EPD Activity Report May 2 2011

Will Other Moles Get to Eat Mole #3’s Lunch?

The City County Observer sent out opportunities to participate in a contest to beat Mole #3 out of a lunch by beating Mole #3 in a contest to predict the winners in today’s contested primary elections. The most prolific members of the Mole Nation have taken up the challenge. Mole #3’s predictions along with the tally differences are below:

REPUBLICANS

Republican Mayoral Candidate: Lloyd Winnecke is the unanimous prediction of all participants. The average margin of victory predicted is 65% – 35%

Republican at-large City Council: The group of Kramer, Mercer, and Swaim like Mr. Winnecke were also unanimously picked to win by Mole #3 and the Mole Nation.

DEMOCRATS

Democrat Mayoral Candidate: Both candidates received votes but when the tally was complete Rick Davis wins the Mole Nation by 6 votes. Mole #3 predicts a 54% – 46% margin while other Rick Picking Moles has a narrower margin. Of note is the observation of the tallier of the votes is that the Republican Moles tended to choose Troy Tornatta while the Democrat Moles Picked Rick.

2nd Ward City Council: The contestants to eat Mole #3’s lunch put this contest as close as it gets. This contest ended in a Mole Stand-off with each candidate polling exactly half of the predictions. Mole #3 came out of his molehill to pick Patrick McBride by 1% – 2% margin in the biggest upset of the night. Once again Republican Moles tended to Team Troy picking Missy Mosby while Democrat Moles went with McBride.

3rd Ward City Council: Don Walker prevailed in this contest by a single vote and that vote was cast by Mole #3. A very close and fast closing Stephanie Brinkerhoff-Riley was second. Mole #3 even went so far as to predict that Walkers win over Riley will be by less than 50 votes.

6th Ward City Council: In a contest that mirrored the Democratic Mayoral race Al Lindsey was predicted to win by a 6 Mole margin. Every Mole including Mole #3 that picked Rick Davis also picked Mr. Lindsey, while the Republican Moles went stronger toward incumbent B. J. Watts. The margins of victory predicted were all comfortable with 6% (Mole #3) being that average prediction.

Democrat at-large City Council: The Mole Nation and Mole #3 picked the mix of Dr. H. Dan Adams, Conor O’Daniel, and Jonathan Weaver to survive the contest. While Adams and O’Daniel were unanimous picks the 3rd slot was closer with Weaver nosing out Steven Lowell Smith on name recognition.

There you have it. The Moles have spoken and everyone of them is salivating at the opportunity to knock Mole #3 off of its molehill and eat its lunch. Please brave the water and get out and cast an informed vote.

IS IT TRUE? May 3, 2011

IS IT TRUE that the more the candidates squawk on about “CREATING JOBS” that the more it becomes apparent that they do not understand the first thing about where sustainable job creation comes from?…that study after study has shown that for every government job that is “created” that it takes approximately 8 private sector jobs paying taxes to support that one government job?…that the logical conclusion from that easily defensible study is that for every make work government job that is “created” that 8 real sustainable jobs have been destroyed?…that government has never ever created even one job that is sustainable without the efforts and taxes of private sector jobs?…the Parrots on the Ohio have not yet sung that song?…that the Parrots on the Ohio have not between the four of them produces so much as one paragraph of real substance about a plan that with “create an atmosphere in which private businesses will create jobs in Evansville in pursuit of profit”?…that when we see such a document that maybe just maybe the CCO will consider making the first endorsement ever?…that after today there will only be two Parrots remaining?

IS IT TRUE that City County Observer Mole #3 is predicting that if Rick Davis prevails in tomorrow’s election for the Democratic nomination for Mayor of Evansville that Mark Owen will take the noble step of resigning from his position of Chairman of the Central Committee of the Vanderburgh County Democratic Party?…that Mole #3 predicts that in the event of a Rick Davis victory that local democratic politics has seen the last of Troy Tornatta as a candidate for office for at least 4 years?…that there are two elections that has Mole #3 thinking hard about what exactly to put on its predictions for tomorrow?

IS IT TRUE that the 3rd place in the Democratic at-large election for Evansville City Council has Mole #3 burning the midnight oil trying to handicap the contest between Steve Smith and Jonathan Weaver?…that until Mr. Smith published his position paper on government transparency that Mole #3 would have bet his lunch on Leave it to Weaver?…that since seeing the positive responses to Steve Smith’s article on government transparency that Mole #3 is going to sleep on this prediction?…that the 3rd Ward Democratic City Council nomination also has Mole #3 burning the midnight oil?…that if the anti ball field crowds come out in mass then Sylvia Trabits-Niemeier will have the edge?…that if the memories of ball fields are in the past that the excellent position papers of Stephanie Brinkerhoff-Riley will be in a good position?…that if the two female candidates share those votes equally that the Chancellor of Fudge Making incumbent City Councilman Don Walker will be in a good position to take the nomination?

