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IS IT TRUE June 20, 2012

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The Mole #??

IS IT TRUE June 20, 2012

IS IT TRUE Councilman Friend tells the City County Observer that he has received a reply from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) responding to his request concerning the question, “Is interest during construction considered part of the total cost of governmental projects”?… that the hard cost of the Johnson Control contract is approximately $52 Million, but, the cost of interest during construction and cost of bond issuance, etc. is over $4 Million, driving the total project cost to approximately $57 million?… the total financing is based on $57 million dollars and this is the information that was presented to the AICPA?…that Councilman Friend was informed that according to GASB 62,( Governmental Accounting Standards Board) Interest During Construction (IDC) is REQUIRED to be capitalized into the total cost of the project?…if the IDC is in the total financing package, how, then, could it be considered as SAVINGS?…based on Umbaugh’s logic, the Ford Center should have cost only $95 million, not, as reported $127.5 million?.. If the cost is $127.5 Million, then the capitalized interest must be a savings?…this must be the era of new math in Evansville when it comes to capital expenditures by the City of Evansville?

IS IT TRUE the Welborn Health Plans which have been a mainstay for health insurance purchasers in SW Indiana and Kentucky have decided to get out of the business?…come December 30th of this year that this opportunity to purchase health insurance will cease to exist?…the CEO of the Welborn Health Plans has attributed the decision to get out of the business to ObamaCare and “what is going on in Washington”?…that this is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to small insurers getting out of the business because of the way this plan makes competing in these markets for the “little guys” distasteful and nearly impossible to do so in a way that is prosperous?

IS IT TRUE that it has now been a full 4 years (1,460 days) since then Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel stood smiling for the cameras to announce that a 4 Star hotel would be built in downtown Evansville IF and only IF the City of Evansville built a new arena?…that after 3 different deals have fallen apart and an arena is nearing its first year of operation that the new Evansville Redevelopment Commission is once again going to the well to solicit bids to construct a new downtown Convention Hotel?…this would be funny if it were not true but here we go again?…that if all goes to perfection and a developer that meets the ERC criteria of actually having done this before is found that sometime in 2015 downtown Evansville may have a new 2 or 3 star hotel that is heavily subsidized by public money?…that this is all being put forward at a time when any fool can go onto Loopnet and find 200 – 300 room hotels in better locations for less than $40,000 per room?…that the difference in the estimated cost to build of $125,000 per room and the market value of $40,000 per room will have to be borne by the people of Evansville for a deal to be struck with an intelligent developer?…that to make this happen we had all better get ready for an incentive package of between $20 Million and $24 Million just like Fort Wayne had to put out to get White Lodging to the table?

IS IT TRUE that there is a perfectly good alternative to this 5 blocks west at the McCurdy Hotel?…that a completely refurbished McCurdy would be unique, a tourist draw, and would take less incentives to be realized than a new hotel at the Rock Pile would?…that this idea has been floated to Mayor Winnecke by a business that can make it happen and this person did not even get the courtesy of a returned phone call?…the restoration of the McCurdy is a sane endeavor that may just result in profits and private investment and that the downtown Convention Hotel that the RFP will be soliciting is simply another Weinzapfel era boondoggle designed to give Evansville taxpayer money to outside interests destined to become campaign donors in the future?

Spanish Company Will “Count” American Votes Overseas In November

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By: Doug Book

When the Spanish online voting company SCYTL bought the largest vote processing corporation in the United States, it also acquired the means of manufacturing the outcome of the 2012 election. For SOE, the Tampa based corporation purchased by SCYTL in January, supplies the election software which records, counts, and reports the votes of Americans in 26 states–900 total jurisdictions–across the nation.

As the largest election results reporting company in the US, SOE provides reports right down to the precinct level. But before going anywhere else, those election returns are routed to individual, company servers where the people who run them “…get ‘first look’ at results and the ability to immediately and privately examine vote details throughout the USA.” In short, “this redirects results …to a centralized privately held server which is not just for Ohio, but national; not just USA-based, but global.”

And although the votes will be cast in hometown, American precincts on Election Day, with the Barcelona-based SCYTL taking charge of the process, they will be routed and counted overseas.
SCYTL itself is a leader in internet voting technology and in 2010 was involved in modernizing election systems for the midterm election in 14 American states.

