IS IT TRUE? May 25, 2011

IS IT TRUE that the McCurdy Hotel has now been officially cited by the City of Evansville for weeds?…that a local TV report last night DMD Director Tom Barnett is finally holding the should be Indianapolis developer’s feet to the fire to clean this rat’s nest and to either perform or get off the pot with the construction project to make the McCurdy a home to people instead of pigeons, rats, and bats?…that the City County Observer is pleased to see that some semblance of pressure is finally being put on the Mayor’s chosen developer to perform?…that we are also proud and pleased to have taken the lead role in calling this weed cultivating, non tax-paying, political contribution making, organization out for non-performance?…that it is also gratifying to the CCO to see the City of Evansville step up to the plate for once?…that we will be diligent in keeping the pressure on the City to force action from this developer?

IS IT TRUE that the FBI released the preliminary crime statistics for 2010 yesterday?…that the United States of America has defied past times of economic challenge and has seen the violent crime rates drop by 5.5% and property crimes drop by 2.8%?…that the City of Evansville has once again performed in an opposite manner with respect to the nation in a key “quality of life” metric?…that the crime for the City of Evansville rose during 2010 seeing a whopping 14.1% increase in violent crime and a 3.1% increase in property crime?…that of course the immediate local response was denial and statements that this is not an apples for apples comparison?…that this is the typical response here in River City and that the sooner that this area comes to grips with its problems and acknowledges them that the sooner the problems can begin the repair process?…that the FBI hires the best and brightest that the nation has to offer, maintains a complete forensics lab, and has a division dedicated to statistics?…that the FBI is all about protocol, order, and apples to apples comparisons?

IS IT TRUE that if the FBI releases a study backed up with statistics that shows that Ann Arbor is safer than Evansville, which is safer than Fort Wayne, that is safer than Flint, MI that you can take those numbers to the bank?…that somewhere in Gary, IN that regained its title of the “murder capital of America” last year there is a Mayor, a Chamber of Commerce leader, or a head of a CVB whining about the “unfair” statistics?…that denial has not helped Gary with a chart topping murder rate of 56.8 murders per 100,000 population a full 13 times Evansville’s rate become a better place to be?…that as the real crime centers of the country go that Evansville is still setting at or near the national averages and that most of the city is statistically safe?…that we do have a half dozen or so census tracts that are statistically very much like Detroit, Gary, Flint, or St. Louis in the crime department?…that we equally have one census tract in unincorporated Vanderburgh County that is safer than 96% of the country?

IS IT TRUE that the FBI regional press release commended the South for having the biggest drop in violent crime at 7.5 percent, followed by the Midwest with a 5.9 percent drop, the West at 5.8 percent and the Northeast coming in at only 0.4 percent?…that in the FBI report that murder, rape, robbery, and assault all dropped from 2009 – 2010?…that in the City of Evansville that every one of these categories of crime plus property crimes and larceny increased from between 3% to a high of 67%?

IS IT TRUE that for Gary, Flint, Camden, or a few other lawless cities to put out brochures and parrot nonsensical slogans like “spend your summer vacation in the murder capital of the nation” or the more serious ones like “move to Gary, it’s a great place to raise kids” or even “we have a great quality of life here in Flint”, are as much a form of denial as the people in Evansville who do not acknowledge that we have a serious problem with meth and that there is no crime downtown?…that when compared with the three cities above that Evansville is still quite safe?…that Evansville is however going the wrong direction and the slide to Gary style crime statistics is a slippery slope?…that the time to face those demons and drive a stake into the vampires heart is right now and not 5 years from now when we will be joining the Garys and Flints of the world at our present rates of change?

IS IT TRUE that our Part 2 of IS IT TRUE today will deal with the details of the City of Evansville’s crime statistics?

