America’s Addiction to Prison Should be the Focus in Paris Hilton’s Case

Hilton Should Become a Poster Child for the Ailing Criminal Justice System




The world is focused on Paris Hilton’s incarceration. The circus even triggered a campaign to remove Los Angeles Sheriff Lee Baca from office for granting Hilton an early release.



Sheriff Baca is not the culprit; the real perpetrator is the malfunctioning criminal justice system. Thanks to overzealous prosecutors and the failed war on drugs, jails and prisons are filled dangerously beyond capacity. Some jails – especially in California – are releasing inmates after serving only ten percent of their time.



Minorities and the poor have suffered the wrath of an unjust system for years. Recently our prison-addicted society has inconvenienced a few wealthy white American’s like Hilton and the Duke La Crosse players. Their celebrity status should be used to draw attention to broader issues like the fact that the Dept. of Justice reported that over 7 million people were on probation, in jail or prison, or on parole at yearend 2005.



Rather than complaining about Hilton’s release, activists would accomplish more by protesting the biased laws that result in long sentences for petty drug criminals and cause such overcrowding in prisons that officials are forced to release inmates early. In 2000 the mean sentence imposed on federal prisoners for violent felonies was 63.0 months as opposed to 75.6 months for drug felonies.* The fact that murders, child molesters, rapists, and other violent criminals can get less time than non-violent drug offenders is alarming and a lot more newsworthy than Hilton’s ordeal.



Augmenting the prison population is not the only accomplishment the drug war can claim. Since the enactment of mandatory minimum sentencing for drug users, the Federal Bureau of Prisons budget has increased by 1,954% from $220 million in 1986 to more than $4.3 billion in 2001.* That same year, the California’s prison expenditure was $4.2 billion, yet residents still live in violent, drug-infested neighborhoods.

Instead of questioning why Sheriff Boca sent the confused hotel heiress home, citizens should wonder why he, according to the Los Angeles Times, is the highest-paid local elected official in the nation. Find out why the state built 21 new prisons, and only one new university from 1984 to 1996. Or, ask California officials if they think increasing prison expenditures 30% while decreasing higher education spending by 18% from 1987 to 1995 had anything to do with California ranking the fourth dumbest state in Morgan Quitno’s annual state education survey.

The media could evolve beyond stories on Hilton’s prison stay and feature some of the talent wasted due to our prison-addicted society. Take for example, Kemba Smith, the Hampton student sentenced to 24 ½ years on conspiracy charges. Since her pardon in 2000 by President Clinton, Smith graduated from Virginia Union University with plans to attend law school; was awarded a Soros Justice Postgraduate Fellowship; and is the founder of the Kemba Smith Foundation educating youth about injustices in the criminal justice system. How many Kemba Smith’s are working for the average .93 cents per hour paid to prisoners?

The web sites of the November Coalition and Families Against Mandatory Minimums feature compelling stories about victims of the war on drugs, including an article about twin brothers Lawrence and Lamont Garrison. They were arrested just months after their graduation from Howard University when the owner of an auto body shop was apprehended for playing a major role in a drug operation. To reduce his sentence, the shop owner implicated the brothers in the cocaine conspiracy. Despite the fact that there was no evidence of drugs found on the Garrisons or in their house, instead of attending law school as planned, Lamont and Lawrence are in a federal penitentiary serving 19 and 15 years respectively. The shop owner was sentenced to three (3) years.

Americans have become so desensitized to locking citizens behind bars, many people don’t realize how barbaric it is to call for a troubled young lady to remain in jail instead of receiving treatment. Perhaps that’s why the US has the highest incarceration rate in the world and the reason Georgia Attorney General Thurbert Baker would fight for Genarlow Wilson to serve his 10-year sentence for having consensual sex with a 15-year-old girl when he was 17.

I have a dream that one day this nation will look beyond race and class and recognize that our criminal justice system is terminally ill. It suffers from swollen prosecutors, severely infected police departments, a paralyzed judicial system, and a fractured legislature passing cancerous laws.

Paris Hilton needs counseling; but our criminal justice system needs a transplant. The public needs to wake up from their celebrity-induced coma and focus on the real issues.

###

*US Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics


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"SnitchCraft" a novel by Edrea Davis http://www.snitchcraft.com
Hip-hop meets civil rights in this urban tale that sheds light on the corrupt environment created by the use of snitches
www.dogonvillage.com

Published with permission.

Andy Downs Wolf Ticket

Andy Downs will back down. Downs, a member of the Allen County Election Office wanted Matt Kelty's head. Instead, what Downs got was a beat down by James Bopp, attorney for Kelty. Talking smash and drafting an argument takes more than inheriting a position based on your daddy's name.


So all that is left for Downs, is to go through the motion, pretending he had something when he didn't. The best that Downs can hope for is for Kelty to be fined for the added information. But for now, Downs will need to prepare his egg on the face speech.

Update: 5:57 p.m. Well the Andy Downs' lecture series ended without the fireworks. Downs had a list of questions that went unanswered as the Allen County Election Board voted 2-1 that Matt Kelty had not violated campaign laws. The 8 misdemeanors and 3 felonies? Mute.

But Downs wants answers to the following questions:

Why didn't Fred Rost and Steve and Glenna Jehl loan the money directly to the campaign?

Did anyone in the Republican Party Leadership or any elected Republicans ask Matt Kelty to disclose the source of the funds before the primary election?

Why wasn't the information disclosed before the primary?


Who drafted the promissory note?

To what business operation was Section 4c of the promissory note referring? Was it the campaign?

Since:
*Fred Rost has been quoted as saying, the purpose of his loan was to influence the election,

*Representative of the campaign, have said that both loans were for campaign purposes, and Sections 4q (and possibly 4c)suggest that the purpose of the loan was to influence the outcome of the election, then

*Why shouldn't we believe that the promissory note was signed by Matt Kelty the candidate and not Matt Kelty the individual?

Can Jim Bopp offer any Indiana Code citations of cases on point that will help distinguish Matt Kelty the individual from Matt Kelty the candidate?

If "this is the way it is done" then can Jim Bopp provide the names of other candidates in Indiana (especially those in Allen County) who have done this?

From what source of funds did Matt Kelty expect to pay back this loan?

Has Matt Kelty used any campaign funds to make any payments (interest or principle) on the loan?

Has Matt Kelty made any of the payments (interest or principle) that were due up to this date? If not, has Fred Rost begun collection proceedings? If so, from whom is he seeking reimbursement? If not, why not?



Is it illegal to give money to a person and ask that person to give it to a campaign?

If Matt Kelty had access to $150,000, then why borrow it from Fred Rost?

If Matt Kelty did not have access to $150,000, how did Fred Rost expect to have his loan repaid?

If Matt Kelty knew that he did not have the means to repay the loan and Fred Rost did not know that, then doesn't that affect the enforceability of this contract?

If the enforceability of the contract is in the question, then do we even have a contract at all?

If both of them knew that he did not have the means to repay the loan, then isn't this understanding between them a larger problem then Matt Kelty taking advantage of Fred Rost?

Innuendos, speculations, insinuations and defamatory remarks did not stop Andy!

Who's to get him the answers? Prosecutor Karen Richards, that's who.

It's not over..Stay tuned for part 2.

Note: David Wright is leaving the election board after 20 years.

Brotha can you spare a fence?

Of course, you can not enter the room with a group of Hispanics and not expect not to address immigration. population. Jaime Palma does not care about fences, he is concerned about his fellow man. Palma came to America in 1985. Palma worked as a farmer. Working as a farmer, he was able to earn a work permit. With his work permit, Palma was granted temporary residency. This temporary residency allowed him to work on permanent residency to obtain his citizenship.

The process of obtaining his citizenship, was a long process and lots of documentation. For Palma that process took 11 years of the 20 something years he has been in the United States.


Although the process was long and tedious, Palma believes he got a chance to do what many in the Hispanic community who are undocumented workers are trying to do themselves. And that is find work to take care of their families. Palma suggest those who say Hispanic are taking work from others are wrong. Instead many in the Hispanic community perform work that many Americans refuse to do or do not want to do.

