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IS IT TRUE February 20, 2014

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IS IT TRUE Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke, Water & Sewer Utility officials, and members of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 136 gathered together for a GOLDEN BULL$#!t moment yesterday to kick off the highly controversial $43 Million Johnson Controls project?…they even borrowed a page from the televangelist is choosing to refer to this photo-op as a “water meter replacement celebration?”…that this is all code for putting new $1,000 water meters onto the end point of dilapidated water pipes that are 50 years overdue for replacement to the tune of another $500 Million or so?…while we are sure that these new water meters that have been touted by the Mayor and his group of cheerleaders as “an attempt to improve the city’s energy, water and network infrastructure by replacing meters that are more than five years old”, as decent meters, taking this action with decrepit water pipes as the receptor makes about as much sense as installing a new set of golden door handles on a car that is destined for the junk yard?

IS IT TRUE this whole twisted scenario started when former Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel shoved this deal the people’s throats without a vote of the City Council during his last month in office?…this project was dead and laid in its casket by the Indiana Utilities Regulatory Commission for not meeting the requirements of being a net zero cost project before the Winnecke Administration jumped through numerous hoops to give new life to the project?…the only truly wise decision would have been to allow Weinzapfel’s last folly die on the vine, Mayor Winnecke responded like a lifeguard at the Lloyd Pool to breathe life back into this wasteful boondoggle?

IS IT TRUE when the new Woods and Woods and CCCO “Good Public Policy Video Forum” was announced this week by the City County Observer, County Councilman Pete Swaim agreed to be a guest along with his Republican primary opponent John Montrastelle?…a day later after a trip to someone’s woodshed County Councilman Swaim reneged on his commitment stating that he had been advised not to participate?…it is pretty astounding for a public official to be advised by his supporters to avail himself of the opportunity to participate in a discussion on “GOOD PUBLIC POLICY” issues? …the forum will go on with or without elected officials if “Swaim’s  Syndrome” is contagious and all of our elected officials refuse to participate? …there are plenty of other concerned and engaged citizens to discuss GOOD PUBLIC POLICY with or without the people whose jobs should require them to do so?  …we trust when Mr. Swaim  ever shows up for a public forum he will be ready to explain in detail his “no show” at the Woods and Woods “Good Public Policy” video forum?

IS IT TRUE the fallout from the much less than transparent legal bills paid by the City of Evansville has many people questioning the practice?…from those who are approving the invoices to those who are getting the checks it seems as though no one on the inside of this alleged wasteful legacy wants this information presented to the people who pay for it in a simple understandable format?…if the scattering of the beneficiaries of this inefficient practice don’t make you wonder what is wrong, then nothing ever will?…we are not implying that anything illegal is happening? …SNEGAL could be running amuck in the legal compensation department at the City of Evansville?

IS IT TRUE that there is a winning ticket in this week’s Powerball lottery and the headline payout is about $425 Million?…that means there had to have been $850 Million in tickets sold because the payouts are typically pegged at 50% of sales just like a halftime half pot by the governments that run these numbers rackets they call lotteries?…if the winner wants a cash option the payout will only be $242.2 Million or a paltry 28% which is of course taxable for both state and federal purposes?…that the reality of government run lotteries is that the governments that run them should rake the table for plenty of cash to run our schools but can’t even be counted on to keep music departments open?…we were probably better off before lotteries were sold to us as saviors of the school systems and the only numbers rackets in town were run by criminals?…what is criminal is that governments are now dependent on gambling enterprises to function and still don’t function?…if any one of us were allowed to run a numbers racket for one year or even one week we could retire in luxury, but that would be illegal?

EPD Activity Report: February 19, 2014

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EPD PATCH 2012

EPD Activity Report: February 19, 2014

Preschool bill gets turned into study by Senate committee

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By Lesley Weidenbener
TheStatehouseFile.com

INDIANAPOLIS — The Senate Education Committee on Wednesday stripped a state-funded, pre-kindergarten program out of a bill passed by the House and endorsed by Republican Gov. Mike Pence after lawmakers said they wanted more time to consider the issue.

