Change Ft Wayne

My News Station

2011-07-12T02:04:00.005+09:30

I often find it depressing looking over the available Fort Wayne news sources available to us.

For example, here is a headlining news story in Fort Wayne, listed under "Local News":
Free Slurpees

HOLD THE PRESSES! FREE SLUPREES?

Just a note, the closest 7-11 to us in Fort Wayne is 45 minutes away in Osceola.

Also, notice the link, "Free-Slurpees-come-with-a-twist-They-may-cost-you" - What is the twist? What is going to cost me?

This ranks up there with the "Local News" section including who was dismissed from "Dancing With The Stars"

My Demolition

2011-06-01T02:50:00.003+09:30

Its absolutely amazing that 635 West Berry is now marked for demolition.

Journal Gazette conveniently leaves the house out of this weekends article about Fort Wayne's link to the Civil War HERE

ARCH has made an attempt at saving the house, but was only allowed a few weeks to arrange for moving it.
They had a letter to the editor HERE

Another parking lot for downtown Fort Wayne. Citizens rejoice!

My Half-Asses Fix

2011-03-22T04:29:00.002+10:30

Congratulations Wane, you "Half Assed"the fix on your website.

Still, the title on the article is completely wrong. Looks like we're on someone's RSS feed at WANE. The title was corrected within 3 minutes of the post.

My Auto-Spell Correct

2011-03-22T04:08:00.002+10:30

Congrats Wane to your topnotch proofreading skills.
http://www.wane.com/dpp/news/local/emerald-ash-borer-firm-hire

"Firm to Asses" - nice work

My Well-Being

2011-03-12T07:50:00.002+10:30

Actually not so well-being.

Gallup measured the "life evaluation, emotional health, physical health, healthy behavior, work environment and basic access" of communities across the country. The results were compiled into a Well-Being Index. You can see the results HERE

On the Well-Being Index:

Indiana ranked: 39/50

Fort Wayne ranked: 145/188 (but ahead of South Bend, Toledo and Evansville)

Congressional District 3: 189/435

At least we're not Huntington, West Virginia, right?

My Confusion-Angry White Boy and Hitler

2011-03-02T00:33:00.003+10:30

Local blogger "Angry White Boy" aka Dan Turkette has a post criticizing Indiana Union Members depicting Governor Daniels as Hitler. I actually agree with Angry White Boy. That type of discourse is troubling.

What I also find troubling is Angry White Boy's obsession with Hitler on youtube. Here are a list of Hitler videos made by Angry White Boy:

Here is a Hitler video about Harry Baals: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4S7iBq6SPAg

Here is a Hitler video about Mayor Henry: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhrNp9xcSlA

Here is a Hitler video titled "Hitler as Obama on the Olympic loss for Chicago" : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZLni3Hs69k

Here is a Hitler video about former Congressman Baron Hill: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_T1hp8GtAY

Here is a Hitler video about Ashley Biden: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhjmZ-o1Lfg

Here is a Hitler video about the last Fort Wayne Mayor's race: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxoE9_yv4YU

Can you say.....Obsessed?

My Kudos

2011-03-02T00:27:00.002+10:30

Kudos to Mayor Henry.

From the Journal Gazette:

Democratic Mayor Tom Henry received some warm words from an unexpected source last week – Rush Limbaugh.
And it’s all about Harry Baals.
Limbaugh on Friday read from a letter the mayor sent to the talk show host.
“The people of Fort Wayne are still chuckling about your send-up of our community, our former mayor, Harry Baals, and our search for a name for our new local government center. We love the joke.”
Henry invited Limbaugh to Fort Wayne, sent some info about the city – and included a T-shirt that reads: “You already know Fort Wayne has Baals. Come see our other assets.”
Limbaugh discussed his visit to the city to play golf, though he couldn’t remember the year (1999), the name of the pro-am (the Mad Anthonys) or where it was played (Fort Wayne Country Club).
“We just had a great time,” Limbaugh said. “What a great letter. It’s a great T-shirt.”

My Lawbreaker

2011-02-24T00:16:00.004+10:30

From the Journal Gazette: Brown fails to show for court date, pays fine late

Ouch. Is it that hard to show up to court, admit your guilt and pay the fine? Did she just forget to show up? I'd imagine the Mayor's schedule is a lot more demanding and just forgetting things will have greater consequences.

