The news blaring from channel 15, Kroger will purchase 18 Scott's stores from Supervalue. What? Some of those stores are right here in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Harrsion Square is going to do what again?
Oh and the Mayor's people, the democrats on the southside will be having a democratic propaganda open house on just how great things are going on the southside. Now let's see with a show of hands, how many are going to keep buying into the white elephant they called the former southtown mall? Oh I should correct myself and state the new Southtown Centre. And that translate into how many stores and how many jobs for thousands and thousand of folks living on the southside in this barren land.
The city is yelping and yelling about Thank God for Hardball Capital money for saving downtown. Pray tell what private investors do you think are waiting in the wings with millions of dollars to revitalize the southside? Did I not tell you readers this before? It is called speculation. You know when folks were looking for gold. Now developers are sitting on land, waiting for green dollars in that southcentre land grab.
Unless you are Mayor Dick. Dick has a business. A business that folks pay to hear him speak. Maybe Dick will recruit some southsiders to participate in his business for the sake of diversity. Wait a minute, the Mayor business is located in downtown (where the investment dollars are) and not at the great Southcentre Mall. My bag, or is that my bad. Dig it!
One other question, did SouthCentre Mall get TIF? Heck no, TIF is to built up the northside, not the southside. But, heck how was the southside to know, on what of the blog, one of the African-American newspaper editor, was quoted as not understanding TIF or CRED. That probably explains why CRED appeared for the southtown business owners who were on the southside and TIF for the residents was not even considered. CRED is reimbursement for the businesses. TIF is to improve the community. Are you there yet?
The mistake was believing that Democratic politicians are really concerned about the quality of life of those who live on the southside. It's your vote. It's nothing complicated about that. Our history tells us that African-Americans were denied that right along with reading But the African-American right to vote called the swing vote, is very valuable. But you thought it was all about you. And the editor/owner of the African-American newspaper, let me state in writing, that your property taxes did indeed increase.
Everybody taxes increased. The fiction that your property taxes did not increase is mitigated by a number game called the tax rate and property tax replacement. Two mechanism imposed that the state level that protected local taxes payers from your former boss and friends. But read your tax bills, and the Mayor love for you is just a lie, your property taxes did indeed increase. Reading that property tax bill might prove to be as complicated as understanding TIF. But it is doable. You can't rely on the folks preparing the tax bill.
But, if we fail as African-American to fully understand that fact, it is not a surprise that new laws that are crafted and implemented in a disparaging manner to to impact African-American community negatively are not going to be understood until the damage is done. Especially if you are waiting and believing what elected officials and its underlings tell you about a law instead of what the law says. That's one reason, our ancestors fought to get us an education, so that we could at least read and seek understanding for ourselves.
Our African-American newspaper were one way of communicating this misinformation and disparate in news coverage. I surely don't want to waste my time reading a newspaper that is suppose to be about us and for us if the news is just be piped in from the political machine that looks nothing like me. Question Question and more Questions. But that's why I started this blog.
Type in TIF and see how much information you get about it or where or about finding the information to read up on it yourself. Because I don't want you to take my word for it. I may not be a journalist, but I am a firm believer in the policy read it for yourself and you decide whose zooming who. I bet if Scott's had some of the TIF dollars we could have probably gotten some more stores on the southside.
Let's see this is the second largest city in Indiana and we are reduced to one Major food store. TIF, TIF, TIF
Thursday, April 19, 2007
This gun for sell
This not about hookers, rutger, virginia tech, or cho or the assassinated students.
h/t to bag news notes.
THE EMAIL
Fort Wayne group bloggers, new form of public e-mail, are discussing one of the bloggers real email going public.
Because this is a legal matter, emails are considered, I won't repeat the content of the email, private. Email are considered private communication. I receive comments on the my blog and I print them. But emails are treated different especially, if they are defamatory. Someone asked me a question in an email, and I took them I did not want to see it on their blog. Private.
But back to the email in question. really did not see anything defamatory in the email. But the young bucks are livid. I think it is a sign of betrayal. It borders on inbreed fighting. . This is a groupthink mentality. If I agree with you in one thing, I will agree with you in all things. Not true. And that is what the young bucks are finding out.
But back to emails, I received emails and I've shot back my response, swift. I try to be careful in the email because it is private but it can be used against me. If I really told the person, where to go or I was going to put my foot in a place where stuggle usually come out of. I could get into some serious trouble.
Same way in which you speak to people in public, folks want you say stuff about folks. But mums the word, that ain't want it's about. It's the facts, you may not like the SOB but you don't tell them to their face. You just walk away, and mumble under your breath.
Blogging is different, I can say whatever, I want. Some things I say may be even offensive, but I feel safe, as long as it is a public figure. Yep, a public figure, I am not going after private citizens. Now, I don't call public figure SOB, but it becomes obvious that I am not in support of some of their policies. Which are my opinions.
My opinion on politicians is protected political speech, my character assassination of an individual is not, and I know the different. So, I watch my p's and q's. I do not advocate harm to come to politicians or to be done to politicians or private individuals. But, I do have opinions, and I try to not cross that fine line into character assassination.
I have been asked about folks, but will not share my deepest darkest thoughts, because it is clearly character assassination. You either agree with this person, or you don't. It is not a straddle the fence issue. But, if walls could talk, I probably would be sued. or emails, I can be sued.
Sued.
Because this is a legal matter, emails are considered, I won't repeat the content of the email, private. Email are considered private communication. I receive comments on the my blog and I print them. But emails are treated different especially, if they are defamatory. Someone asked me a question in an email, and I took them I did not want to see it on their blog. Private.
But back to the email in question. really did not see anything defamatory in the email. But the young bucks are livid. I think it is a sign of betrayal. It borders on inbreed fighting. . This is a groupthink mentality. If I agree with you in one thing, I will agree with you in all things. Not true. And that is what the young bucks are finding out.
But back to emails, I received emails and I've shot back my response, swift. I try to be careful in the email because it is private but it can be used against me. If I really told the person, where to go or I was going to put my foot in a place where stuggle usually come out of. I could get into some serious trouble.
Same way in which you speak to people in public, folks want you say stuff about folks. But mums the word, that ain't want it's about. It's the facts, you may not like the SOB but you don't tell them to their face. You just walk away, and mumble under your breath.
Blogging is different, I can say whatever, I want. Some things I say may be even offensive, but I feel safe, as long as it is a public figure. Yep, a public figure, I am not going after private citizens. Now, I don't call public figure SOB, but it becomes obvious that I am not in support of some of their policies. Which are my opinions.
My opinion on politicians is protected political speech, my character assassination of an individual is not, and I know the different. So, I watch my p's and q's. I do not advocate harm to come to politicians or to be done to politicians or private individuals. But, I do have opinions, and I try to not cross that fine line into character assassination.
I have been asked about folks, but will not share my deepest darkest thoughts, because it is clearly character assassination. You either agree with this person, or you don't. It is not a straddle the fence issue. But, if walls could talk, I probably would be sued. or emails, I can be sued.
Sued.
WOWO-Chosen Mayoral Candidates Discussion
Have you seen the sign? No I am not talking about the huge sign hanging from a building by Matt Kelty. I am talking about the backtracking of arrogant republicans in the scheduled photo op Harrison Square public hearing. And if that is not proof enough, I hope you got a chance to listen to WOWO this morning. Tom Henry, Matt Kelty and Nelson Peters were guests of Charley Butcher on WOWO program. The program was a breakfast program broadcast with three candidates for Mayor talking with Charles Butcher and Jeff Neumeyer of IndianaNews Center. It was interesting that other candidates were excluded from this dialogue this morning. Especially, when there is a large pool of candidates running for Mayor. But those other candidates must not count. At least they must not count to the media.
I suggest, that the media is contributing to the outcome of the republican election, by focusing only on Kelty and Peters. The women and African-Americans votes are not representatives of the business owners' support these two candidates are seeking. Tom Henry, Democrat was probably thrown in to the morning event to outset the media bias. This is clearly a bias of business support in the battle between Kelty and Peters. The Kelty's campaign is giving Peters campaign a fit. Free media. Yes free airtime, priceless.
The republicans must be outraged that Kelty is receiving advertising support from business folks in the community that does not support the Harrison Square Project. If the Zogby poll was not enough for the Kelty Camp to signal to republicans the folks are listening. The letter written by Nelson Peters flip flop on the support for the Harrison Square is and lead to a call for a public hearing.
Those republicans sitting on city council who are Nelson Peters supporters, are saying their want to hear from the public before casting their votes. Ha, big laugh. The fact that Nelson Peters calls for a referendum is even a bigger laugh. Peter's letter is pandering to Kelty supporters by suggesting voters are offended in the council rush to pass the Harrison Square Project. Funding of the project that the voters find offensive from the Zogby poll.
And now the fact that these republicans are allowing the real public to stand before them instead of the fake special group orchestraed meetin, to vent is council members paying attention to Kelty's poll. The public hearing is not an opportunity for voters to be heard, but for republicans to pretend that they too listened to the voters, as Kelty had suggested. It's a public relation ploy by city council members who are unsure of the backlash if they vote yes.
The candidates discussed other issues, such as the funding for schools, sewers, user fees, and consolidation with Jeff Neumeyer and Charly Butcher. But the most dominate issue was the Harrison Square Project and its funding.