The Republican-controlled committee voted unanimously to create a study commission instead that would look at ways to fund preschool, including the flexibility of using existing federal funds for the program as well as dollars from foundations and charitable organizations.

The move is a blow to a key part of Pence’s legislative agenda. He has proposed state-funded preschool for all low-income children. The House passed a more modest plan in House Bill 1004, which creates a five-county pilot program.

On Wednesday morning, Pence met for several hours with legislative leaders to talk about his agenda and other legislative issues. Later, his office issued a statement that said Pence “looks forward to continuing to work with members of the General Assembly” to create a pre-kindergarten program.

“Gov. Pence believes every child deserves to start school ready to learn and he believes now is the time for a voluntary pre-K program to help Indiana’s low-income kids,” the statement said.

But key senators have been concerned about the cost of state-funded preschool, even if it’s reserved for the state’s poorer children. Although House leaders have emphasized their proposal only creates a pilot program, Senate Appropriations Chairman Luke Kenley has said it could cost as much as $270 million annually if it was eventually implemented statewide.

“Indiana and the federal government currently spend approximately $277 million per year on early childhood development programs in our state,” said Kenley, who also serves on the education committee.

He said that last year, the General Assembly approved a pilot preschool program that offered $4 million in grants.

“Before we enact a new program, I believe it’s necessary to review our current resources and reach a decision that’s realistic for our state,” Kenley said.

Also, Senate President Pro Tem David Long, R-Fort Wayne, said Wednesday that senators want to study ways to take a more comprehensive approach to preparing kids succeed in school. He said that could mean doing more to educate parents, get books into children’s homes and provide other necessary services, possibly through privately funded programs.

The study approved by the Senate would also include a look at the economic impact and benefits of a pre-kindergarten program, other states’ standards for a similar program and the income guidelines that should be used to determine eligibility.

The commission members would include lawmakers, educators, business leaders, child development specialists and social services officials.

 

Bill would let virtual charter students play public school sports

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images-18By Paige Clark

TheStatehouseFile.com

INDIANAPOLIS – A Republican-backed bill could allow Hoosiers attending virtual charter schools to participate in sports in their local districts.

House Bill 1047 – authored by Rep. Jim Lucas, R-Seymour – passed the House and was heard in the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday. The committee did not vote.

The bill only applies to students attending virtual charter schools, which are generally web-based with limited in-person interaction.

The bill would also restrict students to playing for schools in their residential districts.

Sen. Carlin Yoder, R-Middlebury, said the bill simply allows virtual charter school students to try out for their local district’s sports teams.

Stacy Wyatt, a mother of two Indiana Connections Academy Students, said choosing a virtual school was a decision she made for her kids academically; her children focus better with online virtual schools because of their attention deficit disorder.

Both her children plan to participate in high school sports, in soccer and swimming.

But Brent Decay, principal of Brownsburg High School, said there are plenty of programs that high schools offer to help all students academically.

Decay also said that if kids want to play sports they should be under the same restrictions – grade stipulation, school rules, curriculum – as the other students participating in that sport.

“Families make a choice when they go to a virtual charter. They know the services available to them and know the consequences,” said Roni Embry, a lobbyist for the Indiana State Teachers Association. “Public schools students do not have the choice to go shopping around and it sends the wrong message.”

Lucas said the bill should “not be this difficult.”

“All this bill does is gives these children the opportunity to try out for a local sports teams. If they don’t meet any requirements that the coach asks for them…these kids can be kicked off,” said Lucas. “Try out and give them the opportunity to play by the rules of every other child.”

Paige Clark is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.

Lockhart Found Guilty

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

 

After over six hours of deliberation, a Vanderburgh County Jury has found Edward Jerome Ivy Guilty of Attempted Murder – A Felony and Intimidation – C Felony. After the jury returned a verdict, Ivy pleaded guilty to a Habitual Offender Enhancement.

 

Judge Robert Pigman will sentence Ivy March 19 at 1:00. He is facing between 50-80 years in the Indiana Department of Corrections.

