The Rushville Truth

Petting our Little Tiger

 A reader submitted the Tiger Woods press release as defense for local similar situations. They relayed that this should be how private and personal issues should be addressed, and then they should be allowed to fade. Tiger released a statement on Wednesday, 12/2/09 responding to allegations involving his personal life. Here is the full text:

“I have let my family down and I regret those transgressions with all of my heart. I have not been true to my values and the behavior my family deserves. I am not without faults and I am far short of perfect. I am dealing with my behavior and personal failings behind closed doors with my family. Those feelings should be shared by us alone.

Although I am a well-known person and have made my career as a professional athlete, I have been dismayed to realize the full extent of what tabloid scrutiny really means. For the last week, my family and I have been hounded to expose intimate details of our personal lives. The stories in particular that physical violence played any role in the car accident were utterly false and malicious. Elin has always done more to support our family and shown more grace than anyone could possibly expect.

But no matter how intense curiosity about public figures can be, there is an important and deep principle at stake which is the right to some simple, human measure of privacy. I realize there are some who don't share my view on that. But for me, the virtue of privacy is one that must be protected in matters that are intimate and within one's own family. Personal sins should not require press releases and problems within a family shouldn't have to mean public confessions.

Whatever regrets I have about letting my family down have been shared with and felt by us alone. I have given this a lot of reflection and thought and I believe that there is a point at which I must stick to that principle even though it's difficult.
I will strive to be a better person and the husband and father that my family deserves. For all of those who have supported me over the years, I offer my profound apology.”

I would say that this defense is legitimate if the situation is simple with no extenuating circumstances. I think that the situation or situations locally involved very complex and intermingled nuances. I think it is worth noting that since Tiger issued his statement, there has an avalanche of additional information. Additionally, even though it is considered private by Tiger, this did not stop sponsors from exercising their right to terminate their sponsorship contracts, as they wanted to distance their association.

The reason I don’t feel the local situation can be addressed with such a simple brush stroke is that it involved the following:

Employment status concerns
Liability
Tax payer money
Integrity
Honesty to the employer

In closing, I think if all things were equal then yes, Tiger’s press release would be adequate to address the local situation, but all things considered, a simple press release would not suffice.

Questions:

1. How do you feel about situations?

2. With all PR options, can you ever release the questions in the back of the minds without having open conversations?

3. Are the employment positions vulnerable to termination?

You say 45, I say 95, but we can’t call the whole thing off!

The saga involving the demolition of a downtown building continues and has been going on for months. At the current rate, the project may officially span one year. Seeing April 10th is recognized as the start of the cities bold stand, when the city served papers on the owner to order the demolition of the former Doug’s Flowers building.

On September 8th, the local paper reported a brave quote from our Mayor Merv Bostic. “The building will begin coming down Tuesday. The contractor will have 45 days from that time to complete the job,” Bostic said Friday. Friday would assume to be September 4th. If the date of September 4th is accurate, we are now 95 days later, and the building demolition has made little progress toward its completion.

Questions:

1. Is anyone interested in a little over-under, as to how long this epic lasts?

2. Does this seem like an agreement that was well thought through?

3. When the demolition is complete, who owns the soon to be empty lot?

4. So, what are the cities legal options?

5. Is the demolition contractor owner by the two men from Shelby County?

6. How does a half-demolished building fit into a historic facade program?

Gettin’ the Wood

No. This is not a story about the private life of Tiger Woods, and it’s not a story about what the citizens of this county usually end up getting.

I ran across this story and thought it was interesting, thorough and entertaining.  Knowing that I knew most readers of the local paper would never get an opportunity to experience it, I have included the article below for your enjoyment:

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Plain Dealer-Sun
North Vernon, IN

11/30/2009
From Selmier to covered bridge
Trees from state forest near NV to be used to restore historic span in Rush County

Bryce Mayer

Twenty-six of the largest white pine trees from the Selmier State Forest near North Vernon were felled and trucked to Rosedale, Ind., 11/2 weeks ago.

No, the conifer trees will not be used as Christmas trees. Rather, the trunks of the pines will be sawed into arches to rebuild the historical Moscow Covered Bridge in Rush County. The bridge was destroyed by a tornado on June 3, 2008.

"This is pretty neat," said Rob McGriff, Selmier manager and a state forester as he watched logger Greg Abplanalp of Butlerville use special motorized equipment to load the pine logs onto three semi-truck trailers. "I can't wait to see the new covered bridge. When it's rebuilt, it will have a little bit of Jennings County in it."
Actually, more than just a little bit.

The logs from Selmier were as long as 40 feet, as wide as 32 inches in diameter and weighed up to 10,000 pounds apiece, according to Abplanalp.

"These logs are massive," understated Abplanalp, who cut down the trees in three different areas of the 355-acre state forest.

The Selmier logs will be cut to make arches for the Moscow Covered Bridge, which is located on the Flatrock River in southern Rush County between Rushville and Greensburg. Built in 1886 and 345 feet long, it is one of the longest covered bridges in the state.

Dan Collom, a carpenter in Parke County, the state's self-proclaimed covered bridge capital, is cutting the parts for the bridge, which is expected to be completed sometime next year.

"Some of these trees are probably 58 years old or slightly more and may have been planted by Frank (Morgan) Selmier," McGriff said.

In 1919 Selmier bought the heavily-wooded land, which contained the ruins of Zoar, a small settlement founded in 1849 and abandoned by the start of the 20th century. Selmier died in 1941 and his third wife and widow, Stella Beatty Selmier, donated the property to the state in 1944.

Recent logging at the state forest has drawn criticism and McGriff wouldn't be surprised if some people register displeasure about the latest cuttings.

"People say we are cutting pristine forests, but we're not," he said. "This is just part of the cycle. Trees will be replanted and when they get large enough will be harvested again."

Who knows? Selmier's hardwood may again be used to preserve historic structures such as covered bridges.

 

 

 

 

Greg Abplanalp, a logger from Butlerville, loads a giant pine log onto a semi-trailer at the Selmier State Forest for shipment to Rosedale, Ind.

 

 

 

 

Selmier State Forest manager Rob McGriff, left, talks with truck driver Robert Boswell of Butlerville and logger Greg Abplanalp.

Ride Rush, baby ride Rush

I think one of Rush county’s best kept secrets is a program that is in its second year of existence.  It knows to local residents as Ride Rush.  The program’s prophet is a red-headed dynamo from Carthage and the Director of the Senior Citizen Center named Wanda Henderson.

The local paper adequately addresses the number of riders and miles logged by the Ride Rush vehicles in the differing years.  I think what is not shown in the numbers is that Mrs. Henderson had an idea that she was able to nurture into a growing endeavor.  She was not alone in the effort, but she bore much of the load of the idea becoming a reality.

Mrs. Henderson mentions a new grant that Ride Rush received.  It allows the two increases in services.  One service improvement being a extension of hours on Monday - Friday until 6 pm.  One of the other and potentially more significant improvements is the ability to provide for out of county essential trips for $10 to all Rush County residents.  For exactly what would be covered under “out of county” essential trips, you would need to call the Ride Rush office.  Some in the coffee shops and courthouse conversations have suggested that this would allow for out-of-town doctor and hospital appointments.  Allowing many who had wished to be treated in other markets the freedom and ability to do so. 

Following is the Ride Rush price structure currently in place:
 Zero-10 miles: $2 adult, $1 child
10-15 miles: $3 adult, $2 child
15 miles or more (in county): $3.50 adult, $2 child
Individuals 60 and older ride for a suggested donation.
Thank you to all who have helped to make this service to the community a reality.

And now the questions:

1. If you worked in Mount Comfort would that be considered an essential trip?

2. So, could I go to Methodist Hospital for $10?  

3. No…really…what is an essential trip?

4. Can this lead to another inner local?

5. Could we tap into the Jackman high speed rail?

Road to nowhere has no money?

When I followed the development of the 16th street extension, I was…let’s say…puzzled by the approach that was taken to advance that project. When the city announced that it was out of money and could afford to pay property owners for their easements, they announced that the remedy would be to ask those property owners to donate the easement to the city free of charge. I know that the street extension will add value to those property owners remaining property, but it like the city was quilting the owners in a very public forum into giving up their rightful compensation to their property. More importantly, I thought this might set a very dangerous and potentially embarrassing precedent.

Well, now comes the embarrassment caused by the precedent. But before we get to the embarrassment caused by the precedent, we have to get through the identity confusion that seems to continue to exist in our fine community.

First, on October 14, 2009, the Rush Council was host to a presentation. The presentation noted in the minutes as ECDC. It is notes from the minutes as follows:

Commissioner Ken Masters appeared before the council to discuss possible infrastructure for Emerson Technology. The infrastructure would involve the extension of Cherry Street to county road 200 north. Discussion was held regarding funding. Masters did inform the council that a bond could be done for the building of a road. If INDOT builds the road the competition (seems to be an error—should be completion?) date will possibly be 2013 and at a possible cost of $3.5 to $3.8 million. If the county were to privately build the road the cost projection would be approximately $2 million. Masters asked the council to consider contracting Butler, Fairman and Seifert to perform a study of the proposed project.

Masters also discussed the drainage issues that are involved with the road proposal.

Pam Leisure, Chamber director invited the council to attend an information meeting to be held in the courthouse assembly room, Monday, October 19th. The meeting will begin at 10:30 am. Auditor Deborah Adams will inform the media of the meeting
Now 15 days later a story titled “ECDC seeks to extend Cherry Street” written by: Frank Denzler of the Rushville Republican Published October 29, 2009 - During Monday’s county commissioners meeting, Rush County ECDC Director Brad Buening requested and gained necessary initial approval from the county leaders regarding the possibility of extending Rushville’s Cherry Street north to CR 200N. The portion of the story related to this covered briefly as following occurs:

During Monday’s county commissioners meeting, Rush County ECDC Director Brad Buening requested and gained necessary initial approval from the county leaders regarding the possibility of extending Rushville’s Cherry Street north to CR 200N.

If the project is completed, the extension would provide an additional link between the city and the north side industrial park.

So first, who is in charge of the project? From those representing the project, it looks to be a collaborative effort, but some day someone will have to battle for the credit. So who is the lead on this project Commissioner Masters, Chamber of Council, ECDC or Emerson Technology’s?

Let’s ignore the Multiple Director Syndrome, most will invest nothing but ideas. The county appears at first pass to be the investor. But after some thought, we are forced to ignore the county for the moment because as we all know, the county is not going to build a city street. That being known, the city will be asked to pony up some money of their own for this one. So where will the money come from? I am assuming that the precedent has been set, and the property owners along the new Cherry Street North will be asked to give up their easements for FREE. See how can you pay property owners for their and land while not pay others a cent a mere quarter-mile away.

1. So when is 10:30 a.m. a time convenient to the average citizen’s attendance?

2. Did I miss a report on the results of the public meeting?

3. How will the county be able to ante up dienero with the additional budget cuts they were just handed?

4. If the city could not afford land on the other project, how are they going to afford any match on other projects?

5. Has this presentation been made to the City Council?

6. Who leads the city’s economic efforts?

7. Who should be embarrassed: the Bostic half or the Goins half?

8. Oh! Is this when we get our stimulus money with no match?
 

Trying to Buck the System

Many people emailed the site to get a better understanding of what exactly the residency rules are.  Fortunately, we have a reader who was able to provide the site with the following information:

IC 36-4-6-2
Common council; election; eligibility; term of office
     Sec. 2. (a) A common council, which is the city legislative body, shall be elected under IC 3-10-6 by the voters of each city.
    (b) A person is eligible to be a member of the legislative body only if the person meets the qualifications prescribed by IC 3-8-1-27.
    (c) Residency in territory that is annexed by the city before the person files a declaration of candidacy or petition of nomination is considered residency for the purposes of subsection (b), even if the annexation takes effect less than one (1) year before the election.
    (d) A member of the legislative body must reside within:
        (1) the city as provided in Article 6, Section 6 of the Constitution of the State of Indiana; and
        (2) the district from which the member was elected, if applicable.
    (e) A member forfeits office if the member ceases to be a resident of the district or city.
    (f) The term of office of a member of the legislative body is four (4) years, beginning at noon on January 1 after election and continuing until a successor is elected and qualified.

This seems pretty clear-cut and black and white.  As the situation continues to unfold, we will continue to be interested in watching the results.

YOU ask the questions on this one – YOU are the VOTER.

And fittingly, HAPPY TURKEY DAY!

Local Officials involved in Secret Meetings?

I read with great interest that local officials, select citizens and certain business leaders have been involved in meetings about the future of Rushville and Rush County. Isn’t this type meeting the same meetings that those who were opposed to progress used in the last election?

It seems that unnamed local citizens have brought in Ball State University to discuss the financial stability and future growth of the City and County. Is it me or do others think that these meetings and decisions should be made public and open to anyone who wants to participate? I hope that this group will have public meetings, and I hope it won’t after the decisions are made and any real public input is moot.

Since this involves select citizens, government leader’s organizations, and the school corporation, this might be a power and money grab. A way of pushing through future referendums for projects that would circumvent the “Circuit Breaker” which has been responsible for our property taxes getting lowered. It would not surprise me if members of chosen government-funded organizations are there so they may find ways to dip into our pockets.

1. It is a shame that we the common man cannot be trusted by the powers that be to help truly shape the future of Rush County.

2. So who will look to gain from such a process?

3. Don’t they say that if there is ever a question of “why”, it is usually money?

4. What is the power play and who looks to gain from it?

5. So who was in attendance?

6. If done legitimately could this be a good thing for the future of the community?

7. Will the winners be given a nurse of their choice?

Reader Submitted Story

I wanted to know if you could answer some questions for me or put it out to your readers to see if they can. I was driving home from work the other day and I passed a house just north of Milroy. In the driveway was the RMH Ambulance with its lights flashing. Parked on the street and blocking the drive was the Milroy Ambulance with its lights flashing. That got me to wondering several things.

First, if Milroy is no longer dispatched by 911, then how did they know of the run and why did they go on it? Or if the homeowner called Milroy directly, then who notified RMH to go on the run?

The Milroy ambulance blocking the RMH Ambulance reminded me of the scene in Gangs of New York where the competing fire departments literally fist fought over who was able to put out the fire to the point where one person covered a hydrant and they allowed the building to burn while they beat each other up. So is this how the southern part of the County is not working? Did the Milroy Ambulance park like it did to prevent the RMH Ambulance from transporting the patient?

More questions came to mind like, when both ambulances show up, does the patient get charged for both? Who gets to transport the patient? If RMH does not transport, do we the taxpayers still pay for the run without the chance of collecting the money?

It seems like there are some major issues south of town, and as a taxpayer and local business owner, I think I deserve answers to these questions. Then there is talk of RMH taking over all ambulance service in the County, will property owners have a voice in this decision?

Thanks for your forum. I’m glad to be able to talk about topics I find important.

Reader

Could there be unbiased journalism?

