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IS IT TRUE? December 14, 2011

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The Mole #??

IS IT TRUE? December 14, 2011

IS IT TRUE that today we will find out the name of the person that Mayor Elect Winnecke and his Transition Team will be appointing to be the next Police Chief of Evansville?…that in this column the City County Observer has let our readers know that one very well placed Mole has told us that Billy Bolin has been a leading candidate with a good inside track for this appointment?…that other members of the Mole Nation just yesterday are advising us that there may be another strong candidate under consideration?…that this candidate is female?…that either way we think Chief Brad Hill’s torch will be landing in a worthy set of hands as both of these candidates are capable and deserving?

IS IT TRUE that the Mole Nation is also rising up to tell the CCO that there are some members of the Evansville oligarchy who are working in the shadows to undermine former Mayor of Evansville Russ Lloyd Jr’s quest to become the next City Controller?…that knowing the former Mayor and the fact that he is a successful CPA makes him uniquely qualified to be City Controller and it will be quite difficult to find a better fit for that position?…that this is the very kind of backroom manipulation that has limited the City of Evansville’s capacity to perform its responsibilities and move forward at the same time?…that yesterday we discussed the four (4) balls and chains that the Weinzapfel Administration has shackled Mayor Elect Winnecke with and today it appears that the private enterprise arm of the machine is attempting to embed the puppet strings onto him?…that the people of Evansville elected Lloyd Winnecke and not some shadow figure to make these decisions and thus far he seems eminently capable of doing so?…that the CCO would like to encourage the dinosaur power brokers to get out of the Mayor Elect’s way and let him do what he people of Evansville elected him to do?

IS IT TRUE that there are members of the Evansville City Council who are beside themselves because the CCO published the powerpoint presentation that Hunden Strategic Partners made to the Evansville Redevelopment Commission regarding the vetting of the two hotel proposals?…that we had filed a Freedom of Information Act request to be supplied with this and other pertinent information and never concealed our intent to publish it at the first opportunity?…that this is information that was used to make a very expensive recommendation on the commitment of at least $8 Million taxpayer dollars?…that whomever conspired to keep this information secret so that the substance behind the rationale behind the recommendation may just be violating some sunshine laws?…that they probably aren’t but they are once again a poster child for SNEGAL (sneaky but legal) policy making?…that after having a look at the presentation that there are no smoking guns that rise to the level of secrecy for either of the bidders?…that by disclosing the powerpoint presentation that the people of Evansville now can form their own opinions about the ERC recommendation?…that all of the politicians who tout transparency and then do things like this are speaking with a forked tongue and do not need to serve in public office?…that we have even learned from City Councilman Curt John that everyone who got a copy of the materials was forced to sign a pact not to disclose or release the contents?…that we appreciate Councilman John’s honesty and candor?…that if that is transparency Evansville style, then Evansville has a thing or two to learn about transparency?

IS IT TRUE that the mutterings of Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear about expanding gambling in Kentucky have elected officials all over Indiana but especially on the borders in Evansville and New Albany hiding in the basement clutching their security blankets in fear?…that just the prospect that somewhere in Kentucky in a place that you bet on horses they may have a slot machine has our elected officials terrified of strengthening a smoking ordinance locally and statewide?…that OTB parlors in Indiana did not kill the live racing industry in Kentucky and that putting slots and video poker at racetracks will not kill casino boats?…that Governor Beshear’s posturing is just giving chicken feed to the chicken $#!+ elected officials in Indiana who probably do not have the courage of their own convictions or the will to do what they campaigned on anyway?

IS IT TRUE that Evansville City Councilman Curt John heard some news last night that made him smile so broadly that one might think he just won the lottery or got a “get out of jail” card?…that he is not prone to smile so big?…that soon it shall be revealed what made Councilman John so happy and why the assumptions that put that big smile on his face may not be as they seem?

Read Barbara Davis’ USI Commencement address

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Dr. Barbara Davis, professor of nursing, delivered the 2011 Fall Commencement address. More than 550 students were eligible to receive degrees at the ceremony, held December 10, 2011.

The text of Davis’ speech follows.

Thank you. President Bennett, Board of Trustee members, fellow faculty, graduates, family, significant others, and friends. It is indeed a pleasure for me to be here to present your commencement address. I am very honored and humbled to have been awarded the USI Distinguished Professor Award for 2011. To my colleagues who nominated me for this award, thank you.