But although SCYTL’s self-proclaimed reputation for security had won the company the Congressionally approved task of handling internet voting for American citizens and members of the military overseas, upon opening the system for use in the District of Columbia, the University of Michigan fight song “The Victors” was suddenly heard after the casting of each ballot. The system had been hacked by U of M computer teachers and students in response to a challenge by SCYTL that anyone who wished to do so, might try!

Nevertheless, in spite of warnings by experts across the nation, American soldiers overseas will once again vote via the internet in 2012. And because SCYTL will control the method of voting and—thanks to the purchase of SOE–the method of counting the votes as well, there “…will be no ballots, no physical evidence, no way for the public to authenticate who actually cast the votes…or the count.”

The American advocacy group Project Vote has concluded that SCYTL’s internet voting system is vulnerable to attack from the outside AND the inside, a situation which could result in “…an election that does not accurately reflect the will of the voters…” Talk about having a flair for understatement!

It has also been claimed that SCYTL CEO Pere Valles is a socialist who donated heavily to the 2008 Obama campaign and lived in Chicago during Obama’s time as Illinois State Senator. Unfortunately, given what is known about the character of Barack Obama, such rumors must be taken as serious threats to the integrity of the 2012 vote and the legitimate outcome of the election.

Though much has been written about the threat of nationwide voting by illegals in November, it is still true that most election fraud is an “inside” job. And there now exists a purely electronic voting service which uses no physical ballots to which an electronic count can be matched should questions arise. Add to this the fact that the same company will have “first count” on all votes made in 14 US states and hundreds of jurisdictions in 12 others, and the stage is set for election fraud on a scale unimaginable just a decade ago.

Perhaps President Obama had reason for supreme confidence when he said “after my election” rather than “in case of” to Russian President Medvedev a week ago.

Source: The Western Center for Journalism

IS IT TRUE PART 2 June 19, 2012 “Township Meltdown Raises its Ugly Head”

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IS IT TRUE PART 2 June 19, 2012 “Township Meltdown Raises its Ugly Head”

IS IT TRUEGerman Township Trustee Fred Happe wrote a check in the amount of $104,000 in January-2012 to the German Township Fire Department?… the check was not honored by the bank due to insufficient funds being on deposit?…that Trustee Happe later wrote another check to them for around $80,000 and they were able to cash it?… the reduced payment of $80,000 made to the German Township Fire Department by Trustee Happe caused German Township Fire Department a financial shortfall of about $24,000 for 2012?

IS IT TRUE the 2008-2009 State Board of Accounts Audit found a considerable number of posting errors that included checks and receipts not recorded in proper categories?…when the State Audit findings were reviewed by Trustee Happe he concurred with the findings of the State Board of Accounts?

IS IT TRUE the German Township Fire Department volunteers do an outstanding job to protect the property and lives of the citizens they serve?…that this fire department also has an outstanding Board of Directors?…that over the last 5 years that Trustee Happe has cut the German Township Fire Department budget over $100,000?…the City County Observer believes that the public should receive a detailed explanation explaining why over $100,000 was removed from the German Township Fire Department budget by Trustee Happe?

IS IT TRUE the CCO believes that it’s time the Vanderburgh County Commissioners should begin an official investigation in order to see if the German Township Trustee’s office is having serious financial problems?…that this probe should be spearheaded by County Commissioner, Steve Melcher since the German Township Fire Department is located in his political district?

IS IT TRUE June 19, 2012

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The Mole #??

IS IT TRUE June 19, 2012

IS IT TRUE the United States Supreme Court is expected to rule on the constitutionality of the healthcare law widely referred to as Obamacare that was passed a couple of years ago along party lines?…the drug companies and the American Medical Association had quite allot of influence in the writing of this law and thus the savings that were promised have not been realized and projections for premiums and healthcare itself are now expected to rise even more?…there was a series of op-ed pieces in yesterday’s New York Times by a wide variety of authors from the practical liberal professor and former member of President Clinton’s cabinet Robert Reich through some fairly right wing authors?…that the New York Times being what it is there were more opinions from liberal authors than conservative ones but both points of view were represented?

