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IS IT TRUE? December 10, 2010

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The Mole #??

IS IT TRUE? December 10, 2010

IS IT TRUE that an internal financial review of the contract between the Vanderburgh County Commissioners and SMG turned up some correctable errors?…that there was an error of $338,000 in Vanderburgh County’s favor and another error of $36,000 in SMG’s favor?….that the period of time over which these errors occurred was from 2006 to 2009?….that as both of these entities are known for professionalism and honesty that the City County Observer is certain that this so called “scandal” is not a scandal at all and will be worked out in a fair and just manner?

IS IT TRUE that outgoing County Commissioner Troy Tornatta made a suggestion last week to offer SMG a “deal” to pay $150,000 of the $302,000 shortage and call it a day?…that Vanderburgh County Commissioners Lloyd Winnecke and Stephen Melcher both thought it through and determined that justice should be done and fairness should prevail?… that Commissioners Winnecke and Melcher by not rushing to judgment showed good stewardship of the public’s money and professional respect for the business integrity of SMG?…that professional courtesy, honesty, and respect are needed to professionally manage all of Vanderburgh County’s entertainment venues?…. that Commissioners Winnecke, Melcher and Abell may just be the right team to pair with SMG to elevate the performance of all of our entertainment venues?

IS IT TRUE that it has now been 1,308 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 1,163 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 702 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?

IS IT TRUE that our friends at Vecten have still not contacted the City County Observer to state their case for having residential rates that are triple the Winter residential rates for electricity across that money saving bridge in Henderson, Kentucky?…that we do not have smart grid technology available to homeowners in SW Indiana?…that if any on us generate electricity for personal use and generate more than we use that there is no way to sell our electricity to the grid at any price?….that the monopoly on electricity in SW Indiana even applies to personal windmills and solar collectors?….that residential rates for electricity in Vanderburgh County do not even have midnight discounts that promote battery storage and enable power to be purchased at a discount during off peak hours?….that many of the GREEN JOB friendly parts of America have had these things for many years?

EPD Canine Unit Gains National Acclaim

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News Release PIO 10-45

The Evansville Police Department Canine Unit places second at the Nationals!

Date: November 1-5th
Location: Tangipahoa Parrish S.O., Hammond, Louisiana
Supervisor: Sgt. Brent Hoover

SUMMARY

The Evansville Police Department Canine Unit placed second at the 2010 United States Police Canine Association’s (USPCA) National Field Trials!

The week long competition was hosted by the Tangipahoa Parrish Sheriff’s Office in Hammond, Louisiana November 1st through 5th.

Representing the Evansville Police Department at the Nationals were Cpl. Tim Nussmeier/K-9 Viro, Nick Henderson/K-9 Jery, Jason Thomas/K-9 Bobi, Jeremy Matthews/K-9 Brix, and Zach Elfreich/K-9 Axel.

The Top Five finishers in the Department Team competition were:

1st – St. Paul Minnesota Police Department
2nd – Evansville Indiana Police Department
3rd – Ramsey County Minnesota Sheriff’s Office
4th – Polk County Florida Sheriff’s Office
5th – Baton Rouge Louisiana Police Department.

All of the Evansville Canine Teams scored high enough to earn the USPCA National “Gold Medal of Excellence”.

Zach Elfreich and K-9 Axel (Evansville’s newest canine team) placed first in the Agility portion of the competition with a perfect score! This makes Zach and Axel the 2010 USPCA National Agility Champion!

Woodruff Hospitality to Propose Downtown Hyatt Place: Evansville Based Investment Solidifies Outside Investor Interest

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The City County Observer has conducted an exclusive interview with an officer of Woodruff Hospitality where we have learned many details about the coming proposal of the company to finance and construct a 220 room Hyatt Place hotel on the site of the current Executive Inn parking garage.

The Hyatt Place brand has typically been built in much larger cities to serve niches within large markets with 160 – 180 rooms per hotel. According to Woodruff officials, the Hyatt Corporation was so impressed by the Evansville opportunity that they have committed to a significant equity investment in the Downtown Evansville Hyatt Place. The fact that Evansville investment dollars were brought to the table served to sufficiently impress the Hyatt Corporation, the Pritzker family, and the private investment group that provided the debt financing to seal the viability of the proposal.