Note: Kelty had my vote until he made the statement about gangs on the southside. Kelty failed to name any gangs, but stated that there is a gang problem on the southside. Kelty is not attempting to attract voters on the southside. Kelty knows his audience is republicans for the primary, a no brainer, the majority of these voters do not live on the southside. There is a drug problem on the southside, but that is not the same as gangs. Unless Kelty can name gangs on the southside, I believe it is name calling no different than Don Imus's rant on his right to freedom of speech to insult a segment of our community.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Women for Obama
Senator Barack Obama beat the odds. Senator Obama did what he set out to do, not run to come in second. Senator Obama raised the most funds in the primary. Senator Obama won the money game raising $24.8 million to Senator Hillary Clinton's $19.1 millions.We must find something to stand for or we will fall for anything, is a saying, or is it?
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
No I.D. required before a sista is called a Ho
My comments after watching Russell Simmons talk down to the African-American Community on Oprah: No I.D. required before being called a HO
He or she wasn't one of us-Virginia Tech students killer
Cho Seung-Hui He was not one of us.
The gunman responsible for the massacre at Virginia Tech University, the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history, was an Asian male student who lived in a campus dormitory, President Charles Steger said today.The violence will be blamed on outsiders, foreigners let into this country. Not us, we are uncapable of doing such a thing.
But Field Negro corrects us when he writes about young lives lost in his community, blood everywhere from killings. And we can only say one more body , without action. Where is the outrage? Who said it was okay to have this nihilistic view? Derrick Bell? Death and Killing. Locked up and throw away the key, made me safe in my community? Who said so? Who Eddie writes about unanswered rage and it toil on the human psyche. Dr. Spence reminds how we decide to rally behind those in our community when injured. Bronze Trinity provides us a petition within even the Afrosphear to check ourselves. This is a mission of action.
And that is what Temple 3, tells us. We have got to come out of our goo goo ga ga mode of action. T3 provides us with what we need most in our communities, solutions. Temple writes about succession planning. "D" spot headed toward the brick and mortar that Dr. Spence speaks about, a school of children. Children get ready, he's on his way. Afrosphear, where is our plan for succession? Our youth and not so young are waiting on us to get up and to pass on solutions to this madness living in the United States of America. Conference calls can be made, we need solutions. Katrina has taught us that they are not coming. And we do know who they are, or do we?
I don't want to hear not one more time it was not one of us.
Derek O'Dell, who was shot in the arm, said there was an ``eerie silence'' when the gunman entered his class in Norris Hall. The man wore a black leather jacket with ammunition sleeves inside, jeans
and a maroon hat, the student said.
``He was very methodical. He seemed trained to kill,'' O'Dell said during a broadcast interview. ``He had no anger in him at all; he was very calm -- just determined to kill everybody.
Read more on BlackProf.
Listen to It wasn't one of us
Cho was one of us. Rest in Peace..all lives lost in violence. I've updated from 9:30 A.M.
NRA vs Gun Control Advocates
Photo from Black Prof websiteFormer Mayor of Fort Wayne Indiana Paul Helmke now President of the Brady Campaign issues a press release on the shooting at Virginia Tech.
Blacksburg, VA – Paul Helmke, President of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, issued the following statement:"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the Virginia Tech University community, and to the families of the victims of what appears to be one of the worst mass shootings in American history.
"Details are still forthcoming about what motivated the shooter in this case to act, and how he was able to arm himself. It is well known, however, how easy it is for an individual to get powerful weapons in our country.
"Eight years ago this week, the young people in Littleton, Colorado suffered a horrible attack at Columbine High School, and almost exactly six months ago, five young people were killed at an Amish schoolhouse in Pennsylvania. Since these killings, we've done nothing as a country to end gun violence in our schools and communities. If anything, we've made it easier to access powerful weapons.
"We have now seen another horrible tragedy that will never be forgotten. It is long overdue for us to take some common-sense actions to prevent tragedies like this from continuing to occur."
Bag news note provides us with a slideshow.
Hip hop Mogul Russell Simmons Speaks and Everybody listens?
Give me a break. Russell Simmons is educating Senator Barack Obama on how its okay for African-Americans women to be called out of their names because of the setting.
Folks now do you understand why, African-American young males need not listen to some of this music. This after the media went to the not so best of the brightest among the rappers, Snoop Dogg, for this quote:
Simmons is doing the deflection that Eddie talks about on his spot. Ya'll Obama not black, who you gonna listen too, him or me?
Simmons go to the bible and find me these words, and take your friend snoop with you. Loud in clear, it is not okay rich or poor to call any woman, out of her name. If the women that you live with like it, keep it beyond your closed doors.
Listen to African-Americans Professions-Pimps, Prostitutes, Gangster Rappers
Hopefully Oprah will straighten out Simmons.
h/t to electronic village
People who are angry, uneducated and come from tremendous struggle, they have poetic license and they say things that offend you," Simmons said. "You have to talk about the conditions that create those kinds of lyrics. When you are talking about a privileged man who has a mainstream vehicle and mainstream support and is on a radio station like that you have to deal with them differently."
Folks now do you understand why, African-American young males need not listen to some of this music. This after the media went to the not so best of the brightest among the rappers, Snoop Dogg, for this quote:
"It's a completely different scenario. We are not talking about no collegiate basketball girls who have made it to the next level in education and sports. We're talking about hos that's in the 'hood that ain't doing sh, that's trying to get a n-a for his money. These are two separate things&.we ain't no old-a-- white men that sit up on MSNBC going hard on black girls. We are rappers that have these songs coming from our minds and our souls that are relevant to what we feel. I will not let them muthaf-as say we in the same league as him."
Simmons is doing the deflection that Eddie talks about on his spot. Ya'll Obama not black, who you gonna listen too, him or me?
Simmons go to the bible and find me these words, and take your friend snoop with you. Loud in clear, it is not okay rich or poor to call any woman, out of her name. If the women that you live with like it, keep it beyond your closed doors.
Listen to African-Americans Professions-Pimps, Prostitutes, Gangster Rappers
Hopefully Oprah will straighten out Simmons.
Simmons spoke to ABC News from Chicago, where he was preparing for an Oprah Winfrey town hall meeting on the subject of rap lyrics, which will also feature hip-hop artist Common, who raps about love and spirituality, Kansas City Star sports writer Jason Whitlock, former NAACP president Bruce Gordon and the Rev. Al Sharpton.
A press release from the Winfrey show said, "The group will address whether or not there is a double standard in this country, what behavior different races are willing and not willing to tolerate, and why women and minorities often are targets for derogatory and degrading comments. Winfrey asks the panel to consider if this incident could be a 'tipping point' for American society."
h/t to electronic village
Monday, April 16, 2007
The Talks Continues-Harrison Square Park
Memorandum of Understanding for stuff other than the hotel
Memorandum of Understanding among the following parties:
City of Fort Wayne, Indiana, The Redevelopment Commission of the City of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Fort Wayne Professional Baseball, LLC, Hardball Capital LLC and Barry Real Estate Companies, LLC..
The groups have placed their John Hancock on a memorandum with language that all parties involved are working in good faith, together to agree on some things, while working on some other things. But the MOU is not a legally binding document. As stated under Recital (E):
D.
This Memorandum is intended to memorialize the current understanding between the parties regarding the basic scope and structure of the Project.It is not intended as a binding obligation of either party, but rather an expression of good faith and commitment to continue the diligently working toward the objectives outlined herein.
The groups are still in negotiation.
The Project consist of three stages:
Phase 1--hotel with 250 rooms
Parking facility -900 spaces
condominium-60
retail space-minimum of 30,000 square feet of commercial space
Stadium-multi purpose
So, Phase 1 is all inclusive, but some parts are independent of the other.
Hotel is a third party
Parking facility owned and operated by the City and/or the City of Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission (Redevelopment Commission) to service the Hotel, Lincoln National Corporation, public parking and the Stadium . The Parking Structure is not intended to serve as the primary parking facility for the Stadium. The Stadium would be owned by the City or Redevelopment Commission or other related entity, and managed by HC or a related HC entity under the terms of a management agreement.
The Stadium is to be in compliance with the Professional Baseball Agreement Minimum Facility Standards for Class AA baseball stadiums. The Stadium will contain at least 5,000 seats with a depressed seating bowl, walk around concourse and a minimum of 12-16 suites. Other stuff will or may be stipulated before the binding agreement.
The big ticket item-Stadium
HC is in for a $30,000,000 stadium, if it exceeds that cost, HC will not provide another penny. The cost includes hard construction costs, architectural fees, and all related design, engineering costs and expenses, and certain personal property to be supplied by the city. As will be defined in the binding agreement,
HC will contribute, in cash or cash equivalent, during construction, the amount of $5,000,000 which shall be applied to the Stadium cost. The Stadium must be completed by September 2009. The construction should begin no longer than September 2007.
Now new housing and retail-downtown
Barry Real Estate (BRE)( this name is new) we are use to hearing Hardball Capital, but not Barry Real Estate. BRE or a related entity, shall commit to the construction of a minimum number of residential condominium units presently expected to be 60 units and to to Retail Space, presently expected to be 30,000 square feet of lease able Retail space within Phase 1 of the retail and Condominium Development at Harrison Square. BRE or a related entity, will spend $14,500,000. The City in return will assist HC in obtaining available tax abatement, New Market Tax Credits, CREeD tax credits and other available incentives in connection with the Residential Condominiums and Retail Development, including assistance in identifying possible investors to acquire transferable credits where available. And for each phase, somewhere in the tune 1.4.5 million dollars for infrastructure cost.
