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IS IT TRUE – September 30, 2010

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SPECIAL EDITION

IS IT TRUE that the Vanderburgh County Council had their annual review of civil taxing unit budget? ….that the Evansville-Vanderburgh Airport Authority is on track to lose $2.7 million dollars in 2010 on a $6.0 budget? ….that the Board of Directors of the Airport Authority seemly forgot that this area is battered by a recession and extremely weak economy and should make the financial adjustment accordingly? ….that for 2011, the EVV recommended 3.0% salary increase for employees. ….that the County Council Finance Chairmen, Tom Shelter, Jr. recommends that the request be lowered to 1.5%, same percentage as Vanderburgh County employees are getting this year? ….that County Councilmen also recommends $0.00 for an Assistant Fire Chief position that has been vacant for more than 6 months? ….the County Council voted 6 to 0 to approve Chairman’s budgetary motions with only one abstaining? ….the City County Observer staff congratulates the Vanderburgh County Council for making sound budget decisions in this matter?

IS IT TRUE we wonder how much money the Evansville/Vanderburgh Airport Authority made on it’s Golf Course this year?

IS IT TRUE that the Evansville City Council met yesterday to discuss and vote upon the Community Development Block Grant and Emergency Solution Grant Programs for 2011? ….. that this program is funded by the federal government but is controlled by the Department of Metropolitan Development?

IS IT TRUE that City Councilperson Connie Robinson and Council President BJ Watts surprised at least four Council members by making last minute changes to this program? …..that their amendments passed by a final vote of 5 to 4 to remove funds from established programs that include food for the elderly, food for needy children, funds for homeless shelters, and funds for the Tri-state food bank just to name a few? …..that the majority of the funds recommended for transfer by the above Council members were well over $15,000?

IS IT TRUE that the majority of the funds recommended for transfer, over $15,000.00, were moved to fund a new untested and unproven program that duplicated the efforts of an well established and respected second chance to society program?….specifically monies were moved from the following organizations, $6,037 from Churches Embracing Offenders, $2,283 from the YMCA’s Caldwell Community Outreach Center, $1,000 from Tri-State Food Bank, $4,042 from CAPE for family homeless shelters, $1,775 from meals on wheels, $2,000 from ARK crisis care child care, $1,000 from Needs Weekend Child Care in Ministry, $2,458 from Tri-state food bank program backpacks for kids?

IS IT TRUE that the nine (9) member Community Advisory Committee met for numerous hours over a period of months to recommend to City Council for approval of allocation of the funds to worthy organizations in our city?….that Five (5) Council members (John, Watts, Robinson, Mosby & Friend) arbitrarily cut these programs to give the money to a newly established program called Counseling for Change? …..that none other than the past City Council member and retired city detective Steve Bagbey, who spearheaded the new arena project, a past member of the Alcoholic Beverage Commission and present Chairman of the Evansville Safety Board, and is also the new Social Service Director of Counseling for Change organization?

IS IT TRUE that some of the newly appointed board of directors members of this new organization are Steve Bagbey, retired Fire Chief George R. Flowers Sr. and Evansville City Clerk Alberta Matlock?…. that we hope that Mrs. Matlock has filed her “conflict of interest” statement with the Vanderburgh County Clerk immediately for being on a City of Evansville subsidized board?

IS IT TRUE that the City County Observer congratulates Council members Dan McGinn, Wendy Bredhold, Dr. Dan Adams, and Don Walker for exhibiting courage and wisdom by voting against this last minute presto-chango to redirect money to a long time political ally of Mayor Weinzapfel? ….that the City County Observer and staff are disappointed that there is seemly a blatant disregard of decorum for protocol when reallocating public funds when John, Watts, Robinson, Mosby & Friend vote as a political block.

FINALLY IS IT TRUE that this entire vote represents blatant disregard for good public policy.

