IS IT TRUE? November 29, 2011 Part 2 “Lame Duck Spending”
IS IT TRUE that last night’s meeting of the Evansville City Council devolved into a lame duck spending approval festival of what may be epic proportion?…that one spending proposal after another was put up by Tom Barnett the Director of Metropolitan Development for projects of all sizes?…that there was a $100,000 deal for Mike Martin to do a refurbishment on the Euclid Apartments, a $250,000 deal to do roof work at the Old Post Office, mention of another $1 Million that â€may†be required at the Old Post Office if a certain but unnamed “federal†tenant decides to come in?…that the $1 Million could come from the Evansville Redevelopment Commission but the City Council has to approve it so “CHOP CHOP†let’s get this all authorized before power is transferred to the Winnecke Administration and hopefully someone will be watching the cash register?
IS IT TRUE that the there were three members of the City Council, namely Councilmen John and Watts along with Councilwoman Mosby that took turns making the motion, seconding it, and calling for votes faster that anyone could possibly write?…that countless spending and refinancing resolutions were jammed through along with a liquor license and a name change for a street with military precision?…that it all flew right through with 8 – 0 approvals?…that Councilman John Friend, CPA who often asks the tough financial question was across the street WHERE THE REST OF THE CITY COUNCIL SHOULD HAVE BEEN at the Indiana Utilities Regulatory Commission was having a hearing about a Vectren fee increase?…that it really seemed as though the rule of the night was spend it all now while oversight is across the street and four weeks before we are out of power was how last night was?…that it will be interesting to get a copy of the minutes and add up just how much last minute spending was jammed through?
IS IT TRUE that if these guys want to hurry up and do something productive that the CCO suggests that they do some last minute clean up of the RUBBLE PILE at 600 E. Franklin that is still both an eyesore and a health hazard?…that would take work and has little opportunity for crony deals so it falls under the category of something that can be left for the Winnecke Administration?
IS IT TRUE that as consolidation is a hot local topic of the next year that it merits looking at what is going on in the European Union right now?…that there is legitimate concern that the currency known as the Euro could come under serious pressure?…that there are serious discussions going on with respect to consolidation of the finances of the European Union for the purpose of saving the currency, stabilizing the debt markets, and bailing out the most egregious offenders (Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal and maybe others) of time honored financial management?…that what is going on in Europe right now is an example of the strong and responsible bailing out the weak and irresponsible with little of no consequence for the irresponsible?…that is not all that different than what is being contemplated right here in Evansville and Vanderburgh County?
IS IT TRUE that another example of what can happen when the federal government steps into the business world is playing itself out with President Obama’s favorite car, the Chevy Volt?…that sales are slower than expected and that there are allegedly problems with the battery packs?…that expecting people to pony up for a $40,000 car that only has commuting range during a recession is not a wise business decision?…that prematurely releasing a vehicle that develops battery problems that could have been tested for also reeks of government in the boardroom syndrome?