“Beatles Stories”, “Nowhere Boy” and “Parting Ways” will be shown at the festival

Louisville, KY (May 17, 2011) – “Beatles Stories” is a fascinating 75-minute documentary that follows Director Seth Swirsky as he conducts interviews with 55 famous (and not-so famous) people who share their unique and intimate encounters with one or all of the Fab Four during their heyday and beyond. Following its world premiere in Paris, France at the 2011 European Independent Film Festival, and its North American Premiere at the Newport Beach Film Festival, the film will be shown at this year’s WHAS-11 Abbey Road on the River in Louisville on Thursday, May 27th at 11:00pm, on Friday, May 28th at 11:00am and at 6:00pm, on Saturday, May 28th at 11:00am, and on Sunday, May 29th at 2:00pm. A Q&A session with the Swirsky will be held on Saturday, May 28th at 12:45pm.

During his five year labor of love journey to document “Beatles Stories,” Swirsky traveled from Los Angeles to New York to London to Liverpool to conduct more than 100 interviews (only 55 made the cut) with rock and pop legends (Brian Wilson, Graham Nash, Art Garfunkel, Smokey Robinson), actors (Sir Ben Kingsley, Jon Voight), media personalities, Beatles intimates, and even a former First Daughter. Many of the recollections are compelling. Graham Nash talks about his invitation to the TV broadcast of the Beatle’s new song, “All You Need is Love” and being a part of a magical, star studded experience. George Harrison’s first girlfriend, from before he was in the band, talks about how sweet George was as a 14 year old. Henry Winkler recounts a random meeting with Paul McCartney on a New York street where the Beatle was as happy to meet “The Fonz” as Winkler was to meet him. With this documentary Swirsky gives the viewer the chance to be a fly on the wall from those magical days gone by. This is a must-see film for anyone who loves the Beatles, or for anyone who wished they could have been there in the swinging 60’s, living the life that so few got to experience.

Abbey Road on the River festival goers can also see a screening of the 98-minute award-winning documentary film “Nowhere Boy,” a chronicle that captures and conveys the crucial formative years of John Lennon. The film depicts the events and personal circumstances that led to the formation of the Beatles, and the underlying family currents that shaped and molded the creative and inspirational qualities of John Lennon. With a script and perspectives drawn from a variety of impeccable sources and its authenticity endorsed by those who knew John Lennon best, it is the first film to allow admirers to — in the words of one of Lennon’s last and most personal songs — understand the little child inside the man. The film was released in 2009 and directed by Sam Taylor-Wood, and will be shown on Friday, May 27th at 2:00pm and 8:00pm, on Saturday, May 28th at 1:00pm and 5:00pm, and Sunday, May 29th at 4:00pm.

“Parting Ways: An Unauthorized Story of Life After the Beatles,” is an award-winning look at the lives of the Fab Four after their breakup, and chronicles how each member went on to become front men for other bands, film producers, and actors. The 51-minute film, which was released in 2010, will be shown on Friday, May 27th at 4:00pm and 10:00pm, on Saturday, May 28th at 1:00pm and 7:00pm, and on Sunday, May 29th at 6:00pm.

WHAS-11 Abbey Road on the River, a five day music festival celebrating the greatest rock band of all time, will be held at the Belvedere and Galt House Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky from May 26th to May 30th. Tickets for the world’s largest Beatles tribute festival are currently on sale at www.abbeyroadontheriver.com, and discounted tickets are available at 44 Kroger stores in the Louisville area and at The Louisville Visitor Center, located at 301 S. 4th Street. Families who want to take advantage of a money saving incentive need to purchase tickets in advance to receive free admission for one 21 and under guest with each regular ticketholder.

WHAS11 Abbey Road on the River, named a Top 10 event for 2011 by The Kentucky Travel Industry Association and the Southeast Tourism Society, is sponsored by The Galt House Hotel & Suites, the Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau, 107.7 SFR Classic Rock, The Courier-Journal and www.courier-journal.com, with additional support from Gretsch Guitar, Republic Bank, and MillerCoors.