EDITORIAL – Tornatta Raises Homestead Tax Credit’s Ugly Head

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Marsha Abell



Troy Tornatta

By: Don Counts, Editor

On April 1, 2008 Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel invited a carefully selected group of elected and appointed officials to his office. That meeting and the 14 months of silence that followed it resulted in what is now recognized as one of the biggest political mistakes of the century in the State of Indiana. When the scenario played itself out 14 months later it became obvious that this secret meeting had jeopardized the Homestead Tax Credit for the citizens of Vanderburgh County. The intent of the April Fool’s Day 2008 meeting was not to jeopardize the Homestead Tax Credit, the clear intent was to eliminate the Homestead Tax Credit appropriating $5.1 Million from the homeowners of Vanderburgh County into the coffers of local government. However, the invitation specified that the meeting was to discuss ways to save money in the next year. Vanderburgh County was the only county in the entire State of Indiana to do such a thing. Eventually, Governor Mitch Daniels intervened on behalf of the citizens of Vanderburgh County to reinstate the 2009 Homestead Tax Credit correcting and overruling local officials including Mayor Weinzapfel who incorrectly stated that it could not be done. Thankfully, Vanderburgh County homeowners were spared the hardship of having their Homestead Tax Credit vanish like a thief in the night. In the end, it was a visibly shaken Mayor Weinzapfel who appeared on television and told the taxpayers they would get back the homestead tax credit.

At a recent debate between Marsha Abell (R) and Troy Tornatta (D), candidates for the office of Vanderburgh County Commissioner, Commissioner Tornatta brought up the issue of Mrs. Abell’s presence at the now infamous secret Homestead Tax Credit meeting. In that debate Commissioner Tornatta accused Mrs. Abell of being complicit in the attempt to take $5.1 Million out of the pockets of Vanderburgh County homeowners by conveniently “forgetting” to vote to renew the Homestead Tax Credit. Mrs. Abell retorted that her position on that issue was one of no power since the City Council by Indiana State law was the final decision maker on whether a Homestead Tax Credit would be granted to homeowners in 2009 and the Evansville City Council had to present it to the Vanderburgh County Council for a vote, which they did not do.

The secret meeting was hosted by Mayor Weinzapfel and attended by then County Council President Marsha Abell, then County Councilman Lloyd Winnecke, then County Commissioner President Jeff Korb, County Auditor Bill Fluty, Finance Chairman and City Councilman Curt John, then City Council President Keith Jarboe, Mayor Weinzapfel’s chief of staff Rose Young, and then City Controller Lisa Acobert.

Because the meeting contained no agenda or quorum of any local governmental body, it was not required by Indiana’s Open Door Law to be advertised or held in public. Make no mistake, this was never meant to be a public meeting and whomever issued the invitations made sure that it would not be public when the guest list was being formulated.

Fourteen (14) months later this issue has been raised by Commissioner Tornatta in his campaign in an attempt to defame Mrs. Abell and retain his seat as a Vanderburgh County Commissioner. Because of Commissioner Tornatta’s insistence on making this an election issue in 2010, it is very likely that this issue will also be a focus point in the City of Evansville elections for Mayor and City Council in 2011. In fairness to Mrs. Abell who is bearing the full force of this issue, it is a good time to call for some confessions on the part of the attendees and those City and County officials who were not at the meeting, but should have recognized the oversight a few months later. As Commissioner Tornatta has amply pointed out and Mrs. Abell has agreed, transparency and honesty are of upmost importance in the selection of public officials. The details of the April Fool’s Day meeting and the reason(s) that not one person came forward publically to expose this secretive attempt to increase the taxes on Vanderburgh County homeowners by $5.1 Million by deliberately choosing not to act are worth exploring one more time. In fact, nobody came forward until the City-County Observer broke the news about this secret meeting.