Having typed all that, the deal could fall through on Phase 2 and Phase 3 and by default go to other developers. Or the whole thing could collapse if the hotel is not built.
Memorandum of Understanding for the Hotel
The MOU is between the City of Fort Wayne Department of Redevelopment by the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission (Commission) and Acquest Realty Advisors, Inc./acquest Development Inc. and White Lodging Service Corporation (Development Team)
The hotel will be a full service Marriott. If however, the balance of the Harrison square project is cancelled and or delayed, the design may be modified. Development of the Project is not contingent upon the development of the balance of the Harrison Square Project, except for the Parking Facility.
But the stadium is contingent on the hotel.
The land as be amassed, it is now up to the developers to come in and work their magic. That is with the approval of City Council.
Disclaimer, this was a first pass through on the MOU, and this is what I gleamed from the documents. However, the documents are here for you to purview and reach your own conclusion. H/t to Downtown Fort Wayne Baseball.
If Fort Wayne is unable to pull this deal off with Jason and Friends, it will go to its B Plan. The land it has acquired from Omni-Source. The City will try and save face and build a water slide, casino or whatever it was that the taxpayer told them they wanted, allegedly a $4.3 million dollar 29 acres riverfrontoption agreement deal.
Students killed at Virginia Tech
How can this be? Great sadness for families and their friends.
Virginia Polytechnical Institute, Collegiate
Time newspaper coverage.
From Virginia Tech website: Two shootings on campus today have left 22 confirmed dead. Update the confirmed dead at 2:00 are 28.
Families wishing to reunite with students are suggested to meet at the Inn at Virginia Tech. The university is planning a convocation for tomorrow at noon at Cassell Coliseum for the university community to come together to begin to deal with the tragedy.
Counseling is available in the Bowman Room in the Merriman Center (part of the athletic complex) for employees who seek assistance following today’s events.
All faculty and staff have been released and asked to go home effective immediately.
The university will open tomorrow at 8 a.m. but classes are cancelled.
Cnn video
Bonnie blog of crime
The Leaf Chronicle
At least 17 individuals are wounded.
President George Bush speaks on the right to bear arms.
The president believes that there is a right for people to bear arms, but that all laws must be followed," Perino said, noting that Bush and Education Secretary Margaret Spellings held a conference on school gun violence last October. "Certainly, bringing a gun into a school domitory and shooting ... is against the law and something someone should be held accountable for," Perino said.
More on the shooting at law hawk.
Former student blogs about shooting.
Paula Mooney more on video shooting.
Public Silenced on Harrison Square Park
Ben Lanka at the Journal-Gazette
The City Council only wanted to hear from their friends. No public comments. But you can write to them. No public comments
No hearing likely
As the council debates its lone vote on the project, it is unlikely residents will be given the opportunity to speak about it in a formal hearing.
No public comment period is scheduled for Tuesday and no formal public hearing has been set for the downtown project. As is typical, the council will have time for public comment April 24, but that may come after the vote on the project. No members of the public spoke about any topic at council’s last meeting.
Smith said there hasn’t been any discussion on having a public hearing. He said he believed a community meeting on the issue conducted by the Northeast Area Partnership last month served that purpose.
Councilman John Crawford, R-at large, said he doesn’t see a need for a formal public hearing on the issue.
“We’ve already had so many,” he said, referring to the dozens of meetings in the community about Harrison Square.
Crawford, who said he is still undecided about the project, said the council is not legally required to conduct a hearing. The council did have a public hearing before approving its smoking ban, but Crawford said that was because there weren’t already numerous hearings on the issue.
Mayor Graham Richard said conducting a public hearing is a council decision, although he also said there has been a “substantial amount of public opinion.”
Although the mayor said he doesn’t have a deadline for a vote on Harrison Square, he said it can’t just sit undecided for months. A public hearing could delay a decision by the council until mid-May, because the council doesn’t meet on May 8 because it’s Election Day.
Smith said he will seek a vote of the council to determine whether a majority supports having another public hearing.
The City Council only wanted to hear from their friends. No public comments. But you can write to them. No public comments
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Did you read this
Spring taxes delayed, says the News Sentinel. I reported Saturday that you would receive your tax bill in the mail in June. But, Robert Lee states, that I am wrong. That the bill that you should have received in MARCH, you will receive in JULY. But you will still have the NOVEMBER DATE FOR THE SECOND HALF.
Yeah right, the first time, my behind. The first time the adjustment is called trending. Remember all those computer glitches, instead of saying oops no we did not go out and assess all these properties in the proper manner.
I found that gem in the police brief in the newspaper. Right there in the criminal section of our newspaper, what a fitting place to locate such news for our taxpayers. Go see for yourself, I am not making this stuff up. Do you really want these folks to have your email address? These are the same folks who did not send a man a certified letter and his property was sold. Property sold at a tax sale. I don't think email is a good way of communicating with these folks.
Now the big question for me is why are our property tax bill so late? I know what Lee says, but I have my doubts. And it all points to this Harrison Square Park deal. It may be just me, but I suspect they have not priced the property for Jason and Chris. You know our friends at Hardball Capital. Because, the price of that property will determine how much taxes Hardball will have to pay for those condos. And it will determine how much will go into that special fund, TIF.
You know the fund, Jefferson Pointe TIF expansion. TIF will freeze the amount that Jason and Chris will have to pay on taxes. Had you ever played the game Freeze. Well that is exactly what is going to happen to the land, that Greg Leatherman, is now trying to do a better job of assessing.
You probably read where Leatherman, stated that he probably overpaid Bill Palace, $2.4 million dollars on property valued at a little over $600,000. Now Leatherman could probably play Mr. Big Spender with taxpayers dollars. But Jason and Chris, our friends, because we are so happy that they are spending $5 million and $15 million more on condos. I don't think Jason and Chris are going to spend an extra penny on over assessed property.
Yeah, I'm thinking that's what happened. Because, when have you known Leatherman, or any elected official, to admit they made a mistake? So, everybody should have went to their window, and saw all that snow falling, and thought it was an indication, that something is not right.
Anyways, back to TIF and our late tax bills from Robert Lee and friends. As you know City Council has not approved the extension of TIF yet. So if our friends, Jason and Chris, want to take advantage of this reassessment they need to move locking in the current value of their downtown investment. As soon as Chris and Jason sign the agreements surrounding property is going to skyrocket. But those who are already in the TIF designation is going to be protected from increases in their tax burden each and every business that's in the area. But, first City Council must approves the TIF district. What you say?
Nope, no new taxes. It is all the folks who comes in afterward. Yep, Hardball is to be the CATALYST to all these new businesses. Businesses drawn to greatness, the field of dreams. You know the saying about if you can't be a mountain, at least attach yourself to one. But you knew that, I'm not telling you nothing you didn't already know.
Why do you think Leatherman and his cliche are running around recalculating figures on land already sold ?!! They, city leaders, have not told you the value of the property for our friends, Jason or Chris. They can tell you everything else. They can tell you projection 20 years out. But they are scratching their heads on the value of that land that, you know the land they already bought by secretly going knocking on folks doors. Did not even tell City Council.
So, my theory is our tax bills are being delayed because we are waiting on our new neighbors. Our friends, Chris and Jason's property to be properly assessed. There is another saying, that you can fool some of the people some of the times, but you can't fool all the people all the time. I think our friends Chris and Jason are teaching our Room for Dreams city that very lesson. I could be wrong.
One of my readers said I sit on a throne of lies. He recently came over and apologized. He also told me he was impressed. But, this blog is all about recognizing, if you don't know you need to ask somebody. And if folks ask, tell them FWAAIW, told you so.
Allen County Treasurer Robert Lee announced that spring taxes will be delayed this year because of adjustments to property values. This is the first time the adjustment has been implemented in Indiana, joining 48 other states.
Yeah right, the first time, my behind. The first time the adjustment is called trending. Remember all those computer glitches, instead of saying oops no we did not go out and assess all these properties in the proper manner.
However, Lee has started a property tax e-mail system to keep taxpayers updated on when tax amounts are in and when they are due. Register at www.allencounty.us/treasurer.Tax bills are expected to be ready the beginning of July.
I found that gem in the police brief in the newspaper. Right there in the criminal section of our newspaper, what a fitting place to locate such news for our taxpayers. Go see for yourself, I am not making this stuff up. Do you really want these folks to have your email address? These are the same folks who did not send a man a certified letter and his property was sold. Property sold at a tax sale. I don't think email is a good way of communicating with these folks.
Now the big question for me is why are our property tax bill so late? I know what Lee says, but I have my doubts. And it all points to this Harrison Square Park deal. It may be just me, but I suspect they have not priced the property for Jason and Chris. You know our friends at Hardball Capital. Because, the price of that property will determine how much taxes Hardball will have to pay for those condos. And it will determine how much will go into that special fund, TIF.
You know the fund, Jefferson Pointe TIF expansion. TIF will freeze the amount that Jason and Chris will have to pay on taxes. Had you ever played the game Freeze. Well that is exactly what is going to happen to the land, that Greg Leatherman, is now trying to do a better job of assessing.
You probably read where Leatherman, stated that he probably overpaid Bill Palace, $2.4 million dollars on property valued at a little over $600,000. Now Leatherman could probably play Mr. Big Spender with taxpayers dollars. But Jason and Chris, our friends, because we are so happy that they are spending $5 million and $15 million more on condos. I don't think Jason and Chris are going to spend an extra penny on over assessed property.