IS IT TRUE? Part 2 May 24, 2011

IS IT TRUE that on May 23 at just before noon the City County Observer set a monthly record for pageviews?…that with 8 days left in the month of May that this record will exceed the previous record by roughly 30% by the end of the month?…that we wish to thank our readers for helping us grow?…that some of our new readers are coming to us from posts that have been placed on national forums with links to the CCO story about the Gallup survey that anointed Evansville as the “obesity capital of America”…that we made the right decision to release that story 2 weeks ahead of everyone else and that sometime being on the leading edge pays off?…that “moderation is the key to mediocrity” and that we have no interest in either?

IS IT TRUE that one of our readers has astutely pointed out that the McCurdy Hotel with all of its native pasture allowed to grow to heights above 3 feet is very likely to develop a colony of RATS to accompany the pigeons (SKY RATS) and bats (SKY MICE) in their continuing occupation of the formerly gracious hotel?…that rats, pigeons, and mice are all indicators of filth and are pretty much unwelcome outside of animal science laboratories?…that the only song of love written for a rat was “Ben” by Michael Jackson?

IS IT TRUE that in a police report from May 23, 2011 there is a complaint that the crew that is doing the curb cuts to reverse the street directions in downtown Evansville peppered a parked car with concrete debris with the high powered saw that is used to cut concrete?…that according to the police reports the crew contained no witnesses to the alleged peppering of the parked car?…that the report states that the damage to the parked car is consistent with what a good peppering from a concrete saw would do?…that the number of accidents, crimes, and incidents that have no witnesses in Evansville is just astounding?…that the often used words from non-witnesses of “I didn’t see nothing” are as much a part of the problem as the bad deeds are?…that for a police department to be more effective a cooperative citizenry is necessary?

IS IT TRUE that some of the candidates for the Evansville City Council are keeping their faces in the public for the summer and others are not?…that being lackadaisical about campaigning when ones opponent is keeping the pedal to the metal is a sure fire way to dig ones political grave?…that continuous visibility is the best way to keep the support base that was built in the hard fought primaries?

IS IT TRUE that the homeowner’s association in the Evansville Historic District has been wanting classy signs to identify the Historic District for several years now?…that the homeowner’s association is paying for half of the costs of the signs and that the City of Evansville is picking up the other half?…that the agreement to do this was easy and that the DMD staff gets high marks for cooperative assistance?…that now that it is time to pay that he Controller’s office of the City of Evansville is not only slow to pay but that they are throwing up road blocks because the bidding process that is followed for giant construction projects like the Arena was not followed?…that getting $10,000 or so of street signs should not be subject to the same bidding rules as the seats in the Arena?…that getting multiple bids from government designated preferred suppliers for a small neighborhood project is counterproductive and raises costs to ridiculous levels?…that the neighborhood association may have gotten the project done for less than their own half of the costs if they just did it instead of bringing local government into the mix?…that the Controller’s office is also blaming their new but slower computer system for the delay?…that new computers should be faster not slower?…that they probably had such a slow bid process to buy the computers that they got last year’s computers at next year’s price?

IS IT TRUE? May 24, 2011

IS IT TRUE that Radio preacher Howard Camping has revised his calculation for the rapture from the obviously incorrect Saturday night to October 21, 2011?…that when it comes to predicting the end of the world that with most people the name of the game is one strike and you are out?…that this knucklehead had his first strike in 1994?…that strike two was Saturday night and that unfortunately he was able to gather a significant number of followers again?…that as President Reagan once said “there you go again”, this guy has chosen another date that he may actually live to see?…that if he were smart he would have picked a date after his life has ended like 30 years from now so he does not have to endure a third strike of humiliation?…that Mr. Camping will undoubtedly gather some more followers who believe that October 21, 2011 is the day?…that we must ask that often used question “who-da-foo” when it comes to anyone who gets on board with this charlatan for a third round of silliness?…that the population of Evansville may be fat as the Gallup survey postulates but that it is better to be fat than stupid?