What a wonderful day for each of you. Today you graduate and become a graduate. You may be celebrating your first degree and for many of you, the first college degree in your family. Others of you may be celebrating a graduate degree, signifying your commitment to your profession beyond basic knowledge skills.

My friends and colleagues will tell you that I am a little like my mother in that I have to be organized. A friend of my mom’s once told her she was so organized that she knew what she was going to have for dinner that night in a year. I am not that bad, but as I was thinking about this address, I decided to organize my thoughts around a mnemonic – graduate. I would like to offer some phrases associated with the letters in the word “graduate” which provide some “sage” advice to assist you to live wisely, a phrase which has appeared in USI’s mission statement across the years.

G is for “grow” – Hadzima talks about the “right stuff” employee who demonstrates growth potential, and is willing to accept much higher levels of responsibility than is the norm for a given position, title, experience level or salary. Such individuals act as strong role models, training and coaching others. Hadzima observes that today’s “right stuff” employee is often next year’s supervisor and a department manager soon thereafter.

R is for “reflect” – Graduation is a time for reflection of your college years. It is a time to remember friends and relationships you have made, professors you have had, and knowledge you have gained. Don’t forget to reflect also on the other persons who have supported you while you have attained your education and the values you clarified during your education. Reflect on your strengths and weaknesses and play to your strengths.

A is for “advocate for yourself – When I attended my nephew’s graduation ceremony at the University of Akron in May, the president’s address suggested that today’s college graduates need to be entrepreneurs of their careers. He suggested that in this highly competitive, knowledge-driven, global economy, you may not have to be an entrepreneur to succeed – you just need to work like one. That is a subtle, but significant difference. With the right set of entrepreneurial skills and characteristics such as learning how to combine skills, not being afraid to fail, conquering your fears, and learning to persuade, you will succeed as a teacher, or a nurse, or an artist, or a scholar or in whatever career your dreams may lead you.

D is for “develop knowledge” – I am sure your professors may have talked with you about life-long learning. In our complex, fast-paced world, it is more important than ever to enrich your knowledge and keep current in the knowledge related to your profession and the world as it pertains to your profession whether it be global education, global economics, or global healthcare. Remember that an educated person does not necessarily know everything, but knows where to find it.

U is for “unleash your imagination” – Imagination produces improvements in our society. We recently lost one of the most imaginative persons of our time – Steve Jobs. Mr. Jobs’ imagination opened up our technological world. Think of how your imagination might be used to advance your profession.

The second A is for “aspire to be the best you can be” – As a college graduate, new opportunities will be opened to you. Act on those and don’t be afraid to grasp hold of those opportunities and choose a road less taken. Don’t be afraid to fail as you will never know until you try. It is only by taking advantage of opportunities that you will know if an avenue has been the correct one. In a personal example, I found myself in a middle management position within three years of receiving my bachelor’s degree. It took me five years and two positions to find out management was not the path I wanted to take in my professional career. It did, however, lead me to my major life’s work as an educator. I would probably not have found that path if I had not taken the first one. But in anything you do, do it to the best of your ability.

T is for “teach others” – Be willing to share knowledge and be a mentor for others. Many times we become mentors without even being conscious we are fulfilling that role for someone. I personally have never thought of myself as a mentor. I have simply gone through my life willing to share what knowledge I had and trying to be a team player. I guess I then became a mentor without knowing it. It makes me feel good when others tell me the impact I have had on their lives.

E is for “enjoy your life’s work” – You will be working a lot of years, so enjoy your professional life. Find your passion and stick with it. Most work environments are not ideal. I have been fortunate to have had my last position (USI) as my most positive in every aspect. If you find your work environment is not ideal, find something to make it better for yourself and/or work on the environment to make it better. In one not so ideal work environment, I was able to pursue and elevate my scholarship, making the environment better for me. Remember, you get your satisfaction from within, not from without.

Walt Disney once said, “All our dreams can come true…if we have the courage to pursue them.” So graduates, grow, reflect, advocate, develop, unleash, aspire, teach, and enjoy. I believe these verbs can help you to live wisely and, thus, take you to your dreams and a very satisfying professional life.

On behalf of the Trustees, the faculty, the staff, and administration, your fellow students, and the University of Southern Indiana family everywhere – I salute you, the Fall 2011 graduates, together with your families and friends who have helped make this success possible.