She should probably go see her biggest blogosphere supporter. He's been sued and has gone through bankruptcy...he probably has some great legal advice.

My Lugar Backer: Steve Shine

2011-02-23T04:54:00.001+10:30

From The Howey Political Report:

"Declaring that "It is bipartisanship that has brought us to the brink of bankruptcy," Indiana Treasurer Richard Mourdock kicked off his Republican primary challenge to U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar Tuesday morning. Mourdock cited the "lame duck" session of Congress last December and Lugar's role in successfully pushing for the START Treaty and the Dream Act that triggered his decision to run. "I was amazed at the lame duck session," Mourdock told a couple hundred supporters at the Indianapolis Artsgarden. "He's known for his bipartisanship." Mourdock announced the endorsements of Republican county chairmen in 67 of Indiana's 92 counties. But missing were the urban counties of Marion, Hamilton, Allen, Hendricks, St. Joseph, Johnson and Porter where Lugar is expected to run stronger."

My Breaking News: John Gregg for Governor?

2011-02-22T05:29:00.002+10:30

John Gregg giving governor run 'serious thought

He would likely face Indiana Congressman Mike Pence.

My BOB Endorsement

2011-02-21T01:54:00.004+10:30

Being "moderate" is somewhat of a prerequisite for being Mayor in Fort Wayne.

Paul Helmke was moderate. Graham Richard was moderate. And I think it's safe to say that Tom Henry is a moderate. The far left and far right rhetoric is usually reserved for state wide and national races.

But that doesn't seem to be stopping Liz Brown. She got a glowing endorsement this morning from State Rep. BOB.

“I believe she’s the best tea party candidate of any of the three running,” said Morris, who supports Brown.

Now I understand that this is all red meat for the Primary. You gotta "gin up" your base if you want any shot at winning...especially in a crowded field. But at some point you have to come back to the center, especially in an off year election that won't feature any national Democrats or Republicans at the top of the ticket.

What happens when you remain on the crazy side? Ask Matt Kelty.

My Roach Problem: David Roach 4 Mayor

2011-02-20T03:02:00.002+10:30

The Roach is back and running for mayor.

Check out his campaign website HERE

Here are some of his ideas for Fort Wayne:

"Casino- YES!-viva las vegas! party town !

Maunfacturing is a futile effort. construction is waaaay down. read the business employment stats in the lower left corner of the money morning paper? nothing but negative numbers. Take a risk? gamble? I'm all in on SIN CITY!
you got any better realistic ideas? "

"city/county mergers-Fire chief york, and leave the job empty. hire a public safety director instead- a civilian, answerable to the people, with civilian oversight. York does whatever he wants, he's a petty dictator. I hate the FWPD. they are ignorant, incompetent, and crooked.(# of cold case murders, cherrymaster racketeering-political/police corruption) I loathe them. I despise them. the sooner we put them out of business, and restore integrity to our policing, courts, and justice system, it will be too soon. INDY has a metro PD, as do at least a dozen other metro jurisdictions. with elected sheriffs, so the police are accountable to the people.

again- talk talk talk, this time since 1996. when did INDY form UNIGOV? oh yes- 1968. to refudiate unigov, is to refudiate Richard Lugar- Richard Nixons favorite Mayor! Reelect DICK!"

"make the mayor admit that he smoked dope/pot/weed/reefer in the 60's. then make him support a policing stance locally of de- facto decriminalization of marijuana, for the same reasons as california. to take the profit/greed gangs/money out of the equation

6 investigate/indict the mayor, etc on his and his wifes illegal cherrymaster machine conspiracy. you did know that conspiring to commit a misdemeanor is in fact a felony? and the Mayor had cherrymasters in his bar when he was an elected official? nothing like a little chicago style politics to keep things interesting around here- political/police corruption scandals sell lots of newspapers( hint hint- JG, NS...)"

BREAKING My Mayor: Mitch Harper?

2011-02-19T02:54:00.001+10:30

From Facebook:

"Mitch Harper: Just parked at Calhoun and Columbia Streets ready to walk to the Allen County Board."