 

Ivy was involved in an October, 2013 stabbing incident in Vanderburgh County. The victim survived stab wounds to the abdomen and neck. Ivy’s co-defendant, Antoine Montray Russell, also faces attempted murder charges. No trial date has been set for Russell.

 

For further information on the case listed above, or any pending case, please contact Kyle Phernetton, Director of Public Relations at 812.435.5688 or via e-mail at kphernetton@vanderburghgov.org.

 

 

Under Indiana law, all criminal defendants are considered to be innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.

 

Ind. House of Representatives gives back to the community

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                                               Ind. House of Representatives
gives back to the community

House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis), along with fellow House legislators and staff, joined students at the Shepherd Community Center in Indianapolis to read to students as part of a bipartisan House service day.

House members brought their favorite children’s books to read to underprivileged kindergartners and first and second grade students at Shepherd Community. The Shepherd Community Center is dedicated to supporting impoverished children in the fight against poverty.

“Early childhood education is a major part of our agenda. In the House we realize that a strong educational start will lay a strong foundation for the rest of a child’s life. Reading to a child at a young age is vital to their development. It’s great that we are able to come together as a legislature, put partisan politics aside and give back to our community in an impactful way,” said Speaker Bosma.

Children living in poverty are more likely to be further behind their peers when they begin their K-12 education. These children are less likely to be enrolled in pre-K programs or have meaningful educational experiences prior to entering kindergarten. A child in an impoverished family is read to an average of 25 hours before they start kindergarten, compared to an average of 1,000 hours for children of middle-class families.

“It is truly humbling to see all the work that Shepherd Community Center is doing to break the cycle of poverty. I look forward to all of the good that comes from such an incredible organization,” said Speaker Bosma.

More information about Shepherd Community Center can be found on their website at www.shepherdcommunity.org.

 

VANDERBURGH COUNTY FELONY CHARGES

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

 nick herman

Below is a list of felony cases that were filed by the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office on Tuesday, February 18, 2014.

 

Kelley Skelton                  Burglary-Class C Felony

 

Mary Woodruff                Theft-Class D Felony

 

 

Robert Elliott                     Resisting Law Enforcement-Class D Felony

Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated-Class C Misdemeanor

(Enhanced to  D Felony Due to Prior Convcitions)

Intimidation-Class D Felony

Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated-Class C Misdemeanor

Resisting Law Enforcement-Class A Misdemeanor

 

Cary Fetcher                      Possession of Methamphetamine-Class D Felony

Possession of a Schedule III Controlled Substance-Class D Felony

Possession of a Schedule IV Controlled Substance-Class D Felony

Possession of Paraphernalia-Class A Misdemeanor

 

Megan Reid                       Possession of Methamphetamine-Class D Felony

Possession of Marijuana-Class A Misdemeanor

Possession of Paraphernalia-Class A Misdemeanor

 

For further information on the cases listed above, or any pending case, please contact Kyle Phernetton at 812.435.5688 or via e-mail at KPhernetton@vanderburghgov.org

 

Under Indiana law, all criminal defendants are considered to be innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.

 

Driving in High Water Conditions

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SPONSORED BY DEFENSE ATTORNEY IVAN ARNAEZ.ISP
 DON’T GO TO COURT ALONE. CALL IVAN ARNAEZ @ 812-424-6671.
With all the snow we have on the ground now melting, and with rain forecast for later in the week, you can bet Hoosier Motorists will be experiencing water covered roadways. The Indiana State Police have listed some safety tips below in case you encounter high water conditions.

•Always carry a cell phone and charger.
•Pay attention to local media reports and heed warnings issued by the National Weather Service.
•Never drive around barricades at water crossings.
•Be especially careful at night or early morning as it can be difficult to see water and it’s depth across the roadway.
•Reduce your speed in rain and NEVER enter flowing water. Driving through water creates less tire contact with the road surface (hydroplaning) and increases your chance of crashing.
•Driving through water affects your brakes reducing their effectiveness until they dry out.
•If you end up in water, immediately exit your vehicle through a window and climb on top of your car. Call 9-1-1 from there and wait for help to arrive. Ride the top like a boat, as vehicles will often float for several minutes.
•Be aware that road erosion can occur anytime there is running or standing water on a roadway.
•Remember it only takes six inches of water to reach the bottoms of most car doors and one foot of water to float most vehicles.