In the past on this site, there has been a question of whether the media in a small town can be unbiased. This came into question specifically when reporting on first responders and those who they report to further up the food chain. Many claimed a look the other way attitude, while those who defended the claim always alleged this favoritism to be unfounded and exaggerated.

Let it be stated in advance that further education and training are a quality that we should all strive to achieve. The point is not decry a person for trying to better their life, but whether the checks and balances system can exist in this arrangement.

Let’s say for the sake of conversation we had a local media member who had been enrolled EMT training. Can a member of the media be unbiased when reporting about those who they aspire to work for and with? Can you feverishly investigate an institution that you might in the future make application to? Can you be subject in a situation like this? It is my modest opinion this type of situation has to lead a media that is by nature coy and timid in areas where confrontation on such topics exist.

1. So when is the next sitting for the Indiana Department of Homeland Security Emergency Service EMT and Paramedic State Exam Certification program?

2. Is this what they mean when they say ‘advocacy journalism?’

3. Does this type situation stifle creative investigative journalism?

4. Can you report during the day and ride during the night?

5. Can the general public connect the dots that lead from this story to those stories that were not covered or under covered by the media in the past?

6. When they say it starts at the top, where is the top?

In closing, best of luck on the exam and hopes for a bright and successful future!  Maybe the next generation of media will not aspire to become those they report about.

Referendums - Could they be abused in the future?

You might be asking yourself, “What is a referendum?” It is placing a topic on general election ballot.

The new referendum provisions take the place of the old system of dueling petition drives across the effected taxing district.

The referendums being discussed most heatedly are the ones required due to the fact they qualify as large capital spending projects. Those who support the referendum system claim it to be more direct and offer a truer sense of whether taxpayers are willing to support a project or not.

Simply stated, if the majority of the voters voting on the public question vote in favor of the public question, the political subdivision may issue the proposed bonds or enter into the proposed lease rental required to fund the project.
On the other hand, if a majority of the voters voting on the public question vote in opposition, the political subdivision may not issue the bonds or enter into the lease proposed lease rental. Another public question on the same or substantially similar public question may not be submitted to the voters earlier than one year after the date of the election.

The basics of the qualifications of the system are roughly defined as follows: Elementary and middle school construction projects are subject to the referendum process 1) if the projected cost is more than $10 million and 2) high school construction projects are subject to the referendum process if the projected cost is more than $20 million. Construction projects with projected costs less than these thresholds but greater than $2 million will be subject to the petition and remonstrance process. In either process, if a majority of the participating individuals are in favor of the project, the district may proceed with the construction process.

The guidelines for upcoming referenda are pursuant to IC 6-1.1-20-3.6(k), a political subdivision for which a public question regarding a controlled project is to be placed on the ballot to be voted on at a public question, must submit to the Department of Local Government Finance ("Department"), at least thirty (30) days before the election, the below information regarding the proposed controlled project for posting on the Department's Web site.

The most notable capital projects went to a referendum in the last general election are as follows:

Batesville Community School Corporation, Franklin and Ripley Counties -FAILED
MSD of Perry Township, Marion County-FAILED
Southwest Dubois County School Corporation, Dubois County-PASSED
Tell City - Troy Township School Corporation, Perry County-FAILED
Hamilton Southeastern Schools, Hamilton County-PASSED
Southern Wells Community Schools, Wells County-PASSED
Franklin Township Community School Corporation, Marion County-FAILED
Franklin Township Community School Corporation, Marion County-FAILED
Beech Grove City Schools, Marion County-PASSED

Wishard Hospital Project, Marion County-PASSED

Is a referendum a tax increase? Yes, a referendum could allow your government agency to increase the tax rate above the level set forth in the state caps.

Many have wondered why people favored raising taxes for Wishard and not the schools. Quite simply, voters were hoodwinked into believing they were not voting for a property tax increase when they voted on the Wishard referendum. The wording of the school referenda left no doubt those voters were voting for a property tax increase. This is evidence of how easily the public can be fooled.

The following quote has been attributed Senator Luke Kenley regarding the Wishard referendum. If this is in-fact a correct quote it does give some insight into possible abuse in such a system:

"I can understand your frustration, but your blame on the legislature is misplaced. When this was originally requested, they didn't want it to go to a referendum. My position was that if Marion Co. legislators wanted it, that they could put a referendum on the ballot. I was, and am skeptical that this bond will not eventually rely on property taxes."
Should voters get the power to approve or reject expensive public projects in referendums? Well, the state lawmakers have said “yes.” The opinion of those in leadership and special interest seem to agree, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, notes that half of property tax bills go to fund local schools, including capital projects and debt service. The referendum would allow more taxpayer input into that. Those from the agricultural communities have said they would stop short of endorsing referendums across the board but have admitted that they are “better than nothing.” Some have noted the new system as a victory for farmers. If approving a project in a referendum causes property taxes due to exceed a homeowner’s cap, the homeowner is not off the hook, he notes. Any debt service levy approved by referendum is not subject to the cap in the final language of the bill.

Questions:

1. Can anyone think how a referendum might be abused at a local level?

2. Do you think there has been abuse in public funding of projects in the past?

3. Do you think that projects approved under the dueling petition drives would have had the same results under the referendum system?

4. Will the referendum system be tested locally for any projects?

Are they eating their young?

The claim that politicians have no friends may well have been proven on October 30, 2009 when Mayor Merv Bostic fired “his ‘friend’ of forty years or longer.”   In his recount of the firing of Don Jarman in the local paper, the Mayor narrates an artful depiction of a complex a caring struggle.

In the earlier story in the paper, it was noted that Jarman declined to comment, saying only that he was going to look into his available options.  Well, it appears that Jarman has reviewed his options, and his best option is to retort to the earlier Bostic article.

Merv Bostic portrayed the major portion of the working relationship as smooth.  His recount of the termination appeared heart-wrenching and uncomfortable, as he said “I had no choice. I did not put him in the situation that he was in.  I had no other choice but to terminate him.”  In another related quote Mayor Bostic gave an account of the termination as “I told Donnie that it was not working out, and I am relieving you of your duties.”

The Jarman recount paints a different and varied working environment. In which he states, “I agree with that things went smoothly, but after the first two months. I had figured out that I couldn’t disagree with him (Mayor Bostic). There were several times we (assistant animal control officer Jamie Glandon and I did things we didn’t agree with just to keep him happy. I could give examples, but I don’t see a need to do that. There is a time when you can’t do that anymore and now is that time,” Jarman said.

In response to the claims of cleanliness complaints, “I’m saying that they (previous animal control officers) were not concentrating on saving the animals as we were. I don’t believe that Merv (Bostic) ever understood that it was a full-time job to save them (the animals) from being put down,” Jarman said.  Jarman also added that volunteers from WorkOne and others directed to the shelter by township trustees did a great job at keeping the shelter as clean as possible.  “I believe this is a slap in the face to all of them. I believe they did a great job and I’m sorry for them that this happened. I would also like to take this time to say that I am very proud of the job Jamie and I and all of these above people have done over the past 18 months,” Jarman said.

It was commented in the paper that Jarman continued by saying that his disagreement with the mayor regarding Glandon’s dismissal a month earlier may have led to his termination as well.

Although the story was appreciated by the readers of the paper, it seems to leave more questions than answers.

Here are some of those questions:

1. Is this the same Jarman that was one of the Bostic campaign cronies?

2. Do you think the Mayor can spell ‘insubordination’?

3. Couldn’t all department heads be fired monthly if it was based on citizen complaints?

4. If the there is no written record of the complaint is it actionable?

5. Did the “independent investigator” Ron Cameron provide evidence and a report of the complaints?

6. Did anyone else notice the local paper did an adequate job on presenting both sides of this story?

7. Now was it that hard?

8. Will there be more to come from this story?

9. By the way, where was the other Mayor?

 

Veterans Day 2009

It is Veteran’s Day, and I could use this blog to promote another topic that I think deserves to be brought to light, but as long as I carry on this effort I will always devote this day to those who have served our country in the armed forces. This goes out to all the soldiers, those who returned and those who paid the ultimate price throughout our history. The honor is more significant now due to the fact we have troops in harm’s way in two active arenas. Following are a few pieces that pay tribute to those who have served. 

It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us freedom to demonstrate.
It’s the soldier, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial. 
It is the soldier who salutes the flag, serves under the flag and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who gives the protester the right to burn the flag.

PRAYER TO OUR DEPARTED COMRADES
Author: Unknown

Don't grieve for me, for now I am free,
I'm following the path God laid for me.
I took his hand when I heard Him call,
I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,
to laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way.
I found that peace at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void,
then fill it with remembered joys.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
ah yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I savored much.
Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief.
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts and share with me.
God wanted me now; He set me free.

Out of Bounds?

It appears some old familiar ghosts have returned to haunt Rushville and Rush County. So what did these following political figures have in common: Jeff Hufford, John Worth and Joe Hogsett? At one point in time, each one had questions related to their residences. It has been brought to the RT’s attention that we might have this question re-surfacing.

City and county council members are either elected to a district or at large. If you are elected at large, you are elected to represent all districts and can thus live in any district within the city. If you live in any of the districts you represent, you must live in the specific district you were elected to represent. At all times, you have to live in that specific district. If you were to no longer reside in that district, you are to forfeit your seat and the political party of the elected official will caucus to replace the elected official with another member of the party residing in the district to fill out his term in office.

Rushville City is broken into 3 districts. The county has 4 districts. The city has one council person elected to represent each of the 3 districts and 2 council persons at large. The county council has one person elected to represent each of the 4 county districts and 3 council persons at large.

In the following story, I will change the names to protect the innocent or of those who might be guilty.

Let’s say that a council person and their spouse were in the midst of a marital separation, and the elected official moves out of the primary residence and moves in with their son. The son does not live in the district that the husband was elected to represent. At that point in time, the representative is violating state election laws. The representative will most likely make the argument that they still own property in the district. Is that argument defendable?

1. Does the law state that the residence is to be the primary residence?

2. Is there a grace period called out in the state election code?

3. Does the state election law have a “separation” clause?

4. Are the votes made after the move valid or are they voided?

5. Would this post be considered for an anonymous complaint for the election board?

6. Will the party in question be forth right and proactive in replacing the elected official?

7. Who is the elected official?

GOP gains a referendum on Obama administration?

The Republican Party scored two gubernatorial wins in New Jersey and Virginia. The question that this exposes is whether this will mark a troubling turn for President Obama, whose personal efforts couldn't stop the fall of Democrats facing a voter backlash. The President personally campaigned for each of these candidates.

Were these Republican victories a result of voter backlash over the economy and a notable uptick in the government's would-be role in people's lives?

Obama's 2008 victory in Old Dominion had marked an historic breakthrough for Democrats who hadn't won Virginia's electoral votes since 1964. The fight in the Garden State was more grueling than usually accompanies Democratic campaigns in the reliably blue state of New Jersey.

So these setbacks demonstrate the difficulty of presidential leadership following a campaign built on promises of unity and transparency followed by clandestine negotiations, divisive policies and a relentless campaign approach toward big legislative issues like the stimulus and health care bills.

“What this is tonight, this victory here tonight, is a warning shot, and it says to the moderate Democrats in the House that they ought to think twice about continuing to pursue the policies of this White House and (House Speaker) Nancy Pelosi," said Virginia Republican Rep., Eric Cantor.

In Virginia, Republican Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell roundly defeated Democrat R. Creigh Deeds. In the other gubernatorial race in New Jersey, Republican Chris Christie pulled off a stunning upset over incumbent Gov. Jon Corzine, who was facing a backlash over property taxes and other economic issues.

The viewpoint from the leadership of the Democratic Party has been quite to the contrary. Some Democratic leaders have even touted the off-year election as a victory for the Democrats. They are basing that claim on the results of the New York's 23rd Congressional District, where an unexpected turn of events put Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman in direct competition with Democrat Bill Owens for the seat held by former Republican congressman and current Obama Army Secretary John McHugh. Owens was determined the winner in a close contest.

In an uncommon practice, the White House issued a statement after the GOP win in Virginia saying the president was not watching election returns and would not be making any remarks on the results.

Needless to say, the election outcomes were sure to feed discussion about the state of the electorate, the status of the electorate that sent the Obama administration to the White House. There will be questions as to the staying power of the president's influence -- on the party's base of support and on current moderate lawmakers needed to advance his legislative priorities.

In the two 2009 gubernatorial elections the President went as far as to deploy his political campaign arm, organizing for America, to try to ensure the swarms of party loyalists and new voters he attracted in 2008 would turn out.

Those conducting the exit polls showed that nearly a third of voters in Virginia Tuesday described themselves as independents, and they preferred the Republican to the Democrat by almost a 2-1 margin.

The outcome showed that "the Obama movement, the coalition, isn't transferable," said Democratic strategist Kirsten Powers, a Fox News contributor. "There was a decline in minority voters, a decline in young voters. You weren't seeing these people who turned out in huge force for Obama turning out for other Democrats. And so they're now going to have to step back and say, 'Wait a minute, I'm going to have to take care of myself.'"
Obama needs all the lawmakers he can get to pass his legislative priorities of health care and climate change. Defeats Tuesday could make it harder for him to persuade moderate Democrats from conservative areas to get on board. They have been hearing from voters worried about his expansion of government at a time of rising deficits.

As if on cue, Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid also indicated Tuesday that Congress may not complete health care legislation this year, missing Obama's deadline on his signature issue and pushing debate into a congressional election year.

The vote is "more about the policies of the president more than the personalities," said Washington Times columnist Tony Blankely. "The public is getting really scared of his policies and I think that's what we're seeing in all of these elections. ... Obama has moved the policy so far to the left that now you're seeing this big movement back and I think we're only seeing the beginning of it."

Defeats could point to future problems for Democrats, particularly in moderate districts and in swing states like Ohio, Colorado and Nevada. In 2010, most governors, a third of the Senate and all members of the House of Representatives will be on ballots.

(Excepts and quotes from this article were featured on Fox News.)

Questions:

1. Does this disprove the death of conservatism?

2. Does this signal a degree of displeasure in the current administration and signaled potential problems ahead as he seeks to achieve his policy goals?

3. In 2010, can the Democratic Party protect majorities in Congress?

4. Will this translate on a local level?

5. Will this make congressmen who are up for re-election think twice before voting blindly for the President's government reforms?

How Lack of Communication Causes “Team Environments” to Fail

Some of the times if you take the bits and pieces of information floating around in the media and put it all in one location, it can shed some light on issues. The first excerpt is what was reported in the local newspaper under the title of “73 New Jobs Coming to Town” on October 21, 2009.

Below the online article, you will find two comments apparently submitted by the Rushville Chamber Director in response to the apparent leak of confidential information in the article. The information was obviously not to be release to the media, but the local city elected officials must have gotten so giddy about the possible creation of the 73 jobs, they just could not contain themselves.

The final portion of this posting is the response made to the local newspaper’s article posted in the Monticello newspaper.

Rushville Republican Article

Resolution 2009-14, passed unanimously by the Rushville Common Council Tuesday evening, paves the way for Jordan Manufacturing of Monticello to open a manufacturing operation in Rushville with the help of a state grant.