Yeah, I'm thinking that's what happened. Because, when have you known Leatherman, or any elected official, to admit they made a mistake? So, everybody should have went to their window, and saw all that snow falling, and thought it was an indication, that something is not right.
Anyways, back to TIF and our late tax bills from Robert Lee and friends. As you know City Council has not approved the extension of TIF yet. So if our friends, Jason and Chris, want to take advantage of this reassessment they need to move locking in the current value of their downtown investment. As soon as Chris and Jason sign the agreements surrounding property is going to skyrocket. But those who are already in the TIF designation is going to be protected from increases in their tax burden each and every business that's in the area. But, first City Council must approves the TIF district. What you say?
Nope, no new taxes. It is all the folks who comes in afterward. Yep, Hardball is to be the CATALYST to all these new businesses. Businesses drawn to greatness, the field of dreams. You know the saying about if you can't be a mountain, at least attach yourself to one. But you knew that, I'm not telling you nothing you didn't already know.
Why do you think Leatherman and his cliche are running around recalculating figures on land already sold ?!! They, city leaders, have not told you the value of the property for our friends, Jason or Chris. They can tell you everything else. They can tell you projection 20 years out. But they are scratching their heads on the value of that land that, you know the land they already bought by secretly going knocking on folks doors. Did not even tell City Council.
So, my theory is our tax bills are being delayed because we are waiting on our new neighbors. Our friends, Chris and Jason's property to be properly assessed. There is another saying, that you can fool some of the people some of the times, but you can't fool all the people all the time. I think our friends Chris and Jason are teaching our Room for Dreams city that very lesson. I could be wrong.
One of my readers said I sit on a throne of lies. He recently came over and apologized. He also told me he was impressed. But, this blog is all about recognizing, if you don't know you need to ask somebody. And if folks ask, tell them FWAAIW, told you so.
Little piggie let me in or I'll huff and I'll puff
Examples as to why trending is discriminatory in assessing property values for homeowners.
329 W. Brackenridge St.+$149,000+$140,000+30
333 W. Brackenridge St.+$47,000+$45,000+29
327 W. Brackenridge St.+$87,800+$125,000+31
Read more here.
329 W. Brackenridge St.+$149,000+$140,000+30
333 W. Brackenridge St.+$47,000+$45,000+29
327 W. Brackenridge St.+$87,800+$125,000+31
Read more here.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Peter, Paul and Tom
These photos were posted earlier. But, seeing this story I decided to post them again. Not bad for a citizen journalist, huh? Not an exclusive, because they all knew. And we know who they are or do we? Tom, I mean Councilperson, Tom Smith is in good position for being pro downtown development wouldn't you think? But they know this? They know each other. Its the workers the voters who don't come into the city that don't have a clue.
Who benefits? Not the taxpayers, but how about self-interest of elected officials.
Loft Competition is what they call this. Wonder who these folks are that gets $125,000 a piece dropped in their collective laps?
And all the property owners has to do is collect the rent and pay taxes and insurance. That's not a bad deal, but who got to bid on such fantastic deals that mines and your tax dollars are paying for. Better yet, I am wondering who sold the businesses to these fellows. Oh believe me, women are not the benefactors of these deals. It's a man world, says the late James Brown. But we know it wouldn't..
Speaking of housewives, honey have you seen the March tax bill in the mail? No, you say. Well, you know why, that Harrison Square Project will have to pass before they are going to let you see those bills. June is when you will see the first installment of your tax bill. By then, you will have kept folks in office and the Harrison Project would be a done deal.
We must pay a lot of taxes. Because we are giving away a little over a half of million dollars to four landlords. We will provide another $57.98 million dollars to a time shared space. We will exempt two landlord from property taxes totaling over $6 million dollars. And the current tax rate used is lower than mines. The projection in the fiscal analyse list a tax rate at 2.62 and mines is 3.4662.
No saving for me, my property value was increased at the same time as the tax rate increase, wiping out the the reduction that was provided by the state. If it happened to me, you can bet your bottom dollar the same has happen to you. Go on go look at that tax bill. Look at it. And just wait untill you get the tax bill in June !! No saving, but the elected official stabilized the amount they could take rather than meeting their budget needs.
Do you now why Fort Wayne is called the dumbest city? We have people working full time to craft lofty lies to rob Peter to give to Paul. Peter may have good ideas, but Paul is too busy making sure the gravy train does not leave him stuck in downtown.
Who benefits? Not the taxpayers, but how about self-interest of elected officials.
The key to selling upper-floor housing is the view: the skyline, the rivers, the expanse,” said District President Dan Carmody, who hopes the forthcoming “Downtown Loft Competition” will whet the public’s supposedly healthy appetite for urban life. A study last year by a New Jersey consultant concluded that up to 3,750 households annually would prefer to live downtown.
Smith thought much the same thing 18 years ago when he spent about $70,000 to buy and remodel the gutted second floor of a 130-year-old brick building just around the corner from the Columbia Street “Landing,” Fort Wayne’s first designated historic district. His example failed to spark a downtown residential renaissance, however. With the exception of 104 condominiums built as part of the city’s Midtown Crossing project in the late 1980s, few apartments or condominiums have been added since – despite a wealth of vacant upper floors.
This summer, however, work will begin converting some of those spaces into apartments, some with outdoor balconies or rooftop decks similar to Smith’s. One of the Downtown Improvement District’s lofts will be developed immediately above Smith’s.
Another will be above 817 S. Calhoun St., and two above 916 S. Calhoun.Carmody expects each project to cost about $125,000, with the city providing about 40 percent, banks 40 percent and the district 20 percent. Each would be repaid through rental income. Property owners will cover some costs, too, including taxes and insurance.
Loft Competition is what they call this. Wonder who these folks are that gets $125,000 a piece dropped in their collective laps?
And all the property owners has to do is collect the rent and pay taxes and insurance. That's not a bad deal, but who got to bid on such fantastic deals that mines and your tax dollars are paying for. Better yet, I am wondering who sold the businesses to these fellows. Oh believe me, women are not the benefactors of these deals. It's a man world, says the late James Brown. But we know it wouldn't..
Speaking of housewives, honey have you seen the March tax bill in the mail? No, you say. Well, you know why, that Harrison Square Project will have to pass before they are going to let you see those bills. June is when you will see the first installment of your tax bill. By then, you will have kept folks in office and the Harrison Project would be a done deal.
We must pay a lot of taxes. Because we are giving away a little over a half of million dollars to four landlords. We will provide another $57.98 million dollars to a time shared space. We will exempt two landlord from property taxes totaling over $6 million dollars. And the current tax rate used is lower than mines. The projection in the fiscal analyse list a tax rate at 2.62 and mines is 3.4662.
No saving for me, my property value was increased at the same time as the tax rate increase, wiping out the the reduction that was provided by the state. If it happened to me, you can bet your bottom dollar the same has happen to you. Go on go look at that tax bill. Look at it. And just wait untill you get the tax bill in June !! No saving, but the elected official stabilized the amount they could take rather than meeting their budget needs.
Do you now why Fort Wayne is called the dumbest city? We have people working full time to craft lofty lies to rob Peter to give to Paul. Peter may have good ideas, but Paul is too busy making sure the gravy train does not leave him stuck in downtown.
Just laughable-fort Wayne the dumbest city
A tax readjustment board which is to have oversight on the people taxes. The commissioners’ appointees were to be property owners who were not part of local government, according to the journal-gazette.
In the following order, the sheriff's mother, the mayor's friend, former city employee, campaign worker for one of the county official, and city's employee. Is this not a form of the fox watching over the hen house?
Just say play ball.
The appointees are Laura Fries, Joe Ruffolo, John Stafford and Lantz Mintch. Fort Wayne Mayor Graham Richard has appointed city Controller Pat Roller.
In the following order, the sheriff's mother, the mayor's friend, former city employee, campaign worker for one of the county official, and city's employee. Is this not a form of the fox watching over the hen house?
They represent a mix of business and fiscal policy leaders and a mix of Republicans and Democrats. They join County Councilman Darren Vogt, R-3rd, on the seven-member board.Now, let's read this again, The commissioners’ appointees were to be property owners who were not part of local government. I guess that does not exclude your employees or friends.
The appointees are Laura Fries, Joe Ruffolo, John Stafford and Lantz Mintch. Fort Wayne Mayor Graham Richard has appointed city Controller Pat Roller.
Fort Wayne Community Schools board members also make an appointment to the board. But they have not yet made a selection.
Appointments are due Monday at the Allen County Auditor’s Office.
Fries runs L.A. Fries Tax Service and is Allen County Sheriff Ken Fries’ mother.
Ruffolo is a businessman who formerly worked with Richard and is a regular contributor to Democratic political candidates. He is the founder of Ruffolo-Benson, a Fort Wayne-based investment firm.
Mintch is a former chief financial officer for Lincoln Financial, who also worked on Commissioner Bill Brown’s campaign, Brown said.
And Stafford is the director of the Community Research Institute at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne. Stafford is knowledgeable about fiscal policy and tax issues and has done much of the background research needed before the board can begin its work, Brown said.
