IS IT TRUE? May 4, 2011

IS IT TRUE that a total of only 9,192 votes were cast in last night’s primaries for all of the candidates for the nominations for Mayor of Evansville combined?…that for a city that houses 117,429 people that is a pathetic (or should we say apathetic) turnout?…that this represents a sample of only 7.83% of the total population?…that the largest vote getter at 3,996 was Rick Davis but that only represented 3.4% of the population of Evansville?…that the number of votes needed to win a major party primary to become CEO of the City of Evansville is pretty much the same number needed to place a referendum on a ballot?…that if the general election can only inspire 10% or less of the population to cast a vote that maybe Evansville needs to consider choosing our leadership through the use of petitions?…that we have to do better than this at getting out the vote?

IS IT TRUE that the post primary celebration for Rick Davis’s victory over Troy Tornatta drew an interesting crowd?…that joining the celebration and posing for the camera’s with Rick were sitting Democratic members of the Evansville City Council Connie Robinson and John Friend?…that we wonder if this is a sign of an olive branch or an enlightenment?

IS IT TRUE that Mole #3 predicted earlier on Tuesday that if Troy Tornatta was defeated by Rick Davis that it would be the end of Mr. Tornatta’s political career?…that Troy confirmed that in a television interview after the final margin of 59% to 41% was tallied?…that even Mole #3 expected the race to be closer and had predicted a 54% to 46% victory for Davis?…that Mr. Tornatta had enjoyed having his horse hitched to the Team Weinzapfel wagon during his early political career as both a County Councilman and County Commissioner?…that not realizing that it was time to unhitch his horse from the Team Weinzapfel wagon and to build a wagon of his own was the root of his two recent defeats?…that the TV commercial where Tornatta pointed to the Civic Center and pledged to keep the Team Weinzapfel wagon rolling was the turning point of what was looking to be a very close election?

IS IT TRUE that Mr. Tornatta is a young and energetic man who holds an executive position in a local tire company that bears his family name?…that Mr. Tornatta has a wife who is recognized and respected as an exemplary person from a prominent Evansville family?…that Troy is also recognized as being a caring and loving father?…that life is much worse for many people and that Mr. Tornatta’s time in the political arena will make him a better businessman and a better person?…that the City County Observer wishes Mr. Tornatta continued and bigger success as a private business owner?…that when Troy concentrates his considerable energy on his business and his family that he has the potential to become the job creator that he expressed a desire to be as a public servant?

IS IT TRUE that the biggest surprise of the night to many people was the first place finish of Jonathan Weaver in the at-large pool for the Democratic nomination for Evansville City Council?…that if Casino Aztar had been taking bets on the order of finish in this election that the odds would have been very long for Mr. Weaver to finish first?…that Mr. Weaver’s impressive showing should be a lesson to his 5 opponents in the general election to NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF THE TEA PARTY?

IS IT TRUE that Ex-City Councilman and City Council President Keith Jarboe bid to be reappointed for as the City of Evansville’s next Fire Chief is over?…that Jarboe was appointed Evansville Fire Chief by the Mayor Weinzapfel after a national search about two years ago? …that tonight the people of Evansville have spoken?…that both Lloyd Winnecke and Rick Davis have publically stated that Jarboe shall not be re-appointed Fire Chief in their administration?…that after a local search of Evansville voters in the primary election the voters agree with Davis and Winnecke?…that the Firefighters are the most vocal in this support?

Tornatta Says he will not run for office again

Rick Davis defeated Troy Tornatta in today’s Democratic primary and has advanced to face Lloyd Winnecke in the general election. Riding the Pick Rick wave to victory was Al Lindsey who defeated B. J. Watts in the 6th Ward. In the other contested elections Stephanie Brinkerhoff-Riley won in the 3rd Ward and Missy Mosby prevailed in the 2nd Ward. Jonathan Weaver, Dan Adams and Conor O’Daniel will face Bill Kramer, Pete Swaim, and Michelle Mercer for the 3 at large seats on Evansville City Council.