The proposal will be comprehensive and include a subterranean parking garage with approximately 300 places to replace the lost parking spaces due to the demolition of the Executive Inn parking tower. The decision to go down instead of out to replace the parking will stave off the need that has been perceived for the City of Evansville to acquire additional property to construct a parking tower.

Woodruff Hospitality will be proposing a solution that includes the demolition of the remainder of the existing Executive Inn and the design and construction of T shaped elevated walk bridge over Walnut St. and Martin Luther King Blvd. to allow Hyatt Place customers indoor access to both the Centre and the Evansville Arena. Additionally the land under the Executive Inn will become a tasteful load out zone to serve the new Arena. This was especially important as a convenient load out was not included in any previous layouts.

The cost of the project is currently estimated to be just under $40 Million and the duration to be about 3 months of demolition and site preparation followed by 14 to 16 months of actual construction. The details of the proposal with respect to the contributions and incentives of the City of Evansville have not yet been finalized. In the interview it was divulged that the City of Evansville will only be asked to pay for the problems that were created apart from the hotel itself. The potential value of the Downtown Hyatt Place Hotel is recognized as a great opportunity by the locally lead investment group and their proposal reflects that recognition.

If all of the decisions on the part of the City of Evansville are timely, the permitting process is expedited, and no unforeseeable circumstances occur Downtown Evansville will be standing proudly at the grand opening of a new Hyatt Place Hotel in the Spring or Summer of 2012.

The Evansville Hyatt Place that will be proposed by Woodruff Hospitality plans to lean on the many years of expertise in hotel management by the Hyatt Corporation to manage this hotel.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation that conducted an initial public offering (IPO) in 2009 is currently trading at an all time high of $45.98 and trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol H.

Hyatt Place Hotel to be Proposed by Woodruff Hospitality

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Evansville Based Investment Attracts Outside Financing

The City County Observer conducted an exclusive interview with ranking officials of the Woodruff Hospitality organization. The renderings of the Hyatt Place hotel that will be proposed are presented below. The proposal will include all of the construction activities that are required to establish a Downtown Convention Hotel, walk bridges to the Centre and the Arena, a 300 place underground parking garage, the demolition of the existing Executive Inn, and the configuration of a formal load out zone behind the Arena that was omitted from previous layouts.

Additional details of the deal including some details about how the early commitment of Evansville based private investment were leveraged to attract outside funding will be released by the City County Observer within 24 hours. In the mean time enjoy the renderings and rest assured that at least one Evansville led credible proposal will be made.

The overall timeline has the potential to lead to a Spring of 2012 grand opening.

Hyatt Place Layout

The picture above shows a layout of the 220 room Hyatt Place hotel that will be proposed by the Woodruff Hospitality Group. The layout includes a proposed T-Configuration walk bridge that spans the distance from the Hyatt to the Arena with a T-Connector that will enable pedestrians to choose a path to either the Evansville Arena or to The Centre. The new Hyatt Place will be proposed to face the Central Library.

Hyatt Place Evansville, Isometric View

This isometric view of the Hyatt Place that will be proposed by Woodruff Hospitality is taken from a point standing at roughly the present location of the Executive Inn Tower.

IS IT TRUE? December 9, 2010

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The Mole #??

IS IT TRUE? December 9, 2010

IS IT TRUE that Mole #I41 tells us that the public relations people at Vectren have been asking what the City County Observer is about?…that the City County Observer accurately pointed out that Vectren has residential rates for electricity that are nearly three times the rates paid across the money saving bridge in Henderson?….that we have contacted Mr. Mike Roeder, Vice President of Communications at Vectren and offered him an opportunity to publish an explanation as to just how and why Evansville should be saddled with electrical rates that are triple what the people of Henderson pay for electricity?….that the City County Observer will publish any explanation of this astonishing pricing difference in unedited form at the top of the page whenever we receive it?….that Mr. Roeder has been supplied information on how to submit his article?….that we truly hope he reponds?

IS IT TRUE that the University of Evansville Purple Aces took a pretty sound defeat at the hands of the North Carolina Tar Heels last night in front of a capacity crowd of over 12,000 people at Roberts Stadium last night?…that the Aces scored first and held a couple of leads in the early minutes of the game?…that one of the top players for North Carolina is a former member of the Indiana State Champion Washington Hatchets, Tyler Zeller?…that the decision to pursue and compete at the Division 1 level by the University of Evansville is what enabled Roberts Stadium to attract a perennial national powerhouse to Evansville?…that it took courage and chutzpah on behalf of a 2,500 student college like UE to schedule the Tar Heels?