The manufacturing plant will open in the former Schnadig building on 11th Street. The plant will produce a component currently being manufactured in China.

Concerns over product quality led Jordan Manufacturing to seek state assistance in bringing this manufacturing operation — and ultimately 73 jobs — back to Indiana.

“They are real down-to-earth and went out of their way to give us a tour,” Mayor Mervyn Bostic said regarding a recent trip to Jordan’s Monticello plant.

Councilman Mike Buckley made the motion to approve the resolution with a second from Al Shelton. -- Melissa Conrad, For the Republican

Chamber Director Comments in Comment section below the article

The team assembled to assist with this potential project is saddened by this premature announcement. Hopefully, there will be an appropriate time for an official announcement for this new business, and there will be a press conference with the owners of Jordan Manufacturing, the team facilitating the project, and state officials. As part of an internal expansion project or retention project, certain incentives are offered and acccepted. This grant is one of those incentives. The team working hard for this community consists of Eastern Indiana Development District, Rush County Chamber of Commerce, IEDC, Indiana State Department of Ag, City officials, OCRA, and the Lt. Governors office. We hope to welcome this new business to Rush County in the near future.

Pamela C Leisure
Rush County Chamber of Commerce
Posting date 10/23/2009 1:41 PM
Posted by Pam

In response- The project is a retention/internal project. The owners of the bulding have been the owners for many years. Their tennant moved out and they began having discussions about what to do with the building. They are existing owners simply considering bringing a new line to their facility in Rushville. Since it is an existing building, it fell within the Chamber Guidelines. ECDC has been very supportive and has volunteered to help with the project from day one. The only reason I didnt mention them, was because they were already mentioned several times. There were a lot of folks who have worked on this that weren't mentioned and should have been. The Chamber, ECDC, City and County all wish to promote a "Team Environment". In fact, through most of the discussions, many of the above mentioned persons, along with regional and state officials were present. Mark- thanks for keeping me in line! (Mark is another volunteer who works many hours trying to improve our community- Thanks for all your hard work for the Farmers Market, it was a great success!)

The only reason I posted here was to let the public know that this was a premature announcement. With any project, there is an incentive offering stage. That is the stage where this grant had to be discussed and the resolution passed. I am sorry if there is confusion about the process.

My original post was placed after talking with the client, and at the client's prompting. I hope that most people in the community know that the Chamber (and I am sure the ECDC as well but I do not work for them so I will not speak for them) is working very hard to grow Rushville and Rush County. It saddens me greatly to see the negative comments on these posts. There are many people who work tremendous hours trying to make Rushville a better place. We have great organizations in Rush County, many of whom have primarily volunteer boards, and it is discouraging to see people called to the carpet like they often are in these comments.

To former member: I am very sorry to have lost you as a member. The Chamber of Commerce is always looking for volunteers to help guide us into becoming a better, stronger organization and would welcome your advice as a business owner. You can call the Chamber of Commerce at 765-932-2880 (since I am only part time, I also have my cell phone listed as a contact on the voice mail, if you would happen to call when I am not in the office)

On a final thought, potential clients interested in relocating a business or expanding a business often times search the internet forums and blogs to get a feel for the community. They often make contact with our existing businesses and industries to see how they have been treated. A community only gets one chance to make a great first impression. Sadly, communities have missed out on opportunities because of negative forums and blogs. Rush County already has many challenges when competing for New industries. ECDC needs many tools for enticing new industries to Rushville, like infrastructure, four lane divided highways, land, buildings... these are big items which will take a tremendous amount of time and effort to overcome. Small items like forums and blogs are easier to fix. Perception can easily make or break you.
Posting date 10/27/2009 6:47 AM
Posted by Pam Leisure
Monticello Article

‘We’re not leaving Monticello’
Jordan owner says expansion will not affect local operation.
By SCOTT ALLEN, sallen@thehj.com
Published: Tuesday, October 27, 2009 9:04 AM CDT

Jordan Manufacturing may expand its business beyond White County, but not at the cost of any of its Monticello operations.

“We’re not leaving Monticello,” said owner Dave Jordan. “Our business is good; our industry, for some unknown reason, we’re not as affected as other businesses have been.”

A report in the Rushville Republican announced that Jordan will open a new plant in the southern Indiana city. The newspaper reported the plant would bring 73 new jobs to an existing building. But Jordan said that is an uncertainty at this point.

“The process is not complete,” he said. “It is premature to say that we’re going with Rushville.”

Jordan explained that the expansion process has been ongoing for over 2 years, and is still going because his company is working with entities to clear the way.

“Last year with the economy being very uncertain, we got to a point and pulled our horns in on it,” he said. “However, we’ve continued to work on procedures and methods in order to make this expansion as successful as possible.

“We’ve still got a lot of work to do.”

Though Rushville is a possibility for the new site, other locations are in the running. The reasons, said Jordan, are both proximity to raw materials and incentives offered to locate a plant by the benefitting community.

White County Economic Development Director Connie Neininger explained that incentives offered to a company can vary.

In White County, the possibilities include tax increment financing and funding for infrastructure like water, sewer and roads.

“The most common is tax abatement,” she said. “Some communities have reserves such as funds set aside to provide additional incentives either for training, permitting or just to help with moving costs.”

She said that the Indiana Economic Development Corporation also offers incentives, but usually only to bring companies into Indiana or prevent them from leaving the state.

Jordan explained that the new plant, wherever it is located, will bring work back to the country that’s currently being done in China.

“Like any good business, we’ve always got to be looking at what we can do to enhance our business and be more valuable to our customers,” Jordan said.

Neininger said that though Jordan Manufacturing isn’t looking to locate its new facility in White County, its expansion will be a boon locally.

“Anytime a corporate office is growing, especially in today’s economy, it’s good for everyone,” she said. “Yes, we would love to have the new project here locally, and the city did offer tax abatement … but again a company has to look at what’s best for them.”

In May, the Monticello City Council approved tax abatement for Jordan Manufacturing with the purpose of a new manufacturing facility to make wooden market umbrellas. But that abatement is good for 10 years, and the possibility for continued expansion in Monticello is open.

“We will probably still keep expanding in Monticello,” Jordan said.

Neininger understood that other factors can make a company more attracted to other communities.

“If there’s an existing building and they won’t have to spend a lot to renovate, and … if it’s closer to raw material, anytime they’re looking at expanding, if their corporate office is here we will see that benefit,” she said.

But Jordan was clear that his Monticello facility will not suffer from the expansion.

“We’ve had the best summer here that we’ve had in our history,” he said. “We’ve had more people working in our factory than ever, and we’re looking to expand that.”

“The home office is still going to be here, we’re not cutting anything we’re doing here,” Jordan said.

Questions:

1. So should we congratulate the Mayor or slap him on the wrist?

2. Should a chamber director reprimand the Mayor and Council?

3. Can a chamber director be released by “The Administration” for insubordination?

4. Was the exclusion of the county and the ECDC intentional?

5. In White County the Economic Director comments and in Rush County the Chamber Director comments – why the difference?

6. Did Rush County cause a headache for Mr. Jordan?

7. After reading the compilation, does “73 New Jobs Coming to Town” seem misleading?

8. Does the general public or any of the “Team Environment” members know what internal expansion project or retention project means or how it is defined?

9. Why would the ECDC board members not have a clue regarding the internal expansion or retention project program definitions?

Arrgghh … walk de plank!

Well, it is official -- more pirates have walked the plank in two years under the Bostic-Goins administration than those who walked it under the prior eight years of the Bridges administration.  In addition to the Chris Lane dismissal, there should be another press release in the pipe line announcing the departure of one most loyal of campaign supporter who strayed too far from flock – he has been punished accordingly.  Some have said that if it had not been for this Bostic-Goins ally, the election wouldn’t have come to the result it did.

Hint for the local paper:  You might want to look in the same department where you might hear phrases like -- Gabby, Jamey, euthanize, pussy, doggy style, execution… (…and I am not talking about the police department).  

I am not sure if there is anyone who keeps records related to city and county politics, but if they did, I would be dumbfounded if anyone in the modern era has achieved employee results that the Bostic-Goins administration has.

1. So what has gone wrong with the perfect team?  It seems like they have started resorting to eating their own.

2. Do you think the Goins campaign has made contact with this individual to get him back on the same page?

3. Is it a record to have 2 of 5 department heads replaced in 2 years?

4. Does a threatening environment at work promote anything but fear?

5. Can the turnover rate always be blamed on the employees and never the employer?

6. If the rules that applied to Mr. Lane back in the day would he have to have fired himself? 

Going...going...gone!

I looked in the local paper to find the results of the whispered Board of Works meeting on Wednesday night, but I found nothing. That is the fine line you have to walk when you make a living chasing law enforcement and rescue personnel. Sometimes they respond to the story, but other times, they are the story. When they are the story, the media faces a catch-22 -- do you report it and run the risk of upsetting meal ticket, or do you just ignore it and play it off as rumor. As of this posting, nothing has hit the paper yet.

Well, the rumor that officer Chris Lane existed on the Rushville police force is verifiable. The fact that Mr. Lane is no longer an employee of the city is also confirmable. What they claimed he did is now up for debate. I will not attempt to delve into the details because the facts are debatable.

I would assume this decision of acceptable behavior is to be honored by all employees. I would assume that it will be vigorously enforced without preference or discrimination. I would assume this new standard be administered in a consistent manner. So much so, that I assume they will put there new moral standards in writing for all to see.

Does this open the door for the government to examine work phone records for all employees (whose phones are paid, or reimbursed by government, for by the government owned agency) and for their texting notes made public?

?????????’s

1. What will the courts find if this decision is tested?

2. Is this the Bostic-Goins-Cameron administration’s version of zero tolerance?

3. Is this a case where Chief Cameron made a questionable hire?

4. …Or is this a case where Chief Cameron acted swiftly and decisively to eliminate an officer he felt was detrimental to the force?

5. What if a city employee violates this but on another employer’s time?

6. Who all played a role in this eradication?

7. Who is on the board or works?

A new addition to the family

There is a new member of the family in Rush County.  In a recent survey on this site, it was felt that a third party could have an impact on a local election.  It looks like the results of that poll are going to put to the test sooner than later.

 
 
 

As the new party settles in and tries to get a foothold, those swearing allegiance to the traditional parties will watch with interest.

1. So who is Paul Morrell?

2. Where will the members of the new party come from?

3. With disillusion for the traditional parties, will this type announcement become more common?

4. Will this mean that local leaders will have to write three checks?

Let the purging begin

I know that last week I made a prediction that there was going to be disciplinary actions coming down the tracks regarding the police department. As usual, it was all written off as rumors because the local paper did not report on it. Well, it is time for me to verify that this train is getting ready come into the station.

The legal notifications are out and scheduled as follows - Disciplinary Hearing:
 
Name of Governing Body:    City of Rushville Board of Public Works & Safety
Time and Date of Meeting:  5:00 p.m. October 28, 2009
Place of Meeting:                Council Chambers 270 W 15th Street, Rushville, IN

This appears to be followed by a Special Meeting:

Name of Governing Body:     Board of Public Works & Safety
Time and Date of Meeting:   6:00 p.m. October 28, 2009
Place of Meeting:                 Council Chambers 270 W 15th Street, Rushville, IN

This special meeting is the hearing and verdict for the local officer.

On the 29th of October when the dust settles and the local paper still doesn’t cover this, ask yourself if the officer feels that the disciplinary action hearing really happened. I would bet the officer and his family will feel like it really happened.

I thought this type of “embarrassment” would not happen in a city run by the Bostic-Goins-Cameron administration.

As I am sure you can read between the lines that this most likely is a police and domestic issue mix. As I neither am sure the chief can vouch, this is not the first, nor will this the last police department employee will struggle through. We seem to be becoming the law enforcement controversy experts of the state.

So…..

1. What is the evidence for the disciplinary hearing?

2. Can you use this evidence in a disciplinary hearing?

3. Will the officer be fired?

4. Will all officers and for that matter all employees be held to the same standard?

5. How is the local department viewed in the law enforcement community?

6. Will we handle all such indiscretions unswervingly?

7. Will there be action against a support employee at the police heading toward the board of works too?

8. Why would he be fearful of his job?

9. Can I get a little background?

10. Do we still have troops in Iraq and Afghanistan?

11. Have things really changed?

We could have licked this problem

I think with all the serious topics circulating, it is time for one slightly more abstract. I am a big pet lover (not in a biblical way or anything).

Two of the recent topics have dealt with serious issues that if we could have combined them, we might have been able to avert the tragedy.

The Fire Department had a need to buy some equipment, and the recently released animal shelter employee wanted to help animals and keep her job. I now introduce: Bark 10-4™ Campaign

From the Bark 10-4 website:

“Annually, an estimated half million pets are affected by fires in the United States and more than 40,000 pets die each year due to smoke inhalation. With the right equipment, police, fire and emergency medical service (EMS) rescuers can often save a pet's life. Losing a pet in a house fire can be a devastating experience for a family member. SurgiVet® Pet Oxygen Masks are effective with dogs, cats and other companion animals, but only if they are on hand at the scene of an emergency.

Smiths Medical, the US manufacturer of the SurgiVet® brand of animal health products, announced today that it has teamed up with Bark Buckle UP® to launch the “Bark 10-4™” campaign. During October, which is National Fire Safety Month, industry leaders and pet safety experts Bark Buckle UP®, and Pet Safety Lady™ Christina Selter are teaming up with Smiths Medical and fire departments nationwide to launch the “Bark 10-4™” campaign to raise awareness of the need for Pet Oxygen Masks.

Currently, most of the more than 30,000 fire departments and EMS offices nationwide have more than one truck, and funds to purchase Pet Oxygen Masks often fall short.

The “Bark 10-4™” Campaign was created with the goal of getting a Pet Oxygen Mask on board every fire truck in the country by encouraging the public to sponsor the purchase of Pet Oxygen Masks for their local fire departments. A $25 sponsorship ensures that one mask can be purchased for a fire department; a $65 sponsorship buys a mask set, which includes a small, medium and large mask.

Sponsorship can be completed at bark104.com or from a link at www.surgivet.com/pet-oxygen-masks/index.html The sponsor designates the specific fire department to receive the gift, which will be delivered with the shipping/handling costs paid by Smiths Medical.

“Vets have used oxygen masks designed especially for animals for years,” according to Regina McIntosh, Vice President of Marketing for Smiths Medical North America. “These masks have found their way into the hands of first responders primarily through word of mouth and the generosity of compassionate pet owners. This program will go a long way toward raising awareness about a product that can save a lot of pets’ lives.”

“The mask only works if it is on the truck,” states Jose M. Torres, Battalion Chief ‘A’ Platoon Santa Monica (California) Fire Department. “Together we can save pets’ lives.”

Presently in an animal rescue, fire fighters have to use a human mask on the animal being rescued. This program helps to put animal masks on all fire trucks. The masks even come in different sizes.

