In the nearly 9 years that I have been an employee of Vanderburgh County, including 2+ years as the elected Vanderburgh County Treasurer, I have NEVER accepted a free ticket – nor have I been offered one – from SMG or any other concert promoter.

Thank you,

Rick Davis, Vanderburgh County Treasurer.

Does Evansville Really Want to End a 20 Year Working Relationship

There is an effort being taken to gather a veto proof number of signatures from the members of the Evansville City Council to support extending the contract of managing the new Evansville Arena to SMG.

The link below is to the letter that has been drafted for this purpose. We publish this without edit, prejudice, or bias.

Letter_to_ERC

IS IT TRUE? February 14, 2011

IS IT TRUE that the Evansville Housing Authority has hired the Ralph Anderson & Associates of Rocklin, Calif. to locate and interview candidates to be considered to become the next Executive Director of the Evansville Housing Authority? …..that it is refreshing to see that this City of Evansville sponsored board of directors at least didn’t hire a firm from Indianapolis to conduct this search??…that there are 14 searches that are currently published on the company website?…that 13 of those opportunities are in California and on is in Evansville, Indiana?…that it really seems like a reach to hire a search firm that has 100% of its current business in California to do a search for the Evansville, INDIANA Housing Authority?…that they haven’t even developed a profile yet?…that if you wish to apply for this position you may do so at the following website?

http://www.ralphandersen.com/career_opportunities.html

IS IT TRUE we think it is time for other local “main stream media” to ask for copies of the Evansville Housing Authority “Audited Financial Statements” for the year ended Dec. 31, 2009, for the year ended Dec. 31, 2008, and for the year ended Dec. 2007? ….this official request should include the Independent Auditors report and related schedules required by the office of Management and Budgets circular A-133 of nonprofit organizations? ….the local “main stream media” could save time by filing a direct request with the City of Evansville Controller office for copy of these audits?

IS IT TRUE that Evansville City Council members Curt John, Dan Adams, Don Walker, Wendy Bredhold, and Dan McGinn have all contacted the City County Observer and answered our challenge to proclaim that they have never accepted free entry to entertainment venues from SMG?…that Councilman John went the extra mile and produced over $2,000 in receipts for entertainment that he paid for with his own money?…that we have yet to hear from any other elected or appointed official including Mayor Weinzapfel, or any elected officials from Vanderburgh County?

IS IT TRUE that the Evansville Parks and Recreation Department has the use of a SKYBOX at Roberts Stadium?…that the annual fee for a SKYBOX at Roberts Stadium costs in excess of $10,000 per year?…that we wonder just how much the Evansville Parks and Recreation Department pays for that SKYBOX?…that the board of directors of the Evansville Parks and Recreation Department are paid $3,000 each annually?…that if the SKYBOX were not set aside for the Parks and Rec. Department that it would be available for sale to someone from the private business community at market rates?…that even if the Evansville Parks and Recreation Department pays for the SKYBOX that it is coming out of the right pocket of the City of Evansville and going into the left pocket of the City of Evansville?…that the over $10,000 that could be raised from the sale of that SKYBOX could be allocated to cleaning needles, condoms, and other artifacts of a poor lifestyle from the parks that elementary school children SHOULD BE SAFE PLAYING IN?

IS IT TRUE that the Democrats of Evansville seem to be on the verge of an Egyptian style change of control?…that the Democratic Central Committee led by Mark Owen looks like they will be enlisting in the Army of Trojans and backing Troy Tornatta?…that Rick Davis and his large group of loyal supporters already has a three month lead on Team Troy earned by knocking on door after door in one of the nastiest winters on record?…that it will be a real uphill battle to make up for the lead established by Mr. Davis with his masterful break from the Democratic Machine to gain a three month head start?

IS IT TRUE that Mole #3 has been informed that David Rector did not travel alone to check on the maintenance at some VenuWorks managed facilities?…that Arena project manager John Kish made the trip too?…that we still are wondering who paid for the trip and who authorized the trip since the trip took place after the appointed Advisory Committee had already made their recommendation?