My Paula Hughes "Social Media"

2011-02-18T05:41:00.003+10:30

Paula has been very vocal about criticizing Mayor Henry using $72,000 to study how Fort Wayne can use social media. The merits of the $72,000 are obviously debatable.

So I wanted to see how Paula was using social media

This seems to be her three point plan:
1. Advertise on a certain blog.
2. That certain blog then starts to blog Paula's press releases.
3. Paula tweets like this blog is a real news source covering her campaign! Genius!!

My Fame

2011-02-17T02:13:00.001+10:30

The Daily Show - Moment of Zen - Harry Baals Pronunciation
Tags: Daily Show Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,The Daily Show on Facebook

My Daily Show, loves us

2011-02-17T02:06:00.003+10:30

The Media blitz for Fort Wayne continues. You're welcome Fort Wayne.

The Daily Show - Harry Baals Government Center
Tags: Daily Show Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,The Daily Show on Facebook

My Parking Problem

2011-02-16T07:48:00.002+10:30

Fort Wayne never ceases to amaze me

"Full city parking garage leaves some drivers fuming"

Yes, you'll have to get off your fat butt and walk a few blocks....but there are literally hundreds (please see CFW Map Below) of parking spaces within a few blocks of the City-County Building.

My Confusion

2011-02-14T04:28:00.000+10:30

Woman supports Harry Baals name

My North Shore, MA Balls

2011-02-13T05:47:00.001+10:30

From the North of Boston Blog: Is the North Shore more grown-up than Indiana?

My Real Baals

2011-02-12T11:59:00.000+10:30

Great piece by Eric Olson on what Mayor Baals did for Fort Wayne

My just what Fort Wayne needs...Donuts!

2011-02-12T10:10:00.002+10:30

"Dunkin' Donuts to Open 20 Stores in Fort Wayne"

According to Google, there are already 13 Doughnut Stores in Fort Wayne. This will make 33.

My Final Vote

2011-02-12T10:01:00.003+10:30

Thank you for all your support. We had no idea the "movement" this would create when we submitted the idea a few weeks ago. No matter what happens, Mayor Harry Baals will live on forever.

My other Harry Baals

2011-02-12T09:50:00.003+10:30

We've all heard of Harry Baals Drive and have seen the Harry Baals plaque under the downtown railroad bridge.

But have you tasted Harry Baals?

It's very good. Not salty at all. Make sure you get some at the Mad Anthony Brewing Company on Taylor Street.

My Voters

2011-02-11T12:31:00.001+10:30

Today's newspaper had a story about the current state of the "Name Your Government Building" contest.

Vote Here:
http://www.feedbackfortwayne.org/forums/96987-name-our-building

The article can be found here: READ

In the article it states:

More than 26,000 votes have been cast on the site, including more than 8,000 on Wednesday. He said the city can’t determine where the votes are coming from, but it is safe to assume many weren’t being logged by city residents.

The votes are now well over 18,000 and continues to increase. What is amazing about the statement is, that they seem to want to discredit the votes because the votes are coming from out of town, but the city has no problem putting a large amount of out-of-towners on the Legacy Fort Wayne board to decide what to do with the Light Lease money.

Its amazing that we have a large problem with people approving of a name that the city is bashful of using, but have no problem letting them decide what to do with $75M. We are shying away from honoring a great citizen of the past, due to what they are considering an "inconvenient name." It is time to show the world that Fort Wayne has personality, attitude, and a great sense of humor. The people have spoken and we are not afraid of using Harry Baals, so it is time we give them what they demand and the people are screaming for Harry Baals Government Center.

My Wisdom

2011-02-11T12:30:00.002+10:30

Great column by Frank Gray in the Journal Gazette: Maybe odd, memorable name for it is best bet

"But the rest of the world did have an opinion. Before long, people all over the country and even around the world were talking about how Fort Wayne, Indiana, wouldn’t name it’s new government building after a four-term mayor because they didn’t like his name: Harry Baals. Never mind that he was the guy who brought the city a military airfield and elevated railroad tracks so trains wouldn’t cut the city in half.
Yes, the rest of the world laughed at the name, but they also looked upon Fort Wayne as a prudish, fun-is-not-allowed-here sort of place.
And I thought, you know, the world is right. We don’t have much personality, and this is proof."