IS IT TRUE that by staying Division 1 and by continually improving someday the Aces may once again strike fear into the hearts of bigger, stronger, and faster opponents who dare to enter the new Evansville Arena?…that UCLA’s legendary coach John Wooden after a Division 1 NCAA Championship that UCLA may not really be the best team in the country?…that Coach Wooden was referring to the undefeated College Division champion Aces when he made that statement?… that even in defeat that the City County Observer is proud of our Evansville Aces for having the courage to take on teams like UNC?

IS IT TRUE that the Aces did defeat the NCAA runner-up Butler Bulldogs at the Hinkle Fieldhouse on the campus at Butler?…that the win over Butler was the best win in several years for the Aces?… that our spirits rose and we actually had hope to upset the Tar Heels after polishing off Butler?…that wins like the one at Butler are what sells tickets?…that big wins and big opponents will have more influence on the success of the new Evansville Arena than the plush seats and Downtown Evansville location will?….that winning is the only thing that really makes Arena’s successful?

IS IT TRUE that there are now 703 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?

IS IT TRUE that it has now been 1,307 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 1,162 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 one theory of the origin of the poem “Humpty Dumpty” is that it was a riddle regarding the vulnerability of a King who was detached from his subjects?…that Humpty Dumpty (the King) had an outer shell that was thin and brittle like an egg?…that when Humpty Dumpty fell off the wall (his lofty perch) and fractured his thin shell, that all of the King’s horses and all of the King’s men could not put Humpty Dumpty back together again?

IS IT TRUE that 2011 is setting up to be a year of awareness in Evansville, Indiana?…that the old boy network is under the microscope of people who have never involved themselves in the search for good public policy before?…that a sleeping giant of caring, competence, and commitment is being awakened in Evansville?…that leadership can and will come from places that are not expected?….that some will not welcome this leadership?….that many will embrace the ideas of positive change and that 2011 will prove to be a year of exactly that?

Ball State Professor Forecasts a Much Improved 2011 for Hoosiers

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News Release

MUNCIE, Ind. – A Ball State University economist is forecasting that Indiana’s economy will grow at a painfully slow but steady rate in 2011 with unemployment falling throughout the year to a low of about 8.7 percent, more than a full percentage point lower than it was in October 2010.

Michael Hicks, director of Ball State’s Center for Business Research, believes the state will continue to be a national leader in job creation as the U.S. rebounds from the deep recession of 2007-2009.

“As bad as it has been, Indiana has done remarkably well over the recession. Given the large manufacturing share of our economy, we probably should have had an unemployment rate in near 16 percent.”

He made his comments during the 15th annual Indiana Economic Luncheon Oct. 8 at the Horizon Convention Center. Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman was the keynote speaker at the event.

“This forecast says the state will be very slow to rebound from the recession, but all signs point to Indiana continuing to outperform the nation as a whole,” he said. “Indianapolis will again be the state’s economic engine as the capital city continues to attract new businesses and existing firms begin adding to payrolls. However, other parts of the state will see some economic growth but not as fast as we all would hope.”

During the luncheon, Hicks reviewed the economic forecast of the Indiana Econometric Model, which combines a U.S. economic model produced by Yale University with Ball State’s model.

The forecast analyzes the potential employment, labor force and income growth in the state’s nine largest private sectors. Personal income should rise by 4.81 percent by year’s end, with the construction (7.23 percent), manufacturing (7.07 percent) and transportation (6.99 percent) sectors leading growth.

These sectors were hard hit during the recession and, like the economy as a whole, will not recoup their losses by the end of 2011, Hicks said.

Other sector and their expected growth rates:

· Utilities, 1.2 percent

· Health care, 3.02 percent

· Retail, 3.19 percent

· Finance and insurance, 3.96 percent

· Wholesale, 5.34 percent

· Information technology, 5.27 percent

Hicks said inflation will be tame, but the large money supply suggests inflation will accompany any strong growth in the economy.

“There is some good news, ” he said. “We economists and our models did a poor job of predicting this recession, and the nature of the mathematics underlying the models suggests they are more likely to underestimate the rate of the recovery, than overestimate it.”