But one thing is for certain, Palma states the Hispanics are not here to harm anyone. Another speaker, Reole Vasquez concurred with Palma. The Vasquez spoke in his native tongue as he shared with the audience at the Hispanic Grassroot Leadership for Northeast Indiana, the commitment from the Hispanic community to the Southside of Fort Wayne. An area that has long been neglected.

Vasquez spoke of the degree of renovation that has occurred on the southside from the labor of the Hispanic population. For a city seeking to find solutions of reviving the Southside, reducing the obstacles for Hispanic to obtain licenses to do the work that others have long avoided on the southside would be a start.

It called the American Dream.

The Hispanic Leadership Coalition of Northeast Indiana, Inc.(HLCNI) invited Matt Kelty, the Republican Party candidate for Mayor, to speak at their Grassroots Leadership Development Program (GLDP)2007 on June 18, 2007.

Kelty introduced himself to the audience in order for them to learn more about the candidate. Kelty was asked a variety of questions on his position on issues that impact the Hispanic community in Northeast Indiana. Issues such as the limited number of Hispancis involved in civic actitivities and political involvement, a task force to serve as a liasion between the Latino community and the City.

Eddie Griffin takes on D.L. Hughley

Now this you got to love..standing for something from the point and click to the brick and mortar..Eddie Griffin.

Monday, June 18, 2007
Upstaging D. L. Hughley

It’s hard doing standup comedy, especially when there’s a boo-bird hidden in the audience like a Trojan horse. D. L. Hughley had to expect it coming on Saturday night in Fort Worth, Texas at his Bass Hall performance.

“D. L. Hughley. No double standard,” chanted the crowd outside the Hall, led by a group of religious leaders. The crowd noise echoed through the chamber and down the hall and up the stairs, all the way up to the cheap seat section where I was perched- one man with one ticket and a bible.

We were blessed. The North Texas storm blew in with pelting rain and a lighting show overnight, but the incessant downpour subsided by evening, and we had a clear night for the protest. It was a good sign. After the protest was over the rain would return.

While local television cameras were panning the crowd of picket sign holders who distributed flyers to all passersby, Bass Hall staff was buzzing on the inside. I could see that they were on high alert. Something was amidst, with all the recent newspaper and television coverage. On the other hand, some people did not know why Hughley was being boycotted. The demonstration gave protesters a chance to explain how the black comedian had insulted the Rutgers basketball women in the same manner as radio shock jock Imus, and how firing Imus and allowing Hughley to pass constituted a double standard in treatment.

Many Bass patrons turned aside at the door. But others brushed past the protesters and found a smug seat inside. I watched them as they entered, decked out like a bunch of petty bourgeois affluent snobs, diverting their eyes away from my attention. They were ashamed to look at me and admit to themselves that they had crossed a sacred picket line. To them, it was all about having fun, pure entertainment for entertainment sake. Over 80% of the people coming through the doors were African-Americans. And even at that, the house was less than half-full.

ACT I

8:10 p.m. The show was late starting. So, I inquired about the lateness of the start but soon realized that the Bass Hall people were trying to see if the number were going to swell. It didn’t.

We had achieved our first objective. This was not going to be a profitable event for the Hall. The financial loss alone would make Mr. Hughley less attractive for a return visit to Fort Worth and even harder for him to be booked elsewhere.

A no-name comedian Malik S. came out like shock troop fodder to test the water for the headline Hughley act. Immediately, he cut into the protest outside, characterizing one elder as so old “he didn’t know what he was protesting”. And then this: “And, I hear that some of them are right here in the audience.”

If the comics were paranoid, then I was all the more uneasy. I have only done three protests in my lifetime: One in 1965 to remove the Confederate flag from the campus of the Arlington State College; the second was a hunger strike in 1976 to protest the bicentennial celebration and demand the release of all US political prisoners. For this Juneteenth protest against D. L. Hughley, I would have to lay my pen aside and come out of retirement.

Malik S. asked the spy in the audience, “Please remember my name. I can use some controversy. I need my career to get a boast.”

He claimed that he had learned the game from Hughley, who taught him everything he knew about the business. “And, we’re all about money,” Malik shouted. The crowd responded: “Yea”. This emboldened the comic to declare, “We worship money.” But from there, he waffled back and forth on his religious beliefs and ideas only to conclude, by his own satisfaction, that he is already “saved up” but “not ready to die”.

Funny- even I could have laughed.

INTERMISSION

“D. L. Hughley, no double standard,” the chants echoed through the hall doors every time someone stepped out for air. Malik S. had taken an hour off the clock, but the protesters were still there, marching with signs and chanting: “No Double Standard.”

Bass Hall staff came around the balcony section and informed all patrons, “Mr. Hughley has invited you all down to the prime seating area downstairs.” It sounded as if Hughley had done us a favor and a disfavor to those who bought a higher priced ticket- but not so. The Hall was closing the balcony section because of lagging attendance. As a result, we were forced to relocate, like it or not, and I was the last to leave the balcony.

Pastor Tatum, one of the local ministers leading the demonstration outside, informed me outside that former Dallas Cowboy turned preacher Deion Sanders had ducked in and was somewhere stashed in the audience. He had been recognized by the other pastors and confronted. Whenever he would emerge, the protesters would not let him escape the television cameras. They were going to put him on the spot for attending this X-rated event.

ACT II

Hughley was still not ready to face the audience, so he sent out Malik S. once again to warm up the crowd. The no-name comic had run the gambit of the foul lexicon, from the A-word to the B-word to the D-word (with herpes) to the F-word and the P-word, and every vulgar expression in English language and, even a confession of his own pedophilic fantasies.

I held my tongue. After all, what good would it do to boo a no-name comedian off stage and being thrown out of the Bass Hall, when Hughley was the target? But I remembered the words of the young lady who warned me earlier that we, Christians, are not troublemakers. But if Hughley said anything wrong out of his mouth, I had her blessing to boo him away.

“Put your hands together for one of the Kings of Comedy, D. L. Hughley,” Malik shouted, as he introduced the besieged comic. Applauds of the audience went up and some gave him a standing ovation. Fans, like flies, that had long awaited the big stink, there he was on stage, in the flesh. But something was wrong. Not everybody was standing. No everybody was cheering and clapping. The people around me looked upon me as if the stink was on me. And, the young man in the adjacent seat gave me a weary eye. Tension was brewing.

As expected, Hughley started his routine by lashing out at the protesters outside. “People can’t say anything, anymore,” he complained. “People can protest whatever they want to. But the way I see it, freedom of speech is a zero sum proposition. Either you believe in it or you don’t.”

I restrained myself from booing. But the minute he characterized Hillary Clinton as a “bitch”, I let loose: “BOO!”

At first, not everybody heard me. But the young man next to me said, “You’re not going to do that all night in my ear, are you? I paid my money.”

I replied, “So did I.”

“Well, you’re not going to be doing that all night in my ear- straight up,” he threatened, as if the phrase “straight up” added seriousness to his threat. How could he be a threat to me, I thought? With earrings in his ear, expensive jewelry, and fine rags, he was a little too cute and too soft to be a real manly threat.

“What are you going to do?” I asked. “Hit me?”

I considered changing seats, but time was running out and Hughley was preparing to go into full stride. It was now or never.

I jumped to my feet. “Boo” to the top of the domed roof. “Boo” again, I cry, even louder than before. Then for on brief moment, the comedy routine stopped, and a police officer had me by the arm. My stack of flyers went sailing across the room.

Someone else grabbed my arm and I let out another loud “Boo”. All the way to the exit door, I booed.

Faintly, in the background, I could hear Hughley ask, “Are you finished yet?”

I turned to go back and shouted, “No!”

When the exit door opened camera lights blinded me. With an officer at my arm and television cameras in front of me, it looked as though I had played myself into a media trap. The footage might portray me as one of the outside protesters who might have broken into Bass Hall to create a scene.

I retrieved my ticket stub and demand, “I want a refund. I want my money back.”

