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Wall Street Journal calls EPA Sewer Mandates on Cities “The Obama Storm Tax”

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President Barack Obama

Excerpts:

“Behold the Obama Administration’s new public works plan. Sue cities for polluting waterways and then as part of a settlement require them to spend, er, “invest” billions in extraneous sewer improvements. The White House doesn’t even need legislation to pour this money down the drain.”

“The Justice Department and Environmental Protection Agency have taken enforcement actions against 25 cities over the last four years for allegedly violating the Clean Water Act, and there are another 772 on their list.”

“The EPA says this extraordinary intrusion on local sovereignty is justified because cities are discharging waste into waterways during heavy rains.”

“The U.S. Conference of Mayors says the EPA’s heavy-handed management can’t be justified by the supposed environmental or economic benefits.”

“Fossil fuel CEOs couldn’t have said it better.”

“Since cities don’t have that much spare change, they’ve been making improvements incrementally. But the EPA is demanding that they accelerate their work, which means they’ll have to issue bonds as well as raise residents’ water and sewer rates. David Berger, the Democratic mayor of Lima, Ohio—which has a median household income of $26,000—told Congress this summer that the EPA’s consent decree could raise the average resident’s $333 annual sewer bill by $539. Call the surcharge the Obama storm tax.”

“New York City’s deputy mayor for operations Cas Holloway is less charitable. The EPA, he wrote in “The Environmental Forum” journal this month, is “treating cities as it might have treated Standard Oil early last century.” The agency is “imposing billions of dollars of unfunded mandates without a clear scientific and public health basis for doing so.”

Perhaps by targeting cities the EPA is merely trying to show that it’s an equal opportunity harassing regulator. To adapt one of the President’s favorite phrases, everyone deserves a fair shakedown.”

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390444799904578052673425236066.html

IS IT TRUE October 23, 2012

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The Mole #??

IS IT TRUE October 23, 2012

IS IT TRUE that the CCO article on “most accurate polls” is linked to by political websites all over the world?…this article is now the most read article ever on the CCO by a factor of 2 and climbing?…that it took the CCO 3 months to get hits from every state in the union back in 2010 when we started counting?…that is happening before lunch on a regular basis nowadays with the top locations of readers outside of Evansville being Washington, New York, and California?…this one article will have more hits in October than the entire CCO had in October of 2010?…we are eager to see what the next 2 weeks brings in terms of traffic?

IS IT TRUE the Gallup Poll taken during October 15th and 16th is crystal clear with respect to the most important things that people are most concerned about and what the issues are that will dominate their choice on whom to vote for?…that in order of importance those polled ranked the economy first at 37%, unemployment second at 26%, and the federal budget deficit 3rd at 12%?…these three issues that are causing most Americans discomfort all have to do with prosperity and financial management and add up to 75% of the electorate’s areas of concern?…no other topic even commands double figures?…that when it comes to foreign policy that was the subject of last night’s debate only 4% indicated a concern for foreign aid being handed out which is very much about a trashed out economy at home and 3% are concerned with the war in Afghanistan?…that given these concerns it is hard to see how last night’s debate however entertaining it may be should make little difference in what happens on November 6th?…that men and women who seem to have a difference in presidential preference substantially agree on the issues of importance?

IS IT TRUE that the fact checkers for last night’s debate came out swinging at both sides right after the two candidates for President left the stage?…that both candidates however stately they may have looked and sounded are credited with some real whoppers about each other last night?…both polls and focus groups seemed to indicate that the President won the debate on technical merit but that they cared little about the subject matter?…the subject matter that Gallup and other polls are finding that people care about is the future of the US economy?…that with 75% plus of those asked voting on the economy and with 65% of those giving Romney kudos on the economy one would expect that Mitt Romney is headed to the White House in the absence of something pretty heinous coming out?…65% of 75% is 49% and that if 49% of the electorate are hardened for Romney at this stage of the game it is inevitable that he will end up with at least 51% of the popular vote?…that given this situation and the strategic importance of Ohio that this election will come down to the President’s charisma in the State of Ohio?…one of the fact check items in Romney’s favor from last night’s debate was his version of what his op-ed in the Wall Street Journal actually said he would do about General Motors?

