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Mayor’s Hypocrisy Memorialized by Last Minute Reduction in Room Count

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Lost Wallet

Mayor’s Hypocrisy

Evansville, September 21, 2013:

For months as this debate on the downtown hotel has raged, we have been told by the Mayor, the CVB, the ERC, and the DMD representatives that anything under 250 rooms would not attract the kinds of conventions we wanted to draw to the City of Evansville.

In an attempt to reduce the subsidy and “make it more palatable” for some of the Council Members to change their votes, the size of the hotel has now been reduced to 225 rooms while the subsidy has been slashed by $6 million. Unfortunately, the fat that’s been trimmed from this deal still only reduces the proposed subsidy to $31.5 million and does nothing to cut the hotel from a full service hotel with competing meeting space to a more manageable limited service facility that will serve The Centre effectively.

So what has changed? Why was it that a mere week ago anything less than 253 rooms would not suffice, yet now 225 rooms should be adequate? If anything, this most recent attempt to change the deal at the 11th hour should be cause for Council Members Weaver, Mosby, and McGinn to join their colleagues in voting “no”.

Bob Warren of the CVB said in a May 21 interview with the Courier & Press, “If you build a hotel and it’s less than 250 rooms, or 240 rooms, chances are good I’m not going to get the blocs we need to be able attract that convention. It would be my suggestion that we consider staying at a higher level.”

In a Youtube video released by the Mayor entitled “FAQ: Why does Evansville Need a 250 Room Hotel?”, the Mayor explicitly states, “It’s our belief and that of our consulting firm that the 253 rooms we’re considering is the minimal standards for operating. Anything less would NOT accomplish the objectives of the city in driving economic growth and would not support the size of our existing convention center.”

Once again, we reiterate our call to the Administration to drop this quixotic, imprudent quest for a deal with HCW based on the current proposal.

https://www.facebook.com/EvansvilleSaysNo

IS IT TRUE, Marsha’s Panic over the Centre Seems to have been a PR Panic Attack

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Marsha Abell

True Analysis of Centre Finances

This spread sheet on the link below is a great illustration of the true financial results of the Centre’s operation, when you account for the Innkeepers Tax Subsidy. Joe Gries, County Auditor confirmed they have a $4.1 Million Dollar cash reserve, which is very close to the calculations found from the Centre’s financial statements prepared by SMG and data provided by Brian Gerth.

In addition, please find a copy of the Innkeepers Tax code IC 6-9-2.5 which provides the language regarding the Vanderburgh County Innkeepers Tax. Specifically, I draw your attention to section IC 6-9-2.5-7.7 titled Convention Center Operating Fund where the County Treasurer is required to establish a convention center operating fund; deposit into this operating fund the amount of 2% rate (of the gross receipts of hotels, motels cabins, etc… in Vand. Co.); and the money can only be expended for the operating expenses of a convention center.

As previously reported, generally accepted accounting principles have NOT been followed in regards to the reporting of the results of operations. The attached analysis clearly indicates that innkeepers’ tax revenues have bypassed the income statement, misleading the public as to the true financial condition of the Centre. If Marsha Abell should elect to close the Centre it will be on the false premise that the Innkeepers tax is not part of the Centre’s income stream.

Ms. Abell’s well timed and most likely orchestrated by some puppetmaster “the sky is falling so give me my hotel” manifesto turns out to be nothing more than part of the hotel supporter’s last ditch PR campaign that thus far has been based on false claims, last minute concessions, undue distress directed at the Evansville City Council (more on this later), brow beating by union officials, and veiled threats to any opposition with influence.

Centre Financial Analysis

VanderburghCountyInnkeepersTaxStatute

EPD Activity Report September 20, 2013

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EPD PATCH 2012

EPD Activity Report September 20, 2013

Ricketts’ Drive for Success

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d-patrick-evansville-indiana-used-cari-dealership-luxury-driver-2013-tony-rickettsProfile of General Manager of D-Patrick, Tony Ricketts

By Scottie Thomas

After starting out with Showplace Cinemas, Tony Ricketts took changed gears and found a job selling cars. A part of the industry since 1988, his passion for the sales and automotive industries directed him to his current career. Eighteen months later, he gets promoted to Business Manager, followed by Sales Manager in 1995.