ACT III

Once outside the building, the officer told me that I was being charged with criminal trespassing. Pastor Tatum and the other ministers gathered around and challenged the officer. Tatum then took to the phone. “I’m calling your supervisor,” he told the officer.

Tatum was serious. He had made contact with the PD sergeant over the downtown district earlier. We both had informed the police department of the protest and the possibility of problems long beforehand.

No, they said, Eddie Griffin was not being arrested. They were only going to give me a citation for criminal trespassing. Again, the ministers expressed outrage, and within minutes the police sergeant arrived with flashing lights. At last, they reduced the charge to a warning citation. With it, I would be forever barred from Bass Performance Hall.

“What about my refund?” I asked the officers and Bass officials. That would be a matter for civil court, they said. Under no circumstances was I allowed to return into the building. However, I could continue my protest outside.

“Boo Bass Hall. Boo Bass Hall,” I shouted, until others took up the new chant. “Boo Bass Hall.”

The police squad cars drew an even larger downtown crowd of spectators. Traffic was gridlocked. People gathered around the sidewalk outside the Hall. Television camera lights went back on. This was live 10 o’clock news. Deion Sanders was flushed out into the camera spotlight and grilled about his attendance to the boycotted event.

FINAL ACT

As the Hughley protest story went on the blogs, I remember something in Malik’s routine where he mentioned blogs and emails generating protests. At least, they recognized the power of the Afro-blogsphere, which he dismissed as nothing. And besides that, Hughley had even referred to the local religious leaders as “clowns”. Now that the protest was over, it was time to weigh the damage.

The Hughley show was a loser- a financial loss to Bass Hall and an embarrassment to all, including myself. The Fort Worth Police Department had been put on unnecessary high alert. Our Saturday night Juneteenth celebration throughout the city was marred, and the black community was split in the debate.

But there comes a time when opinions do not matter. A child may have their own opinion about parental discipline and chastisement. And our youth may believe that they can use derogatory language and profane slurs in the name of Freedom of Speech. But without elders and religious leaders, our young people would just as well orgy in the streets. They may have their opinions. But they do not have the last say.

Downs Feathers are causing a reaction in the community

So Andy Downs is getting on some other folks nerves it appears in the blogosphere and on the street. I have written about the name recognition of Andy Downs' father that grants him access to the media and spoke person for the Democratic party. And spoke person for some in the African-American community who believed Downs inherited his father's political wisdom.

And I just discovered Downs is even the spoke person for Michael Latham. (this is a tongue in cheek statement just like my deputy mayor comment. Downs wants to appears partisan, but he has friends who are Republicans, so that places him in a bipartisan light.

The article in the Indy Star uses a quote by Downs, and Craig Ladwig smacks it down for its value or worth. The quote in the newspaper several bloggers takes issues with Downs authority on the Allen County Election Board.

I tried to tell you:





City unofficial Mayor and Deputy Mayor Andy Downs

corrupt-manipulative-politician

voting-as-independent

Democratic needs hope-Downs

Fishing expedition

media friends

Now imagine this, parents are paying big dollars for students to sit in the classroom of the director of the Downs Center. I as a parent would require better qualifications or a discount for the child sitting in the class.

Juneteenth Celebration

International take on Juneteenth

Happy Father's Day

Alejandra Gutierrez and Fort Wayne Status Quo

If not for illegal immigration, Alejandra Gutierrez might be a happy young girl today, not the tragic victim of rape, murder and America’s self-destructive tolerance of political correctness.

The quote comes from an article written by Kevin Leininger, entitled, Fort Wayne girl is dead because of nation’s immigration failures .

Gutierrez death occurred from Fort Wayne failure to address the language gap which was occurring in institutions that involved children who came from different background. Gutierrez's parent did what they were suppose to do when their daughter came up missing. A call was made to the school, a call was made to the police station and in return the parents received misinformation.

Misinformation that the readers will receive when they read Leininger article on blaming immigrants laws, laws that would explains how another girl was killed by a predator waiting on the right time at the right moment, the April Tinsley.

It's time Fort Wayne status quo understand that there is a world that exist beyond its border, so get over it. This why Rios may not face the death penalty from incompetent people.

Blue Brews BBQ RibFEst sponsored by Blackburn & Green

www.tagartcompany.com

www.atatailgate.com

www.tinsleyellis.com

Renaissance Pointe, Gentrification by any other name

Michael Summers writes a great story about Renaissance Pointe. In the article pictures are missing of the actual location, matter of fact the only signage is street sign with the street names of Hanna and E. Creighton, when in fact the house is being built on Bowser Street.

This would place it closer to the incomplete Phoenix Place addition rather than the buildings and churches in the Hanna-Creighton synergy.

There is a reason why. Perception, fool the people into being what they read rathern than what they can visible see.

This summer a house was to be built on John Street. I did not say anything about a dirt being shoveled and calling it a groundbreaking but a model house. Instead, on June 27, 2007 you will get a photo op moment to showcase land prepared for a house on Bowser, after the house was torn down. But there was delays there, because, renovation had to occur to the house next to the vacant land for the new housing. Correction this house is not on Boweser. I provided a slide show of the house in an earlier post:

Building a $100,000 next to a house disrepair would instantly cut the value off of that $100,000. At least that is what common sense tells me and not the trending folks at the auditor and assessors offices here in Fort Wayne.

Nevertheless, Fort Wayne has never been a Chicago or Fall Creek. The city has always restricted what they would built for African-American even when mandated by the government. Yes, I said it, because folks need to know what you are dealing with.

The best housing for the central city residents were 50 houses that were built throughout the central city. But those houses were used as rental properties rather than sold to the individuals who occupied those homes. The homes were well-built and many still remain located throughout the city. But it did not happen, instead, folks were beat out of their hard earned money.

Those homes are place where Fort Wayne could start in providing homeownership, selling those homes to potential owners. Instead of building out of price range. But Fort Wayne was never about doing the right thing. It was always about gaining the confidence of African American for their votes.

Now it's about overpricing their neighborhoods to push older residents into senior apartments after they lose their homes from the burden in the increase of their property taxes.

But Michael story makes a better read, because it sounds good but a picture tells a different story, so view the video. My pleasure.

Changing the Downtown City Landscape

Indianapolis maybe but nothing in downtown looks like Seattle or this:

.

Why Raced White Women are scared of Assertative African American Women.

Thanks to Black Professor site for the data:

The US Census Bureau recently released some interesting new race data.

US Population

White: 200 million

Hispanic: 44 million

Black: 40 million

Asian: 14 million

Indian/Alaska Native: 4 million

Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 1 million

We are catching up Karen Goldner and Dottie Davis, don't be scared, especially when we (African-American women ain't done a dang gone thing to you or anybody else!

I had to to share this from the recent hate meeting I attended at the Northeast Partnership Meeting. Note of interest going out to Goldner and Davis, we are free...free to go anywhere we please, without asking for permission or being a friend of a friend. ITS THE LAW!!! There are a couple of Juneteenth celebration June 16th if you need some additional information. If you need some personal tutoring, I can teach you for a fee, $25.00 and hour.

If I attended a KLAN Rally you should understand I have no problem attending other folks meetings.

Now this is a safety hazard!

Use some of that Harrison Square Money!!!

Ain't no houses being built

I was having a conversation in the Allen County Library about the planning for housing on the southside by Come as you are Church. I basically told him, ain't no housing being built. And this article tells me what is going on:

A for-profit company connected to the 800-member church is opening a mortgage company, South Anthony Mortgage, to help buyers finance homes, Payton said. That business is opening at 6001 S. Anthony Blvd.

.

A for-profit mortgage company is much more doable and tangible than 125 houses with a value at between $175,000-$225,000. Why say me? No no my words, just look at the plans for building housing downtown? Where is the buyers, where are the developers and the biggie, where is the money? Harrison Square is stealing taxpayer dollars that the City and the County is allowing to happen?

So where is Come as you are funding coming from? It's 800 members? I don't think so.

But it is an election year. And because it is an election year, these officials spend lots of time court votes by drafting pipe dreams. Hell, Timothy Johnson is still on shaky ground as a charter school.


