WANE TV & News-Sentinel Poll May Mean Little

The two media outlets have hyped the poll they had conducted back in mid October. Does the results mean much? One has to wonder as, both the Democrat Party Chairman and Republican Party Chairman where guarded in what the results showed. At first glance it appears Tom Henry is beating Matt Kelty so badly, that someone should put the beer on ice. However, people that know how polling is conducted remain uncommitted to what the results really mean.

The public has been advised very little of how the polling model was created. Was it just based on obtaining 600 "likely" voters across the city ? Was it based within zip codes, based on the political make up of the zip code? How many registered voters did they have to reach to find the 600 who where "likely" voters? This entire post could ask questions on how the sampling group was selected. Until WANE TV & The News-Sentinel spells out all the details concerning the survey, the results will be questionable.

The sampling error factors do not speak to what the city voters would do as a hole. What it did say, if a person sampled the voters in whatever fashion the polling company used, they would get the same response 19 of 20 times.

One has to look at what was going on during the days leading up to the polling. Was there good or bad news being put forth by the local media, that may have effect on what voters thought at that moment in time? This could cause a distortion in the results that causes "blip" but not a true valid long term statement. Some voters may days later, or even weeks, may have modified their potential voting decision after learning more of each candidate.

A major factor that a poll cannot calculate, regardless to how well it was done, is the voter actually going to vote. It is one thing to tell someone on the phone that a person intends to vote, but them doing so, is vastly different.

One point that needs to be considered that the undecided is a large group of voters. One would guess most of these people are ones that have considered voting for Kelty. They are in limbo if they will push the button for Kelty or not. It would also be natural to believe some part of the "anti Kelty" Republicans will end up voting for Kelty. They will have had well over a month to continue to evaluate their position from the time they where polled.

Smith Field Closing-Ticket Prices Rise-Taxes Go Up ???

In this morning newspaper it was reported that no one from the local airport authority would comment on the closing of the Kitty Hawk operations. The authority is made up of six people, with three each being appointed by the Mayor and the Allen County Commissioners.

Allen County taxpayers are facing paying over $20 million in increased property taxes to cover the bond issued to build Kitty Hawk their cargo hub. To reduce the impact on property owners, the Airport Authority may elect to take some of the following actions.

What should concern the people who use Smith Field it may require it to be closed because of the failure of Kitty Hawk. The operations manager for Fort Wayne International Airport stated that cut backs would have to be made. Will there once again be run at shutting down Smith Field?

What should concern every person who uses Fort Wayne International will ticket prices increase as the board tries to increase income? The board will raise the rates for rental of terminal space, higher landing fees, and so forth. This will require the airlines to pass the charges onto the customer.

The Airport Authority Board's "NO COMMENT" is unacceptable in the public sector.

Draw whatever you want from the following information but the Fort Wayne - Allen County Airport Authority no longer represents the general public. The board in total, or majority of them must believe they are some private company, that does not have to answer to public.

This is why fewer and fewer voters give a damn about their communities!

Fort Wayne - Allen County Airport Authority Board of Directors

Michael S. Gouloff*, President (Mayor in 1997) [Tom Henry Financial Contributor]


Cathy Gallmeyer**, Vice President (Commissioners in 1999) [GOP Executive Board - One of the first to resign]


Tim Haffner, Secretary (Commissioners in 1994) [Republican Appoint]

Jerome F. Henry, Jr.* (Mayor in 2007) [Tom Henry Financial Contributor]


Richard B. (Barry) Sturges, Jr**. (Mayor in 2007) [Tom Henry Financial Contributor]


Neil Hayes, (Commissioners in 2002) [Republican Appointed]

*Gouloff & Henry both serve on the Board of Directors of Tower Bank. Tower Bank held stock in Kitty Hawk for a number of years. As of latest SEC filings the bank still maintained that stock ownership.


** Gallmeyer and Sturges both employed with Sturges' property companies.

Kelty's "City of Neighbors" - More Details

Most of us wondered what was going through the mind of Matt Kelty when he announced his plans for "City of Neighbors." I, for one, found it appeared to lack anything. It was a repeat of things the private sector has tried, and only provided moderate success for any one.

I wrote an email to the Kelty campaign and let them know what I thought. I included that this project sounded like the very thing Kelty opposed. I did not recieve anything back until yesterday. I received an email from Dave MacDonald explaining more in detail what "City of Neighbors" was about, and how it would work in concept.

While I am not endorsing this plan, it does have some items that gets the brainwaves flowing. It seems to have some ideas for the most part.

Here is the email:


I am a website developer and online marketer (since 1998). I am quite familiar with pay-per-impression, pay-per-click, and pay-per-action advertising. I have utilized each of these revenue generation techniques in the past and continue to do so today. As such, I fully appreciate your perspective. "Traditional pay-per-impression advertising will never generate $1,000,000. To suggest otherwise is 'pie-in-the-sky.'" I agree. It cannot. This is not being proposed.

City of Neighbors' fundraising approach may be better compared to the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo's $10.5 million capital project for the new African Journey exhibit. Donors are asked to contribute $400 or $1000 for which their name will be displayed on a 'recognition tile' or 'plaque.' Arguably, one would never pay $400-$1000 for a building tile, brick or plaque itself; it is understood that one is supporting the zoo and recognition of this support is icing on the cake. At one time raising $10.5 million by selling building bricks was considered 'pie in the sky,' and yet this has become a generally accepted fundraising practice.

In lieu of tiles, bricks and plaques, City of Neighbors will recognize Community Partners with their own banners and ads. Businesses will be rewarded for being a 'good neighbor' when they endow the project with advertising dollars. Seventy-five (75%) percent of a business' advertising expense/endowment is paid directly to Fort Wayne neighborhoods. In return for their support, businesses receive online recognition linked directly to their own website. Neighborhoods will be partially compensated based upon their participation (more active neighborhoods will earn more than less active associations). Participation will be primarily determined by counting the number of page views received from each community relative to all others. 'Counting page views' should not be confused with traditional pay-per-impression advertising.

Other funding mechanisms will also be available. Business classified advertising and online auctions, as well as opt-in email for receiving business advertising will generate additional revenue for the program.

City of Neighbors will be funded entirely by outside private investment and revenue generation. No tax dollars will be requested or accepted. City of Neighbors is a market-driven solution that helps Fort Wayne neighborhoods, and is self-sustaining without tax dollars:

Start-up costs: Funded entirely by private investment

Setup/Administration: Software development company

Operating costs: Funded entirely by revenue generation

Oversight: Not-for-Profit Organization (not affiliated with the City of Fort Wayne)

Beneficiary: Fort Wayne neighborhood associations

City Departments Involved: None (although mutually-beneficial partnerships would be considered)

Tax dollars used: None

I initially proposed that the project would provide funds to the Community Development department of the City of Fort Wayne. However, after careful reflection I determined this was an unnecessary step; grants to neighborhoods needing additional support may be made directly by the non-profit and implications of involvement by a City department were confusing. I hope this response clarifies the issue.

Please feel free to reply back with any other questions or concerns.


Kindest regards,
Dave MacDonald
Kelty for Mayor Committee

Just Get Out And Vote

In looking back at the last city election in 2003 only slightly more then 3 in 10 registered voters voted in Fort Wayne's general election. 53,191 voters decided Fort Wayne's future with regards to the elected leaders. What is ironic, nearly 12% of those voting did not even cast a vote for Mayor. Only 47,031 votes where tallied for the Mayor of Fort Wayne race.

This year nine candidates are seeking to fill the three city at-large council seats. The winners could be decided by less then three votes per precinct. In the 2003 election, with only six candidate running, Democrat John Shoaff defeated Republican Tom Friestroffer by 3.6 votes per precinct for the third and final at-large seat.

In the council district races the only one that went down to the wire was Tom Henry against Tom Didier. Didier won the race by 172 votes. This broke down to just over 5.5 votes per precinct the 4th district.

This year the Libertarian Party has offered a slate of seven candidates running for the various council seats. It is unknown if any of their candidates will win. Nevertheless, they may play a key roll into who is elected. While the Libertarian Party offers several quality candidates they suffer from little party funding and no great personal wealth to run a strong campaign. The City's ban on signs will prove to be an additional obstacle in getting their candidates name before the voters of Fort Wayne.

The at-large council seats appears to offer the most exciting race this year. In 2003, John Crawford lead the voting with 19% of the vote. He averaged 142 votes per precinct. Following Crawford was Sam Talarico, Jr., with 134 votes per precinct. The final winner of the at-large seats was John Shoaff. He collected 123 votes per precinct.

The three candidates who lost where, as follows; Rebecca Ravine - 119 votes per precinct, Thomas Freistroffer - 120 votes per precinct, and May Johnson with 99 votes per precinct. There was a total of 43 votes cast for write-ins.

The Libertarian Party could change this year's results even by not winning one seat. By pulling a mere five or six percent of the total vote, could result in changes. The Libertarian Party does have a message that is being heard by some. It will be interesting to see if the message has reached the level of Fort Wayne electing its' first Libertarian.