IS IT TRUE that the wrecking ball has finally started swinging at the Executive Inn?…that this is really the beginning of the effort to make some deal that ends with a Convention Hotel being constructed and opened to replace the Big E?…that nothing in the valuation equation has changed since last year when the City County Observer published a valuation analysis that showed a finished value of $20 Million +/- $2 Million for a 220 room hotel that rents for $99 per night and has a 60% occupancy rate?…that the construction costs that will be associated with the hotel alone will still be in the $30 Million range unless corners are cut and rules are changed?…that a conventional financing organization will still value the end product at $20 Million and will offer a loan of in the range of $15 Million if they are feeling confident about the hotel’s future success?…that unless there is a substantial equity investor or a guarantee of a loan by a deep pocketed person that this deal will still be a tough sell?…that failure to recognize this financial reality is why we are now 4 years into this Executive Inn Dilemma and there is no disclosed financing in place?…that if John Kish had a deal that it would already have been announced?…that the clock is ticking?…that having a Downtown Convention Hotel is so vital to the $200 Million in public investment that is already in the MLK Entertainment Complex that even if the City of Evansville has to guarantee or make the loans it will have to be done?…that we predict a mid 2013 opening and a local government loan or loan guarantee to grease the skids to make this happen?

IS IT TRUE that today’s rain and the rain in the forecast for the next three days is going to feed the pasture at the McCurdy Convalescent Home for Pigeons and Bats to grow to a height of at least 4 feet before another mowing opportunity presents itself?…that we even have been contacted by a private citizen who officially turned the pasture in for exceeding the weed ordinance?…that the goat that we suggested will not be sufficient to clear this pasture?…that at least 3 goats will be needed to abate these weeds unless of course a cow can be located and hired?…that about the only thing that smells worse than Bee Slough is a herd of cows or a skunk?…that we still suggest the goat solution except that Billy needs a Nannie or two to assist with his efforts?…that a poor skunk would do no good because pasture grasses are not part of their preferred diet?…that in all seriousness, that no homeowner or landlord in the City of Evansville should get a weed violation notification until the McCurdy pasture has been cleared?

IS IT TRUE? Part 2 May 23, 2011

IS IT TRUE that the wrecking ball is scheduled to swing into what is left of the old Executive Inn today at 4 o’clock?…that with that final swing any shred of thought about turning an obsolete pile of bricks into a functioning 2-Star flop house is officially over?…that there are a couple of relics that someone may want for collecting purposes like the E or a brick from the tower?…that they need to get on about the business of getting them because soon they will be recycled into something?…that this day is only two years behind schedule?…that the most cost effective and well planned solution would have had the Big E taken down when the west wing went down in 2009?…that if that were done according to a well thought out MASTER PLAN that there would or at least could be a new convention hotel already in operation?…that much money could have and should have flowed into the city if this whole exercise had been planned and vetted when it should have been in the 2007 – 2009 timeframe?

IS IT TRUE that the old refurbished Kentucky Theatre in Downtown Lexington is still in operation and serves as a movie theatre?…that on Friday night that hundreds of people were seen coming out of the Kentucky Theatre after watching a movie?…that every Saturday night the Rocky Horror Picture Show is shown to fully costumed crowds?…that we are curious as to the feasibility to show movies in the Victory Theatre?…that if there is one entertainment venue in Downtown Evansville that could be adapted to show movies to increase both event nights and attendance that the Victory could serve that purpose?

IS IT TRUE that the Evansville Arena with its 11,000 seat capacity and $127 Million price tag is across the board about half of the Yum Center in every category?….that given that ratio that the marquee naming opportunities for the Evansville Arena should be expected to scale accordingly?….that would mean that there are over $50 Million in naming opportunities that can be identified in the new Evansville Arena? … that a search of the Evansville Arena website makes no mention of naming rights opportunities?…..that with the potential for around $50 Million of naming rights opportunities to be sold that a concerted effort to sell sponsorships with a chairperson and a committee or even a paid professional team should be underway?….that the only reference in an archive search is that project manager John Kish is quoted in “hoping” that someone will buy the naming rights to the Evansville Arena?….that the City County Observer as one of the fastest growing internet traffic sites in Evansville has not been approached or been told of any naming rights programs that exist?….that the CCO would not know who to call to name so much as a floor tile?….that the naming rights efforts today remind us of the Executive Inn Dilemma?

