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EVSC News Conference Planned

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Back to School Time!
Thursday, July 28
10 a.m.
EVSC Board Room, Administration Building
1 SE Ninth Street, Evansville

It’s that time of year again! School HAS started at one of our buildings and is about to start at McGary (Aug. 1) and Delaware and Evans (Aug. 4). The rest of our schools kick off the year on Wednesday, Aug. 10. The purpose of this news conference is to talk about some special initiatives we have planned that start on Friday. You may have noticed billboards and bus bench ads around town advertising times to enroll and where bus transportation information can be found.

These are two very important topics for families and the EVSC wants to emphasize the importance of starting school on the first day of school at the right time. Enrolling early is important and knowing what a child’s bus number and bus stop is, is integral to them getting to school on time and making the most of their school year. Every minute counts!

A new program for families to update emergency information will also be discussed.

Ozone Alert – July 27, 2011

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The Evansville Environmental Protection Agency and the Vanderburgh County Health Department have issued an OZONE ALERT for July 28, 2011 because ambient concentrations of Ozone may reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups level of the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS).

The current ozone NAAQS was set by the U.S. EPA in 2008 at an eight-hour average of 76 parts per billion (ppb). Eight-hour ozone levels between 76 to 95 ppb are considered to be Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups such as children and active adults, and people with respiratory diseases like asthma on the Air Quality Index (AQI) scale.

Air Quality Index Ozone 8-hr average
Good 0-59 ppb
Moderate 60-75 ppb
>>>>>Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups 76-95 ppb
Unhealthy 96-115 ppb
Very Unhealthy 116-374 ppb

Within a few hours or days, exposure to higher levels of ozone can cause lung and throat irritation, shortness of breath, increase the frequency of asthma attacks and aggravate respiratory diseases such as asthma, emphysema and bronchitis. Children, active adults, and people with respiratory diseases should limit prolonged outdoor exertion especially between 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. when ozone levels are highest.

NO OPEN BURNING is allowed during Ozone Alerts. The use of gas and charcoal grills is permitted, but we encourage postponing grilling until air quality improves.

To do your share to protect air quality and reduce pollution levels:
• USE PUBLIC TRANSIT – RIDE METS FREE ON OZONE ALERT DAYS!
• CONSERVE ENERGY of all kinds – turn off lights, reduce air conditioner use, etc.
• Limit your driving. Avoid unnecessary vehicle idling.
• Park and go inside instead of using drive-through windows, especially if there are long lines.
• Postpone fueling your vehicle until after 6:00 p.m. Don’t ‘top-off’ your tank when filling up.
• Consider using electric or manually operated lawn equipment. If you use gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment, stop working at 10:00 a.m. and / or postpone work until after 6:00 p.m.
• Limit the use of solvents, parts cleaning fluids, paint thinners and chemicals. Replace lids when finished.
• Postpone painting or use water-based paints instead of oil-based paints.

IS IT TRUE? July 28, 2011

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The Mole #??

IS IT TRUE? July 28, 2011

IS IT TRUE that the candidates for the 5th Ward seat on the Evansville City Council are the most competitive candidates out there right now that are both speaking out on the shenanigans that have led us to the paltry state of affairs with the new Downtown Convention Hotel?…that with the 1st and 4th Wards being unopposed, the 2nd Ward, 3rd Ward, and 6th Ward being historically Democratic and contested by people with very different ideologies, the 5th Ward turnout may just be the Ward that will determine the Mayor of Evansville?…that the candidates for Mayor of Evansville should have their minions in the back room calculating just how long the coattails of Mr. Grafton and Councilman Friend may be?

IS IT TRUE that it is usually the top of the ticket that takes the lead in elections like this?…that neither Rick Davis nor Lloyd Winnecke have uttered so much as a peep about the haphazard way that the Evansville Redevelopment Commission has provided stewardship and accountability over the public’s dollars?…that coming forth with a plan that will define a VETTING PROCESS to determine how to spend public money for the highest positive impact at the minimum risk would clearly give one candidate an opportunity to take the high ground and the lead?…that the City County Observer has solicited both Mayoral candidates for their position on how this should be done?…that we have not gotten or received any responses?…that the next 4 years will take much cognizant thought and bold action to start digging Evansville out of the hole that it is in with respect to runaway spending and crumbling infrastructure?…that the 5th Ward is the only testing ground for offering up real solutions so far?…that maybe Mayor Grafton or Mayor Friend is the choice that we should be considering?