My Late Night TV III-Craig Ferguson on Harry Baals

2011-02-11T08:25:00.002+10:30

Fast forward to 1:50 in the video

My Local News Clip of the Day

2011-02-11T07:58:00.004+10:30

Kudos to Don Austin at WANE TV. There is no way I could have made it through that without laughing.

My Late Night TV II

2011-02-11T00:47:00.002+10:30

Thank you, Mr. Kimmel!!

My Morning Edition

2011-02-10T23:43:00.001+10:30

Change Fort Wayne/Harry Baals Government Center were just mentioned on NPR's "Morning Edition."

Audio is here: NPR

My Google Maps

2011-02-10T13:44:00.005+10:30

Sure the sign says H. W. Baals Drive but Google Maps says something different. We think they are on to something.

My Headlines

2011-02-10T11:01:00.003+10:30

When CFW submitted the "Harry Baals Government Center" idea a few weeks ago to Feedback Fort Wayne, we had no idea it would garner so much attention.

After all, there are so many other great ideas on Feedback Fort Wayne:

The Mishikinakwa Center
The Youknowwhatmayorwemean Center
The Chief Richardville
The We should sell the naming rights, and use the revenue towards the needs of the city/county Center
The Enyaw Trof (Fort Wayne spelled backwards. GIGGLES!!)
The IT Should NOT be named after ONE person Center
The Round Table Center

Without further delay, we bring you Harry Baals/Change Fort Wayne goes global

United Press International

ABC

My Rush Limbaugh Update-We have audio!

2011-02-10T09:58:00.001+10:30

We have audio: Rush Limbaugh on Change Fort Wayne's Harry Baals Government Center

Thanks for all of your support.

My favorite radio host: Rush Limbaugh

2011-02-10T05:09:00.004+10:30

Rush, thank you for supporting our idea on your radio show!!

Harry Baals Government Center

My Late Night TV

2011-02-10T00:48:00.002+10:30

Thank you, Jimmy Kimmel

Vote: Change Fort Wayne-Harry Baals Government Center

My rudeness

2011-02-08T23:17:00.004+10:30

"Harry Baals Building Unlikely"

"While Baals was a popular mayor, Malloy noted he had an unfortunate name and some elected officials have said such a name would be an embarrassment to the city."

My question. Is this a joke?

2011-02-01T02:12:00.004+10:30

Ladies and gentlemen...START YOUR ENGINES!!!!

My idea

2011-01-28T06:47:00.002+10:30

We're number one:

Name our Building

Apologies to Jim Sack and Henry Rudisill

My Disappointment

2011-01-28T01:51:00.007+10:30

Fort Wayne has some money coming, nearly half has been 35 years in the making and the other half comes from future leasing of all retail electric utility rights for Fort Wayne. All in all both sums total up to about $75 million.

A decent chunk of change, a large amount, but in today's standards not a huge amount. About enough to build three more Parkview fields... I'm kidding. Fort Wayne can't seem to act fast enough to spend, save, invest, develop, or utilize this money fast enough. So the city has setup a commission of 15 people to determine the best ideas are and how to utilize this money from public input.

So as of last night the task force of 15 are set.

The members are:

Quinton Dixie, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy, Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, Co-chairman

James Vann, Chairman, Board of Directors, Rea Magnet Wire Company, Inc., Co-chairman

Marty Bender, Member, Fort Wayne City Council;

Terrell M. Bond, Jr., M.D., Vice President/Chief Medical Officer, Fort Wayne Neighborhood Health Clinic;

James E. Cook, President, Northeast Indiana Region, Chase Bank;

Jennifer Callison, Vice President, Mike Thomas Associates/F.C. Tucker;

Meg Distler, Executive Director, St. Joseph Community Health Foundation;

Joseph Dorko, Chief Executive Officer, Lutheran Health Network;

Martin Fisher, Executive Director, Science Central;

Cathy Hawks, Music Director, The Chapel;

Julie Inskeep, Publisher, Fort Wayne Journal Gazette;

Timothy Pape, Member, Fort Wayne City Council; and

Wendy Robinson, Ed.D., Superintendent, Fort Wayne Community Schools.

