The Rushville Truth

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? 

The Rushville Truth

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?
 

The Rushville Truth

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."

***********************************************

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.

**********************************

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?

The Long Ranger

We have heard of the push by the Obama administration to put more officers on the streets via a 1 billion dollar grants program. This program, called COPS, would pay the salary for an officer for 3 years and then the local government would begin to pay. Sounds good in theory and we have discussed some of this before, but what are the long-range implications? In a time of uncertainty with growth in this community and a dwindling tax base, would putting an officer on under this program add to the financial woes done the road? It seems this will be a moot point as the results of the funding are now coming to light.

The Attorney General is on record as saying that the police officers are “going to the communities with high crime, financial need and community policing activities.” I would argue that Rushville will fall way down the line in terms of the high crime list. We have crime but not to the degree of other city’s we would be competing with. In terms of financial need, not sure that would put Rushville in the running with cities like Indianapolis who has laid off 50. Point being we have been fortunate enough, to this point, that we have not had lay-offs. I do think that the program has more merit than many of the wasteful programs in Washington, but sometimes one size doesn’t fit all. I would like to think as a citizen of the United States that communities like Rushville wouldn’t be so greedy in this area that it may rob a more deserving city of a resource they could more effectively use. I think as a country if we could look more at doing what is best for the country and put personal gain second to that, we would all be better off.

Those annoying questions:

1. Do you think we could have disciplined ourselves enough to pay past the third year?

2. Could the program have been used for a K-9 officer?

3. Did the local effort really have a good leg to stand on?

4. Is this a program that we lost out on, but is probably a good thing in the end?

We are all on a Budget

I, along with the rest of the citizens of this fine county, am watching as the city and county prepare their 2010 budgets. There have been some cursory comments made in the paper about the city budget and even less about the county budget. I thought it has been interesting to watch many counties talk about drastic actions that they will have to take to make budget. I have yet to hear much whisper of eminent changes in the local budgets.
 
Some communities have gone as far as to enact the following:

• Closing police and fire stations
• Laying off employees
• Reducing department and services
• Charging fees for services provided for free in the past
• Putting a mortitorium on large ticket item spending
• Freezing wages and benefits
• Revising the benefit packages

To date, I have I have heard of minor deductions cuts but nothing to the degree of others in the state. I, like you, will wait and watch to see what happens in the end.

Questions:

1. Is there a shortfall as has been rumored in the 2009 county tax collection?

2. How would a 2009 shortfall effect the 2010 budget?

3. When others are drastically reducing workforces are we able to increase benefits?

4. Are we making sound business decisions or fulfilling political promises?

5. Or do we just have more revenues then were expected?

6. Do local leaders know more then the consultants and economists?

7. Who are the architects of the city and county budgets?

8. In this restricted economic time, did we really have a leader who reactively witnessed the county’s benefits package increase and as a result, suggest that the employees get a 2 1/2% raise to offset the increase in out-of-pocket costs the employees would be forced to experience?

9. Is that a double jeopardy?

10. Does it make sound fiscal sense?

 

Indiana Town looks to Bankruptcy

The small Indiana town of Georgetown located near the Ohio River looks like it may be going under, but not due to flooding. The Town Council approved an ordinance recently seeking bankruptcy protection due to outstanding debts that total $1.45 million, which includes monies, owed to an engineering firm and the nearby Town of New Albany due to a failed sewer plant project.

Municipal bankruptcies are not common but do happen. There have only been 33 filed in the last 5 years and none in Indiana. That is because Indiana law does not authorize municipal bankruptcies. Attorneys for Georgetown have countered that Home Rule allows for the filing. The state law specifically states that approval to file must come from the State and that Home Rule does not apply.

While the fight over the bankruptcy continues, Georgetown is looking for alternatives but is not optimistic. The Louisville Courier Journal quoted Georgetown Town Council President Billy Stewart as saying “There's no way for Georgetown to pay” its debts, he said. “We don't have it.”

Now for some questions:
1. Is bankruptcy a good way for a town to avoid paying its debts?
2. If Georgetown is successful, may this cause other towns and cities to consider bankruptcy as an alternative to raising taxes or cutting services?
3. Will we see a lot more of these actions as communities around Indiana deal with a recession and the circuit breaker?
4. Do communities need to work harder at balancing budgets before they consider extreme measures such as this?
5. What are the long term ramifications of a town declaring bankruptcy and would this affect the credit rating of other towns that that are looking to get bonds for building projects?

