IS IT TRUE? March 26, 2011

IS IT TRUE that finally after over 10 years on the drawing board the direction of Main Street in the downtown is being reversed to run toward the Civic Center instead of toward the river?…that a South Bend based electrical contractor is doing the electrical work associated with the changes needed to reverse the streets?…that we were under the impression that local firms were being considered as preferred providers for Downtown Evansville projects?…that there are plenty of competent and professional electrical contractors from Evansville, Indiana that could have taken on this work?

IS IT TRUE that the section of Main Street that is being reversed to increase traffic was reconstructed from being a load bearing vehicle supporting street into a WALKWAY back in the 70’s?…that the engineering specifications for a WALKWAY are very different that the specifications for a high traffic and heavy vehicle road?…that this WALKWAY has been exhibiting a plethora of pot holes in the brick pavers since traffic was reinstated?…that somehow these problems are magically occurring on the north side of the street where the moving traffic flows?…that when this is reversed that the south side where the parking is now will start to show the wear associated with use?…that we hope that the powers that be remember to check the base and the sub-base on which the WALKWAY PAVERS are installed before opening Main Street up to more and heavier traffic?…that big trucks and continuous traffic will most likely ravage the street rather quickly along with the infrastructure beneath it unless the base is sufficient for the weight and duty cycle associated with heavy use?

IS IT TRUE that changing the direction on the road to nowhere will make no difference whatsoever in the number of people wishing to go there?…that Sarah Palin’s bridge to nowhere did not make people want to cross that bridge to get to nowhere?…that what makes downtowns attractive to shoppers and seekers of entertainment is the content of the entertainment and the quality of the experience?…that if there is something that is so attractive that 20,000 are willing to pay $50 each to see it that the direction of the street makes NO DIFFERENCE AT ALL in their decision to attend?…that 500,000 people ride motorcycles across the country to Sturgis, SD every year to attend the Sturgis Rally?…that a smaller but similar venue in Sturgis KY (population 2,000) has drawn between 20,000 and 50,000 people per year for over 15 years?…that having a successful downtown is about MINIMALLY having as a famous consultant came to Evansville to teach us in 2007—–10 UNIQUE RETAIL ESTABLISHMENTS + 10 DIFFERENT RESTAURANTS + 10 PLACES THAT ARE OPEN AFTER 5 PM?….that not one of the consultants brought in to teach Evansville how to design a thriving downtown has mentioned direction of traffic flow as a factor that brings progress?…that they have repeated the advice of unique retail, a variety of restaurants, expansive entertainment, free parking, and yes even a smoking ban so professionals and families alike will come downtown?…that the powers that be only seem to understand building stuff and pay little attention to sustainable commercial activities?

IS IT TRUE that there is a Facebook page dedicated to bringing Lady GAGA to Evansville to open the Evansville Arena?…that as much as she is a great entertainer that another band with a much more appropriate signature song would be just right for the Arena christening?…that DIRE STRAITS should open the show with the theme song of downtown development?…that this song was written and the title was chosen perfectly for projects like street reversals, Front Door Pride, Green Brick Alleys, and $240,000 public housing apartments?…that “MONEY FOR NOTHING” should be adopted as the anthem of downtown Evansville?..HAPPY SATURDAY ENJOY THE VIDEO! Clapton playing lead for DS is a bonus

In yet another challenge to the candidacy of Al Lindsey for the democratic nomination for the 6th Ward City Council David Mosby and Randall Whitehouse have filed a lawsuit against the Vanderburgh County Election Board and Mr. Lindsey. Cause number 82C01-1103-PL-157 was filed on March 23, 2011 by attorney Robert Faulkner.

This is a developing story. A link to the suit will be posted as soon as the extensive file is compressed.

**UPDATE**
City-CountyObserver is now hosting the full scanned document. To read the entire suit, CLICK HERE

Link to the Daily Activities of the Evansville Police Reports

EPD Activity Report March 25 2011

“Concerned Health Advocates urge State Legislators Not to Use Workers as Political Pawns”

WHAT: An emergency news conference will be held to send a strong message to Senator Ron Alting and other Public Policy Committee members to protect all workers in Indiana from secondhand smoke. House Bill 1018 has been heard by the Senate Committee and a vote is scheduled for next week to amend the bill, kill the bill or pass it on as is, for the Governor’s signature. Concerned health advocates are demanding the current bill be amended to protect more workers.