Marshall White, Voices of Unity Youth Choir

Angela Hughes, Franklin Electric

Now, M. Barranda had a piece in the newspaper about the lack of age diversity in the task force. Point well made, seeing as though the majority of these people are well above his YLNI target group. One would hope that the Fort Wayne would love to embrace and groom some of these young professionals that they are hoping to retain in Fort Wayne. You'd think they would want to involve these people that seemingly want to be involved in the process, more than just at public meetings and on a voting website that is easily rigged. Often times, these highly involved people sit on many boards and are stretched very thin for time, juggling family, work, and extra curricular activities- with a younger person that is less likely.

Age diversity was distinctly put on the requirements for formation of this board. Which you can see here: The People

Also on the list of qualities for representation on the task force is "Downtown." Must be important if they listed it twice. Now, I do not know the addresses of all these people, but it does not seem as though downtown residents or even the DID are involved. Fort Wayne always seems to run into this problem, especially when concerning downtown. We talk downtown revitalization and redevelopment, but it is always the same people playing urbanists, we never go straight to the source for ideas. Downtown is constantly being told, "I know what is best for you", from outsiders. Does Glynn Hines get Sycamore Hill's housing association board to address the concerns of his constituents?

The last point is in conjunction with my next.

I knew this task force has a couple of non-residents of Fort Wayne. Until I read this mornings paper, I did not realize 5 out of 15 did not live in Fort Wayne. 1/3 of this task force for Legacy FORT WAYNE to decide how to utilize the FORT WAYNE Community Trust and the FORT WAYNE Light Lease money that we are receiving for the FORT WAYNE power grid are not from FORT WAYNE.

Much like the fact that we do not allow non-residents to run for Fort Wayne office to control how the city operates and our budget is spent, we should not allow non-residents to control how this time capsule is utilized. These people do not live in Fort Wayne for a reason, what ever that reason is, the fact remains - they do not want to live in Fort Wayne. Fort Wayne needs to realize that there has been a line drawn in the sand Fort Wayne and the rest of Allen County. Allen County does not want to be Fort Wayne, they don't want to be involved in Fort Wayne, and at times I it seems they don't like Fort Wayne. Take a look at New Haven's promotional video (PROMO). At the end it pretty much said, "Close to Fort Wayne, but you don't have to pay for it!"

I realize that they say these people have business inside of Fort Wayne, but by that logic we could go ask an executive of PNC to be on this task force as he/she has business in Fort Wayne as well.

Fort Wayne needs to get JG Wentworth on this, we've got a structured cash settlement. It's our money, and we (are getting) it now.

My Preservation

2010-05-26T01:37:00.002+09:30

Something that has made very brief news lately is what seems to be the imminent demise of the freight depot on Clinton and Fourth St.

http://www.news-sentinel.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100521/NEWS/5210325

I find the depot to be very symbolic of Fort Wayne, stagnant. The depot has been sitting there for the ages, where the only improvement to the structure was to add a billboard to the side. Redevelopment costs (as typical in FW) are higher than the building new, Thanks to the Planning Commission's rubber stamp for new developments in the far far reaches of the area.

The building has been sitting crumbling away until it is ultimately too late for it to be saved, due to it fiscal impossibilities or the process is too far along, the ones that want to save it are reactionary to the process, they stage a last ditch effort, which rarely ever works out or comes across as unorganized.

What I find amazing about the plans to demolition of the depot:

1. May is historical preservation month. I find it to be a huge slap in the face to plan demolition of a building that is on Arch's endangered building list for quite some time now. It sits on a much neglected piece of land, and now the owners decide it needs to go - On the month we are suppose to remember and cherish our history. Where is our mayor and staff on this? Their silence has been deafening about this piece of land that was once desired by them is about to lose what is considered, to some, a selling point of this. On top of that our rich history was being heralded earlier this month, now we're seemly side stepping out of the way to eradicate it.

2. Why on earth are the Rifkin's worried about this piece of land? Flashback: 2007, Omnisource is sold for nearly 1.1 Billion Dollars (no fat finger on the B). I personally would want to wash my hands of this land and liability. Everyone is 99% sure that this land is contaminated and will need heavy remediation before development. I'd hand the land over, tell the city - "it's your problem now" and then continue to do backstrokes through my pile of gold coins ala Scrooge McDuck.