It is clear that the Mayor of Evansville, Jonathan Weinzapfel, orchestrates and primarily controls the budget of the City of Evansville that is approved by the City Council. Vanderburgh County’s budget is controlled by the County Commissioners and approved by the County Council. Mr. Tornatta was a member of the Vanderburgh County Commissioners at the time of the April Fool’s Day meeting when the saga of the disappearing Homestead Tax Credit began. The City Council, the County Council, and the County Commissioners along with the Mayor were populated with people who were experienced in the budget process and had formed budgets that included the Homestead Tax Credit in previous years.

It was not only the people who received invitations from the Mayor to the April Fool’s Day meeting who were responsible for including the Homestead Tax Credit into the 2009 budget. Each and every member of the respective City and County Councils and each County Commissioner bear responsibility for this oversight whether it was deliberate or not. As a sitting County Commissioner and a former member of the County Council, Commissioner Tornatta was just as responsible as Mrs. Abell for assuring that the Homestead Tax Credit was included in the 2009 budget. It is very difficult to accept the fact that with over 20 elected officials participating in the budgetary process, not a single one remembered to propose renewal of the Homestead Tax Credit in June of 2008. This oversight had to have been orchestrated both inside and outside the group who were selected to receive invitations to the April Fool’s Day gathering.

The City County Observer refuses to accept political charges from someone who also should have caught the Homestead Tax Credit oversight and come forward to rectify it. Commissioner Tornatta should engage his opponent in the real issues of this campaign like finding a developer to replace the Executive Inn, providing financial oversight to the CVB’s $18M ball field proposal, industrial development, roads, sheriff and fire protection, unified government, funds for entrepreneurship, and other quality of life issues that inhibit Vanderburgh County’s competitiveness for outside investment.

To publically support honesty and transparency but fail to address issues that happened on one’s watch is hypocritical. As a reminder, it was the City County Observer that exposed the Homestead Tax Credit fiasco after confirming the information in an interview with Marsha Abell. Her assertion at the recent debate with Commissioner Tornatta that the City County Observer was the only media outlet initially that would publish her account about the Homestead Tax Credit fiasco is also true.

It is often said that behind every successful man is a strong woman. At the time that the Homestead Tax Credit fiasco occurred, Marsha Abell was the only female elected official on any of the three governing bodies in Vanderburgh County. She is also the only one of the group of over 20 elected and appointed officials to have her presence at the meeting used against her in a political campaign. It seems as though the old saying is reversed here in Vanderburgh County. Behind one strong woman are a herd of men who are fearfully hoping that she will take the heat for them all. In Vanderburgh County politics, the practice of chivalry runs in reverse.

THE ARTS COUNCIL’S BROWN BAG SERIES IS BACK, STARTING WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13 WITH THREE ENTERTAINING & MEMORABLE PERFORMANCES

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(Evansville, IN) – The Arts Council offers another month of great performances for its October Brown Bag Performance Series. Performances take place EVERY WEDNESDAY at noon, in the Arts Council’s Bower-Suhrheinrich Foundation Gallery. The public is invited to attend any or all of the scheduled Brown Bag series performances, free of charge. The Gallery is located at 318 Main Street in Innovation Pointe.
• October 13 – Tales & Scales: HOP on down for Tales & Scales’ performance of THE FROG WHO WANTED TO BE A SINGER! This interactive, jazz-infused African American tale about the birth of rhythm and blues illustrates that through imagination, plenty of practice, and steadfast determination one can develop the self-confidence to achieve one’s dream! Join the fun and help welcome the new troupe, featuring Ashley Frary (vocalist), Zach Guenzel (keyboards), Chris Martin (percussion), and Monte Skelton (woodwinds).

• October 20 – Eykamp String Quartet: Members of the Eykamp String Quartet serve as principal string players of the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra and as Artists in Residence at the University of Evansville. The 2010-2011 members include Gared Crawford, Violinist, Jung-Min Shin, Violinist, Craig Bate, Violist, and Kevin Bate, Cellist

The Eykamp String Quartet provides classical music performances of artistic excellence and passion. This dynamic quartet is committed to ensuring that both chamber and orchestral music are a vital part of our community and beyond.

The Eykamp Family established the quartet and vision in 2002.