He has also served on the Indiana Local Government Tax Control Board, which falls under the umbrella of the Department of Local Government Finance, Stafford said
Just say play ball.
nelson peter supporter questions Matt Kelty audacity
The poll that Matt Kelty used to blast the rumored support by business owners of the Harrison Square project is not being well received by Nelson Peters supporters. FWOB gives a long transcript of a Nelson Peters interview. But apologizes for a snippet of a interview with Matt Kelty focusing simply on the poll. Kelty isn't naming names and that is placing him in a bad light in the eyes of Republicans'haters camp. FWOB went in for the shakedown and came back with at least the questions.
The United States of the Allen County GOP has their panties (or should I say briefs)over Kelty's ability to upstage the Allen County GOP appointed keeper of the status quo, Nelson Peters. Kelty really gets their blood boiling. Mind you there are two or three more candidates running for Mayor on the Republican ticket. But, it appears that Kelty is the only one that's in the Republican Party's face, stating show me what you're working with?
The answer appears to be -not much. In the words of one of my favorite singers who will remain unnamed like the folks who commissioned the poll, "they are in trouble."
P.S. advertisement here. Mitch Harper (R) and Andy Down (D) will be speakers at the Libertarian third party convention this month. Only in Fort Wayne, I tell ya, only in Fort Wayne could we be one big happy political family of confusion.
The United States of the Allen County GOP has their panties (or should I say briefs)over Kelty's ability to upstage the Allen County GOP appointed keeper of the status quo, Nelson Peters. Kelty really gets their blood boiling. Mind you there are two or three more candidates running for Mayor on the Republican ticket. But, it appears that Kelty is the only one that's in the Republican Party's face, stating show me what you're working with?
The answer appears to be -not much. In the words of one of my favorite singers who will remain unnamed like the folks who commissioned the poll, "they are in trouble."
P.S. advertisement here. Mitch Harper (R) and Andy Down (D) will be speakers at the Libertarian third party convention this month. Only in Fort Wayne, I tell ya, only in Fort Wayne could we be one big happy political family of confusion.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Obama-No PAC-Man
Obama returns more than $50,000 in lobbyists' contributions, according to the Chicago Tribune.
The first quarter finance report to the Federal Election Commission are due from the candidate by midnight, April 15, 2007.
"I am concerned about the role of lobbyists and campaign donations generally in our politics," Obama told The Associated Press while campaigning in Florence, S.C. "That's part of the reason I don't take PAC money and I'm not taking federal lobbyist money in this campaign."
As the campaign prepared to file its first quarter finance report to the Federal Election Commission, it noted that it has given back $50,566 from 49 donors whom the campaign identified as lobbyists.
The first quarter finance report to the Federal Election Commission are due from the candidate by midnight, April 15, 2007.
Is it safe to travel in African-American Neighborhoods?
The Imus in the morning show kicked Don Imus from the airwaves. And somewhere, a national dialogue about race is being booted around in cyerspace. Former President William Clinton had started such an initiative under his watch. So here we are again. We have these groups in our town called study circles-diversity. Tolerance.
Dialogue? About Race? Okay, if this dialogue is about name calling and that the use of inappropriate language in the workplace will cost you your job. Fine. Bring in African-American expertise to teach sensitivity classes with pay to raced whites who think African-Americans are their early morning joke.
But, here's my conversation for you Brothas and Sistas? Is it safe? Is it safe for me to move to your city's African-American neighborhood? Are there some things I should know before, I walk up to a person and say hello? Should I be scared?
For those neighborhoods that are not safe, how come? Would I be safer as an African-American female than an African-American male? What should my concerns be in your neighborhood?
Yesterday, I decided to walk to the neighborhood drug store. Heck, I did not get a good half block. Before, I noticed two young males, African-Americans for sure. One on bicycle one on foot, my instinct went on instant alert. Is one the lookout is my house safe? Should I backtrack to protect my possessions?
I slow my pace down as I look over my shoulder, and sigh in relief knowing that they had passed my house. But would they turn back, as I look backed, again and again. I had to make sure. It's not that I'm paranoid, it's fear. It comes from one young man, I surprised coming through one of my window, another who surprised before he reached the top of my stairs. Besides, moving from the neighborhood, how do I stop the next thug from coming through my door?
It's fear. I now see them a distance behind, coming in my direction. Hmmm, where are the safe pockets of escape, I think. Who will help me,if I need help? As the two young men turn towards the park. I feel they have given me space.distance.
I entered the drugstore, feeling secure. But shortly, I see them, the two young teenagers. Polite, quiet, friends for sure. They search for stuff they will share. Quiet, polite, handsome young boys. I am close enough to see the fuzz on the lip of the one I suspected as the look out.
I can't take my eye off of him, reminds me of my grandson, when he was that age. The young man,pulls at his pants. As he checks on his friend or brother. I am close enough to see the holes in probably his favorite jacket that he wears with pride. I am ashamed.
I have no sons. But what pain it must be to be an African-American male. We never make eye contact. Not wanting my pity. Perhaps, he had noticed each time I looked back over my shoulders. I had condemned them, me a strong sista. It was I who lacked confidence in his future. I looked back as I left the store. I would not see them, as they choose another route, safer from my watchful eye, probably.
I can't blame Jesse Jackson for this. This is my neighborhood. What happened that made me feel so unsafe among my own young kin? What must I do? Forget all the rest, but what must I do to restore my confidence and overcome the fear of youmg African-American brothas.
d
Dialogue? About Race? Okay, if this dialogue is about name calling and that the use of inappropriate language in the workplace will cost you your job. Fine. Bring in African-American expertise to teach sensitivity classes with pay to raced whites who think African-Americans are their early morning joke.
But, here's my conversation for you Brothas and Sistas? Is it safe? Is it safe for me to move to your city's African-American neighborhood? Are there some things I should know before, I walk up to a person and say hello? Should I be scared?
For those neighborhoods that are not safe, how come? Would I be safer as an African-American female than an African-American male? What should my concerns be in your neighborhood?
Yesterday, I decided to walk to the neighborhood drug store. Heck, I did not get a good half block. Before, I noticed two young males, African-Americans for sure. One on bicycle one on foot, my instinct went on instant alert. Is one the lookout is my house safe? Should I backtrack to protect my possessions?
I slow my pace down as I look over my shoulder, and sigh in relief knowing that they had passed my house. But would they turn back, as I look backed, again and again. I had to make sure. It's not that I'm paranoid, it's fear. It comes from one young man, I surprised coming through one of my window, another who surprised before he reached the top of my stairs. Besides, moving from the neighborhood, how do I stop the next thug from coming through my door?
It's fear. I now see them a distance behind, coming in my direction. Hmmm, where are the safe pockets of escape, I think. Who will help me,if I need help? As the two young men turn towards the park. I feel they have given me space.distance.
I entered the drugstore, feeling secure. But shortly, I see them, the two young teenagers. Polite, quiet, friends for sure. They search for stuff they will share. Quiet, polite, handsome young boys. I am close enough to see the fuzz on the lip of the one I suspected as the look out.
I can't take my eye off of him, reminds me of my grandson, when he was that age. The young man,pulls at his pants. As he checks on his friend or brother. I am close enough to see the holes in probably his favorite jacket that he wears with pride. I am ashamed.
I have no sons. But what pain it must be to be an African-American male. We never make eye contact. Not wanting my pity. Perhaps, he had noticed each time I looked back over my shoulders. I had condemned them, me a strong sista. It was I who lacked confidence in his future. I looked back as I left the store. I would not see them, as they choose another route, safer from my watchful eye, probably.
I can't blame Jesse Jackson for this. This is my neighborhood. What happened that made me feel so unsafe among my own young kin? What must I do? Forget all the rest, but what must I do to restore my confidence and overcome the fear of youmg African-American brothas.
d
Cosmo -yanked online voting for videos
Well I was determined to beat the deadline for online voting for Kiri Davis video?
Oops, no online voting. Cosmo is convening a panel experts to select the winner of this contest:
Now you know what I'm thinking? Isn't that how Bush got appointed to the White House?
Oops, no online voting. Cosmo is convening a panel experts to select the winner of this contest:
We have determined that the online voting has been corrupted as a result of one or more instances of tampering with the voting process by users. As a result, none of the online votes will be counted, and we will submit all three of the semi-finalists to our panel of experts for final judging and selection of a winner.
Now you know what I'm thinking? Isn't that how Bush got appointed to the White House?
Illinois drivers gets no I-pass break from I-Zoom
It seems that the legislators decision to grant favoritism to Indiana drivers on the new toll roads has upset the state of Illinois. According to Chicago Tribune, the ITR privatization agreement does not provide a discount for I-Pass users. Indiana I-Zoom program offers a discount only to Indiana users. This slight by Indiana legislators has left a battle between Illinois and the ITR Concessions Company.
In what may be recorded under the heading I-PASS versus I-Zoom, Illinois and Indiana are feuding over what to charge tollway drivers who use transponders.Rest of story here.
On June 1, the Indiana Toll Road will activate its electronic toll system, called I-Zoom. Drivers using its transponders will get a 40 percent discount over those who pay cash in Indiana. They also would get a 50 percent discount when using Illinois toll roads.
But I-PASS users driving the Indiana Toll Road won't get a discount, and on Thursday Illinois officials threatened to retaliate by withdrawing the discounts Indiana drivers already are enjoying on Illinois tollways.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Bruce Davidson at the University of Saint Francis School
The University wanted to be a law school but it looks like they were safer in something more abstract like the arts.