The race for Mayor will come down to which candidate can get their voters out to vote. The voters will weigh what their personal values are, beliefs in what the media has offered, a reflection on the Harrison Square project, the smoking ban, property taxes, what people perceive as political dirty tricks, and the direction the city is heading. It shall be interesting to see what affect all these issues have.

No voter should consider their vote a wasted vote. A wasted vote is one that is never used!

IS POLICE CHIEF YORK DANCING WITH WORDS?

In today's Journal-Gazette, Fort Wayne Police Chief Rusty York takes exception to Matt Kelty's claim some Fort Wayne Police officers' body armor is no longer warranted to be worn. At first reading appears York seems to state that Kelty's claim in untrue. However, going back and reading the statement paragraph by paragraph York could be playing the word game. York could have just come out and said it was untrue and for Kelty to produce one piece of body armor that was out of warranty.

Following is York's statement. BOLD CAPITOL TEXT is of mine.

SETTING UP HIS ARGUMENT
On numerous occasions, mayoral candidate Matt Kelty has publicly expressed concern that officers of the Fort Wayne Police Department are not provided body armor and suggests that the administration of the police department is jeopardizing their safety. Kelty is misinformed, and I feel compelled to provide an accurate account of our protective body armor program.

STATEMENT OF FIRST EQUIPPING AND THE REQUIRED WEARING
Every Fort Wayne police officer is issued protective body armor when he or she begins work with our agency. Uniformed officers are required to wear body armor at all times, and all other personnel are required to wear it during arrest or high-risk situations.

CONFUSING STATEMENT - VESTS OR TOTAL BODY ARMOR--- YORK SAYS FIVE-YEAR WARRANTY AND THEN WARRANTY DOES NOT EXPIRE AT SAME TIME.
The manufacturers of protective body armor typically provide a five-year warranty on their products. In 1999 the police department was able to secure a federal grant, which allowed us to replace all of our officers’ vests that were older than five years. Keep in mind that the warranty of all of our body armor does not expire at the same time.

QUALIFIED ANSWER - DOES NOT ADDRESS ANYONE HAVING BODY ARMOR OUT OF WARRANTY.
Our budgeted level of commissioned officers is 460. We have hired 93 officers over the past five years, providing them with new body armor. Body armor costs about $497. This year we replaced the body armor of 191 of our officers at a cost of $95,280, and we have budgeted the same amount for 2008.

SAY WHAT? - EITHER THE $1,700 CLOTHING ALLOWANCE IS GREATLY TOO MUCH OR "PAY IT OUT OF YOUR OWN POCKET!"
Officers receive a $1,700 annual clothing allowance. At any time, if an officer feels compelled to replace his or her vest outside of our rotation cycle, they could use their clothing allowance for that purchase.

SELF SERVING STATEMENT
Our agency prides itself on being one of the most professional, highly trained and well-equipped police departments in the United States, with officer safety being our highest of priorities. Officers put themselves in harm’s way on a daily basis – it is a requirement of their profession. We recognize their valor and do our very best to keep them safe.

MY CLOSING COMMENT
If Police Chief York disagrees with Kelty he should have just laid out the numbers. He should have not danced around with words, that in conclusion, leaves one wondering if every officer does in deed have the proper body armor.

If York is right, he should just challenge Kelty to produce one vest that is out of useful life. York should not play with words, because a bullet will go right through his words and just maybe a worn-out vest.

Eric White over at the Center Line blog has his own view on this subject. You can check it out at: http://americanwhiteguy.wordpress.com/2007/10/26/police-chief-rusty-york-responds/

Kelty Big Supporters - Interesting Group

Over the course of the race for the Mayor of Fort Wayne several names have been brandished about regarding who is supporting Matt Kelty. Generally the names have come up because of their financial support to Kelty. One name has been used by Kelty in his message of people making a business go despite not having any local government assistance.

Dick Freeland:
The owner of the Pizza Huts in Northeast, Indiana & Northwest, Ohio. Freeland started his business from one store front location and grown to be a model for Pizza Hut Inc. Prospective Pizza Hut franchise purchasers are brought to Fort Wayne, to be shown how one can become highly successful. According to Freeland's Pizza Hut website they employ over 2,000 people in their business.

Freeland knows that growing and sucessful Fort Wayne attracts more people. Which he knows will result in more business to his locations.

http://www.pizzahutfwi.com/


John Popp:
President and third generation owner of Aunt Millies. Been part of the Fort Wayne business community since 1901. Business now includes seven bakeries in Indiana and Michigan. Located near the heart of downtown Fort Wayne on Pearl Street. Is known as a leader in the bakery business with many innovations in the machinery and processes of making bread products. Aunt Millies employs over 2,000 in their operations.

Popp has his core business downtown and to see downtown Fort Wayne grow, would only be beneficial to him and his employees.
http://www.auntmillies.com/


John Tippmann:
From the business of Tippmann Group. The company has a strong relationship to the community in the owning of the historical Lincoln Tower in downtown Fort Wayne. Also they took the lead, in purchasing the old Sears department store building on Rudisell near South Clinton into an office complex.

Part of the Tippmann Group is considered national leader among companies that build refrigerated warehousing. This is carried out under their Tippmann Construction Company. They currently have several building under construction all over the United States.
Tippmann has tens of millions of dollars of personal wealth at risk in the downtown Fort Wayne. The sucess of downtown Fort Wayne directly effects this company.

http://www.tippmanngroup.com/home.html


Tom Spiece:
The owner of Spiece Fieldhouse. Spiece in known around the United States for one of the most successful businesses in promoting basketball programs for the youth of America. Additionally his business also includes one of the larger physical fitness centers, that is not supported in part, by charitable donations.

Spiece took a vacant industrial building and built it into an attraction that draws over 800,000 people a year to Fort Wayne. The number of people enterting his building is only on the scale of what the Allen County Coliseum draws. Yet, Spiece did this without tax abatements or government grants.

Spiece has to be considered the largest private businessman in Fort Wayne that a good tourist business is a must. Good hotels, restaurants, and shopping choices must be available for his business to continue to succeed.

http://www.gymratsbasketball.com/


It is hard to believe these men would continue to support Matt Kelty if they did not believe he could be a leader. These are smart, successful, and seasoned businessmen that each has a stake in seeing Fort Wayne grow and become a great city. These men are not "short timers" in our community. Most have been here for nearly their entire lives and have no plans to leave.

If this sounds like this is a promotion for Kelty then that would be wrong. However, I am impressed with the fact some of our top businessmen must see some good things in Matt Kelty.

This is just some food for thought for the readers.

Mayor Appoints 240 To 38 Boards & Commissions

Listed below is 38 Boards and Commissions that the Mayor of Fort Wayne appoints people to. The length of service on these boards varies from one to four years, or strictly at the Mayor's choice. Some of the boards are required to have political balance in having so many members of each party represented. The appointment year very with many of these boards.

The Fort Wayne Allen County Airport Authority and Fort Wayne Public Transportation Corporation set their own budgets and property tax levies without any final approval from an elected body. Under their current setup, they can act without any true accountability to the taxpayers of Fort Wayne.

Alcoholic Beverage Commission - Mayor appoints 1 of 4 (1)

Allen County Regional Sewer District Board of Trustees - Mayor appoints 2 of 7 (3)

Animal Control Commission - Mayor appoints 3 of 5 (6)

Board of Public Safety - Mayor appoints 3 of 3 (9)

Board of Public Works - Mayor appoints 3 of 3 (12)

Board of Zoning Appeals - Mayor appoints 3 of 5 (15)

Cable Fund Advisory Board - Mayor appoints 3 or 5 (18)

City Plan Commission - Mayor appoints 5 of 9 (23)

Citizen Advisory Committee for the Community Development Block Grant - Mayor appoints 21 of 21 (44)

Community Service Council - Mayor appoints 51 of 51 (95)

Community Trust Investment Commission - ? of 4 (95)

Economic Development Commission - Mayor appoints 3 of 5 (98)

Fort Wayne/Allen County Airport Authority - Mayor appoints 3 of 6 (104)

Fort Wayne/Allen County Board of Health - Mayor appoints 4 of 6 (110)

Fort Wayne/Allen County Convention & Tourism Authority - Mayor appoints 4 of ? (114)

Fort Wayne Board of Park Commissioners - Mayor appoints 4 of 4 (118)

Fort Wayne Housing Authority - Mayor appoints 5 of 5 (123)

Fort Wayne Hospital Authority - Mayor appoints 5 of 5 (128)

Fort Wayne Police Merit Commission - Mayor appoints 2 of ? (130)

Fort Wayne Public Transportation Corporation - Mayor appoints 3 of 7 (137)

Fort Wayne Redevelopment Authority - Mayor appoints 3 of 3 (140)

Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission - Mayor appoints 3 of 5 (143)

Historic Preservation Review Board - Mayor appoints 7 of 7 (150)

Housing & Neighborhood Development Services Board of Directors - Mayor appoints 11 of ? (161)

Humane Education Advisory Council - Mayor appoints 10 of ? (171)

Internal Audit Committee - Mayor appoints 4 of 5 (176)

Leo-Cedarville Regional Sewer District - Mayor appoints 1 of 5 (177)

Mayor's Affirmative Action Advisory Council - Mayor appoints 15 of 15 (192).