Congratulations!

Downtown Today: 12/14/2011

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Time 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Subject PERSONNELL & FINANCE
Location 301
Reminder 15 minutes
SANDIE @ 5791
Categories ROOM 301

Time 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Subject DEFERRED COMP
Location 318
Reminder 15 minutes
DIANNA WEBB
WEBBD@NATIONWIDE.COM
Categories ROOM 318

Time 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Subject CONSTRUCTION & ROOFING BOARD
Location 307
Recurrence Occurs the second Wednesday of every 1 month effective 12/14/2011 until 12/14/2011 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Reminder 15 minutes
LINDA PENDLETON @ 7880
Categories ROOM 307

Sheriff’s Call for Public’s Help in Finding an Armed and Dangerous Meth Head

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Sheriff’s Call for Public’s Help in Finding an Armed and Dangerous Meth Head

IS IT TRUE? December 13, 2011 “Mayor Elect Winnecke gets another Ball & Chain”

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IS IT TRUE? December 13, 2011 “Mayor Elect Winnecke gets another Ball & Chain”

IS IT TRUE that it has been well documented that the Weinzapfel Administration was saddled the incoming Winnecke Administration with an unholy trilogy of unfinished business?…that on Mayor Elect Winnecke’s left leg is that ball and chain labeled McCurdy debacle?…that on Mayor Elect Winnecke’s right leg is a ball and chain that carries the label the Executive Inn Dilemma?…that manacled to the left arm of Mayor Elect Winnecke is the ball and chain labeled Roberts Stadium?…that until last night Mayor Elect Winnecke at least had the use of his right arm to handle programs of his own creation?

IS IT TRUE that last night at the regular meeting of the Evansville City Council, the Director of the Department of Metropolitan Development, Mr. Tom Barnett took the stage accompanied by Luke Yeager of the Evansville Commerce Bank to affix yet another ball and chain to the right arm of Mayor Elect Winnecke?…that this time it is by introducing another Front Door Pride project that will consume resources of both the public and private sectors?…that by his own words Mr. Barnett has taught us that there are 8,000 residences in the City of Evansville that are in such a state of disrepair that they will require over $100,000 each to get them into livable condition?…that it has also been reported that the total number of abandoned homes in the City of Evansville now exceeds 10,000 and according to Mr. Barnett’s testimony before the City Council abandoning houses is a growth industry in Evansville?…that there have been SIX CENSUSES taken since the last time that the City of Evansville did not have a declining population?…that the population of the City of Evansville has been steadily shrinking since the late 1950’s?…that in such a place why on earth would anyone think that building 25 more houses makes sense?

IS IT TRUE that there are already 17 Front Door Pride houses that have been built at a cost of approximately $200,000 each?…that nine (9) of those homes are still on the market with many of them having been offered for sale at $135,000 or less for longer than a year?…that an Idea Home (and a very nice one at that) was built at a cost of between $400,000 and $600,000 depending on how one values “free” stuff and was sold to a member of the Evansville Redevelopment Commission for well under $200,000 in the same area?…that there are 40 rental units that are slated to be similar to the Front Door Pride homes that are scheduled to be built?…that given that there is not a vibrant market for homes, that what is really needed is a mass demolition project coupled with the eradication of criminal activity, and a dramatic upgrade of the neighborhood schools, we really wonder what the dickens spending nearly $5 Million to build 25 more houses will do for the area?

IS IT TRUE that at least this time the basics of clustering seems to have sunk into a few of the thick skulls that randomly dropped the first 17 houses in and around crack houses and parks full of crime?…that it is a shame that clustering was not done from the start and that the 40 pending rent houses were not slated to be owner occupied?…that even with 7 banks participating to the tune of $3.5 Million to make loans on the 25 proposed homes the risk will be borne by the taxpayers of Evansville?…that the key words “mortgages ready for the secondary market” are the clear signal that the bankers consortium will be cutting their risk and selling the 1st mortgages that they will be writing into the secondary markets, taking their fees, and whistling all the way back to the bank?…that it will be the second mortgages that will be held by the City of Evansville that will be at risk if the market does not materialize or hold value?…that given the history of the Front Door Pride program we must ask the question, “all out there who want to buy a house for $200,000 just like the houses that are not selling for $135,000 please announce yourselves”?…that we shall wait patiently while Mayor Elect Winnecke is fitted for this 4th ball and chain?