The vision is great, forget about groundbreaking when is the first house due to be completed would convince me that something is happening on the southside.

The second happening is :

Public Safety Academy of Northeast Indiana, said Tom Niezer, the attorney representing Come As You Are. Law enforcement and fire officials training at the academy will need places to dine and stay.

That where the taxpayers dollars will go not to housings. Now if the church could get the tax dollars to be spent on housing that first house just might be able to be built.


Can anyone say : Project Renew, Fort Wayne Neighborhood Partnership, Phoenix Place..a lie can't lie dormant forever.

Matter of fact can someone give Attorney General Steve Carter a call?

Property Tax Relief is nowhere in sight

The property tax bill will see an increase of at least 50%. But, the month of May has passed and you don't have that property tax bill, and there is probably a good reason, especially with this being an election year. The local elected officials on city council has failed through the years to hold departments accountable and now are suffering under a city budget out of control.

Out of control, because the city and county budget is squeezing certain residents, homeowners. Homeowners are paying for the bloated budget from mismanagement. Instead of reduction of staff members or consolidating departments that provide duplicated services, elected officials have approved budgets year after year without oversight that have burdened the taxpayers. Every year these elected officials have seen the burden on the taxpayer ( they receive tax bills) and have done nothing. That is until now. Why? Because senior citizens are losing their homes from not being able to pay their taxes!

The State Legislature warned the local government by placing a circuit breaker on local government, yet local government figured out ways to still circumvent the circuit breaker by over assessing home while simultaneously increasing the tax rate on homeowner. How did elected officials explain the outrageous increases? They didn't, instead elected officials stated it was too complicated for the average taxpayer to understand.

State legislators feed up with local government has placed the burden on local government on explaining to the taxpayer the increases in property taxes at the local level.

Local government to escape the blame for rising property taxes are now seeking ways to raise funds to maintain their bloated budgets and departments are attempting to introduce an increase in income taxes. They are seeking new ways to explain how they are going to convince you stay with property taxes because you would lose by going to an income tax system. The justification for going toward income taxes is that the burden for increase property taxes is too high. When the fact is that local government will no longer be able to blame state government for the tweaking of numbers or computers glitches in robbing homeowners of their hard earned dollars.

Kevin Leininger

Kevin Leininger must have wanted to place the big baller on the front of the newspaper. Because, Leininger surely was not serious that the loan that given to Matt Kelty was the issue. If the person or persons who provided the loan did not place any stipulation on the funds, as it has been reported, then wants the beef?

Where's the compelling argument for campaign reform? I don't see any state actors in this mess.

I understand that the new treasurer of the Allen County suggested that their was no conspiracy theories but that is debatable. And I think the big boy representing the Indiana Republican Party shone a highlight on that issue. It was clear that some in the local G.O.P. was out to get Kelty and he did not have a clue.

But it was not clear then, transparency exist now.

Foxy Brown gets a stay out of jail

Foxy Brown gets a stay out jail and goes on probation.




Paris Hilton gets a medical pass straight to a women prison.

What letter in MOney do these women not understand?

Fort Wayne has a theme song-country?

Nobody asked me..but country is not Fort Wayne.

“The song is a great way to convey the Room for Dreams message for and about our community. Fort Wayne has plenty of room, distinctive amenities, and the necessary resources for people to accomplish their goals and fulfill their dreams,” said Rob Young, president of the Alliance.


“The song should elicit an emotional response in residents of the community and those just looking for a place to dream,” said Hadaway. “I think the theme of the brand, “Room for Dreams” fits this community really well. I’m a perfect example, because I’m making my dream of becoming a musical performer come true in Fort Wayne. People tell me all the time that I should be in Nashville or Los Angeles, but I’m getting more accomplished in Fort Wayne than I ever could or did in Nashville.”

IU/IPFW Alumni Association Dues

By now you should have received your special IPFW alumni renewal dues mailing.

If you sign up before June 30 for your IU/IPFW alumni association dues using the
special mailer, you receive FREE 4th of July Rooftop Parking from 6 to 11 p.m.
to see the fireworks on July 4th! Remember, the fireworks are shot off on top
of IPFW's parking garage #2 while we party on top of parking garage #1. All
others pay $5.

Also once you sign up to be an IU/IPFW dues payer using the special form, your
name goes into a drawing to win the IPFW Alumni Association courtside box for
one of the 07-08 season men's basketball games and Mastodon t-shirts! You and
11 of your friends can watch the Mastodons up close!

Hurry....you only have until June 30, 2007 to pay your dues and get entered!

Didn't get a form to sign up? Call Susie at 260-481-6807!

I think I should get a courtside box and free membership for just posting this on my bog, don't you think?

A morning stroll

First, I see that another building has been condemned in the neighborhood. This building sits among several old businesses. But, this business is ran by the Burmese community. The individual appears to be a nice guy, who has spent a lot of time renovating the building for businesses purposes. The business is called the Tea House.

This business is connected to other businesses that are not condemned. So, my thought is if this business is found unsafe, what about all these other businesses that are linked together next to this business? Now that's my way of thinking about the situation. I'm thinking there is another issue going on here?


I'm sure this issue will be worked out as soon as some outrage in the community exhibit itself. Allowing cosmetic dollars be spent by the owner on the renovation of this building and then Condemn it? Does not sound right. Is this the city', way to strong arm money from this business owner for friends in the contracting business of a friend or two? I think so.

Moving on. I was a little upset to read that the Fort Wayne Community Schools would not be providing lunches to the children in my neighborhood park. Especially since the neighborhood has recently experienced an influx of young children. I was pleasantly pleased to learn, that not only was the park apart of the lunch program but the children would also receive a snack! Yeah Fort Wayne Community Schools and Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation, what happened?

Let me say here, I am happy about the paint job that was given to the decoration in the same park that was created by Mr. Art Amts, a former principal of Zion Lutheran School. Mr. Amts was so committed to that park. Great job!

And I am glad to see that some of the park maintenance workers are actually working in the park rather than just sitting and sleeping in their trucks.


And finally, an early morning Harrison Square Planning Meeting held at the Downtown Library, I missed. But downtown the streetfrom the library I was Able to make it over to Subway to get lunch. And guess what I saw ? One of the buildings in the Harrison Square Park Project almost demolished by a vehicle driven by a person who was allegedly driving under the influence. From the look of the building, it is a miracle that the person driving was Able to get out of the car, forget about him light up a cigarette after the crash.

Do you think he was a little upset with the city's new smoking ordinance?

Speaking of smoking ordinance, as I am walking away, I spot a federal employee who smoking a cigarette near a federal building. So, I say excuse me, but, can you smoke this close to a building? I was told by the federal worker, that Crawford and friends smoking ordinance did not cover federal building. So, as I am walking away, I spy across the street, women hightailing it down the street and around the corner to indulge in one of life's quick pleasant to smoke. So, excuse me ladies why make haste down the street, I asked the ladies, I was told that was the location of their designated smoking areas.

Now I'm thinking, hey why not go right across the street, to the Federal Building!! Am I encouraging folks to break the law? But, if you had a choice between spending your break going across the street or down the street which you you choose?

I think I should just spend my time observing rather than talking to people. People just confuse me.

I spent way too much time talking to people and over people, I am not a good listeners because it's so hard to listen to BS, nonsense, noise and outright lying, so I hope folks will forgive me for being so rude.

Genarlow Wilson Part II

Will Georgia release Genarlow Wilson?


Email Georgia lawmakers and urge them to support Senate Bill 37, which would allow Genarlow’s case to be returned to the trial judge to have his sentence corrected and result in his release from prison. Ask them to support changes to the sex offender registry law that would prevent Genarlow from having to register as a sex offender. Thank you to Senators Emanuel Jones, Dan Weber and Kasim Reed for this bi-partisan bill.