IS IT TRUE that the people over at Vectren are releasing the good news that natural gas prices are lower this winter and actually getting TV time from it?…that the news release said nothing whatsoever about the fact that the electricity to move that nice warm air into your house by powering the air handling system is still 188% higher than it is in Henderson?…that natural gas is a commodity and is priced as a commodity and that Vectren only profits from delivering it?…that electricity is also a commodity but has government approved pricing that is 188% above Henderson’s?…that deregulation and competition across state borders will be the only way that this little corner of SW Indiana will ever be able to compete with its surrounding counties?

IS IT TRUE that the men and women of Evansville would be well advised to do something special for their spouses, lovers, and significant others on this Valentine’s Day?…that the City County Observer encourages all of our readers to spend their Valentine money right here at our fine local businesses?

IS IT TRUE that Sunday’s edition can be seen at http://city-countyobserver.com/2011/02/13/is-it-true-february-13-2011/ and Saturdays can be seen at http://city-countyobserver.com/2011/02/12/is-it-true-february-12-2011/?…that we put the effort into some weekend posts and hope that some of our readers do not miss out on them?

By: Robert Lincoln Hancock

The remedy for the missing accountability and transparency in our marketplace and government is rising like the sun out from the darkness.

The impossible is possible.

Do you hear the giant sucking sound? It is the accountability vacuum in the marketplace, government and our personal lives. Accountability is critical to the integrity of character and trust both personally and organizationally. Its absence erodes the pillars and foundation of our public and private sector institutions. Subtly we slide down the darkside slippery slope to precipices where we hang on the ragged edge and risk going over the edge.

Henry David Thoreau said, “Most men live lives of quiet desperation.” Desperate or not, accountability is important for our security, safety and forging a future with hope. Our culture of secular relativism has contributed greatly to the demise of any absolute and unshakeable reference points for caring accountability.

This author took the liberty to market test his observation that accountability is going AWOL, missing in our culture and relationships. Clergy, politicians, business and professional CEO’s and unemployed drug and alcohol recovery interviewees numbered 120.

In each case, prior trust had been developed with the interviewees for candid exchange with assurance of confidentiality. Most were not sure who they could trust. Leaders are required to maintain an image and standard often beyond their capacity to sustain. Some surrounded by many people acknowledge they are often lonely and vulnerable. Vulnerability and temptation rises with the level of leadership..

The questions are pointed and candid. To be constructive, tough questions need to be asked and received without arrogance, rancor or malice, but with a genuine motive of concern for the well being of the person or institution. Without that understanding there can be no trust on which to effect a desired constructive outcome. Asking the tough personal or corporate questions can open the way for objectively debate of the pressing real issues. It is truth that frees people and institutions to be all God designed them to be. It can be done with civility and respect for diversity and individuality.

A sampling of the tough and probing questions asked:

1. Who do you have in your life that accepts you as you are and is asking the tough questions you need to be asked for your own growth and well being?

2. How is it really going at home in your relationships with those closest to you?

3. What are the issues and concerns that most preoccupy your thoughts?

4. If you could change anything in your life, occupation or relationships what would that be and what would it look like if it were what you want it to be?

5. What are the greatest barriers to your being fulfilled in your pursuit of happiness? Where would you start to address them?

6. What are your greatest joys, blessings and your personal definition of success?

7. What is your world view and what is the legacy you hope to leave for the next generation?

The most telling and shocking responses came unexpectedly to the first question. Most interviewees indicated they did not have trusted people in their life who were regularly inquiring and asking these kind of tough questions. Tragically, this is especially true with leaders who are molding and shaping the course of events for millions of people, nations and our world.