IS IT TRUE that CCO friend “the Mega Preacher” has come forward with a prediction for the 2nd Ward Democratic nomination?…that the Mega Preacher is predicting that Patrick McBride will ride this week’s flooding to a very close victory over Missy Mosby?…that Lon Walters who commented positively on Steve Smiths paper on government transparency will be planning to challenge aggressively?…that the 2nd and 6th Ward elections for City Council in the general election will both be hard fought in Wards that are usually an assumed victory for whoever the Democratic candidate happens to be?

IS IT TRUE that the City County Observer encourages a clean and respectful day from all candidates and hopes that many people brave the continued rain to cast ballots?

Take That: May 3, 2011

In Response to IS IT TRUE April 30, 2011

“The battle for the Democratic “mind” is not difficult, and the “battle” was largely already waged getting on the ballot. It is very easy to be a mindless, status quo, progressive. It’s even easier in the Democratic machines because they are looking for a strong tyrant-like type to lead them to positions of power.” Eville Taxpayer

“If Davis should happen to win he will still have no control of the “machine” as you so like to call it and worse he’s alienated everyone that he would hope would come together in the name of party unity in the fall. Davis is Don Quioxte,” Curt

“whats amazing is that the committee gives Tornatta $3500 and cuts the precinct committeeman’s expense money to $25. SInce most committeemen use this to buy refreshments for their poll workers, more of the cost of the election is coming out of their pockets.” Henry

“Since when did it become the sole responsibility of the Democratic Party to provide all of the refreshments for everyone working at the polls? The poll workers are paid for their meals in addition the their pay for 12 not 16 hours of pay. I’ve never seen a poll worker spend 16 hours at the polls that are open from 6am to 6 pm” Taxpayers friend

“.What ever happened to one’s sense of duty as a citizen to perform these simple tasks so that the community, as a whole, might benefit? Pay should not even enter into the equation.” Pressanykey

IN RESPONSE TO : The Real Referendum on May 3rd

“Ask anyone on the street – we are SICK of Weinzapfel’s tactics and his dishonest way of doing business. The voters will speak loud and clear tomorrow, and we will PICK RICK because we have had enough! As for Mark Owen, we don’t care where he goes, as long as it’s far, far away from our local party. Some might say he has damaged it beyond repair, but we will put it back together again. Look out, Evansville – change is on the way” Vandydemocrat

“How quickly you “proud” Democrats forget Durham – whoops. How quickly you forget the Weaver political firings – whoops. Did you forget the reverse carpet bagger Reicken – whoops. Jack McNeeley’s threats – whoops.” Eville Taxpayer

“Curt tomorrow the voters will decide if Lindsey lives in the 6th Ward or not “ USA 1975

“Tomorrow, remember those who will remember Roberts Stadium…” Railoverauto

THE REAL REFERENDUM ON MAY 3
By Daniel Kisner

Tomorrow, Tuesday, May 3, 2011 could signal end to a political era or it just may stay intact. After almost 8 years of political successes and failures for the Weinzapfel Administration, those who are loyal to Mayor Weinzapfel are now betting on Troy Tornatta to carry on the political torch of Mayor Weinzapfel.

Tornatta’s late entrance into the Democratic primary race has caused a major division within the Vanderburgh Democratic Party. Members of the Central Committee and its party Chairman, Mark Owen are openly supporting Tornatta over Rick Davis with their words, their actions, and their money. Local union bosses are not only supporting Tornatta, they are encouraging their membership to as well. Rick Davis has not been deterred. He continues to take his message door to door and from meeting to meeting. His campaign doesn’t rely on any outside pollsters or campaign staff. His newspaper advertising is on target with his mission–“It’s time for a new direction”. His TV ads are less effective because his lovely dog takes away from his political message. On the other hand Tornatta’s TV ad is considered to be a roll of the political dice. He openly supports the Weinzapfel doctrine and suggests that if you elect him the Weinzapfel era (business as usual) shall continue. Davis spends a great deal of time staying after a public gathering and talking with those whom attended the gathering one on one. Tornatta says his piece and leaves.

