The Louisville Courier Journal is reporting that the $238 Million Yum Center, Louisville’s Downtown Arena is expecting to make a profit in its first full year of operation. Included in the projection is a $6.5 Million payment from the City of Louisville to apply toward the debt on the bonds issued to finance the construction of Yum Center.

The Yum Center also includes sponsorships of nearly $5 Million per year lead by Yum Brands that signed a 10 year naming agreement for $1.3 Million per year. Yum Center is the home of the Louisville Cardinals basketball team that sells out all of its home games and the Lady Cardinals who have leveraged their 2009 national runner up status to average over 11,000 people per game. The Lady Cardinals recently sold out the 22,000 seat Yum Center for a game with arch rival Kentucky.

http://www.courier-journal.com/article/2010312130063

IS IT TRUE that Downtown Evansville’s image, its economic development potential, and safety would improve if the sidewalks were cleaned off when it snows?…that City of Evansville officials must be intentionally trying to ruin the image of Downtown Evansville due to their lack of simple attention to sidewalk maintenance?…that downtown Evansville has no sidewalk maintenance program at all?…that if someone falls and hurts themselves on the ice that the City of Evansville will be sued?…that no one ignorant enough to let ice stay on sidewalks should be allowed to hold public office?…that complaints have been registered for three years now and nothing has happened?…that the head of DMD is on record as saying “it’s not the city’s job” to do that?…that this kind of failure on the part of leadership is why Evansville does not ever seem to move forward?…that any government entity that can afford to build a $128 Million stadium yet cries “POOR” when it comes to picking up paper or shoveling ice and snow has no business holding the purse strings to anything?

The CCO asked the following question to State Representative Gail Riecken about her election stance on the Vectren rate increases. “The issue of Vectren and the request for an increase in the electric rate was one of your issues in this past election. Do you feel the Vectren rate increase proposal is still an issue?”

Following is her response:

Yes. The issue is the rate increase but the issue presents more challenges to us as ratepayers. Yes, it is how the increase affects homeowners and how the increase affects economic development, business and industry. I continue to advocate for those who contact me getting answers to their concerns about their Vectren bills. But, this rate increase is also a red flag where we, as citizens, had better get more involved.

So much of this process is complicated and we need to be sure professionals on the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission are committed to being accountable to the public. That is why I have two bills I will propose for legislative approval in the 2011 session.

One bill provides for transparency in the selection process of appointees to the Indiana utility regulatory commission to the extent of legislative authority. The bill calls for the Indiana Regulatory Commission to hold public hearings on nominees proposed by the governor. I wish the legislature could approve nominees of the governor but that is beyond legislative authority by State constitution.

The other bill removes the one year waiver option. In other words, the employee that went from the Indiana utility regulatory commission straight to the energy company regulated by the commission would have to wait a year – no waiver.

As legislators , we are going to be challenged by many critical issues this year. None can be more important that making sure the cost of living and running a business in southwestern Indiana remain competitive. I call on other legislators to join me and co-author these important bills and local chambers and economic development organizations to support our efforts.

IS IT TRUE that Senator and former Indiana Governor Evan Bayh announced that he will not be making a run for the Indiana Governor’s office in 2012?….that Senator Bayh cited his desire to devote himself to fatherhood during his twins teenage years as one big reason that he chose not to run?…that we admire the Senator’s dedication to being the best parent that he can be and for setting a solid life example for others who may be in 24/7 types of careers?

IS IT TRUE that a literal herd of Democratic politicians popped the cork on champagne bottles at the sound of that announcement”….that the wannabe list for the Democratic nomination for Indiana Governor went up by double figures today?….that one of those Democrats is none other than Evansville Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel?….that now he has all of the information he needs to make his choice for what to do with his own career in the near future?…that we anxiously await his upcoming announcement and wish him wisdom in choosing his own next step?

IS IT TRUE that Indiana House Bill 1588 concerning the increase of the Vanderburgh County Innkeepers tax rate also addresses the creation of the Convention and Visitor Commission Board of Directors? …in the section (IC 6-9-2.5-2) of this bill that (section d) states a member of the commission may be removed for cause by his appointing authority? …. you may be able to see the entire bill by going to Legislative Services Agency listed on the General Assembly Home Page?

IS IT TRUE that “MOLE 3” predicts on or about December 21, 2010 the Mayor will call a press conference to announce that he has selected local group of investors to award the Arena Hotel project to? …. that you can expect the Mayor to ask the City and County governmental officials to put tax incentive money towards this extremely needed capital project? …that if this really happens that we will commend the Mayor for finally awarding a large capital project to a “Home Owned and Home Grown” business entity?