The University of Saint Francis School of Creative Arts and the Canon Explorers of Light Program presented “An Evening with Bruce Davidson”. The free lecture was held at Gunderson Auditorium in Achatz Hall and was free to the public. Those who were in attendance could purchase books from the author after the lecture on the photographer's technique and body of work.
Bruce Davidson website
The University of Saint Francis School of Creative Arts and the Canon Explorers of Light Program presented “An Evening with Bruce Davidson”. The free lecture was held at Gunderson Auditorium in Achatz Hall and was free to the public. Those who were in attendance could purchase books from the author after the lecture on the photographer's technique and body of work.
Bruce Davidson website
He received the Guggenheim Fellowship in 1962 to document youth in the South during the Civil Rights movement. The work included images from the cities of Selma, Montgomery and Birmingham, Alabama, as well as the earlier Freedom Ride photographs. In 1963, the Museum Of Modern Art in New York included these historically important images, among others, in a "one man" exhibition.Will need to go to website to see images.
Imus-you're fired !
From the Detroit Press, a statement from CBS:
Statement from CBS President and Chief Executive Officer Leslie Moonves:
Now how the Duke episode is not the same.
These young women were on the court playing for a championship win in basketball.
The Duke player lacross players were involved in a party that involved strippers.
Now which one of these activity do you think was inappropriate for students on campus? Something happened at the party with the strippers. There was not enough evidence.
Statement from CBS President and Chief Executive Officer Leslie Moonves:
"From the outset, I believe all of us have been deeply upset and revulsed by the statements that were made on our air about the young women who represented Rutgers University in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship with such class, energy and talent.
Those who have spoken with us the last few days represent people of goodwill from all segments of our society – all races, economic groups, men and women alike.
In our meetings with concerned groups, there has been much discussion of the effect language like this has on our young people, particularly young women of color trying to make their way in this society.
That consideration has weighed most heavily on our minds as we made our decision, as have the many emails, phone calls and personal discussions we have had with our colleagues across the CBS Corporation and our many other constituencies.
I want to thank all those who came to see us to express their views. We are now presented with a significant opportunity to expand on our record on issues of diversity, race and gender. We intend to seize that opportunity as we move forward together.”
Now how the Duke episode is not the same.
These young women were on the court playing for a championship win in basketball.
The Duke player lacross players were involved in a party that involved strippers.
Now which one of these activity do you think was inappropriate for students on campus? Something happened at the party with the strippers. There was not enough evidence.
Feigned politeness and denial
The title comes from a post at G-itch spot. As I stroll through the blogosphere to eavesdrop on conversations. ConverStations with conversations about injuries and triumphs of African-American communities, black communities. Trying to get a handle on the different takes on Imus comments. I posted a few.
Temple 3 stated its all about Jackson and Sharpton. I relax.
I am not a big fan of Jackson, one of among many warriors in the battle for civil rights. But, who am I to complain? So Temple 3 has a point. Why sit on the porch and keep a waving my fan waiting for Jackson or Sharpton to cool things down. The two are busy mixing it up and being blamed for so much other mess. No wonder folks are citing the high murder rate from each others hometown, waiting. Jesse ain't coming to stop the killings. Sad as the poem on Electronic Village.
Asabagne lays out a plan. Something that he shared with the freeslave long before Imus low blow hit the blogosphere. Those who are committed are committed. You know them. They are fearless and humble. What are their names? When we see them coming, we shake their hands, and tell them we will call them on Monday. But their names, we call them nobodies. They don't have the clout of Jesse or Al.
The second book of Asabagne suggest, more Gideons are needed. Jesse, nope,Sharpton no way, as a Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. or Nelson Mandela or Gideon. They may have filled a void, Jackson and Sharpton, while we waited for someone else to come alone to solve our problems. But..
Bronze Trinity is in on a plan. Bronze Trinity wrote a petition to commit to making a change in patterns of behaviors. To push the button STOP on those who wish to play word games in debasing community. More than likely she will be very busy.
But she is in, her mind is working, young, and she will watch out for the miner's canary. Mirror of America requires us to look at us. We have such a person in our hometown. She had collected evidence upon evidence on the negative language in the music coming from our radio and its impact on our children. But few listens. Including a store stocking the shelves with something called "pimp juice." But not many are rushing to hear her message or funding her cause, because its just music. Well how long before our children starting drinking this and call it just soda pop.
Action must be taken. That is what the bloggers reinforced. Do something, write letters, email, call, walk let your voices be heard not muted. Lets' not whisper to one another, but go tell them . And we all know who them is, or do we?
That's what happen, was it not? It was all those in the know folks on the blogs , adding their ingredients into the recipe, of this is how much I know, and this is what I would do. Folks willing to share knowledge and information on how to get it done. That's what happened with Shaquanda Cotton, and what bout Katrina three years. We used the cheapest form of media outreach. We used the internet, we used cable radio, cable television, we used the tools that are public accessible to get the word out. Where those who work for MSM believe we are not news worthy.
We know Imus was wrong, and so many others before and after him will be wrong. The question was, and is what shall we do? and the answer or action was and is get rid of Imus. But Imus did not have clue that he could be brought down simply for calling those he targeted and believed it was okay to call nappy headed hos.
Yes that's what Black in Business says, Imus targeted Rutgers Women Basketball Stars. Heck, Imus probably thought, the girls wouldn't be offended, they hear it all the time. so that made it okay. But, just in case, the name calling did offend, he would sit down with them later, and maybe invite them all to his ranch. Who would care?
We cared, not corporate America, but we cared. Where is that lawsuit? It's a crime.
Go read temple 3.
Temple 3 stated its all about Jackson and Sharpton. I relax.
I am not a big fan of Jackson, one of among many warriors in the battle for civil rights. But, who am I to complain? So Temple 3 has a point. Why sit on the porch and keep a waving my fan waiting for Jackson or Sharpton to cool things down. The two are busy mixing it up and being blamed for so much other mess. No wonder folks are citing the high murder rate from each others hometown, waiting. Jesse ain't coming to stop the killings. Sad as the poem on Electronic Village.
Asabagne lays out a plan. Something that he shared with the freeslave long before Imus low blow hit the blogosphere. Those who are committed are committed. You know them. They are fearless and humble. What are their names? When we see them coming, we shake their hands, and tell them we will call them on Monday. But their names, we call them nobodies. They don't have the clout of Jesse or Al.
The second book of Asabagne suggest, more Gideons are needed. Jesse, nope,Sharpton no way, as a Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. or Nelson Mandela or Gideon. They may have filled a void, Jackson and Sharpton, while we waited for someone else to come alone to solve our problems. But..
Bronze Trinity is in on a plan. Bronze Trinity wrote a petition to commit to making a change in patterns of behaviors. To push the button STOP on those who wish to play word games in debasing community. More than likely she will be very busy.
But she is in, her mind is working, young, and she will watch out for the miner's canary. Mirror of America requires us to look at us. We have such a person in our hometown. She had collected evidence upon evidence on the negative language in the music coming from our radio and its impact on our children. But few listens. Including a store stocking the shelves with something called "pimp juice." But not many are rushing to hear her message or funding her cause, because its just music. Well how long before our children starting drinking this and call it just soda pop.
Action must be taken. That is what the bloggers reinforced. Do something, write letters, email, call, walk let your voices be heard not muted. Lets' not whisper to one another, but go tell them . And we all know who them is, or do we?
That's what happen, was it not? It was all those in the know folks on the blogs , adding their ingredients into the recipe, of this is how much I know, and this is what I would do. Folks willing to share knowledge and information on how to get it done. That's what happened with Shaquanda Cotton, and what bout Katrina three years. We used the cheapest form of media outreach. We used the internet, we used cable radio, cable television, we used the tools that are public accessible to get the word out. Where those who work for MSM believe we are not news worthy.
We know Imus was wrong, and so many others before and after him will be wrong. The question was, and is what shall we do? and the answer or action was and is get rid of Imus. But Imus did not have clue that he could be brought down simply for calling those he targeted and believed it was okay to call nappy headed hos.
Yes that's what Black in Business says, Imus targeted Rutgers Women Basketball Stars. Heck, Imus probably thought, the girls wouldn't be offended, they hear it all the time. so that made it okay. But, just in case, the name calling did offend, he would sit down with them later, and maybe invite them all to his ranch. Who would care?
We cared, not corporate America, but we cared. Where is that lawsuit? It's a crime.
Go read temple 3.
Hip-Hop Sexism and Racism Denounciation
Families should read this denounciation from Bronzetrinity to their children. Perhaps some of these young children will stop having sex in the classroom.
My Hip-Hop Sexism and Racism Denounciation
I hereby solemnly declare that I will no longer purchase, listen to, endorse, watch, or in any other way consume anything from musicians or comedians who continue to denegrate women of African descent by calling them hoe, slut, whore or any other mysogynist epithet.
I also solemnly declare that I will no longer purchase, listen to, endorse, watch, or in any other way consume anything from musicians or comedians who continue to denegrate people of African descent by using the N-word or condoning Black-on-Black violence.
I believe with all my heart that artists and performers who engage in such business do not respect women, people of African descent, or themselves. Their minds have been corrupted to a point that they accept and further the history of oppression that has been enacted upon women and People of Colour for centuries. These people are corrupting our minds and our culture and I WILL NOT BE A PART OF IT!