All in all, this land represents missed opportunities. We can't replicate the past, and given this opportunity was can certainly preserve what we have left. We only have to look to the recent past to see one near missed opportunity, the Embassy. I'm not saying that this depot is as beautiful or ornate as the embassy, The theater was moments away from demolition, luckily for Fort Wayne, it the leveling was put off. Now, Fort Wayne, having taken advantage of an opportunity, has a great asset like the Embassy. The possibilities of the depot are endless, all it takes is the right idea with the right people. The news of possible demolition has ignited a few flames, lined up with Arch and the available restoration grant money, it can definitely work. After all, whats the rush?

My condos/office/.... whatever

2009-08-22T01:33:00.004+09:30

Steps to selling the condos downtown -

1. Reduce Price- you will make your profit on the retail leasing, not the condo sales. These prices are completely out of line with the current market. Considering you buy a house a couple blocks away for a 10th of the price

2. Announce retail - please please please please be a scrapbooking outlet

3. Increase number of units, lower the amount of upscale furnishing to reduce cost per unit. They went the opposite, reduced number of condos and increased price (how does that make sense?), by the way, your price per square foot increase disproportionately to your condo prices. That worked out REALLY well for them.

4. Announce the start date, no one in their right mind will sign onto this project when they don't
know when they will actually be moved into. By the time this project will be complete, the average amount of time a person stays in a residence will have lapsed

5. Announce a final design, last I heard they removed the rooftop patio - so now the development has absolutely ZERO amenities. This is probably a good time for them to increase costs again.

Am I missing anything?

The city made a huge mistake of making a stipulation of spending a minimum, instead of a minimum amount of condos. Fort Wayne is owed an explanation of the costs that are going towards this project. 14.5M to develop empty slate retail and a handful of condos? Yea, and the Renaissance building is really worth the full asking price.

Speaking of which, I have a house that has been on the market for the last ten years. I've listed it for 160k, but I'll sell it for 190k.

My Shock XVIII

2009-06-03T00:59:00.000+09:30

K-Zoo Leaving the "IHL"

My Comparison

2009-04-13T13:15:00.005+09:30

With opening day approaching, there is one thing that is really, really, really, really bothering me. The fact that the development on the condos have not even started and we have not gotten an update in a long while.

Aside from the fact that the ballpark kicks a huge amount of ass and not in the same league as Memorial Stadium. I now cringe every time the tag line "It is not just a baseball stadium," is used.

I think it is time to get on Barry Real Estate and put their feet to the fire.

Let us take a look at two projects that have received practically the same cherry deals that are currently "In the works" for downtown.

First Up: THE HARRISON

Contains: 1 floor of retail, 30 (currently) condos
Sizes Range from 986 sqft - 1752 sqft
Prices Range from 150k - 420k
Amenities - Ballpark/city views, parking garage, Top floor viewing deck (might be taken out)
Minimum spending - $14.5M

Next Up: Superior Row / Restaurant Row

Contains: 1 floor retail, 21 apartments/condos
Sizes: 1400 sqft
Price: Eventually will sell for 185k
Amenities: None really known, loft design, close to headwaters
Spending: $4M

Bottom line: 9 more condos, 10 million more dollars. The only true difference is the parking spots. While Barry Real Estate is looking for ways to cut costs and amenities, they should be looking for ways to sell condos. How about adding amenities? Change up the design, add a pool, add a concierge or door man, or here's a mind blower - lower the prices to something more comparable to Fort Wayne home prices.

If Barry Real Estate comes to the table with an idea to bring 60-80 condos to the development at a price of 180k a piece, but the only problem was that they were only going to spend 10-12M on the project, do you think they would get turned down?

Fort Wayne needs to go see where this 14.5M construction cost figure is coming from. It doesn't make sense, considering that the company got the land for free and the 14.5M does not really reflect total cost to them. $14.5M purely reflects the total amount of investment in downtown. Barry will be recouping a large amount of these costs, if the high priced condos sell and are collecting rent every month from the retail. Also, if the unit purchasers decide to buy the bare bones condos and turn it into a DIY project, does that lower the total construction costs?

Here's an idea, lets just turn the land over to Heartland Development and let them take a crack at it.

My Loopholes

2009-02-05T14:15:00.004+10:30

I was just sent this pic.