IS IT TRUE if Romney gets that across in Ohio he will be President?…one striking thing that came out at the end of the debate is that both candidates still seem to think that their MOJO at home translates into MOJO abroad?…one has to wonder if they see or listen to the mobs in the street ripping up and biting into American flags like Orcs ready to attack Helm’s Deep as potential adoring fans?…in the Middle East which has been a hot spot for generations America is not liked, is not going to be liked, and the sooner our leaders get that through their heads the better?

IS IT TRUE that all politics is local and that last night Evansville’s City Council was told that the Ford Center’s financial loss in its first full year of operation is projected to be $300,000, and that next year’s expected loss is $341,000?…the CCO has sounded the alarm on this reality for roughly a year now and have been scoffed at for doing so?…these numbers are so close to the shortfall in Riverboat money that it is eerie?…that $3.4 Million of the notes on the Ford Center will be paid from Riverboat money that could have been used for public safety or critical infrastructure?..there is nothing critical about temples to sport?…we are pleased to report that three members of the Evansville City Council (Riley, Adams, & Lindsey) had the presence of mind to vote NO on a budget that does not start from a reconciled set of books?…if the MIPS software is humming along now as stated at the last council meeting that should only delay the reconciliation by a few weeks?

IS IT TRUE we watched the final stages of City of Evansville budget hearings on WINN this evening? …we were extremely impressed with City Council Budget Chairman John Friend, CPA on how he conducted himself throughout this entire budget hearing process? …we were also extremely unimpressed with the presentation of the Evansville Fire Chief’s arguments concerning his requests for increases in his 2013 budget? …that he showed disrespect towards City Councilmen Al Lindsey, John Friend and Dr. Dan Adams during the televised hearing? …we also found it disrespectable that the Fire Chief was chewing gum while he was in front of City Council when he was defending his budget and answering questions from City Council members? …we bet he didn’t act this way when he addressed his Commanding Officer when he honorably served on a United States Navy “Nuclear Submarine” in years past?

Nickelodeon’s Fresh Beat Band @ The Centre 10/24/2012

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The Fresh Beat Band, Nickelodeon’s popular preschool music group and stars of the hit TV series of the same name, are adding a second leg (50 cities, 70 performances) to their current sold-out nationwide concert tour and will play Evansville, IN on October 24, 2012 at The Centre. After a brief break from the road, the tour will resume Aug. 23 in Melbourne, Fla. More than 200,000 fans will have seen the live show by the end of the first run making it one of this year’s most successful music tours. Tickets and Fresh Beat Band VIP packages will be available at www.freshbeatbandlive.com and www.ticketmaster.com beginning Friday, April 13. Nickelodeon and Ticketmaster will offer pre-sale tickets and VIP packages beginning Thursday, April 5, at 10 a.m. local time in each city. Citi® card members will also have access to pre-sale tickets beginning Thursday, April 5, at 10 a.m. through Citi’s Private Pass Program at www.CitiPrivatePass.com.

“The Fresh Beat Band Live in Concert tour has ignited a fan frenzy and we’re thrilled that so many kids and parents want to come see the Fresh Beats perform live,” said Paula Kaplan, Executive Vice President, Talent Strategy and West Coast Operations, Nickelodeon Group. “The additional tour dates will give more kids across the country an opportunity see their favorite rock stars – Kiki, Marina, Twist and Shout.”

The Fresh Beat Band Live in Concert Tour Presented By Nickelodeon features Kiki (Yvette Gonzalez-Nacer), Shout (Thomas Hobson), Marina (Tara Perry) and Twist (Jon Beavers) performing The Fresh Beat Band hits from seasons one, two and three of the Nickelodeon live-action music series that teaches preschoolers about music appreciation. Songs performed include “Here We Go, “A Friend Like You, “Bananas,” and “Just Like A Rockstar,” among others. The first-ever The Fresh Beat Band soundtrack – The Fresh Beat Band: Music From The Hit TV Show – is currently available on iTunes and in stores everywhere. The album features 19 catchy, preschool-friendly tracks also culled from three seasons of the TV series and has been number-one on the iTunes Children’s Music chart since its release in January.