If the fire department would have focused on buying pet rescue masks, it might have distracted enough to have saved on a new fire truck. If the animal department employee would have focused on this effort, maybe that would have been an “effort to save” that was appreciated by the city fathers.

1. Would the local community support such a cause?

2. Would this type program be seen as “below” firefighting professionals?

3. Is this an example of doing it doggie that we can all legitimately get excited about?

4. Would this be where the term “dog is in heat” comes from?

5. Where is that dog living?

Hey Martha, the forum is back!

Well, it looks as though the general public will have the opportunity to share their thoughts on the local paper’s website again. The reason for the forums resurrection it not addressed in either of the Briefs.

As much as the forums were despised by those who became topics for conversation and by those “real” journalists, there appears to be a need. That need is -- they drive hits. So for all who thought these forums should be eradicated now find that the all mighty dollar prevailed. In the internet world, hits are gold.   

The paper has touted additional oversight when compared to the old forum. What that meant was never clearly explained. Maybe if they can find a journalist, they will ask and report on those outstanding, pertinent questions.

The publisher of the local paper is quoted in the print media as saying, “We’re confident visitors to our Web site will use the new forum for the constructive discussion of community issues and other topics of interest.” I guess the paper will define what “constructive discussion.” Do as I say, not as I do - Big Brother.

1. Do you think the timing of the removal of the other forums was coincidental?

2. Do you think a call was really made to shut the old forum down?

3. So is a forum with “additional oversight and moderation” the same as the comments?

4. Is the new oversight policed locally?

5. Does the other editor have to sign-off on comments, too?

6. Does the new format allow the Editor to “balance” public opinion?

7. If one blog site is bad, are two better?

8. Have you ever seen Topix?

9. Do we control events better when we control opinion?

Do moral mandates transmit administrations?

I have touched on the possibility of this article in the past, but it was in the context of the police department getting rid of the “bad apples” from the Bridges administration. It should be noted that these “bad apples” were subsequently hired by the prior Bostic administration. Well, it seems now we are having the uncomfortable duty of dealing with those officers attributable only to this administration.

If you listen to the whispers through the cornstalks, you will know there is obviously something happening that has not been reported in the front page of our local paper – therefore, it will probably be written off as small town rumor.

If this, in fact, is only rumor, you might want to do some research on your own and follow the clues left by the Board of Works. If things continue to go where they are headed, we might get to observe a Board of Works personnel hearing that might turn into a real lawsuit.

During a recent, rainy fall weekend, I decided to reminisce on a story that focused on Chief Cameron’s opinion that the police department under former Chief Fudge “lacked professionalism.” While searching through the online paper, I happened upon an article that has clearly established the dictum for acceptable behavior and morals expectations for this community and its departments. That article is, “Former chief’s voice concerns”, dated October 29, 2007. In this review, I will only speak to those items articulated by Ron Cameron, since after the article Bob Miller and his staunch views disappeared like a fart in the wind. Cameron’s need for position and power have lead him back to the glory days of police chief and the position of having to be measured by the yard stick he created.

Below are some of Mr. Cameron’s quotes and inferences when referring to the Rushville Police Department:

“If the police department is not good, then that’s bad for the community.”

“Evidently, the current mayor does not see that there’s a problem.”

He added that his concerns stem from a lack of professionalism demonstrated by, “not all, but a few members of the department.”

“It’s a shame that the RPD is coming under fire and it’s a sad day when many citizens have lost faith, trust and respect for the department”

“This hasn’t happened overnight, it’s been steadily going downhill for the past seven years.”

Cameron said in order to repair the damage done and to restore respect and faith in the RPD, Chief Tony Fudge and Mayor Bob Bridges must first recognize and admit there is a problem.

“The chief must be diligent un making sure officers conduct themselves properly.”

“A police chief must stand behind, beside and sometimes in front of his men. He must back them to the hilt when they are right, but he must be the first to call a foul when one occurs.”

“It’s not all members of the department creating these problems. There are good officers who want to serve and protect, but there are also those who are making it nearly impossible to do their jobs.”

Don’t you find that it is interesting that Chief Cameron had such staunch views on how the department should be run, until in fact, he was put into charge of the department?

At a later date, I might look into the side of the story conveyed by the fart in the wind because it is interesting in its own right.

Questions

1. Is there comfort in knowing those who abuse the system, versus shipping in people we don’t to abuse the system?

2. Does Cameron prove he was more qualified then Bridges and Fudge because the same thing that he complained about over 7 years was able to happen under his tenure of two years?

3. Will Cameron hold himself to the same level of accountability that he demanded of Bridges and Fudge?

4. When the deputy mayor takes office will he hold on to Cameron?

5. When Chief Cameron says “protect” was he referring to birth control?

6. So is this a complaint or rumor?

7. Can we address whether the Cameron Moral Mandate is transferable to other City Departments?

Are things really any different now that Cameron stole from Fudge the third most important role of his life?
 

Milroy EMS - Enough already

This topic has hung around for far too long, and for the record, everyone should know it is not by my choosing. This topic has played itself out. The decision has been made, and it is not going to change whether this magic meeting is tomorrow, the end of the year or next fall. Once the fox is in the hen house, it is impossible to undo the damage. The Milroy ATVFD, Milroy EMS and Anderson Township are waiting and wondering what they can do to influence this outcome.

So let’s recap this: The ATVFD wants the county to repose there Milroy EMS ambulance. The ATVFD would like to offer ambulance services if the ambulance is repossessed. The county is not sure it has jurisdiction to repossess the ambulance. At the end of the year, the current provider, who has now expanded their service area, is going to voluntarily relinquish a market.

So does delaying this decision change anything? Then why not just make it and have everyone settle into the new arrangement?

If I were to play The “Great Kreskin” here, I would say that this service area will be given directly to the RMH Ambulance Service. Or in best case scenario, it will be given to the volunteer community and that ATVFD will be granted a trial run at operating the ambulance service (under the watchful eye of RMH Ambulance Service). 

1. Who really is managing this decision?

2. Is Big Brother’s house in order?

3. Is there enough money in the in the county budget for another ambulance to stay housed in Milroy?

4. Will a permanent expansion into Anderson Township mean a new smorgasbord of EMT’s?

5. Will Milroy need a new “chase” vehicle?

6. Is the one on the south edge of town to be closer to Milroy?

In politics, just like in chess, pawns become expendable

In the 2008 city election, there were three people who were clearly identified with a need for change away from the Bridge’s administration. Those three faces were Brad Hatfield, Shawn Grocox and Jamie Glandon. I don’t want to go back through the details of the situation, but just a cursory overview. Brad was the Police Department employee that was tagged as the inside person who championed the need for a change, and thus, the new Bostic Administration. Brad even actively campaigned for the present Mayor and was portrayed as the poster child for the local department. Shawn Grocox was in the middle of his disciplinary action(s) and was portrayed as a victim of love. While his father was running as part of the Bostic ticket, he was a support, if nothing else, through default. His predicament was portrayed for the voters as a personal issue that was being too harshly spotlighted by the Bridge’s Administration. Jamie Glandon was an outspoken opponent of politics who seemed to position herself in situations where she had the most political leverage. She was also portrayed as a victim in the rumors that swirled around the animal shelter that finally came to a head with the Gabby soap opera.

All of these former city employees were carted out to the public as martyrs in war for change, and within 22 months of taking office, all have separated relationships with the City. The image of victims in a system in which they were being abused is no longer useful, and they now are all being portrayed in a much different light.

The political mind that thought of this tactic should be proud of themselves. They were able to identify a pawn, use the pawn and discard the pawn all within 22 months of the election.

Here they are:

1. Who was the mastermind behind the last city election Cameron, Goins, Malcolm or Smith?

2. Are they victims?

3. Do you feel sorry for any of these people?

4. Have things really changed?

5. Are there still investigations at the police department?

6. Who will be the next?

New "family member" raises some questions

After reading through the statistics, training and validation of having a full-time paid fire department we come to the real topic at hand. The City of Rushville bought a new 2009 100’ Ferrera mid-mount platform truck.

I find it interesting that in the worst financial climate since the depression, the City has made it largest single outlay of money since the purchase of the 1997 truck.

It almost appears that the purchase of the old truck, described as a 75-foot platform vehicle that was a 1997 chassis modified with a 1971 engine and transmission, was not a prudent one. I will not debate the justification of one vehicle over another or whether, nor will I banter about whether the fire department is busy, well-trained, or should be volunteer. What I will question is how can we make a purchase of this magnitude while teeter financially on so many other projects?

Although the article appears to highlight the day in the life of the fire department, it fails to mention the cost of the truck or the number of years our children will be asked to pay for her. This seems to be relevant information.
With this new-found money, the city might have considered allocating some those that still appear to be in need of finances. Some are as follows:

• If I understand correctly, every employee of the city this year should feel connected to this truck because it, and other spending, took the place of the employee’s pay raises. Equipment over your employees doesn’t seem like a sound decision since your employees are a cities most valuable resource.

• The 16th Street project - Did we just ask those landowners adjacent to that project to give their land away for free because the city could not afford to pay for the land?

• North Industrial Park - The infrastructure is still not complete. We could have farmed it this year and at least got some crops off of it. “Shovel Ready” could readily have become “Combine Ready”.

• State Road 3 project is getting ready to start, but the City did not have the resources to apply for a Transportation Enhancement Grant (story of Glenwood and 10 other projects applied for as noted in a story in the local paper). The Transportation Enhancement Grant program provides for streetscapes and greenways associated with and in conjunction with new highway construction projects. In the case of Rushville, it could have been used to create make aesthetic improvements to the new Main Street project.

I hope that when potential new clients drive through our town and past the project , that will be sitting incomplete they will wander by 2nd and Perkins; and if the middle bay door is open, they will get to view the one thing we did get completed (except for making the payments).

1. Has anyone seen a drunken sailor on this ship?

2. Was this a sound fiscal decision?

3. Do firefighters on the council have an influence?

4. What administration bought the 1997 truck that is looked down upon?

5. Are there any familiar names involved?

6. Since the employees lost out on a raise, do they take turns driving it home on Friday nights?

7. Can you buy a chance to ride in the new fire truck?

8. Does anyone else see where this is headed?

9. Did we get the stimulus grant that started the talk about a new fire truck?

10. Do we still qualify?

Oh where, oh where, has my little animal controller gone...Oh where, or where, can she be?

Animal Control is short one employee after Tuesday’s Board of Works Meeting. Jamie Glandon, who became a local dichotomy, was terminated at Tuesday’s Board of Works meeting. Her relationship with current and the prior city administration was perplexing to say the least. Jamie will likely be remembered for the time she spoke up the most and for the time she never uttered a word. After being the vocal one in the Gabbie (the pup-sicle) incident, her voice was completely absent in the McLovin dog shooting. The Board of Works reported that she was suspended Friday for driving city vehicles on a suspended license. Jamie explained to the Board that she did not realize her license had been suspended for nonpayment of two traffic tickets. The City became aware of the incident after Jamie was involved in a traffic accident Tuesday evening.

Jamie, who has had more lives than the infamous dog Gabbie, spoke during the meeting stating that she was not aware of the suspension of her license until the accident and felt she was being discriminated against. She stated that she took Wednesday and Thursday off so she could get her license reinstated, but was called into the Mayor’s Office and was told she was suspended. She questioned if she could still volunteer at the shelter, if the website would continue and if the rescue program would continue. Instead of answering the questions directly, Attorney Ron Wilson stated that the Mayor would contact Don Jarman and Jamie could contact him for the answers to her questions.

It was questioned by people in attendance as to why Jamie did not receive her paycheck on Friday. The Mayor stated that she was told to turn in all of her City equipment and had not done so. She was told she will receive her check when all equipment is turned in and accounted for.

Jamie gained notoriety in Rushville for the dead then undead story of Gabbie, the frozen dog. She not only “saved” Gabbie, but she spearheaded protests by various animal rights groups over the incident. She hit the spotlight, or more correctly dodged the spotlight in the recent McLovin’ dog shooting when it was reported that she refused to go out on a call of McLovin’ running amok and instead, Chief Cameron was dispatched with fatal results for the dog.

Now for some questions:

1. Will those who fought so hard for a dog fight with the same energy for an animal control officer?

2. Where is Gabbie now?

3. In this administration, does suspended mean fired?

4. Have you checked the status of your driver’s license lately?

5. What did Jamie mean when she said she was being discriminated against?

6. And is this how they repaid you?

Chevy hit the market with new police cruiser

For all those who got comfortable thinking the Carbon Motors would walk in and dominate the police car market, Chevy has given a reason to think again.

At the International Association of Chiefs of Police convention in Denver on Monday, Chevrolet introduced the Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV), which it hopes to begin delivering to law enforcement agencies in 2011.  This would have it entering the market prior to the E7 being proposed by Carbon Motors.

The police Caprice is to be based on a car sold by General Motors' Australian division known as the Holden Statesman, and it will be built along side that vehicle in the Down Under city of Elizabeth. This is the same facility that in the past has supplied the Pontiac G8.

Although the current Chevrolet Impala police package starts at $25,000, even if inflated by 50%, it would enter the market at a lower price point then the E7.  The pricing and full specifications of the PPV have not yet been released, and there are no plans to offer the vehicle to the general public.

The Caprice PPV will be available with either a V6 or V8 engine, both flex-fuel capable. The V8 is expected to pump out 355 horsepower, but with cylinder deactivation should be able to return reasonable fuel economy. The rear-wheel-drive PPV is fully 10 inches longer than the outgoing Pontiac G8 sedan, and has a four-wheel independent suspension tuned for high-performance driving.

The interior of the PPV features front seats that are sculpted to make room for the large equipment belts worn by police officers.  The PPV has 5" more legroom than the popular Ford Crown Victoria police car.  The vehicle is fully compatible with in-car computer systems, and has an extra battery in the trunk for powering auxiliary equipment.

Questions:

1. Will the emergence of the PPV affect the carbon Motor plans?

2. Will the difference in price play a factor in the popularity of the PPV?

3. Should we root for the E7 since it will be built next door or for the PPV since we own a major portion of GM?

4. Could you fit a dog carcass in the trunk?

5. Is there enough room in the backseat?

David Letterman caught with his Worldwide Pants down

On Thursday night and Friday morning, the country was introduced to yet another embarrassing controversy. Hoosier born, late night comedian, David Letterman was forced to reveal that he wasn't above a little sex in the workplace.

This has some sarcastically making light of the late night comedian who has made a reputation of his Top Ten List, that the heading the Top 10 List of Questions Dave Must Be Asking Himself now is: "Why didn't I listen to the old man when he told me, 'Never stick your pen in the company inkwell’ ?"

The impetus of these revelations was a result of an accused extortion attempt on Mr. Letterman. The person being charged in the extortion scheme is 48 Hours Producer, Robert "Joe" Halderman. Mr. Halderman pleaded "not guilty" at his arraignment in

Manhattan Supreme Court on Friday. He is being represented by defense lawyer, Gerald Shargel.