Hicks said that much of the spending on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, commonly known as the “stimulus,” has yet to be translated into lower unemployment. If more jobs are created, they will come in mid-2011 and 2012, and so cast some uncertainty on these estimates.

“I believe that 2011 will be much better than the past two years, but uncertainty surrounding federal policy and continued discomfort with government debt in the U.S. and abroad will cast a shadow on this recovery,” he said.

Source: Ball State University

IS IT TRUE? December 8, 2010

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The Mole #??

IS IT TRUE? December 8, 2010

IS IT TRUE that there are now 704 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?

IS IT TRUE that it has now been 1,306 days since the announcement was made that the McCurdy Hotel was to be refurbished into luxury apartments?…that it has now been 1,161 days since the Evansville Redevelopment Commission at the request of Mayor Weinzapfel approved the spending of $603,000 to purchase the Parking Lot to give away.

IS IT TRUE that another $400,000 borrowed tax dollars are being thrown at the façade of the Alhambra Theatre, that anchors the abandoned complex at Haynies Corner?….that throwing $400,000 at a multi-million dollar project is basically the same as tossing that borrowed money into the river?….that there is no working theatre there now and there will not be one after the $400,000 cosmetic surgery job is complete?…that the City of Evansville should learn to do projects completely or not at all?…that this classic building has been an eyesore for at least 40 years and has have several other pots of borrowed government money spent on cosmetics but nothing on substance?….that the Alhambra could be and maybe even should be completely redone and made functional?….that facelifts, nose jobs, and other outside work are no substitute for a functional core with people or buildings?

IS IT TRUE that Roberts Stadium is under attacks from the City of Evansville to be demolished?… that the reason given for demolishing Roberts Stadium is because we can’t support two stadiums and the new Arena can’t handle the competition?….that there are 58 movie screens already operating in Vanderburgh County and another 18 within 10 miles of the Alhambra?…that makes 76 movie screens already newer, more state of the art, and successful than the Alhambra can ever hope to be?…that adding one more movie screen to the 76 screen mix will mean absolutely nothing?….that maybe the old Alhambra should be considered for a restaurant developed by a private entity with private money?….that if Roberts Stadium should be torn down to avoid paying for the maintenance then maybe the same should be considered for the Alhambra?…that for the wrecking ball to swing on Boeke Road but borrowed money thrown at a dilapidated neglected structure at the entrance to Goosetown is conflicted when coming from the same minds?

IS IT TRUE that a private effort to keep the park at 4th and Main a park is gaining traction?…that there is even some talk of some private seed money being made available to get the park into pristine condition?…that preserving a park at that location would be a project worthy of investment that pays the dividend of serenity to all of the 20,000 downtown workers (at least that is what the official number is) that can use it every day for reflection and relaxation?…that the cost to get the park into pristine condition may only be in the $100,000 range?….that the total annual maintenance of such a park will in all likelihood be less than $10,000 per year?….that if the City of Evansville can “find” $1.5 Million to tear down Roberts Stadium prematurely and appropriate $200,000 in matching funds to do a facelift on the Alhambra, then surely, surely, the money to make the park pristine and the $10,000 or less per year to mow the park and pick up the litter can be “found” as well?

IS IT TRUE that the City of Evansville could gain some respect if it would complete something, anything before getting distracted and starting something else?

IS IT TRUE that Channel 25 reported last night that only one of the three bidders for a Downtown Convention Hotel would talk with them?…that the opening of the bids is not scheduled yet?…that the one that talked ignored the bridges to the Centre and Arena and left the demolition of the Executive Inn in the hands of the City?…that we still wait anxiously for the solution to the Executive Inn Dilemma?

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Foreclosure Consultant Preying on Evansville Homeowner is Latest Target of Attorney General’s Office

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Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller today filed suit against California-based Hope4Homes

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller today filed a lawsuit in Vanderburgh County against Hope4Homes, Inc., a for-profit foreclosure consultant, claiming the company has been operating in Indiana illegally and has violated several state consumer protection laws. Hope4Homes is located in California and is owned and operated by Mahan Abbasi, who is listed as a defendant in the suit.

