Chamber Head Now Calling Mayor Winnecke a “Visionary”
In an article published after her letter to members calling downtown Evansville a “ghost town” and citing the need for a plan, a timeline, and a leader, Chamber of Commerce president Christy Gillenwater has now published an article where she refers to Mayor Winnecke as a “visionary”. She furthermore calls for the people of Evansville to support their elected officials vision by encouraging the hotel that she calls a “multi-use” project.
It is interesting to note the differences in the two columns whose publication dates only differ by a small amount of time and several alleged meetings with local power brokers.
Link to “ghost town” article
Link to “Mayor is a visionary” article
A Message of Support For Connie Robinson From Chairman Long
Dear Democrats:I have been following the two bigger issues facing you as council member is the past few weeks. On the hotel issue, I applaud you thorough research into the issue of the incentive package, financing and quality of developer. If you have solid, demonstrable evidence of serious deficiencies in any of these issues, you should certainly air your evidence publicly and take action to correct the matter. However, unless there is such evidence, I perceive more support for moving forward on the project. Politically, I always supported the Ford Center Project because I believed it would prove to be very popular and successful. I believe it has proven to be a success and has certainly revitalized the downtown. I also believe a first rate, adequately sized hotel is essential for promoting the convention business in Evansville. I am certainly no expert on hotel sizing, but believe the quality issue is critical to attract top end convention business. The State Democratic Party has decided to move the State Convention to a site outside of Indianapolis in alternate convention years. The 2014 convention will be in Indy. The 2016 convention is presently planned to be elsewhere in the state. I would love to be a part of a movement to bring it to Evansville in 2016. Having a great hotel with the available facilities there now and having a Democrat Mayor would certainly improve our chances.On the recent issue involving the police interaction with the firefighter, I support  Connie on her position 100%. While she and I have had a difference on a political issue, I have never had any lack of respect for her leadership skills and dedication to your community. I am very uncomfortable with the way the police department handled this matter. Because of the serious nature of the matter and its probable volatility, an outside investigating agency (VCSD of ISP) would have been a better option for the city administration to have taken. This matter received world wide publicity.  http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2395250/George-Madison-The-moment-African-American-firefighter-pastor-handcuffed-waved-police.html Since the city did not seek an independent inquiry, the council might consider appointing a blue ribbon committee of Evansville Citizens to do an independent investigation and submit a report to all citizens as to its findings. On it face, what happened in this incident just doesn’t square with me. I know only what has been reported by the media but I am still uncomfortable with it.You may already do it, but I believe Indiana Law allows you to caucus as a group on political matters. This might be a vehicle whereby you as a group can discuss the political aspects relating to Council issues and be able to share your personal views with each other outside the public arena.Whatever action you take on these important issues, do your very best as I know you will. Treat each other civilly, remember, we agree on probably 95% of the issues you face. I look forward to working with you in the future. Thanks for taking the time to let me weigh in on these matters.Democratically yours,S. Anthony Long,Eighth District Democrat Chair
POSTED BY THE CITY COUNTY OBSERVER WITHOUT OPINION, BIAS OR EDITING.
Feed a hungry person this Thanksgivingâ€
50,154 meals. That’s 60,184 pounds of food – close to 30 tons! That’s how much food hungry people will eat here at the Evansville Rescue Mission this Thanksgiving season.
Wow! That seems impossible. But with your help, it will happen.
It costs just $2.16 to feed one hungry person. Just $2.16 to provide an entire meal of wholesome, home-cooked food… a meal that could just be the start of a new and better life.
Help serve nearly 45,540 meals to hungry men, women and children.
Please donate now to feed as many people as possible.
Your secure online gift will go a long way toward helping fill the Mission’s pantry and stock our shelves for the 2013 Thanksgiving season.
Rep. Bacon to attend Small Business Caucus field hearing
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STATEHOUSE – State Representative Ron Bacon (R-Chandler) will be joining members of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) at a field hearing on Wednesday, Sept. 11 in Evansville.
WHAT:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Small Business Caucus field hearing
WHEN:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Wednesday, Sept. 11, 8-9 a.m. (CDT)
WHERE:     Ivy Tech, 3501 North 1st Ave. in Evansville
Rep. Bacon will be available to discuss important topics such as: the state’s new biennial budget, economic development, regulations, taxation, unemployment issues and any other pertinent matters brought up during the meeting.
Small business owners in the area are highly encouraged to attend. If you would like to register for the event please contact Emma Ervin, administrative assistant at NFIB at emma.ervin@NFIB.org.
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Dunn Hospitality and all Associated Businesses Resign from Chamber of Commerce: Encourages others to Follow
In a letter obtained by the City County Observer and on the link below, John Dunn of Dunn Hospitality advises the President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Southwest Indiana, Christy Gillenwater that Dunn Hospitality and all affiliated companies and properties are terminating their memberships immediately. Dunn furthermore advised the Chamber that he will encourage any other business that will suffer as a result of the gifting of $37.5 Million to a downtown hotel developer to terminate their memberships too.