UE VETS Selected for Statewide Competition of Student Veteran Organizations

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UE VETS, the University of Evansville’s student organization for military veterans, current service members, and their families, has been named one of the top student veteran organizations in Indiana and invited to participate in the statewide Student Veterans’ Organization (SVO) Hall of Fame Competition.

The competition, hosted by the Military Family Research Institute at Purdue University, will take place Saturday, October 27, at the NCAA Hall of Champions in downtown Indianapolis. The event is open to the public.

The University of Evansville is the only private college or university selected to participate in the SVO Hall of Fame Competition. Other participants are Ball State University, Indiana University Southeast, Ivy Tech Bloomington, Ivy Tech Sellersburg, Ivy Tech Wabash Valley, and Purdue University. Before a panel of judges, students will discuss their organization’s achievements, lessons learned, best practices, and future goals.

Participants were chosen based on their outstanding performance in past grant competitions sponsored by Operation Diploma, the post-secondary education initiative of the Military Family Research Institute. The winning organization in the SVO Hall of Fame Competition will receive a $2,000 grant.

“The SVO Hall of Fame Competition represents some of Indiana’s most inspiring student leaders,” said Shelley MacDermid Wadsworth, director of the Military Family Research Institute. “Their efforts impact Indiana campuses, where they are working to ease the transitions of student service members and veterans from military service to post-secondary education. I expect these men and women to continue making a difference in our communities long after they have achieved their educational goals.”

More information, including registration details, is available on the SVO Hall of Fame Competition event website.

Source: Evansville.edu

Business Leadership Network considering adding Southwestern Indiana chapter

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Business owners and persons who are interested in hiring people are encouraged to attend an organizational meeting for creating a Business Leadership Network (BLN) in Southwestern Indiana. The meeting will be held at the University of Southern Indiana at 8:15 a.m. on Thursday, October 25 in the Romain Board Room in the Business and Engineering Center.

The Business Leadership Network is a national, employer-led endeavor designed to create a business-to-business approach to promoting employment of people with disabilities. There are 60 affiliate chapters in more than 30 states, and Indiana has seven regional BLNs but none in Southwestern Indiana. This meeting is an effort to organize a local chapter.

Employers in a BLN gain resources for recruiting candidates with disabilities; disability hiring information; exposure to qualified job applicants with disabilities; and a network of employers sharing information on common disability employment issues.

The University of Southern Indiana is the lead organization in developing the local chapter. Dr. Mohammed Khayum, dean of the College of Business, will introduce the program, and Dr. Nancy Kovanic, instructor in Management, will give an overview of the needs and benefits of a BLN in Southern Indiana.

“October is Disability Employment Awareness month,” said Kovanic. “At a time when the focus is on employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities, employers of Southern Indiana are discussing a network related to hiring people with disabilities.”

The event is free and reservations can be made by email to ldillbec@usi.edu.

The Indiana BLN utilizes a regional concept with the five regions of the state recognized by Indiana’s Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. More about Indiana BLN can be found at http://inbln.org/ .

Blackard stands by position

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Throughout my campaign for judge, I have questioned the efficiency of the current Juvenile-Probate division of the Vanderburgh Superior Court. I will continue to do so. Under its current leadership, the court has become so inefficient, that it has become ineffective. For over three decades, the Superior Court maintained a well defined structure with “Paternity” cases being filed and resolved in the Juvenile division. These cases generally involve a single parent attempting to obtain child support or hoping to receive parenting time with their child. Emergency paternity hearings were being set up to 8 months in the future after being filed. For example, under Judge Niemeier’s system, if a parent were to file a paternity action to get parenting time with a 5 month old child, the parent would not likely set foot in the Juvenile Court until after the child’s 1st birthday. That’s unacceptable and yes, inefficient.