Could the answer "bee" pointing towards "yes" for neighboring community?

Connersville says “Come “Bee” a part of our Community”

So is it an American Jobs rally or an announcement? Word on the street is that the city of Connersville will find out this week if it landed the Carbon Motors plant and the announcement that there will be a community rally held Wednesday in the old Visteon plan. Connersville is nervously holding its breath. The Master of Ceremonies will be Economic Development Group Director, Bryan Coats. In addition to the local dignitaries, a few bigger names seem to stick out in the crowd, most notable Carbon Motor Executives, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, Sen. Richard Lugar, Sen. Evan Bayh and the E7 state of the art police car. So signs, like the ones plastered in the store windows, are all pointing to positive announcement for Connersville on Wednesday. There is definitely a “buzz” in the community. 

Some have played this off as part of the Hometown Competitiveness in Fayette County Campaign but clearly this something more. Volunteers have been cleaning up and preparing the Visteon plant. Some consider this a sign executives with Carbon Motors are interested in purchasing and turning the building into an assembly line. A crowd of 10,000 people are rumored to attend.

With double digit unemployment close to 16%, this town is desperate for new jobs. The company will reportedly create close to 1,300 jobs. This decision is very critical to outlook of Connersville future.

GOOD LUCK AND GOOD JOB CONNERSVILLE!

Doors open 10:30 am
Governor to speak 11:30 am

1. When will we get to host a rally?

2. Who would vie for the podium?

3. Are our leaders distracted?

4. What is the missing component?

5. Can our community find common ground to build such an effort on?

6. Do desperate economic times instigate change that could not have taken place in better times?

7. If Connersville is successful, will we benefit?

8. Will the benefit be greater than that made by Honda?

Milroy accident brings questions to light

On Sunday, Rush county was the unfortunate host to an accident that has become much too common. The accident involved a motor vehicle and an Amish buggy.  With the utmost respect and sympathy for all families involved in the accident, I will not try to report the details of the accident or those involved.  I feel comfortable that this piece of the story will be addressed in the local paper. 

This incident does allow the community to access many topics that have been touched upon in the paper and on this site.  If you listened to the communications between the responders, you are inclined to wonder if all the oft whispered concerns have been addressed to the satisfaction of the leader’s in-charge.

I will not approach this in a necessarily negative light (although I am sure some will claim so).  Here we go with the questions:

1. Is a buggy considered a vehicle?
2. Whatever happened to the buggy lanes?
3. How did Anderson Township’s much-maligned response team do?
4. If the experts think they did well responding to this accident, will they get more money as a reward?
5. What is the weight limit in an Air Evac helicopter?
6. If you are seriously injured and the local Air Evac helicopter is on another run, why do you have to wait for another Air Evac helicopter from another base instead of dispatching the Lifeline helicopter?
7. Is it protocol that the calls through our emergency response system exclusively use Air Evac no longer use Lifeline?

Government Transparency

This is seems to be a new catch word that is bantered about on the news channels lately. It was even part of the last presidential campaign. Our current president proposed more transparency of government. His administration has advocated same message. This is the time of year when the federal, state, city and county government bodies are finalizing their budgets for 2010.

I went to the city website to look at a copy of the 2009 budget and noticed it wasn’t there. One will find the 2006, 2007 and 2008 budgets but nothing newer. I did some research the websites of other cities and counties to find out what the consensus was concerning posting of this type of information. (You will find links at the bottom of this article for those websites along with the numbers for 2006-2008 Rushville budgets.) What I discovered was that it was hard to find budget numbers on most city websites. As a citizen, I would think that in this age of such computer technology that these would be more accessible to the public. While researching this topic another thing, I noticed was the quality of the websites of other cities. The city’s website needs to be addressed. I would challenge the council and county make these items more accessible to the public. Technology is a wonderful way for an ever-busy public to keep up with the actions its government is taking.

http://www.fishers.in.us/egov/apps/search/results.egov?fromIntranet=&as=1&as_cq=budget&as=Search&fDD=&lCS=&lDT=&as_b=1&as_t=1&as_d=1&as_k=1

http://www.cityofgreensburg.com/

http://www.cityofnewcastle.net/

http://franklin.in.egovapps.com/

So here we go:

1. Is the lack of budget information on-line intentional?

2. Why post it for the years prior to going in office but not after taking office?

3. Why would the county have posted NONE of theirs?

4. Is it true that accountability and transparency aren’t always compatible?

Is this what you call a "RUFF" day?