Our fast track culture places supercharged value on individualism with “I can do it on my own.” Expediency appears easier without accountability, but it takes us where none of us want to go. A dictatorial, undemocratic and self interest motivated leadership leads people to despair, erodes confidence, polarizes people and makes all of us feel insecure and vulnerable. In such a relationship or state we cannot thrive and our freedom and survival is threatened. The greatest enemy of good governance are special interests. Lobbies and earmarks are killing us all not softly. Americans have never been so disconnected from their leadership. Fortunately the people are rising to find the reset switch. Greed is the seed that we need to weed from our prosperity garden. That entrenched condition may require radical intervention and supernatural transformation.

Abraham Lincoln call to us for ” a government of, by and for the people”. The growing tea party movement of bipartisan and independent Americans is a classic example and direct product of the accountability and transparency vacuum. This surge is the peoples’ response to a lack of accountability and transparency in government, the marketplace and in our individual lives today. Imagine the resurgence of renewed confidence, like a fresh breeze, that could sweep clean the greed machine, broken promises, the huge waste of time and the peoples’ resources to bring a new order of accountability and transparency. That is the message that can save America and build a future with hope for the world.

For the tolerant, there is a timeless message from the Bible, “Accept one another as I accept you..” Romans 15:7. We are all Americans who share a love for freedom and an optimism for a future with hope. We have discovered just about everything in the world but the importance of relationships that transform and free people to be all God intended them to be. The teachable moment for entering the door of accountability comes at the point of our extremity. Accountability and transparency can lift our spirits, heal, renew our relationships and restore our personal and national integrity and trust.

There are a two prescriptions that offer promise for a bright future in spite of the current growing darkness. Tomorrow brings the dawn of a new day and with it a new paradigm in which to rebuild relationships that transcend partisan politics. Imagine a radical time tested and proven Prescription #1. ” if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” II Chronicles 7:14. This is a hard pill to swallow if we suffer from arrogance and the absurdity of thinking somehow we or our leaders are in control of what is or what is to be. If all things are of Him, to Him and through Him maybe we need to reconnect to find our Maker’s guidance as our forefathers did for their public service. All our founding documents attest to God’s Sovereignty including our inalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Prescription #2. We can take our clue from the wisdom of Solomon in Proverbs where we read, “Where there is no counsel, purposes are frustrated, but with many counselors they are accomplished.” Proverbs 15:22. If our leaders are not listening to the multi-partisan voices representing the people, they are not fulfilling their oath of office to “protect and defend the Constitution” which is to serve the best interests of all the people.

The voices of the governed must be reflected in the actions of those elected to represent them. If not, the genius of our our system will give them the boot at the next exit. When integrity is restored through accountability and transparency, truth and justice will prevail and fellow Americans will be safeguarded under the Constitution. Our God-given inalienable rights with our constitutional rights guarantee our freedom given by our Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer and our Founding Fathers.

It is accountability time for all of us. The day we shift from our obsession with our rights to what is right, on that day, we will see integrity as our protection and friend. There will be no lasting freedom without taking responsibility. Our system of government, imperfect as it is, still provides us the choice to remove those who do not meet the accountability and transparency test. We can be the change we want to see for restoring the integrity in our government, marketplace and our personal lives. The price of freedom is our greatest measure but to loose it will cost us our greatest treasure.

The party call for every American is the Freedom Party. Let this Party transcend all other parties. Let the freedom bell ring again and never end.

www.ProvidenceInternational.org

Robert Lincoln “Bud” Hancock is the author of Designed for a Purpose (1970). His education degrees are: Bachelor of Science from California State University and Masters Degree from University of California. His past service includes White House Reagan Administration appointment to the Senior Executive Service.
Mr. Hancock’s current service is as a business/ministry synergy developer and advocate for the voiceless and poor. Hancock is founder and chairman of Providence International Foundation, Set Free Services, Inc, Restoration Enterprises, Inc, and President of Stewardship Trust. He has facilitated the formation and development of numerous businesses and non-profit organizations around the world. This network of entities provide employment and livelihood enterprises to free the poor from dependence for a lifetime of productive service and multiplied capacity to help others do the same.