If you find yourself stranded in water, act fast. Get yourself and everyone in your vehicle out of their seatbelt and out a window onto the roof of the car. Make sure you’re a survivor, NOT a victim.

 

RIECKEN OFFERS RESOLUTION TO INCLUDE COAL IN ENERGY PLANS

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INDIANAPOLIS- In an effort to create a more comprehensive energy plan for Indiana, State Representative Gail Riecken (D-Evansville) has offered a resolution that encourages the state to take a leadership role to maintain an approach that includes the use of coal.

riecken_2012 (175x220)House Resolution 11 was passed by the House today to encourage the creation of a plan that meets the emissions standards for coal on a schedule that would be more reasonable for Hoosier rate payers and insure coal’s viability for the future.

“Coal is the most abundant, reliable and affordable energy source resource we have in this nation,” said Riecken. “We can’t deny that coal supplies over 85% of the energy resource needs in Indiana.”

In the energy plan offered by the resolution, multiple energy options would be examined including coal, carbon capture and storage technologies and renewable resources. Riecken said that while renewable energy resources are increasing in use, they currently represent just 3% of the world’s power. However, between 200 and 500 years of coal remains to be mined in the United States with even more still remaining in other countries.

“While we work through the negatives and positives of each of the options, each alternative should be considered in an energy plan for now and for our future,” said Riecken. “I don’t think we should get a pass from decreasing carbon pollution from coal, but any effort must not threaten coal production and the jobs associated with it.”

Indiana produces nearly 35 million tons of coal every year. There are over 6,000 jobs directly involved in mining in Indiana and over 28,000 jobs indirectly dependent on the coal mining industry. Riecken believes that federal guidelines that would diminish the use of coal immediately would negatively impact Indiana’s economy and the families of the miners.

Indiana presently only exports about 1% of its coal due to numerous geographical hindrances. Riecken fears that mining jobs would take a major hit without a diversified energy plan that funds emerging technologies while still retaining coal.

“If all coal producing states would adopt a resolution and develop their own plans, together we could positively impact the health of our nation as well as provide long term energy independence,” said Riecken.

Rep. Bacon takes part in House resolution regarding carbon dioxide emissions

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Ron Bacon

STATEHOUSE- State Representative Ron Bacon (R-Chandler) co-authored House Resolution (HR) 11, which was presented on the House floor today. The resolution received bipartisan support and was adopted by the Indiana House of Representatives.

 

The purpose of HR 11 is to support the lead role that states play in the regulation of carbon dioxide emissions from existing power plants.

 

On June 25, 2013, President Obama directed the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue standards, regulations or guidelines to address carbon dioxide emissions from new, existing, modified and reconstructed fossil-fueled power plants.

 

“I think it is important that when the EPA is developing guidelines for regulating carbon dioxide emissions from existing plants, that they acknowledge the role that the states have in this process,” said Rep. Bacon. “No two states are the same, and the EPA needs to give the states greater flexibility in developing performance standards that take into account our unique needs, resources and economic priorities.”

 

HR 11 explains that a reliable and affordable energy supply is vital to Indiana’s economic growth, jobs and the overall interests of Hoosiers. Indiana currently supports an all-the-above energy strategy while relying primarily on abundant supplies of coal.

 

“Our concern is that if these regulations are put in place without input from the state, they could threaten the relatively low energy costs that Indiana currently enjoys,” said Rep. Bacon. “This could also pose a threat to countless jobs throughout the state. Many, if not all, of our power plants have already invested in pollution controls in order to meet the recent mercury regulations of the EPA. This continued regulation only creates an undue burden on the energy sources that our state relies on.”

 

The resolution urges that Indiana and other states be given maximum flexibility by the EPA to implement carbon dioxide performance standards for fossil-fueled power plants within their jurisdiction.

 

 

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