IS IT TRUE you can expect the Vanderburgh County Commissioners to not re-nominate the Chairman of the Evansville Visitors and Convention Bureau? ….that may not be the only EVCB Commissioner that may not be re-appointed by our elected Vanderburgh County office holders?

IS IT TRUE that two Evansville City Council candidates are teaming up for a political fundraiser on December 19, 2010? …. that Al Lindsey and Patrick McBride shall have an all you can eat “RED HOT CHILI” political fund raiser at the Local Firefighters 357 Union Hall at 1065 West Lloyd Expressway between noon and 5:00 p.m.?…. that the cost for this event is a mere $10.00?… that the City County Observer shall put in our publication similar information of any other Evansville City Council candidates political fund raisers?

IS IT TRUE that Representative Riecken intends to introduce two bills in the next session of the Indiana House of Representative that are designed to make the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission more accountable to the voters of Indiana?….that offering electrical power at a competitive price to comparable areas that compete for jobs is one of the most important issues to prospective outside investors?…that Fort Smith, Arkansas and Cleveland, Tennessee both have electricity rates that are more than 40% less than Vectren offers?….that both of these cities have Whirlpool plants that are expanding in the USA instead of closing the doors?

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. White Lodging has announced that its luxury property in Texas, The Westin Austin at the Domain, is listed as one of the Top 10 New Hotels in the US. Selected by Gayot, a worldwide team of hotel, restaurant, travel and lifestyle critics, the announcement was made in the company’s latest online Guide to the Good Life. “Gayot’s guides have been around for more than 40 years, and we are honored to be listed among these incredible hotels,” said General Manager Tom Tabler. “We are humbled by this recognition.”

The Westin Austin at the Domain, part of the Starwood Hotels & Resorts brand, is located in the heart of a 1.3 million square foot, high-end retail, dining and entertainment complex in Austin’s northwest corridor. The Gayot guide praised the hotel’s location and said it tops the list when is comes to a recommendation
for a conference site.

“We are a wonderful location to mix business and pleasure in the heart of Austin’s leading lifestyle center,” remarked White Lodging Regional Vice President John Randall. “We are very proud to learn that our hotel is recognized as one of the top ten new hotels in the nation.” In addition to being a part of the Domain lifestyle center, the property is convenient to many businesses with corporate offices in Austin. Oracle, Cisco Systems, Time Warner, IBM, Microsoft and National Instruments are all within a mile of The Westin Austin at the Domain. Featuring executive and presidential suites as well as luxurious king and queen rooms, the eight-story Westin Austin at the Domain provides guests with a full service restaurant and bar, a heated outdoor pool and the signature 24-hour Westin WORKOUT Gym.

“White Lodging’s concept for this property was to offer guests an oasis where, after a day of work or play, they can be pampered and rejuvenated,” shared Randall. “And, from the feedback we’re receiving, I think we’ve done this very well.”

White Lodging Services Corporation was established in 1985 and is headquartered in Merrillville, Indiana. White Lodging is a fully integrated hotel ownership, development, and operations company – a recognized leader that has defined and cultivated the ability to achieve consistent, sustainable growth among mid-to large-scale hotels across the country. Their current portfolio consists of over 153 hotels in eighteen states and encompasses representation of the following leading brands: Marriott International, Inc., Hilton Worldwide, Hyatt Global, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, InterContinental Hotel Group, and Carlson Hotels
Worldwide.

For more information about White Lodging, please visit www.whitelodging.com or
call 219-472-2900.

SOURCE White Lodging Services Corporation

The primary focus of this publication will be built upon the foundation of honesty, trust, and the strong principals of journalistic integrity. Our mission will be to give our readers the answers to vital, often complex information they need to live safer and more enriched lives. This publication shall be nonpartisan with consistent and objective reporting. We will not only report and inform our readers about political events, but we will seek out and provide insight into the not so apparent political issues which help shape our lives. In essence our publication will be built on the conerstone of service and trust to the taxpayers and citizens of Evansville as well as Vanderburgh county. While we strive to educate and inform, we shall serve as a community watchdog by sounding the alarm whenever our citizens rights are in danger of being violated by our elected and appointed officials. We also will encourage our appointed officials to always consider the welfare of Evansville and Vanderburgh county’s citizens. We also realize that a community can have not greater ambassador of good will than one which keeps its citizens informed about the accomplishments and triumphs of their appointed officials. This publication shall be complimentary.

