The New Sheriff in Allen County Poll

It should not come as too much of a surprise that the poll shows Ken Fries leading in the race for Sheriff of Allen County. Tina Tavino, running as a woman, period, is a uphill battle in a heavily dominated republican lead county. So, for Tavino, to get the majority of the conservative bible toting Christian males to vote for her would go against their mythical traditional family value theme.

Tavino has been one class act for the Democratic Party. Ken Fries was appointed to his new position, with the blessing of an outgoing Republican sheriff who went unopposed during the last election. Nevertheless, P.J. Smith and Tina Tavino offered some insight on how a one party led community is not a true reflection on how the whole community thinks..can we say no to consolidation? It is interesting that the poll only gives Fries 57%. Running as a woman does have it obstacles, but Tavino need only remember Linda Buskirk appeal to women, many who crossed over to vote for Buskirk in her race for Mayor.

Stay the Course-Hayhurst and Souder Poll

Hat tip to FWOB on the News-Sentinel and News Channel 15 Pre-Election Poll Results of 400 self-disclosed voters. More than likely they were not asked for their photo identification over the telephone. A nonpartisan firm was used to conduct a survey and came away with twenty-eight(28%) percent of the respondents disclosed they were Democrats, thirty-nine (39%)percent were Republicans and thirty-three(33%) percent were Independents. The gender of the voters were fifty-two (52%)percent females and forty-eight (48%) percent males.

The poll shows that women are more drawn to Hayhurst with 42% of the women compared to 38%. This makes sense because Hayhurst is a doctor, a caregiver and women can relate to him where as men would be threat by his profession and his wealth,( competitiveness).

If this ad does not take him over the top, Hayhurst might as well shake Souder hands right now.




The poll does not mention anything about race or age. Young people 18-24 do vote. Two factors that will weigh heavily in Hayhurst favor, but both candidates downplayed and takes for granted. The poll showed 74% of those called knew Hayhurst compared to the 83% that knew the long term incumbent Souder. This nine percent difference shows in the question asking the callers if they had to vote today who would they vote for and Hayhurst received 40% of the votes compared to Souder 52% and the unknown factor of 8%.


Here's a national poll on the issue found in the IndyStar.

Ohio requires photo identification for absentee voting

The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals was right to reverse the United States District Court granting a temporary ban on requiring voter identification for absentee ballots. Ohio is one of the state where the races will be tight. And many absentee ballots will determine the winner. Absentee ballots are handled by the election workers where fraud in some states have been documented.

And it is for that reason that a photo identification should be required. However this issue is different from the requirement of a photo identification at the polls. State officials are arguing that federal law banning the photo identification is interfering with state law in requiring photo identification for absentee voters. Eventually, The United State Supreme Court will have to rule on several issues involving photo identification for voting. The confusion with the photo identification requirements will turn away many voters unnecessarily.

Attack on Julia Carson

How the voters will vote is anyone guess. The media, pollsters and politicians are baffled on the results of the 2006 midterm election. The midterm election generally has a low turn out and generally the voters are align along party lines. But this midterm election is fraught with voter's disdain for incumbents who have failed to do the right thing for its constituents.

Several state races in Arizona,Maryland, Tennessee, Ohio, Missouri and even Indiana are threatening to up seat some of the wealthy and powerful republican big business monied party members. No surprise that many of these states are challenging the photo identification law of their state, also. Mainly, my interest is Indiana.

Indiana has been somewhat silent on the threat to Republican seats. Almost totally ignoring newcomer Tom Hayhurst. Almost, because a lot of attention has been an attack campaign against Congresswoman Julia Carson. Carson is a big heavy weight with the Democratic Party in Indiana. The Republicans voters who are attacking the elder Carson, because of her health know she is a heavy weight with the Democratic Party. It is not Carson's fault that she is getting up there in age nor is the problem with her heart. I don't think there is a constitutional requirement that one must be in the best of health to hold office. I believe Franklin Delano Roosevelt, while serving as president suffered a physical illness. So what if Carson can't move as fast as she did when she was younger. Not moving fast does not mean that you are not mentally fit, check with the disabled who use the aid of a wheelchairs, or Michael J. Fox. Do you think Christopher Reeves was worried about what to wear?

This attack on Carson's health exhibit the Republicans disdain for others. The elderly, women and the disabled should be outraged at the Republicans for their attack on Carson. The voters should be wise up to this distraction to pull votes away from other candidates and has nothing to do with whether or not Carson is healthy enough to serve another term.