IS IT TRUE the authors all expect to minimally see the mandate to force the purchase of health insurance to be struck down as unconstitutional?…that a clear majority expect the entire law to be struck down because there is no severability clause anywhere in it?…maybe if the congress would have actually read the bill or hired someone smart enough to understand it to read it for them that a severability clause would have been inserted and the country would not be faced with an “all or nothing” situation?…the drug companies and the AMA will be the ones having a stroke if the purchase mandate is struck down but the rest is allowed to stand because the purchase mandate was the means to pay for things like pre-existing conditions and 26 year olds staying on the parents plan?…the bull being tossed about regarding the 21 – 26 year olds is fairly false on the part of the insurance companies because the premiums for these young adults are currently paid by their parents?…this writer knows this because the premium for the two young adult daughters is about $600 per month and is paid by this writer?…this is much higher than it was before they turned 21?

IS IT TRUE it is disturbing to see that such a wide and impactful piece of legislation could make its way through the United States Congress without sufficient constitutional review?…this is what we get as a people when we do not even demand that our elected officials read the bills before they pass them?…in the case of most procedures that the United States already has universal health care?…that between Medicaid, Medicare, the Veterans Administration, and public health departments that many millions of people are already outside of the realm of private insurance and healthcare?…that of course going to these places for healthcare is not like going to the Ritz Carleton to get stitches or give birth but for the most part the care is equivalent?…that flu shots are a perfect example of a distribution system that is both public and private and are affordable to everyone?…that such routine things like that if we can’t get over needing to be treated like Princes and Princesses is the only way we will ever be able to afford universal health care?

IS IT TRUE that upholding the Constitution of the United States is more important than preserving a law that is now seen as flawed to the point of needing massive overhaul?…that the CCO encourages the Supreme Court to rule on the basis of constitutionality and to render opinions that the American people can understand and accept?…that in nearly every case that the health of each person is significantly impacted by their own lifestyle and that wellness programs, diet, and exercise are the keys to affordable healthcare for all but those that are impacted by actions outside of their control or by the dice of nature?…that we already have programs that can be adapted to provide care to those people should the law be struck down?

UE’s Concrete Canoe Team Earns Record Finish at Nationals

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Despite unexpected challenges, such as a canoe that cracked in half, the University of Evansville’s Concrete Canoe team earned 12th place overall in the American Society of Civil Engineers National Concrete Canoe Competition — the team’s second highest finish in its 12-year history.

The 25th annual competition took place June 14-16 at the University of Nevada, Reno. Twenty-two teams from some of the top engineering schools in the United States and Canada competed and were judged on the design, construction, innovative features, and racing ability of each concrete canoe.

UE’s 17-member team finished seventh in the technical paper category, 10th in oral presentation, 13th in the races, and 12th overall. UE was the smallest school and the only private American university that qualified for the competition.

One harrowing moment came before the last race on Saturday, when UE’s purple and gray canoe, Tempest (measuring 20 feet long and weighing 250 pounds) cracked in half as team members climbed in.

Thanks to help from several other universities’ Concrete Canoe teams and plenty of duct tape, Tempest was patched up in time for the Aces to complete their final race.

“This year, our students not only proved that they can excel in the academic and athletic portions of the competition, but also that they can think and act quickly to solve problems,” said Mark Valenzuela, UE associate professor of civil engineering and the team’s faculty advisor. “I’m so proud of their hard work and dedication, and know this experience will serve them well in their future careers as civil engineers.”

Last year, UE hosted the National Concrete Canoe Competition and was the smallest school ever invited to do so. This year marks the third time in the past four years that UE has qualified for nationals.

For more information on the 25th Annual ASCE National Concrete Canoe Competition, please visit www.asce.org/concretecanoe.

VHS Pet of the Week: “Zeke”

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Hello from Zeke, a 5-year-old neutered Boxer Mix. Zeke is as easy going as they come. He gets very attached to his people so spending his life as a house dog is a must. Zekie Boy does not like to be left alone outside so a family who would like to take long walks with him would be ideal. He would love having some kids to pal around with. He might enjoy having a canine buddy as long as he gets the chance to meet them first. Zeke is going to make a fabulous family dog for just the right family. He’s got his paws crossed that they come through the door soon! For more information on Zeke, check us out on the web at www.vhslifesaver.org or call (812) 426-2563.