In the courtroom, Gerald Shargel said ominously there are a lot more skeletons in this closet.

"This story is far more complicated than what you heard this afternoon," said Shargel, who also represented the late mob boss John Gotti.

Letterman was forced to be a standup guy Thursday when he faced the camera and told the truth: "I have had sex with women who work for me on this show."

It was a refreshing for Americans to hear his confession as we are used to being lied to by Bill Clinton, Sen. Larry (Wide Stance) Craig, South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford and John Edwards. 

A spokesman at the talk-show host's company said no sexual harassment complaints have been made against Letterman, who is the owner, the boss, and the CEO.

Many companies allow consensual relationships among employees, and there's no law against it. It may be reckless, but reckless isn't necessarily a crime.

The extortion material appears to have come from Halderman, when he left Letterman a copy of the female co-workers diary, and threatened to use its contents as the basis of a book and screenplay unless Letterman paid him, prosecutors say. Some have questioned the validity of a one page 'screenplay'. The price of the screenplay was $2 million dollars"

Since the news has gone public, additional co-workers have come forward to admit to relations with Mr. Letterman. What the final number will be is yet to be determined. It is felt by some that since the identity of some individuals has been revealed, others will continue to feel more comfortable. So, it may be a while before the extent of the transgression. Who knows how many more will pop up in the coming days? Letterman has had no further comment since his confession Thursday night.

How Letterman's wife, Regina Lasko, will deal with this new revelation is yet to be determined.

Crisis management experts gave high marks to David Letterman’s frank on-air revelation Thursday of a $2 million extortion attempt that threatened to reveal the late-night talk show host’s sexual liaisons with female staff.

Letterman took control of the story by releasing the information on his own terms and portraying himself as a victim - key elements to a successful crisis communications strategy, experts said.

"He controlled the delivery of the message, and he got the information out at the time and in the way that he wanted to do it," said Justine Griffin, senior vice president of crisis communications for Rasky Baerlein Strategic Communications. "He did it very much in his own brand of humor, and it was very true to his personality."

Letterman’s statement that he didn’t plan to address the issue publicly much more also scored points with Griffin.

"The crises that really start to kill someone’s reputation are the ones that drip, drip, drip - a piece of information comes out, and three days later there’s another story with another angle," she said.

"His management is really significant not only for him as a performer, but for him as a human being - meaning that the way he that he managed it could impact people’s lives," Sterling said.

Letterman’s public airing of the matter on one of late-night’s top-rated shows resulted in the best possible outcome for him, said Ann Murphy, a vice president at O’Neill and Associates.

Helene Solomon, CEO of Solomon McCown & Co., gave Letterman plaudits for "marching through the story in a very transparent and personal way" that she believed was both bold and quite powerful. But she drew the line at his humor. At one point, Letterman joked, "I know what you’re saying: ‘Oh, Dave had sex!’ "

"Unless details start coming out that make this more complex ... the age of the women, or the number, or the circumstances ...this won't have any lasting impact," said Syracuse University Prof. Robert Thompson, a pop-culture expert.

Letterman's willingness to go public with the extortion plot and his sexual dalliances with several employees before the story got out was a smart move and may have softened the blow.

Public relations veteran, Cindi Berger of PMK/HBH said it was, "very smart to get ahead of the story, particularly because they arrested the guy that day ... He was able to control the message."

The decision to go public - and do so on his Late Show - came from Letterman's camp, a CBS spokesman said.

"We think it was appropriate for Mr. Letterman to disclose the matter publicly as he has, and we are continuing to cooperate with the authorities," the spokesman said.

Many don't expect any long-term damage to Letterman. Some have commented that the likely response will be, "I'm sure there are people who are disappointed," and "wish you didn't do that, we love you any way."

David Letterman has many good things through his charitable contributions over the years. It is unfortunate that he has had to prove that he is human and thus fallible.

One author, more creative then I, has developed the following Top Ten List. It will be left in place of the questions for today’s story.

10. This is the best-ever Stupid Human Trick

As an investigative producer for CBS News, Mr. Letterman's alleged extortionist, Robert (Joe) Halderman, is intimately familiar with crime and punishment, yet when it came to the blackmail payout, he asked for a $2-million personal check, prosecutors say, one of the most traceable forms of currency in the world.

9. He's no Eliot Spitzer

When the one-time New York governor admitted his serial infidelity last year, he did so on a Monday, allowing the story to build through the weekly news cycle. But in discussing his own sins with viewers on a Thursday night, Mr. Letterman got his side of the story out just before the weekend, drastically reducing the number of reporters who will be chasing the story for the next two days.

8. He's the Tylenol of Late-Night Hosts

Experts say Mr. Letterman's mea culpa was textbook crisis management, allowing him to save both his own brand and that of CBS. "He was open, honest, forthright and transparent," said Harlan Loeb, head of the U.S. crisis management branch of public relations company Edelman. "From a reputational perspective, he had a fiduciary duty to CBS, and he made a clear effort to align his remarks with the enterprise risk he created for the company."

7. If the scandal continues, the world economy won't survive

Office workers across North America hit Twitter, Facebook and other social-networking sites yesterday to discuss the scandal, crippling productivity just as the United States announced another 263,000 lost jobs last month. Sure the scandal is good for tabloids, but you can't sell 'em if nobody's got the money to buy 'em.

6. He has friends in high places

If coverage of the affair turns ugly, his pals will rally to his side. Among his closest showbiz buddies: Don Rickles, Billy Crystal, Madonna and, yes, Oprah. The lead guest on Monday's Late Show is Steve Martin, who will undoubtedly help him defuse the situation. And if all else fails, he has the undying support of possibly the most influential man in TV today: Regis Philbin.

5. X ratings make the best ratings

Since the launch of the new TV season in mid-September, Mr. Letterman has steadily bested his late-night competitor, The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien, in Nielsen audience ratings, averaging five million viewers during the first week. Mr. O'Brien, meanwhile, is averaging 2½ million. If anything, Monday night's show will likely push Mr. Letterman's numbers past the seven million mark he reached for his mid-September broadcast with U.S. President Barack Obama.

4. Ketchup

Because it goes with everything.

3. Folksy humor makes scandals seem innocent

In making his Thursday-night confession, even Mr. Late Night seemed surprised by the audience response. "Why are you laughing?" he asked his studio audience after revealing details of his "creepy" affairs. He also got big laughs when he said: "If you know anything about me, I am just a towering mass of Lutheran Midwestern guilt."

2. Late-night viewers are more forgiving, or at least sleepier

Remember Hugh Grant? In July, 1995, the British actor chose The Tonight Show with Jay Leno as his first public appearance after his arrest for soliciting a street prostitute in Los Angeles. "What were you thinking?" asked Mr. Leno. Tonight Show ratings soared and Mr. Grant's career resumed (more or less).

1. Come to think of it,

what exactly did he do wrong?

Mr. Letterman's admitted to having an affair with co-workers, and apparently before his marriage to long-time girlfriend Regina Lasko last March. "If it was a consensual relationship, he's not in trouble for sexual harassment," said lawyer Deborah Katz on CNN yesterday. "Poor judgment, undoubtedly, but not legal trouble."

Where your priorities lie

The city and the county just experienced a valuable exercise. This exercise was the budget process. You can find out a lot about a government body if you watch where their priorities lie. If you want to know what these priorities are, watch where they budget their money.

Although they can invest in an array of items, the list pretty much boils down to a few major categories:

Employee benefits
Growth
Taxpayer services
Equipment

So here are those questions to ponder:

1. Where was the investment made?

2. Did the city and county focus their attention in the same areas?

3. Did the employees get pay raises?

4. Have the benefit packages been altered?

5. Are there investments in growth?

6. Are services going to be cut or scaled back?

7. Did we continue invest in equipment?

8. Where do you rank?

Say it ain’t so, Joe!

As written about in an earlier posting “Hometown Boy,” Joe Hogsett was being mentioned prominently as a potential candidate for Mayor of Indianapolis. Joe was obviously seriously considering those wooing his services. He and his family have been seen pressing hands more at public events and festivals in the Indianapolis area as recently as two weeks ago. After much consideration, Joe and his family have decided that this was not in the cards.

The former Secretary of State stated in an email to the Indianapolis Star that, “In recent months, many friends and long-time supporters have encouraged me to run for mayor in 2011. They all expressed concern that Indianapolis is moving in the wrong direction – for our families, for our economy and for our future. It’s a concern I share and it is that concern that led me to consider running.”

Unfortunately, Joe concluded the correspondence with, “I have spent the summer visiting with the rank and file Democrats all over Indianapolis, and while I’m flattered by the encouragement many have offered I have decided that I will not be a candidate for mayor.”

So unfortunately, this product of Rush County will not at this time be vying for public office.
Question time:

1. Will an elected office ever be in Joe’s future?

2. Is Joe still on good terms with Sen. Evan Bayh?

3. Could we convince Joe to move back to this area to run for mayor?

4. Who will be the official Democratic candidate for the City of Indianapolis?

5. Oh, BTW, where is the other golden boy?

Don't Maul Main Street

Do you remember the battle cries of, “Don’t Maul Main Street?”

The campaign included yellow, red, black and white yard signs (left) and letters to the local paper. All of this started like a L.A. forest fire but has since dwindled to a point were there appears to be no smoldering embers.

Posted throughout town are the flyers for the giving notice to the “Rebuilding S.R. 3 At Rushville.”

The $6 million Major Moves project — reconstructing State Road 3 through Rushville (from the river bridge north to Wal-Mart) — is about to start.

How will you be affected?

Find out Tuesday evening, Sept. 29, when INDOT officials and Dunesis supervisors discuss construction schedules and construction plans.

• Look at plans
• Learn about what’s happening and where
• Ask questions — get answers

Again, that’s Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Rushville High School Auditorium, 1201 Lions Path.

Questions

1. Are there those who still oppose the project?

2. Why again was there originally opposition to this project?

3. Is this project seen as adverse to progress?

4. Has the weather changed on this issue?

5. Was this fight for real or just for principal?

6. Will a project used to divide now be sold as progress by those in office?

Horsing around?

Sorry…the title might be deceiving…and I’m not going to talk about them again. And the policy is not one of fraternization but of legalized gambling. We are really going to talk the equine. Yes, horses.

The horse track in Shelbyville, Hoosier Downs, has been open since 2002. The addition of adding slot machines at the horse tracks was passed in 2007 evolving the tracks into Racino’s (the addition of LIVE in Shelbyville). The addition of the racing coupled with the slot machines was touted by the lobbyist to have an economic benefit in the range of $130 million dollars. Some say that if the study were done today, the impact would be even higher.

No one can make mush of an argument that most of the benefit of the Racino’s establishment goes directly to the county in which they are seated. The question I would ponder is, “has the Racino had a noticeable impact on Rush County’s economy?” I mean, besides supplementing the states budget.

Some of the areas that economists predicted would see the most benefit were: horse breeders, veterinarians, feed sales persons, equine suppliers, restaurants, hotels, tourism based industries, related employment and land owners. I just wonder if this was an idea that was portrayed to have more wide-spread benefit, but in reality it appears that benefits were localized.

If there are those out there that have better insight, please feel free to enlighten me.

So here are the questions:

1. How will the Indiana legislature respond to the casino woes?

2. When they say 3% of the adjusted gross revenue goes to the local economy, does that mean it goes to the county they are sited in?

3. Were slot machines ever a part of the equation when the original horse racing legislation was introduced to the legislature?

4. Why have I heard the phrase “many of the houses along Main Street (Rushville) were won and lost in horse racing?”

5. What is a “Blue Bull?”

The Lord helps those who help themselves

 

Rush County is known as a place where the community always has the amazing ability to rise to the occasion in the face of a tragedy. This viewed by most as a quality to be admired. There are instances where you give so much to others that you can sometimes forget about taking care of yourself. I think Rush County is to the point where it deserves and needs to take care of itself and its own.

I am sure this sounds selfish but it is not meant to. No one is more in favor of taking care of the world, but I think that we can neglect our own friends and neighbors.

This is why the thought of 400 teenagers and adult chaperones from Christian organization Group Work Camps is such a refreshing notion. These volunteers will visit Rush County from all over the United States.
 
While in town the volunteers will do a variety of home repairs for those in need of a helping hand. To be considered for these projects, a prospective a person in need will need to fill out an application by October 1.  The program is tailored to aid those most in need, whether that need be age, disability or income. I would all those who think they might qualify to make application.

What a great time to show off the community and for Rush County to roll out the red carpet for these magnificent volunteers.  I am sure those in charge will have a wealth of things to partake in while all are in town. Congratulations to all who put this together and to those local youth and adults who plan on participating. Great job!

So what slant should questions take?

1. Who thought of the idea of hosting the event?
2. Will the community celebrate the occasion?
3. What will our visitors remember the most about Rush county?
4. For one week can these people be the toast of the town?
5. How do we properly say thank you?

    

City Council passes 2010 budget

The headline reads very inconspicuously and the body of the work really didn’t focus on much substance, but there are five sentences that begin to tell a little of the story. The first two are as follows:

“After several work sessions to trim the city’s department budgets, the Rushville Common Council passed the 2010 city budget Tuesday evening. Mike Buckley made the motion with a second from Allen Shelton.”

With the absence of the third rookie to the city council, the other two leadership roles and made the motion and second to pass perhaps the most complex budget in years.

Although there are no details to the budgets, the work sessions, the cuts that had to be made or even what the 2010 city budget is, the next mention of the budget was this zinger:

“The Council approved fire Chief Chuck Jenkins’ request to purchase a 100-foot mid-mount platform truck that was currently in the budget. The bid came in under the budgeted amount and will cost $878,398 less a $115,000 trade leaving the need to finance $763,398 for the purchase. The motion was made by Al Shelton and seconded by Billy Ray Goins”.

I have read where some communities are expecting 8% shortfall in collections for 2009 and 6% for 2010. Keep in mind the Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF) who sets the rate assumes 100% tax levy to be collected. This would mean that whatever the number the DLGF sets will experience a 6% shortfall.

With rumblings that the county was wrestling with was additional fees, cutting services, adjusting benefits, personnel reorganization or personnel departures. I will admit that I am still puzzled at battles that range in the surrounding communities about how they plan to get their budgets in line. All appear to be scaling back large ticket purchases, but in Rushville, at least some are considered critical. Why does a problem that appears to be around for the duration seem to be being treated as a quick fix?

Ok here we go- 

1. So I guess the new fire truck made the cut?

2. Was the fire truck only to be purchased as a result of a stimulus grant?

3. So I guess we got that grant?

4. Are we being fiscally responsible?

5. Or do we even know?

6. If you look at the make-up of the council is it a surprise who was the big winner in budget battle? (hint: think occupations)

7. So was the final cut to the 2010 budget $26,000, $100,000 as quoted in prior articles or what?

8. Do we have a balanced budget?

9. Do we remember a time when we operated without proper attention to our budgeting?

10. Should we shine some more light on the 2010 budget?

11. Is there a “you scratch my back and I scratch yours” situation happening?

Will Milroy EMS be DOA ASAP?