2006 Local Midterm Election Predictions

Predictions numbers in the works**
Hayhurst 34,000
Souder 30,000

Wyss 15000
Bynum 5000

Howell 7000
GiaQuinta 4000


Council District 1
James Ball (R) 4000
Maye L. Johnson (D) 3000

Council District 4
Calvert Miller (R)* 12,000
Richard Cline (D) 5000

Recorder
John McGauley (R) 28,000
Herbert Summers (D) 20,000


Assessor
Stacey Lopshire ( R) 28,000
Patricia Love (D)* 15,000


Sheriff
Kenneth Fries (R) 32000
Tina M. Taviano (D)28000
Paul Smith (I) 3000

Adams Township Assessor
Debbie Thomas (R) 4000
Nina Gaines-Newson (D) 2000

Adams Board (elect three)
Herbert Baatz (R)
George A. Berghoff (R)*
Frank Swartzwelder (R)*
Johnnie Morgan (D)

Jackson Township
Trustee/Assessor
Gloria E. Gerig (R)*
William L. Bowers (D)
Board (elect three)
Larry Baumert (R)*
Joseph Gerig (R)
Barry Steinman (R)
Toby Rhymer (D)

Lafayette Township
Trustee/Assessor
Patrick Lee (R)
Ellen D. Kasales (D)

Madison Board (elect three)
Charlotte J. Kaiser (R)*
Scott Renninger (R)
Neil S. Reynolds (R)
Norbert E. Molthan (D)*

Perry Board (elect three)
John E. Bracht (R)*
Duane Dickes (R)*
Michael J. Messmann (R)*
Barbara Brockhoff (D)

St. Joe Board (elect three)
Thomas Harris (R)*
W. Kunkle (R)*
Erica J. Taylor (R)*
Barbara L. Blauvelt (D)
Jane E. Gastineau (D)
Norman Greenberg (D)

Wayne Township
Assessor
Tammi McKee (R)
Beverly J. Zuber (D)
Trustee
Matthew P. Schomburg (R)*
Richard Stevenson (D)
Michael A. Reef (W)

WayneBoard (elect three)
Robert A. Armstrong (R)
Tamila Kelty (R)*
Jerry Zuber (R)
Anthony Henry (D)
Maria M. Parra (D)
Patricia Turner (D)

**Numbers are subject to change

Colts loses to somebody

You silly rabbits!!! To heck with Photo I.D.

I have a photo I.D. but I shouldn't have to show it to vote. I registered. When I decide to vote at the last minute, I better show up with a photo I.D. to exercise that right, that's not right!! And those who just got the right to vote, is crying about folks should have an I.D. get a grip.

After you get through reading the article, come back and read the rest of this post. These are elected seats already filled, none of these seats are being challenged !!!!!! Count the number of R's and then count the number of D's winner take all from the group.

Allen County
Commissioner District 2
William Brown (R)
Commissioner District 3
Linda K. Bloom (R)*

Council District 2
Paula Hughes (R)*
Council District 3
Darren E. Vogt (R)*
Prosecuting Attorney
Karen Richards (R)*
Circuit Court Clerk
Therese M. Brown (R)*
Auditor
Lisbeth Blosser (R)*


Aboite Township
Assessor
Carolyn M. Berghorn (R
Trustee
Barbara J. Krisher (R)*
Board (elect three)
Janet S. Bolyard (R)*
Keith R. Potter (R)
Bruce Westrick (R)* Adams Township

Trustee
Brian Yoh (R)

Cedar Creek Township
Assessor
Lori Hammons (R)
Trustee
Patricia J. Crick (R)
Board (elect three)
Jack Vernon Bridges (R)
Steve Herman (R)*
Norma Yoder (R) Eel River Township

Trustee/Assessor
Selma Hough (R)

Jefferson Township
Trustee/Assessor
Ronald Hakes (D)*

Board (elect three)
Danny L. Bremer (R)*
Gaylord C. Heine (R)*

Lake Township
Trustee/Assessor
Daniel F. Linnemeier (R)*

Board (elect three)
John R. Banet (R)*
Leonard C. Knipstein (R)*
Thomas R. Perl (R)*

Madison Township
Trustee/Assessor
Troy E. McDonald (R)*

Marion Township
Trustee/Assessor
Harold Kleine (D)

Board (elect three)
Herbert E. David (R)*
Gary A. Lybarger (R)*
Robert W. Griebel (D)

Maumee Township
Trustee/Assessor
Brian S. Hoeppner (R)*

Milan Township
Trustee/Assessor
Chad MacDowell (R
Board (elect three)
David Krohn (R)*
Charlie Schaaf (R)*
Dennis Schlie (R)*

