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IS IT TRUE January 30, 2014

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IS IT TRUE January 30, 2014

IS IT TRUE in a spat that never should have happened Mayoral Chief of Staff Steve Schaefer misinterpreted what was planned by City Council Attorney Scott Danks the principal investor for the old EVSC building behind the Civic Center?…Counselor Danks and his associates purchased that building with private funds, never asked for a government handout, and have openly discussed their plans for the building?…Mr. Schaefer went before the City Council to grandstand about whether or not Danks had sought out and received input on this private investment from the County and the Courts?…to any entrepreneur or investor such a question in a public forum is just mind boggling?…Danks and his investors have been clear about their purpose for the building from day one and it seems like Mr. Schaefer’s inquisition was either baseless, mindless or just plain ole political tamperming?  …if the City of Evansville is going to start acting like Little Ceasar toward unsubsidized private investment while channeling Sugar Daddy for out of town people who demand public subsidies then the downtown is going to be in serious trouble for longer than it already has been?…the City should be kissing the backside of private investors willing to try their luck in downtown real estate development even if they come from the opposing party? …we are extremely disappointed in the Mayors Chief of Staff Steve Schaefer treatment towards Mr. Danks and his associates considering his professional career began with the area Chamber of Commence?

IS IT TRUE Mayor Winnecke and other local elected leaders across the State of Indiana have been expressing their concerns about Governor Pence’s intentions to drop the annual assessment on business equipment?…this move while costing local governments a small amount of revenue relative to their overall budgets (about 1%) will bring Indiana into parity with most other states who do not collect annual taxes on in place equipment used by businesses who employ their residents?…in the case of Evansville the expected loss is only on the order of $3 Million?…it seems as though Mayor Winnecke does not want to give up his fun and games money to provide incentives for Indiana businesses to stay and grow in the state?…local governance has always had the POWER OF THE TAX ABATEMENT so they could pick and choose who gets tax advantages and who doesn’t?…this will eliminate that unfair and capricious piece of code?…the CCO does not say this often but Governor Pence is right on this as the other states that do not engage in selective tax abating are?…Indiana and its mayors needs to start valuing business climate over selective advantage and fun and games nonsense?

IS IT TRUE the ink was not dry on the transcript of President Obama’s State of the Union address before his old buddy and sometimes sycophant Senator Harry Reid stabbed him square in the back?…the President wisely proposed a bipartisan Trade Promotion Authority to fast track exports and protect American jobs that are currently in danger of being offshored?…the surprised Republicans applauded and supported this part of the speech?…much to the surprise of most it was Senator Reid who balked and stated that he was against fast tracking such a thing and that everyone would be well advised not to push the issue?…this sort of thing was done before in 2010 when President Obama claimed to support trade pacts with South Korea, Columbia, and Panama only to see then House Speaker Nancy Pelosi refuse to allow a vote?…as with most Washington based games we should follow the money to see who increases contributions to Senator Reid for his obstruction of the President’s mission?

IS IT TRUE the Dow Jones average dropped over 200 points the day after the State of the Union address and is now down 5.1% in 2014?…contrary to popular belief this is not due to anything the President has said or done?…the reality behind the pullback is due to the FEDERAL RESERVE BANK’S deliberate reduction in propping up financial markets?…if that does not prove that the quantitative easing efforts of the Fed is nothing more than a money printing machine for the stockholder class nothing will?…it is very strange to see a government that prints money to prop up the wealth of the stockholder class while railing against the 1% and fanning the fires of envy with stump speeches on inequality?…the FEDERAL RESERVE BANK has fed wealth inequality for several years now and is substantially responsible for the growth of wealth inequality under President Obama?…we wonder how one could do both of these things with a straight face?

IS IT TRUE President Obama has been very candid with Congress and the American people that he intends to further his agenda by the use of executive order and badgering even threatening in a sort of cute way with his “I’ve got a pen and I’ve got a phone” dialog?…while from time to time executive orders are appropriate and all Presidents have used them, using executive orders to do unpopular things does not resonate well?…a Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll Tuesday found that 68 percent of Americans think they’re not better off than when Mr. Obama became president, and 63 percent say the country is on the wrong track?…those are numbers that can’t be changed with a phone and a pen.

EPD Activity Report: January 29, 2014

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EPD Activity Report: January 29, 2014

North Junior High School Students to Participate in Titanic Day

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EVSC

Friday, January 31

8 – 10:50 a.m. and 1:10 – 2:30 p.m.

North Junior High School, 15325 Highway 41 N.

 

In order to create a better understanding of the customs and culture of the Edwardian Era, and to generate excitement for the unit on the Titanic, teachers at North Junior High School are hosting Titanic Day tomorrow. Throughout the day, students will move through stations that introduce them to elements of that area. Stations will include a recreation station that will show them how to play shuffle board and squash, both of which were games played on the Titanic, and a food station where students will get to experience different foods that were available to the three classes aboard the Titanic. Students also will have the opportunity to listen to the Eykamp String Quartet, part of the Evansville Philharmonic, that will play music of the era and learn the steps of the waltz from THR!VE dance studio instructors. In addition, students will learn about the etiquette of formal dining.