Ricketts drives a BMW, but his ideal vehicle would be a Porsche 9-11. His drive for success in the automotive sales industry is fueled by his passion and interest in cars. He favors his German-made vehicles such as Volkswagon.

D-Patrick is ‘family owned,’ as began working for the O’Daniels Family. With a value of family himself, his wife, Heather, have two sons, Alec and Adrian. Alec is at the University of Louisville and Adrian is at the University of Evansville. Heather also owns her own business, Second-Hand Chic. They often go out to eat at places such as El Charro and the Canton Inn, as they like to support the local businesses and deviate away from selecting chain restaurants.

This is one of the reasons Ricketts loves his job with the people and situation he is in. Ricketts is happy working for a privately owned dealership ‘because it provides a more personal touch,’ he says. ‘At any given time, you are able to talk to the owner [or management] as now many are publicly owned in the automotive industry.

In the next few years, Ricketts shared his plans for growth with D-Patrick, as they want to create a showroom for each line of car brand, build a new Nissan showroom and lot, as well as expanding the used car selection, given the demands of the market. Along with growth, Ricketts and D-Patrick are heavily involved in the community, including their philanthropic efforts with Susan G. Koem: ‘Race for the Cure,’ Evansville’s Philharmonic Orchestra, and other patrons such as marathons and wine festivals.

Lately, Ricketts has also taken interest in the School Board for EVSC as he is considering a second run. He wants to bring a business background into the mix with fresh, innovative ideas, as Ricketts states that ‘Change is good.’ He would like to hold office for two or three terms, making a contribution ‘that will open doors for others to continue.’

Dr. Bucshon Votes to Fund the Government, Defund ObamaCare

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220px-Larry_Bucshon,_official_portrait,_112th_Congress

(Washington, DC) – On Friday, the House passed H.J.Res 59 the Continuing Appropriations Resolution for 2014, which continues funding the government and defunds the Affordable Care Act.

 

Representative Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-8) released the following statement regarding the passage of H.J.Res 59:

 

“While passing a Continuing Resolution is not an ideal outcome, the bill we passed today serves two fundamental and vital functions: it prevents a government shutdown and protects American families from the harmful impacts of the Affordable Care Act. 

 

“As I traveled across the 8th District over August, I consistently and clearly heard from Hoosiers that the Affordable Care Act is damaging, harmful, and costly to families and it must be defunded.  This message has resounded across the country and the House listened.

 

“This short-term CR funds our country’s obligations, protects families, and avoids a government shutdown. Now it is time for the Senate to a

Indiana State Police and Oakland City Police Arrest Oakland City University Student for Intimidation

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user29376-1379703045-media1_60656b_192_240_PrsMe_

Gibson County – Friday morning, September 20, Indiana State Police and Oakland City Police arrested Michael Cangelosi, 26, of Loogootee, after a criminal investigation determined he threatened to harm a 19-year-old female student at Oakland City University. The alleged threat occurred last night in the campus library. Cangelosi and the female victim are both students and reside on campus. At approximately 9:30 this morning, Indiana State Police and Oakland City Police located and arrested Cangelosi on campus. He was taken to the Gibson County Jail where he is currently being held on a $750 cash bond.

This is an on-going investigation and no further information will be released.

ARRESTED:
• Michael Cangelosi, 26, Loogootee, IN
1. Intimidation, Class D Felony

Investigating Officers: Trooper Wes Kuykendall and Detective Toni Walden, Indiana State Police

EPD Officer injured in northside vehicle accident

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epd

 

Evansville Police Officer Jeff Minto was taken to St. Mary’s Hospital following a one car accident at 10:43 this morning.
Officer Minto was responding to an injury accident when he lost control of his patrol car on wet pavement at Stringtown and Buena Vista.
The patrol car left the roadway and struck a utility pole. The impact was at the front of the drivers door. Officer Minto, who was wearing his seatbelt, struck his head on the door post and window. He suffered concussion like symptoms and several abrasions and bruising.
He was conscious at the scene and is expected to be released from the hospital today.