IS IT TRUE? February 13, 2011

IS IT TRUE that Evansville Memorial graduate and star basketball player Kyle Kuric is lighting up the nets now for Rick Pitino’s Louisville Cardinals?…that Kyle rained down three pointers against the Syracuse Orange yesterday and led the Cards with 23 points in their 19th win of the season?…that seeing an Evansville native get the praise of the ESPN broadcast team for his shooting and his basketball knowledge makes one swell up with pride?…that Kyle may just be heading for some level of All-American honor at the U of L if he keeps playing the way he has this year?…that “never nervous” Pervis Ellison was in the house to witness Kuric’s shooting and to be honored for the beat down that the 1986 Cardinals put onto Duke in the NCAA final?

IS IT TRUE that we have received a request to issue a challenge for an eDebate between incumbent City Councilman B. J. Watts and his challenger Al Lindsey for the 6th Ward nomination?…that the Community Observer (www.community-observer.com) will be issuing an eDebate invitation to both of these candidates very soon.

IS IT TRUE that the new ECVB attorney, G. Michael Schopmeyer admitted in his letter of February 11, 2011 to the ECVB that he has personally attended ECVB holiday dinners in the past and that the ECVB has a long tradition of Holiday Event entertaining and “ gifting to many, including the ECVB.” ?… that we are very curious by Mr. Schopmeyer’s reference to “ gifting to many”.

IS IT TRUE that we are quite interested in seeing who will be appointed by the ECVB to conduct an independent legal review of past ECVB Holiday Events as recommended by attorney Schopmeyer due to his conflict of interest in personally conducting such a legal review himself?

IS IT TRUE that we hope the local taxpayers get to receive a copy of the written findings of fact prepared by the person employed by the ECVB to conduct the independent legal review as requested by attorney Schopmeyer.

IS IT TRUE that City Councilman Curt John has produced receipts to show that he has paid a substantial sum of money to pay for a sky box at Roberts Stadium?…that Councilman John has also produced receipts for over $2,000 of tickets that he has bought with his own money to attend events at other venues that are managed by SMG in the City of Evansville?…that we would like to challenge other elected officials including Mayor Weinzapfel to produce receipts to show that they have spent their hard earned money on any events that they have attended as well?…that this challenge goes out to every elected official to have held elected office in Vanderburgh County or the City of Evansville in the last 10 years?…that no one other than Curt John has elected to produce such receipts or to opine on the alleged practice of politicians being provided with free tickets to events in Evansville?

IS IT TRUE? February 12, 2011

IS IT TRUE that Evansville City Council President, B. J. Watts is asking members of the Evansville City Council to sign a letter of supporting SMG to be selected to run the new Downtown Arena? ….that he might have a problem of getting the signatures of getting all 9 members to sign it unless he makes a few adjustment to his letter?….that the key votes needed for Mr. Watts to get everyone to sign his letter are the votes of Councilman Dr. H. Dan Adams and Councilman Dan McGinn, Esq.?….that Mr. Watts is planning are to read it into the official minutes of Evansville City Council meeting this coming Monday evening so he can present it to the Evansville Redevelopment Commission on Tuesday?

IS IT TRUE that City County Observer “MOLE #3” has informed us that the extremely popular J. D. Strouth shall be announcing soon that he shall be a candidate for Evansville City Clerk?….the current Evansville City Clerk shall be in the biggest political battle of her career if the “MOLE # 3” prediction is correct?….that Mr. Strouth shall run as a Republican and shall have the necessary funds to conduct a creditable campaign?

IS IT TRUE that Evansville City Councilman John Friend has made his choice and will be running to retain his seat in the 5th Ward?…that while there has been some discussion about an Evansville legend in politics coming out to challenge for the democratic nomination for that seat that Councilman Friend’s announcement may just scare the would-be challenger off?…that if Councilman Friend is not challenged for the democratic nomination the horse race between he and Brent Grafton will be off and running?…that the Community Observer (www.community-observer.com) will be issuing an eDebate invitation to both of these candidates as soon as it is established that there is no primary challenge?