I know this may seem like a drastic title to a story, but I think this might be considered tough love.

I can tell you that this possible end result is not the desire of the author, but unfortunately may be destiny.

The Rush County Commissioner’s decision was effective September 2, 2009 to replace the Milroy EMS with RMH as the dispatch for E911 calls for District 4. The reason for the decision was presented as poor response time and reduced number of trained personnel. This scenario will exist until the end of November or early December at the earliest. At this point in time, the commissioners are said to review the specifics of the arrangement.

The Milroy EMS president has stated that there are presently three EMT-B’s, one Advance EMT and a paramedic on-call 24-7. These individuals are working on a per-call basis now. The hope of the department is to add additional EMT-B’s to the roster by the end of the year.

So, until the end of the year, if you live in the Anderson Township district and call E911, you get response from Rush Memorial Ambulance Service. If the circumstances are not E911, you would have to cal (765) 629-2172 to get request their services.

A similar situation existed years ago in the city of Rushville. The EMT service that was not selected as the local provider was relegated to the role of back up was never able to maintain a long existence in the market. The Anderson Township market would appear to a smaller market to attempt to survive in.

Those are the facts, now here are the questions:

1. Will these improvements in their system be enough to reinstate the volunteer department?

2. If they are not the E911 responder how will the department proves its worth?

3. Are there industries standards that volunteer EMTs are measured against?

4. Can a volunteer department compete against a government backed and paid service?

5. If this situation continues to exist, how long will the county ambulance service continue without a push for an E911 ambulance housed in the district?

6. If there is ever a paid ambulance service in Anderson Township, what would be the cost to the county?

7. Would such a state of affairs be palatable to other volunteer serviced districts within the county?

8. When marketing does a government backed, paid EMT department offer advantages then those served by volunteer departments?

9. What is the definition of cannibal?

Ooh, that smell…can't you smell that smell?

No, I am not talking of the smell from any certain governmental body, but the smell from a furry little creature lurking in the dark. Our little friends scientific name is mephitis mephitis which fittingly means "noxious gas, noxious gas.” So by now, I assume you have gathered that the creatures to which I am referring are commonly know as skunks.

They seem to be invading Rushville in large numbers this year. What is normally associated with road kill as you drove through the countryside is now becoming an issue within the City limits. It is not unusual to turn on a back light and see Pepe Lepu and his cousin romancing the neighborhood cat or his cousin scampering through the backyard. If you wander what might be a clue that they visiting your property, you will see their tell-tale diggings in the grass as they look for grubs and worms. But more obvious is the smell that many people notice…the pungent odor wafting into their open windows, or more regrettably is that they smell it as their trusted pet comes running in after attempting to defend their property from the nocturnal invaders. (By the way, does anyone have a good remedy from ridding pets of the smell?).

It makes me wonder if this is just a Rushville thing or if other towns are experiencing the same issue. 

Now for some questions:

1. Is there some concoction one can put in their yard to ward off these uninvited guests?

2. Can we train them to attack so that we can be assured our police force will shoot the skunks and leave family pets alone?

3. Since they are animals, does this fall under the expertise of Animal Control?

4. If it looks like a _______ and smells like a ________then maybe it is a ___________.

"Blade" weighs in health insurance topic

In a letter sent to all members of the state’s congressional delegation a day prior President Obama’s national address, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels said he “fears the current rush to overhaul the system will ultimately do more damage than good and create far more problems then it solves.”

Daniels voiced concerns that the expanding Medicaid would force many Indiana residents off a state-funded medical saving account and would likely land them onto Medicaid. His major fear with Medicaid is that it does not focus on a prevention program. The governor has taken stances in the past that spotlight lifestyle changes and personal responsibility. Indiana’s program has a built-in cap specifically for preventative care.

With an influx into the Medicaid expansion, the state could be forced to pick up such an expansion. One such scenario estimated by the Daniels administration would the cost of a Medicaid expansion at greater then $720 million.

“While these reforms could do serious damage to our state, I fear they will also have harmful consequences all across the country by reducing the quality and quantity of available medical care, stifling innovation and further burdening taxpayers,” stated Daniels.

The governor articulated his concern on what this could potentially do to the state’s resources and the effect it could have on the state reserves.

1. Do you think concerns of the state outweigh the needs of the nation?
2. Are Governor Daniels concerns justified or just political party line?
3. Will such a letter have a negative effect on stimulus money coming to the state of Indiana?
4. As local leaders should we tow the line with the state government or side with the President?
5. Does Governor Daniels experience as the Budget Director give him keen insight into perspectives lost to the average leader?
6. Is this the closest thing to an opinion by a local leadership as we will get?

The Drooping Flower

The saga has been going on for months and maybe years even though the official start was somewhere around April 10th (or 15 days later), when the city served papers on the owner to order the demolition of the Doug’s Flowers building. 

The paper reported in a story about the April 24th City Council meeting that, “The Rushville Common City Council voted Tuesday night to allocate the funding needed to demolish and remove the asbestos in the building at 223 N. Main Street, formerly Doug’s Flowers. The building owner, Mark Mathews, has been served notice he has until April 26 to respond or the city will begin demolition of the building as early as April 27.”

A contractor (that was selected by an undisclosed process) was mentioned and some of the details of his environmentally-friendly practice were described. The price tag discussed at the time was $32,325 to safely remove asbestos and demolish the unsafe structure.

Rush County Heritage and Historic Landmarks evidently became involved in the project to the point of determining that the cost to restore the building was too cost prohibitive. Those efforts seem to be well-documented in the latest and earlier articles.

So there is where we are with the story.  And now, the questions that apparently slipped through the cracks:

1. When the demolition is complete who owns the soon to be empty lot?

2. What are the consequences for the former property owner?

3. What were the legal issues and scheduling constraints?

4. Was this handled in a consistent manner as the rules intended?

5. What were the issues regarding the roof of the adjacent structure?

6. Why is the building to the south vacant?

7. Should there be organizations that fight harder for the protection of such buildings?  

 

Presidential Homeroom

The debate over President Obama's speech to the nation's school children has dominated cable television and talk radio for several days. This conversation, along with that on health care, has signaled the stark divisions in the country both over politics and social issues.

On Tuesday, President Obama plans to tell the nation's school children that they ultimately are most responsible for their own education.

President Obama's planned conversation with the youth of the nation has been controversial. It has elicited several conservative organizations and individuals to accuse him of trying to delve too directly into local education and indoctrinate students with what they call his "socialist" agenda.

Following is the text of the address the President will make to the youth of the nation:

Prepared Remarks of President Barack Obama
Back to School Event
Arlington, Virginia
September 8, 2009
 
The President: Hello everyone – how’s everybody doing today? I’m here with students at Wakefield High School in Arlington, Virginia. And we’ve got students tuning in from all across America, kindergarten through twelfth grade. I’m glad you all could join us today.

I know that for many of you, today is the first day of school. And for those of you in kindergarten, or starting middle or high school, it’s your first day in a new school, so it’s understandable if you’re a little nervous. I imagine there are some seniors out there who are feeling pretty good right now, with just one more year to go. And no matter what grade you’re in, some of you are probably wishing it were still summer, and you could’ve stayed in bed just a little longer this morning.

I know that feeling. When I was young, my family lived in Indonesia for a few years, and my mother didn’t have the money to send me where all the American kids went to school. So she decided to teach me extra lessons herself, Monday through Friday – at 4:30 in the morning. 

Now I wasn’t too happy about getting up that early. A lot of times, I’d fall asleep right there at the kitchen table. But whenever I’d complain, my mother would just give me one of those looks and say, "This is no picnic for me either, buster."

So I know some of you are still adjusting to being back at school. But I’m here today because I have something important to discuss with you. I’m here because I want to talk with you about your education and what’s expected of all of you in this new school year.

Now I’ve given a lot of speeches about education. And I’ve talked a lot about responsibility.

I’ve talked about your teachers’ responsibility for inspiring you, and pushing you to learn.

I’ve talked about your parents’ responsibility for making sure you stay on track, and get your homework done, and don’t spend every waking hour in front of the TV or with that Xbox.

I’ve talked a lot about your government’s responsibility for setting high standards, supporting teachers and principals, and turning around schools that aren’t working where students aren’t getting the opportunities they deserve.

But at the end of the day, we can have the most dedicated teachers, the most supportive parents, and the best schools in the world – and none of it will matter unless all of you fulfill your responsibilities. Unless you show up to those schools; pay attention to those teachers; listen to your parents, grandparents and other adults; and put in the hard work it takes to succeed.

And that’s what I want to focus on today: the responsibility each of you has for your education. I want to start with the responsibility you have to yourself.

Every single one of you has something you’re good at. Every single one of you has something to offer. And you have a responsibility to yourself to discover what that is. That’s the opportunity an education can provide.

Maybe you could be a good writer – maybe even good enough to write a book or articles in a newspaper – but you might not know it until you write a paper for your English class. Maybe you could be an innovator or an inventor – maybe even good enough to come up with the next iPhone or a new medicine or vaccine – but you might not know it until you do a project for your science class. Maybe you could be a mayor or a Senator or a Supreme Court Justice, but you might not know that until you join student government or the debate team.

And no matter what you want to do with your life – I guarantee that you’ll need an education to do it. You want to be a doctor, or a teacher, or a police officer? You want to be a nurse or an architect, a lawyer or a member of our military? You’re going to need a good education for every single one of those careers. You can’t drop out of school and just drop into a good job. You’ve got to work for it and train for it and learn for it.

And this isn’t just important for your own life and your own future. What you make of your education will decide nothing less than the future of this country. What you’re learning in school today will determine whether we as a nation can meet our greatest challenges in the future.

You’ll need the knowledge and problem-solving skills you learn in science and math to cure diseases like cancer and AIDS, and to develop new energy technologies and protect our environment. You’ll need the insights and critical thinking skills you gain in history and social studies to fight poverty and homelessness, crime and discrimination, and make our nation more fair and more free. You’ll need the creativity and ingenuity you develop in all your classes to build new companies that will create new jobs and boost our economy.

We need every single one of you to develop your talents, skills and intellect so you can help solve our most difficult problems. If you don’t do that – if you quit on school – you’re not just quitting on yourself, you’re quitting on your country.

Now I know it’s not always easy to do well in school. I know a lot of you have challenges in your lives right now that can make it hard to focus on your schoolwork.

I get it. I know what that’s like. My father left my family when I was two years old, and I was raised by a single mother who struggled at times to pay the bills and wasn’t always able to give us things the other kids had. There were times when I missed having a father in my life. There were times when I was lonely and felt like I didn’t fit in.

So I wasn’t always as focused as I should have been. I did some things I’m not proud of, and got in more trouble than I should have. And my life could have easily taken a turn for the worse.

But I was fortunate. I got a lot of second chances and had the opportunity to go to college, and law school, and follow my dreams. My wife, our First Lady Michelle Obama, has a similar story. Neither of her parents had gone to college, and they didn’t have much. But they worked hard, and she worked hard, so that she could go to the best schools in this country.

Some of you might not have those advantages. Maybe you don’t have adults in your life who give you the support that you need. Maybe someone in your family has lost their job, and there’s not enough money to go around. Maybe you live in a neighborhood where you don’t feel safe, or have friends who are pressuring you to do things you know aren’t right.

But at the end of the day, the circumstances of your life – what you look like, where you come from, how much money you have, what you’ve got going on at home – that’s no excuse for neglecting your homework or having a bad attitude. That’s no excuse for talking back to your teacher, or cutting class, or dropping out of school. That’s no excuse for not trying.

Where you are right now doesn’t have to determine where you’ll end up. No one’s written your destiny for you. Here in America, you write your own destiny. You make your own future.

That’s what young people like you are doing every day, all across America.
Young people like Jazmin Perez, from Roma, Texas. Jazmin didn’t speak English when she first started school. Hardly anyone in her hometown went to college, and neither of her parents had gone either. But she worked hard, earned good grades, got a scholarship to Brown University, and is now in graduate school, studying public health, on her way to being Dr. Jazmin Perez.

I’m thinking about Andoni Schultz, from Los Altos, California, who’s fought brain cancer since he was three. He’s endured all sorts of treatments and surgeries, one of which affected his memory, so it took him much longer – hundreds of extra hours – to do his schoolwork. But he never fell behind, and he’s headed to college this fall.

And then there’s Shantell Steve, from my hometown of Chicago, Illinois. Even when bouncing from foster home to foster home in the toughest neighborhoods, she managed to get a job at a local health center; start a program to keep young people out of gangs; and she’s on track to graduate high school with honors and go on to college.

Jazmin, Andoni and Shantell aren’t any different from any of you. They faced challenges in their lives just like you do. But they refused to give up. They chose to take responsibility for their education and set goals for themselves. And I expect all of you to do the same.

That’s why today, I’m calling on each of you to set your own goals for your education – and to do everything you can to meet them. Your goal can be something as simple as doing all your homework, paying attention in class, or spending time each day reading a book. Maybe you’ll decide to get involved in an extracurricular activity, or volunteer in your community. Maybe you’ll decide to stand up for kids who are being teased or bullied because of who they are or how they look, because you believe, like I do, that all kids deserve a safe environment to study and learn. Maybe you’ll decide to take better care of yourself so you can be more ready to learn. And along those lines, I hope you’ll all wash your hands a lot, and stay home from school when you don’t feel well, so we can keep people from getting the flu this fall and winter.
Whatever you resolve to do, I want you to commit to it. I want you to really work at it.

I know that sometimes, you get the sense from TV that you can be rich and successful without any hard work -- that your ticket to success is through rapping or basketball or being a reality TV star, when chances are, you’re not going to be any of those things.

But the truth is, being successful is hard. You won’t love every subject you study. You won’t click with every teacher. Not every homework assignment will seem completely relevant to your life right this minute. And you won’t necessarily succeed at everything the first time you try.

That’s OK. Some of the most successful people in the world are the ones who’ve had the most failures. JK Rowling’s first Harry Potter book was rejected twelve times before it was finally published. Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team, and he lost hundreds of games and missed thousands of shots during his career. But he once said, "I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed."

These people succeeded because they understand that you can’t let your failures define you – you have to let them teach you. You have to let them show you what to do differently next time. If you get in trouble, that doesn’t mean you’re a troublemaker, it means you need to try harder to behave. If you get a bad grade, that doesn’t mean you’re stupid, it just means you need to spend more time studying.

No one’s born being good at things, you become good at things through hard work. You’re not a varsity athlete the first time you play a new sport. You don’t hit every note the first time you sing a song. You’ve got to practice. It’s the same with your schoolwork. You might have to do a math problem a few times before you get it right, or read something a few times before you understand it, or do a few drafts of a paper before it’s good enough to hand in.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. I do that every day. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength. It shows you have the courage to admit when you don’t know something, and to learn something new. So find an adult you trust – a parent, grandparent or teacher; a coach or counselor – and ask them to help you stay on track to meet your goals.