IS IT TRUE that Mayor Elect Winnecke only has a neck left for that 5th ball and chain that we are sure that the Weinzapfel Administration is crafting for him somewhere?…that Lloyd Winnecke was elected to further his own ideals and to breath accountability and transparency into the government of the City of Evansville?…that it would have been much more tasteful for soon to be Mayor Winnecke to have been able to make his own decisions with respect to the future of all of these balls and chains and a few other ideas that we are hoping he has the time, energy, and resources to implement?

IS IT TRUE? December 13, 2011 “Welcome to the Hotel Solyndra”

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The Mole #??

IS IT TRUE? December 13, 2011

IS IT TRUE that money laundering is the process of disguising illegal sources of money so that it looks like it came from legal sources?…that this confuses some people into thinking that Illegal sources means money that was gotten from illegal activities like selling drugs, stealing, gun running, or whoring?…that illegal sources is not the same as illegally acquired and can apply to lots of transactions that are deemed to be ethically challenged or sneaky?…that illegal sources are usually recognized by a chain of transactions that circumvents some law or procedure that is inconvenient?

IS IT TRUE that If any politician were to write his campaign fund a check from the government it would clearly be an illegal source of money and may lead this guy to the fate of several former Governor’s of Illinois?…If that same politician pulls the strings and provides the support to get the government to write a check to a crony who then makes a campaign contribution to the very politician that brokered the deal, that the money is magically transformed into a perfectly legal campaign contribution ?…that it seems as though such circular transactions meet is the very definition of money laundering?…that when money that is clearly an illegal source passes through a set of hands via a contract with a government and then winds up in the campaign coffers of a politician that the honest intent for that money has been circumvented?

IS IT TRUE that in the case of the McCurdy, the City County Observer believes that in the beginning that the Weinzapfel Administration and City Centre Properties both had honorable intentions?…that the CCO in no way believes this was a set-up to transfer money from the get go?…the fact that CCPLLC failed, did not pay their taxes regularly, and that the City of Evansville received no benefit at all is what makes the campaign contributions so blatantly offensive to the taxpayers of Evansville?…that every transaction was carefully SNEGAL and no one will be jailed but the only winner in this little money triangle is the Weinzapfel for Mayor campaign?…that the City of Evansville lost money and the Evansville Redevelopment Commission looks like buffoons over this series of events?…that thus far City Centre Properties has lost money and unless a buyer comes through at a price from heaven CCP LLC appears to have taken a beating from this little experiment?…that the only entity that benefitted financially from the whole McCurdy debacle is the Weinzapfel for Mayor campaign fund?…that Mayor Weinzapfel’s campaign fund came out with cash in the bank for doing nothing and everyone else associated with this deal came out a loser?

IS IT TRUE that for these reasons the City County Observer calls upon Mayor Weinzapfel and any other local politician to return all of the contributions that any campaign fund that benefits their political careers has received as a result of the McCurdy debacle?…that these contributions started in 2007 and continued through 2010 per public record?…that we have no idea about 2011?…that one would have to wonder about the judgment and ethical challenges associated with any individual that did not see this situation as tainted?

IS IT TRUE that we get it that if some law firm or construction company earns a couple of million bucks on a project that went well and benefitted the community like the Ford Center that it is standard practice and in some circles even expected that a political contribution will be forthcoming?…that these are contributions that raise interests but this is not the same as benefitting from a failed project where everyone else loses?…that while we do not approve or condone private money buying influence through campaign contributions we do understand how everyone involved can come out a winner in such transactions?…that such things simply serve to raise the price of public works in much the same way that the strings attached to government dollars do?…that once again it is a singular politician benefitting financially from a completely failed project in which every investor and the taxpayers lost that rises to the level that the contributions should reimburse the losing taxpayers to the level of the total of the contributions?

IS IT TRUE that in a case like Solyndra where a fundraiser for President Obama was a shareholder of Solyndra that legal or not, the deal stunk to high heaven?…that at least Solyndra actually employed some people for a time and tried to make a go of the business?…that it would also be appropriate for President Obama’s campaign fund to give any political contributions that it received as a result of Solyndra and failed deals like it back to the taxpayers of the United States of America?…that the Solyndra mess and the McCurdy debacle are too alike for comfort except the McCurdy’s numbers are smaller?

