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 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 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/

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.

By the Venture Capital Barometer Ohio is Doing Well: Local Venture Funds Still at ZERO

Phil Brennan is a renaissance man. An Irishman who now calls Akron, Ohio home, he’s been an actor, a brand manager and a Fortune 50 business leader, having launched more than 200 new products into the marketplace over the course of his career.

Since 2006, he has added “cleantech entrepreneur” to his resume. As the CEO of Echogen Power Systems, Phil is leading a 20-person team in the final stages of commercializing a thermal heat engine. When placed into a factory smokestack, the engine harvests the heat escaping out of the smokestack, converting it into electricity used to power the factory and, depending on the size of the heat engine, homes in the neighboring area.

Stories like this are common in entrepreneurial hotbeds like Silicon Valley, Boston, San Diego and Seattle. But in Akron, Ohio?

You bet. Surprising as it might be, Ohio is one of several states in the Midwest where successful entrepreneurial companies are charting the way for a new economy and demonstrating that high-growth entrepreneurship can happen anywhere when a region plays on its existing strengths.

Venture capital investment activity is a good proxy for high-growth entrepreneurship because venture capitalists invest in companies bringing transformative ideas to market. Consider the facts about venture capital investing: See the following link:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ray-leach/is-midwest-us-the-next-si_b_820032.html?ref=tw

IS IT TRUE? February 11, 2011

IS IT TRUE that the census data for the State of Indiana regarding population was released yesterday?…that Evansville retained its position as the 3rd largest city in Indiana despite losing 3.4% of its population settling in at 117,429 in a geographic area that includes 10 years of annexations…that if not for the annexations that Evansville would have dropped about another 2,000 to 115,429?…that there are those who may ask “where did the people go”?…that one would have to look no further than the unincorporated areas of Vanderburgh County that grew 22% during the first decade of the new millennium to house 62,274 people of the 179,703 that make up the entire county that grew by 4.5% despite the losses in the City of Evansville?…that Warrick County also experienced double digit growth?…that at the current growth rates the unincorporated parts of Vanderburgh County will have more people than the City of Evansville in about 2035 when Evansville will slip below the 100,000 level?…that consolidation should be looking at how Vanderburgh County can take over the City of Evansville in an outside in annexation instead of the other way around?…that Vanderburgh County seems to attract people while the City of Evansville continues with its now 50 years of population losses per the United States Census?

IS IT TRUE that the Evansville Convention and Visitors Bureau is back in the news today?…that the new board of directors is meeting to discuss the lawsuit filed against them by former Executive Director Marilee Fowler and to consider what policy would be reasonable with respect to meals and entertainment?…that Ms. Fowler’s lawsuit is one big axe hanging over the recruitment effort to replace her?…that when that Mr. or Mrs. Right is found for the job that there will always be that question aimed at the recruitment committee of what the heck happened to the last person in this job?…that lawsuits like this are expensive and tend to drag on for a long time?…that the new board is made up of practical, learned people of mostly local origin?…that maybe it is time to do what is best for moving this much needed agency forward without the legacy issues that will continue to raise questions?…that we expect the best decisions for the ECVB’s success to come from today’s meeting?

IS IT TRUE that after publishing the financial disclosure document of the Committee to elect Troy Tornatta that as of January 31, 2010 showed him to have a 6550% fundraising lead over his opponent in the democratic campaign to become candidate for Mayor of Evansville Rick Davis, that two unsolicited pieces of information were sent to us stating the same thing?…that that information is that substantially all of the $38,706 is owed to another campaign and that we essentially have a situation where both candidates started 2011 in hand to mouth mode?…that this will come down to issues, accomplishments, and hard work?

IS IT TRUE that now that the primary campaign has begun that it is time for our sister publication The Community Observer to hold another eDebate?…that we have had several requests for eDebates the biggest of course having to do with the democratic nomination for Mayor of Evansville?…that there have been multiple requests for an eDebate between 2nd Ward opponents Patrick McBride and incumbent Missy Mosby?…that the invitations went out this week and that Mr. McBride has already accepted?…that we truly hope that Miss Mosby accepts and mixes it up with Mr. McBride on some important questions about where they each stand on the issues facing the City of Evansville?…that no one should win or lose by default in an eDebate?…that there were more readers of our last eDebate that there were primary voters in the 2nd Ward in the 2007 democratic primary?…that our eDebates are free exposure for candidates for office?

HOT TRUE NEWS: Incumbent City Councilwoman Missy Mosby has just notified the Community Observer that she ACCEPTS the invitation to participate in the eDebate. The date of publication will be forthcoming at www.community-observer.com

IS IT TRUE that in yesterdays www.trafficestimator.com numbers that the City County Observer is ranked third in the Evansville media market with monthly traffic of 95,500 visits?…that translates into a readership rate of over 1 Million views per year?…that only the Courier Press at 567,200 per month and WFIE at 223,200 per month exceed the City County Observer for internet traffic?…that most of the content at those sites is directed at things other than our narrow focus of good public policy?…that we expect that from a local public policy perspective that the City County Observer has the highest internet traffic in the Evansville media market?…when the Community Observer is added to the CCO that lead is overwhelming?

IS IT TRUE that City Councilman Curt John is taking no prisoners in advocating for SMG to be awarded the management contract for the new Evansville Arena?…that Councilman John’s public stance of opposition to the recommendation of the appointed Advisory Committee for the appointed Evansville Redevelopment Commission which is of course validating the desired outcome of Mayor Weinzapfel is somewhat unprecedented in modern day Evansville?…that if his opposition leads to openness and fairness, compliance with the spirit of the open door laws, and better contracts between local government and their suppliers then Councilman John will be remembered for firing the first shot?…that the first trip to see the maintenance conditions of a VenuWorks facility was taken after the recommendation to hire them had already been made?…that it this was a car the Advisory Committee seems to have bought it based on the brochures and no test drive?

The Most Poignant Readers Comments of the Week

In Response to: “An Open Letter to the Water and Sewer Utility Board Members from a Fellow Board Member”

“While residing within the City, I must concede to the undeniable truth of Mr Hatfield’s contentions. What’s right is right. Equalize the rates. …” Bubbageek

“Damn straight! The city needs $500 million for combo sewer improvements over 20 years and the country residents are expected to pay a 38% premium?” Mole 411

“Bottom line is neither the water & sewer utility nor the city council can mathematically justify the rate differential. They’ve been asked to, and have failed to provide actual justification.” Soon2B

In Response to “LA Abolishes Practice of Elected Officials Getting Free Tickets to Events”

“Geez, taking away all the freebies from politicians is really harsh:-) Poor babies might have to take on a second job, like many of their constituents, or even, gasp, sit in bleacher seats! That is ‘scrimination! How will you ever get anyone to spend a million bucks to get elected to a 4 year office that pays $125,000 @ year if you exclude them from all the graft?” Magic Man

In Response to: “Dan Effinger asks Mayor to Define Atrocious Maintenance”

“Is a drug needle in a public sand box, atrocious?” Eville Taxpayer

“as a longtime Vectren employee, I can promise you that the bathrooms don’t always work and we don’t dare drink the water, tests have turned up ecoli lately” vvc1

“It’s hard to find a clean park that is well-kept. The best one around is at the 4-H Center and I think it is maintained by 4-H. We definitely need to upgrade and maintain our parks for the families of this community. Overall, they are a disaster. “ Helen Perkins