Paternity filings began to noticeably increase in 2008 and they quickly became backlogged due to the fact that Judge Niemeier refuses to hear paternity cases. This is not a new problem. Prior to the “Reorganization” of the Superior Court on September 1, 2012, paternity cases represented approximately 1/3 of this Superior Court division’s total case load. Not until I challenged my opponent for re-election to a third term, did Judge Niemeier feel compelled to act. Does making the first comprehensive change to Superior Court in 30 years just 8 weeks before the election seem coincidental? I’ll leave that up to the voters to decide. Regardless, I commend the other Superior judges for stepping in and picking up the slack.

I am running for judge because I want the opportunity to make a difference in our community. I’ve witnessed the current Juvenile Court system firsthand, and it’s in trouble. As an Evansville native and father to 2 young children, I have a vested interest in not only their safety and security, but of your children and grandchildren as well. I am not part of the establishment. I am not running as the attorney’s judge. I am not running for endorsements and awards. I am running as a new kind of people’s judge.

FOOT NOTE: POSTED WITHOUT OPINION, BIAS OR EDITING.

Councilwoman Stephanie Brinkerhoff-Riley to Receive 2012 Mole Award

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3rd Ward City Councilwoman Stephanie Brinkerhoff-Riley

The City County Observer is pleased to honor Evansville City Councilwoman from the 3rd Ward Stephanie Brinkerhoff-Riley with a MOLE AWARD for 2012. Brinkerhoff-Riley’s courage and diligence in vetting contributed significantly to save the taxpayers of Evansville at least $4.8 Million by stopping the Earthcare Energy deal in its tracks. After the City Council approved this deal in a controversial 5 – 4 vote Stephanie expended hundreds of hours of personal effort to vet the concept and the management team. Eventually an opportunity to terminate the agreement was seized upon by the Winnecke Administration and as they say, the rest is history. For this exceptional effort the CCO has chosen Councilwoman Riley as one of only 5 recipients of this year’s Mole Award.

Stephanie Brinkerhoff Riley was born in Danville, Illinois in 1972. Her father was a union Boilermaker and farmer, and her mother a housewife. She moved with her family moved to Newburgh, Indiana in 1988, and graduated with honors from Castle High School. Stephanie went on to the University of Evansville and worked full-time to supplement her scholarships to pay her own expenses. Stephanie was the first person in her family to graduate from college.

She finished cum laude in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Administration and a minor in Political Science. She went on to put herself through law school at Indiana University Mauer School of Law in Bloomington. Graduating in 1999, Stephanie went to work as a business agent for the United Steelworkers of America, and was a third generation union member. After three years with the Union, she went on to work for a union-side labor law firm in Chicago.

The call of home tugged on Stephanie’s heartstrings so considering the Evansville area home, she returned to start her own law practice. Brinkerhoff-Riley, LLC was born in January of 2004, and Stephanie limited her practice to family law, criminal law and employment discrimination. In late 2006, she merged her practice with Gerling Law Offices.

Stephanie continued her training and became a registered Domestic Relations Mediator, an advocate of collaborative divorce and one of four Certified Family Law Specialists in southwestern Indiana.

From 2004 to 2011, Stephanie became very involved in the Evansville community, serving as the Chairman of the Family Law Section of the Evansville Bar Association, joining the Board of Directors of both the YWCA and the Jacobsville Area Community Corporation, serving as a Precinct Committeeperson and the Third Ward Leader for the Democrat Party, and as a mentor through the YWCA Live Y’ers Program. She also volunteered as the defense attorney in the Juvenile Court CHINS Drug Court, became President of the Vanderburgh County Democrat Club, was invited and attended Leadership Evansville, and won numerous awards for her pro bono legal work.

Her community involvement culminated in a run for the Third Ward City Council Seat in 2011. After winning the election and wanting to devote significant time to the position, Stephanie left Gerling and re-established her own firm. She now owns and runs Brinkerhoff -Riley, P.C., where her practice is limited to family law litigation.

