Economics of Campaign Changes Heath’s Perspective of Office of Mayor
Jeremy Heath after making it known that he had intention to file today to run for the Republican nomination for Mayor of Evansville against County Commissioner Lloyd Winnecke has changed his mind and has filed to seek one of the three at-large positions on the Evansville City Council. Mr. Heath has filed as a Republican and expects to receive the blessing and support of the Republican Party but has not had any conversation with party Chairman Wayne Parke yet.
Mr. Heath is 25 years old and works at Good Samaritan as a Certified Nursing Assistant, is married with one child and another child on the way. When asked why he developed an interest in running for local office, Mr. Heath responded that, “he is tired of the lack of transparency in local government and that his first idea to run for Mayor of Evansville was inspired by his disappointment with the old guard and the candidates from both parties who seem to be a part of it”. Mr. Heath stated furthermore that he is not a member of the Tea Party but is sympathetic with some of their positions.
On some local issues Mr. Heath expresses a desire to save Roberts Stadium and hopes that the people of Evansville will reach a decision on the best idea for its use and supports consolidation but was not impressed with the Consolidation Committee’s process with respect to law enforcement. Mr. Heath is a resident of the 1st Ward.
Joe Wallace Paraphrased, Condensed, and Localized from “Public Governance Indicators†as published by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs
The City County Observer believes that being an advocate for good public policy includes being an informed, active participant in the development of public policies that affect our businesses, our citizens, and the community in which we operate. Good public policy begins with diverse stakeholders participating in open and transparent proceedings to carefully examine issues and offer different perspectives that promote effective solutions.
Indicators of Good Local Government: EFFICIENCY, TRANSPARENCY, and PARTICIPATION
The review of governance indicators shows that governments have many objectives. Governance indicators serve to inform the different stakeholders, including the public, on the state of public finances and governmental performance; they can assist the public in making informed choices, understanding the impact of their collective actions on public finances; and perhaps most importantly to enable the public to judge the performance of local government and their dependent alter-ego types of organizations. This process will ultimately lead society to evaluate and possibly redefine the tasks that are to be accomplished by the public sector and its specific institutions, which in turn would enhance democracy.
Any effort to monitor governance is limited by resource constraints, as well as the need to be realistic in terms of what data can be systematically collected and compared on a comparative basis. If it is desirable to collect data on a systematic basis on a comparative level, the following three inter-related dimensions of governance would seem to stand out.
IS IT TRUE that the President of the Evansville City Council B. J. Watts came to the council meeting last night armed with a letter of support to hire SMG as the management company for the new Evansville Arena?…that in his plea for signatures he cited the fact that the next Mayor, Council, and administration will have to live with this agreement so they should be the ones to make that decision?…that President Watts was only able to get four Council members to sign the letter of recommendation?…that these signers are Councilman Curt John, President Watts, Councilwoman Missy Mosby, and Councilman John Friend?…that Councilman Friend was on the appointed Advisory Committee that voted “unanimously†to recommend VenuWorks to manage the Downtown Arena?…that Councilman Friend as Senator John Kerry before him “voted for it before he voted against itâ€?…that we would be very interested in the rationale behind both his first and second opinions?
IS IT TRUE that Councilman Dan McGinn who spent much of his life practicing law expressed a solid opinion that the role of the Advisory Committee and the Evansville Redevelopment Commission in this decision could very well be subject to Indiana’s “open door†laws?…that Councilman McGinn also stated that if there is an error to be made in the interpretation of said laws that the error should be on the side of openness?…that Councilman McGinn even hinted at a simple way that the Evansville Redevelopment Commission could hold a public discussion and put those who question the legality of the process to rest?…that taking one more week and holding two more meetings to remove the stigma of backroom dealing would be a cheap insurance policy that the ERC could and should take to fully legitimize the process?…if they do not do so, there will always be those who cry “FOUL†and there may be legal costs incurred to defend the alleged “FOULâ€?
IS IT TRUE that Vanderburgh County Treasurer and Democratic candidate for the nomination for Mayor of Evansville Rick Davis put a resounding stake in the ground yesterday on the issue of getting free admission to events in Evansville as a result of his political position?…that Mr. Davis publically proclaimed that he has never received or even been offered free admission to entertainment venues?…that for today, his proclamation sets him apart from the other two elected officials who are running for Mayor of Evansville?…that we encourage both candidates Troy Tornatta and Lloyd Winnecke to come forward with statements of their own regarding the rumored practice of elected officials being supplied free admission to events at Roberts Stadium, the Centre, the Victory Theatre, and other local entertainment venues?…that we also encourage the four City Council members who have not spoken out, the County Commissioners, and the County Council to have their say on the issue of “FREE TICKETGATEâ€?