Man do I have a lot of questions -
How can these just spring up? I know of several of these popping up in FW. Can anyone just open up a "Casino" with the provision that you strap a Not for Profit onto it? So why all the ring jumping for the other casino efforts? What about all the businesses with the cherry masters - from my understanding VFW and legions were in 501(c) standings, so why could they not operate these? Who is overseeing the profit intakes, to insure that the proper percentage is being sent to the not for profit? What is the permit process of creating one of these places? Who has to stamp the approval?

I would love to see the property ownership changes in the last couple of months - Our Place, BJ's Place, Little P's, now Early Bird's/3R Casino - I am missing a few, I'm sure, please help me out with the names. Something tells me that this wasn't all Kosher.

LINK
But hey its got Valet parking... valet parking to a giant parking lot in front of it.

Really FW? Really.
Its time to start expecting more and better.

To do list for this weekend:
Start CFW Literacy Foundation
Buy Renaissance Square
Start Casino

My Hospital

2008-09-13T03:21:00.003+09:30

So, Parkview has stepped up to the plate and have hit a grand slam in the advertising department.

Alright, enough of the puns.

But seriously - if anyone talks to Kalb, please tell him I found his Medical Alert bracelet.

Everyone is up in arms about a hospital buying the naming rights to our new baseball stadium. Are there better ways that 300k a year can be spent? Sure, but who are you to tell them how they can spend their money? I understand that they are a not for profit business, but my limited understanding of how 501(c) orgs work - is that the surplus has to used for the future of the programs and services.

JQ - they are not in the home building business or the public transportation business, why would or how could they stray outside their charter?

Also, JQ, I'm confused. You seem to be for small government, but demand to be taken care of. You seem to be suggesting something that sounds like Obama's manditory volunteering or his windfall tax.

Oh and when you say, "What the sad thing is we will all go to the vote the next time all these clowns run and vote for them again because they have a damn “D” or “R” next to their name. Maybe we deserve this crap because we end up endorsing it…." Good luck voting Parkview's board out of their positions in the next general elections.

Enders - Hospitals advertise because there is competition. People want to keep their jobs, so they try to get patients to select their hospitals. In a city smaller than 250k, people can now select Parkview, Lutheran, Dupont, or in some cases - St. Joesph. I realize that we pull from a larger region than just the city, but those are options, and people are likely to go to where they think of first.

Well, at least people are not in denial anymore and finally admitting that this project is actually happening.

Personally, I'd rather Parkview sink their advertising dollars into a community fixture and invest into a true asset of our city, than the alternative - Large billboards.

My Smoke and Mirrors

2008-07-31T23:13:00.002+09:30

Smoking Ban hasn't Hurt

My Montagano

2008-07-23T03:21:00.000+09:30

Indiana Upset in the Wind?

My Travel Agent

2008-07-22T23:45:00.003+09:30

Blogger/Journalist/Opinion Writer/City Councilman/and now Travel Agent Mitch Harper has apparently started to sell airline tickets to London on FWOB...and for $636, it's quite a steal...although the advertised price doesn't include any taxes or fees. Tea time?

My Flash Mob

2008-07-18T01:19:00.002+09:30

From facebook.com:

My Walk

2008-07-17T22:37:00.002+09:30

The most walkable neighborhoods in the largest 40 U.S. cities

Indianapolis places a strong #37

My Shock: Montagano out-raises Souder

2008-07-16T21:56:00.004+09:30

Mark Souder:

Raised $91,573
Spent $59,534
Cash on Hand $323,339

Mike Montagano:

Raised $142, 107
Spent $57, 476
Cash on Hand $351,701

This is horrible news for Souder. The National Republican Campaign Committee will likely be spending the already low amount of cash they have on other, more competitive, races throughout the country. Meanwhile, the Democratic Congressional Campiagn Committee has more money than they know what to do with. Maybe they'll decide to play in this race. Weak fundraising coupled with a strong Obama presence in Fort Wayne could spell doom for Mark Souder.

Source: fec.gov

My Breaking News

2008-07-16T03:14:00.003+09:30

Shocking breaking news was broken on FortWayne.com

Just reading the title I was speechless. Its too bad that they beat CFW on breaking this story.