Evansville residents Harold and Sharon Matthews paid Hope4Homes $1,800 to negotiate a home loan modification. According to the state’s complaint, the Matthews were instructed by Hope4Homes to stop making payments on their mortgage while Hope4Homes negotiated a new loan. The Matthews fell three months behind on their payments, which had been current, and new loan terms were not reached. Hope4Homes advertised a “100% Money Back Guarantee if we cannot achieve a loan modification for our clients,” however no refund has been provided.

“So-called ‘foreclosure consultants’ are taking advantage of those who are facing desperate financial hardship and scamming them out of thousands of dollars when they are most vulnerable. They are operating illegally and this will not be tolerated in Indiana,” Zoeller said. “Working to protect Hoosier consumers includes bringing actions against those who violate our state laws and also warning people to protect themselves, their family and their neighbors – beware of the warning signs and don’t let a loved one fall victim to these scams, no matter how convinced they may be of their legitimacy.”

In Indiana, a foreclosure consultant or credit service organization must have a $25,000 surety bond registered with the Attorney General’s office before demanding payment upfront before services are performed. The company’s bond acts as an insurance policy for consumers in the event the company fails to perform the services and does not provide a refund. HopeForHomes failed to meet those requirements and also did not register to do business in Indiana.

Consumer complaints against foreclosure consultants spiked in 2009 as the economy took its toll on the unemployed and homeowners who typically might ignore “too-good-to-be-true” promises. They were drawn to claims made on websites, late-night TV commercials and radio programs. The Attorney General’s Homeowner Protection Unit is currently investigating more than 150 consumer complaints against foreclosure consultants. The majority of the complaints filed and the on-going investigations involve companies not located in Indiana.

Homeowners looking to avoid foreclosure are encouraged to work with a certified nonprofit housing counselor to determine their available options. Call the Indiana Foreclosure Prevention Network at 1.877.GET.HOPE for more information or visit the Attorney General’s consumer protection website www.IndianaConsumer.com to learn more about homeowners’ rights in Indiana.

Why Is Indiana’s Tech Sector Poised for Explosive Growth?

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Jim Jay, Techpoint CEO

By: Jim Jay

As calendar year 2010 comes to a close, I find myself thinking about how much Indiana’s tech sector has achieved during the deepest economic downturn since the Great Depression. A handful of successful deals, investments and other Indiana technology and entrepreneurship news made national headlines, which is good for the state – raising our profile as a collective geographic industry and earning credibility for our products, services and brands.

The high profile announcements only tell a fraction of the industry’s success, because while almost every single U.S. employment sector experienced moderate to significant declines, Indiana’s technology companies increased their sales revenue and total tech sector employment. If the global economy does begin its slow but steady recovery as many economists predict, Indiana’s tech sector is in an enviable position to capitalize upon a number of critical advantages including:

* The Indiana 21st Century Research and Technology Fund
* Double-digit increases in venture capital coming into the state for three years
* Skilled technical grads from in-state universities ranked among the best
* Tech-friendly business climate with reasonable taxes and valuable incentives
* High energy, continued momentum and resources for homegrown startups
* Cooperative-competitive environment (instead of cut-throat like the coasts)
* Indiana’s Venture Capital Tax Credit is a immediate return on investment for angel investors to invest in Indiana tech companies

As a constant catalyst for growth, TechPoint has produced more than 40 industry educational and networking events this year; invested more than $3 million in Indiana startup firms through the Halo Capital Group; launched new initiatives focused on supporting burgeoning microsectors health information technology (HIT) and measured marketing; and advocated for pro-growth, pro-tech public policy with the Indiana legislature.

In 2011, TechPoint will continue to serve the industry providing all of the programs and events that you have come to expect, along with a couple of additions and emphases such as:

* TechPoint will launch a fourth Roundtable Series in 2011 – CFO Roundtable
* Numerous new digital resources, such as a statewide technology business directory, Indiana applications directory and the Indiana technology newswire
* Increased support for startup companies
* “Place” assistance, providing adequate and affordable real estate
* Filling in the capital gaps, particularly for early-stage tech businesses
(More information to come on these ideas in January)

Indiana’s technology leaders and entrepreneurs have proven that they are experts at doing more with less – the industry would not have grown and thrived during the recession otherwise. Now that the economy may be on the road to recovery, TechPoint is committed to fulfilling its mission of accelerating growth in the sector through a battery of effective programs and services with which you are probably familiar, as well as some new ideas designed to meet current industry needs.