Monroe Township
Trustee/Assessor
Max J. Meyer (D)*

Board (elect three)
Loren R. Grabner (D)*
Perry Township
Assessor
Angela Sorg (R)*
Trustee
Roger L. Gump (R)*

Pleasant Township
Trustee/Assessor
John D. Henry (R)*
Board (elect three)
Raymond W. Henry (R)*
Harrold Spenn (R)*
Delbert Thiele (R)*

Springfield Township
Trustee/Assessor
Bruce J. Amstutz (D)*
Board (elect three)
Brian J. Amstutz (R)*
Paul Fordham (R)*
Mark Roemke (R)*

St. Joe Township
Assessor
Timothy A. Nagel (R)*
Trustee
Richard G. Uhrick (R)

Washington Township
Assessor
Jackie Mahlock (R)*
Trustee
Robert E. Arnold (R)*
Board (elect three)
Abner E. Crosby (R)*
James B. Lefever (R)*
Douglas D. Rodenbeck (R)*

Grabill
Town Council
Lynn D. Witt (R)

Huntertown
Clerk Treasurer
Robin R. Dove-Riley (R)*

Town Council (elect five)
Bruce L. Dunwiddie (R)*
James Fortman (R)*
Susan Gongwer (R)*
John Hidy (R)*
James M. Reid (R)*
Bruce McComb (I)
Todd Sorg (I)

Leo-Cedarville
Town Council (elect three)
John Clendenen (R)*
Robert Paul Steffens (R)*
Michael Young (R)
_____________________________________________________________________________________

How many uncontested seats are left? Of those uncontested seats how many will go D and how many will go R? What difference does it make if the GOP has the majority of seats in Allen County already locked up?!!! Go back to the top, in case you forgot. Is this true representation of the people? No, it is small town way of diluting the strength of certain groups while maintaining control of the entire Allen County. And does anyone think the two party system represents the total population of Allen County? So it should not be to much of a surprise that the Chamber of Commerce is forcing the Allen County Commissioners and Council to go back to the table to take control of the city!!!

"One would think that with the abolition of property requirements and poll taxes, the enfranchisement of people of color, women, and 18-year-olds, the battle for the right to vote had been won", according to the article. NOT! For those of you who will go to the polls, these are the only candidates needing your vote..ain't that America or aint't that a shame? Keep reading, the list is not very long.

Council District 1
James Ball (R)
Maye L. Johnson (D)

Council District 4
Calvert Miller (R)*
Richard Cline (D)

Recorder
John McGauley (R)
Herbert Summers (D)
Assessor
Stacey Lopshire ( R)
Patricia Love (D)*
Sheriff
Kenneth Fries (R)
Tina M. Taviano (D)
Paul Smith (I)

Adams Township Assessor
Debbie Thomas (R)
Nina Gaines-Newson (D)

Adams Board (elect three)
Herbert Baatz (R)
George A. Berghoff (R)*
Frank Swartzwelder (R)*
Johnnie Morgan (D)

Jackson Township
Trustee/Assessor
Gloria E. Gerig (R)*
William L. Bowers (D)
Board (elect three)
Larry Baumert (R)*
Joseph Gerig (R)
Barry Steinman (R)
Toby Rhymer (D)

Lafayette Township
Trustee/Assessor
Patrick Lee (R)
Ellen D. Kasales (D)

Madison Board (elect three)
Charlotte J. Kaiser (R)*
Scott Renninger (R)
Neil S. Reynolds (R)
Norbert E. Molthan (D)*

Perry Board (elect three)
John E. Bracht (R)*
Duane Dickes (R)*
Michael J. Messmann (R)*
Barbara Brockhoff (D)

St. Joe Board (elect three)
Thomas Harris (R)*
W. Kunkle (R)*
Erica J. Taylor (R)*
Barbara L. Blauvelt (D)
Jane E. Gastineau (D)
Norman Greenberg (D)

Wayne Township
Assessor
Tammi McKee (R)
Beverly J. Zuber (D)
Trustee
Matthew P. Schomburg (R)*
Richard Stevenson (D)
Michael A. Reef (W)

WayneBoard (elect three)
Robert A. Armstrong (R)
Tamila Kelty (R)*
Jerry Zuber (R)
Anthony Henry (D)
Maria M. Parra (D)
Patricia Turner (D)

You hear me knocking but you won't let me in

I thought I could wiggle my way into the Souder/Hayhurst debate. There is no shame in my game. However, I was told that it was taped early. It is amazing to me how candidates wants your votes, but do not want to have direct interactions with the voters. Does this not shock other voters? Thanks to Indianapundit, if you didn't watch on television, click here to watch the debate.
Don't forget to click on the icon that looks like a camera once you get to the website.