The entire letter is on the following link.
Chamber President Opines on Downtown Evansville’s “Ghost Town” Status
The president of the Chamber of Commerce of Southwest Indiana has issued a statement about why downtown Evansville has deteriorated into being a “ghost town” and never mentions the words “convention hotel” in her statement. What she does state is “WE DON’T HAVE A PLAN. WE NEED GOALS, WE NEED A TIME FRAME, AND WE NEED A LEADER.” It is a good read and we encourage our readers to have a look at it.
Vanderburgh County Democratic Party 2013 Event Schedule
Revised:09/05/2013
Evansville-Vanderburgh County Human Relations Commission Annual Dinner
ï‚· Location: The Centre-Ballroom A
ï‚· Cost: $30 per person, featuring Connie Rice, nationally renowned civil rights attorney
ï‚· Contact: City-County Human Relations Commission 812-436-4927
Sep 7 10:00am – 6:00pm
Family Day at the Park
ï‚· Location: Civic Center Parking Lot 100 E Walnut St ï‚· Cost: Free
 Please stop by to sign Rep. Gail Riecken’s Scooter Law Petition and enjoy a day of fun!
Sep 8 11:00am – 2:00pm
IBEW Local 16 Picnic ï‚· Location: Vanderburgh Co. 4H Center
ï‚· Cost: Free
ï‚· Contact: Paul Green 812-867-9670
Sep 11 8:00am – 9:00am
Small Business Caucus Town Hall Meeting
ï‚· Location: Ivy Tech 3501 N First Ave Evansville, IN
ï‚· Cost: Free
ï‚· Contact: Zarah Hileman at zarah.hileman@iga.in.gov
Sep 12 6:00pm
2013 Vanderburgh County Democratic Party Jefferson-Jackson Dinner
ï‚· Location: Marina Pointe 830 LST Dr Evansville, IN
ï‚· Cost: $50 per person, Silver Sponsor – $500, Gold Sponsor $1,000 Table for 8 guests & signage
ï‚· Contact: Jack McNeelyjackmcn45@gmail.com or 812-204-3321
Sep 12 8:00am
Evansville Labor Temple Building Fund Golf Scramble
ï‚· Location: Fendrich Golf Course 1900 E Diamond Ave Evansville, IN
ï‚· Cost: Individual Golfer $75, Silver Sponsor $350 Foursome and 1 sign, Gold Sponsor $500 Foursome and 2 signs, Hole Sponsor $150, Lunch served immediately following scramble
ï‚· Contact: Andrea @ Evansville Labor Temple 812-422-2552
Sep 14 10:00am – 3:00pm
AIDS Holiday Project Car Wash Fundraiser
ï‚· Location: CVS Parking Lot Hwy 41 & Washington Ave Evansville, IN
ï‚· Cost: Donations Accepted
ï‚· Contact: Wally Paynter 812-480-0204
From: Vanderburgh County Democratic Party <vanderburghdemocrats1@gmail.com>
Subject: Upcoming Events
Reply: vanderburghdemocrats1@gmail.com
Sept 21 6:00PM
Dave Wedding for Sheriff Fundraiser
 Location: Wolfe Home – 2710 Old Dominion Rd Evansville, IN
ï‚· Cost: $100 per person. The party will take place outside and will include bonfires, cornhole, & music. Whole hog BBQ, sides, and beverages will be provided.
ï‚· Contact: Larry Craddock 812-457-3732
Sept 21 12:00 Noon – 5:00pm
Rick Riney for Perry Township Trustee Fish Fry
ï‚· Location: Westside Sportsmen Club 1000 N. Peerless Rd Evansville, IN
ï‚· Cost $15 per person, $25 per couple & $5 for children 12 & under – A day of food, fun, and games!
ï‚· Contact: Rick Riney812-422-2771 or 812-746-2462
Sep 27 7:30am – 2:00pm
Latino Summit “The Extraordinary Impact of Latinos in the United Statesâ€
ï‚· Location: Southern Indiana Career & Technical Center 1901 Lynch Rd Evansville, IN
ï‚· Cost: $60 includes Lunch before Aug 31, $75 after Aug 31, Sponsorships are available
ï‚· Contact: Maura Robinson 812-437-6914
Sep 27 7:00pm – 9:00pm
TSA Youth Group Community Open House
ï‚· Location: 501 John St Suite 5 Evansville, IN
ï‚· Cost: Free
ï‚· Contact: Wally Paynter 812-480-0204
Sep 28 12:00 Noon – 2:00pm
Laura Brown Windhorst for City Clerk Fundraiser ï‚· Location: FOP Lodge – 801 Court St Evansville, IN
ï‚· Cost: $20 per person
ï‚· Contact: Laura Brown Windhorst at lbbrown2003@yahoo.com
Oct 7–12 Westside Nut Club Fall Festival