Mayor's Commission on Domestic Violence, Rape & Sexual Harassment - Mayor appoints 10 of ? (202)

Metropolitan Human Relations Commission - Mayor appoints 4 of ? (206)

Rivergreenway Overlay Committee - Mayor appoints 1 of 6 (207)

Safety Village/Survive Alive Commission - Mayor appoints 5 of 7 (212)

Safe Housing & Building Advisory Board - Mayor appoints 4 of 5 (216)

Sign Review Board - Mayor appoints 5 of 5 (221)

Stormwater Management Board - Mayor appoints 3 of 5 (226)

Three Rivers Ambulance Authority Board of Directors - Mayor appoints 4 of 9 (235)

Three Rivers Festival - Mayor appoints 1 of ? (236)

Urban Enterprise Association Board of Directors - Mayor appoints 4 of 7 (240)

Property Tax - Local or State Cause

I received a several emails today regarding Matt Kelty's comment about over 99% of property tax dollars are consumed within Allen County. It reflects Kelty's claim that local government does control the impact on the paying of property tax over Tom Henry's claim of it being state controlled issue.

Below is selected Allen County townships, with three school districts, and with City Link Bus Service taxing area included. These rates are the 2006, payable in 2007.

Joseph Township - FWCS - PTC Bus Rate Percentage
School FWCS $1.3812 43.31%
City Ft Wayne $1.0195 31.97%
County Allen $0.5331 16.72%
Library Allen $0.1521 4.77%
Citylink PTC $0.0324 1.02%
Airport Fort Wayne International$0.0233 0.73%
Sate Indiana $0.0230 0.72%
Township St. Joe $0.0167 0.52%
Revel Com-TIR $0.0075 0.24%

Total $3.1888

Aboite Township - SWCS - PTC Bus
School SWCS $1.6428 47.56%
City Ft Wayne $1.0195 29.52%
County Allen $0.5331 15.43%
Library Allen $0.1521 4.40%
Citylink PTC $0.0324 0.94%
Airport Fort Wayne International$0.0233 0.67%
Sate Indiana $0.0230 0.67%
Township Aboite $0.0203 0.59%
Revel Com-TIR $0.0075 0.22%

Total $3.4540

Perry Township - NWCS - PTC Bus
School NWCS $1.5594 46.49%
City Ft Wayne $1.0195 30.39%
County Allen $0.5331 15.89%
Library Allen $0.1521 4.53%
Citylink PTC $0.0324 0.97%
Airport Fort Wayne International$0.0233 0.69%
Sate Indiana $0.0230 0.69%
Township Aboite $0.0040 0.12%
Revel Com-TIR $0.0075 0.22%

Total $3.3543

Wayne Township - FWCS - PTC Bus
School FWCS $1.3812 42.37%
City Ft Wayne $1.0195 31.27%
County Allen $0.5331 16.35%
Library Allen $0.1521 4.67%
Citylink PTC $0.0324 0.99%
Airport Fort Wayne International$0.0233 0.71%
Sate Indiana $0.0230 0.71%
Township Wayne $0.0880 2.70%
Revel Com-TIR $0.0075 0.23%

Total $3.2601

Henry - Kelty Debate - My Spin On The Winner

Tom Henry and Matt Kelty debated issues regarding the race for Mayor of Fort Wayne last night. It was through the efforts of Allen County Public Library, Indiana NewsCenter, and WOWO. The people of Fort Wayne where able to hear both candidates speak about the issues without the spin or sound bite provided by local reporters. The hope is that many of the people with intentions on voting November 6th where listening.

The local blogging community has many posts and comments with respect to last nights debate. In fact, I posted my own comments on a number of them. The comments run dealing with the real subject matter to being off the wall. Nevertheless, all the comments make for interesting reading.

What I saw and heard may not be shared by any or many, but it is what now is stored in my old worn-out brain damaged head.

No one was perfect in "performance" last night. It runs from Tom Henry to the local media members who asked the questions. They all had their moments of finding the right wording, and communicating such. Frankly, I found it refreshing that everything did not seem like it was rehearsed.

Having met Tom Henry several times over the years I could tell he was not real comfortable. He seemed to struggle at times, like he was trying to remember things others may have told him to make a point of. To judge his fitness for office based on this would be in error.

Mat Kelty came across much more concise in his answers. They are the same points he has made from early on in his campaigning. He had his moments when the right words did not materialize, but they where limited. Again to judge his fitenss for office based on this would be in error.

Overall, I think both men did well. No, they where not perfect, but they are human! Frankly I have seen too many people running for office, that had all the right words, the right timing, and convincing mannerisms but delivered very little once they where elected.

I saw Kelty as the winner, in my humble view. But then again, I am but one voter, who is leaning toward voting for Kelty.

My belief was based on Kelty's view on property taxes and economic development. I do not agree with his view on Aqua Indiana. The issue of "illegals" was shared by both, and is the only one Fort Wayne can follow.

Interesting Campaign-fiance Ordinance Law

Jeffersonville, Indiana campaign-finance ordinance, which took effect with this year’s elections. The ordinance prohibits candidates from accepting more than $100 during a campaign cycle from anyone doing $10,000 or more per year in business with the city or anyone who has engaged in or has threatened litigation against the city. The restrictions cover activities for an eight-year period, including four before the election and four after.

This should be something for the City of Fort Wayne to consider. Maybe the $100 limit could be raised but it should be considered by either Matt Kelty or Tom Henry.

Requirements To Be Mayor - What Does History Say?

The issue of Matt Kelty never running a large company or having been elected to a previous elected office has been tossed around some during this mayoral race. Henry has held an elected office before but never headed a large company. Kelty has never held an elected office or ran a large company.

It appears the last person that may have run a company, which may have matched the size of the city of Fort Wayne's annual budget, would have been Henry Berghoff. He served as the Mayor of Fort Wayne for one term. The term ran from 1897-1901.

What is interesting is the details about one of Fort Wayne's past mayors, in that of William Hosey. He spent most of his life as a machinist for the Pennsylvania Railroad. He did earn a college degree in literature and philosophy at night school. Hosey served four terms as Mayor of Fort Wayne, but none of the terms where consecutive.

If you look over the list of Mayors of Fort Wayne there is several them that never held an elected office before becoming Mayor. So if Kelty is elected, he would not be setting any record for Mayor of Fort Wayne.

Just some food for thought!

Who Said It - Jehl or Fox?

It amazing when you change the names on some issue how it can mean something different to the reader. Let us say this was the response Kelty campaign made regarding the political ad on the local Christian station.

Glenna Jehl, campaign manager for Kelty, said he didn’t know anything about the endorsements until learning about them from the local media.

"Any group has a right to endorse candidates based on whatever criteria they are using," she said.

Jehl agreed she didn’t know what criteria the group used, and she said she has never spoken to AFA. She also said she wasn’t aware of any conversations Kelty had with AFA, although AFA said they spoke with Kelty several times.


Now suppose this was Henry's campaign making comments regarding the endorsement by a number of local bar owners.

Joe Fox, campaign manager for Henry, said he didn’t know anything about the endorsements until learning about them from the local media.

"Any group has a right to endorse candidates based on whatever criteria they are using," he said.

Fox agreed he didn’t know what criteria the group used, and he said he has never spoken to Vaughn. He also said he wasn’t aware of any conversations Henry had with Vaughn, although Vaughn said he spoke with Henry several times.

The first one is wrong! It just replaced the names of Henry, Fox, and Vaughn with Kelty, Jehl, and AFA. The second deals with the smoking ban in truth. Both groups offer endorsements on different issues. It just depends on which side of a given issue you may be on. Read what Fox said about endorsements.

Frankly, I find the radio spot a little too much for me, but like the people they talk about, they do have a right to have their say.

Fort Wayne Needs 20% Unemployment Rate

If you listen to either Tom Henry or Matt Kelty, that we need a ready to employee work force for the next company that comes knocking. The only way to have that "ready" workforce is to have people setting on the sidelines waiting to be employed. To reach that goal means these people need to be unemployed! Think about it.

If you listen to either Tom Henry or Matt Kelty, you hear this beating this drum of getting our colleges together to make sure they are educating the students in the right areas. Excuse me, but when I attended college, I elected what I wanted to study. At that time (just before they invented fire) mechanical and electrical engineers where in high demand in Fort Wayne. Today, that demand is a small fraction of what it was. Thousands of these engineers have long left the area because of a lack of employment. Then again maybe mechanical and electrical engineers are no longer needed in today's world.