IS IT TRUE that if the City of Evansville will release a list of the naming opportunities in the new Evansville Arena that the City County Observer will post these opportunities with or without pricing so that our readership can consider these marketing opportunities as their marketing budgets are being formed for 2012?…that well run businesses are starting to think about and form 2012 budgets RIGHT NOW?…that if sponsorship opportunities at the Arena are to be in the mix that they need to be in discussions RIGHT NOW and not in a panic to get into the mix after the dollars are already committed to other places?…we really wonder where we would go to buy so much as a brick or a chairback naming opportunity?…that we are shocked and amazed that a public naming opportunity of some type is has not yet been announced?

IS IT TRUE? May 23, 2011

IS IT TRUE that the City County Observer has received written notice from Tom Barnett, Director of the Department of Metropolitan Development that two of our requests for documentation under the Freedom of Information Act will be granted?…that we will be receiving the information on June 16th which is exactly 21 days after our request was made?…that is the longest time allowed by law for the City to deliver?…that choosing to take the maximum time means utilizing the maximum obstructive capacity that the law allows?…that if there was nothing to obstruct that we would be given the stuff right now instead of pushing the release to the last hour of the last day?…that transparency does not push to the limit of the law to delay making legally required public disclosures?

IS IT TRUE that we will be eager to examine these materials and to understand more about the real contractual relationships with respect to the Downtown Convention Hotel and the management of the new Evansville Arena?…that we cross our fingers that by the time that we have the documents that a full financial package is in place to build the hotel and that a sellout marquee act has been booked for the first event in the Arena?

IS IT TRUE that John Gregg who recently threw his hat into the ring seeking the Democratic nomination for Governor of Indiana was in Evansville last week?…that he spent the better part of the afternoon buddying up to Evansville Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel?…that such sightings could make for some rampant speculation about potential Democratic candidates for Lieutenant Governor in 2012?…that one of the most interesting cameo shots of the afternoon could occurred when Republican candidate for Mayor of Evansville Lloyd Winnecke joined them for a while and exchanged pleasantries in a downtown Evansville dining establishment?…that Winnecke’s presence is the object of the most local curiosity?

IS IT TRUE that select campaign staff members of the Lloyd Winnecke for Mayor committee and Rick Davis for Mayor campaign staff shall meet at 10:30 this coming Thursday at the Winnecke for Mayor campaign headquarters to discuss the terms of possible public debates? …that this meeting shall be one of many between key campaign staff to discuss possible future public debates between both candidates? …the next such meeting on this subject shall be at the Davis for Mayor campaign headquarters on West Franklin Street?

IS IT TRUE that a big discussion broke out among mixed political company about the meanings of the often used terms “good Democrat” and “good Republican”?…that there were people who considered themselves to be a “good Democrat” who thought that means to vote for whatever piece of humanity that actually runs on the Democratic ticket?…that when the last name of the former Knight Township trustee came up that they all backed off of that assertion?…that a similar discussion came up among the self anointed “good Republicans” with similar results?…at the end of the discussion a very good set of definitions emerged with respect to what the word “good” means when used as an adjective before a political party?…that the definitions and examples agreed upon were as follows:

“A good Democrat is a person who agrees with the fundamental philosophy of the Democratic Party yet possesses the mental capacity to deduce a bad Democrat when one runs under the party banner, and the courage of their own ethics to never vote for a bad Democrat” ex: Good Democrats are more than willing to reject bad Democrats and vote for a good Republican.

“A good Republican is a person who agrees with the fundamental philosophy of the Republican Party yet possesses the mental capacity to deduce a bad Republican when one runs under the party banner, and the courage of their own ethics to never vote for a bad Republican” ex: Good Republicans are more than willing to reject bad Republicans and vote for a good Democrat.