Both candidates are considered intelligent, honest, well intended, aggressive, and both candidate’s spouses are considered by all to be major assets to their campaigns. However it is Davis that has the political edge because of the anti-incumbent mood of the voters.

Political watchers have all eyes on the 2nd and 6th Wards. Conventional wisdom is that if Al Lindsey wins the 6th Ward and Patrick McBride wins the 2nd Ward then Rick Davis shall be elected. However if B J Watts wins the 6 Ward and Missy Mosby wins the 2nd Ward then Tornatta shall be elected. Of course the heavily Democratic 4th Ward is also a concern for both candidates. It is considered that the 4th Ward shall not give either candidate a big voting edge because of the recent non-endorsement editorial published in the popular “OUR TIMES” newspaper who serves the needs of the people living in the Center City area.

Political types also watching to see if Republicans will cross over to vote in the Democratic primary. If they do, it is expected that the majority shall vote shall be for Davis. Political types are reporting that the Davis camp is getting its lion share of the local Tea Party and Freedom Makers votes. Also the absentee votes shall be strongly in favor of Davis because of the extensive effort made by his supporters.

Tornatta’s camp is relying heavy on the local union bosses, Mayor Weinzapfel, his loyal supporters, Mark Owens and his Democratic Central Committee, a few elected County Officials, and City Attorney David Jones.

However, it is felt widely that the city employees of Evansville and independent thinking voters shall play a major role in determining who shall win this Democratic primary battle for the nomination for Mayor of Evansville!

No matter how the votes go in May 3 Democratic primary, this shall be considered a referendum on Mayor Weinzapfel last two (2) terms in office! If Tornatta is right about the Mayors popularity, then he wins! If Davis is correct about the general rejection of Mayor Weinzapfel’s way of running the City of Evansville, then he wins!

If the Mayor is considered popular in the 2nd and 6th Wards, then Mosby and Watts will win! If not, then Lindsey and McBride will win the Democratic nomination for these City Council seats!

If Davis loses this primary battle it is all but certain that his political future is in doubt! If Tornatta loses it is almost certain his political career is over because he will have lost two political races in a row.

Finally, if Tornatta loses it shall signal the end of a successful tenure for the Vanderburgh County Democratic Chairmen, Mark Owens because of the role he played in this primary battle.

IS IT TRUE? Part 2 May 2, 2011

IS IT TRUE that some old fashioned in your face political tactics took to the streets last Saturday morning?…that no punches were thrown but that lots of banter that is usually reserved for the build up to a boxing match?…that some people felt a bit intimidated by some of this banter?…that as entertaining as this sort of thing can be in a movie theatre that the streets and sidewalks in front of the Central Labor Temple of Evansville during a hotly contested election is not the place for tough guy tactics from anyone?…that the CCO encourages a respectful and honest primary tomorrow and may the best candidates win?

UPDATE: IS IT TRUE that Evansville City Councilwoman Connie Robinson stepped into the role of peacemaker between the not so courteous factions in front of the Central Labor Temple on Saturday morning?…that she is already embracing the opportunity to start the task of healing the Vanderburgh Democratic Party?

IS IT TRUE that a democratic candidate for the Evansville City Council has requested assurances that we are clear that there will not be any problems on Tuesday at the polling places?…that all volunteers should be reminded that they will not be the only people electioneering at the polling places, and that part of their job is to get along with the other candidate’s volunteers?…that if there is any kind of aggressive speech or actions made that this person will call the police first, the media second and the election board third?…that after seeing what happened on Saturday, nothing would cause this witness to be surprised?…that the infighting among Democrats has aroused passions that have not been aroused in most of our lifetimes?… that anyone that cannot maintain a basic level of decorum is going to be reported?…that for a post primary healing to have a chance that Democratic voters should not be put into a position of being ashamed and embarrassed by the actions of poll volunteers?…that the things going on within the Democratic Party in the this primary season provides people with flashbacks to the reconstruction of the old south?

IS IT TRUE that when one Google’s the term political machine that names like Ed Crump (Mayor of Memphis), Howey Long (Governor of Louisiana), and of course Richard Daley Sr. the long ruling Mayor of Chicago are at the top of the citations?…that these so called machines were commonplace in what is now referred to as the Gilded Age?…that the main goal of political machines during the Gilded Age was to use both, legal and illegal, methods to get candidates elected to public office?…this Gilded Age was also known for corruption, intimidation, and general lawlessness in American politics at the local level?…that much of the disgust and ambivalence that regular people have toward politics has its roots in the Gilded Age of Political Machines?

