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

Councilwoman Robinson will be the Senior Member of the Evansville City Council in 2012

CCO: The City of Evansville has poured much money into housing programs in the 4th Ward. The most visible is the Front Door Pride program. Please tell our readers how you as a resident of the 4th Ward feel that the practices of the Front Door Pride program affect the 4th Ward and the City of Evansville?

Councilwoman Robinson“I believe that the practices of the Front Door Pride Program has affected the 4th Ward in a positive manner. You have some people that moved into the 4th ward from other areas of town and them you have some individuals that live in the area and they was so impressed with the new homes that they purchased one. What we are doing in the center city, should be done in all the older areas of the city. Throughout the city we have a old housing stock that we have neglected far too long. As the Front Door Pride Program matures like any other program you will and should see changes that can be made to increase its effectiveness. I feel that if we do one block at a time, it would make more of an impact instead of one or two houses on a block. A person has to have a vision to purchase a $100,000 house next to a house worth $20,000.00”

CCO: How does your experience as a successful entrepreneur influence your judgement as a long term member of the Evansville City Council?

Councilwoman Robinson“I understand the importance of meeting budgets and extrapolating revenues and expenses. I do this on a daily basis. When I look at projects, I want to know how it will impact my cash flow/tax revenue. I understand the bottom line. I understand the need to leverage dollars to make things happen and how it will enhance the everyday lives of people and my employees. I realize that you must measure short term benefits/gains against long term investments that produce greater future benefits but may decrease short term satisfaction. I am a small business person who brings to the city a level of fiscal pragmatism and social insight with a compelling belief that a successful city government must provide a matrix to promote a successful economical, educational, political and safe environment for its citizen to achieve success, personally and as a part of a dynamic community. I learned that just as in business, when times are rough a city must have a plan and have a strong belief in that plan and the understanding that like a successful business you move forward by stepping briskly not by crawling backward.”

CCO: The City of Evansville is under consent decree by the EPA to design and repair the sewers on the south and southeast sides. Are you pleased with the mandate to repair the Combined Sewer Overflow problems within about 20 years or would you like to see that happen faster? Please explain how the CSO affects life in the 4th Ward and economic development in greater Evansville.

Councilwoman Robinson“Hopefully we can take care of this problem before 20 years. I feel that the current administration has been proactive with the projects we are currently doing. This is a quality of life issue and a issue that no one was eager to touch in the past because of the cost. Bee Slough is also a quality of life issue that I hope we can eliminate in the near future. Anything that is detrimental to a person health affects economic development. Companies are concerned about health care cost and the physical well being of their employees.”

CCO: The 4th Ward is very highly populated with legacy parks that were designed and placed there many years ago. What are your thoughts about the state of the parks in the City of Evansville and how can these parks be made to be pristine again?

Councilwoman Robinson“There is room for improvement in the majority of the parks in the City Of Evansville, not just in the 4th ward. Evansville is bless to have some beautiful parks, the time has come for us to make their care and upkeep a priority. Some of the parks in the center city could use a good power raking and over seeding that would not cost that much to do. In Caldwell Park, we have done the following this year Seal/stripe basketball courts, added new swings, planted additional trees and installed a new water fountain, In Tepe Park, they demolish the pool and installed new playground equipment.”

CCO: You voted yes on a strengthened smoking ordinance last year in a most emphatic way proclaiming that “I am my brother’s keeper”. You have not always been in favor of smoking restrictions. Please tell us about what enabled you to change your position on this locally controversial issue?

Councilwoman Robinson“I changed my opinion after listening to the speakers, for and against the ordinance and I realized that I am my brother’s keeper. I travel all over the United States and people seem to accept the fact that you are not allowed to smoke in restaurant and bars. I have grown wiser and I realize that it was the right thing to do.”

CCO: Please tell us what you like most about serving on the Evansville City Council and what you like the least about that service?