Little talk is done by any candidate of attracting new businesses to Fort Wayne. We have untold levels of economic development groups. It seems like an endless case of confusion for any outsider who is trying to figure out who the "GO TO" group is.

It seems like every candidate today talks about assembling groups to get anything done. These elected people are picked to "lead" and not be the chairperson to 300 groups. If leadership by groups is what we want then let the voters decide monthly.

We still hear the candidates saying they will fix streets and get their area more police protection. Well, we have heard those claims since elections started and will be hearing them for generations to come. Sure they may get one street improved but overall these are empty pandering comments.

The core subject for this community is "JOBS!" We need leadership that will go out there and work with outside companies to see what it will take to get them to locate in the Fort Wayne area. The area of wireless connection and the fields of education our colleges provide is pure bunk. Honda sure would not have located where they did if the decision was based on these two factors.

Search the Internet and you will see companies locating in cities that are not even on the level of Fort Wayne. No, we need leadership that gets the job completed, over blaming others in the community for the short falls.

Oh, in closing how many software engineers do we have on the third shelf, down isle two? There is a company thinking of coming to Fort Wayne and will need several software engineers!

Kelty & Henry On Same Page - Thank Goodness

Thank goodness Matt Kelty and Tom Henry are on the same page for at least one issue and that is the OmniSource property. I think every resident in Fort Wayne wants to see some development with the property, over setting there with a falling down fence. It is eyesore as it sets today. That in some form development it could become an asset to our community over being a liability.

One has to ask the city leadership why did it take this long to have the study completed? A Phase I ESA only takes a few weeks and the results could have been known months ago. A Phase II ESA would take longer but provide much more detail of the environmental problems facing the purchaser of the property.

In today's News-Sentinel Gary Lyman, the city's brownfield manager said the city has conducted a variety of testing on the OmniSource property. One has to hope professional company did this is highly regarded within the environmental community. Anything less will just lead to additional questions and questions of the people involved in the purchase.

The testing should have been ordered as part of the option to purchase and should have been at the cost of the seller. The city should release the entire contents of what was requested that be studied and the entire report. That way, those of us that are concerned have our answers and the purchase may go forward.

I will wait until the report is released. Keep in mind I am not opposed to the conception use of the property. I just want to see that the property is clean enough that any development can go forward without spending millions more to clean up the site.

To view the News-Sentinel story click below:
http://www.news-sentinel.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071019/NEWS/710190314

Local Bloggers Have A Right To Question City!

Midland, Michigan Loons Ballpark - HOK Design

Some of the local bloggers have been taken to task for our questioning of local government and the people associated with it. Sometimes the questions are well founded. The past actions of city officials provide reasonable reason to question the openness to our local community. They provide only information and deeds to serve their wishes and not that of the community at large. Again, we see exclusive is greater then the inclusive government!

The selection of HOK Sports to design and manage the building of the baseball stadium at Harrison Square is not the issue. The selection of who was going to design the new baseball park at Harrison Square was not decided in a one hour meeting. In fact, one would guess some city officials discussed it for weeks and maybe even months. The selection of HOK was the best choice and there is no issue with HOK Sports in the least.

What city officials failed to disclose to the public was that HOK had already designed a baseball park for a Midwest League team. The scale and the scope of the project would nearly match that of Harrison Square. It would have provided the public a chance to see the work of HOK, at a level we should see in about 18 months. One has to ask why?

City officials did not bother to mention that the Midland, Michigan Loons play in a HOK designed ballpark. Just maybe, they did not want local residents to see that Midland's ballpark was built on corporate donated land and is, in part financially supported by a local foundation group. That the businesses in the community stepped up to home plate and hit a grand slam home run for the community!

Below is a link to a story written in Baseball parks.com about Midland's ballpark. HOK designed this ballpark and it contains story and photos.

http://www.baseballparks.com/GreatLakes-1.asp

The next time some local blogger questions something about Fort Wayne officials, they just may have sound footing to pose the question. Then again, if it takes a local blogger to bring a question to the front one, has to wonder what our local professional media outlets are doing?

HOK Sports - Only As Good As We Let Them To Be

San Francisco - HOK Designed Ballpark


Cincinnati - HOK Designed Ballpark

St. Louis - HOK Designed Ballpark



Washington Nationals HOK Ballpark - "Design-Build" Concept

The City of Fort Wayne picked one of the premier, if not the premier baseball design/construction management firms in this country for the new baseball park at Harrison Square. To look at the ballparks HOK Sports has designed, is to look at some of the greatest ballparks the Untied States has. They have been a leader in the new concept of "design-build" of ballparks

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The term "design-build" means that the design of the ballpark is ongoing while the construction has already started. This allows for a compressed time schedule from when funds are approved, to the time the first fans walk through the gates. HOK Sports breaks the ballpark down into phases of design and construction. An example would be, to start behind home plate, followed by the stadium's third base side, then onto the first base side, followed by left/center field, and followed by the right/center field. After these phases are complete the final phase would be the baseball field itself. This is not to say how HOK will complete Fort Wayne's ballpark but only an example of "design-build" concept.
HOK can only be as good as their customer allows them to be. Once the plans are being detailed any changes the customer wants could put the entire project completion date in jeopardy. Plus costs could spiral out of control.

HOK emplpoys subcontractors they have used in the past for a good reason. The on-site supervisors and management of the subcontractors know how "design-build" must flow. Delays in completion of any segment, of a phase could put the entire project behind schedule. Any delays in the schedules spells cost financial overruns in labor and materials. If there was ever a project of "leaving the professionals do it," this would be it.

It is clear, a project being built under the "design-build" concept should be left to the professionals who have done this before. However, Fort Wayne leaders should be pushing for as many local construction workers be hired to work on this project, under the management of HOK selected subcontractors.

Henry & Gouloff - Should Resign Or Be Fired

With yesterday's filing of bankruptcy by Kitty Hawk there should be no question left that Mayor Richard should ask both Jerome F. Henry, Jr., and Michael S. Gouloff to resign from the Fort Wayne Allen County Board of Aviation. Both of these men where appointed to the board by Mayor Richard

Henry and Gouloff also serve as board members of Tower Bank. The bank has in their investment portfolio, which in part includes some 12,400 shares of Kitty Hawk stock, as of September 30, 2007. The bank has owned these shares for at least two years.

No longer can Henry and Gouloff serve the best interest of both Tower Bank and the residents of Allen County. In serving the best interest of Tower Bank may force them to consider moving Kitty Hawk operations from Fort Wayne International Airport. If Kitty Hawk would leave the airport, the remaining multi million dollar balance, of the property taxed guaranteed bond would fall on the local property owners.

Fort Wayne - The City That Lacks Promotion

Over the last couple of months I heard about some pretty good events going on in Fort Wayne AFTER THEY ARE OVER! In my circle of friends (yes I have more then my dog) we have discussed the issue of someone missing an event. Most of these friends take at least one of the daily papers, watch the crazy local news, and are on the Internet daily. So it is not like we live in an isolated, sheltered world.

With all this talk about revitalizing downtown Fort Wayne got me thinking. So Sunday night I started the goggle search of events happening in Fort Wayne. Well, if I wanted to search at least a dozen or so sites which in turn then led me off to other sites or that required me to go to a third site, I could learn of some of the events going on in Fort Wayne. Wow, what a pain in the rear! One has to wonder what the people living outside Fort Wayne do if they are interested in seeing "what is happening" in all Fort Wayne?

Think of the hundreds of the out of visitors who are setting away the nights in their hotel rooms because they have no clue what may be going on in Fort Wayne. They lay down on their bed to only doze off, while watching TV. Then return home and tell others there is nothing going on in Fort Wayne. No one should be shocked or surprised!

Can it be fixed? Yes, and very quickly if we want to! Then again, we would need to pull together as a community, over a group of people concerned only about their little part of the world.

If we cannot get the basics down of promoting all of Fort Wayne how will we ever succeed as a city? Either we become an inclusive community or we will fail because we are an exclusive community. If we seek to be a diverse community then we need to promote are entire community to ourselves and the world around us.

To reach the goal cannot be driven by individual profit or individual glory, but of making Fort Wayne a better place!

Busse Could Lead Fort Wayne To Revitalize Downtown

In today's News-Sentinel there are several stories about the issue of Fort Wayne revitalizing the core of the city. It is discussed one of the issues facing revitalization is "turf wars." The term "turf war" could mean "self interests," "power brokers," "self serving" and a great many more terms to describe those who think they should be one(s) to see the revitalization through. If that mind set continues the residents of Fort Wayne will end with a bunch of projects that do not deliver. Fort Wayne deserves better.

What is needed is someone who is not dependent on others, be it political or financial, to take the lead. This person has to be of such standing that when they call the phone gets answered. The person needs to be able to work with the people who want to accomplish this goal and to go around, or through those that have some other agenda.