IS IT TRUE that Vanderburgh County Commissioner’s President Lloyd Winnecke has sent a letter to Mr. Bob Goldman of the Evansville Redevelopment Commission expressing support and confidence in both SMG and VenuWorks as good candidates to run the new Evansville Arena?…that you can read the full text of that letter at the following link:
http://city-countyobserver.com/2011/02/12/letter-of-support-for-either-smg-or-venuworks-from-commissioner-winnecke/

IS IT TRUE that the debacle of the termination of Marilee Fowler for her attempt at being open and honest with the people of Evansville has played itself out?…that this little vendetta carried out by the “powers that be” has cost the Evansville Convention and Visitors Bureau nearly $100,000 to date?…that the details are available on the following link?
http://city-countyobserver.com/2011/02/11/is-it-true-part-2-february-11-2011-the-cost-of-bad-public-policy/

Winnecke’s conclusion is that either company will do an acceptable job

February 11, 2011

Mr. Robert Goldman
Evansville Redevelopment Commission
Civic Center Complex
1 NW Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Evansville, IN 47708

Dear Bob,

The county has renewed its working arrangement with SMG for management of The Centre and I understand the Redevelopment Commission will consider a recommendation to hire VenueWorks to manage the new arena.

In my role as president of the Vanderburgh County Board of Commissioners, I have had the occasion over the last two weeks to meet separately with executives of both SMG and VenueWorks.

Based on my discussions, I am absolutely convinced that each firm (assuming VenueWorks is chosen) can, and will, work constructively to promote each venue in the most professional and productive manner. Executives from each company have committed to me that they will ensure that a strong working relationship between the two will be forged. The Centre and arena should rarely compete for the same events, but I believe any competition between SMG and VenueWorks will ultimately benefit the entire community.

As your body considers its action, please accept my personal assurance that I will do everything in my power to see that these companies live up to the best possible cooperative relationship.

Sincerely,

Lloyd Winnecke, President
Vanderburgh County Board of Commissioners

IS IT TRUE that the Evansville Convention and Visitors Bureau settled the lawsuit filed by former Executive Director Marilee Fowler for a sum that is just over $43,000?…that the executive search fees already expended to replace her have already exceeded $30,000?…that the legal fees incurred by the ECVB in the past 10 months to defend Ms. Fowler’s lawsuit are just over $20,000?…that the total of these cost is nearly $100,000 and we have absolutely nothing to show for it and we still need to spend more good money in a search for an executive director?…that this should serve as a $100,000 lesson to those who wish to perpetuate poor public policy upon the taxpayers of Evansville that it is time for this nonsense to end?

IS IT TRUE that the City County Observer absolutely supports and is proud that the newly appointed board of directors is doing what it takes to start with a clean slate and to concentrate on making Evansville a visible location for visitors, conventions, and tourists?

Will this be deja vu all over again at the Evansville Housing Authority?

IS IT TRUE that the Evansville Housing Authority has hired the Ralph Anderson & Associates of Rocklin, Calif. to locate and interview candidates to be considered to become the next Executive Director of the Evansville Housing Authority? …..that it is refreshing to see that this City of Evansville sponsored board of directors at least didn’t hire a firm from Indianapolis to conduct this search?

Here is a letter that is not edited or changed in any way from the firm of Kahn, Dees, Donovan, and Kahn to the Evansville Convention and Visitors Commissioners regarding a review of past Evansville Convention and Visitors Bureau Holiday Dinners and Gifts.

[Untitled] (2)

Marilee Fowler to be paid $43,383

In a move that the City County Observer predicted and approves of the new board of directors of the Evansville Convention and Visitors Bureau has decided to settle the lawsuit filed by Marilee Fowler for a sum of $43,383.

Half of the proceeds will be paid by the insurer of the CVB and the other half will be coming from CVB funds.

This decision will remove one of the objections that would surely have a negative affect on the ability of the CVB to attract a replacement for Ms. Fowler. We applaud this decision by the new board of directors as an act of good public policy and encourage them to continue making good decisions that will enable Evansville to move forward with all of its goals to become a desirable tourist destination.