Councilwoman Robinson“I love this city, I was born and raised in Evansville, I graduated from Bosse High School and University of Evansville. My parents started a business in this city, my family has deep roots here. Serving on the city council is a way for me to give back to a city that facilitated my development. I love seeing the development that has happened during my tenure. The McDonald’s on Washington and 41 , Memorial Community Development Corporation, Memorial Housing , In conjuction with Rev Brooks, we started a summer Youth Program that Memorial community Development Corporation is running, Habitat Shadeywood Project, The African American Museum, Rochelle Landers Neighborhood Pool, Cape Senior Housing and Carver have all developed major projects during my tenure.”

We will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail.

George W. Bush, Speech after 9/11 attacks
43rd President of United States

“Justice has been done”

President Barack Obama
44th President of the United States

Enjoy our National Anthem

IS IT TRUE? May 2, 2011

IS IT TRUE that Mort Marcus has once again honored Evansville in a Mort Marcus kind of way?…that Marcus has pointed out the fact that Evansville is the winner of the “LEAST LOSER” award in the State of Indiana for losing less of the per capita income than other Hoosier cities have in the current recession?…that the Evansville region ranks 1st in Indiana with the same performance that places us in 68th on the national scale out of 179 economic areas?…that Marcus refers to such celebrations for not being quite as bad as some other places as “HOOSIER HAPPY TALK”?…that leading the pack in the loser’s bracket is just not as satisfying as competing for real leadership recognition UNLESS of course one’s head is so far in the sand that one is not even aware of how the rest of the country is doing?…that worldly awareness leads to world class aspirations?…that national awareness leads to national aspirations?…that if one only aspires to be the best on the block then one will surely achieve that distinction?

IS IT TRUE that obliviousness and lack of ambition lead to winning in national rankings in metrics like obesity and suicide, both of which Evansville leads in?…that the past is protocol and that much of where we are is because of where we have been or settled to stay?…that if one likes things the way they are that change is about as attractive as a bath is to a cat?…that this cat called Evansville is in need of a bath and that now is a good time to start?…that these race to the bottom statistics that we seem to be turning up as leaders in should be a call to action to local political and business leaders?…that our candidates for office are still not addressing these situations with any substance?…that our primary winners will be chosen in most of the races without proposing a darn thing?…that after Tuesday’s primaries the heat to provide some real ideas will be turned up?…that at least 3 candidates have already contributed papers of substance to the CCO and that we surely hope to see those three pass on to the general election as a reward for their thoughts and willingness to put something real out there?

IS IT TRUE that members of the City County Observer staff attended the Evansville Police Department Foundation Scholarship Awards gathering? ….the students that won the EPDF 2011 Scholarship awards were, Lauren Barnett, Andrew James Brickner, Kelsey Gelzleichter, Lauren George, Laura Molinet and Cameron Whitler?…that we not only congratulate the Scholarship winners but also Chief Brad Hill and Assistant Chief Robert Hahn for putting on this outstanding event?…that we recommend that you consider joining the EPDF 100 Club by donating $100 to this worthwhile organization by calling 812-436-4030 for more details?

IS IT TRUE people are saying that the political rift in the Democratic party is beyond repair?…that after the May 3 Primary that the fate of the Vanderburgh County Democratic Party shall rest in the hands of two (2) veteran office holders?…that the only individuals that can bring people back to the table to work out a peaceful solution to the correct the problems of the Vanderburgh County Democratic Party are City Council members, Connie Robinson and Dr. Dan Adams?

IS IT TRUE we are hearing that one candidate for Mayor of Evansville has told 5 people that he shall appoint them as the next Chief of Police under his administration. …that he also told 7 fire fighters that he shall appoint them as his next Fire Chief?…that we hear he has promised 11 people that they will be his Chief of Staff if elected?

IS IT TRUE that a member of the Evansville City Council tried to have highly respected member of the Police Merit Commission removed from the position that Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel appointed him to?…that the above member of the Evansville City Council shouldn’t expect any political help from this individual in the May 3rd Democratic primary?