Supreme Court peeks as the voter's identification problem

The Supreme Court opined in Purcell vs. Gonzalez their hands were tied in vacating a decision by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals thus overturning an injunction requiring voters to show their photo Identification at the polls. The Supreme Court overturned the injunction and remanded the case back to the Court of Appeal to review the findings of the District Court and provide justification or an explanation to the Supreme Court as to why the Court of Appeals did not deter to the lower court.

In its opinion, the Supreme Court gave some guidance to the lower courts as to certain facts that would be of interest in issuing an opinion on the constitutionality of a photo identification law. Several issues were mentioned such as the amount or degree of disenfranchisement that would occur with the photo identification and the types of voter fraud committed by voters absence the photo identification.

The Supreme Court neither ruled on the constitutionality of the photo identification law or on the finding of the District Court, but rejected the issue based on the error of the Court of Appeals in reviewing the finding of the lower court. Suggesting that in the Court of Appeals rush to protect voters they did not follow the standard procedure of providing justification or explanation for their ruling in not deferring to the District Court.


In the rush to the courthouse steps, it as become more than just about a concern for blocking undocumented voters from the polls, who may not be in the United States, legally. Legal residents who are undocumented are challenging the photo identification law. The Service Employees International Union, Local 1199 and the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless are suing the State of Ohio for guidance for all county board of elections or for the state to suspend the requirement of identification. Ohio request either a current driver's license or utility bill according to the Columbus Dispatch.

Ohio law is not as strict as Indiana in requiring a state of federal issued identification. Those suing in Ohio suggests that the voter identification requirement is so vague that it may disenfranchise, "students, the elderly, the homeless and members of the military..," according to the article. Whereas Indiana argued a standard of review in overturning its law that was similar to Missouri law which was overturned. The Missouri Court ruled that when a fundamental right is impinged the challenge to its statute should require a strict scrutiny. This means that the state's interest in preventing impersonation fraud should be weighed against the degree of burden that it places on it citizens to exercise their right to cast their vote at the poll. The burden of a photo identification, when other types of identification are available, is too much of a burden for the citizen to shoulder.

Headline suggests: The Southside will be losing both of their YMCA

Yesterday's The News-Sentinel suggested that two YMCA branches will be closing. Kevin Leininger writes, ..city officials have said the orgnization intends to close its Old Fort and southeast family branches, consolidating them into a new branch..".
(I am still wondering what happened to the Y W C A'S)This new YMCA supposely will be built on land which had a major tire fire in 1997 and was later deemed a brownfield from many of the contaminants found in the soil.

According to the City of Fort Wayne's Website titled Phoenix Manor Groundbreaking Bowser Street Rises from the Ashes, "groundbreaking is set for 10 a.m. Monday, September 16, 2002 for Phoenix Manor, a 50 unit senior housing project in the 2300 block of Bowser Avenue. This construction is the second phase of redevelopment of the Bowser Street brownfield and is one of three planned for the community. Several homes already are under construction along Bowser Avenue and another 25 single-family homes are in the planning stages." I think there are at least a hand full of houses, not the 25 single family homes as promised, in the four years promise of hope given to African-American voters.

Back than the the land was taken by eminent domain from a private owner,"Fort Wayne’s Redevelopment Commission claimed the Bowser site four years ago, after the 1997 Labor Day fire burned 600,000 tires stored on the property. Since that time, the former Bowser Pump Plant site was designated a brownfield, allowing the City of Fort Wayne to seek federal, state and local funds for clean up and redevelopment of the land. “This latest project is a continuation of one of the finest examples of partnering between the public and private sector,” said former Brownfield Manager Greg Leatherman."

Now, "the built it they will come" dream was not successful for housings, it has morphed into a "new built it" type dream. Instead of housing, a brand new spanking new nonprofit)YMCA is the mirage. The article suggested that the land where the old YMCA is will be swapped for the land at the new location. And what will go into the old YMCA? It is to be converted into something or anything compatible with the new Renaissance Pointe project. The new Renaissance Pointe project replaces the old up from ashes theme of 25 single homes with 400 new homes.

One more question on my mind. Will the police station remain during this great transition or is the police getting ready to move into their new headquarters out at Southtown Centre?