IS IT TRUE that some people have alleged that Evansville has a political machine?…that some of the things that plague the City of Evansville such as crumbling infrastructure, a stagnant economy, and filth are products of political machines in other places?…that candidates who fight against substance in their campaigns relying exclusively on clubs and charisma are also indicative of how political machines operate?…that other things that political machines were known for are patronage jobs, preferred contracts, and letting things slide for insiders?…that IF and we do mean IF such a machine does exist in Evansville that it needs to be kept out of power?…that IF such a machine exists that not even one member of it should hold a position of power?…that we trust the judgment of the people of Evansville to determine IF there really is a local machine that keeps us down and to take the appropriate action at the ballot box to reject all machine politics?…that we are most curious to see how tomorrow goes?

IS IT TRUE that if Rick Davis wins tomorrow’s Democratic primary that some Republicans are considering approaching some of his supporters about switching teams?…that if Rick Davis does pull of a win tomorrow that much credit should be given to retired State Senator Paul Bitz who has worked tirelessly on his campaign?

IS IT TRUE that the predictions of certain CCO Moles will be posted tomorrow morning and that any Mole that beats Mole #3 shall be treated to a lunch at the Cork and Cleaver?

EPD Activity Report May 1 2011

Councilwoman Robinson will be the Senior Member of the Evansville City Council in 2012

CCO: The City of Evansville has poured much money into housing programs in the 4th Ward. The most visible is the Front Door Pride program. Please tell our readers how you as a resident of the 4th Ward feel that the practices of the Front Door Pride program affect the 4th Ward and the City of Evansville?

Councilwoman Robinson“I believe that the practices of the Front Door Pride Program has affected the 4th Ward in a positive manner. You have some people that moved into the 4th ward from other areas of town and them you have some individuals that live in the area and they was so impressed with the new homes that they purchased one. What we are doing in the center city, should be done in all the older areas of the city. Throughout the city we have a old housing stock that we have neglected far too long. As the Front Door Pride Program matures like any other program you will and should see changes that can be made to increase its effectiveness. I feel that if we do one block at a time, it would make more of an impact instead of one or two houses on a block. A person has to have a vision to purchase a $100,000 house next to a house worth $20,000.00”

CCO: How does your experience as a successful entrepreneur influence your judgement as a long term member of the Evansville City Council?

Councilwoman Robinson“I understand the importance of meeting budgets and extrapolating revenues and expenses. I do this on a daily basis. When I look at projects, I want to know how it will impact my cash flow/tax revenue. I understand the bottom line. I understand the need to leverage dollars to make things happen and how it will enhance the everyday lives of people and my employees. I realize that you must measure short term benefits/gains against long term investments that produce greater future benefits but may decrease short term satisfaction. I am a small business person who brings to the city a level of fiscal pragmatism and social insight with a compelling belief that a successful city government must provide a matrix to promote a successful economical, educational, political and safe environment for its citizen to achieve success, personally and as a part of a dynamic community. I learned that just as in business, when times are rough a city must have a plan and have a strong belief in that plan and the understanding that like a successful business you move forward by stepping briskly not by crawling backward.”

CCO: The City of Evansville is under consent decree by the EPA to design and repair the sewers on the south and southeast sides. Are you pleased with the mandate to repair the Combined Sewer Overflow problems within about 20 years or would you like to see that happen faster? Please explain how the CSO affects life in the 4th Ward and economic development in greater Evansville.

Councilwoman Robinson“Hopefully we can take care of this problem before 20 years. I feel that the current administration has been proactive with the projects we are currently doing. This is a quality of life issue and a issue that no one was eager to touch in the past because of the cost. Bee Slough is also a quality of life issue that I hope we can eliminate in the near future. Anything that is detrimental to a person health affects economic development. Companies are concerned about health care cost and the physical well being of their employees.”

CCO: The 4th Ward is very highly populated with legacy parks that were designed and placed there many years ago. What are your thoughts about the state of the parks in the City of Evansville and how can these parks be made to be pristine again?

Councilwoman Robinson“There is room for improvement in the majority of the parks in the City Of Evansville, not just in the 4th ward. Evansville is bless to have some beautiful parks, the time has come for us to make their care and upkeep a priority. Some of the parks in the center city could use a good power raking and over seeding that would not cost that much to do. In Caldwell Park, we have done the following this year Seal/stripe basketball courts, added new swings, planted additional trees and installed a new water fountain, In Tepe Park, they demolish the pool and installed new playground equipment.”