IS IT TRUE that our investigation about the astoundingly high residential electricity rates that are charged by Vectren have moved to the north and the east?…that it is not just Henderson that enjoys significantly lower rates than are offered by Vectren?….that Jasper, Terre Haute, and Owensboro also have rates that vary from 42% to 58% of what Vectren charges all of us?….that for a typical household one can travel 50 miles in any direction and escape the monopoly that has been granted to Vectren?…that by doing so families can cut their electric bill by at least half?…that as long as this situation continues that SW Indiana is severely handicapped when it comes to attracting jobs, entering the green economy, or even being seen as a cost effective place to live? …that SW Indiana is an island of overpriced power relative to its neighbors that are served by other power providers?

IS IT TRUE that last night before a crowd of 8,000 at the University of California at Santa Barbara that the undefeated University of Louisville Cardinals soccer team advanced to the final game of the NCAA tournament?….that their opponent this Sunday will be the Akron Zips also from the Midwest?….that strong youth soccer programs in the local communities is starting to pay off for these two universities along with Michigan and North Carolina the other Final Four teams?…..that in 1986 the University of Evansville Purple Aces soccer team made a trip to the Final Four?…that in the spring of 2004 that Evansville opened the Goebel Soccer Complex that has seen some success in developing local soccer talent along with attracting national tournaments?….that the Reitz Bowl is a perfect venue for a crowd of 10,000 to watch a soccer tournament?…that if Evansville is to become a town that attracts major athletic events of a NCAA Division 1 level that the NCAA Division 1 College Cup may just be an achievable goal?…that a return to the Final Four by the Purple Aces in the near future played in the Reitz Bowl would be one major accomplishment for Evansville and Vanderburgh County?

IS IT TRUE that long term planning by whatever and whomever is taking it upon themselves to attract major sports events to Evansville should include a long term goal of attracting the College Cup of Division 1 Soccer?….that this task should fall within the responsibilities of the Evansville Convention and Visitors Bureau?….that the “national” search for a replacement for Marilee Fowler continues to be hampered by a local disconnection with the economic reality of what it costs to get top shelf talent to relocate to Evansville?…that if the ECVB either can’t afford or won’t pay national rates that such a search makes about as much sense as hanging out at D-Patrick’s hoping that a $150,000 import will somehow be bought for 50% off?…that qualified, willing, and experienced local candidates should be given a second look?

IS IT TRUE that the City County Observers call for suggestions for the 10 most significant things in 2010 and the 10 things that we had better get right is drawing some very good suggestions?….that the gloves are off and the claws are out already over the prospect of a more restrictive smoking ordinance?….that one suggestion is that one of the Top 10 things for 2010 is the fact that the City Council after staunch opposition for twenty years deadlocked in a 4-4 tie regarding a tougher smoking ordinance last March?….that another suggestion is that a smoking ordinance is something that we have better get right in 2011?…that the Vanderburgh County Commissioners are planning to do exactly that with a comprehensive smokefree workplace law in early 2011?…that the real legislative body that will be under fire and controversy will be the Evansville City Council all of whom are up for re-election in 2011.

IS IT TRUE that it has now been 1,309 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 1,164 days since the Evansville Redevelopment Commission at the request of Mayor Weinzapfel approved the spending of $603,000 to purchase the parking lot.

IS IT TRUE that there are now 701 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?

City County Observer Seeks Reader Input

As part of our December reflection period, we at the City County Observer are planning a series of articles on the 10 most significant things that we need to get right in 2011 and how those things will impact day to day life for the people of Evansville. We would like our readers to nominate the things that you believe will significantly impact Evansville that are achievable in 2011. We are looking for things that will have lasting impact on Evansville and its surroundings from a political or economic perspective. Here are some off the top of our head examples:

The 2011 Mayoral Election

The Makeup of the new Evansville City Council

The hiring of a new Executive Director for the Evansville Convention and Visitors Bureau

The First Street Dilemma: Will the McCurdy and the Riverhouse continue to just sit there?

The Executive Inn Dilemma plays itself out

We would very much appreciate your assistance in identifying the 10 most significant things to get right during 2011. Please include a paragraph or more of why you think your suggestions are worthy of a Top 10 for 2011 goals and objectives. You may enter by leaving a comment to this call for suggestions. You may use either your name or your handle. We will not discriminate as long as the proposals are credible.