Ok.  So the general public seems to be seriously bantering around on the topic. I will ask a few serious questions that I am sure the paper will address in its next article - or - until the investigation is underway this site and those who comment have about worn this topic out.  So in closing out this topic, here are some serious and not so serious; I hope you see the humor. 

1. On the bright side the shooting of the dog hurts the ghost employment claims?
2. Would a investigation include interviewing the neighbors and eye witnesses?
3. Should the paper survey the last (2) police chiefs to ask how they would handle getting a dog in a car?
4. Why is shooting a dog in Greensburg a class “D” felony?
5. Will there be a fund set up for McLovin?
6. So quick freeze-a-dog is a good story---shooting a dog by the police chief is bad?
7. How many dogs did Tony Fudge execute?
8. Hello, hello has anyone heard of a story from Bob Miller commenting on his opinion of how he thinks the new chief is performing?
9. Is this why Ruff the Crime is nervous around the chief?
10. Has Ronnie been bike riding with Mr. Angle?
11. When they say make sure your dog gets his shots, is this what they mean?
12. So can I assume Ronnie was never a K-9 officer?
13. If you throw dog in the freezer will it come back to life?
14. What are the criteria to establish premeditation?
15. Is it just me or has anyone else notice the lack of comments from our elected leaders?

 

Ronnie's Dog-gone Defense

After this story sat out in the public for a few days, Police Chief Ron Cameron had a chance to defend his dog shooting incident. The incident appears to be one with very differing points of view of what actually happened that lead to the shooting. It appears to be another in the series of embarrassing incidents related to domesticate animals over the years.

Those sympathetic to the treatment of possible animal abuses in the past have gone so far as to march on the courthouse, appear at public meetings, and start charitable funds for the protection of such animals. This incident appears to be along the same lines as any possible abuse in the past. Many residents appear to be interested to see what the local reaction will be to the most current occurrence.

The story, as reported by the local paper, recounts the conversations with the dog’s owner. Then it delves into the justification of the shooting by Chief Cameron. What appears to be missing in the reporting of the full story seems to be the eyewitness accounts that were covered by WTHR Channel 13 news. The eyewitness accounts DO NOT corroborate the claims made by the Police Chief.

Some of the questions related specifically to the article are as follows:

The local paper reported “According to the Rushville woman, Rushville Chief of Police Ron Cameron responded to the call.” 

Who was this Rushville woman?

“Following the shooting, Animal Control took him to the Rushville Animal Shelter.”

When did the Police Chief leave the scene?

Was the dog dead when he left?

Where was Ms. Glandon during the duration of the incident?

“As of Friday afternoon, the dog had not been released to family members pending the outcome of the investigation into the shooting”

Who will investigate the shooting?

Could an internal investigation by a subordinate be unbiased?

Will it be through the prosecutor’s office?

“…trained to shoot twice”

Are officers at the modern academy really trained to shoot twice?

“I have to get rid of him anyway because I’m going on vacation”

Does that mean the owner is in some way implying that killing the dog was ok?

Now for the generic questions?
1. Shouldn’t all this be verifiable by recordings made as a result of normal police procedure?
2. Is this considered a police action shooting?
3. Is the Chief qualified for the firing of fire arms?
4. Would this qualify as a situation in need of an independent investigator?
5. Would the shell casing shown at the scene be part of the investigation that should have been taped off with crime scene tape?
6. Where are the voices of those vocal in the past?
7. Why would Channel 13 run a story before the local paper?
8. Is there any irony in the fact that the dog was named “McLovin?” 
Since the last story created a series of articles I am sure this one will also. This will give everyone time to continue to gather facts and ask additional question. The next series of comments and questions may be more playful and fun.

Police Action Shooting in Rushville

At the risk of being labeled as attacking the Police Chief, I report the following. This story will be serious in nature. Those that follow might not be of the same journalistic altitude.