WHO: Smokefree Communities of Vanderburgh County, Vanderburgh County Health Department, American Cancer Society, Indiana Rural Health Association, Smoke Free Indy, Hendricks County Coalition for Tobacco Prevention, Hamilton County Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs, Tobacco Free St. Joseph County, Healthy Communities of LaPorte County, Healthy and Tobacco-Free Madison County

WHEN: Monday, March 28
10:30 AM

WHERE: Vanderburgh County Health Department, 2nd Floor Conference Room, 420 Mulberry Street, Evansville, IN

WHY: It is shameful how this important health issue has become hijacked by political gamesmanship. For whatever reason, political agendas are trumping public health. Legislators must not treat people as political pawns. State Senator Ron Alting, has said “people will have to live with smoking exemptions, because smoking exemptions are needed politically.” The indifference of legislators to choosing which workers are protected and which ones are not is cold and it is costly to the state.

BACKGROUND: Health advocates have been fighting to protect all Hoosiers from tobacco smoke for the last 10 years; however, this bill is weak and ineffective. Some legislators believe asking to remove the bars, casinos, membership clubs and nursing home exceptions is asking too much. Advocates have been told they will have to live with these exemptions, but health advocates will not accept that life. These are real people with families that will be affected by this vote.

CONTACT: Martha Caine, Executive Director of Smokefree Communities of Vanderburgh County Cell – 812-459-7939 or Office – 812-303-7378

New Director needs to Drive Investment Decisions

In a letter addressed to Steve Schaefer, the Chairman of the Board of the Evansville Convention and Visitors Bureau, Joe Kiefer, the President of the Vanderburgh County Council expresses the opinion that no capital investment decisions should be made until a replacement for Marilee Fowler is in place.

Mr. Kiefer’s letter encourages the board to spent some time establishing objective criteria that should serve as a guideline to ensure that public funds are not committed for projects that may not be able to significantly impact tourism.

This position is surely taken as a result of last years “Ballfield Fiasco” in which claims of 100,000 visitors per year were met with challenges supported by other locational performances in the 40,000 range. You may read the letter from President Kiefer to Chairman Schaefer on the following link.

Letter from County Council to Evansville CVB Board

IS IT TRUE? Part 2 March 25, 2011

IS IT TRUE that the posting of Evansville Police Department daily activities has proving to be extremely popular?…that the average time spent by the growing number of readers who review this report is nearly 10 minutes per pageview?….that our mission for posting this daily report was to show our readers what an extremely challenging job our men and women in blue face each day to protect us from bad people? ….that we are extremely proud of the outstanding work of the Evansville Police Department does for us daily? ….we hope the newly elected Mayor and City Council members read these postings and take note of the outstanding work of the EPD during the next budget session?

IS IT TRUE that “MOLE #3” is reporting that it is highly likely that the City of Evansville shall have a new Fire Chief beginning in 2012? ….that it is also extremely likely the Evansville Police Department will have a new Chief? ….that both Mayoral appointments shall be made within the ranks and not be subject to another phony national search? ….that word in the street is that the name of the extremely popular Evansville Police Sergeant, Billy Bolin is being considered to be the top candidate to be our next Chief of Police? ….that officer Bolin was the political mastermind behind the stunning upset of Nick Herrmann over the 20 year incumbent Vanderburgh County Prosecuting Attorney, Stan Levco? ….that Officer Bolin was also one of the masterminds behind this extremely popular and financially successful “GUNS AND HOSES” event held at Roberts Stadium?

IS IT TRUE that CCO “MOLE #3” is reporting one of the main reasons why the Rick Davis for Mayor campaign is doing well is because of the political advice that is being given to him by his behind the scene advisor, retired State Senator Paul Bitz?

IS IT TRUE that the Patrick McBride and Missy Mosby 2nd Ward campaign is becoming a political barn burner? ….that CCO “MOLE # 3” is hearing certain local “Tea Party” group members are getting ready to begin lending their time, effort, and money into supporting one individual in this campaign? …..that the success record for candidates in local elections that are supported by the local TEA PARTY group members is quite high?