IS IT TRUE that the United Nations has published a very long document that details exactly what they consider to be the defining metrics of good governance?…that the name of this study is “CORE DIMENSIONS OF GOVERNANCE AND ECONOMIC INDICATORS TO MONITOR THE PUBLIC SECTORâ€?…that the three indicators chosen by the United Nations to monitor the governments of the world from the smallest banana republic to the largest and most powerful members of the United Nations Security Council are Efficiency, Transparency, and Participation?…that this would be a good place to start when evaluating exactly what good public policy is on a local government level for American cities?…that the City County Observer will be publishing a condensed and localized version of this study in the very near future?
The City County Observer has just learned that the President of the County Commissioners and candidate for the Republican nomination for Mayor of Evansville will be facing a challenge in the upcoming primary.
Jeremy L. Heath, a Certified Nursing Assistant with Good Samaritan will be filing to run for the Republican nomination for Mayor of Evansville tomorrow. Mr. Heath’s intention has been confirmed by a family member.
Rick Davis
In the nearly 9 years that I have been an employee of Vanderburgh County, including 2+ years as the elected Vanderburgh County Treasurer, I have NEVER accepted a free ticket – nor have I been offered one – from SMG or any other concert promoter.
Does Evansville Really Want to End a 20 Year Working Relationship
There is an effort being taken to gather a veto proof number of signatures from the members of the Evansville City Council to support extending the contract of managing the new Evansville Arena to SMG.
The link below is to the letter that has been drafted for this purpose. We publish this without edit, prejudice, or bias.
IS IT TRUE that the Evansville Housing Authority has hired the Ralph Anderson & Associates of Rocklin, Calif. to locate and interview candidates to be considered to become the next Executive Director of the Evansville Housing Authority? …..that it is refreshing to see that this City of Evansville sponsored board of directors at least didn’t hire a firm from Indianapolis to conduct this search??…that there are 14 searches that are currently published on the company website?…that 13 of those opportunities are in California and on is in Evansville, Indiana?…that it really seems like a reach to hire a search firm that has 100% of its current business in California to do a search for the Evansville, INDIANA Housing Authority?…that they haven’t even developed a profile yet?…that if you wish to apply for this position you may do so at the following website?
IS IT TRUE we think it is time for other local “main stream media” to ask for copies of the Evansville Housing Authority “Audited Financial Statements” for the year ended Dec. 31, 2009, for the year ended Dec. 31, 2008, and for the year ended Dec. 2007? ….this official request should include the Independent Auditors report and related schedules required by the office of Management and Budgets circular A-133 of nonprofit organizations? ….the local “main stream media” could save time by filing a direct request with the City of Evansville Controller office for copy of these audits?
IS IT TRUE that Evansville City Council members Curt John, Dan Adams, Don Walker, Wendy Bredhold, and Dan McGinn have all contacted the City County Observer and answered our challenge to proclaim that they have never accepted free entry to entertainment venues from SMG?…that Councilman John went the extra mile and produced over $2,000 in receipts for entertainment that he paid for with his own money?…that we have yet to hear from any other elected or appointed official including Mayor Weinzapfel, or any elected officials from Vanderburgh County?
IS IT TRUE that the Evansville Parks and Recreation Department has the use of a SKYBOX at Roberts Stadium?…that the annual fee for a SKYBOX at Roberts Stadium costs in excess of $10,000 per year?…that we wonder just how much the Evansville Parks and Recreation Department pays for that SKYBOX?…that the board of directors of the Evansville Parks and Recreation Department are paid $3,000 each annually?…that if the SKYBOX were not set aside for the Parks and Rec. Department that it would be available for sale to someone from the private business community at market rates?…that even if the Evansville Parks and Recreation Department pays for the SKYBOX that it is coming out of the right pocket of the City of Evansville and going into the left pocket of the City of Evansville?…that the over $10,000 that could be raised from the sale of that SKYBOX could be allocated to cleaning needles, condoms, and other artifacts of a poor lifestyle from the parks that elementary school children SHOULD BE SAFE PLAYING IN?