It’s The Law; They Must Stop

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ISP

Indianapolis, IN- You’re following a school bus and suddenly you notice the four way flashers are activated and the bus is slowing. You don’t observe any emergency. What could be happening? Perhaps that school bus driver is following the law as they approach a rail way crossing.

The Indiana State Police would like to remind motorists that Indiana law requires school bus drivers to stop at all rail way crossings, whether they be equipped with crossing arms or not, and visually inspect for oncoming trains.

The Indiana State Police Commercial Motor Vehicle Division has recently received reports from some school districts of their buses being struck in the rear by motorists failing to realize that they are required to stop at rail way crossings.

“It appears that motorists are unaware that the buses are required to stop,” stated Sergeant Chris Kath of the Indiana State Police Commercial Motor Division, “or they are not paying attention to their surroundings and fail to observe the slowing/stopped vehicles.”

Sergeant Kath explained that bus drivers activate their four way flashers when approaching a rail way crossing to alert motorists that they will be stopping. He further explained that bus drivers do not activated the overhead yellow flashing lights, the ones that are activated prior to stopping to allow a child off the bus, because when the driver opens the door to observe for trains, the red stop lights are automatically activated by the opening of the door. Kath stated motorists approaching the bus could be confused and stop on the rail road tracks.

Indiana code 9-21-12-5 states:
A school bus, with passengers, shall stop 50-15 feet prior to the crossing. While stopped, listen through an open door or window, look in both directions for an oncoming train, and can only proceed when it is safe to do so.

Indiana was ranked 4th nationwide in railroad crossing collisions in 2012 with 105 and 4th nationwide in railroad crossing fatalities with 17.

School buses transport Indiana’s most precious commodity and the Indiana State Police are committed to ensuring the safety of those passengers.

Further information and statistics about railroad crossings in Indiana are available on the Operation Lifesavers website at http://oli.org/.

To view your child’s school bus inspection record go to www.in.gov/isp and click on the “Indiana School Bus Inspection Program.”

“Am I Required to Stop for that School Bus?”

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ISP

The Indiana State Police would like to remind motorists of Indiana laws concerning school buses, flashing lights and stop arms.

When approaching a school bus, from any direction, which is stopped with its flashing red lights activated and its stop arm extended, motorists are required to STOP, even on multiple lane highways, with the ONLY exception being-

•Motorists who are on a highway that is divided by a barrier or unimproved median are required to stop only if they are traveling the same direction as the school bus. If there is no unimproved median or barrier, then all lanes in all directions must stop.

Remember, when approaching a school bus be prepared to stop and watch for slowed or stopped traffic.

Disregarding a school bus stop arm is a serious violation and one that school bus drivers are quick to report. Violation of this law is a Class “A” infraction and is punishable by a maximum fine of $10,000.

The Indiana State Police is committed to the safety of our children, motorists and highways, and will continue our enforcement and education efforts to ensure that safety.

Centre Financial Statements: What is the Reality of a Hotel’s Influence?

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The Incentive Package
The Incentive Package

The financial statements for the Centre point to conclusions that are counter to the assertions that were made yesterday by County Commissioner Marsha Abell and those who have joined the chorus of “the hotel will save the Centre”.

The operating losses for the Centre in 2005, the last year that the Executive Inn was really trying to prosper were $904,947 according to the official financial statement. That same statement that is available on the link below only shows a loss of $475,811 for 2011 the first full year that there was no Executive Inn at all? 2011 was also the first year that Ms. Abell served as a county commissioner and was coincidentally the year with the best (although poor) financial performance for the Centre for the years 2005 – 2011 that were included in this financial statement that the CCO secured yesterday.

The 2013 year to date results show a loss of $206,000 on revenues of $1.2 Million through July 31, 2013 which appears to be on track to lose less money that even the 2011 year did.

The macroscopic analysis of these results would actually correlate the presence of a hotel with an increase in losses at the Centre.

Centre Financial Statement

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