• October 27 –Bob Minnette Ensemble, featuring Bob Minnette and David Schnerr:
Whether you enjoy rock or Bach, this ensemble’s musical talents are sure to please. Bob Minnette has been a trumpet soloist and vocal musician for many years in the Evansville and Tri-State area. His love of light jazz and old standards has led to countless live performances and movies as well.

Performing often with Bob is David Schnerr, who is at home as a performer whether he is playing a classical guitar recital or doing a progressive jazz gig at a local hot-spot. David has also received much acclaim as a classical, jazz and media music composer. He is available for solo and ensemble performances for a variety of occasions.

The BSF Gallery hours are Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm. Call 422-2111 for additional information or visit the Arts Council website at www.artswin.evansville.net for updates on current arts events in the Bower-Suhrheinrich Foundation Gallery, as well as those in our community.

IS IT TRUE? September 1, 2010

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Mole

　
CITY AUDIT AVAILABLE OCT. 1, 2010
IS IT TRUE THE 2009 AUDIT OF THE CITY OF EVANSVILLE COULD BE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC REVIEW ON OCT. 1, 2010? ….THIS AUDIT COULD ADDRESS POSSIBLE BOOK KEEPING PROBLEMS WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF METROPOLITAN DEVELOPMENT AND THE BARNETT-GAGE-EVANSVILLE BOND BANK SALARY DEAL?

GENEROUS ACT
IS IT TRUE THAT MEMBERS OF THE KNIGHT TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE LEGISLATIVE BODY (ADVISORY BOARD) RECEIVES A YEARLY STIPEND OF EXACTLY $1,884.00 PER YEAR FOR SERVING ON THIS BOARD? …. THAT THE $1,884.00 IS FOR ATTENDING 4 MEETINGS PER YEAR? …..THAT LEGISLATIVE BODY MEMBER J D STROUTH DONATED HIS YEARLY STIPEND BACK TO THE TRUSTEES OFFICE IN ORDER THAT THE MONEY COULD HELP THE POOR OF KNIGHT TOWNSHIP? …..WE WANT TO THANK BOARD MEMBER J D STROUTH FOR THIS MOST CARING AND GENEROUS ACT?

WHAT AN EVENING!
IS IT TRUE THAT THE POLITICAL FORUM SPONSORED BY THE UNITED NEIGHBORHOODS OF EVANSVILLE LAST WEEK WAS A ROUSING SUCCESS? ……THE CITY COUNTY OBSERVER WAS EXTREMELY IMPRESSED WITH THE QUESTIONS ASKED BY THE ATTENDEES AND THE ANSWERS GIVEN BY THE CANDIDATES? ….MARSHA ABELL (CANDIDATE FOR COUNTY COMMISSIONER) AND PATTY AVERY (CANDIDATE FOR STATE SENATE) STOLE THE EVENING BY DISPLAYING THEIR SUPERIOR PUBILIC SPEAKING SKILLS AND “RIGHT ON” POLITICAL MESSAGE? …..THAT MARSHA ABELL’S COMMENTS CONCERNING THE ENBATTLED “EVANSVILLE GAGE” GOT THE ENTIRE ATTENTION OF THE CROWD? …..WHEN MRS. ABELL PROMISED THE AUDIENCE THAT WHEN SHE IS ELECTED TO THE VANDERBURGH COUNTY COMMISSIONERS THAT SHE WILL PUSH TO GET RID OF “GAGE” WAS MET WITH A RESOUNDING ROUND OF APPLAUSE? …WE HOPE THAT CURRENT MEMBERS OF THE VANDERBURGH COUNTY COUNCIL IN ATTENDANCE AT THIS FORUM TOOK SPECIAL NOTE OF THE CROWDS RESPONSE TO MARSHA’S REMARKS?