IS IT TRUE that the Democrats of Evansville seem to be on the verge of an Egyptian style change of control?…that the Democratic Central Committee led by Mark Owen looks like they will be enlisting in the Army of Trojans and backing Troy Tornatta?…that Rick Davis and his large group of loyal supporters already has a three month lead on Team Troy earned by knocking on door after door in one of the nastiest winters on record?…that it will be a real uphill battle to make up for the lead established by Mr. Davis with his masterful break from the Democratic Machine to gain a three month head start?
IS IT TRUE that Mole #3 has been informed that David Rector did not travel alone to check on the maintenance at some VenuWorks managed facilities?…that Arena project manager John Kish made the trip too?…that we still are wondering who paid for the trip and who authorized the trip since the trip took place after the appointed Advisory Committee had already made their recommendation?
IS IT TRUE that the people over at Vectren are releasing the good news that natural gas prices are lower this winter and actually getting TV time from it?…that the news release said nothing whatsoever about the fact that the electricity to move that nice warm air into your house by powering the air handling system is still 188% higher than it is in Henderson?…that natural gas is a commodity and is priced as a commodity and that Vectren only profits from delivering it?…that electricity is also a commodity but has government approved pricing that is 188% above Henderson’s?…that deregulation and competition across state borders will be the only way that this little corner of SW Indiana will ever be able to compete with its surrounding counties?
IS IT TRUE that the men and women of Evansville would be well advised to do something special for their spouses, lovers, and significant others on this Valentine’s Day?…that the City County Observer encourages all of our readers to spend their Valentine money right here at our fine local businesses?
The remedy for the missing accountability and transparency in our marketplace and government is rising like the sun out from the darkness.
The impossible is possible.
Do you hear the giant sucking sound? It is the accountability vacuum in the marketplace, government and our personal lives. Accountability is critical to the integrity of character and trust both personally and organizationally. Its absence erodes the pillars and foundation of our public and private sector institutions. Subtly we slide down the darkside slippery slope to precipices where we hang on the ragged edge and risk going over the edge.
Henry David Thoreau said, “Most men live lives of quiet desperation.” Desperate or not, accountability is important for our security, safety and forging a future with hope. Our culture of secular relativism has contributed greatly to the demise of any absolute and unshakeable reference points for caring accountability.
This author took the liberty to market test his observation that accountability is going AWOL, missing in our culture and relationships. Clergy, politicians, business and professional CEO’s and unemployed drug and alcohol recovery interviewees numbered 120.
In each case, prior trust had been developed with the interviewees for candid exchange with assurance of confidentiality. Most were not sure who they could trust. Leaders are required to maintain an image and standard often beyond their capacity to sustain. Some surrounded by many people acknowledge they are often lonely and vulnerable. Vulnerability and temptation rises with the level of leadership..
The questions are pointed and candid. To be constructive, tough questions need to be asked and received without arrogance, rancor or malice, but with a genuine motive of concern for the well being of the person or institution. Without that understanding there can be no trust on which to effect a desired constructive outcome. Asking the tough personal or corporate questions can open the way for objectively debate of the pressing real issues. It is truth that frees people and institutions to be all God designed them to be. It can be done with civility and respect for diversity and individuality.
A sampling of the tough and probing questions asked:
1. Who do you have in your life that accepts you as you are and is asking the tough questions you need to be asked for your own growth and well being?
2. How is it really going at home in your relationships with those closest to you?
3. What are the issues and concerns that most preoccupy your thoughts?
4. If you could change anything in your life, occupation or relationships what would that be and what would it look like if it were what you want it to be?
5. What are the greatest barriers to your being fulfilled in your pursuit of happiness? Where would you start to address them?
6. What are your greatest joys, blessings and your personal definition of success?
7. What is your world view and what is the legacy you hope to leave for the next generation?
The most telling and shocking responses came unexpectedly to the first question. Most interviewees indicated they did not have trusted people in their life who were regularly inquiring and asking these kind of tough questions. Tragically, this is especially true with leaders who are molding and shaping the course of events for millions of people, nations and our world.