Chief Ron Cameron was involved in a police action shooting of a dog on Tuesday that left a family pet dead. Chief Cameron stated that he felt threatened by the dog, a two year old Lab mix named McLovin, while he was trying to apprehend the K9.

According to a report on WTHR, the dog, owned by Trudy Smith, was out of its yard and running the neighborhood. Animal Control reportedly told Chief Cameron that the only person able to corral the dog was the owner who was on her way to the scene. Chief Cameron stated that he felt a neighboring resident was threatened so he exited his vehicle. The neighbor went back in his house and that is when Chief Cameron said the dog turned to attack him and he felt the dog would bite him so he shot him.

According to the WTHR report, that is not the story the neighbors who witnessed the shooting tell. Rex and Mary Harpring stated they were on their porch and observed the whole incident. They say that at no time was the dog a threat to anyone and that he was actually playing with another dog as Chief Cameron attempted to place McLovin in his patrol car. Ms. Harpring was quoted by WTHR as saying, "The dog was nowhere near him to attack him. There's no way that dog tried to attack him. He knows that and I know that." Both Trudy Smith, McLovin’s owner, and the Harprings have filed complaints with the City. Ms. Harpring was quoted as saying, "He's the chief of police. I'm just a nobody.”

In the past, stories of this nature have drawn much attention in the community. The most recent incident even involved consideration of charges being filed against the shooter. The site will watch the treatment of the police chief like those who read this site.

I will post more on this story as information becomes available in the state or local media. In the mean time, here is a link to the WTHR story and video that was broadcast last night.

http://www.wthr.com/global/story.asp?s=10734848

No questions. I am playing real journalist.

Duplicitous

I think the only thing that is nerve-racking about this site is that it tracks the promises and comments made, and then it watches for the corresponding action items that follow. It does play devil’s advocate on the press releases just to give examples of what might be asked if there was really any investigative journalism in existence. The concept seems pretty simple to me.

Sure, I understand that those in power are not used being questioned, and it annoys them. I am sure when they write a press release the last thing they want is a blog site dissecting their words and intentions. So what do they get? Mad…sorry.

If people stood up and said “no” to the “little white lies” for a couple of years, the problem eradicate itself. Once the community sets its new standards of behavior, the leaders would know what would and would not be tolerated, but that is going to take an exorcism of the present attitude.

Sometimes the angle, or desired results, is complicated and hard to follow. (Hint – most of the time they ultimately revert back to the almighty dollar.) Sometimes there are days, weeks, or months between the contradictions. Sometimes they happen in the same paper. Every once in a while they happen on the same page, but rarely do they happen in the same column. Here are two reader submitted morsels of knowledge and the comments associated to them made by the paper:

1. Do those trains of thoughts seem to be contradictory?
2. Is it okay to take away my freedom of speech?
3. Is it okay to take away a persons freedom of speech if they descent from what I am saying?
4. If this blog went away tomorrow, would the paper go back to the days went it won real awards, would the blade go back on the chopper, would the hospital be full, would the town have the Honda plant?
5. Historically, Rush County leaders have wanted to shirk their responsibility to make thing happen or to not make things happen. Are they really going to blame the present state of the community on this blog site?
6. I mean really… Are they serious?
 

Happy Birthday to You

This weekend was a special weekend for one Rushville legend. Saturday evening, a surprise birthday party and reception was held in honor of Marcia Blair. Marcia, you might know, is a retired Drama teacher from the local high school. Her husband, Les, is a retired from the local system from the English department. The reception was to honor Marcia on her 70th Birthday. The party was attended by friends and family in addition to many former students who where part of the Drama Department, the long-running Briar Patch and Slabtown.

As though the party was not enough, the weekend of activities were topped off by a surprise performance for the birthday girl on Sunday afternoon at the Laughlin Center. Many of the those former performers who had attended the Saturday evening event returned on Sunday to dust off the cobwebs on their thespian interests. They performed various skits in her honor.

The crowd on Sunday was treated with a three-act tribute performance that was both nostalgic and heartfelt. The efforts by those who care for this great community sage were appreciated by those who were able to witness the events. Marcia - thank you for all your efforts and dedication to this community; the tribute was much deserved.

Questions:

1. Was it truly a surprise?
2. Was that really Joe Hogsett?
3. Do you miss such efforts, like the Briar Patch?

No tough ones, again, thanks for the memories!