 

AG’s Statement Regarding Energy Emergency Declaration

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Greg ZoellerGov. Mike Pence’s decision today to declare an energy emergency in response to the propane shortage authorizes the Indiana Attorney General’s Office to use certain investigative and enforcement powers.

Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller said an energy emergency allows his office to investigate consumer claims of price gouging and if violations are found, seek injunctive relief, consumer restitution and civil penalties.

“In the majority of instances, propane prices are being driven by substantial market forces. However, this emergency authority allows my office to thoroughly investigate price gouging complaints to determine if any violations exist,” Zoeller said. “If there is any evidence of consumers being taken advantage of during these already difficult times, my office will take action. Hoosiers should also know that we will continue to closely monitor the price of propane sold at all levels of the market.”

Under Indiana law (IC 4-6-9.1), price gouging occurs when a consumer is charged an “unconscionable amount” for the sale of fuel. For example, if the amount charged grossly exceeds the average price of fuel during the seven days before the emergency was declared or if the amount is not attributable to cost factors to the retailer.

Since Dec. 16, the Attorney General’s office has received 23 consumer complaints related to the propane shortage and 21 of those are concerning the high prices.

Hoosiers who want to report suspected price gouging can do so by calling the Attorney General’s Office hotline toll-free at 1-866-241-9753 or visiting www.IndianaConsumer.com.

 

WALORSKI, HOOSIER LAWMAKERS REQUEST EMERGENCY PROPANE EXTENSION

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Jackie Walorski and Hoosier lawmakers sent a letter to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx today requesting an emergency extension to exempt motor carriers from hours of service limitations to enable the delivery of much-needed propane and home heating fuels throughout the Midwest during the severe winter weather.

“We have heard from many distributors and customers in Indiana who have been directly impacted by this shortage.  As additional winter storms and unusually low temperatures continue to impact the Hoosier state, the situation is becoming critical,” wrote lawmakers

On January 14, 2014, the U.S. Department of Transportation declared a state of emergency for the Midwest, waiving hours of service limitations to ensure consumers can steadily receive home heating fuels that remain in unusually high demand.  The exemption is set to expire on February 11, 2014, but lawmakers are requesting an extension beyond February 11 if necessary to ensure there is no disruption to delivery assistance for Hoosiers.  Due to a variety of factors ranging from seasonal weather patterns to distribution challenges, upper Midwest propane inventories are already low.

The State of Indiana has also issued an emergency proclamation waiving hours of service limitations for propane transporters that remains in effect until January 31, 2014.  Federal action would ensure that an emergency exemption stays in place across the Midwest until arctic temperatures subside and are less threatening to Hoosier families.

This morning, Congresswoman Walorski delivered remarks about the letter on the House floor.

Contacts:

Walorski: Elizabeth Guyton 202-225-3915; elizabeth.guyton@mail.house.gov

Bucshon: Nick McGee 202-225-4636; nick.mcgee@mail.house.gov

Brooks: Alex Damron 202-226-5377; alex.damron@mail.house.gov

Coats: Tara DiJulio 202-224-5623; tara_dijulio@coats.senate.gov

Messer: Liz Hill 202-225-3021; liz.hill@mail.house.gov

Rokita: Zach Zagar 202-225-5037; zach.zagar@mail.house.gov

Stutzman: James Wegmann 202-225-4436; james.wegmann@mail.house.gov

Young: Trevor Foughty 202-226-6856; trevor.foughty@mail.house.gov

 

No City Council Meeting Monday

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cityofevansvilleThere will not be a City Council Meeting on Monday, February 3, 2014.

The next City Council Meeting will be Monday, February 10 at 5:30 p.m. in Room 301 of the Civic Center.  Committee Meetings will begin at 5:10 p.m.

 

House endorses Riecken incentives encouraging Hoosiers to save

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INDIANAPOLIS – Amidst economic instability and hardship for Indiana’s working families, State Rep. Gail Riecken (D-Evansville) has authored a bill offering powerful and safe incentives to get more Hoosier families saving.

The Indiana House unanimously passed House Bill 1235 Tuesday (Jan. 28) in an effort to encourage saving among Hoosier families. The bill allows state charter credit unions to offer savings promotional raffles.

“The point of these raffles is to encourage people to build a savings account so that, in an emergency, people can use their own money instead of high interest commercial products like pay-day loans,” said Riecken.

In these raffles, individuals would be rewarded for making minimum deposits into a savings account or participating in financial literacy programs. With that deposit comes an entry into a raffle, in which participants can earn cash prizes.