Our fast track culture places supercharged value on individualism with “I can do it on my own.” Expediency appears easier without accountability, but it takes us where none of us want to go. A dictatorial, undemocratic and self interest motivated leadership leads people to despair, erodes confidence, polarizes people and makes all of us feel insecure and vulnerable. In such a relationship or state we cannot thrive and our freedom and survival is threatened. The greatest enemy of good governance are special interests. Lobbies and earmarks are killing us all not softly. Americans have never been so disconnected from their leadership. Fortunately the people are rising to find the reset switch. Greed is the seed that we need to weed from our prosperity garden. That entrenched condition may require radical intervention and supernatural transformation.
Abraham Lincoln call to us for ” a government of, by and for the people”. The growing tea party movement of bipartisan and independent Americans is a classic example and direct product of the accountability and transparency vacuum. This surge is the peoples’ response to a lack of accountability and transparency in government, the marketplace and in our individual lives today. Imagine the resurgence of renewed confidence, like a fresh breeze, that could sweep clean the greed machine, broken promises, the huge waste of time and the peoples’ resources to bring a new order of accountability and transparency. That is the message that can save America and build a future with hope for the world.
For the tolerant, there is a timeless message from the Bible, “Accept one another as I accept you..” Romans 15:7. We are all Americans who share a love for freedom and an optimism for a future with hope. We have discovered just about everything in the world but the importance of relationships that transform and free people to be all God intended them to be. The teachable moment for entering the door of accountability comes at the point of our extremity. Accountability and transparency can lift our spirits, heal, renew our relationships and restore our personal and national integrity and trust.
There are a two prescriptions that offer promise for a bright future in spite of the current growing darkness. Tomorrow brings the dawn of a new day and with it a new paradigm in which to rebuild relationships that transcend partisan politics. Imagine a radical time tested and proven Prescription #1. ” if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” II Chronicles 7:14. This is a hard pill to swallow if we suffer from arrogance and the absurdity of thinking somehow we or our leaders are in control of what is or what is to be. If all things are of Him, to Him and through Him maybe we need to reconnect to find our Maker’s guidance as our forefathers did for their public service. All our founding documents attest to God’s Sovereignty including our inalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Prescription #2. We can take our clue from the wisdom of Solomon in Proverbs where we read, “Where there is no counsel, purposes are frustrated, but with many counselors they are accomplished.” Proverbs 15:22. If our leaders are not listening to the multi-partisan voices representing the people, they are not fulfilling their oath of office to “protect and defend the Constitution” which is to serve the best interests of all the people.
The voices of the governed must be reflected in the actions of those elected to represent them. If not, the genius of our our system will give them the boot at the next exit. When integrity is restored through accountability and transparency, truth and justice will prevail and fellow Americans will be safeguarded under the Constitution. Our God-given inalienable rights with our constitutional rights guarantee our freedom given by our Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer and our Founding Fathers.
It is accountability time for all of us. The day we shift from our obsession with our rights to what is right, on that day, we will see integrity as our protection and friend. There will be no lasting freedom without taking responsibility. Our system of government, imperfect as it is, still provides us the choice to remove those who do not meet the accountability and transparency test. We can be the change we want to see for restoring the integrity in our government, marketplace and our personal lives. The price of freedom is our greatest measure but to loose it will cost us our greatest treasure.
The party call for every American is the Freedom Party. Let this Party transcend all other parties. Let the freedom bell ring again and never end.
Robert Lincoln “Bud” Hancock is the author of Designed for a Purpose (1970). His education degrees are: Bachelor of Science from California State University and Masters Degree from University of California. His past service includes White House Reagan Administration appointment to the Senior Executive Service.
Mr. Hancock’s current service is as a business/ministry synergy developer and advocate for the voiceless and poor. Hancock is founder and chairman of Providence International Foundation, Set Free Services, Inc, Restoration Enterprises, Inc, and President of Stewardship Trust. He has facilitated the formation and development of numerous businesses and non-profit organizations around the world. This network of entities provide employment and livelihood enterprises to free the poor from dependence for a lifetime of productive service and multiplied capacity to help others do the same.
IS IT TRUE that Evansville Memorial graduate and star basketball player Kyle Kuric is lighting up the nets now for Rick Pitino’s Louisville Cardinals?…that Kyle rained down three pointers against the Syracuse Orange yesterday and led the Cards with 23 points in their 19th win of the season?…that seeing an Evansville native get the praise of the ESPN broadcast team for his shooting and his basketball knowledge makes one swell up with pride?…that Kyle may just be heading for some level of All-American honor at the U of L if he keeps playing the way he has this year?…that “never nervous†Pervis Ellison was in the house to witness Kuric’s shooting and to be honored for the beat down that the 1986 Cardinals put onto Duke in the NCAA final?