The closer I get to you --Attack Ads

Just when you think the campaigning is coming to an end..out comes more vicious attack ads.

Black Professor reports on a negative ad on Harold Ford by the lovely republican party. What's next for the republicans, maybe using ICE-T!

Update here is the ad and an article from Black Voices.

Fort Wayne Metro Super Bowl Pee Wee West All Stars 7 East All Star 0

Fort Wayne Metro Super Bowl- Junior Varsity Lions 0 Rams 6

National Dialogue & Revival for Social Justice in the Black Church Conference

National Dialogue & Revival for Social Justice in the Black Church Conference will be sponsored by the National Action Network at Eastern Star Church, 5750 East 30th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46218 on October 30-31, 2006.

Pastor Jeffrey A. Johnson, Sr., Senior Pastor – Eastern Star Church
Pastor Michael K. Jones, Senior Pastor – Progressive Missionary Baptist Church
Dr. Theron D. Williams, Senior Pastor – Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church,
will host Rev. Al Sharpton, Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Mr. Dick Gregory, Mr. Charles Steele and a host of others at the National Dialogue and Revival for Social Justice Conference.

The conference will include five daily sessions:
Opening Breakfast (8:30-10:30 a.m.)
Morning Session (10:45am-12Noon)
Luncheon (12:30-2:15p.m.)
Afternoon Session/Panel Discussion (2:30-4:00 p.m.) and
Revival Service held nightly (7:00 p.m.)
Meals will be available for purchase onsite.
The conference is FREE , but registration is required.

Independents going to the polls

Left of Aboite is absolute correct about Independents playing a pivotal role in this year and also in the 2008 election. But some Independents will not just give their vote to a party that has not actively sought out their ballot. Independents will write in candidates rather than vote for the better of two evils as the Libertarians. Independents seek a party that is truly representative of the people. Seriously, I have yet to see any signs in my neighborhood written in Spanish or any other language by either party.

In Fort Wayne, both Democrats' and Republicans' leadership, on the election board, have worked hard to keep out dissenting voices for holding onto their power. This election board should have two members who do not belong to either the Democrats or the Republicans Party to show that it welcomes all citizens to participate in the political process.

Reading Political signs

Only 14 more days before the election, and I am checking out the yard signs?


The largest sign goes to Pamela martin-diaz

The most signs goes to Pamela martin-diaz

The sign most similar to another candidate sign goes to Pamela martin-diaz

The candidate with two different designs goes to Pamela martin-diaz


The least number of signs for the 15 th district goes to Michael Bynum

The least number of signs for the 80th district goes to whomever(Kevin Howell) is running against the the small number of sign for the democratic candidate(Phil, you you the son of _____( fill in the blank)) who is running for the 8Oth district.

The not running for office but I am out here sign goes to Win Moses.

I sure I noticed other signs but I found these the most interesting along with who is Tom Harris?

Obama in 2008

United States Senator Barack Obama may throw his persona into the Democratic Party cast of characters who are running for President. The lanky,lean, good-looking Obama may join the other team of lookers, Evan Bayh, and John Kerry, and the tough as nails, lone female hopeful Hillary Clinton.

Obama brings a new flavor to the Democrats. He refreshes the old tired, we shall overcome chant, of Jesse Jackson with the late Barbara Jordan's style of dialogue amongst the people delivered with the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. move to action charm. Obama is irresistible. Obama serves as a beacon of hope to those who have left the party and for those who have sought a party that speaks to their needs. Obama will be the bright light that draws both African-American and religion folks back to the polls.

Obama offers the voters, a moment of hope. Hope to turn around a government bend on sending their children to war and children back into the homes of empty nesters because these children are unable to find decent job opportunities. A moment of hope in a politician who believes in peace rather than in war. A politician who believes in standing on his father rather than bending to the will of big name corporations. It is a hope for a new direction.

This first term Senator is a rising star set on a course to etch out the role that disheartening citizens must play in order to produce a more caring, and a more inclusive government in today's global world. Something that neither Hillary Clinton nor Evan Bayh brings to the table. Obama's presence at the table is non threatening to both, Bayh and Clinton in their fundraising role for the party. But neither can discount the impact that this young energetic African-American male will have on the 2008 presidential election for the Democrats.

Will Obama be the first African-American President of the United States or will join the rank of those other African-Americans who helped get a Democrat into the President's seat?

Community Vendors' Concert

The Old Fort YMCA will host the New Haven Alumni Band. This 30 plus members will perform on November 5, 2006 at 3:00 p.m. The YMCA is located on 2221 Reed Street and the concert is free. For other musical events check out the website.