Please log in to the City County Observer tomorrow morning for a full discussion of the 2011 primaries.

Evansville Primaries Seeing Very Low Turnout

As all of the information that the CCO has been gathering today indicate that the turnout in today’s primaries are very light. Early it could have been the weather but that problem seems to have gone away. We did some checking on what causes people to neglect to vote and the following helpful list was the best we could find.

1. Ignorance of the issues or the candidates
2. Dislike for all of the candidates.
3. Having polls tell you already that your chosen candidate cannot win
4. Election fatigue
5. Apathy toward the system
6. Misunderstandings of how the system works
7. A feeling that one vote won’t be able to affect a change.
8. Any excuses for those people that just want an excuse not to be bothered to vote (cannot get time off work, traffic, bad weather, no transportation, etc).
9. Don’t know where one’s polling place is.
10. Registration misunderstandings and delays.

Another search with respect to who benefits in primaries basically yielded only one result. That result was that agents of change or those who are highly committed to a cause benefit from limited turnout. There is still an hour to go and we encourage all who have not yet voted to get busy and do so.

EPD Activity Report May 2 2011

Will Other Moles Get to Eat Mole #3’s Lunch?

The City County Observer sent out opportunities to participate in a contest to beat Mole #3 out of a lunch by beating Mole #3 in a contest to predict the winners in today’s contested primary elections. The most prolific members of the Mole Nation have taken up the challenge. Mole #3’s predictions along with the tally differences are below:

REPUBLICANS

Republican Mayoral Candidate: Lloyd Winnecke is the unanimous prediction of all participants. The average margin of victory predicted is 65% – 35%

Republican at-large City Council: The group of Kramer, Mercer, and Swaim like Mr. Winnecke were also unanimously picked to win by Mole #3 and the Mole Nation.

DEMOCRATS

Democrat Mayoral Candidate: Both candidates received votes but when the tally was complete Rick Davis wins the Mole Nation by 6 votes. Mole #3 predicts a 54% – 46% margin while other Rick Picking Moles has a narrower margin. Of note is the observation of the tallier of the votes is that the Republican Moles tended to choose Troy Tornatta while the Democrat Moles Picked Rick.

2nd Ward City Council: The contestants to eat Mole #3’s lunch put this contest as close as it gets. This contest ended in a Mole Stand-off with each candidate polling exactly half of the predictions. Mole #3 came out of his molehill to pick Patrick McBride by 1% – 2% margin in the biggest upset of the night. Once again Republican Moles tended to Team Troy picking Missy Mosby while Democrat Moles went with McBride.

3rd Ward City Council: Don Walker prevailed in this contest by a single vote and that vote was cast by Mole #3. A very close and fast closing Stephanie Brinkerhoff-Riley was second. Mole #3 even went so far as to predict that Walkers win over Riley will be by less than 50 votes.

6th Ward City Council: In a contest that mirrored the Democratic Mayoral race Al Lindsey was predicted to win by a 6 Mole margin. Every Mole including Mole #3 that picked Rick Davis also picked Mr. Lindsey, while the Republican Moles went stronger toward incumbent B. J. Watts. The margins of victory predicted were all comfortable with 6% (Mole #3) being that average prediction.

Democrat at-large City Council: The Mole Nation and Mole #3 picked the mix of Dr. H. Dan Adams, Conor O’Daniel, and Jonathan Weaver to survive the contest. While Adams and O’Daniel were unanimous picks the 3rd slot was closer with Weaver nosing out Steven Lowell Smith on name recognition.

There you have it. The Moles have spoken and everyone of them is salivating at the opportunity to knock Mole #3 off of its molehill and eat its lunch. Please brave the water and get out and cast an informed vote.

