daughters of Charity High School in New Orleans, which was where I realized that I wanted to become a Daughter. Two months after graduating, I joined the Daughters of Charity community.

Would you please tell us about your family?

I grew up in a loving family. My mother was wonderful and caring. She stayed at home and took care of me and my siblings. There were 5 boys and 4 girls in our family. My father was a musician and he graduated from Loyola University with a degree in Law. Three of the girls in our family became Daughters of Charity. One of my sisters, Sister Muriel, DC, lives at Seton Residence in Evansville with me today. All of the children in our family were musicians. I played the clarinet, piano and saxophone. We had a family band, but we never performed in public!

What has been your most memorable experience as a Daughter of Charity?

For 37 years, I taught in grade schools and high schools throughout the southern part of the United States. I’ve always been a southerner, so I’m not used to the snow! I worked in Donaldsonville, Louisiana; Long Beach, Mississippi; Mobile, Alabama; Natchez, Mississippi; New Orleans, Louisiana; and Los Angeles, California. As a high school teacher, I taught math and science. Then, I worked in Fundraising for 40 years at Seton Medical Center in Austin, Texas. When I started at Seton, they had a fundraising employee, a public relations employee and me. When I left in May 2014, there were 60 individuals working in Fundraising for the Seton Healthcare Family, which includes 12 hospitals. I was involved in all aspects of Fundraising, including meeting with donors and inviting their support for our Mission. I have enjoyed all of my jobs and each one has helped prepare me for the next. Today, I continue to serve on the Seton Fund Board of Trustees.

Please describe your involvement with the St. Mary’s Health Foundation.

I began volunteering with the St. Mary’s Health Foundation on October 1, 2014. I visit patients in the hospital and call donors to thank them for their support. I enjoy doing whatever I can to help carry out the Mission of St. Mary’s Health. The work of the Foundation is very important to the success of St. Mary’s Health. I enjoy knowing that what I’m doing will help the poor and serve our Mission. It is exactly the reason I joined the Daughters of Charity.

What particular spiritual practice is most important to you and why?

The most important spiritual practice to me is attending daily mass. It is also important for me to live in community with the Daughters of Charity. The Daughters of Charity left Texas in 2014, which is when I came to Evansville.

What has been your most rewarding experience in life?

My whole life has been rewarding since it involves working with people. I have always been a people person! In all of my roles throughout life, I have been drawn to those that involve interacting with people.

What do you consider to be your greatest legacy?

My greatest legacy is my endowment to the poor in Austin, Texas. The endowment was created in 1999 and is called the Sister Gertrude Levy Endowment. It totals more than $2 million and exists to serve the poor in Austin, Texas, including patients at Seton’s three community health centers, Seton Kozmetsky in South Austin, Seton McCarthy in East Austin and Seton Topfer in North Austin.

When you see Sister Gertrude at St. Mary’s, be sure to say hello. She can often be found visiting with patients or in her office on the first floor of St. Mary’s Rehabilitation Institute making phone calls to thank donors for their generosity. You’ll also find her in the cafeteria eating lunch with family and friends of patients or Associates every Wednesday and Thursday after daily mass at 11:30 a.m.

Do you tell your parents “no”?

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Do you say “no” to your parents? Are you able to? If so, does it come easy or does it fill you with guilt?

The St. Mary’s Health Foundation Board was recently asked for a meaningful favor to honor our parents – the Daughters of Charity.

St. Mary’s would like to build the Daughters of Charity Prayer Garden in the grassy area outside of our Chapel to pay homage to the amazing women who gave birth to our Mission and Ministry in 1872. Our Board’s decision was quite easy. And, as one Board member asked, “How do you say “no” to your parents?!”

Well, the Foundation Board voted unanimously to fund the major construction costs for the Prayer Garden and is thrilled to do so. After all, without the Daughters, St. Mary’s would simply not exist. There would be no hospital, no physicians or nurses, no Foundation and no Foundation Board.

Thanks to the Daughters, our Mission is alive and well today – 143 years later.

The Daughters are important to more than St. Mary’s though, which is why we have started a brick campaign. The entire community is invited to purchase bricks to help support the construction costs of the Prayer Garden. A gift of $100 will purchase an individual brick. Bricks can be inscribed with your name or in honor or memory of a loved one or friend. For more information, please download a brick campaign flyer here.

The initial response from fellow St. Mary’s Associates has been overwhelmingly positive, with a number of Associates purchasing bricks. One Associate even agreed to fund a Statue of Mary for the Prayer Garden. Naming recognition opportunities, including benches and lights, are available if you are interested. Please contact me at 812.485.4412 or richard.peltier@stmarysorg.

With a planned opening in May, the Month of Mary, the Prayer Garden will welcome visitors in time for spring. We believe the Prayer Garden will be a fitting tribute to the Daughters’ legacy. We hope that you agree and will show your support by purchasing a brick today. Thank you very much for your time and consideration.

Blessings,

Rick Peltier
Director, St. Mary’s Health Foundation

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