African-Americans Professional Calling-Pimps, Prostitutes, Gangster Rappers

On Friday, Oct 6, 2006, CBS News Anchor Kati Couric profiled Juan Williams on the show’s Free Speech segment. Williams voiced his opinion about trends influencing the growing poverty among the black family. Williams suggested that the growing number of unwed mothers and their children dropping out of school apathetically contributed to the growing poverty within the African-American community.

Williams suggest that in addition, children coming from such an environment are unprepared to take advantage of the one readily available vehicle in escaping poverty, education. Instead these children are influenced by the images of hip-hop gangster rappers, pimps and prostitutes as a way of life. But little is said about the soft pornography of hip-hop that is being peddled in the African-American as gangster rap and hip hop culture. The industry’s marketing of soft porn to young female teenagers as a job alternative instead of working at the local low wage retail industry.
Gabcast! Fort Wayne African-American Independent Woman #8 - African-Americans Professions-Pimps, Prostitutes, Gangster Rappers

City of Fort Wayne is under the jurisdiction of the Allen County Sheriff Department

I've written about this area before on this blog, here, and here. I recently pointed out the lack of enforcement to both Mark Souder and Ken Fries. I had a reader of the blog state that my beef is not with the sheriff department, I am not looking for any beef. However, the reader is dead wrong, about the Sheriff Department authority, residents who live in the city are under the jurisdiction of the Allen County Sheriff Department. Now the sheriff's department may defer to the city in their criminal operation, but that does not mean the residents of the city are not protected by Allen County Sheriffs as as well the City Police Department.

Gabcast! Fort Wayne African-American Independent Woman #7 - Drugs in the Neighborhood

2500 block of Warsaw AGAin

Now how many times have I written about the 2500 block of Warsaw? I just recently read that one of the neighbor's house was torched. Folks do a lot of talking about not be able to stop these folks, but you never see these same folks come together and stand on that street corner and counter the drug dealing in the neighborhood. Whoever says ,the police is doing a good job about combating the drug traffic ,are lying for the heck of it.

That street is so well known for drug dealing that the blind and deaf could tell you about it. Get a grip, candidate Fries stated that $1 million dollars leaves the community a month in drug money. Now do you really think they want to shut down this business? A business that is conducted in low-income neighborhoods to hide the money spending and needy drug users who frequent the neighborhood? Customers who drive in (not all) and buy their drugs and then drive back to their safe little neighborhoods. Get real.

It's getting hot

What does the assessors and the sheriffs have in common? Easy, the sheriffs arrest criminals, when things began to heat up. Allen County Assessor Pat Love is reported to be interested in enforcing an ethical policy among the various assessors. It's understandable that Mrs Love is a late in implementing oversight over the assessors, with her dependency on these folks who worked under her.

Which would explain how both the Republican and the Democratic candidates somehow are charged with changing their own records without Mrs. Love having a clue. It is understandable for Mrs. Love to not notice who was doing what while she was busy trying to pass the assessor test. Plus Mrs. Love would have to rely on the expertise of her underlings, including the Republican Candidate Stacey Lopshire, who have probable passed the test already, during Mrs. Love period of not being adequate informed about the operation of the assessment.

I'm only suggesting here, that it would be very easy for Mrs. Love to miss the little details of changing so many other property record cards too, you think? I know that assessor's offices has not be charged with just changing other folks' property record cards for the heck of it. But remember all the computer glitches, makes me thing they were more human manipulations. Doesn't the whole thing just make you go...hmmmm, I wonder who else is benefiting from Ms. Love lack of knowledge about assessing property? I sure would be checking my property record card about now, and I would go back three years, just in case these knuckleheads might owe you some money.

Color Blind Politics

voter's warning

abortions

Wal-Mart Workers Walking

Today Wal-Mart officials are to make an announcement in Fort Wayne about generic drugs, according to WOWO. There will be a cost saving for customers purchasing certain drugs. However, Business Week online reports, workers are not concerned about saving money on drugs, but about earning money.

It was reported that almost the entire 200 employees on first shift walked out. What do you contribute to the success of such actions on such short notice? Maybe, because the folks were Spanish speaking, "We are a Spanish-speaking community, some from Cuba, some from Venezuela and the Dominican Republic, and if something affects my brothers and sisters, it affects me," says Yahima Morales, who has been a department manager of health and beauty aids for four years at the store.


Maybe, that why Wal-Mart media coverage of their drug program is so positive because Fort Wayne is not Florida. A community that offer little to no resistance.