IS IT TRUE? May 3, 2011

IS IT TRUE that the more the candidates squawk on about “CREATING JOBS” that the more it becomes apparent that they do not understand the first thing about where sustainable job creation comes from?…that study after study has shown that for every government job that is “created” that it takes approximately 8 private sector jobs paying taxes to support that one government job?…that the logical conclusion from that easily defensible study is that for every make work government job that is “created” that 8 real sustainable jobs have been destroyed?…that government has never ever created even one job that is sustainable without the efforts and taxes of private sector jobs?…the Parrots on the Ohio have not yet sung that song?…that the Parrots on the Ohio have not between the four of them produces so much as one paragraph of real substance about a plan that with “create an atmosphere in which private businesses will create jobs in Evansville in pursuit of profit”?…that when we see such a document that maybe just maybe the CCO will consider making the first endorsement ever?…that after today there will only be two Parrots remaining?

IS IT TRUE that City County Observer Mole #3 is predicting that if Rick Davis prevails in tomorrow’s election for the Democratic nomination for Mayor of Evansville that Mark Owen will take the noble step of resigning from his position of Chairman of the Central Committee of the Vanderburgh County Democratic Party?…that Mole #3 predicts that in the event of a Rick Davis victory that local democratic politics has seen the last of Troy Tornatta as a candidate for office for at least 4 years?…that there are two elections that has Mole #3 thinking hard about what exactly to put on its predictions for tomorrow?

IS IT TRUE that the 3rd place in the Democratic at-large election for Evansville City Council has Mole #3 burning the midnight oil trying to handicap the contest between Steve Smith and Jonathan Weaver?…that until Mr. Smith published his position paper on government transparency that Mole #3 would have bet his lunch on Leave it to Weaver?…that since seeing the positive responses to Steve Smith’s article on government transparency that Mole #3 is going to sleep on this prediction?…that the 3rd Ward Democratic City Council nomination also has Mole #3 burning the midnight oil?…that if the anti ball field crowds come out in mass then Sylvia Trabits-Niemeier will have the edge?…that if the memories of ball fields are in the past that the excellent position papers of Stephanie Brinkerhoff-Riley will be in a good position?…that if the two female candidates share those votes equally that the Chancellor of Fudge Making incumbent City Councilman Don Walker will be in a good position to take the nomination?

IS IT TRUE that CCO friend “the Mega Preacher” has come forward with a prediction for the 2nd Ward Democratic nomination?…that the Mega Preacher is predicting that Patrick McBride will ride this week’s flooding to a very close victory over Missy Mosby?…that Lon Walters who commented positively on Steve Smiths paper on government transparency will be planning to challenge aggressively?…that the 2nd and 6th Ward elections for City Council in the general election will both be hard fought in Wards that are usually an assumed victory for whoever the Democratic candidate happens to be?

IS IT TRUE that the City County Observer encourages a clean and respectful day from all candidates and hopes that many people brave the continued rain to cast ballots?

Take That: May 3, 2011

In Response to IS IT TRUE April 30, 2011

“The battle for the Democratic “mind” is not difficult, and the “battle” was largely already waged getting on the ballot. It is very easy to be a mindless, status quo, progressive. It’s even easier in the Democratic machines because they are looking for a strong tyrant-like type to lead them to positions of power.” Eville Taxpayer

“If Davis should happen to win he will still have no control of the “machine” as you so like to call it and worse he’s alienated everyone that he would hope would come together in the name of party unity in the fall. Davis is Don Quioxte,” Curt

“whats amazing is that the committee gives Tornatta $3500 and cuts the precinct committeeman’s expense money to $25. SInce most committeemen use this to buy refreshments for their poll workers, more of the cost of the election is coming out of their pockets.” Henry

“Since when did it become the sole responsibility of the Democratic Party to provide all of the refreshments for everyone working at the polls? The poll workers are paid for their meals in addition the their pay for 12 not 16 hours of pay. I’ve never seen a poll worker spend 16 hours at the polls that are open from 6am to 6 pm” Taxpayers friend

“.What ever happened to one’s sense of duty as a citizen to perform these simple tasks so that the community, as a whole, might benefit? Pay should not even enter into the equation.” Pressanykey