Keith Busse runs the multi billion dollar Steel Dynamics Incorporated (SDI). He has built this business from the ground up and kept his company strong even when most other steel producers suffered greatly in the United States. While working in a steel mill is hard work you will not find much of a turn over in employees. He pays well, and shares some of the profits with the employees. Yes, he has stockholders to answer to, but has proven by sharing the profits with the very people that produce the goods increases productivity above the competitors. That is the type of leadership this project needs

Busse could be the very man to spearhead the revitalization of downtown Fort Wayne. While his business interests would not allow him to have a day-to-day roll in the project he could be the one that pulls it together. He would be able to settle "turf wars" by blowing them up. He could get everyone pulling the same direction regardless to political following or financial interest.

Working directly with him could be people like:
Ian Rolland - Former CEO of Lincoln Life
Phil Laux - Former President of Greater Fort Wayne Camber of Commerce
Joseph Ruffolo - President of Ruffolo Benson Investments
Tom Spiece - President of Spiece Fieldhouse

Laux could be hired by a combination of foundation grants, community grants, and even a contribution from the City of Fort Wayne to run the operation on a day-to-day basis. He and the other members would pull the data together and make final presentations to Bussie. Once the group agreed to a course of action it would be presented to the Mayor and City Council for consideration.

Supporting the "board" would take several other community groups to gather information in many areas.

IPFW - Surveying the people of Fort Wayne (address their wishes and issues. By addressing their issues will lead to buy in)
Invent Tomorrow - Continue to travel to cities to gleam the good and problems these successful cities have had
Fort Wayne Planning Department - Assist in the planning
Fort Wayne Economic Department - Assist in economic development
Utitilies - I&M, NIPSCO, Verizon, Comcast
Arts - Historical, Art, Music, Library
Chamber of Commerce - Business community
Banks -
Foundations -
Health Care - Parkview, Lutheran, Senior Living, Mental Health
Sports Corp - the various sports entities
Labor - Unions
Justice - Courts, FWPD, probation department, work release
Park Department -
Corp of Engineers - River
Department of Natural Resources - River
Congress - Mark Souder, Mike Pence, Birch Bayh, Richard Lugar

While the above list may be a partial list the idea is to make the planning inclusive over exclusive of shutting anyone out. The point is they would have tasks to complete and input to provide in writing the plan.

Total investment in this project will be in the hundreds of millions of dollars. We need the leadership of people who are use to dealing in projects of this scope. These people know how to get things done and get them done quickly. Fort Wayne could use this approach and maybe reach our goal of revitalising our city in five to six years over twenty years.

Path to News-Sentinel articles:
http://www.news-sentinel.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071015/NEWS/710150309

Kitty Hawk Files Chaper 11 Bankruptcy

The days of Kitty Hawk flying out of Fort Wayne may be numbered. Kitty Hawk filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in Federal Court in Texas today. The filing is apparently Kitty Hawk's last gasp at reorganizing before selling off what assets they have reaming.

The taxpayers of Allen County, Indiana may well be called on, to pay off the remaining bond that was floated to build the air hub facility at Fort Wayne International Airport. These is not the first time taxpayers in Allen County has been left "holding the bag" regarding taxpayer guaranteed bonds and the airport.


Click below to view the Securities Exchange Commission filing regarding Kitty Hawk's most recent bankruptcy filing:
http://yahoo.brand.edgar-online.com/fetchFilingFrameset.aspx?dcn=0000950129-07-004924&Type=HTM

Previous Post On Kitty Hawk Can Be Read At:
http://fwroadkill.blogspot.com/2007/10/kitty-hawk-update-correction.html

Inclusive Not Exclusive - Path To Downtown Development

Invent Tomorrow returned from their three day trip to Chattanooga where they hoped to pick up ideas on how this very unique city turned their downtown into a center of attraction. Various members of the local community have previously visited Greenville, South Carolina and Providence, Rhode Islands to which they claim have many similarities to Fort Wayne.

Invent Tomorrow Executive Director Cheri Becker said the travels are to see what lessons can be gleamed from these cities and then adopt them to Fort Wayne. One would hope the group would also have gleamed problematic issues that have come to these communities as a result of the downtown development. It is like picking beautiful roses, if you do not deal with the thorns, then you will not be picking roses for long.

It is nice to see Invent Tomorrow state that all three cities took some twenty years to reach the point they are at today. They did not do it in three or four years. The three cities developed rough plans, but ones the future administrations could buy into. They accomplished their goal with private investment, federal monies, state monies, foundation grants, and some city investment.

When anything is designed there many steps that any project must traverse before it is completed. Fort Wayne's overall final product will be the sum of many smaller projects, but each must be done in a orderly prudent financial method. They must be done with a solid master plan but with the flexibility for change.

No one can just brush off the unknown environmental issues facing the OmniSource property. By doing so, could doom the North River project for generations if the City of Fort Wayne is required to pay most or all the clean up costs. The four plus million dollar investment in securing the property could be only a small down payment in making the property usable.

While some would say that Fort Wayne is much like Chattanooga, Greenville, or Providence is a distortion in many many ways. Nevertheless, we can still learn things these cities have done that worked and what did not work that could apply to Fort Wane.

A person would be hard pressed to find many residents of Fort Wayne who say they are opposed to Fort Wayne improving itself. Where the difference is how we get there and how we pay for it. The people concerned about how we get there and how we pay for it should be part of the planing process. By being inclusive, over being exclusive may take a tad longer to develop the master plan but it will result in one endorsed by the vast majority.

Groups that want to step forward and act in the roll of leadership need to make sure the public knows who they are. Right or wrong, the deeds of other special interest groups has people questioning any new group. These groups must operate in total transparency if they wish for the public to buy into their ideas. Otherwise, they will be rightfully placed under a cloud of question!

Kitty Hawk - Update & Correction

On October 5th this site posted a statement about the perceived or potential conflict of interest several people and business may have regarding Kitty Hawk . Kitty Hawk currently leases space at the Fort Wayne International Airport. You can read the post at:
http://fwroadkill.blogspot.com/2007/10/who-does-who-represent-in-leasebond.html


In a filing with the Securities Exchange Commission, Mr. Joseph D. Ruffolo resigned from the board of directors of Kitty Hawk on October 2nd. The filing was not signed by a Kitty Hawk officer until October 9th. You can read the filing at:
http://yahoo.brand.edgar-online.com/fetchFilingFrameset.aspx?dcn=0000950134-07-021047&Type=HTML


The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette carried a story in their paper on October 13th. You can read the story at:
http://www.journalgazette.net/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071013/BIZ/710130353

Mr. Ruffolo should be commended for removing himself from any perceived or potential conflict of interest as the future of Kitty Hawk is unknown.

The original post stated the stock was no longer being traded which was in error. AMEX is seeking to have the stock removed from being traded on their exchange. The stock has been trading for under 10 cent a share as of late.

Excuse Me.... Who Is Invent Tomorrow??

Here are the public known facts about Invent Tomorrow, a nonprofit company:

Cheri Becker is the executive director of Invent Tomorrow. Husband, Mark is deputy mayor of Fort Wayne
Invent Tomorrow has the same address as Carson Boxberger Law Firm in One Summit Square building.
Invent Tomorrow is a nonprofit LLC

If they want credibility here in the Fort Wayne community then they should answer the following questions.

A list of the board of directors of Invent Tomorrow?
A list of people/companies funding this nonprofit?
What industry does this nonprofit represent?

Most nonprofits and groups who promote themselves as community leaders are proud as to who their board members are. They know by disclosing their board members, it will often convince the public of the group's credibility.

Here is their site if you want to check it out. Someone please tell me who, what, and where of this group is?
http://www.inventtomorrow.com/

Hello Matt Kelty - Common Sense Is On The Phone

Matt Kelty needs to find someone in his very inner circle and have a serious common sense discussion. They need to make some hard decisions about unloading some of the people within their campaign. The campaign is walking a tight rope right now of turning the "undecided" voter into a "decided" voter. Sadly for them, the new "decided" voter will not be voting for Kelty .

I believe the legal charges will result in Kelty being found innocent. However these continued "brain farts" will drive away voters. His honorable loyalty to his campaign workers can only go so far. They are not being loyal by going off and doing things on their own. If his campaign manager is endorsing or approving these things, then she needs to go.

The cake, pictured above, should never have seen the light of day inside the party. The person who made it did Kelty great harm by thinking this would be funny. The person who posted the photos on Kelty's web site should have thought before they did the posting. Mr. Kelty these people, love them in you must, sure did not think about you when they carried out their deeds.

I am starting to think that any of the following may be taking place within his campaign. Some of Kelty's supporters think this is some kind of funny game. Some of Kelty's supporters have a severe case of a lack of common sense. Some of Kelty's supporters are just out of touch. Some of Kelty's leadership workers have no clue. Just maybe, Kelty himself has no understanding of just what is going on.

Kelty needs to find the right people to work with him in the final weeks of this campaign. He needs to drop the loyal bit, if he is serious about serving the residents of Fort Wayne.