“It’s a win-win situation,” Riecken explained. “People will never lose their balance or the interest they’ve accrued, they only have the opportunity to win more money while learning how to save.”

Prompted by numerous committee meetings concerning Hoosiers who have lost their homes due to default mortgages, Riecken said the goal of this bill is to encourage people to save for unpredictable emergencies including job loss or illnesses.

“We have seen a marked decrease in savings over the last four years and this leaves Indiana families with nothing to fall back on when they experience a drop in income or an unexpected expense,” said Riecken. “The intent of this bill is to build saving habits in people who are not used to saving.”

Riecken said the end goal of the bill is to provide an incentive for people to save more in order to help financially vulnerable families become more financially secure.

The bill now moves to the Indiana Senate for further consideration.

 

City Announces Backflow Preventer Testing

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cityofevansville

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) requires municipal water suppliers to develop and implement a comprehensive cross connection control program for the elimination of existing cross connections and prevention or protection from all future cross connections.

A requirement of the program implemented by the Evansville Water and Sewer Utility is to track all backflow preventers that may be located on city water systems. The purpose of a backflow preventer is to allow city water to be used at water utility customer locations, but not allow that water to come back into the distribution systems. They are in essence check valves that only allow water to flow in one direction.

Backflow preventers are located on water connections throughout the city, including most commercial and industrial establishments. Many residential customers also have backflow preventers, but may not be aware. Backflow preventers may be located on fire protection systems, lawn irrigation systems, boiler systems, swimming pools and more.

According to Indiana Plumbing Codes and IDEM regulations, backflow preventers must be tested annually by a certified Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester. Locally, fire sprinkler companies and/or plumbing companies may have certified testers on-staff. Testers will enter the test results on the city’s new eco-friendly online backflow tracking system. Additional Backflow Prevention Assembly Testers are needed. If you are certified Tester, please register free at www.TrackMyBackflow.com.

Aqua Backflow, a cross connection control management firm based in Elgin, Ill., has been hired to implement and oversee Evansville’s cross connection control program. Municipal and Military customers throughout the country utilize the services of Aqua Backflow.

If you require backflow protection, testing, repairs or installation, contact Aqua Backflow or Regulatory Compliance Officer Jeff Merrick toll-free at 866-777-2124. The Evansville Water & Sewer Utility can be reached at 812-428-0548.The Evansville cross connection control program is designed to safeguard public health. We ask for your cooperation with our program and enforcement.

Clean Evansville Targets Areas in Ward 2 for February 1 Clean-Up

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 cityofevansville

Clean Evansville Volunteers will target areas in Ward 2 on Evansville’s Eastside during the monthly trash pick-up this Saturday, February 1, from 9 to 11 a.m. The teams will gather at locations near the intersection of Washington Avenue and Boeke Road.

Teams will start at the intersection of Washington and Weinbach avenues and move east on Washington Avenue towards Villa Drive. Other teams will begin working in the Lorraine Park area as well as the area surrounding Ross Center.

Teams will meet at the parking lot at Lorraine Pool to deposit trash collected during the clean-up. Clean Evansville partners with Republic Services to depose of the trash, and Keep Evansville Beautiful coordinates volunteers for the monthly clean-ups. Anyone interested in joining or forming a team should call KEB at 425-4461.

7th Circuit: Marathon owes more for abandoned locations

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by Dave Stafford for www.theindianalawyer.comindianalawyer

Owners who leased properties in Michigan and Indiana that were used as Marathon gas stations – some of which were neglected, abandoned and condemned while Marathon leased them – will be paid more than the $269,000 a District judge in Fort Wayne awarded.

The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals opened the door for a greater judgment against Marathon for claims that began with its environmental cleanup of underground gas storage tanks at fewer than a dozen locations where it did business. Contract terms called for Marathon to remove underground tanks and return the properties as near as possible to their prior condition.

But Circuit Judge Richard Posner wrote for the panel that locations in Adrian and Michigan Center, Mich., were abandoned and ordered condemned while Marathon was still paying the lease. District Judge Theresa Springmann of the Northern District of Indiana wrongly denied double damages permitted under Michigan law governing the doctrine of waste and erred in dismissing other claims, the panel ruled.

The “contract and waste claims concerning these buildings should not
have been dismissed,” Posner wrote for the panel in Bitler Investment Venture II, LLC, et al. v. Marathon Petroleum Company LP, et al., 12-3722.

“So the judgment awarding damages for waste regarding the four Michigan properties is vacated with directions to the district court to double those damages,” Posner wrote, which would result in an award of $538,000. “(T)he dismissal of the contract and waste claims relating to the buildings on the properties in Adrian and Michigan Center is reversed and that aspect of the case is remanded for trial.”

The plaintiffs argued Marathon’s breach of lease and committing waste on the properties were guided by anti-competitive motives. Plaintiffs sought damages in excess of $9 million in litigation that also included a commercial property in Angola, Ind.

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