IN RESPONSE TO : The Real Referendum on May 3rd

“Ask anyone on the street – we are SICK of Weinzapfel’s tactics and his dishonest way of doing business. The voters will speak loud and clear tomorrow, and we will PICK RICK because we have had enough! As for Mark Owen, we don’t care where he goes, as long as it’s far, far away from our local party. Some might say he has damaged it beyond repair, but we will put it back together again. Look out, Evansville – change is on the way” Vandydemocrat

“How quickly you “proud” Democrats forget Durham – whoops. How quickly you forget the Weaver political firings – whoops. Did you forget the reverse carpet bagger Reicken – whoops. Jack McNeeley’s threats – whoops.” Eville Taxpayer

“Curt tomorrow the voters will decide if Lindsey lives in the 6th Ward or not “ USA 1975

“Tomorrow, remember those who will remember Roberts Stadium…” Railoverauto

THE REAL REFERENDUM ON MAY 3
By Daniel Kisner

Tomorrow, Tuesday, May 3, 2011 could signal end to a political era or it just may stay intact. After almost 8 years of political successes and failures for the Weinzapfel Administration, those who are loyal to Mayor Weinzapfel are now betting on Troy Tornatta to carry on the political torch of Mayor Weinzapfel.

Tornatta’s late entrance into the Democratic primary race has caused a major division within the Vanderburgh Democratic Party. Members of the Central Committee and its party Chairman, Mark Owen are openly supporting Tornatta over Rick Davis with their words, their actions, and their money. Local union bosses are not only supporting Tornatta, they are encouraging their membership to as well. Rick Davis has not been deterred. He continues to take his message door to door and from meeting to meeting. His campaign doesn’t rely on any outside pollsters or campaign staff. His newspaper advertising is on target with his mission–“It’s time for a new direction”. His TV ads are less effective because his lovely dog takes away from his political message. On the other hand Tornatta’s TV ad is considered to be a roll of the political dice. He openly supports the Weinzapfel doctrine and suggests that if you elect him the Weinzapfel era (business as usual) shall continue. Davis spends a great deal of time staying after a public gathering and talking with those whom attended the gathering one on one. Tornatta says his piece and leaves.

Both candidates are considered intelligent, honest, well intended, aggressive, and both candidate’s spouses are considered by all to be major assets to their campaigns. However it is Davis that has the political edge because of the anti-incumbent mood of the voters.

Political watchers have all eyes on the 2nd and 6th Wards. Conventional wisdom is that if Al Lindsey wins the 6th Ward and Patrick McBride wins the 2nd Ward then Rick Davis shall be elected. However if B J Watts wins the 6 Ward and Missy Mosby wins the 2nd Ward then Tornatta shall be elected. Of course the heavily Democratic 4th Ward is also a concern for both candidates. It is considered that the 4th Ward shall not give either candidate a big voting edge because of the recent non-endorsement editorial published in the popular “OUR TIMES” newspaper who serves the needs of the people living in the Center City area.

Political types also watching to see if Republicans will cross over to vote in the Democratic primary. If they do, it is expected that the majority shall vote shall be for Davis. Political types are reporting that the Davis camp is getting its lion share of the local Tea Party and Freedom Makers votes. Also the absentee votes shall be strongly in favor of Davis because of the extensive effort made by his supporters.

Tornatta’s camp is relying heavy on the local union bosses, Mayor Weinzapfel, his loyal supporters, Mark Owens and his Democratic Central Committee, a few elected County Officials, and City Attorney David Jones.

However, it is felt widely that the city employees of Evansville and independent thinking voters shall play a major role in determining who shall win this Democratic primary battle for the nomination for Mayor of Evansville!

No matter how the votes go in May 3 Democratic primary, this shall be considered a referendum on Mayor Weinzapfel last two (2) terms in office! If Tornatta is right about the Mayors popularity, then he wins! If Davis is correct about the general rejection of Mayor Weinzapfel’s way of running the City of Evansville, then he wins!