McGINN QUESTIONS
IS IT TRUE THAT 1ST WARD CITY COUNCILMAN, DAN McGINN PREPARED TWO (2) QUESTIONS THAT WERE ASKED TO EVERY DEPARTMENT HEAD THAT COMES BEFORE COUNCIL AT THE CURRENT CITY BUDGET HEARINGS?
IS IT TRUE THE FIRST (1) QUESTION IS, “DO YOU RECEIVE ANY INCOME FROM ANY NOT-FOR -PROFIT ENTITY THAT IS FUNDED IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY ANY BOARD, DEPARTMENT OR AGENCY OF THE CITY OF EVANSVILLE, IN ADDITION TO THE SALARY LISTED IN THE LINE ITEM? ….. EVANSVILLE FIRE CHIEF, CITY OF EVANSVILLE CORPORATION COUNSEL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF METROPOLITAN DEVELOPMENT, ACTING DIRECTOR OF THE EVANSVILLE WATER AND SEWER UTILITY ALL ANSWERED “YES“ TO THIS QUESTION?
IS IT TRUE THE SECOND (2) QUESTION WAS, “DO YOU OR ANY RELATIVE OWN OR HAVE ANY INTEREST IN, OR RECEIVE ANY MONEY, OR BENEFIT, OR INCOME FROM BUSINESS THAT DOES BUSINESS WITH OR CONTRACTS WITH ON A REGULAR BASIS‘? …..THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF THE EVANSVILLE WATER AND SEWER UTILITY, THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF SUSTAINABILITY, ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ANSWERED “YES” TO THIS QUESTION?
IT TRUE WE WONDER IF ALL THE ABOVE INDIVIDUALS HAVE A “CONFLICT OF INTEREST “STATEMENT FILED WITH THE VANDERBURGH COUNTY CLERK OFFICE?

BRIDGE TO NOWHERE
IS IT TRUE THAT ALASKA HAD PROPOSED TO BUILD TO “BRIDGE TO NOWHERE”? ….THAT THIS BRIDGE WAS NEVER BUILT DUE TO PUBLIC OUTRAGE OF “PORK BARREL” SPENDING? …THAT THE EVANSVILLE CITY COUNCIL AND THE VANDERBURGH COUNTY COMMISSIONERS NOW HAVE TWO SUCH BRIDGES ALREADY BUILT? ….THEY RUN TO THE PARKING GARAGE LEADING TO ABANDONED EXECUTIVE INN AND THE OTHER GOES FROM “THE CENTRE” TO THE HALF DEMOLISHED HOTEL? ….THAT IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THE BRIDGE LEADING FROM THE HALF DEMOLISHED EXECUTIVE INN TO “THE CENTRE” COST THE VANDERBURGH TAXPAYERS ABOUT $3 MILLION DOLLARS?

SHELVE IT UNTIL NEXT CITY ELECTIONS
IS IT TRUE THE CITY IS PUSHING THE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT TO LEASE THE ROBERTS STADUIM PROPERTY TO THE EVANSVILLE AND CONVENTION AND VISITORS GROUP FOR 99 YEARS AT THE COST OF $1 A YEAR? …..IT WOULD MAKE BETTER SENSE IF THE EVANSVILLE TAXPAYERS WOULD BAND TOGETHER AND STOP THIS DEAL FROM GOING THROUGH UNTIL AFTER THE NEXT YEARS CITY ELECTION? .….WE DON’T HAVE TO REMIND YOU ALL OF THE STATUS OF THE EXECUTIVE INN, AND McCURDY APARTMENT/CONDO PROJECTS ARE STILL UP IN THE AIR?

NO 9-0 VOTE
IS IT TRUE THAT THE 2011 CITY BUDGET MAY NOT GETA UNANIMOUS VOTE? …..THE VOTE COULD BE 7-2 OR 6-3 FOR PASSAGE?