IS IT TRUE that the Evansville Redevelopment Commission has called a special meeting today with only two items on the agenda?…that one of those items appears to be a discussion and maybe even a vote to move forward to find and hire a person or firm to properly VET the proposals of the Kunkel Group and Prime Lodging?…that this indeed is the decision that is made that the City County Observer encourages and supports this decision?…that it is abundantly clear at this point that the ERC, Mr. John Kish, and no appointed committee that is made up of local candidates with any chance of political approval can give these proposals a “FAIR TRIAL”?…that a CHANGE OF VENUE is most appropriate?…that the diligence from home needs to be focused so that the HOME COOKING GOOD OLD BOY OPTION is not part of any outside VETTING PROCESS?…that we need to make sure that the VETTING FIRM is really hired to VET and not to do someone’s political bidding?

IS IT TRUE that the other item on the ERC agenda today is apparently about the cellular communications inside the Arena?…that the CCO alerted Evansville to the potential for last minute issues with regard to this last year when we learned that the YUM Center in Louisville had overlooked cellular service to the tune of a $2 Million change order just after opening?…that item #2 is “11-ERC-54 – Approval of Neutral Host Lease Agreement With AT&T Mobility, LLC For Distributed Antenna System”?…that in the City Council meeting on May 9th and memorialized on page 7 of the minutes of that meeting is a statement by Mr. Kish saying that he did not think that the City of Louisville truly incurred any cost at all for the cellular hardware solution to providing cellular service and that he did not anticipate that the City of Evansville will either?…that we hope that some members of the Evansville City Council remember this statement and hold Mr. Kish to his word regarding this issue?…in case they have forgotten that a link to the minutes of the May 9, 2011 City Council meeting is below?…that the words of interest start at the top of page 7?

May 9, 2011 City Council Minutes

IS IT TRUE? July 27, 2011 Special Evening Edition

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IS IT TRUE? July 27, 2011 Special Evening Edition

IS IT TRUE that there was an accident at the new Arena today that resulted in a major water line being burst?…that the water inside the Civic Center needed to be shut off to search for the leak and to commence with the repairs?…that we do not know when this repair will be completed but that we do have confidence that the crews will work 24/7 to correct this unfortunate occurrence?…that this is one of those accidents that just seems to be a part of a big construction project and that the closer we get to completion the more of these kinds of accidents may happen?…that this will cost money to fix and that the operation of the Civic Center may be disrupted costing more money and public services?…that we wonder if the costs associated with this and any future accidents will be paid for from the Arena budget as they should be?…that the Arena budget does not seem to be absorbing any of the collateral damages associated with the Arena?…that claiming to meet ones budget within the four walls of the Arena but refusing to acknowledge the collateral damage is not really honest accounting?

IS IT TRUE that the Evansville Redevelopment Commission is having a “special” meeting tomorrow that is open to the public?…that this meeting will be at 11:30 am in the conference room of the EVSC in the back out-lot of the Civic Center?…that there is no agenda published on the ERC website but that the City County Observer was supplied with the agenda at 5:00pm today after making a formal request?…that there does not seem to have been a 48 hour notice given to the media to publicize the meeting but that it was certainly at least 46 hours based on publication time stamps?… that even if no business can be conducted that this meeting will be quite interesting because there is certainly the potential for a discussion regarding whether or not an outside firm will be brought in to do the vetting of the two hotel proposals?…that the firms that made these proposals may also be present for clarifications or questions with respect to these proposals?

IS IT TRUE that right in the middle of the beginning of the vetting of the hotel proposals that one self proclaimed TV news team has not been running any stories about any of the details of the proposals which have been readily available to the public for a week?…that this crack team seems to be content to run story after story about dogs?…that as much as people like dogs that using canine filler for an entire segment of news when the City of Evansville is under fire over hotel deals gone bad is somewhat irresponsible?…that this particular station may just be asked to change its call letters to WDOG?…that they can also change their by line to “always fetching, always barking”?

IS IT TRUE that the Evansville Convention and Visitors Bureau has taken its new Executive Director’s advice to turn down the funding request made by the Evansville Community Tennis Association?…that the ECTA had requested $1.1 Million in tax dollars to build 6 indoor and 6 outdoor tennis courts at Wesselman Park?…that they allege to have half of the money needed to build the facility and a contract that gives them the right to proceed?…that we shall see about that?…that some who have looked over their contract have offered the interpretation that the contract was not executed on the time frame set forth and is no longer binding?…that once again we shall see?…that the City County Observer is proud of Mr. Bob Warren doing the ROI analysis on the project and recommending to his board not to fund this based on the numbers and not on some politicians passion for tennis?…that recommendations like this are the kind of work that comes from competence and diligence and that it is good to see a thinking man in a stewardship position over taxpayer dollars?...that the initial grade for Mr. Warren is an A for completeness?