IS IT TRUE? May 21, 2011

IS IT TRUE that it has been widely recognized and acknowledged that the gateways to cities are places that should be nurtured and kept looking good to give people a good feeling when driving?…that the most used gateway to Evansville from the south is Southlane Drive?…that the smells on Southlane Drive are enough to give the McCurdy Goat nausea and to make the goat not want to eat when he is turned loose at the McCurdy?…that Southlane is suffering from more than the usual Bee Slough aroma nowadays?…that the guardrails along Southlane Drive appear as though they have not been painted since they were installed?…that the guardrails are sporting a long term thick coat of rust on the top that is just disgusting and give the impression that the City of Evansville does not care about how the southern gateway to the downtown looks?…that painting this two miles of guardrails even at a high price of $1 per foot would amount to a piddly $10,000 or so?…that you can’t get to the new $128 Million arena or to the Front Door Pride area from the south without passing these rusting guardrails?

IS IT TRUE that reversing the direction of some one way streets in Downtown Evansville is not going to attract a single visitor?…that curb cuts and turn lanes that are costing millions of dollars will not add any value whatsoever to Downtown Evansville?…that for a small fraction of what is being spent for no benefit the guardrails leading to town could be painted and the McCurdy Hotel could be mowed for all of the growing season?…that sometimes the choices that government makes just make you shake your head in disbelief?

IS IT TRUE that it has now been 1,479 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 1,333 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 530 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?

Take That: May 20, 2011

In Response to: McCurdy Hotel

“maybe we could get them a goat to go with the pigeons and bats” Henry

“A display of pettyness by the Administration, or running scared of the CCO? One wonders.” Crash Larue

“The Shriners are going to cut the grass at the old McCurdy Hotel because it would be such a embarrassment to have people see that site during the Shrinersfest in June.” Rick Hubbard

In Response to: City Budgets

“I’d guess we might have been closer to the averages before we got hooked on crack. (i.e. pre-Aztar), Down that line, watch out for “leveraged” pre-payments of Aztar monies in these figures. We’re an open gambling community! A better comparison would be Atlantic City or Vegas. After all, we were sold the boat on how much additional city-wide benefits all the “FREE” money would get us! At least part of those extra expenditures are supposed to be fighting the additional crime element, right? And cleaning up any needle problems in our parks – Oooops.” Eville Taxpayer

“Checked out the Henderson budget vs. the population and it looks as though the money saving bridge works for government too. $878 per person over there! Nearly $1,000 each less than Evansville but in line with other places. Evansville is insane on its costs.” The Donald

“Based on the info available, your comparison on per capita costs for fort wayne and evansville seems correct, although something may be missing. Another way to cross reference expenses and revenues would be to compare property tax rates and revenues. What are the city and county property tax rates in Fort Wayne and Allen county compared to Evansville and Vanderburgh County? Two differences, one of which you point out, make a difference. Utility rates are more expensive in Vanderburgh County and some labor rates are more expensive in Evansville. Fort Wayne does not use bargaining unit employees for some and possible all of their maintenance work, specifically parks.” Mole #411

In Response to: Professional Sports in Evansville

“The thing I come away with reading this is that the time for a professional sports team supported by the city has long since come and gone, times have changed, with the advent of 24 hr TV, … In the best economic times sports teams are a luxury, given today’s economic climate it makes little sense to me to waste tax payers dollars on such a luxury with the infrastructure crumbling all around us.” Blanger

“Ice hockey … eh?” Soon2B

“I couldn’t agree more. A copy of this message should be given to every city council and mayoral candidate. Keep the trash picked up, the grass cut in the summer and the snow plowed in the winter, flush the poop, provide us with clean water, fire and police protection and do it all at a reasonable price. I would add providing some minimal level of a social safety net would be essential too. Being a good spokesperon representative for the city and region is a bonus. If we could get this accomplished then the site locators, CEO’s, business leaders and families would WANT to relocate to Evansville, reducing the need for “jobs programs” and quasi-bribes in the form of tax abatements. If we don’t get this done, then the population decline and brain drain will continue to happen.” Steve Smith