TABLED
IS IT TRUE WE’RE GLAD TO HEAR THE TOM BARNETT’S PROPOSAL TO INCLUDE THE DOWNTOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT IN A TIF DISTRICT WAS STALLED BY THE EVANSVILLE-VANDERBURGH COUNTY AREA PLAN COMMISSION LAST MEETING? …..HIS RECORD SPEAKS FOR IT SELF SINCE HE HAS BEEN THE DIRECTOR OF THE EVANSVILLE METROPOLITAN DEVELOPMENT. …..THAT MR. BARNETT’S AND HIS FAVORITE BOARD (EVANSVILLE REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION) INVOLVEMENT WITH THE HAYNIE’S CORNER ”GREEN ALLEY” PROJECT, McCURDY CONDO/APARTMENT, EXECUTIVE INN, THE GAGE-BARNETT SALARY DEAL, A NON-INTERST AND UNSECURED LOAN TO GAGE AND MOST OF ALL THE FAILED FRONT DOOR PRIDE PROJECT IN THE INNER CITY MAY HAVE SCARED THE AREA PLAN TO SUPPORT ANOTHER “PIE IN THE SKY” PROJECT PROSPOSAL BY BARNETT? ….THIS IS ANOTHER DECISION SHOULD BE TABLED UNTIL NEXT YEARS CITY COUNCIL ELECTION?

HE SAID WHAT?
IS IT TRUE THE BUDGETUARY COST CUTTING SUGGESTION MAKE BY 6TH WARD CITY COUNCIL, B J WATTS TO TURN OFF STREET LIGHTS IN THE CITY HAS CAUSED QUITE A BUZZ AMONG THE “POLITICAL WATCHDOG” GROUPS? …..THEY KEEP ASKING THEMSELVES THIS QUESTION -“HE SAID WHAT“??????????

GRASS ROOT SUPPORT
IS IT TRUE THE EXTREMELY POPULAR VANDERBURGH COUNTY TREASURER, RICK DAVIS IS HIGHLY CONSIDERING TO RUN FOR THE MAYOR OF EVANSVILLE. …..HE HAS THE GRASS ROOTS SUPPORT AND ENOUGH MONEY COMMITTED TO HIS CAUSE TO TAKE ON ANY COMPETITION IN THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY? …..IF HE DECIDES TO RUN, HE SHALL ANNOUNCE IN NOVEMBER OF THIS YEAR?…. THAT CCO MOLE#3 SAYS THAT IF MR. DAVIS DECIDES TO RUN FOR MAYOR OF EVANSVILLE THAT HE WILL WIN THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY?

OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVANT
IS IT TRUE WE FEEL THE NEWLY APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF THE EVANSVILLE ZOO, AMOS MORRIS IS DOING AN OUTSTANDING JOB????? ……THE ANSWER IS A RESOUNDING “YES”?

The Poll Results Are In on Head to Head Matchups

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Bill Fluty

Republicans dominate all Polls, Reflecting National Trends for Independents

During the last half of August, the City-County Observer conducted non-scientific online polls for both of the national offices and for the Vanderburgh County offices of Assessor and Auditor.
In our polls for the congressional races our readers that elected to cast votes in our polls preferred Republican candidate Dan Coats who is running for United States Senator against the former Vanderburgh County Sheriff and local favorite son Congressman Brad Ellsworth. In the other poll newcomer Republican Dr. Larry Bucshon who is challenging the long time popular state legislator from Posey County Trent Van Haaften to become the Congressman from Indiana’s 8th District. In both races many votes were cast but much to our surprise in the end the Republican candidates garnered roughly a 2 to 1 margin over both Democrats. Our surprise was rooted in the fact that our readers are predominately independent.

National polls project a 20+ point margin of victory for Dan Coats over Congressman Ellsworth, but only project a moderate margin of victory for Dr. Bucshon.