I am sure someone in Kelty's campaign is reading all the local blogs and they will see that even people who supported him somewhat are starting to question him. Right or wrong, Kelty has to learn perception is reality!

The perception right now is of an out of control campaign, that looks more like a human train wreck.

Do I Hate Everyone - No, But I Do Dislike A Few

This post deals with one person who posted on one of the other local blogs asking if I hated everyone. So in fairness, I have decided to address the issue.

No, I do not hate everyone. In fact I think many of our elected officials have done some pretty good things. However, it does not give them a free pass to do wrong. There are things that are legally wrong and then there are things that are morally wrong. To which I will hold people accountable.

I use this blog as a place to exercise my right to freedom of speech. I, unlike several other local blogs, do not stop others from exercising their freedom of speech of offering their opinions that do not agree with mine. Discussing issues in the open may not result in agreement, but a better understanding of reasoning.

In today's world so many people believe in the idea, if something goes their way then how it was achieved means nothing. I would rather loose on an issue, based on full disclosure, then win by hiding facts that do not support my stand. I think when we where young children our parents called it cheating!

What I do believe in is honestly and being straight with the people. That you propose ideas, lay all the facts out, debate the issue, vote on an issue, and then move on. If you break the process link anywhere, then everything that follows is under quest suspicion. Hence, moving on gets much more difficult.

Regarding Harrison Square

I did not oppose the Harrison Square Project with the baseball park. I could not think of one single attraction that could be built downtown that would draw 300,000 people for the dollar investment. The hotel issues where not a real issue at first. The parking garage raised some questions in my mind because of exists and so forth. In summary, the concept of the plan was acceptable.

You will not find any post here or comments on any other blog stating I thought the project was illegal. You will not find where I ever stated the purchase of the property was illegal (but I do agree those that have raise some valid points that should have been honestly answered).

You will find me posting and commenting on the Embassy/Indiana Hotel walkway. I oppose it as being part of the Harrison Square Project costs, because it is not. I am not going to rehash the points I have made about it here and now.

You will find me posting and commenting on certain people being in appointed positions that voted on parts of Harrison Square. The people, who have vested interests in seeing this project carried through should have resigned or recused themselves from the discussions and voting. What they did was wrong.

You will find me posting and commenting about elected officials who provide special considerations for a few. I disagreed with the latest smoking ban as to telling bar and private clubs what they must do. Nevertheless I could live with that law. However, to put language in the ordinance to provide special consideration for the hospitals is not right. To give the hospitals a 100 foot no smoking zone past their property lines is wrong. To do so violated other property owners the right to control the use their property. It also extended public rightaway usage that was not afforded to others.

You will find me posting about the pending OmniSource property purchase. You won't find that I oppose any of the discussions on the final usage of the property so far. My problem is with the environmental status of the property and why would Fort Wayne pay nearly top dollar for the property.

You will find me posting about the rivers in Fort Wayne. I am an avid fisherman. I do fish the St. Joe from the dam at the Coliseum Blvd. and north. I have fished the mouth of the Spy Run Creek. I have fished the St. Mary's back in the 60's. I have fished parts of the Maumee. I also know their dangers they pose today. Be it the consumption of fish caught or environmental issues with the water itself.

You will find me posting about the sign ordinance as it stands, it will be struck down in any federal court challenge. The Mayor and council knew it would be but it did not serve their need. They could have asked one constitutional lawyer and the lawyer would have told them it would not pass a court review.

You will find me posting about apparent conflicts of interest. The issue comes even more troublesome when you find the Indiana Board of Accounts has demanded for the last two years that conflicts of interest forms be completed by people within local government. This year's (2006) audit the state noted that certain conflict of interests forms that they had demanded the previous year (2005) had not be delivered. Plus they had made no effort to start doing it. They thumbed their nose at the State Board of Accounts!

You will find me posting about people who seem to have their hand in the cookie jar.

You will find me posting about people who try to operate in the shadows, but may be using others as their puppets.

You will find me posting about "no property taxes will be used!" Well, you can call it whatever tax you want but when it comes out of my pocket it is a tax!

You will find me posting about "the taxes are coming from one area of the city," Well, that is B.S. because to afford those people the same level of services I have, then some of my tax dollars will be spent to provide it for them. Hence, it is still a tax and is coming out of my pocket.

Mayor Richard should have received a standing ovation from the citizens of Fort Wayne when he left office this coming December 31st. This would have been for his six sigma program that has given Fort Wayne a much more efficient delivery of basis services. Sadly, it will downed out by the cat calls and whistles of his handling of Southtown, Harrison Square, and soon North River projects.

So, if you say I hate everyone then that is your right. However I prefer to consider it calling people out. They put themselves in a position to have their real motives questioned by their own actions.

I leave you with this to ponder.

Carson-Boxberger law firm has undertaken legal work for the City of Fort Wayne. The Mayor's office has not published how much the city has spent with them for the last eight years. So the number could be a few thousand, to maybe in the millions of dollars.

Councilman Tim Pape, a partner, has a vested interest in the financial profits of the firm. Since law work is not "bid out," the Mayor could change law firms any time he desires. To continue that business income Pape could be under pressure to vote for certain issues, in support of the Mayor's position, regardless of what was best for the public.

This issue has been kicked around for several months. Pape has refused to address it in public. The Mayor has refused to release to the public an accounting of how much money has been spent with his law firm. This question would be mute if Pape was not a councilman or worked for a law firm the city maintained a business relationship with.

As for me using the words "rubber stamp" regarding the city council I will continue to use it. When you don't ask the hard questions, not demanding public answers to posed questions by council, and just go along with the flow, then you are little more then a "rubber stamp." Until I see some backbone out of the elected council members they will remain a "rubber stamp!"

When the smoking ban was discussed it was presented to council that bars would loose business. Council asked bar owners how much would they loose. The bar owners did not have any hard numbers, but could only sight what happened in other cities, which had already adopted the smoking ban.

Council members hung their hat on the fact the bar owners had no hard numbers. Yet, Mr. Crawford had no numbers to prove that the smoking ban that the bar business would remain the same or improve.

The local board of realtors desired a waiver from the sign ordnance. Mr. Crawford stated how he had researched the law and stated to provide them such would lead to the federal courts striking down the law. What Mr. Crawford failed to disclose was the fact a government cannot be selective in allowing commercial or political freedom of speech. Yet, the new law contains a provision that government will be doing such.

So I don't hate anyone. I do dislike some people for what they have done. You also have not found me asking about people from one party.

You Tell Me

I was doing some research and came across some interesting items. I have put them as questions for each of you to ponder. If you want to post your answers, or not is up to you. I will post the answers on Tuesday.

1- What well known person from Fort Wayne made this statement this week?
"My general feeling is that outside monies carry great risk. Very few people or companies give money without wanting something in return," he said. "Certainly there is a correlation of interest. But they also want more – like leniency on rates. They will seek favor whenever and wherever they can."


2- Of Allen County's sixteen largest employers, how many of these employers pay property taxes?

3- How many of Allen County's sixteen largest employers produce a product that is sold to others?

4- Is Allen County population projected to go up or down by the year 2010?

5- Of children reported in school, in Allen County, for the 2006/2007 year what percentage attend public schools?

6- Of the 3,700 graduating high school seniors in Allen County for the 2004/2005 year planned on going onto Higher Education?

7- In 2004 Allen County median Household Income was $42,867. Of Indiana's 92 counties where do you think Allen County ranked?

8- Based on 2005 figures, how many people do you think drive into Allen County to work?

9- Based on 2005 figures, how many people do you think drive out of Allen County to work?

10- If you counted out 100 people living in Allen County, how many would live inside the city limits of Fort Wayne? Inside the limits of Grabill, Huntertown, Leo-Cederville, Monroeville, New Haven, Woodburn, and Zanesville?

The Spin Doctor - Doctor Crawford

Fort Wayne City Councilman Dr. John Crawford is running a campaign ad on local television outlets regarding his bid to serve on council one more term . The campaign ad addresses his justification for leading the battle for the new no smoking ordinance. As all to common today, he spins the ad to justify his needs.

Crawford's ad fails to show one business which allowed children in a general smoking area before this new law. Nevertheless he attempts to paint a picture of such as he spins his story.

He offers a person thanking the new smoking ban of making her employer's place a better place to work. One has to wonder why did she go to work there in the first place? I don't remember that we have any laws telling a person where they must work. Then again it would not fit his spin!

Dr. Crawford does not address how he pushed through a 100 foot no smoking zone past the property lines of the local hospitals. Reading the law, Dr. Crawford had it written people walking the PUBLIC sidewalks, on their own private property, or just driving down the street could be issued a ticket because they where within 100 feet of a hospital property line.

People should ask why? People should ask why nursing homes, medical clinics, and doctor's office included? The answer is just one hospital wanted it for their own private reasons and that involved their own employees. Then again this would not fit Dr. Crawford's spin.