“This is completely opposite of the Otters. This is a garbage team in a garbage league. Bill Bussing has shown absolutely no interest in providing any type of improved product here. Annual last place finishes in a garbage league. With Bosse Field and our support of baseball, there is no excuse for anything less than A ball here. I would strongly support the Otters having their lease terminated and attempts to secure a real minor league baseball team here.” Buzzard

“There’s more teams on the way but it won’t be in the new arena.” Railoverauto

IS IT TRUE? May 20, 2011

IS IT TRUE that merger mania took over part of the Civic Center again last night?…that in yet another planning session that nothing was settled and the two or more factions that have developed are digging their heels in on their respective positions regarding the future of law enforcement in Vanderburgh County and the City of Evansville?…that a full three of the six (half) ward based members of the City Council have expressed the desire of their constituents is to LEAVE LAW ENFORCEMENT ALONE?…that if the consolidation committee so misread this most important and expensive element of the service that government provides that there are impaired judgments throughout the rest of the proposal too?…that lets just call this thing what it is and be done with it?…that the most used adjective that the consolidation proposal seems to have placed in front of it starts with cluster?

IS IT TRUE that this proposal makes no financial, moral, or even prosperity based imperative that has any basis is reality?…that there is about the same amount of elevative substance in this proposal as there was in the recent primary?…that that would be slim to none?…that just because the Chamber of Commerce believes in the theory of consolidation does not make the proposal that is in place a basis on which to go forward?…that as the City County Observer has opined on many occasions “when you show the people of the City of Evansville and Vanderburgh County tangible benefit, they will recognize it and support consolidation”?…that so far we have only heard condescendence and been shown nothing of value?…that experimentation for the sake of experimenting is not a reason to enact permanent and irreversible change?…that this needs to start over or it needs to be discarded?

IS IT TRUE that the Vanderburgh Democratic Party faithful shall be having its 6th Annual Lifetime Achievement Award Dinner on June 8th at Bauer House in Darmstadt?…we congratulate Vanderburgh County Democratic party Central Committee for holding this worthwhile event?…that feel that this event shall begin the political healing of the Vanderburgh Democratic party?…that all eyes are on Team Rick Davis, Party Chairman, Mark Owens and Union Leader, Jack McNeely?

IS IT TRUE that “CCO MOLE 206” has corrected a CCO “IS IT TRUE” statement concerning the Vanderburgh County Democratic was giving money to relocate from the Executive Inn Parking garage to old Welborn Hospital building owned by the Kunkel Group?…that the Evansville Redevelopment Commission didn’t pay the Democratic party to relocate…that another entity has commented to pay them to relocate?…that this entity hasn’t paid the party to move their headquarters as of yet? …the figure that has been alleged to be paid to the Democratic Party for this move is between $1 to $10,000?

IS IT TRUE that Evansville made it onto Jay Leno’s monologue on Wednesday night?…that our newly bestowed distinction of being the most obese place in America is gaining us national attention?…that Leno made fun of the Evansville jail saying that it does not even need bars because they put us at the bottom of the stairs and we can’t climb out?…that this is not good publicity but that as one Facebook comment said “if the tent fits, wear it”?

IS IT TRUE that the City County Observer got over 30 referrals yesterday from a never before heard of website called modern-bliss.com?…that this happened as a result of someone from Evansville posting a link on that site to the CCO article from 3 weeks ago about Evansville being named the obesity capital of America?…that the poster was quite disturbed and embarrassed at Evansville’s new distinction?

IS IT TRUE that all of these humiliations are a call to action and that as a community we need to rise to that call to action by living healthier, cleaning our streets, fixing our sewers, etc. etc. etc?…that this is an opportunity for Evansville to acknowledge these problems and others and to do something about it?…that this election year of 2011 is a great catalyst to change how we live for the better?