Merit, Knowledge, and Transparency are the Ingredients to Destroy Political Machines

In the mid-19th century, American cities grew rapidly, fueled by immigration and an increase in manufacturing and commerce. Immigrants arrived with great needs and few resources. Party organizations in these growing cities, known as political machines, offered immigrants help in exchange for political support. Loyal voters and party workers might receive patronage jobs, money or food in times of distress.

Machine politicians controlled access to public jobs and contracts through a system of graft and corruption. Kickback schemes were common. Real estate interests, public works builders, and aspiring judges often paid large sums of money to machine politicians to win offices, favors, and city contracts. At their worst, political machines sometimes fixed elections by stuffing or destroying ballot boxes in districts where the opposition was popular; although they often had majority support without such methods.

Reformers opposed the machine, calling for such improvements as civil service tests for jobs, closer control over how the city spent its money, and watching the polls on Election Day. Over time, such reforms weakened the power of political machines. But reformers rarely won elections since their appeals to higher principles were not as compelling to voters as the concrete benefits of jobs, help with the police, or money. Only the uncommon reformer, like Fiorello H. La Guardia of New York City, served more than one term. La Guardia was able to use the relief and public works projects of the 1930s New Deal to provide benefits for his working class and immigrant voting base. Indeed, it was the rise of the welfare state and the services it provided that greatly weakened political machines in the post-World War II period.

Source: City University of New York

EPD Activity Report April 30 2011

EPD Activity Report April 29 2011

IS IT TRUE? April 30, 2011

IS IT TRUE that the Ohio River has crested at 46.4 feet?…that the forecast for the probability of exceeding 48 feet has now be revised down to less that 5%?…that more rain is coming but that it would have to be another doozie for Evansville to crest at above 48 feet?…that Pigeon Creek remains the biggest risk to us if another deluge hits?…that we seem to have dodged a bullet and will not be needing to utilize our flood gates?…that testing them out this summer would still be a good idea?

IS IT TRUE that the Tornatta for Mayor campaign has disclosed in the neighborhood of $20,000 of last minute contributions?…that such rapid disclosure is only required when the HIGH ROLLERS who contribute over $1,000 at a time are the source of funds?…that Mr. Tornatta’s big haul came from the usual Indianapolis based Democratic supporters of Mayor Weinzapfel, local attorney David Jones whose firm currently represents the City of Evansville, and the Vanderburgh County Democratic Central Committee?…that individuals always have the freedom to do as they please with their earned money but that for the Democratic Central Committee to support a candidate in a primary while crying for a healing event afterward is quite disingenuous?…that between trying to keep candidate Davis from running until the Mayor had exercised his right of first refusal, pitching a childish fit over the fall festival booth, and now overtly supporting a primary candidate, the loyalties of the Democratic Central Committee are pretty well known?

IS IT TRUE that IF and we do mean IF Team Troy goes down in flames on May 3rd that the machine known as the Vanderburgh County Democratic Central Committee will go down with it?…that this battle for Evansville’s democratic heart is as close to an epic battle as we are likely to get here for a long time?

IS IT TRUE that on Monday the City County Observer will be publishing a personal interview with Evansville City Councilwoman Connie Robinson?…that our questions touched on all of the usual known interests but also explored the ways that Councilwoman Robinson uses the knowledge of the real entrepreneurial world that she earns a living in to help her cut through political clutter and make sound business decisions for the City of Evansville?…that Councilwoman Robinson also discusses her period of enlightenment when she changed her long time position from NO to YES on strengthening the Evansville Smokefree Workplace Law?…that this is a perfect example of lifetime learning and that lifetime learning is what keeps all who have the courage to do so both relevant and vibrant?

IS IT TRUE that it has now been 1,458 days since the announcement was made on May 14, 2007 that the McCurdy Hotel was to be refurbished into luxury apartments?…that it has now been 1,312 days since the Evansville Redevelopment Commission at the request of Mayor Weinzapfel approved the spending of $603,000 to purchase the parking lot?…that City Centre Properties and Scott Kosene the developers of the McCurdy project are both listed as contributors to the Weinzapfel for Mayor committee for 2010?