Stephanie is married to Bradley Riley, a Tool & Die Maker and the Machine Shop Supervisor at Evana Automation. They have three sons and a daughter: Ty is a 21 year old college student at the University of Southern Indiana, Cole is a senior at North high school, and the twins, Zoe and Beck, are 30 months old.

From humble beginnings, Stephanie has largely created her own destiny. She backs down from nothing and is absolutely committed to making Evansville a better place to live. Staunchly independent, she is not afraid to take on both parties at the same time if need be. She’s smart, responsive to the voters, and capable of being Mayor someday.

Judge Niemeier responds to opponent

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Once again I feel compelled to respond to my opponent’s claims. While I have read post after post by supporters from each side, I have tried to stay above all of the petty gamesmanship. Unfortunately, when my opponent crosses the line and distorts my record and insults my staff I feel obliged to let the people of this county know the truth. In his last article, Mr. Blackard claims that “as many as 1000 cases have been stripped” from Juvenile Court due my inefficient system. This simply is not true.
Mr. Blackard should quit trying to be cute with his words, which mislead the public. Our race is not for a federal office, it is for a local judgeship. Attorneys and the fine people who work in the Civic Center know the truth of the Court`s recent restructuring. After having the same rotation system in place in Superior Court for over 30 years, and after a year of planning, the seven Superior Court judges instituted a change by having Judge Pigman handle major felonies, Judge Trockman handle drug cases, and the Judge Lloyd, D`Amour, Tornatta, and Kiely handle a new family law division which includes paternity cases. This new restructuring allows some of the judges to specialize and allows me and my staff more time to concentrate on children who have been abused and neglected. These neglect cases have almost quadrupled over the last ten years, due to the meth epidemic.
Juvenile Court was not “stripped” of 1000 cases. My court and staff were not being inefficient. Mr. Blackard`s comments are just political “spin” .The decision to restructure all of Superior Court was done to help our community. At our last forum in front of the Rotary, Mr. Blackard claimed he will take back these 1000 paternity cases into Juvenile Court where they belong. This would be a colossal mistake.
The new family division is working terrifically. By evenly distributing Superior Court`s workload over all of the judges the community is better served. The abused children cases are and should remain Juvenile Court`s number one priority. Anyone reading Mr. Blackard`s comments would think that cases were removed against my will, due to my lack of efficiency. He deliberately tried to make the public think something which is absolutely false.
Since I am responding to political “spin”, I might as well respond to another recent accusation of my opponent. I had originally ignored the controversy when Mr. Blackard implied that my campaign was destroying signs and it was my duty to put a stop to it. Let me make this perfectly clear, neither I nor my supporters are destroying signs. All of us candidates have had a lot of signs stolen and destroyed, but yet none of us went to the public accusing our opponents. Unfortunately, signs being destroyed are part of every campaign. I wish the police would catch one of the juveniles who are probably doing it to all of us. It would make my day. To accuse people of wrong doing without any facts is simply wrong. As a defense attorney who represents people charged with crimes, Mr. Blackard should know better than to make baseless claims. Quite frankly, I am getting tired of having my reputation smeared without one ounce of truth behind the claims. For over 20 years I have represented this county as a prosecutor and now as Judge and nobody has ever questioned my integrity and work ethic. It is sad that Mr. Blackard has resorted to this type of campaign.

FOOT NOTE: POSTED WITHOUT OPINION, BIAS OR EDITING.

VANDERBURGH COUNTY FELONY CHARGES

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VANDERBURGH COUNTY FELONY CHARGES

This feature is sponsored by Chris Walsh For Vanderburgh County Clerk. Chris Walsh is a veteran county administrator that strongly supports our local law enforcement professionals . Chris Walsh is a candidate that possess a non-partisan attitude with a consumer friendly demeanor. Chris also stands against unification of city and county governments.
This ad paid for by the committiee to elect Walsh Clerk.

Evansville, IN – Below is a list of felony cases that were filed by the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office on Friday, October 19, 2012.