IS IT TRUE that CCO “MOLE #3” hears that certain local “TEA PARTY” group members are giving their money, time, and support to help 6th Ward City Council Candidate Al Lindsey? ….that the newly elected and extremely popular and powerful Perry Township Trustee, Rick Riney is helping his friend Al Lindsey in this primary battle? ….that if Al Lindsey wins the race it shall signal the end of a certain political family dynasty having control of the Democratic votes in that area?

IS IT TRUE that the census has released the updated list of the largest cities in America?…that the list is as follows?

New York City: 8,175,133
Los Angeles: 3,792,621
Chicago: 2,695,598
Houston: 2,099,451
Philadelphia: 1,526,006
Phoenix: 1,445,632
San Antonio: 1,327,407
San Diego: 1,307,402
Dallas: 1,197,816
San Jose: 945,942

IS IT TRUE that Evansville has been larger than 7 of those top 10 cities since it peaked in ranking in 1890?…that Detroit with its job killing ways has slipped down to #19 with 713,777 residents down from its highest ranking of #4 in 1940 and its highest population of 1,849,568 in 1950?…that if all of the people who have fled Detroit were gather together that they would be the 10th largest city in America today with a population of 1,135,791?…that in the last 70 years that Detroit, Cleveland, Baltimore, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Boston, and Washington DC have lost their Top 10 status and have been replaced by San Jose, Dallas, San Diego, San Antonio, Phoenix, and Houston?…that whatever these western and southern cities have been doing is attracting people and growing wealth.

IS IT TRUE that the candidates for Mayor of Evansville and our consolidation committee need to look at these southern and western cities to emulate if growth will ever happen again in Evansville?…that Evansville has been and continues to be managed more like the rust belt shrinking cities above than like the growing cities of the south and west?…that “monkey see monkey do” works but only if the monkey can see and is willing to do?

Link to todays 17 page police activity report. Over 100 police runs yesterday.

EPD Activity Report March 24 2011

IS IT TRUE? March 25, 2011

IS IT TRUE that the U. S. Cellular Arena in Cedar Rapids, Iowa is being closed for two years for extensive renovations?…that the U. S. Cellular Arena is managed by VenuWorks that has been chosen by the Weinzapfel administration to run the new and yet to be named Evansville Arena?…that many of the current employees of SMG that has managed Roberts Stadium for many years have applied for jobs with VenuWorks?…that there have been lots of interviews where the applicants are having their brains picked for local contacts?…that many of the people who work for VenuWorks in Cedar Rapids are being interviewed for a transfer to Evansville during the Cedar Rapids construction?…that this little shuffle will cause Evansville people to lose their jobs in this industry so that temporary workers from Cedar Rapids can come to Evansville to work for two years?…that this sort of reminds us of the things that William Yung did when Columbia Sussex bought Casino Aztar that sent Mayor Weinzapfel into a fit that jeopardized Aztar’s gambling license?

IS IT TRUE that Gail Riecken and the House Democrats have now broken the record for longest walkout for Legislator’s in U.S. history?…that this is not a record to be proud of?…that the State of Illinois is money hungry and has put the word out that the people of Illinois who shop on Ebay, Amazon, and other online sources where sales taxes are not collected with be hunted down and collected from?…that Illinois needs to look no further than the Indiana Democrats to collect some income tax revenue for the income that the wayward rascals have collected from the taxpayers of Indiana?…that they may even be able to collect a license fee from Mrs. Riecken’s hairdresser who travels to Urbana to keep Gail properly coifed?…that this little charade has gone on long enough?…that if these people are not arrested and hauled back to Indianapolis when they make conjugal visits and meet the legislators events in their home communities that the need to hole up in Illinois has passed?…that they can boycott their jobs from the comfort of home in Indianapolis?