IS IT TRUE that we have received a request to issue a challenge for an eDebate between incumbent City Councilman B. J. Watts and his challenger Al Lindsey for the 6th Ward nomination?…that the Community Observer (www.community-observer.com) will be issuing an eDebate invitation to both of these candidates very soon.
IS IT TRUE that the new ECVB attorney, G. Michael Schopmeyer admitted in his letter of February 11, 2011 to the ECVB that he has personally attended ECVB holiday dinners in the past and that the ECVB has a long tradition of Holiday Event entertaining and “ gifting to many, including the ECVB.†?… that we are very curious by Mr. Schopmeyer’s reference to “ gifting to manyâ€.
IS IT TRUE that we are quite interested in seeing who will be appointed by the ECVB to conduct an independent legal review of past ECVB Holiday Events as recommended by attorney Schopmeyer due to his conflict of interest in personally conducting such a legal review himself?
IS IT TRUE that we hope the local taxpayers get to receive a copy of the written findings of fact prepared by the person employed by the ECVB to conduct the independent legal review as requested by attorney Schopmeyer.
IS IT TRUE that City Councilman Curt John has produced receipts to show that he has paid a substantial sum of money to pay for a sky box at Roberts Stadium?…that Councilman John has also produced receipts for over $2,000 of tickets that he has bought with his own money to attend events at other venues that are managed by SMG in the City of Evansville?…that we would like to challenge other elected officials including Mayor Weinzapfel to produce receipts to show that they have spent their hard earned money on any events that they have attended as well?…that this challenge goes out to every elected official to have held elected office in Vanderburgh County or the City of Evansville in the last 10 years?…that no one other than Curt John has elected to produce such receipts or to opine on the alleged practice of politicians being provided with free tickets to events in Evansville?
IS IT TRUE that Evansville City Council President, B. J. Watts is asking members of the Evansville City Council to sign a letter of supporting SMG to be selected to run the new Downtown Arena? ….that he might have a problem of getting the signatures of getting all 9 members to sign it unless he makes a few adjustment to his letter?….that the key votes needed for Mr. Watts to get everyone to sign his letter are the votes of Councilman Dr. H. Dan Adams and Councilman Dan McGinn, Esq.?….that Mr. Watts is planning are to read it into the official minutes of Evansville City Council meeting this coming Monday evening so he can present it to the Evansville Redevelopment Commission on Tuesday?
IS IT TRUE that City County Observer “MOLE #3” has informed us that the extremely popular J. D. Strouth shall be announcing soon that he shall be a candidate for Evansville City Clerk?….the current Evansville City Clerk shall be in the biggest political battle of her career if the “MOLE # 3” prediction is correct?….that Mr. Strouth shall run as a Republican and shall have the necessary funds to conduct a creditable campaign?
IS IT TRUE that Evansville City Councilman John Friend has made his choice and will be running to retain his seat in the 5th Ward?…that while there has been some discussion about an Evansville legend in politics coming out to challenge for the democratic nomination for that seat that Councilman Friend’s announcement may just scare the would-be challenger off?…that if Councilman Friend is not challenged for the democratic nomination the horse race between he and Brent Grafton will be off and running?…that the Community Observer (www.community-observer.com) will be issuing an eDebate invitation to both of these candidates as soon as it is established that there is no primary challenge?
IS IT TRUE that Vanderburgh County Commissioner’s President Lloyd Winnecke has sent a letter to Mr. Bob Goldman of the Evansville Redevelopment Commission expressing support and confidence in both SMG and VenuWorks as good candidates to run the new Evansville Arena?…that you can read the full text of that letter at the following link:
http://city-countyobserver.com/2011/02/12/letter-of-support-for-either-smg-or-venuworks-from-commissioner-winnecke/
IS IT TRUE that the debacle of the termination of Marilee Fowler for her attempt at being open and honest with the people of Evansville has played itself out?…that this little vendetta carried out by the “powers that be†has cost the Evansville Convention and Visitors Bureau nearly $100,000 to date?…that the details are available on the following link?
http://city-countyobserver.com/2011/02/11/is-it-true-part-2-february-11-2011-the-cost-of-bad-public-policy/