From this moment on I will ONLY purchase, listen to, endorse, watch, or in any other way consume the works of musicians and comedians who present positive, uplifting, humourous, romantic, silly, interesting, creative, emotional, groundbreaking, remarkable, unusual, thought-provoking, challenging, or in any other way enjoyable content that DOES NOT debase women or people of African descent.
Harrison Square Park -yea
Council person Tom Smith and a picture of his condo on Harrison Street.
Hey is that close to the new development?
Yep.
sam, dave and the deputy mayor- cowboys
Let's go getta fellas. The meeting in the back, in the dark, in the corner, near the urinals.
ht/ to bag news notes.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
The tag team of former Prosecutor Robert Gever and Judge Fran Gull
10 years later, justice delayed. Joseph Corcoran was a sick mentally ill person when he exacted death on family members and friends. But, this time, prosecutors had an second chance at Corcoran who years early won an acquittal for his parent's death. Corcoran would serve as an example for Allen County prosecutors legacy for tough on crime prosecution. No one is excusing Corcoran's behavior, but his mind speaks to his culpability. Excessive sentences for many convicts made nice headlines for folks political careers.
Joseph Corcoran timeline
Corcoran was lucky, Alan Freedman of the Midwest Center for Justice, which represents death row prisoners, kept up the battle for an convict that others simply wanted to just throw away.
The blogosphere has started a blog in the Afroshere for such injustices by prosecutors hell bent on just making headlines. Many convicts tricked into, lied into or unable to wage a defense. .. lives throw away.
Joseph Corcoran timeline
April 14, 1992 – Corcoran’s parents found shot to death in Steuben County.
Nov. 16, 1992 – Corcoran is acquitted in those deaths.
July 26, 1997 – Corcoran shoots and kills his brother, his sister’s fiance, and two others at a Bayer Avenue home in Fort Wayne.
May 22, 1999 – Corcoran is convicted of four counts of murder.
May 25, 1999 – Jury recommends Corcoran be put to death.
Aug. 26, 1999 – Allen Superior Judge Fran Gull sentences Corcoran to death.
Dec. 6, 2000 – Indiana Supreme Court affirms Corcoran’s conviction but vacates the death penalty, sending it back for a more specific sentencing order.
Dec. 21, 2000 – Judge Gull issues a revised sentencing order, again sentencing Corcoran to death.
Sept. 5, 2002 – The Indiana Supreme Court affirms Corcoran’s conviction 5-0 and his death sentence 4-1.
Dec. 19, 2003 – Judge Gull notifies the Indiana Supreme Court that she has found Corcoran competent and that he does not wish to file a petition for post-conviction relief.
Jan. 7, 2004 – Corcoran’s public defender files appeal, claiming Corcoran was incompetent to waive his appeal rights.
May 12, 2005 – Indiana Supreme Court finds Corcoran competent to waive his appeal rights.
Nov. 8, 2005 – Petition filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana, asking for a stay of Corcoran’s execution date and the court to reconsider the sentence.
April 9, 2007 – U.S. District Judge Allen Sharp issues his opinion, overturning the death sentence and ordering Corcoran be sentenced within 120 days to a term other than death.
Corcoran was lucky, Alan Freedman of the Midwest Center for Justice, which represents death row prisoners, kept up the battle for an convict that others simply wanted to just throw away.
The blogosphere has started a blog in the Afroshere for such injustices by prosecutors hell bent on just making headlines. Many convicts tricked into, lied into or unable to wage a defense. .. lives throw away.
Harrison Square Park Fan coming soon to downtown
Don't expect for any public comments when the Harrison Square Park goes before City Council. I don't think they care what the public has to say, their only interested in the call, Let's play ball.
Thinking bloggers Award
Well that's what I get so early in the morning, checking on what's the news on other folks' blogs that makes me think. Electronic Villagetagged me for one of five blogs that makes him think. I thank him and back at ya. Electronic Village selected quite a few that I would second as being some creative and informative bloggers. I would select four of the five that he mentioned, but mines must be different.
Here is my five:
Temple 3.
I don't know who he is or what he does, but the writing is the bomb. I agree that The "D" spot is tight. But, if you have not been on Temple 3's site, you need to get there in a hurry. Temple 3 spares no words in getting his point across. Most excellent and the site layout is something to see.
G-itch. At least that's what I call her. G writes about Katrina. G does not hold back. I found her writing heartfelt and honest. If blogging is a personal journal, G tells somethings that folks just might not want to read or listen too. Go read G.
Professor Z. Professor Z was one of the first blogs I read beyond my local bloggers. Professor Z is an outstanding writer. In my opinion, she questions how people think and how they come to their conclusion. This means she takes time to listen or read the message from the sender. Thanks Professor Z
Reverent and Free. This is one of the local bloggers that I read. It is a witty and local political bloggers that takes folks to task. R & F speaks his own voice that is not controlled by others.
FreeSlave. I just found freeslave again. Freeslave had went from blogspot to wordpress and because of the Afrosphere I was able to found his blog again. Freeslave writes with passion. I will never forget the post with a woman with ashes all over her, titled..blogging while wack...to my enemies with love.
I hope that I introduced some familiar bloggers along with some new bloggers. And to those I selected remember we are building community if we agree, so pass it on post up your five thinking bloggers. For those not included in this list you can found them on my sidebar. Peace.
Separate but equal
I stop by this little shop before heading off to a meeting. It's an old tobacco shop that's been in the community for a long time. Matter of fact, the young man, who rings up my purchase of chewing gum, and several newspapers, tells me, that he is a member of the fifth generation of the owners of the shop. That's called tradition.
I mistook him for being part of the fourth generation kinship, just reminds me that time goes on. But, the lanky young man was not the only new addition that caught my eye. Because, it's such a tiny shop, updates to the old store mixing with the modern era is sometime amusing to see.
The modern? It was a small television. No high definition or none of that stuff, but visual news amongst the newspapers, magazines and cigars gets your attention. The tiny set probably would have gone unnoticed, but for what was coming from the television set. I take a moment to stop and listen before gathering my items.
Georgia. I live in Indiana. But our local news was doing a story on Georgia which delayed me for a few minutes from picking up a couple of local print news editions.
It seems that in Georgia, there exist a school that had separate proms, one for raced whites and one for blacks. And the first time this year all the students would come together under one prom. This was a voluntary act, the old and the new.
By now, I am talking to the television, that's why its not good to watch television. You find yourself talking to the idiot box. I was just so shocked to hear that this was still going on in 2007.
But anyways, the school will have two queens, one black one white, announces the newscaster. I'm waiting for her to burst out laughing, but it becomes apparent that she was totally serious.
I'm okay.
I pay the fifth generation for my merchandise, and think to myself so little has changed. But in this little town, young folks are working on change
Greg Bluestein of Canadian Press writes Georgia school ends tradition of segregation: single prom for blacks, whites
the rest of the story here.
I mistook him for being part of the fourth generation kinship, just reminds me that time goes on. But, the lanky young man was not the only new addition that caught my eye. Because, it's such a tiny shop, updates to the old store mixing with the modern era is sometime amusing to see.
The modern? It was a small television. No high definition or none of that stuff, but visual news amongst the newspapers, magazines and cigars gets your attention. The tiny set probably would have gone unnoticed, but for what was coming from the television set. I take a moment to stop and listen before gathering my items.
Georgia. I live in Indiana. But our local news was doing a story on Georgia which delayed me for a few minutes from picking up a couple of local print news editions.
It seems that in Georgia, there exist a school that had separate proms, one for raced whites and one for blacks. And the first time this year all the students would come together under one prom. This was a voluntary act, the old and the new.
By now, I am talking to the television, that's why its not good to watch television. You find yourself talking to the idiot box. I was just so shocked to hear that this was still going on in 2007.
But anyways, the school will have two queens, one black one white, announces the newscaster. I'm waiting for her to burst out laughing, but it becomes apparent that she was totally serious.
I'm okay.
I pay the fifth generation for my merchandise, and think to myself so little has changed. But in this little town, young folks are working on change
Greg Bluestein of Canadian Press writes Georgia school ends tradition of segregation: single prom for blacks, whites
ASHBURN, Ga. (AP) - Breaking from tradition, high school students in this small town are getting together for this year's prom.
Prom night at Turner County High has long been an evening of de facto segregation: white students organized their own unofficial prom, while black students did the same.
This year's group of seniors didn't want that legacy. When the four senior class officers - two whites and two blacks - met with principal Chad Stone at the start of the school year, they had more on their minds than changes to the school's dress code.
They wanted an all-school prom. They wanted everyone invited.
On April 21, they'll have their wish. The town's auditorium will be transformed into a tropical scene, and for the first time, every junior and senior, regardless of race, will be invited.
The prom's theme: Breakaway.
"Everybody says that's just how it's always been. It's just the way of this very small town," said James Hall, a 17-year-old black student who is the senior class president.
"But it's time for a change."
the rest of the story here.
Coach C.Vivian Stringer, it ain't about you
New Jersey Rutger Women Basketball Coach C. Vivian Stringer got it wrong. It is about the Rutgers women's basketball team members.
Don Imus and gang, specifically pointed out Rutgers' women basketball players. Coach, no softpeddaling for Imus, please.
And may I throw in this point, Coach Stringer is getting paid as the third most winning women's basket coach. But the team members are not getting paid. The team members success brings in revenue for the university and serves as a recruitment tool for the university. But more importantly, the coach nor the university reputation was attacked.