CCO: You voted yes on a strengthened smoking ordinance last year in a most emphatic way proclaiming that “I am my brother’s keeper”. You have not always been in favor of smoking restrictions. Please tell us about what enabled you to change your position on this locally controversial issue?

Councilwoman Robinson“I changed my opinion after listening to the speakers, for and against the ordinance and I realized that I am my brother’s keeper. I travel all over the United States and people seem to accept the fact that you are not allowed to smoke in restaurant and bars. I have grown wiser and I realize that it was the right thing to do.”

CCO: Please tell us what you like most about serving on the Evansville City Council and what you like the least about that service?

Councilwoman Robinson“I love this city, I was born and raised in Evansville, I graduated from Bosse High School and University of Evansville. My parents started a business in this city, my family has deep roots here. Serving on the city council is a way for me to give back to a city that facilitated my development. I love seeing the development that has happened during my tenure. The McDonald’s on Washington and 41 , Memorial Community Development Corporation, Memorial Housing , In conjuction with Rev Brooks, we started a summer Youth Program that Memorial community Development Corporation is running, Habitat Shadeywood Project, The African American Museum, Rochelle Landers Neighborhood Pool, Cape Senior Housing and Carver have all developed major projects during my tenure.”

We will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail.

George W. Bush, Speech after 9/11 attacks
43rd President of United States

“Justice has been done”

President Barack Obama
44th President of the United States

Enjoy our National Anthem

IS IT TRUE? May 2, 2011

IS IT TRUE that Mort Marcus has once again honored Evansville in a Mort Marcus kind of way?…that Marcus has pointed out the fact that Evansville is the winner of the “LEAST LOSER” award in the State of Indiana for losing less of the per capita income than other Hoosier cities have in the current recession?…that the Evansville region ranks 1st in Indiana with the same performance that places us in 68th on the national scale out of 179 economic areas?…that Marcus refers to such celebrations for not being quite as bad as some other places as “HOOSIER HAPPY TALK”?…that leading the pack in the loser’s bracket is just not as satisfying as competing for real leadership recognition UNLESS of course one’s head is so far in the sand that one is not even aware of how the rest of the country is doing?…that worldly awareness leads to world class aspirations?…that national awareness leads to national aspirations?…that if one only aspires to be the best on the block then one will surely achieve that distinction?

IS IT TRUE that obliviousness and lack of ambition lead to winning in national rankings in metrics like obesity and suicide, both of which Evansville leads in?…that the past is protocol and that much of where we are is because of where we have been or settled to stay?…that if one likes things the way they are that change is about as attractive as a bath is to a cat?…that this cat called Evansville is in need of a bath and that now is a good time to start?…that these race to the bottom statistics that we seem to be turning up as leaders in should be a call to action to local political and business leaders?…that our candidates for office are still not addressing these situations with any substance?…that our primary winners will be chosen in most of the races without proposing a darn thing?…that after Tuesday’s primaries the heat to provide some real ideas will be turned up?…that at least 3 candidates have already contributed papers of substance to the CCO and that we surely hope to see those three pass on to the general election as a reward for their thoughts and willingness to put something real out there?

IS IT TRUE that members of the City County Observer staff attended the Evansville Police Department Foundation Scholarship Awards gathering? ….the students that won the EPDF 2011 Scholarship awards were, Lauren Barnett, Andrew James Brickner, Kelsey Gelzleichter, Lauren George, Laura Molinet and Cameron Whitler?…that we not only congratulate the Scholarship winners but also Chief Brad Hill and Assistant Chief Robert Hahn for putting on this outstanding event?…that we recommend that you consider joining the EPDF 100 Club by donating $100 to this worthwhile organization by calling 812-436-4030 for more details?

IS IT TRUE people are saying that the political rift in the Democratic party is beyond repair?…that after the May 3 Primary that the fate of the Vanderburgh County Democratic Party shall rest in the hands of two (2) veteran office holders?…that the only individuals that can bring people back to the table to work out a peaceful solution to the correct the problems of the Vanderburgh County Democratic Party are City Council members, Connie Robinson and Dr. Dan Adams?

IS IT TRUE we are hearing that one candidate for Mayor of Evansville has told 5 people that he shall appoint them as the next Chief of Police under his administration. …that he also told 7 fire fighters that he shall appoint them as his next Fire Chief?…that we hear he has promised 11 people that they will be his Chief of Staff if elected?

IS IT TRUE that a member of the Evansville City Council tried to have highly respected member of the Police Merit Commission removed from the position that Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel appointed him to?…that the above member of the Evansville City Council shouldn’t expect any political help from this individual in the May 3rd Democratic primary?