Elizabeth Burton Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated Endangering a Person with a Passenger
Less Than 18 Years of Age – Class D Felony (Two Counts)
Neglect of a Dependent – Class D Felony (Two Counts)

Jeremy Jones Possession of a Controlled Substance – Class D Felony
Possession of Paraphernalia – Class A Misdemeanor

Jennifer Lefler Possession of Paraphernalia – Class A Misdemeanor
(Enhanced to a Class D Felony due to Prior Convictions)
Public Intoxication – Class B Misdemeanor

Richard McIntyre Possession of Methamphetamine – Class D Felony
Possession of Paraphernalia – Class A Misdemeanor
Possession of Marijuana – Class A Misdemeanor

Stephen Rainey Possession of Methamphetamine – Class D Felony
Possession of Paraphernalia – Class A Misdemeanor
(Enhanced to a Class D Felony due to Prior Convictions)
Possession of Marijuana – Class A Misdemeanor
(Habitual Substance Offender Enhancement)

Eric Sanders Possession of a Controlled Substance – Class D Felony (Two Counts)

Jeffery Thomas Carrying a Handgun without a License – Class A Misdemeanor (Two Counts)
(Enhanced to a Class C Felony due to Prior Convictions)

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

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

Class Range
Murder 45-65 Years
Class A Felony 20-50 Years
Class B Felony 6-20 Years
Class C Felony 2-8 Years
Class D Felony ½ – 3 Years
Class A Misdemeanor 0-1 Year
Class B Misdemeanor 0-180 Days
Class C Misdemeanor 0-60 Days

US Inflation Rises as Gasoline Lifts Consumer Prices in September 2012

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US Inflation Rises as Gasoline Lifts Consumer Prices in September 2012

October 16, 2012 · Filed Under Inflation

US inflation advanced in September for a second month as higher energy costs again lifted consumer prices, newly released data from the US government shows.

Consumer prices climbed 0.6 percent in September, matching the level in August that had registered as the biggest advance since mid-2009. Gains were led by higher fuel with the month’s sharpest increase of 7% tagged to gasoline prices. They are 6.8% higher than a year ago.

“For the second month in a row, the substantial increase in the all items index was mostly the result of an increase in the gasoline index, which rose 7.0 percent in September after increasing 9.0 percent in August. The other major energy indexes increased in September as well,” the US Labor Department reported Tuesday, October 16, in its monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI) report.

Food prices continued higher by 0.1%, but the rate was slower than the previous month’s 0.2% pick-up. While dairy and beverage prices went up in September, meats, poultry, fish, and eggs fell 0.6% compared to the prior month when they went up 0.4%. After surging 1.9% in August, the cost of fresh fruits dropped 0.9%. Still, food prices over the past year have jumped 1.6%.

Higher food and gas prices take money from American consumers that would normally get spent elsewhere. When excluding these volatile categories that can deflate the economy, core US inflation rose 0.1 percent in September for a third month in a row.

“There isn’t any meaningful risk of short-term core inflation,” Bloomberg quoted Guy LeBas, chief fixed-income strategist at Janney Montgomery Scott LLC in Philadelphia, who correctly forecast the gain in core prices. “When it comes to everyday goods and services, the lack of demand just isn’t going to push prices higher.”

In addition to more expensive food and gasoline, US consumers paid 2.0% more for shelter in September, a repeat of the August increase. Other advancing items included medical care (+0.3%), hospital services (+0.6%), airline fares (+1.4%) clothing (+0.3%) and tobacco (+0.2%). Major items to fall were new cars (-0.1%) and used cars (-1.4%) — the latter tumbling the most since February 2009 as dealers discounted to move newer models.

US inflation jumped 2.0 percent over the past 12 months, up from 1.7 percent in August.

Core US inflation also advanced 2.0 percent for the year through September compared with 1.9% for the year through August. The core US inflation rate is closely watched by the Federal Reserve as it helps determine where the central bank sets its key interest rate. The level is right at the Fed’s target of 2.0%.
“Core inflation was low and unthreatening (in September), but in truth neither matters to a Fed monetary policy committed to lowering unemployment,” Reuters quoted Joseph Trevisani, a market strategist at Worldwide Markets in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

Source: Inflation Calculator