Strict Scrutiny of Indiana Photo Identification Law

Thomas Fisher is to argue for Indiana's right to require a state or federal issued photo identification from voters going to the poll to cast their vote. The issue is whether or not imposing such a rule upon legal citizens, who are eligible to vote, is a severe burden that impinges on their fundamental right to exercise the right to vote. If it is, the photo identification requirement must be necessary or the requirement must be deemed as narrowly tailored to meet the objective of the state to prevent voter fraud.

If not, the photo identification is limiting and is only preventing one type of fraud, impersonation fraud and is not preventing the overall objective of the state. Therefore the measure of the state is so limited and unwarranted, to accomplish it goal, that the requirement of the photo identification is too much of a burden on the fundamental right of its citizens to vote.

Indiana suggests that since it will allow those eligible voters who cannot afford a photo identification to vote with a provisional ballot or that the Bureau of Motor Vehicle will issued such voters a free photo identification therefore offsetting this burden. On it face, it might appear that the free photo identification is cost free, but it is not. There is a cost..the purchase of a birth certificate or passport to obtain the state issued photo identification. This fee is not, but is similar to, a poll tax, where the courts have ruled that, "wealth or fee-paying has. . .no relation to voting qualification; the right to vote s too precious, too fundamental to be so burdened." Harper, 383 U.S. at 663, 670 (1966)(cited in Kathleen Weinschenk, et al., Respondents, v. State of Missouri).

The Missouri Court ruled that when a fundamental right is impinged the challenge to its statute should require a strict scrutiny. This means that the state's interest in preventing impersonation fraud should be weighed against the degree of burden that it places on it citizens to exercise their right to cast their vote at the poll. The burden of a photo identification, when other types of identification are available, is too much of a burden for the citizen to shoulder.

The evidence presented to the Missouri court showed that 3% to 4% percent of it voters did not have a photo identification. It showed that the provision ballot signature requirement would not guarantee the voters' signatures would match and their vote counted with the provisional ballot. Thus these eligible registered would be prevented from participating in the electoral process because of Missouri statute.

Indiana statue is similar to the Missouri statute and should be reviewed under the strict scrutiny standard and not simply defer to the wishes of the state in prevention of voter fraud. The court has no direct evidence of voter fraud. And unlike Missouri, which had direct evidence, Indiana only offered theoretical arguments.

It is not individual citizens who are the problem, it is the body of corrupt folks who would do anything to circumvent the election process. Evidence is a plenty for organized fraud, such as fraud committed by voting buy, ghost voting, double addresses voting, and absentee ballots voting, according to the brief submitted by the Brennan Center for Justice. These issues of organized fraud were to be addressed by the Help Americans Vote Act. HAVA laws regulating the updating of voter's registration records.

Listen to the arguments: William Crawford, et al., v. Todd Rokita

Sorry Congressman Souder

Sorry Mr. Congressman. Since I was late getting to the Northeast Partnership hosted forum at Northside High School I missed Congressman Mark Souder. According to the Journal-Gazette Souder arrived early and left early, my bag, for the community forum sponsored by the Northside Neighborhood Association.

But I have a question for you, Congressman Souder, what is up with the billboard with the little red barn that's titled "let freedom ring" in central city Fort Wayne?!!! Are you trying to tell us something?

More on Voter Photo I.D.

Missouri Supreme Court strikes down the voter photo I.D. Law in their state according to the Associated Press. What's up with Indiana. Check out Indiana Law Blog for more information on Indiana voters Photo I.D. Law. This law is being appealed in the UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE SEVENTH CIRCUIT on October 18, 2006.

Some Felonies retain their right to vote

Many states have reformed their felony disenfranchisement policies which allows certain felonies to regain their right to vote. Nevertheless, under a report by, The Sentencing Project, “which is a partner in the Right to Vote Campaign, attempts to remove barriers for voting by people with felony convictions”, can be slow. The Sentencing Project report, "A Decade of Reform: Felony Disenfranchisement Policy in the United States by Ryan S. King October 2006 suggest that many parolees who are eligible voters do not believe they can participate in the political process. A study was conducted and over 41 % did not believe they were eligible to vote. Although part of their exist strategy was to inform them of their right to vote.

Community Political Forum-October 16, 2006

Sample of 2006 election ballot for Allen County taken from the News-Sentinel.

Wayne Township Advisors hopefuls

Man over machine "The Allen County Recorder"

The Test--Assessing your property

Allen County assessors





Township assessors

Wayne Township Trustee Race

Who will be the new sheriff in town?