Civic Center Water Shut off due to Arena Construction

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Geyser

Major Water Line Broken but Under Repair

Civic Center Moles are reporting that the Civic Center has had its water shut off due to an accident that occurred across the street at the Arena. Sources confirm that there is a leak gushing and that construction crews are busy making the necessary repairs to the water line that was ruptured.

No injuries have been reported yet there is no estimate as to when service will be restored to the Civic Center.

The Authority and Responsibilities of the City Council for the actions of the Evansville Redevelopment Commission

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Subject: City/Common Council and Evansville Redevelopment Commission

By: Wayne Parke

There are several references one has to review to understand what authority/responsibility the City/Common Council and the Evansville Redevelopilment Commission (ERC) have. See the References below for some of those sites.

Discussion:

Generally speaking the City /Common Council has very broad power/authority regarding almost anything regarding the City. Some of their authorities/responsibilities are to pass/approve a budget that governs all the city’s expenditures for a year and it is the legislative body of city government. It legislates by passing city resolutions and ordinances. A city ordinance is a law passed by City/Common Council that can cover a wide range of city-related issues.

When the City/Common Council passes/adopts an Ordinance it goes to the Mayor for signature or veto. If the Mayor vetoes an ordinance the City/Common can still make the ordinance law with a 2/3 vote to override the Mayor’s veto. An ordinance does not need to have the approval of the Mayor or any other city government agency to become law. This is true even though the Mayor is the chief executive. Any city ordinance cannot be in conflict with any State or Federal Law.

Indiana Code 36-4-6-21, gives the City/Common Council the authority to investigate city departments, city officers and employees of the city. When doing an investigation, the City/Common Council is entitled to all records and can compel the attendance of witness.

The City/Common Council has nine members. Currently there is one Republican and eight Democrat members. The Democrats have had a majority control of the City/Common Council for 35 straight years.

The Redevelopment Commission was created by State statue. A city can elect or not elect to have one. Our City/Common Council adopted an ordinance creating the Evansville Redevelopment Commission (ERC) in the 1980’s under Mayor Mike Vandeveer. The City/Common Council approves/disapproves the ERC yearly budget. The ERC has five members. The City/Common council appoints two of the five members and the Mayor appoints three of the five. Many of the things the ERC does requires a confirming resolution of the City Council so that they can act. An example, the City Council passed a resolution giving ERC the power to handle the arena matters.

The Department of Metropolitan Development (Tom Barnett) is the administrative agency for the ERC.

Therefore I believe, with a majority vote the City/Common Council has the authority to legislate/review/investigate almost any City issue if they decide they want to do so. Some Commission members and City /Common Council members (not all) tend to rubber stamp what the Mayor wants to do without asking tough questions to make sure their action represents the best interest of the citizens of Evansville.

References:

1) Evansville Municipal Code: http://www.codepublishing.com/IN/evansville/

Study the complete code with emphasis on Title 2 Administration and Personnel. Note Chapter 2.10 on City/Common Council and Chapter 2.50 on the Department of Redevelopment.

2) Indiana Code: — TITLE 36. LOCAL GOVERNMENT & http://www.in.gov/legislative/ic/code/title36/ar4/ch6.html
Note IC 36-4-6-21 Investigative powers of legislative body (the City/Common Council)

Wayne Parke

Classic Charlie Reese on Taxes: 545 vs. 300 Million

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545 vs. 300,000,000 People
-By Charlie Reese

Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them.

Have you ever wondered, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits, WHY do we have deficits?

Have you ever wondered, if all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, WHY do we have inflation and high taxes?

You and I don’t propose a federal budget. The President does.

You and I don’t have the Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations. The House of Representatives does.

You and I don’t write the tax code, Congress does.

You and I don’t set fiscal policy, Congress does.

You and I don’t control monetary policy, the Federal Reserve Bank does.

One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one President, and nine Supreme Court justices equates to 545 human beings out of the 300 million are directly, legally, morally, and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country.

I excluded the members of the Federal Reserve Board because that problem was created by the Congress. In 1913, Congress delegated its Constitutional duty to provide a sound currency to a federally chartered, but private, central bank.

I excluded all the special interests and lobbyists for a sound reason. They have no legal authority. They have no ability to coerce a senator, a congressman, or a President to do one cotton-picking thing. I don’t care if they offer a politician $1 million dollars in cash. The politician has the power to accept or reject it. No matter what the lobbyist promises, it is the legislator’s responsibility to determine how he votes.