Dr. Crawford claims the health of the citizens is one of his major concerns in public life. However, he has remained totally mute on OmniSource's leak of chlorine gas. Even though this potentially deadly leak sent many people to the hospital he found he could not speak up.

Believe it or not I do support the no smoking ban outside of private clubs, bars, and providing special extended treatment for a few. Dr. Crawford has had my vote in all his previous elections, but not this one. This time, there will be no spin!

Who Does Who Represent In Lease/Bond Default?

The demise of Kitty Hawk cargo seems to be only weeks or months away. The air cargo company appears not to be current on the monthly lease payments of over $185,000 to the Fort Wayne International Airport. Kitty Hawk is in the process of trying to figure out if they can continue to operate, sale the business as an "on going" business, sale parts of the operation, or auction off what assets are left.

Kitty Hawk board member, Joseph Ruffolo was appointed several months ago to figure out what was in the best interests of the stockholders. The stock in Kitty Hawk is no longer traded and has a value of nearly zero. Kitty Hawk, is in such financial distress that the recent quarterly Securities Exchange Commission required filing was not made.

Fort Wayne and Allen County property owners will then be paying off over $20 million on the remaining bond debt. The bond payments will come from increased property tax rates.

Kitty Hawk came out of reorganization bankruptcy a few years ago and looked like the business would flourish. Between market changes, increased costs, and some poor business decisions the company is now a pile of debt. After the bankruptcy the Fort Wayne Allen County Airport Authority appears to have signed some type of lease modification agreement. Nearly $2.1 million in lease payments where deferred for 18 months.

Here is a thought process of why this entire Kitty Hawk - Fort Wayne International Airport relationship is concerning:

1- Joseph Ruffolo has a large stock investment in Kitty Hawk that could result in millions of dollars in financial loss if the company was to fail.

2- Joseph Ruffolo is a board member of Kitty Hawk.

3- Joseph Ruffolo is required to look out for the best interest of all stockholders.

4- Joseph Ruffolo, while serving a board member of Kitty Hawk would have to consider to modify the lease, reduce lease payments, or break the lease.

5- Jerome "Jerry" Henry, Jr. was appointed by Mayor Richard this year to serve as a board member of the Fort Wayne Allen County Airport Authority.

6- Jerome Henry, Jr., as a board member to the authority is responsible for looking out for the best interest of Allen County tax payers.

7- Michael S. Gouloff was appointed by Mayor Richard to serve on the board of the Fort Wayne Allen County Airport Authority.

8- Michael Gouloff, as a board member to the authority is responsible for looking out for the interest of the taxpayers in Allen County.

9- Ruffolo, Henry Jr., and Gouloff are all board members of Tower Bank.

10- These three may have additional business relationships besides Tower Bank.

11- Does Tower Bank have any business relationship with any government unit within Allen County?

12- Does Tower Bank have any business relationship directly, or indirectly with Kitty Hawk that affect the financial condition of Tower Bank?

13- Kitty Hawk could become an adversary with the airport authority in regards to Kitty Hawk's lease agreement

14- By Ruffolo's position, he could become an adversary to Henry Jr. and Gouloff regarding the Kitty Hawk lease.

15- Mayor Richard and the Allen County Commissioners should make public the contents and particulars surrounding the deferral of lease payments.

16- Mayor Richard and the Allen County Commissioners should make public as to if any government body within Allen County has a financial business relationship to Tower Bank.

17- Mayor Richard should seek from Henry and Gouloff that they have no other business interest with Ruffolo.

18- Mayor Richard should demand that both Henry and Gouloff complete the proper state form regarding conflicts of interest.

If Mayor Richard and the Allen County Commissioners fail to address this issue it will just add more fuel to the fire, of local government having wide spread conflicts of interest. This issue can be cleared up in short period if our community elected leadership wish to see to it.

Local Businessman Dead - Government Contributed

Robert Marshall, owner of Chuckwagon BBQ on East State Street died at Parkview Hospital. While his health was not perfect his death was sped up by the stress placed on him by the City of Fort Wayne and Allen County Government. Frank Gray wrote an outstanding article about Marshall's passing and the tribulations he suffered right up to the hour of his passing.

The article can be read at The Journal Gazette:
http://www.journalgazette.net/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071004/LOCAL0201/710040340
Other local blogs with posts:
Fort Wayne News
http://www.fortwaynenews.com/index.php/2007/10/04/in-memory-of-bruce-marshall/#comments
Fort Wayne Left
http://fortwayneindiana.blogspot.com/2007/10/bureaucrats-kill-local-business.html

While Mayor Richard and Fort Wayne City Council members played around with the Harrison Square project they failed to fine the time to work with Marshall. Marshall leaked out a living by BBQing ribs, chicken, pork, and limited other foods outside his restaurant.

City Council member Dr. John Crawford travels by the Chuckwagon nearly every day of the week. Mr. Crawford read the newspaper articles that where printed about his running plight with the Allen County Board of Health. Councilman Crawford showed how little his leadership extended. He made no public effort to help this small businessman.

One has to wonder if Marshall was not a member of the right political party or was not connected to the right power brokers?

One has to wonder where the Mayor's office was? They claim they are there to help the small businessman but they failed here.

Not one of the people, who campaign on the issue of being for the small businessman, stood up and helped out. They all where looking for the Harrison Square money grab, and made sure they and their friends got their piece of the pie.

When you elected officials appear before a group or on television there may be some of us out here that will always look at you much like someone guilty of manslaughter. Maybe not in the legal sense, but in the moral sense you have.

For many of you, doing the right thing is something that ends when the last vote is cast during an election. For City Council, you should have a moment of silence before your next meeting in honor of Mr. Marshall, it is the least you can do!

For many of us bloggers we are saddened we did not do more. Maybe had we raised enough noise someone would have stood up and worked with Marshall, instead of working against him.

Embassy - Does Anyone Have A Clue

This past weekend it was reported in the newspaper the cost of the Embassy money grab Harrison Square Walkway was under a million dollars. Now comes a report, via WPTA 21, that the Embassy people believe the cost may be two million dollars or more.

We will follow up with more details today or Friday.

Union & Blue Collar Workers Please Exit!

Where does the union or the blue collar workers of Fort Wayne fit in with the future growth of Fort Wayne regarding the candidates running for the Mayor's office think? If you believe their pandering, then you fit in. If you look at what they have stated in writing, then you don't. You are not included in being part of the solution!

A few years ago a group was formed called, Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana (YLNI). Their membership is between 800-1000 people. The group promotes its self as being for the young business owners and professionals. They claim they will be a force in the direction of Fort Wayne in the future.

In following the YLNI agenda they sent every candidate for political office in Fort Wayne a simple questionnaire for them to complete. This afforded each candidate as much time needed to ponder their reply as needed before they reply. By doing so, the candidates are not "caught of guard" or their reply "was taken out of context." The candidates statements would clearly show their core beliefs.

You can view the questions and candidates answers the YLNI website. Here is a link to their site:
http://www.ylni.org/Portals/0/YLNI%20the%20vote_brochure_mailer_090607.pdf

Let us look at the Mayor's race of Tom Henry and Matt Kelty

Henry says he will stay the course on Harrison Square and endorses the North River project. He says the Harrison Square project is bringing development to the downtown. Henry fails to, or cannot list twenty high paying jobs that the entire Harrison Square project will produce.

Kelty states that since we are now committed to Harrison Square, by the actions of the Mayor and City Council, he will see it through. Kelty fails to provide any ideas on how he will steer this multi million dollar tax supported project any different then it appears to be on. In so many words, he will be going long for the ride.


Both candidates propose of streamlining government to reduce costs and red tape. Yet their respective political parties have done nothing while making the same promises. Both parties have incumbents running that have used this same talk in present and previous campaigns but delivered nothing. As they say, "Talk is cheap!"

Both candidates talk about listening to local business owners and young professionals in the future. They provide no place for the majority of taxpayers to have a voice unless they own a business or belong to some professional group. They have not invited one union leader to become part of the shaping of Fort Wayne. They have not indicated they will appoint one blue collar person to a board or commission.

I strongly urge these to take off their dark tinted glasses and see the real Fort Wayne. Fort Wayne has a long rich history of being a major player in the world but to reach that level again will take more then talk.

Does Henry and Kelty support appointing people or hiring companies to assist Fort Wayne that by all appearances have conflicts of interest? Is either candidate prepared to honor the DEMAND of the Indiana State Board of Accounts that everyone complete conflict of interest statements?

Or do we face at least four more years of the, "Good Old Boys Club?" Just possibly with different players but the same results.

Chamber Pres Gives Up - But Gave It A Good Shot

Phil Laux, president of the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce is stepping down and it should not come as shock to some. In his 12 years of leading the local Chamber, Laux has tried to carry out several projects that failed. They where excellent ideas but where derailed by elected officials and behind the scene power brokers.