IS IT TRUE that Gov. Daniel’s has signed HB1251 yesterday? A “JOB’S” bill co-authored by Rep. Sue Ellspermann & Rep. Ron Bacon that will help Young Entrepreneur’s bring Economic Development & Employment opportunities to Indiana?…that today is the day that the University of Evansville holds its annual NEW VENTURE CONTEST where students from all of the country and even some other countries converge on Evansville to compete with their business plans against each other for the $10,000 first prize?…that in the past students from other institutions have dominated the competition?…that maybe this will be the year for a local team to top the charts and win the top prize?…that the team that won the contest two years ago is the corporate sponsor for this year’s event?

IS IT TRUE that candidate for the Democratic nomination for Mayor of Evansville Troy Tornatta is finally getting some momentum and starting to campaign like he actually has opposition?…that he is only about 10,000 door knocks behind in the marketing game?…that Mr. Tornatta is finally making statements about the number of businesses in Evansville and visiting small businesses like a barber shop to listen to people on what it will take to create some jobs?…that what that barber needs is more heads in town to cut the hair on?…that a shrinking population is something that barbers cannot tolerate?…that a growing population means more hair to cut and that means more work for barbers?…that the same thing goes for every personal service business in existence?…that more people mean more business even if it happens to be more sets of tires to be sold?…that thinking about what will make the population of Evansville grow will help Evansville based businesses?…that we are sure that Troy knows that?…that if Mr. Tornatta can just keep himself from seeking advice from Mayor Weinzapfel as he did in his race for County Commissioner that he may have a fighting chance in the upcoming primary?…that Troy knows what to do if he can just make himself do it?

Link to EPD Activity Report for 3.23.2011

EPD Activity Report March 23 2011

Patrick McBride Speaks out on the Evansville Parks Situation

How Did Evansville’s Parks get into such a State of Neglect

I often wonder how and why our elected officials allowed the Evansville City Parks to get into the dilapidated shape they are in today. What I have come to understand is that no one is perfect but that one should also never stop to endeavor to make things better. No one can be everywhere all the time but failure to notice the deteriorating condition of Evansville’s Parks is simply negligence. Did they turn a blind eye to the advanced state decay? I don’t know the answer, but what I do know is that when people ask for help the last thing an elected official should do is to tune them out. It seems as though that is what has happened and no one seems to want to be accountable.

It took two individuals Dr. Neil Troost and Chester Downs to bring it all to light. How many others were aware or have had negative experiences with the parks and were afraid to come forward or had such a lack of faith in local government that they thought their efforts would be useless? These two individuals didn’t want publicity nor did they want to seek celebrity status. What they wanted and continue to want is much more than that. They want what we all want, for our citizens and children to have a safe and pleasurable environment in Evansville’s public parks. They seek to reclaim places for kids and parents alike to feel comfortable showing up not to just the parks in the 2nd Ward but all of Evansville.

They and I want a responsive system to alert others of the dangers for families in the Evansville parks. We as human beings seem to have forgotten our biggest role in life, and that is the caring of others, especially children. We have forgotten to slow down and take a look around to make sure we are aware of what is going on around us.

I have discussed the park ranger program and how there seemed to be less problems back when there were Park Rangers in Evansville. Some say EPD does a better job than the Park Rangers did but fact is that as great of a job that EPD does in our community their resources are stretched to the limit. I prefer that the EPD concentrate on serious criminal activity such as drug dealers, prostitution, and violence in our neighborhoods. The EPD should be called in by Park Rangers when serious crimes are being perpetrated in our parks.

We have to figure out a way of allocating funds to curb the vandalism and to reclaim our once renowned city park system. I am encouraged to learn that both private and public funds are starting to be considered to reclaim the parks. These are steps in the right direction but they are only small steps.

What people thirst for in government more than anything else is leadership. We need leaders and not followers. No park in this city should strike fear into the hearts of our citizens and no park should be littered to the point of being unsanitary or unsafe.

I am committed to seeing Evansville’s Parks safe and attractive. If the people of the 2nd Ward honor me with elected office, I pledge as a member of the Evansville City Council to make the reclamation of the parks and especially the Vann-Pollack Park in the 2nd Ward where I live as one of my most important priorities. I am eager to work with anyone at anytime including my fellow Council members and our next Mayor to make this happen.

Patrick McBride, Candidate
Democratic Nomination for Evansville City Council