Those 545 human beings spend much of their energy convincing you that what they did is not their fault. They cooperate in this common con regardless of party.

What separates a politician from a normal human being is an excessive amount of gall. No normal human being would have the gall of a Speaker, who stood up and criticized the President for creating deficits.. The President can only propose a budget. He cannot force the Congress to accept it.

The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives sole responsibility to the House of Representatives for originating and approving appropriations and taxes. Who is the speaker of the House now? He is the leader of the majority party.. He and fellow House members, not the President, can approve any budget they want. If the President vetoes it, they can pass it over his veto if they agree to.

It seems inconceivable to me that a nation of 300 million cannot replace 545 people who stand convicted — by present facts — of incompetence and irresponsibility. I can’t think of a single domestic problem that is not traceable directly to those 545 people. When you fully grasp the plain truth that 545 people exercise the power of the federal government, then it must follow that what exists is what they want to exist.

If the tax code is unfair, it’s because they want it unfair.

If the budget is in the red, it’s because they want it in the red.

If the Army & Marines are in Iraq and Afghanistan it’s because they want them in Iraq and Afghanistan …

If they do not receive social security but are on an elite retirement plan not available to the people, it’s because they want it that way.

There are no insoluble government problems.

Do not let these 545 people shift the blame to bureaucrats, whom they hire and whose jobs they can abolish; to lobbyists, whose gifts and advice they can reject; to regulators, to whom they give the power to regulate and from whom they can take this power. Above all, do not let them con you into the belief that there exists disembodied mystical forces like “the economy,” “inflation,” or “politics” that prevent them from doing what they take an oath to do.

Those 545 people, and they alone, are responsible.

They, and they alone, have the power.

They, and they alone, should be held accountable by the people who are their bosses.

Provided the voters have the gumption to manage their own employees…

We should vote all of them out of office and clean up their mess!

Tax his land,
Tax his bed,
Tax the table,
At which he’s fed.

Tax his tractor,
Tax his mule,
Teach him taxes
Are the rule.

Tax his work,
Tax his pay,
He works for
peanuts anyway!

Tax his cow,
Tax his goat,
Tax his pants,
Tax his coat.

Tax his ties,
Tax his shirt,
Tax his work,
Tax his dirt.

Tax his tobacco,
Tax his drink,
Tax him if he
Tries to think.

Tax his cigars,
Tax his beers,
If he cries
Tax his tears.

Tax his car,
Tax his gas,
Find other ways
To tax his ass.

Tax all he has
Then let him know
That you won’t be done
Till he has no dough.

When he screams and hollers;
Then tax him some more,
Tax him till
He’s good and sore.

Then tax his coffin,
Tax his grave,
Tax the sod in
Which he’s laid…

Put these words
Upon his tomb,
‘Taxes drove me
to my doom…’

When he’s gone,
Do not relax,
Its time to apply
The inheritance tax.

Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
CDL license Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Excise Taxes
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
Fuel Permit Tax
Gasoline Tax (currently 44.75 cents per gallon)
Gross Receipts Tax
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax
Inventory Tax
IRS Interest Charges IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)
Liquor Tax
Luxury Taxes
Marriage License Tax
Medicare Tax
Personal Property Tax
Property Tax
Real Estate Tax
Service Charge Tax
Social Security Tax
Road Usage Tax
Recreational Vehicle Tax
Sales Tax
School Tax
State Income Tax
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
Telephone Federal Excise Tax
Telephone Federal Universal Service Fee Tax
Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Taxes
Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax
Telephone Recurring and Nonrecurring Charges Tax
Telephone State and Local Tax
Telephone Usage Charge Tax
Utility Taxes
Vehicle License Registration Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Watercraft Registration Tax
Well Permit Tax
Workers Compensation Tax

CVB Unanimously Rejects ECTA Funding Request for Tennis Courts

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Wessleman Park Tennis Court Project Rejected

Today the Board of Directors of the Evansville Convention and Visitors Board rejected the request made by the Evansville Community Tennis Association for $1.1 Million to subsidize building 12 tennis courts in Wesselman Park. The vote was 4 – 0 to reject the request with 2 members (Schafer and McCarty) abstaining for conflicts of interest. Vectren’s Mike Roeder who is a member of the board was not in attendance.

This vote is seen as a victory for advocates for Wesselman Park and for those who have expressed the belief that public money should not be used to compete with private enterprises such as the Tri-State Athletic Club.