To find your state representatives if you live in Georgia go to:
www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/FindLegislator.htm

and write these Leaders:

Representative Wendell Willard, House Judiciary Committee Chairman
Email: wendell.willard@house.ga.gov

Representative Glenn Richardson, Speaker of the House
Email: glenn.richardson@house.ga.gov

Senator Preston Smith, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman
Email: preston.smith@senate.ga.gov

Lt. Governor Casey Cagle
Address:
Office of the Lt. Governor
240 State Capitol
Atlanta, GA 30334
Website: ltgov.georgia.gov
(an email can be sent to Lt. Governor Cagle from this site)

Governor Sonny Perdue
Website: www.gov.state.ga.us/contact_dom.shtml
(an email can be sent to Governor Purdue from this site)

And please email any other member of the Georgia House of Representatives or Senate!




What Can You Do?

Sign Petition

Donate

More Information

MEDIA INQUIRIES

Where are the city employees today?

Not all the city employees, but quite a few were at the first of three workshops for the North River Now Community workshops . The meeting was held at the Downtown Allen County Public Library. There were few private citizens who were not connected to the project at the 11:30 a.m. meeting. The next two meetings will be held on June 14 and the 19.

So much for public input.

The meeting was a brainstorming session which contributed little beyond the discussion already held among the task force and the frequently asked questions pamphlet distributed by the task force.

The brainstorming session was more of an educational session disguised as a public meeting driven by four controlling questions:

Question 1: In 10 years, what type of uses do you envision on the current OmniSource Site?


Question 2: What are some of the traits or characteristics would make sense in the development design?


Question 3: What do you see in the future design of River North Now relationship with other nearby attractions such as Science Central?


Question 4: What potential negatives do you foresee and what are your concerns?

The answers were already predetermined.

However, the session provided an opportunity to discuss other amenities beyond the waterpark that appears to be the central idea for the development of the land owned by Omnisource. Since OmniSource headquarter has left downtown, over 29 acres of unused land would sit in the heart of downtown. Land sitting abandoned and could hurt the chances of promoting the City's downtown as thriving and vibrant.

The North River Now theme is not new it is a continuous of improving assets located in the downtown areas, that would be a burden on the taxpayers, like the Grand Wayne Center, the Allen County Public Library, Headwater Park, Lawton Park, Science Central, and the former YWCA, which is current a new school, Imagine. It is just an opportunity presented and the City is attempting to capitalize on the situation.

This sounds like some prime real estate development in the near future for commercial development along the riverfront.

This city has paid $4.3 million for the option to take part in this development. The next step is to determine the feasibility of different project for the property. A market analysis will be conducted by the Conventions, Sports and Leisure International, a specialty consulting firm. A design workshop will be shared with the public/city workers during a design workshop from July 23-26, 2007. The timeframe for the completion of the study is 120 days ending September 2007.

So much for public input.

scott from Downtown Fort Wayne Baseball was there blogging live.

Where are the city employees today?

Aung San Suu Kyi Literary Fair

The Burmese Community in Fort Wayne Indiana will hold an Aung San Suu Kyi Literary Fair on June 18, 2007. The fair will be held at Indiana Purdue Fort Wayne in the Walb Union Building. Aung San Suu Kyi is a political prisoner.

Tom Henry the candidate

Tom Henry the candidate for the Democratic Party has taken his message to various groups in the community. Henry has attended several events, such as the event held on Thursday at Freimann Square as well as the German Fest held at Headwaters Park.

Henry has visited both Pilgrim Baptist Church and Mount Calvary Church.

The Hispanic Leadership Coalition of Northeast Indiana, Inc.(HLCNI) invited Henry to speak at their Grassroots Leadership Development Program (GLDP)2007 on June 11, 2007.

Henry spoke on five points: Economic development, public safety, neighborhoods, Downtown Development and government efficiency.

Henry suggested that downtown is the heart of the city and support Harrison Square as a beginning to improving downtown as well as the Riverfront North as a way to bring folks downtown.

Henry almost conceded to the fact that no time soon will Fort Wayne attract a big employer, like General Motors to the city. However, the city can focus on small and medium businesses. Fort Wayne could focus on creating an educated workforce and that would include introducing public safety to high school and a second language to those currently working in public safety.

Kyaw Soe, a member of the Burmese community and a member of the Yellow Ribbon Task Force asked Henry about the yellow ribbon petition in which Henry stated he would sign. Henry also suggested that employers could create jobs to keep our youth here in the city.

Because neighborhoods support the people living in the community, Henry suggested starting a social service agency to assign social workers to certain census tracks. The social workers would work with the residents living in those areas.

Henry was well received by the large turnout representing leadership in the Hispanic Community

Will Georgia release Genarlow Wilson?

Read the background on Genarlow Wilson entrance into a Georgia Prison.

Update: 11:54 a.m. A judge rules that a Georgia man should be released from a 10-year prison sentence for having oral sex with a 15-year-old girl when he was 17.

ATLANTA, Georgia (AP) -- A judge on Monday voided a 10-year sentence for a man accused of having consensual oral sex with a 15-year-old girl when he was 17.

Genarlow Wilson was instead given a 12-month misdemeanor sentence with credit for time already served.

The state is likely to appeal the ruling.

Wilson's original sentence, for aggravated child molestation, was widely criticized on the grounds it was grossly disproportionate to the crime.

State lawmakers later passed a law to close the loophole that led to the 10-year sentence.

Wilson, now 21, has already served more than 27 months.

He is expected to remain behind bars while the appeal proceeds.

Update at 2:40 P.M. On Native Son blog, an appeal has been filed.

ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) -- A judge on Monday threw out the 10-year sentence against a 21-year-old for a consensual sex encounter he had as a teenager. But the state attorney general quickly filed a notice of appeal, keeping Genarlow Wilson in prison for the time being.

The prosecutor's move brought an abrupt halt to the jubilation Wilson's mother, Juannessa Bennett, and his attorney, B.J. Bernstein, were feeling, and the plans they were making for Bennett to be reunited with her son.

"It is extremely, extremely disturbing that the attorney general would take this action now," Bernstein said, adding that she did not know what message "he's trying to send" or "who he's representing."

In a written statement, Georgia Attorney General Thurbert Baker said he filed the appeal to resolve "clearly erroneous legal issues," saying that while the judge did have the authority to grant habeas relief, he did not have the authority "to reduce or modify the judgment of the trial court."

Separately, Baker noted that Douglas County recently had offered a plea deal "that would have allowed Genarlow Wilson to plead to First Offender Treatment, which would mean that he would not have a criminal record nor would he be subject to registering on the sex offender registry once his sentence had been completed."

"The plea deal, if accepted by Genarlow Wilson's lawyers, could also result in Genarlow Wilson receiving a sentence substantially shorter than the 10-year mandatory minimum sentence for which he was originally sentenced, possibly leading to his release based upon time already served," Baker wrote.

"Genarlow Wilson, through his attorneys, rejected all of those offers. The district attorney's office has indicated that the plea offer will remain available to Genarlow Wilson notwithstanding the appeals process," according to Baker's statement.

Wilson has drawn support from throughout the country, including the editorial board of the New York Times and former President Jimmy Carter.

When he was 17 years old, he had a consensual sexual encounter with a 15-year-old girl, which was consensually videotaped.

Georgia law at the time made such an action a felony punishable by 10 years in prison and listing on the sex offender registry.

The state legislature later changed the law, partly in response to Wilson's case. But the change was not made retroactive, leaving Wilson in jail. He has already served more than two years.

Superior Court Judge Thomas H. Wilson of Monroe County, Georgia, voided the sentence Monday, agreeing with Bernstein that the punishment was cruel and unusual, and therefore unconstitutional, Bernstein said.

The judge ruled Wilson should serve one year, less than he has already served, and that he would not be listed as a sex offender.

No surprise there..just need some petitions headed toward Sweet Georgia.

Terrel Austin Packer

Name: Terrel Austin Packer
High School: Fort Hayes Metropolitan Education Center

Attended Columbus Teaching Academy for high school seniors and taught elementary and middle school for class credits.
Will be attending Central State University
Major: Education
Goal: Teach History at high school level.
Terrel is first cousin to M Packer at Ohio State and nephew of Ashley Packer.

American Youth Basketball Tour

Fort Wayne welcomes Ashley Packer to the American Youth Basketball Tour on July 18-25, 2007. Packer lives in Columbus, OH. Packer is married and the father of 5. Served 9 years in USAF before employment with the city of Columbus.