Welcome to the Hotel Solyndra
Such a Lovely Place
The ERC lost their Face

They’re Livin it up at the Hotel Solyndra
Its only been four years
Now they act like Steers

Okay folks finish the song please.

New Tradition to Launch at UE Winter Commencement

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At the University of Evansville’s 2011 Winter Commencement ceremony, 76 students will receive 80 degrees. As the first class of graduates to participate in a new tradition, they will also receive a symbolic gift: a blank key bearing UE’s logo.

Winter Commencement will take place at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 14 in the UE Student Fitness Center. A reception, sponsored by the University of Evansville Alumni Association, will follow in the Class of 1959 Gallery and Lounge in the Ridgway University Center.

Beginning with this year’s Winter Commencement, each UE graduate will receive a gift of a blank key from the Alumni Association. The key, which can be customized to fit a lock of each graduate’s choosing, symbolizes that a UE education and connections to UE alumni can unlock a world of opportunities.

John David Lutz, chair of the Department of Theatre and a 1964 UE graduate, will present students with keys after they cross the stage to receive their diplomas.

This year’s Winter Commencement speaker is James Berry, UE associate professor of anthropology, who was named the 2011 Outstanding Teacher of the Year at May’s commencement exercises. The Alumni Association presents this award annually to a faculty member who is nominated by students, faculty, or administrators for his or her exemplary teaching abilities.

Berry came to the University of Evansville in 1978 after earning his PhD in anthropology from Indiana University. He also holds a Master of Arts in anthropology from IU and received his undergraduate education at the University of Minnesota.

During his 33 years at UE, Berry has received the Dean’s Teaching Award for the College of Arts and Sciences and the Sydney and Sadelle Berger Award for Service.

Source: evansville.edu – will also be live streaming the event

VHS Pet of the Week: “Luigi”

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Greetings from Luigi, a 1-year-old neutered Lab/Corgi Mix. Luigi is a cuddly dog who really prefers the company of his family. He does not like to be left alone and is working on his crate training. Luigi loves to run and play so an active family with children would be ideal for him. Luigi will do best in a home with another dog. He prefers the company of others and might not get so scared when left alone if he has a K9 companion to pal around with. He does ask that he get to meet any potential K9 roommates before going home. Luigi is a medium size dog which can be hard to tell from his photos, perfect size for a family looking for a K9 companion. For more information on Luigi and how to make him a member of your family, visit www.vhslifesaver.org or call (812) 426-2563.

Downtown Today: 12/13/2011

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Time 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Subject DESIGN REVIEW
Location 318
Recurrence Occurs the second Tuesday of every 1 month effective 12/13/2011 until 12/13/2011 from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM
Reminder 15 minutes
SARAH @ 7825
Categories ROOM 318

Time 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Subject PTABOA
Location 301
Recurrence Occurs the second Tuesday of every 1 month effective 12/13/2011 until 12/13/2011 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Reminder 15 minutes
TIFFANY COLLINS @ 5269
Categories ROOM 301

Time 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Subject SUBDIVISION REVIEW
Location 318
Recurrence Occurs the second Tuesday of every 1 month effective 12/13/2011 until 12/13/2011 from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM
Reminder 15 minutes
KATHIE @ 5228
Categories ROOM 318

Time 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Subject ENFORCEMENT/TREATMENT SUBCOMMITTEE
Location 318
Recurrence Occurs the second Tuesday of every 1 month effective 12/13/2011 until 12/13/2011 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Reminder 15 minutes
CYNTHIA OWEN
Categories ROOM 318

Time 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Subject VANDERBURGH ALCOHOL BOARD
Location 301
Recurrence Occurs the second Tuesday of every 1 month effective 12/13/2011 until 12/13/2011 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Reminder 15 minutes
Scott Bedwell 812-882-1292
Categories ROOM 301

Time 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Subject ELECTRICAL BOARD
Location 318
Recurrence Occurs the second Tuesday of every 1 month effective 12/13/2011 until 12/13/2011 from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
Reminder 15 minutes
LINDA PENDELETON @ 7880
Categories ROOM 318

Hunden’s Powerpoint Presentation to the ERC

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The City County Observer makes the Powerpoint presentation that Hunden Strategic Partners made to the Evansville Redevelopment Commission available to our readers without bias, edit, or comment. We encourage all of our readers to reach their own conclusions from this information.

Hunden_Powerpoint_for_111711_meeting_with_ERC

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