And even when you’re struggling, even when you’re discouraged, and you feel like other people have given up on you – don’t ever give up on yourself. Because when you give up on yourself, you give up on your country.
The story of America isn’t about people who quit when things got tough. It’s about people who kept going, who tried harder, who loved their country too much to do anything less than their best.

It’s the story of students who sat where you sit 250 years ago, and went on to wage a revolution and found this nation. Students who sat where you sit 75 years ago who overcame a Depression and won a world war; who fought for civil rights and put a man on the moon. Students who sat where you sit 20 years ago who founded Google, Twitter and Facebook and changed the way we communicate with each other.

So today, I want to ask you, what’s your contribution going to be? What problems are you going to solve? What discoveries will you make? What will a president who comes here in twenty or fifty or one hundred years say about what all of you did for this country?

Your families, your teachers, and I are doing everything we can to make sure you have the education you need to answer these questions. I’m working hard to fix up your classrooms and get you the books, equipment and computers you need to learn. But you’ve got to do your part too. So I expect you to get serious this year. I expect you to put your best effort into everything you do. I expect great things from each of you. So don’t let us down – don’t let your family or your country or yourself down. Make us all proud. I know you can do it.

Thank you, God bless you, and God bless America.

Questions:

1. Was this message indoctrination?

2. Is there a socialist agenda?

3. Was the message presented an important one that needed to be conveyed?

4. Should the President of the United States involve himself at this level?

5. Are political pendants making too much of this?

6. Will the Presidents message inspire the youth?

Not your average Joe

Just about the time he starts to slip into your distant memory, his name is mentioned and the memories start all over again. He was once coined as Rush County’s favorite son, then time changed and he moved on. He was raised here, a sports star, had the all-American look, was well educated, married to our hometown girl, competed in marathons and help positions of power in the state. Who is he?

When the Democratic Party started to assemble its dream team of potential candidates to run against Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, five names began to be bantered about. One was a candidate who lost to Carl Brizzi for Marion County prosecutor. A second candidate was former Health Commissioner Dr. Woody Myers. A third is former State Democratic Party Chairman Kip Tew. A forth was City-County Council member Jose Evans. A fifth State Representative, Gregory Porter. This list is a “who’s who” of central Indiana politics, but the one who caught my eye and ear was former Secretary of State under Evan Bayh, and Rush County’s own, Joe Hogsett.

Joe has been in and out of politics in recent years, but is being tapped as a leading candidate to unseat the incumbent mayor. Joe was a very public supporter of Hillary Clinton’s run for the presidency in 2008. After her elimination, Joe worked for the election of Barack Obama.

Joe’s opinion of the race is that for the democrats to win, they have to unite behind a “strong, well-organized, well-financed” person, who should be able to present a formidable challenge to Mayor Ballard. Joe is a partner at Bingham McHale law firm.

Joe, who is 52, has been attending community events and meeting with residents and business owners to gauge support, all while trying to strike a balance between looking forward and acknowledging the important elections on tap before 2011.

Joe has said that the next mayoral election should focus on the lack of “vision and leadership” the current mayor has provided.

Rush county has been the birthplace of many who have gone on to great political success. Wouldn’t it be interesting to see that happen again?

1. Will Joe end up as the candidate picked to take on Greg Ballard?

2. Will Joe remember his hometown?

3. Are you proud to see our hometown boy go on to bigger goals?

4. Will Joe be able to convince the state that he has the “vision and leadership” that is lacking in Mayor Ballard?

Go Colts!

The press release below was distributed by Inside Indiana and I thought that it was very news worthy. - RT

“Rushville, Ind. -- Officials with the Moscow Covered Bridge Reconstruction Committee announced today that the Indianapolis Colts have contributed $10,000 toward the rebuilding of the historic bridge in Rush County. To date, over $400,000 has been raised to fund the design and construction of the new bridge, which was destroyed by a tornado in June 2008. Colts owner Jim Irsay lauded local efforts to restore the bridge and thanked Governor Mitch Daniels for making the project a priority.

"We are proud of the Governor's leadership in this regard, and are pleased to be a small part of what is clearly a monumental effort to restore this historic facility in Rush County. This is what the Hoosier community is all about," said Irsay.

The State of Indiana, through the Department of Natural Resources, has donated time and materials including timbers for the new bridge. In addition to the outstanding assistance the Committee received from the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana, many corporate sponsors have answered the call and, in difficult times, found resources available to help change lives in Moscow, Indiana.

According to Wayne Goodman of Historic Landmarks Foundation, co-chairman of the Moscow Covered Bridge Reconstruction Committee, "This project would simply not be possible without important contributions like this from the Indianapolis Colts and generous grant support from the Lilly Endowment.

Bridge reconstruction is currently underway, and is expected to conclude in time for next year's Moscow Covered Bridge Festival.

Contributions can be made to: Moscow Covered Bridge Restoration Fund, c/o MainSource Bank, P.O. Box 249, Rushville, IN 46173.

Source: Moscow Covered Bridge Restoration Fund”

Questions:

1. Will this tick off the Bears fans to the point they won’t want to use the bridge?

2. What was the mascot name of Moscow schools?

3. Have you ever seen a colt in the Moscow area?

Nothing to do

Rushville has recently been labeled as a place where there is nothing to do, but it seems that has been changing recently.

This weekend seemed to be a huge exception to the rule. On Friday evening, fans of the local high school could follow the Lions on their journey to Shelbyville for a football game.

On Saturday, there was a smorgasbord of items a person could do. They could start out their morning by participating in the “A Walk for Alex,” or taking in the Farmer’s and Artisan’s Market. Additionally, watching the Cross Country invitational could have leisurely provided much entertainment.

If those items were not your cup of tea, you could have been visited the American Legion’s Family Day with their music and vendors. That event was scheduled to go well into the evening.

Another evening event was a benefit to support the food pantry. This featured local entertainers performing Broadway and various musical numbers.

I am sure I have not been able to include everything that was available this weekend, but I hope I hit the majority of featured items. My point being is that Rushville is developing things to do locally, and those programs that benefit are just and worthy causes. None of these are government programs…they are programs that were developed and produced by well-meaning groups with their own energies.

If you are looking for community assets, this might be the most valuable and most overlooked.

Questions:

1. How do continue to get people involved?

2. Did you have a favorite?

3. What type of event would you like to see more of?

4. Could you do more to become involved?

5. Who did you see at these events, or who didn’t you see?

Grate leadership?

With the flooding of RMH and local roads during the monsoon recently, one semi-executive decision got overlooked. Hodges Branch, which was responsible for some of the flooding near the hospital and adjacent basements, was threatening to create even worse flooding. Several local residents called the Mayor’s Office to voice their concerns that the flooding was being caused by the clogging of the storm structure where Hodges Branch goes beneath 9th Street and into the City’s storm sewer system. That structure consists, or should I say consisted, of metal grates and chain link to prevent debris and (more importantly) persons from being washed underground into the storm system. They said their calls were met with indifference.

At some point, it appeared that Deputy Mayor Billy Ray Goins made a semi-executive decision by directing City crews to remove the structure, thus relieving some of the flooding. Although the old system appeared to be a maintenance challenge, its record in service did prove that it served its most valued service: preventing kids who play in the creek from being swept underground. The old system has now been replaced by a series of systems that look like the combination from the grill of a ’94 Peterbuilt and a baseball backstop. I am not sure about the guidelines for storm structures, but I hope we based our design off of something more then gut feel.

It is ironic that at a recent City Council Meeting Deputy Mayor Goins expressed his concern with the safety of children playing in the creek. For everyone’s sake, I hope the new transformer fulfills its role as well as old faithful.

While flooding appears to have been reduced by the removal of the old mesh system, it does bring to light the concern of many in Rushville over the lack of maintenance to such structures. In this case, an occasional cleaning of leaves and debris from the grates would have greatly reduced the flooding and negated the need for removing the safeguards the structure provided. It also brings up the question, under what authority does a council president have giving direction to City employees?

Now for some questions:

1. What is the chain of command in such situations?

2. Will this new structure work? (And the grate, too?)

3. Can someone explain the backstop?

4. Who would be liable?

 

HR 101 - “By George”

In an effort to make this site one that is contributing in a positive way, I thought it would be a nice idea to include a sample Fraternization Policy. In the case that you don’t have one or would like to avoid paying a high faluting big city attourney to develop one, here is a sample of a typical policy.

Fraternization/Personal Relationships

A personal relationship between a supervisor and an employee can cause workplace conflicts, issues of real or perceived favoritism, claims of sexual harassment, and problems of employee morale. In addition, conflicts in a personal relationship may carry over and adversely affect work relationships. Accordingly, the Company has adopted the following personal relationship policy.

• “Personal Relationship” means a romantic or physical relationship, including dating, living together, or becoming engaged or married.

• For purposes of this policy, an employee is a “supervisor” of another if he or she:

(a.) assigns or directs the other’s work
(b.) is involved in decisions affecting the other’s employment, including decisions affecting evaluation, compensation, and promotion, or
(c.) is in the line of supervision who have those responsibilities. An employee in the position of Director or above may become involved in decisions affecting the employment of every employee below the Director level and is, for purposes of this policy, deemed to be a supervisor of each such employee.

• It is the Company’s policy not to employ or continue to employ two employees who are involved in a personal relationship and whose positions make one of those employees the supervisor of the other.

• To avoid the potential problems described above, the Company strongly discourages supervisors from entering into personal relationships with employees they supervise.

• If a supervisor is, or becomes, involved in a personal relationship with an employee whom he or she supervises, each person has the responsibility to report the relationship promptly to the Director.

• The company will evaluate whether it can, consistent with its business needs, make changes in the assignment of one or both of the employees involved in order complying with the policy stated above. If reassignment is not in the Company’s best interest, then the employment of one or both employees may be terminated.

In determining whether or not to terminate the employment of one or both employees, the Company, in its sole discretion, will consider the following factors:

(a.) staffing needs
(b.) recommendations of managers
(c.) short-term and long-term effect on the Company’s business
(d.) employee seniority, job knowledge and skills
(e.) difficulty in replacing the employees, and
(f.) views of employees involved.

 

Fraternization Policies: Inconsistency vs. Unlawfulness

The following article was set to the site and was felt by the sender to be timely.  All references to the original article are included.  I will limit all posts on this article by approval only so that all rules are strictly adhered to.  Please, no names. - RT

"Fraternization Policies: Inconsistency vs. Unlawfulness
By Zachary, Mary-Kathryn
Publication: Supervision
Date: Saturday, December 1 2007

More than at any other point in this country's history, employees find their friends, and romantic partners, at work. The greater number of women now in the work force and the long hours employees put in at their place of employment contribute to this trend. The interplay of work and social interaction can be positive and contribute to stronger teamwork, greater productivity, and higher morale. A number of employees find their life mates at work. However, the interplay of work and social interaction can also be negative. Every employee can probably recall or has heard of instances of workplace romances gone awry, allegations of sexual harassment, and situations suggesting favoritism toward a friend or romantic interest. This can actually result in weaker teamwork, less productivity, lower morale--and lawsuits.

In an attempt to minimize the possibility of the negative aspects of employee social interaction, employers have tried a variety of different approaches. Many have policies prohibiting sexual harassment and specifying inappropriate workplace conduct. A few have had dating employees sign contracts in which they indicate that their relationship is strictly voluntary. Some have anti-nepotism policies in which family members are prohibited from working in the same company or department or in a supervisor/subordinate relationship. And, some companies have fraternization policies that, to varying degrees, prohibit employees from dating or socializing with each other.

One of the difficulties with fraternization policies in particular is that they are hard for companies to enforce in an evenhanded manner. Despite company policies, employees will still date and spend time with each other outside of work. Sometimes the company will find out about it, but sometimes it will not. Given that a great deal of time, employees know about other employees' relationships even if upper management does not, there can be a perception of unfairness if some rule violators are punished and some are not, even though the company is pursuing the same course of action in all instances it is aware of.

Additionally, sometimes company management cares about a particular situation that it knows about, and sometimes it does not. Research studies have indicated that employees, including management, may view workplace relationships differently depending on the particular relationship. They are more prone to be supportive of couples who have found real love, and less supportive of those who appear to be engaged in an temporary affair or a mutual use situation. They are most likely to disapprove of couples who are in a supervisor/subordinate relationship when favoritism or sexual harassment may be involved, when the one individual appears to be taking advantage of the other, and when one or both members of the couple are married to other people. Additionally, employees care less about employees' social life when it does not impact the work environment and more when it does. Too much time visiting each others' offices and hanging around the water cooler can diminish productivity. Furthermore, even though employees may believe that what they do outside of work is their business, employers may legitimately disagree. For example, too much alcohol accompanying after work drinks can lead to allegations of sexual harassment.

When a fraternization policy is not consistently applied, an employee disciplined under the policy may feel wronged. And employees who believe themselves to be wronged have a tendency to bring lawsuits. Inconsistent application of a fraternization policy is not necessarily unlawful application. The particular circumstances involved are important. Despite that, such litigation brings with it costs--in money, time, and good will.

A recent case, Cleary v. CBRL, 101 FEP Cases 849 (M.D. Pa. 2007), provides an excellent example of some of the issues involved in a fraternization case. The lawsuit involved a restaurant manager who was terminated for violating the company fraternization policy and subsequently filed an employment discrimination suit. The restaurant manager had been a "rising star" within the company restaurant chain. He had begun work for the defendant company in 1996 and advanced quickly. The plaintiff had won praise at every restaurant he had been associated with and was on his way to being a district general manager. Before his transfer to what was to be his last post, the plaintiff had been awarded a general manager of the year award. The plaintiffs supervisor transferred him to the company's Fogelsville, Pennsylvania branch in 2002 to allow the plaintiff to gain experience in an assignment with more responsibility. The Fogelsville branch improved with his arrival and was awarded the chain's highest hospitality award.

It was the manager's relationships with employees at the Fogelsville branch that derailed his career. The manager on multiple occasions ran afoul of the company's personnel policies, particularly the company's fraternization policy. That policy in relevant part stated that the company "'restricts fraternization between employees to avoid either the practice or appearance of favoritism, sexual harassment or conflict of interest.... Inappropriate familiarity with subordinates is prohibited. Subordinates must not be addressed with familiar terms ... subordinates must not be subjected to sexually suggestive language or behavior.'"

The first complaint against the plaintiff arose in July 2002, when a female employee informed management that the plaintiff had made lewd comments to her and asked her to kiss him. An investigation was conducted by the plaintiffs supervisor, and the plaintiff admitted that he had engaged in an inappropriate conversation with the woman. The company then gave the plaintiff a final written notice and informed him that future inappropriate conduct would result in discipline up to and including termination. Three months later, two more female employees claimed that the plaintiff had touched them in an improper manner. The plaintiff did not admit to wrongdoing, and, after a company investigation, he was not disciplined. However, in June 2003, the plaintiff's supervisor reprimanded him for visiting a bar that was a regular hangout of employees and for allegedly buying alcohol for two employees who were there. The supervisor reminded him that the company's fraternization policy prohibited such conduct. No discipline was administered.