Full Time employment: Manager, Transportation Division, City of Columbus, Oh 14 years of service.
Part time; Game Officiating.....basketball, baseball, football, lacrosse, soccer and volleyball. (17 years)


If name seems familiar, he is the uncle of Ohio State basketball player Marscilla Packer.

Update on the NCAA Championship

1 Walter Dix JR Florida State 20.32 -0.4 10
2 Rubin Williams JR Tennessee 20.72 -0.4 8
3 Orlando Reid SR M. Tenn. St. 20.75 -0.4 6
4 Brent Gray JR Long Beach State 20.96 -0.4 5
5 Evander Wells FR Tennessee 21.03 -0.4 4 [21.025]
6 Reggie Witherspoon SR Baylor 21.03 -0.4 3 [21.028]
7 Scott Wims FR Nebraska 21.05 -0.4 2
8 Ahmad Rashad FR Southern California 23.97 -0.4 1
9 Charles Clark FR Florida State 27.57 -0.4

Glenn Hines-Fort Wayne Community School P.R.

From Fort Wayne Left :

Glynn Hines interrupted Evert and began to argue with him. Evert, rightfully asked to be allowed to finish speaking and Hines said "I wanna say something and I have to leave so after I'm gone then you can finish". I think that only sent the meeting spiraling down even worse. Hines then continued by saying that Evert might have "cursory" knowledge about the schools but he and the parents visit them regularly. That statement was completely unjustified considering Evert volunteers daily at Southside High and is in the school much more frequently than Hines or any parent.

And how much is Glynn Hines being paid for P.R. by Fort Wayne Community Schools?

Mol Evert was thrown into a lion dens and he knew it.

I am a yellow ribbon supporter. Evert is short of help when it comes to individuals volunteering to tutor students in the school. I commend Evert for his commitment to the school system. However, racialism plays a mighty part in where schools are built and where schools are well maintained.

Teaching at well maintained school will attract more committed teachers and volunteers, like himself. Evert issue is about how to teach students. Sign the yellow petition and use tax dollars to support our children.

Computer Tampering--I can't wait on some local folks to be busted !!!

Computer tampering will be one of the newest charges introducing folks to the criminal justice sytem with felony charges.


35-43-1-4. Computer tampering.

(a) As used in this section:
"Computer network" and "computer system" have the meanings set
forth in IC 35-43-2-3.
"Computer program" means an ordered set of instructions or
statements that, when executed by a computer, causes the computer
to process data.
"Data" means a representation of information, facts, knowledge,
concepts, or instructions that:
(1) May take any form, including computer printouts, magnetic
storage media, punched cards, or stored memory;
(2) Has been prepared or is being prepared; and
(3) Has been processed, is being processed, or will be
processed; in a computer system or computer network.

(b) A person who knowingly or intentionally alters or damages a
computer program or data, which comprises a part of a computer
system or computer network without the consent of the owner of the
computer system or computer network commits computer tampering, a
Class D felony.

Journal-Gazette profiles the typical predator who is know different than a stalker.

In March, the woman noticed that the e-mail address of a male friend in the military had been changed by one character. The friend’s e-mail address could be traced to a location overseas, where he was stationed, but the new, slightly altered e-mail address was traced to Kendallville, the affidavit said.

A police investigation found that the second e-mail address was created from a computer at the Kendallville Police Department and that the account was accessed multiple times between April 3 and May 16 during times Pegan was working, the affidavit said.

The investigation also turned up an invoice sent to Pegan’s work e-mail address from Real Tech Spyware for computer-monitoring software, which allows the user to monitor the activity on another computer. The software Pegan bought was used to monitor a computer named “Christie,” the name of the computer used by Pegan’s ex-girlfriend, the affidavit said.

In interviews with police, Pegan admitted to accessing his ex-girlfriend’s e-mail account and even deleting or blocking some e-mail addresses, the affidavit said. He added other e-mail addresses to her account, such as the slightly altered e-mail address of her overseas friend, and continued corresponding with her under this assumed identity.

He got the woman to install the monitoring software on her computer by sending it from the e-mail address similar to her friend’s as an attachment labeled “for our soldiers.exe,” the affidavit said.

Also , I like the computer trepasser law for those who sneak and place stuff on your computer:


TITLE 35 CRIMINAL LAW AND PROCEDURE

ARTICLE 43 OFFENSES AGAINST PROPERTY

CHAPTER 2 BURGLARY--TRESPASS

Burns Ind. Code Ann. @ 35-43-2-3

35-43-2-3. Computer trespass.

(a) As used in this section:
"Access" means to:
(1) Approach;
(2) Instruct;
(3) Communicate with;
(4) Store data in;
(5) Retrieve data from; or
(6) Make use of resources of;
a computer, computer system, or computer network.
"Computer network" means the interconnection of communication
lines with a computer through remote terminals or a complex
consisting of two (2) or more interconnected computers.
"Computer system" means a set of related computer equipment,
software, or hardware.

(b) A person who knowingly or intentionally accesses:
(1) A computer system;
(2) A computer network; or
(3) Any part of a computer system or computer network;
without the consent of the owner of the computer system or computer
network, or the consent of the owner's licensee, commits computer
trespass, a Class A misdemeanor. [P.L.35-1986, @ 3.]

He got the woman to install the monitoring software on her computer by sending it from the e-mail address similar to her friend’s as an attachment labeled “for our soldiers.exe,” the affidavit said.

The article stated this was a police officer. Who wouldn't have suspected a police? That is why you question question question, because the one's who are supposed to be above the law are often involved in circumventing the law. Why? because they know how the system works.

2007 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championship

Wane TV Channel 15 will be airing the NCAA Men and Women Track Meet Finals on June 9, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. . The event 2007 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championship at Alex G. Spanos Sports Complex is in Sacramento, California.


Watch for Freshman Scott Wims, former Fort Wayne Northrop student, the first Nebraska University Husker newcomer to advance to the championship.

1 Scott Wims FR Nebraska 20.61
2 Reggie Witherspoon SR Baylor 20.60
3 Ahmad Rashad FR USC 20.57
4 Brent Gray JR Long Beach 20.51
5 Rubin Williams JR Tennessee 20.43
6 Charles Clark FR Fla State 20.38
7 Walter Dix JR Fla State 20.48
8 Orlando Reid SR M. Tenn. St. 20.51
9 Evander Wells FR Tennessee 20.54

So Mayor, what are your plans after the election?

Mayor Dick: Jacqui why are you asking me all these questions?

Jacqui: Mayor, please read caption below:

Speaking of friends

One things Jason Freier says about Fort Wayne and I agree with is that he can't claim to know Fort Wayne as well as some of us. Boy is he so right.

Let's take a look at the Allen County Election Board? How many members are on the board? Answer 3, One, two, and three. How many members are speaking to the media from that board? Can you say one.

Who is that one? Andy Downs. Downs, is there a Downs that work for the newspaper? Do I have to really answer that question? If so, the answer is yes. Does this give Andy Downs credibility? No. And which party does Andy Downs represents on the Election Board? That's right the Democrats, which gives him even less credibility. The Democrats who don't have a rat's ass chance of winning the Mayoral election in the republican city. Maybe that's why they gave him the title of professor, I am still trying to figure that one out.

These are not friends these are opportunists. Opportunists who withhold information or hide information to prevent others from fully participating in city government.

And they need your money, because they don't have their own pot to piss in..yep..I typed out piss..not a pot to piss in. Sometimes you just have to go George Bush to describe a situation or go read Blue Indiana.

When Jason Freier Speaks everybody listens

Hardball

Capital CEO Jason Freier is in town and provided an updated slide show presentation on the evolving design of the Harrison Square Park downtown ballpark for the news media at 11:30 a.m. on June 6, 2007. The new design highlighted the capabilibility to seat approximately 6000 fans.

The artist renderings gives the ballpark a look more in line with the brick and limestone tower favor than a classic look for Fort Wayne fans. The tentative design will make the current design more of a fit with the architectural look of many of the buildings in the City of Fort Wayne. The new design incorporated some of the suggestions offered by the residents of Fort Wayne and from the over 60 ballparks viewed by the Wizard's owners.