IS IT TRUE that there are now 551 days remaining in the two years that the EPA had given the City of Evansville to present an acceptable solution to the Combined Sewer Overflow problem?…..that this plan is an expensive and complex endeavor that needs immediate attention to avoid the embarrassment and expense of another round of fines?

The Essential Need for Government Transparency

Introduction

The history of government transparency and accountability dates as far back as far as the Enlightenment Period and the passage of freedom of the press laws in Sweden and Finland in 1766 and then in the American colonies in 1789 as part of our Constitution in the Bill of Rights. In 1966 the United States passed the Freedom of Information Act(FOIA) and then the Presidential Records Act of 1978 in response to the Watergate Scandal.

Since about the middle 2000’s requests have been made by public interest and advocacy groups to put federal and state government spending on-line where it could be tracked, analyzed and scrutinized. Recent strides towards greater accountability and transparency accelerated dramatically in response to the Obama administration’s economic stimulus plan(American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009). Due to the size and scope of the act there were calls for greater transparency and accountability to track the spending. In response to critics and to build support for the Act the Obama administration promised unprecedented accountability and transparency. So, as part of the Act the government website recovery.gov was created.

Since 2009, government transparency has quickly gained bipartisan support with both Democratic and Republican legislatures championing transparency legislation. According to a recent survey done by the Association of Government Accountants an overwhelming, 90%, of voters say they have a right to transparency in government financial management.

What is government on-line transparency? A checklist City residents should be able to determine through an on-line website:

• The cost of delivering essential services such as police, fire, water, sewer, and trash and snow removal

• Disclosure of all city government meetings and agendas

• Key information about the city’s elected officials and appointed administrators. It should include contact information and terms of service, the date of the next election/appointment

• Comprehensive information about all contracts it enters into with vendors

• Contact information for the person or department that handles open records requests

• Full information about contracts with lobbyists and grants to non-profits

Budgetary information is key

• The current budget both in table form and in pie chart form should be posted on-line

• Prior years budgets should also be posted with easy to understand comparisons showing dollar increases or decreases and their corresponding percentages

• Links to provide more detailed information should be provided

• A brief summary and commentary from the Mayor, the city council and the minority party should also be included

A checkbook summary should be available

The city’s checkbook register should be posted online. This information provided should include:
1. The amount of each payment
2. Date
3. Check number
4. To whom the payment was made (including the address)
5. Scan of Invoice or Purchase Order or Check Request (this often provides significant drilldown detail including who approved it)
6. What it was for
7. Budgetary authority for the expenditure
8. Functional expenditure category
9. Sources of funds
10. Links to the relevant contracts under which the payment was made

What are the costs and benefits of transparency
• Low cost – Spending transparency web sites are inexpensive to create and maintain
• Transparency increases accountability in government and elected officials
• It reduces the number of FOIA(Freedom of Information Act) requests often allowing the public to go right to the source of information requested
• It results in better targeted expenditures and tax incentives and allows officials and citizens to see if the targeted programs are delivering the desired results.
• It encourages proactive thinking and planning from elected officials rather than reactive
activities
• Increased civic engagement, the state of Missouri’s accountability portal received 13 million hits on its website in the first 18 months of its launch.
• Big savings to taxpayers, According to the US Public Interest Research Group, state comptrollers from Texas, Utah, and South Dakota all reported savings in the tens of millions of dollars in the first year of launching their websites after spending less than a million to launch the sites.

Conclusion

The city of Evansville faces a great many challenges and opportunities in the years ahead. The issues of consolidation, law enforcement, fire protection, Roberts Stadium, consolidated sewers, our parks and infrastructure, and swimming pools all have financial implications. The council and the public will need accurate and transparent information and data to guide them in making a good long-term decision. A transparency program with an online checkbook summary along with a summary of the city’s budget would help the public and the council in determining their financial priorities. Further a transparency program would shine a financial light on controversial issues. As the fiscal agent of the City, the Council owes it to itself and the public to implement a comprehensive transparency program.