The TechPoint staff and I are looking forward to all of the opportunities and challenges we will face together in 2011. We hope you will continue to be a positive contributing member of Indiana’s tech sector by staying involved with Indiana’s preeminent technology initiative.

IS IT TRUE? December 7, 2010

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The Mole #??

IS IT TRUE? December 7, 2010

IS IT TRUE that it has now been 1,305 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 1,160 days since the Evansville Redevelopment Commission at the request of Mayor Weinzapfel approved the spending of $603,000 to purchase the parking lot of the McCurdy with 55 parking spaces to sweeten the deal?….that it has now been 760 days since an $800,000 incentive to purchase the McCurdy Hotel was approved for the Indianapolis based developer that was selected for the project?….that the estimated cost to refurbish the McCurdy has grown from $7.2 Million to the latest guess of $11.9 Million?….that over three years have passed and over $1.4 Million of public money has been spent and the sounds of construction are still not drowning out the cooing of the pigeons in the stately old hotel?….that the City County Observer is seriously concerned that the City of Evansville may just have another River House on First Street.

IS IT TRUE that there are now 705 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?

IS IT TRUE that people routinely plan trips to Henderson because gas is always about 10 cents per gallon cheaper than it is in Evansville?….that doing that for an average fill up saves about $1.50?…that if everyone had electric cars and the cost to charge the batteries was $100 in Indiana that the difference in the electrical rates between Evansville and Henderson would make that charge cost $37 in Henderson?….that Vectren’s excessive rates will make the introduction of BEV’s (Battery Electric Vehicles) and other Green Initiatives in Vectren’s service area in Indiana absolutely cost prohibitive?…that Green jobs are seen as the most desirable jobs to attract going forward?…that Evansville and SW Indiana are playing this “Green Jobs” game with their hands tied behind their backs and an albatross around their necks?…that Vectren’s rate structure when compared to Henderson is quite likely to keep Evansville and SW Indiana from participating in any Green Initiative led recovery?

IS IT TRUE that if Vectren converted their 5 private planes to electric power that they may not even be able to afford to charge their own batteries at the rates that they charge residents of Southwest Indiana for electricity?…that maybe they would have to fly across that money saving river to charge their own batteries?

IS IT TRUE that the EVSC had a welcomed announcement yesterday that every public high school in Evansville has made great strides in improving the percentage of students who graduate?…that Bosse High School moved from the middle sixties to the middle eighties in making the largest improvement?….that Reitz as always led the high schools in graduation rate with a nationally impressive 96% rate?….that the efforts made by EVSC to address the low graduation rates and to credential these students before they are faced with the realities of the real world is worthy of applause and admiration?

IS IT TRUE that the Vanderburgh County School Board is now on record as seeking to extend the contract of Dr. Vince Bertram before it expires in mid 2012?….that to the extent that Dr. Bertram’s efforts led to the increase in high school graduation rates that he is deserving of that vote of confidence?…that the overall performance of the EVSC across all grades was recently ranked as a 4 on a scale of 10 (see reference link)?….that in no category and no age group did the children of the EVSC exceed the average score for the State of Indiana?….that there is much work that needs to be put into additional improvements in the home and the classroom to get the children entrusted to the EVSC to perform at the average level for Indiana?…that Indiana is not exactly performing at the top of the pack nationally?….that focus on education is what is needed from Dr. Bertram and every person that draws a paycheck from the EVSC?

IS IT TRUE that Dr. Bertram is quoted as referring to Mayor Weinzapfel as “the best Mayor in America”?….that Dr. Bertram has vocally supported and even considered financial support for the Roberts Stadium Ball Fields project?…that Dr. Bertram has authorized the spending of $7.5 Million for a football stadium at Harrison High School?…that Dr. Bertram wisely called for a referendum to gain the approval of the voters before breaking ground on the new North High School?…that bricks and mortar may look good but have never been documented to teach a single person a single thing?….that the community desperately needs a quality workforce to be attractive as a location for businesses?….that a solid public high school education is the foundation of a competitive workforce?…that the progress that has been made in graduation rates needs to be reproduced in early elementary school?….that our educational improvement efforts may be better served if Dr. Bertram works his magic in the schools and stays away from the fickleness of politics?

Reference Link for EVSC overall grade
http://www.greatschools.org/cgi-bin/in/district-profile/103

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