Tina Taviano has walked a many miles in the various precincts listening to the voters’ issues. Taviano is poised to beat Ken Fries and P.J. Smith this election by focusing on the issues that are important to the people. Issues such as combining the 911 system, keeping children and family safe in their community are on the minds of the voters. Taviano as sheriff will serve the community as a benefit for the people. In an appointed position, Taviano currently serves as the director of training in the sheriff department.

P.J. Smith, is an independent. I did not know who he was so I did not get a chance to talk with him. Smith is a very tall and handsome man, but the thing, about running as an independent, is that you have to work really hard to get folks to give you their vote. That is if you are running a serious campaign and not trying to skim off votes from one candidate to benefit the other candidate. How about it P.J.zzzzzzzzz?

Congressional Contest

Mark Souder was absent( don't have the name of his stand in) from the community forum held by the Northside Neighborhood Association. Could Souder be thinking like I am thinking that the Fort Wayne Republicans may not be 100% behind him? Or that just maybe that it would be more advantageous for Fort Wayne’s Republicans to have someone who is more vested in Fort Wayne in Washington D.C.? I don’t see Republicans’ giving Souder the same kind of loving and hugging as Dan Quayle!

Would it not advance the land ownership, I mean downtown development, by having Fort Wayne’s Tom Hayhurst to unseat Grabill’s Souder? Besides was it not Souder himself who put his seat and other career republicans’ seats in questions with his term limit pledge. Now, just how many Republicans in Fort Wayne or Allen County would the term limit pledge affect if applied whole heartily to other experienced or senior incumbents? Seniority and experience does not necessarily equal competency.

Now let me talk about the Democrats for a minute. On the one hand, Hayhurst to me appears to take certain Democrat voters' vote for granted. For example, Souder has no problem supporting local candidates, as he recently endorsed Ken Fries. But on the other hand, Hayhurst appears to have distanced himself from the local candidates, his group. Hayhurst’s media campaign does not include many of his peers within the party, yet party loyalty will require them to vote for him. Hmmm, does this not scream taking voters vote for granted?

Having expressed my opinion I must state that I am an independent, meaning I have no loyalty to traditional parties nor do I believe that they represent the people. Both parties have a long history of discrimination and manipulation of the political process. I have been deemed a republican for speaking out against Democrats and republicans are very clear on whom interest they represent in the political process. My vote belongs to me as a citizen, not to a party.

Gabcast! Fort Wayne African-American Independent Woman #3 - Voting

voting as an independent

Jockeying for NAACP Title

Read the Frost or listen to my comments

Simon Rios Trial Delayed-Gullible Language Barrier

Simon Rios's trial for the alleged murder of his wife and children has been delayed until October 2007. This would allow his defense team to better prepare for his trial. You have got to be kidding! This man does not speak English and probably the majority of the witnesses. Now, do we really think that the judge and the jurors will be fluent Spanish speaking by next year? This trial in Fort Wayne is a joke and will prove how unprepared its legal system is for a multicultural community. Here is a couple of poems by Martin Espada on the mockery of justice in a bias court system unable to speak the language.

"Offerings to an Ulcerated God"


Tell her she has to pay
and she has ten days to get out,
the judge commanded, rose
as the rest of the courtroom rose,
and left the bench. Suddenly
the courtroom clattered
with the end of business:
the clerk of the court
gathered her files
and the bailiff went to lunch.
Mrs. Lopez stood before the bench,
still holding up her fan of snapshots
like an offering this ulcerated god
refused to taste,
while the interpreter
felt the burning
bubble in his throat
as he slowly turned to face he

and "Mariano Explains Yanqui Colonialism to Judge Collings"

Does the prisoner understand his rights?

"¿Entiende usted sus derechos?"

"¡P'al carajo!

"Yes."

"His rights are carajo. His rights are worth nothing here. He is worth nothing here. For me, that made sense because for most Latinos, the legal system is just a series of mistranslations anyway." (a quote from Espada in Z mazagine.)

Obama on his way to the White House

U.S. Sen. Barack Obama stops in Indy for a fundraiser luncheon. Read more in the Indystar. Obama has as good a chance to run for President as U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh or better. Obama has the looks, the education and the skills.

Referees and players

Junior Varsity Lions beats Raiders

Lions Junior Varsity win to advance to Metro Super Bowl. Lions 13 Raiders

Fort Wayne MetroJunior Varsity Rams defeats Colts

junior varsity rams defeats colts to advance to superbowl



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