If the Mayor is considered popular in the 2nd and 6th Wards, then Mosby and Watts will win! If not, then Lindsey and McBride will win the Democratic nomination for these City Council seats!

If Davis loses this primary battle it is all but certain that his political future is in doubt! If Tornatta loses it is almost certain his political career is over because he will have lost two political races in a row.

Finally, if Tornatta loses it shall signal the end of a successful tenure for the Vanderburgh County Democratic Chairmen, Mark Owens because of the role he played in this primary battle.

IS IT TRUE? Part 2 May 2, 2011

IS IT TRUE that some old fashioned in your face political tactics took to the streets last Saturday morning?…that no punches were thrown but that lots of banter that is usually reserved for the build up to a boxing match?…that some people felt a bit intimidated by some of this banter?…that as entertaining as this sort of thing can be in a movie theatre that the streets and sidewalks in front of the Central Labor Temple of Evansville during a hotly contested election is not the place for tough guy tactics from anyone?…that the CCO encourages a respectful and honest primary tomorrow and may the best candidates win?

UPDATE: IS IT TRUE that Evansville City Councilwoman Connie Robinson stepped into the role of peacemaker between the not so courteous factions in front of the Central Labor Temple on Saturday morning?…that she is already embracing the opportunity to start the task of healing the Vanderburgh Democratic Party?

IS IT TRUE that a democratic candidate for the Evansville City Council has requested assurances that we are clear that there will not be any problems on Tuesday at the polling places?…that all volunteers should be reminded that they will not be the only people electioneering at the polling places, and that part of their job is to get along with the other candidate’s volunteers?…that if there is any kind of aggressive speech or actions made that this person will call the police first, the media second and the election board third?…that after seeing what happened on Saturday, nothing would cause this witness to be surprised?…that the infighting among Democrats has aroused passions that have not been aroused in most of our lifetimes?… that anyone that cannot maintain a basic level of decorum is going to be reported?…that for a post primary healing to have a chance that Democratic voters should not be put into a position of being ashamed and embarrassed by the actions of poll volunteers?…that the things going on within the Democratic Party in the this primary season provides people with flashbacks to the reconstruction of the old south?

IS IT TRUE that when one Google’s the term political machine that names like Ed Crump (Mayor of Memphis), Howey Long (Governor of Louisiana), and of course Richard Daley Sr. the long ruling Mayor of Chicago are at the top of the citations?…that these so called machines were commonplace in what is now referred to as the Gilded Age?…that the main goal of political machines during the Gilded Age was to use both, legal and illegal, methods to get candidates elected to public office?…this Gilded Age was also known for corruption, intimidation, and general lawlessness in American politics at the local level?…that much of the disgust and ambivalence that regular people have toward politics has its roots in the Gilded Age of Political Machines?

IS IT TRUE that some people have alleged that Evansville has a political machine?…that some of the things that plague the City of Evansville such as crumbling infrastructure, a stagnant economy, and filth are products of political machines in other places?…that candidates who fight against substance in their campaigns relying exclusively on clubs and charisma are also indicative of how political machines operate?…that other things that political machines were known for are patronage jobs, preferred contracts, and letting things slide for insiders?…that IF and we do mean IF such a machine does exist in Evansville that it needs to be kept out of power?…that IF such a machine exists that not even one member of it should hold a position of power?…that we trust the judgment of the people of Evansville to determine IF there really is a local machine that keeps us down and to take the appropriate action at the ballot box to reject all machine politics?…that we are most curious to see how tomorrow goes?

IS IT TRUE that if Rick Davis wins tomorrow’s Democratic primary that some Republicans are considering approaching some of his supporters about switching teams?…that if Rick Davis does pull of a win tomorrow that much credit should be given to retired State Senator Paul Bitz who has worked tirelessly on his campaign?

IS IT TRUE that the predictions of certain CCO Moles will be posted tomorrow morning and that any Mole that beats Mole #3 shall be treated to a lunch at the Cork and Cleaver?

EPD Activity Report May 1 2011