The poll for Vanderburgh County Assessor pitting Republican Bill Fluty against incumbent Democrat Jonathan Weaver drew the highest vote tally to date of any poll conducted by the City County Observer.
In a race that attracted nearly 400 votes Mr. Fluty outpolled Mr. Weaver by roughly a 2 to 1 margin. Mole #3 tells us that there was some mischief going on among Mr. Weaver’s Democratic friends. It seems as though Mr. Weaver’s willingness to oppose the status quo and take independent positions inspired many of his pseudo Democratic supporters to cross party lines. Was this to send a message to Mr. Weaver or was it because a group of Democrats really want to elect a Republican to the office of Vanderburgh County Assessor? We are counting on Mole #3 to advise us on the real breakdown someday soon, so stay tuned.

In the race for Vanderburgh County Auditor between Republican Joe Gries and newcomer Democrat Maura Robinson, the results were even more one sided. In a poll that drew less than 200 voters Mr. Gries drew approximately 6.5 votes for every vote that Ms. Robinson attracted. One reason for Ms. Robinson’s shallow support could be her service on the board of directors of the politically embattled and controversial GAGE (Growth Alliance for Greater Evansville). As a newcomer who is not politically well known she may be able to explain her tepid support.

The City County Observer appreciates its readers expressing their preferences through voting in our polls and we will continue to solicit the input of our readers by posting polls. Next up, we shall see. Good luck to all of the candidates in the following campaign season.

LT. GOVERNOR SKILLMAN IN EVANSVILLE TO SUPPORT McNAMARA’S RACE FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE (HD-76)

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Wendy McNamara and Lt. Governor Becky Skillman

Lt. Gov Becky Skillman traveled to Evansville Tuesday to show her support for State Representative candidate Wendy McNamara, saying McNamara is “unique, qualified, and with a realistic outlook for today’s government.”

“When I met her a little over a year ago,” said Skillman of McNamara, “she made an immediate and positive impression. We have high expectations for her.”

Skillman also told the supporters gathered at Ri Ra that McNamara’s experience as an educator will be highly beneficial to the district at the State House.

“Wendy has superior skills in education and is people-focused,” said Skillman. “She will be able to hit the ground running and provide valuable input on day one.”

McNamara expressed gratitude for the Lt. Governor’s support of her campaign.

“I have a great deal of admiration and respect for Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman,” McNamara said. “I am grateful and welcome her support of my campaign and appreciate the energy that the Lieutenant Governor brings to Southwest Indiana.”

McNamara says that if elected, she will focus on the advancement of education in her district, bringing new jobs to Southwest Indiana, and fighting to keep taxes low for businesses and working families while promoting a state budget that is balanced and fiscally responsible.

To join McNamara at her next event, please visit: www.wendymac2010.com or join the group on Facebook at http://facebook.com/wendymac2010.

Letter to the Editor from Patty Avery

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PattyAvery

The Zoning and Land Use subcommittee of the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Consolidation Committee is to be commended for taking time to consider the concerns that have been voiced about the impact on farmers of simply overlaying the city’s ordinances on county residents.

As the subcommittee finalizes its recommendations, I urge them to remember that Vanderburgh County farms are small businesses. Many of their families were the original economic development engines as Southwestern Indiana took shape, and their ability to do business and be financially viable must not be negatively impacted by a consolidation effort.

Proponents of consolidation say they want a streamlined local government that creates a climate more conducive to economic development. Demand for locally-grown agricultural products is increasing. That means that a vibrant agricultural community is a boost to economic development. It would be short-sighted to not adopt the measures needed to protect the county’s family farms.

At Vanderburgh County Farm Bureau’s recent annual meeting, committee member John Bittner and Indiana Farm Bureau Vice President Randy Kron discussed the organization’s very real concerns about the proposals that are pending regarding consolidation of Evansville and Vanderburgh County. For consolidation to be a “win-win” for both urban and rural residents, Kron said, it is vital for the committee to fully consider consolidation’s lasting impact on those of us who live in or farm in rural Vanderburgh County.

For a final recommendation to result in a “win-win”, it should include establishment of ordinances and a tax structure that protect our area farms in any proposed transition to a consolidated government.