The sistas are not getting paid for their skills or talents, you and the university are getting paid. The sistas reputation were and still is being attacked. So let's not play this game of let's quiet the masses with fake press conferences.
Coach and University lets get some legal representation for those young women to protect their interest. I bet if a student was raped on campus, the university would not be so willing to make this student sit in the room with the rapist after the attack. But everyone thinks its okay for these women to meet with Imus.
Or seems to be the ideal solution for the women. Wrong, but these were not his daughters.
The essence of these women characters were assassinated without provocation. These women had no defense against such attacks. Attacks sanctioned by the media and its advertisers. These sistas need to speak out about the harm and damage from these remarks and everyone else needs to listen.
That's going to be hard, because who listens when a sister speaks?
It is reported that some advertisement dollars are being pulled from Don Imus show. There should be more. There is a cost to the harm done by Imus and the sistas should be paid. This will stop protected speech shock jocks and others with a microphone from spouting off libelous comments when on the airwaves libelous comments that others would not dare to speak in mixed company.
Where's the lawsuit?
H/T to African American (Black) Opinion
Update: April 11 Note here C. Vivian Stringer is one of four African-American female coaches.
Update: April 11 MSNBC cut Don Imus Simulcast. Bruce Gordon former NAACP spoke out about the Imus racialist rant.
It is more than the Rutgers women's basketball team. It is all women's athletes. It is all women," said Stringer, the third-winningest women's basketball coach of all time who has taken three teams to the Final Four.
Don Imus and gang, specifically pointed out Rutgers' women basketball players. Coach, no softpeddaling for Imus, please.
And may I throw in this point, Coach Stringer is getting paid as the third most winning women's basket coach. But the team members are not getting paid. The team members success brings in revenue for the university and serves as a recruitment tool for the university. But more importantly, the coach nor the university reputation was attacked.
The sistas are not getting paid for their skills or talents, you and the university are getting paid. The sistas reputation were and still is being attacked. So let's not play this game of let's quiet the masses with fake press conferences.
Coach and University lets get some legal representation for those young women to protect their interest. I bet if a student was raped on campus, the university would not be so willing to make this student sit in the room with the rapist after the attack. But everyone thinks its okay for these women to meet with Imus.
Rutgers' athletic director, Robert E. Mulcahy III, thought a meeting with Imus would offer the team's players a chance to listen to him and hear what he has to say. Several players said they wanted to ask the host why he would make such thoughtless statements.
Or seems to be the ideal solution for the women. Wrong, but these were not his daughters.
"It kind of scars us. We grew up in a world where racism exists, and there's nothing we can do to change that," said Matee Ajavon, a junior guard. "I think that this has scarred me for life.", according to a Forbes article.
The essence of these women characters were assassinated without provocation. These women had no defense against such attacks. Attacks sanctioned by the media and its advertisers. These sistas need to speak out about the harm and damage from these remarks and everyone else needs to listen.
That's going to be hard, because who listens when a sister speaks?
"We just hope to come to some type of understanding of what the remarks really entailed," said team captain Essence Carson. "We [would] just like to express our great hurt … the sadness that [this] has brought to us."
It is reported that some advertisement dollars are being pulled from Don Imus show. There should be more. There is a cost to the harm done by Imus and the sistas should be paid. This will stop protected speech shock jocks and others with a microphone from spouting off libelous comments when on the airwaves libelous comments that others would not dare to speak in mixed company.
Where's the lawsuit?
H/T to African American (Black) Opinion
Update: April 11 Note here C. Vivian Stringer is one of four African-American female coaches.
Update: April 11 MSNBC cut Don Imus Simulcast. Bruce Gordon former NAACP spoke out about the Imus racialist rant.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Abigail Adams told John, Remember the ladies
Abigail Adam was warning one of the founding father of America, John Adams not to place foreign men rights before mothers of the founding fathers' children. Fearing that their daughter should be protected first and that protection should come from and be guarantee by the future sons of patriots.
Adrianna Huffington from Huffington Post reminds us just who the ladies are that Abigail Adams was talking about:
This is the take our daughters to work, now rising to a level of a political campaign.
The take our daughter to work political "fearless" campaign will go beyond the day at work. It will extend all the way until Mothers Day. And you were worried about Don Imus.
Adrianna Huffington from Huffington Post reminds us just who the ladies are that Abigail Adams was talking about:
We're kicking off this collaboration with a new campaign celebrating the special relationship between Mothers and Daughters -- and not just biological mothers and daughters, but the special bond between women of different ages, including mentors, and aunts, and grandmothers, and godmothers, and older friends.
This is the take our daughters to work, now rising to a level of a political campaign.
The motivation behind this campaign is our belief that there is no better gift we can give our daughters to help inoculate them from all the negative and soul-sapping messages our culture is bombarding them with than giving them something to care about besides themselves.
Imbuing our daughters with a sense of social responsibility is important not just for the obvious reason that caring for others is a good thing, but because making a difference in the world -- however tiny -- is the antidote to the pervasive narcissism of our consumption-crazed culture. Children brought up to feel that their lives have a larger purpose are more likely to keep their own troubles in perspective and less likely to fall into drugs or other self-destructive behaviors.
America is plagued with disconnections -- blacks from whites, rich from poor, and, perhaps most troubling, parents from children. One of the greatest ways to bridge these divides is by teaching children from an early age the importance of making service an integral part of their lives. It helps them to move from the fear of not being popular to the satisfaction of being useful.
The take our daughter to work political "fearless" campaign will go beyond the day at work. It will extend all the way until Mothers Day. And you were worried about Don Imus.
Bernard McGuirk
Enough of Don Imus, where is Bernard McGuirk in this nappy-headed mess? This not a joking matter, a pattern of intent has been long established.
Brothers are gonna have to learn how to turn off the television. In the blogosphere, brothas can get all bend out of shape on bloggers dissing Senator Hillary. They can recognize misogyny in the whitosphere, but not in our own community? If our brothas don't mind calling each other dog, no surprise there is not more outrage when sistas are called nappy-headed hoes. Turn the radio off too, let's have a moment of silence for our Rutgers women.
Andre' Bobb's Future- Will be
Luretha Bobb reads a letter about her son, Andre' Bobb and becomes overwhelmed. Ms. Bobb had some real concerns for her 16 years old son, Andre' Bobb's and his well being. The letter was brief, three paragraphs, concise and to the point. Nevertheless, the words on the paper brought tears to Ms. Bobb's eyes. After all the letter was about her son.
The letter's message contained an affirmation about the very path Andre had chosen for himself. Of course Ms. Bobb had made certain that Andre was exposed to a strong belief system. Faith would be essential for him, as well as sustain him throughout his life, this his mother knew. Especially,since Andre was so young but still he was clothed in a certain mystic of maturity. His academic achievement attested to that fact.
Earlier, Andre made her a proud parent, not just as a mother, but as a student. Andre maintained excellent grades in school. Matter of fact, Ms Bobb had attended Andre's school, Cornerstone Christian College Preparatory Day and High School, annual honors ball. Every year Cornerstone honored the students who maintained honor grades. And, if that wasn't enough Andre was selected as valedictorian of his graduating class. What more could a parent ask for?
It seems Andre' still had plans.
Andre's plans would take him from the safe nurturing environment of his hometown, Fort Wayne and place him into the big City of Chicago, Illinois. Chicago is just not the same as a City like Fort Wayne where everyone knows your name. And Ms. Bobb understood the temptations that awaited a young impressionable teen in the big city. But, Andre had made the decision that could impact the rest of his life.
Was it the right decision? Fears, she had probably not addressed herself, were alleviated as Ms. Bobb read the letter.
You see, Andre had chosen DePaul University to continue his studies. A private university with over 23,000 students. Andre immersed himself in positive organizations within the college community. He is a member of the DePaul University Gospel Choir. He joined the Black Student Union. Choices that some would say, was Andre's defining his commitment to carrying on his mother's legacy. In addition to all that, Andre' was selected as student of the month from among his peers of 23,000 students.
Which helps somewhat to explains Ms. Bobb's tears. The letter was from the DePaul University, Dean of Commerce, Ray Whittington. The tears flowed, as she read from the letter:
Congratulation on achieving academic excellence! In recognition of your scholastic achievement in the College of Commerce at DePaul University, you will be honored and acknowledged at our Freshman/Sophomore Honors Convocation.
The top 5% of the freshman class and the top 10% of the sophomore class are invited to receive this recognition of scholastic achievement.
You see the letter placed Ms. Bobb on notice that perhaps her son's honor ball days were behind her, but Andre was still achieving. Ms. Bobb beams in telling about Andre achieving a 4.0 in an accelerated program during his first quarter. Just 16 years old,a young future Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. just might be in the making. Sounds like Ms. Bobb will have quite a few new ceremonies honoring her son's academic achievement.
She is so proud.
Enough to make any mother shed tears.
Fort Wayne Photographers Club
The Allen County Main Public Library is hosting the Fort Wayne Photographers Club 2007 Annual Exhibition. The reception for the exhibition was held April 9, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. The photographs of members of the club will be on display until April 29, 2007.
Fort Wayne Photographers Club Keven Oswalt takes a moment to explain one of his photographs. To learn more about the Club click here.
Fort Wayne Photographers Club Keven Oswalt takes a moment to explain one of his photographs. To learn more about the Club click here.
Isn't she lovely?
Fort Wayne Photographers Club member B.J. Kelsaw photo shot calls for a closer look by this young man.
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