Evansville Redevelopment Commission AGENDA Tuesday, June 19, 2012 – 8:30 am Civic Center Complex – Room 307

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Evansville Redevelopment Commission
AGENDA
Tuesday, June 19, 2012 – 8:30 am
Civic Center Complex – Room 307

1. Call to Order

2. Approval of Minutes of June 5, 2012

3. Approval of Memo of Executive Session on 5/15/2012

4. Approval of Accounts Payable Vouchers

5. Design Review
Change in 2011 application – Kunkel Square (Hilliard Lyons Building) 329 Main St – changes because of fire code (opaque metal panels will replace approved translucent, back-lit panels — DRC split vote)

6. Downtown Redevelopment Area
Resolution 12-ERC-23 – Authorizing Abatement Supervision at Old Greyhound Bus Station
Resolution 12-ERC-24 – Authorizing an Agreement for Financial Advisory Services
Resolution 12-ERC-25 – Accepting and Releasing the RFQ for a Downtown Convention Hotel

7. Other Business

8. Adjournment
* This preliminary Agenda is subject to change. The final Agenda will be posted at the entrance to the location of the meeting prior to the meeting

School Principal Bans Singing Of ‘God Bless The USA’ From Graduation

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Principal Greta Hawkins: NYC PS 90

CONEY ISLAND, BROOKLYN (WPIX)— It’s a story that certainly has parents fuming while scratching their heads over a decision made by a school principal that is a bit out of tune.

Greta Hawkins is the principal of PS 90, the Edna Cohen School in Coney Island. According to parents of the Kindergarten class, Hawkins has banned the students from singing “God Bless the USA” at their graduation. The thing is, the little kids have been rehearsing the patriotic tune for weeks now, and were disappointed and confused at the principal’s decision.

Parents say Hawkins demanded the song be dropped from the program citing that the song offends other cultures. What is even more out of tune, parents say, is the Department of Education’s response. They stand by the principal, saying the song is too old for this age group.

Instead, they are allowing the children to sing Justin Bieber’s teeny bopper hit ” Baby, Baby, Baby, Oh.”

Parents that PIX11 spoke to Monday morning are even more upset that they had to learn of this rash decision from the media, and not from the school itself, a school that prides itself in teaching about freedom.

According to reports, Hawkins has been cited before by the Department of Education for being racist towards other teachers back in 2010.

Source: WPIX New York City

BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING: Amended Agenda

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BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS

REGULAR MEETING
KEVIN WINTERNHEIMER CHAMBERS
ROOM 301, CIVIC CENTER COMPLEX
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2012
12:00 NOON

REVISED AGENDA

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. MINUTES June 6, 2012

3. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Request Re: Approve and Execute Landscape Maintenance License with Gerard Buente for
Lincoln Avenue and St. James Boulevard. – Boberg
b. Request Re: Approve and Execute Landscape Maintenance License with Darrell & Eula
Megli for Southeast Boulevard and Bayard Park Drive. – Boberg
c. Request Re: Approve and Execute Landscape Maintenance License with Carol Pettys for
Toyota Butterfly Garden in Igleheart Park. – Boberg
d. Request Re: Approve and Execute Landscape Maintenance License with Tom & Jeanette
Scheller for Akin Park. – Boberg
e. Request Re: Approve and Execute Landscape Maintenance License with Samuel Wentzel for
Craig Street and Upper Mt. Vernon Road. – Boberg
f. Request Re: Execute Agreement with Jerry David Enterprises for Parking Lot Improvements
at Igleheart Park, Vann/Pollack Park and Fendrich Golf Course. – Boberg
g. Request Re: Approve and Execute Electric Distribution Line Easement for Vann/Pollack
Park. – Johnson
h. Request Re: Permission to Seek Bids for Wolf Exhibit Fencing at Mesker Park Zoo &
Botanic Garden. – Morris*

*Recommendation from Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden Advisory Board.

4. OLD BUSINESS
a. Request Re: Consideration and Decision on Mayor’s Roberts Stadium Recommendation. –
Jay Ritter

5. NEW BUSINESS
a. Request Re: Consideration of Price Park Improvement Proposal by Evansville Soccer
Club. – Jim King
b. Request Re: Approve Budget Transfers and CIP Reprioritizations. – Boberg
c. Request Re: Any Other Business the Board Wishes to Consider and Public Comments.

6. REPORTS
a. Dave English, Fendrich Golf Course
b. Dave McAtee, Helfrich Golf Course
c. Mike Wassmer, McDonald Golf Course & Wesselman Par 3
d. Denise Johnson, Executive Director

7. ACCEPTANCE OF PAYROLL AND VENDOR CLAIMS

8. ADJOURN