Sincerely,

Patty Avery

Red Cross Volunteers Responding to Hurricane Earl

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(Evansville) –The American Red Cross is ready to respond to Hurricane Earl from North Carolina to New England, preparing to open shelters and feed those affected by the Category 3 storm that is bearing down on the United States, bringing heavy rains and sustained winds blowing at 125 mph.

In an effort to be prepared, volunteers from the Southwestern Indiana Chapter will leave on Thursday to drive an ERV (Emergency Response Vehicle) from Evansville to Dedham, Massachusetts to ensure it’s pre-positioned and ready to help with relief efforts depending on the track of the hurricane. The Evansville based ERV and its volunteers are one of 150 vehicles and sets of crews headed to the East Coast in anticipation of Earl.

“Our local volunteers train year round for opportunities like this – to get out and help others in need during times when our local community is not affected by a large scale disaster,” said Matt Bertram, Regional CEO. “Volunteers are the backbone of our organizations and allow us the flexibility to pre-position vehicles, personnel and supplies in anticipation of disasters to ensure when seconds matter – help is available to those in need.”

Update about current Red Cross Disaster Operations:

+ Emergency planning is taking place in North Carolina, South Carolina, New York, Massachusetts, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.

+ In North Carolina, evacuation orders have been issued for some of the barrier islands starting Thursday night and the Red Cross has 14 shelters ready to open with more than 80 additional shelter sites identified if needed.

+ People who are evacuating can register on the Red Cross Safe and Well Website, accessible at www.redcross.org, so that friends and relatives can find out how they are. For those who don’t have internet access, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to register yourself and your family. Follow the prompts for disaster information.

+ The Red Cross has four warehouses stocked with relief supplies are on stand-by, and two trailers of relief supplies are en route to North Carolina, carrying clean-up kits, tarps, work gloves, comfort kits, and trash bags.

The work and mission of the American Red Cross is carried out and funded by donations from the community. To make a financial donation to help the people affected by this storm and other disasters here in the United States and around the world, people can click, call or text – visit www.evansvilleredcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. The storm may also impact blood collections in the affected areas. To find out how you can be a blood donor, visit www.redcrossblood.org

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

“Lost in the Fifties” Reitz High School, Class of 1960 Reunion

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Reitz High School
The “Lost in the Fifties” Reitz High School, Class of 1960 Reunion will be held the first weekend in October. Friday the 1st we will meet from 2:00 PM till midnight at Burdette Park, Shelter #18, dinner will be served at 4 PM and then at 6 PM we will go to Reitz for a tour of the school and then stay for the Reitz/North football game. Saturday October 2nd we will gather at the West Haven Chalet, 5510 Booker Road for a Buffet Dinner, Program, Pictures and dancing with music provided by a DJ. On Sunday October 3rd will be a good-bye brunch at Ri-Ra’s.

Invitations have been sent and classmates are encouraged to return registrations and checks as soon as possible so final preparations can be made. Any friends of the class or classmates that did not graduate and would like to attend this 50th anniversary are very welcome. If you have not made your reservation please call Bonnie Aramowicz or email her at bjaramo@wowway.com.

Check out the class website: http://freepages.school-alumni.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~reitzclassof1960/

Public Meeting for the Discussion of the Evansville Convention & Visitor Bureau Proposed Wesselman Park Sport Complex

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Date & Time: Wednesday, September 15, 2010, 6:00 p.m.

Place: Kevin Winternheimer Chambers 301 Civic Center Complex
One NW Martin Luther King Blvd.
Evansville, IN 47708

(Evansville, IN)- The public is invited to attend a public meeting regarding the discussion of the proposed Wesselman Park Sport Complex by the Evansville Convention & Visitor Bureau. The meeting will take place on Wednesday, September 15, 2010, at 6:00 p.m. and be held in the Kevin Winternheimer Chambers, Room 301, Civic Center Complex, One NW Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Evansville, IN 47708. A brief presentation on the proposed complex will be made by David Dunn and the public will be allowed to offer their opinion on the proposal.

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