Of all the community projects that took place during his tenure he only noted two in his discussions today. He sited the Dalman Road extension to Fort Wayne International Airport and the formation of the Fort Wayne-Allen County Economic Development Alliance.

Under Laux, there was major effort made with the Indiana legislature to allow local officials to study the construction of an expressway through downtown. With behind the scene political activities this study was buried. The proposal that would have benefited nearly every area resident and commercial business died before it could see the light of day.

He wanted to see the coordination of capitol projects between the Fort Wayne Air Port Authority, East Allen County Schools, Northwest Allen County Schools, Fort Wayne Community Schools, Allen County Library, City of Fort Wayne, and Allen County. This way the property taxpayers, both residential and commercial, where not hit with major spikes in their taxes. Again, elected officials and the power brokers rebuffed this project.


The Chamber, under Laux's leadership has tried to promote reorganization of local government. While our elected officials and power brokers carried out the official dance, they have made sure it remains just a dream. Even today the political heads prove talk is cheap and action is not forthcoming

Seldom do you find someone like Laux who just walks away from a challenge. Then again, people like Laux are smart enough to know when the war will not be won. There is a time when you know the cards are stacked and you just fold!

I wish Phil Laux well. I thank him for trying to make the Fort Wayne area a better place for all of us. I may not have agreed with everything he did, but I do know his motivations where honest and above board. It is just too bad that cannot be said about some of the people he had to deal with.

One has to wonder who will replace Laux? Will it be a strong independent person looking out for the best interest of all, or someone who is going to be led around on leash by a few power brokers?

OmniSource Property Sale Gets More Troubling Today

The purchase of OmniSource by Steel Dynamics (SDI) should give Fort Wayne officials reasons to pause in their consideration of purchasing of the old OmniSource property. Until the final OmniSource/SDI agreements are signed, approved, and in place no one knows what affect this may have regarding the old OmniSource property on North Calhoun St.

The OmniSource property is being offered to the city of Fort Wayne for $4.3 million. This former junkyard and scarp metal processing plant ground has never had an independent study completed for environmental impact evaluation. If the property is purchased it could pose a serious tax liability to the taxpayers of Fort Wayne. This would come from needed tax dollars to clean up the site

While some proponents of the North River Project claim that some areas of the OmniSource property may not need to be cleaned up. They offer the proposal, that if certain areas are covered with cement or other hardened materials those areas would not need cleaned.

There are no firm design plans for the property's use. What part would need to be cleaned up is not a valid statement because it is a total unknown. The need for water lines, sewer pipes, electric lines, telephone lines, and cable lines to be buried all over the site is real and would disturb the present soil. Additionally it is unknown if any leaching of chemicals is such that other properties may need to be cleaned up. A reasonable person would figure out a property to be used at some later date, with no firm design use, would need to be 100% cleaned up.

The Environmental Protection Agency continues to push that former sites having environmental issues be cleaned up. It is unknown if the EPA would even financially participate in a clean up of the OmniSource site. The order could come that Fort Wayne will have to clean it up. Depending on the Federal or Indiana state governments to pay for even part of the clean up is a high risk. We do not know if in future years, even if we just let the property set, the laws will not change that require to clean it up even though we elected not to use it.

Our local leaders need to enter discussions with SDI regarding the future of Omni Source operation on the east side of Fort Wayne as well. Because of the merger, this OmniSource operation could be closed or downsized. In a conference call with investors today, Keith Busse, of SDI stated part of the savings they will realize is reduced costs of transportation of scrap ferrous metal. Will SDI start processing scrap metal right on their own sites and the need for the Fort Wayne site will be greatly reduced or not needed at all?

OmniSource's physical operation here in Fort Wayne may be large but it is just a small fraction of the company's overall operation. OmniSource largest share of business comes from being a broker in the scrap metal business.

SDI and OmniSource are both locally owned and several major stockholders of SDI live in our community. How they treat their fellow neighbors will tell us a great deal, if they continue to push this sale of this property without cleaning it up first!

Embassy - Last Chance For Money Grab

The clock is ticking, panic is about to take over, and it is that time to do or die! The 60 day walkway extension on the Harrison Square project is about over. But hang on taxpayers, Steve Brody, project manager for the city, claims we still have time to get a walkway deal done.

In Saturday's, The Journal Gazette, Benjamin Lanka reported the City claims the Harrison Square project is not about to fall apart. Wow, I was worried about that!

Brody, is the lead negotiator in negotiations with the Embassy. He trying to gain access to their building for the walkway. The walkway will connect the Harrison Square hotel to the Embassy/Indiana Hotel. A previously installed walkway connects from the Embassy to the Grand Wayne Center.

Kelly Updike, Embassy executive director said her first concern was over maintaining the theater's historic integrity, because of where the walkway would enter, she is convinced that is no longer a concern. Otherwise, she believed negotiations are going well.

Greg Leatherman, deputy director of development for the city, claimed the first design of the walkway was too expensive. That somehow they figured out they did not need one as wide and will cost less. Leatherman provided no details on the new cost or design. If this issue came up so late in the process how is it their is first walkway design completed?

Leatherman also said that because the walkway over the street would be narrower the required space within the old Indiana Hotel would be less. I have no idea on that logic but I will take his word for it.

Updike continued that with the smaller walkway, it would use less space in the Indiana Hotel, and they could use part of the third floor for storage and afford more flexibility for any potential future use. I repeat, I have no idea on that logic but now I will take her word for it.

Leatherman reports that White Lodging Services had no problem with the narrower walkway because White could still "tout" the covered access from the hotel to the convention center.

I ask people to just think about the following:

If White Lodging wanted to "tout" a walkway to the Grand Wayne Center they would have had it on their wish list from DAY ONE!

If White Lodging wanted to "tout" a walkway to the Grand Wayne Center they would have asked that it go directly to the Grand Wayne Center across Jefferson Blvd. Traveling from new hotel, walkway across a street, through part of a second building, across another walkway, downs some steps, and then you are at the front door of the Grand Wayne Center.

If White Lodging wanted to "tout" a walkway to the Grand Wayne Center they would have been willing to chip in some money on the deal.

If White Lodging believed they had to have this "deal breaker" they would have had someone make the two hour drive from Merriville, Indiana to Fort Wayne, Indiana to explain it to the City Council. That way it could have sailed through!

If White Lodging is so hung up on "walkways" why are they demanding one in South Bend? They are building an hotel right across from their civic center and there is no walkway! Yet the other hotel servicing the center has one.

Why would White Lodging be asking for two elevators? In general, small groups trickle to and from events at a Civic Center. It is not like a show letting out. Oh, the Embassy has shows and the exit from them is pretty rapid, so two elevators would be an ideal fit.

Brody, Leatherman, and Updike all report negotiations are slow going. Excuse me! Mr. Brody can walk to Mr. Leatherman's office right in the City-County Building. Mr. Leatherman is on the Board of Directors of the Embassy. He is in part, Updike's boss! Because of the Embassy Board of Directors has someone better suited to negotiate a deal then the City of Fort Wayne should hire them.

The only group that benefits from this is the Embassy. Is one more grab for a handout from Harrison Square. If the Embassy wants a walkway, then pay for it. Somehow I doubt it.

Then again we could end with some other "Show Stopper!" Just maybe Lincoln Life will see the additional money grabs and they will ask former employees Brody and City Controller Pat Roller to help them out. Oh, that is right, they fixed them up pretty darn good on a parking garage. Well, maybe they will be content then.

South Bend Kicks Fort Wayne AGAIN!

South Bend is cheaper to fly from then Fort Wayne and now they pull off a better deal on a downtown hotel. There just seems to be no end of them showing up Fort Wayne! Maybe that is where the Fort Wayne "brain drain" moved to.

Yep, South Bend is landing a 200 room hotel right across the street from their Century Center. The Century Center is the same as our Grand Wayne.

Currently the Century Center is serviced with a connecting Marriott. The connection is by a overhead walkway.

The new hotel will be a "select service" operation. Just like the one proposed for Fort Wayne, under the Courtyard by Marriott brand.

Included in the package is a 210 space parking garage, with 150 of the spaces being available to the public from 8 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. weekdays. The City will own the parking garage and lease it to hotel owners.

The City of South Bend will commit $3.7 million into the parking garage. They sold the hotel property to the new hotel owner for $1.00.

I am not going to spend the time showing how are so called City Leaders buried us in our deal. Mr Mayor, could explain how South Bend pulled this off and we could not?

White Lodging Services is involved in the South Bend project, and they are not demanding a walkway to the convention center. Then again, it is not 11:59 and time to break out the "deal breaker!" Of course they don't have a Embassy Board of Directors group sticking their hand out.

Here are two sites to read about how South Bend kicked Fort Wayne's rear again. Gosh, maybe that is where Fort Wayne's "brain drain" has gone!

South Bend Tribune:
http://www.southbendtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/articleAID=/20070908/News01/709080312/-1/XML

Inside Indiana Business:
http://www.insideindianabusiness.com/newsitem.asp?ID=25344