One of these suggestions had to do with Senior City Council member Don Schmidt and traffic on Jefferson Boulevard being able to get a glimpse of the games being played. The new design utilized a point of entrance as a window of opportunities for those passing through to be able to see the action.

The issue of parking was a nonissue described as being countersituational, with folks coming and going, and the traffic flow managed would not require additional parking.

Downtown Fort Wayne Baseball has the rendering of the design made available for the media. I did not know that Downtown Fort Wayne Baseball was media, but they were in the room as well as I. However, I think who gets into these functions is determine more by who is a friend of whomever rather than the credentials if you know what I mean. In other words who is invited prints what they are told..and you know FWAAIW don't believe in propaganda..so here's the rest of the story.

Another selling point was the batting cage. The batting cage would be meet the requirement of the affiliates more so than the current one at the Wizard's current site. The new batting cage would serve as an opportunity for youth on attend the games to hit a few when not used by the team members.


It was clear that Freier was here in the city to presence the opportunity for the naming right and the selling of the luxury suites. I talked with one individual who had already expressed an interest in one of the suites. The Suite area would serve as an exclusive area for friends and family members of business people. It would also serve as an area to entertain a large group of individuals as well as privacy away from others. These suites would not be your in the background against the wall type of suites, but would be hanging over the concourse bringing the owners and their guests a closer view of the games.

Nevertheless, the bread and butter of the success of the Harrison Square Park is the high volume of traffic which will be needed to support the retail, according to Freier. I took that to mean, that it will take all kinds of family members to support the future best minor league baseball park. this project is a full day job. Also Freier appearance provides more credibility to the baseball park when the city is seeking for more money from the Grand Wayne Convention Center. Freier's appearance also suggest that the project is beyond the negotiation stage and moving more toward the final stage if not development stage in closing the deal. However, the closer to the deadline date of September 2009, the more costly the project may be as a point of clarification when questioned about the deadline

Fort Wayne Native Joins Attorney General's Office

John Phillipp, 26, a 1999 graduate of Homestead High School in the Southwest Allen County school district, on June 6, 2007 took the oath of office for Deputy Attorney General in the State of Indiana. The Attorney General's Office protects the rights and freedom of citizens in the State of Indiana. Phillipp will join the 100 Deputy Attorney Generals and will be one of the four working in collection department.

Phillipp attended Indiana University School of Law-Bloomington, graduating with a degree in the law of jurisprudence in May 2006. At graduating from law school, Phillipp served as a law clerk for Solicitor General Tom Fisher, son of Tax Court Judge Thomas Fisher.

Attorney General Steve Carter traveled to Fort Wayne to conduct the swearing in ceremony. Carter commented on Phillip's selection from the Northeast Indiana as representative of the legal talent found throughout the State of Indiana, beyond just Marion. Not only does Phillip bring to the position a legal background, but Phillipp has a Master of Professional Accountancy from the Kelley School of Business from Indiana University.

Warming Up-Scott Wims

Fort Wayne native and freshman Scott Wims won the men's 200-meter dash during the Midwest Regional titles. Nebraska University first Midwest Regional titles included a run away win by Wims.

Wims experienced his finest day as a Husker Saturday by registering NCAA qualifications in both the 200- and 100-meter dash events. After running a personal-best time of 10.35 to place third in the 100, which tied for the seventh-best effort in Husker history, Wims ran away with the 200 race in a career-low clocking of 20.66 for only his second career collegiate victory in the event. The surprising win also moved him into sole possession of fifth place on NU’s all-time performance chart.



“At Big 12’s I thought I had a good start and could win that one, so coming in here I thought if I could just get going from the start I’d be in good shape,” Wims said. “Against the competition, it was a really good race for me. There were some really good guys in that race. I had my idea how I was going to run the race going in, because coach (Matt Martin) told me I looked tight yesterday near the end. I just tried to relax and started to move ahead (once he hit the home stretch).”

German Fest

The German Fest is off to a good start. I do not have a bit of German blood. But, I sure did enjoy the music, dancing and some other fun stuff.

Where oh where could my little doggie be?

Who would steal an 80 year old woman's dog and live over 1800 miles away?

My little brown-and-white beagle/terrier mix dog was my only reason to live,” 80-year-old Lillian Brown wrote. “Please bring my little buddy back to me.”

A Fort Wayne couple, is alleged to have committed the unkindly deed.

Branding in Indiana-Cindy's Diner

Cindy's Diner was a busy place this afternoon. Cindy's Diner is part of a series of commericals for Salin Bank being shot at various location throughout the Fort Wayne market. Salin Bank is a family owned bank in the State of Indiana. Burlington, Columbus, Delphi,Edinburgh, Flora, Fort Wayne, Galveston, Gas City, Indianapolis, Kokomo, Lafayette, Logansport, Marion, and New Haven are cities where a Salin Bank can be found, according to it's website.

Cindy's Diner will be part of a branding image campaign of Salin Bank. Magnet Films, the production company is producing the series of commercials.

Zion Lutheran Carnival

I grew up across from Zion Lutheran Church. I remember back in the late 1960's, Zion brought into town unknown young singer by the name of Little Carl Carlton, to the neighborhood for free, something I will never forget. Years later after Carlton became famous, I paid to see his performance in the city.

Zion Carnival is June 9th, 2007. The church sits on the corner of Hanna Street and East Creighton Boulevard. The carnival will have lots of events and the cost for many events is only a quarter($.25). The Hours get there early 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

The proceeds will go to the Zion Lutheran Academy. It's fun in the neighborhood.

Paging Tom Henry

Paging Tom Henry. Oh Tom Henry ! Paging Tom Henry who is running for Fort Wayne's Mayor. With all the noise around the set up to dethrone Matt Kelty from appearing on the ticket as a Republican for Mayor, it is no surprise that Henry is laying low. But, how can a candidate be running for Mayor and the public hears nothing..nothing from the opposing candidate.

FWOB report even the manager of the slow moving campaign is missing in action or has exited stage left, which could explain why the public has heard so little from the Henry campaign.

$6 Million gap-GREG Leatherman

The Journal Gazette reports that

[Greg] Leatherman previously said the city and hotel developers were working to close about a $6 million gap in finances for the project. He said this incentive will help fill that gap, and the developers are working to redesign aspects of the hotel to reduce costs. The hotel will still be a full-service, business-class hotel with an urban design, Leatherman said.

So the Harrison Square Park Project has begun to increase in cost before the first building touches the ground.

In the memorandum of understanding – basically a non-binding contract – with Acquest Realty Advisors and White Lodging Services Corp., both the city and the two hotel developers agreed to “use their best efforts to execute a development agreement by May 31.”

(bold added)

And Leatherman and crew has partnered a deal that $2.5 of the $6 million will come from the Grand Wayne Center Convention Center. The Hotel is protected from demolition cost, the Hotel is granted a parking garage paid for by the taxpayers, what more does this group want?

So where is the other $3.5 million coming from?

The Memorandum of Understanding for Hardball Capital to commit to the deal is the requirement of a HOTEL.

The memorandum with Hardball calls for construction on the project to begin by Sept.1 or Hardball would have the right to pull out of the development.

The memorandum with the hotel said the two sides would need to determine how much parking revenue would go to the hotel, and the city would work to allow the hotel to capture some of the innkeeper tax it generates. Brody declined to discuss specifics of the ongoing negotiations.

( bold added).

Is the HOTEL now making demands on the city based on this requirement by Hardball Capital? Or is the city trying to justify going into the pocket or coffers of other entities of the city to get additional money beyond property taxes to fund this project?

I am thinking that if the TIF funds are restricted or limited to certain projects, which comes from the taxpayers, the city will need to get the funds from elsewhere.

So, I am thinking that the city and county has created an illegal consolidation of certain entities. This would eliminate the public hearing or loudmouth opponents of the shady dealings that surrounds the Harrison Square Park Project. The need for a cooperation agreement among these parties of a few would be more easily able to siphon off funds to support the Harrison Square Park Project without going to the public. Now what would these fake consolidation of entities be?