In March 2004, another employee claimed that the plaintiff had engaged in sexual harassment against her and cited a variety of behaviors on the part of the plaintiff that she objected to, including his request that she remove her clothes and his sending her an objectionable card at home. The company suspended the plaintiff without pay while it conducted an investigation. During the investigation, the plaintiff conceded that he had sent the card and discussed personal matters with the woman. The company then fired the plaintiff and replaced him with another man. The plaintiff ultimately brought suit under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and a state employment rights statute. In his suit, he sought reinstatement to a like position, front and back pay, compensatory damages, and costs and attorney's fees.

The essence of the plaintiff's complaint was that he was the victim of unlawful sex discrimination. Specifically, he maintained that his subordinates had fabricated claims against him and engaged in a conspiracy against him because he had been sent to Fogelsville to correct problems at that branch. The plaintiff stated that employees at Fogelsville had a reputation of being hostile to management and difficult to work with. According to him, the female staff had initiated sexually oriented conversations with him; yet, when he had complained to his supervisor, no action was taken. With respect to the last employee who had accused him of sexual harassment, the plaintiff stated that she should have been disciplined because she actually pursued him and called him after work. Furthermore, the plaintiff argued that dating between supervisors and subordinates was common at Fogelsville, and that male managers, but not female managers, were disciplined for dating subordinates, and that male managers who dated female subordinates were disciplined, but the female subordinates were not.

The case was before the court on the defendant's motion for summary judgment. In such situations, if there is no genuine issue of any material fact (one that might affect the outcome of the case), and the party asking for summary judgment is entitled to a ruling in their favor under relevant law, the court will grant the motion. During the process, the facts are viewed by the court in the light most favorable to the non-moving party, in this case the plaintiff. However, if no reasonable juror could rule in favor of the non-moving party, the judge will rule in favor of the moving party, in this case the company. That is what the court did in this case.

The lawsuit involved what is commonly referred to as a reverse discrimination case. Title VII was passed to provide a remedy for various groups that had traditionally been subjected to unfair treatment. With respect to sex, that meant women. However, because the wording of the statute prohibits discrimination "because of sex," the emphasis is on the rationale behind the questioned action, not the particular sex victimized. Therefore, if a man is unlawfully treated because of his sex, he can bring a case for sex discrimination, even though it is the "reverse" of what Congress originally had in mind.

In a reverse discrimination case, the plaintiff has to initially establish a prima facie case by coming forward with enough evidence to permit someone looking at the facts to decide that the plaintiff was treated less favorably than other employees because of sex. If the plaintiff does that, the defendant has to state a legitimate, nondiscriminatory reason for its conduct. Finally, if the defendant has articulated a legitimate, nondiscriminatory reason for its actions, the plaintiff has the opportunity to show that the defendant's reasoning is "pre-textual," that is, a reasonable person looking at the facts could disbelieve the employer's reasons, or could decide that the motivating factor behind the employer's actions was in actuality unlawful discrimination.

The court first concluded that the plaintiff had not made out a prima facie case that he was treated less favorably than other employees similarly situated. Although other employees had testified that male and female employees and managers violated the company's fraternization policy, and only men were disciplined, the court found much of the testimony to be hearsay without documentation, and determined that the plaintiff had not come forward with a similarly situated person to compare himself with. The plaintiff himself had provided testimony about other male managers who had violated the fraternization policy but who had not been disciplined. Therefore, not all male managers were disciplined. There was only one female employee that the plaintiff specifically pointed to as violating the fraternization policy. She had been investigated and cleared of the charges three years earlier, and her case had been handled by a different supervisor. Even if she had been found to have violated the policy, the court stated that the plaintiff had not shown that she was in the same situation that he was. The plaintiff had also not shown the context in which the other terminated male managers had been disciplined. As for the plaintiff himself, when he was fired he was on final written notice, had been warned about the policy, had previously acknowledged that he had violated the policy, and had previously been accused of sexual harassment. The plaintiff was, in a sense, a "habitual offender" who had escaped disciplinary action on several prior occasions. He had perhaps shown that the company was inconsistent in its enforcement of the fraternization policy; however, he had not shown that this inconsistency was based on sex

IN A NUTSHELL

(1) In an attempt to avoid problems, including legal problems, that result from workplace social relationships, companies may institute fraternization policies that prohibit employees from dating or socializing with each other, particularly in supervisor/subordinate situations.

(2) Fraternization policies can be difficult to evenhandedly enforce, because employees will successfully and unsuccessfully hide forbidden relationships, and employers may not object to all relationships equally.

(3) If an employee disciplined for violating a company fraternization policy believes that he or she has been unfairly treated, as might be the case if such a policy is inconsistently enforced, the employee may be apt to bring a discrimination lawsuit.

(4) A company will be liable for inconsistent application of a fraternization policy only if its conduct is motivated by unlawful discrimination, such as by treating similarly situated individuals different from each other based on a prohibited factor such as sex.

(5) Supervisors and other managerial employees should be careful to abide by their employer's fraternization policies and to make their best efforts to consistently and evenhandedly enforce the company's policies to avoid adverse employment actions and potential discrimination lawsuits."

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RT Questions:

1. If you are in a position of supervision, does fraternization matter?

2. Is there a fraternization policy in place at your place of employment?

3. Do accusations of fraternization expose the employer future legal action?

4. Do fraternization policies exist to prevent inappropriate conduct or to prevent preferential treatment in the workplace?

5. Do fraternization policies only mitigate the employers/employees as well as safeguard families?

Dem rates are rising!

Without much pomp and circumstance, the Rushville City Council dug a little deeper into the pockets of the average citizen. The impact will be $8.50 per month for the average water and sewer user. 

The purpose of the report: “was to estimate the Rushville Municipal Water Utility’s cash flow and financial capacity to meet its ongoing revenue requirements for operation and maintenance expenses, present and proposed debt service and lease payments, and to make capital improvements to the utility’s system.” I am not sure I can tell you what that means, but it sounds mighty official.

As reported in the local paper, the new Rushville rate would be lower than communities like Knightstown, Carthage, and Greenfield but just above Greensburg, Shelbyville and New Castle.

Many of the improvements to Rushville’s water and sewer systems are required by the state (Although there are no real details as to what those improvements might be). I would bet they will have a update on the website, you think?

1. So did the city put in place a schedule that would have the rates reviewed more often the every seven years?

2. If the rate increase is 20% every 7 years, would it be possible to make that more gradual?

3. What was the impetus for the rate study?

4. Is the water and sewer utility operating in the red?

5. Is a rate increase considered a tax increase?

 

Success beyond perception or compression

When something goes wrong, the finger points away from oneself; when things go right, the fingers usually point toward one.

This is not a story of fingers pointing away from anyone, but of fingers pointing toward. This is a story highlighting our community. This site has posted many failures that have occurred in this community, but it is time that a success is recognized. Many people have been working behind the scenes to help a local industry leader make a larger impact in our community. Those who are involved should be applauded. The nay-sayers will trivialize their accomplishments, but this time, we should give those involved their just dues.

Although the company making the investment should be the one placed highest on the pedestal, we should not forget those at the local level who have been going to great lengths to make this a mutually beneficial effort. When the Fujitsu Ten plant closed, many thought that the light at the end of that tunnel was a train, and some organization talked positively, another local organization work to get a grasp of the issue.

This series of relationships has led to an existing industry concluding negations to purchase the former Fujitsu 10 facility using it to permanently house a portion of their operations currently spread throughout the community. These operations will go from a renter structure to an ownership arrangement. The ownership configuration lends itself well to a more permanent investment in the community. The close proximity of the two buildings will allow for the eventual development of the area into a campus system. In turn, this campus system will allow for the development connectivity both in transportation and technology. The campus vision would not immediately lead to a massive number of jobs, but the forward-thinking of the company would allow them to be more competitive in future venture that could have a greater impact in employment in the future.

Even though there are many safeguards that should have been adhered to, those involved have understandably excited, employees and negotiators alike. As you have probably noticed, I have not mentioned the company name so that I, too, can walk the fine line.

I am sure that many organizations will, due to small town politics, have to share the limelight, but I think that those who initiated the relationship and pulled the train forward should be recognized. As a result of their business retention program the chamber of commerce and its director should be given their just dos. The transportation and technology components will undoubtedly be coordinated by the city and county agencies as well as the fiber board, so assuming all goes well, good job. 

1. Is this an example of what positive relationships can lead to?

2. Shouldn’t everyone be happy, we will have another empty building?

3. With this success should the retention program be expanded?

4. What infrastructure improvements could be made to take advantage of this positive development?

Freedom of Speech

I find it interesting what is going on with free speech in America today. The outright efforts of those on the left to stifle the first amendment rights of the United States citizen are startling. I recently read where the Speaker of the House of Representatives commented that the opposition involving the health care reform bill that is taking place in town hall meetings is Un-American. (Go to link #1 below for additional.)

This seems to be a pattern for the speaker as she also commented that work site raids which capture illegal immigrants are also “Un-American.” (See link #2 below.) It is “Un-American” to expect our laws to be enforced? Madam speaker, how can you promote the violation of law? We have also heard the Vice-President stating that paying more taxes is patriotic. I would dare to comment it is idiotic with the way government spends our tax dollar.

Folk’s, free speech is the most basic principle with which this country was founded. Look at the speech against England that was waged by our founding fathers about the additional taxes the mother country was leveling. Who would dare call these individuals anything less than true patriots? There seems to be a concerted effort to remove any voice of dissent in this country. I fear the consequences of such efforts. Everything has its breaking point.

I personally believe you are starting to see the American people in these town hall settings saying “enough is enough.” Oh, sure -- you are going to have some loons show up ..and those are on both sides. But by-in-large you find the hard working American concerned with the direction this country has taken, not in the last few years, but the last decade plus. You can go to youtube.com and type in “town hall meetings” and see the anger that is growing with the American people about the direction we are going.

1. Do you feel freedom of speech is in jeopardy in this country?

2. Are you for mandating equal time on the radio at the expense of the tax payer?

3. Wouldn’t it be nice to have Congressman put on a town hall meeting at the Laughlin Center some evening?

4. Are uncomfortable questions asked face to face justification for removal from a town hall forum?

5. Isn’t this similar to gaveling down people who are voicing a concern in a public council meeting?

Link 1:
http://briefingroom.thehill.com/2009/08/10/pelosi-hoyer-protests-un-american/

Link 2:
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/03/18/pelosi-tells-illegal-immigrants-work-site-raids-american/

"On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.

We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things…”-- Barack Obama, January 20, 2009

 

Optimism?

As the author of these posts, I have had the pleasure and pain of watching the comments and emails that have come to this site.  The direction, intensity and candor of those who blog on this site has been interesting, to say the least.  Topics that I would not have thought would have been popular were, and some that I thought would be, were not – consequently, making the site very dynamic.

Rush County, like many communities, faces a dire financial environment.  Even though some have described the community as the “poster child” of negative potential, some of the readers still seem optimistic about our city.  One person who emailed the Truth might have stated it most concisely when quoting Maria Robinson: “Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” 

It is evident that the community is not happy with some of the things that are currently happening or other events that have come to pass over the years.  Some seem to be political – some aren’t.  The reason I am writing this article is because the emails I am seeing are starting to indicate evidence of the citizen’s ability to adapt.  They seem to be developing a work-around to those flaws in the system.  Some even appear to be optimistic about potential developments.  The emails promote responsibility by leaders, cooperation between all, transparency in all arenas, camaraderie, and arrangement to ensure morals and ethics.

Whether it is the Commissioners, the Mayor, the RT, local papers or their columnists who tell you “this is just the way things are and it’s just the way we have always done them”, the community appears to be turning a deaf ear.  They may not like the system as it is, but they appear to be willing to work through it until they can make the desired changes. 

It appears that the community’s attitude is quite bright.  The emerging attitude does not seem to be rhetoric but more genuine and sincere.  There seems to be a desire for sensible steps for positive change. 
Doesn’t it say something for the community that has hope and a positive attitude?  If these people are willing to pursue a public platform and continue to tell the story, the optimistic outlook may seem ambitious, but realistic.

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1. As a result of less media presence in the community are the citizens on their own becoming more comfortable developing their opinion?

2. Are people developing an independent identity?

3. Do people feel more comfortable expressing their own opinions that were left only to “leaders” in the community?

4. Are we getting comfortable seeing our saintly leaders with their pants down?

Our own local Public Insurance Plan

The Rushville City Council recently had the opportunity to take part in something they have never before gotten the opportunity to take part in before ... but the questions will be "why now?"
 
To start, I'd like to shed some light on the actual responsibilities of a city council member:
 
The Council acts as the board of directors of the city, deals with policy and legislation matters only, and doesn't have any role in the 'administration' of city affairs. In terms of 'responsibilities,' then, stemming from the 'duties' role, the Council has the responsibility for adopting the Capital Improvement Budget (which describes all capital spending in the city each year), and the General Budget (which is the operating budget for the year).
The Council has an 'advise and consent' responsibility regarding the hiring and firing of department heads, but does not have performance review duties for these heads; the only (people reporting) to the Council are the City Administrator, the City Clerk and the City Attorney, and these are the only 'hire and fire' positions the Council owns.
"In terms of meetings, the Council sets their own schedules, rules, procedures, etc., subject to state law requiring open access and notice, so there is flexibility there. The Council also has 'hire and fire' responsibility for the Commissions, which are created by the Charter, and for all committees it feels it needs; our so-called 'task forces' are such 'committees' and operate under the rules the Council puts together.
All of this is the 'formability' of the job. In the real world, the Council's responsibility as what you'd expect: fiscal prudence, maintaining public access to city government, acting an 'ombudsman' for the people of this city, being prepared, reaching out to people and other communities.

Most of our elected council members have full time jobs on top of their regularly scheduled two meetings a month. Some of these members also serve on extra boards or committees who may require a special meeting or duty, but essentially, the job of a council member is part-time. That's not to say that their job in the public spotlight is "never-ending" with neighbors and constituents e-mailing, phoning or stopping them in a restaurant to talk about sewer increases and why the city won't fix their yard.
 
So, what benefit did the council get to hear about? In a recent council meeting the issue of health insurance coverage for the part-time council memberships became a topic of conversation, something never available to council members past. City employees and county-elected officials get the option of individual health insurance, but the current city council will get to ponder the matter at a future meeting.
 
So, will the city start offering health insurance to all part-time employees? As it stands, one council member is on the current plan and one member is a retired city employee so he should be covered too.  So who does that leave that would need to be covered?  In the future all council members could elect to take the coverage option and be on the plan.
 
What will this do to everyone's insurance rates? 

Will this offer be extended to the board of works and utility board?

Is a recession time benefit warranted?

What was the impetuous for the conversation on the benefits?

If all members of the board took a family option plan, what would the total cost to the city be?

Do part-time employees need this benefit increase?

Do the “deputy” positions rank getting a health insurance?