More Juneteenth Celebration in Fort Wayne, IN

Frost Illustrated highlight Eric Hackley effects in taking the emanicipation of African-American message of Juneteenth beyond the complacent African-American community.

While traditional Juneteenth celebrations usually have an African American flavor, marking the June 19, 1865 date on which black Texan slaves were informed slavery had ended-two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation-this year's Fort Wayne celebration will have a decidedly international flavor. In addition to African American presenters, Hackley has engaged people representing groups from around the world to speak at the event. What they all have in common, he explained, is that they all have experience in working to overcome oppression-just like African Americans.

The show of international favors starts with a parade.

Dubbed "United Nations of Fort Wayne," this year's local Juneteenth celebration is scheduled for June 16, starting with Register to Vote Parade at 10:30 a.m., at Link's Wonderland, 1711 E. Creighton Ave., and ending at the Downtown Allen County Public Library for a noon series of presentations from various speakers

.

Desperate Investors make desperate deals

Let's see if I read this right? I know I am in Fort Wayne, but is the city really demanding that Grand Wayne Convention Center to contribute $2.5 millions of their profit to support a new hotel over 10 years?

Conflict of interest here maybe?

Steve Brody, president of the Fort Wayne-Allen County Convention and Tourism Authority, which oversees the convention center, said he thinks the $2.5 million is a reasonable request.

What will city government ask for next? Your first born?

Blogtalkradio: Afrospearnationlive

I have began the process of starting a blog talk radio program for the voices of members of the Afrospear nation. My email address is listed on the forum for those who are interested in being a guest host or panel members.

Also I would like members to e-mail about issues to discuss on the program. Exodus Mentality I would like for you to be a part of this, so I will be emailing you soon. Temple3 you showed an interest in the radio program and I would like some feedback from you. I know you are probably busy about right now with the birth of twins. So hit me up when you find time.

Steve Gilliard-Afrosphere blogger Gone

This blog offers condolences to the family of Steve Gilliard. Gilliard has passed on and with be missed in the blogosphere.

Property Tax Assessment Farce

Frank Gray attempts to answer the questions of why is there a surplus in the collecting of individual property taxes and why is the government web announcing the surplus of these folks not better publicized.

Here's the answer Frank, time limit. If the folks do not claim their overpayment the government get to keep the funds. That's a lot of money siphoned from the people wouldn't you think Frank? It's almost like the IRS three year requirement that if you don't file your taxes and you were due a refund, the federal government gets to keep it.

It's all about the money Frank, not the people, and that is why it was so quietly placed on the web. I wrote about this here here and here.

Juneteenth Celebration in Fort Wayne Indiana

Amreican Legion Post 148 Motorcycle Rally Part I

Every year I enjoy watching for the hundreds of motorcycles riders announcing driving safety. It's the cyclists way of letting folks know to watch out for bikers during the summer months. This year I thought I missed them, but early Sunday morning, I got a chance to see hundreds of lovely bikes. On Saturday, the American Legion Post 148 held their own Motorcycle Rally:

Dont forget to check out part II.

American Legion Post 148 Motorcycle Rally-Part II

SnitchCraft by Edrea Davis

Edrea Davis, is the author of SnitchCraft.

SnitchCraft is a book about betrayal. I decided to read Snitchcraft during a book sale I had on a Saturday morning. By the time the rain had moved in, I had completed the book. The title can be deceiving if you think the book is only about snitching. Davis uses a variety of characters drawn from the African-American community and its families. Davis weaves a riveting fiction about snitching and the role of betrayal.

The key word here is betrayal.


Davis, uses the character of J.C. Powell to take the readers on a journey of betrayal. Who betrayal J.C. ? Does J.C. betray anyone? And is there a snitch in the story?

Davis will play with your on your biases and judgmental attitudes toward certain members of the African-American community. Davis provides a cast of characters to pick your victim not unlike the punitive criminal justice system. Yes, the criminal justice system.

Davis keeps reminding us of the role that the criminal justice system plays in the act of betrayal as well as in the African-American community. The intentional release of a known criminal back into the African-American community to wreck havoc.

And havoc is just what a snitch does in SnitchCraft. But there is a cost and a benefit for the snitch, you will have to read SnitchCraft to find out just what is the cost and the benefit of being a snitch. Go here to purchase a copy.

Exodus Mentality: Criminal Justice System Is Just As Broken As The Healthcare System has something to say about the reform of the Criminal Justice System.

Georgia, Oh Sweet Georgia

Not so sweet for Genarlow Wilson, is the State of Georgia. Wilson was a honor roll student, a talented football player. Wilson was even voted homecoming king. Sounds like a teen destined to college except Wilson sits in Georgia prison. Wilson is serving a ten (10) year sentence.

Wilson engaged in an oral stimulation intercourse with a 15 year old female, Wilson was 17. Wilson has served three years of the ten year sentence.

You can write
Georgia State Representative Alisha Thomas Morgan or go to essence.com

Source: Essence 37th issue (May 2007).

Turn down the light-Matter of fact -No Smoking.

Just hours away, and the City of Fort Wayne smokers will have to change their smoking habits. There will be a restriction on where some folks can smoke. Now I read that some health facility will allow smoking.

No, I did not miss type the fact that some health facilities will allow smoking, this is Fort Wayne, read about us in the Men Health Magazine. Or better yet, let Indiana Law Blog tell you about the logic of some of Fort Wayne's people:

This is the closest I'll get to contributing to White Trash Wednesday, because even in a city as dumb as Fort Wayne, you really can't consider the City Attorney as white trash; however, this incident is perfectly indicative of white trash behavior:

Fort Wayne City Attorney Tim Manges was ticketed Monday, accused of leaving the scene of an accident early Saturday. Police reports say Manges’ Jeep Cherokee hit a parked car and a tree at Broadway and Taylor Street at 1:17 a.m. Saturday, causing damage estimated at more than $2,500 to a 1993 Ford four-door.

Manges – who negotiated on behalf of the city the patrol officers’ union contract but also defends officers in legal cases – said he did not believe he hit anything except the curb. There was no damage to any vehicles or a tree, he said, so he continued on his way home from being out with a friend. Had he known he hit anything – if, in fact he did hit anything, he said – he would have contacted police immediately. (bold added)

. . .

The area was hit by a winter storm Friday night and Saturday that dumped heavy snow. The police report says the road was covered with snow and slush. Manges said he began to fishtail while driving in the snow and over-corrected slightly, sending his Jeep “straight into the curb.” He said there is no damage on his vehicle or any mark that he can find on the tree in question.

I don't want to jump to any conclusions here, but if you're driving on snowy downtown streets in a 4X4 after 1:00AM on a Saturday morning, and you still manage to lose control and hit a curb, a car, and a tree, AND YOU DON'T NOTICE HITTING THE CAR OR THE TREE...

Well, let's just say I can pretty easily think of one hypothesis that explains all those facts without contradicting any. There's also the issue of who said what to whom:

The Saturday report says only that Manges’ Jeep was found and towed. The Monday report says Manges stated Saturday that he wasn’t feeling well and that a friend spoke to investigators because Manges was ill. (bold and italic added)

That's interesting. If it were me, trying to clear my name, I'd rise up off my freakin' deathbed to talk to the people responsible for determining what happened.

Incidentally, the hypothetical hypothesis I allegedly refer to above also explains that behavior

These are not my words just go to Indiana Law Blog for comments.

Matt Kelty's Attorney brings the heat to the Fort

By noontime the place to be was in The Lincoln Tower in downtown Fort Wayne. Republican Mayor Candidate Matt Kelty and his attorney James Bopp Jr. of the Terre Haute-based firm of Bopp, Coleson & Bostrom was dropping some knowledge on local politicians.

Word on the street: Bopp was dropping like it was hot. Drop it like it's hot!






Kelty speaks about campaign from FWNS on Vimeo

Video source: FWNS

Summer School has been Canceled

Fort Wayne Community Schools have canceled summer school. That's not good.