My Thoughts Exactly

2008-07-16T02:07:00.002+09:30

Read the Canyon Cliff's Planned Development attempt at PR - HERE

Read Pruitt's response - HERE

I don't think there's any question that these commissions need to be overhauled, due to them all enabling themselves to fulfill their own self serving development agenda.

Also, how does a low density subdivision development on the fringe of the city "enhance community"? There's a good chance that these people that eventually will buy these houses, will never even meet their neighbors. FW has long lost its sense of community, adding to the sprawl will only lessen our chances of regaining it.

My fat, my fat, my fat, my lovely little fat

2008-07-15T21:51:00.002+09:30

So 27% of the population in Indiana is obese? Amazing.
Hat Tip Masson's Blog

My Commentary

2008-07-09T22:32:00.004+09:30

Museum lacked support of schools

Why didn’t Allen County schools support the Lincoln Museum by encouraging field trips to this facility? According to The Journal Gazette article, “Last day for Lincoln Museum” (June 30), I could find no local school districts in the list of organizations that support the Lincoln Museum by supplying the No. 1 need of attendance. Are there not enough questions on the ISTEP+ to justify field trips to the Lincoln Museum? Support does not just involve money. Does history matter for the students in Indiana anymore?

BARBARA W. CAMPBELL Fort Wayne

Well said, Ms. Campbell. It's a shame that Fort Wayne is losing such a great museum. In fact, the museum was the number one attraction in Fort Wayne according to Trip Advisor. It's even more of a shame that our own community couldn't support such a great museum. I remember yearly trips to the old Lincoln Museum site while attending FWCS. My Grandparents would drive up from Indianapolis to take my siblings and I to the museum every summer. They realized what a gem we had here in Fort Wayne. It's part of the reason why I love Presidential history so much. I shook my head and laughed when I read about the huge line of people waiting to enter the museum on its last day. The usual Fort Wayne complaints don't fly here. There is a parking lot in front of the museum. Admission was only $5. The museum was accessible from all areas of the city (Clinton and Laffayette Streets.) Fast Food restaurants were located within walking (or drive thru.) Hell, you even got a free souvenier with admission!

It took the museum closing for all these people to show up, and all most of them could talk about was being "forced" to park on the street. What a shame.

My Rap

2008-07-08T23:30:00.000+09:30

My Scooty Scoot

2008-07-08T22:54:00.002+09:30

Three New Scooters to Join Police Force

“We thought, planning ahead, this might be a good investment. Looking toward the future, we bought them with Harrison Square in mind,” York said.

Uh Oh. This will really get the Boondogglers riled up.

My 4th

2008-07-05T05:23:00.002+09:30

My Fourth of July

2008-07-04T23:53:00.000+09:30

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any form of government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness...."

My Statement of The Day

2008-07-03T00:54:00.004+09:30

This is copied from Pruitt over at FW Politics. HERE

Dear John,
I assure you that the four lane streets (same as Coliseum) leading out of downtown will be able to scurry you out of the urban nightmare into your suburban bliss. Here's an thought- stay a while - go get a bite to eat, go drink a beer. I realize this is a foreign idea due to there not being anything in the immediate vicinity of the current stadium, causing you to immediately jump in your car and funnel out of the parking lot.

At the coliseum and stadium, what we have are and EXIT time. At the end of the game, everyone gets into their car and leaves. Much like a high school, when the bell rings people run out to leave, causing delays. Now, if everyone has after school activities, then people leave at staggered times, thus no delays.

I don't know why you all are worried about traffic jams though, if this thing is going to be such a bust, then there should only be about 20 cars there anyway, right?

So John, leaving Harrison Square shouldn't be worse than when the Wizards, the Gun & Knife show, and the Komets are all in town.

P.S. I didn't realize that Harrison Square was going to lead to roaming gangs of criminals in the streets.

My Bob Uecker?

2008-07-02T22:43:00.001+09:30

Wizards should be ‘White Elephants’

I hear the Wizards are looking for a new name to go along with the new stadium we’re buying them. How about “The White Elephants”?

ROBERT J. UECKER Fort Wayne

Is he THAT Bob Uecker?

My Sound Off

2008-07-01T23:49:00.000+09:30

Read it HERE

What can be done to make Harrison Square successful?

I can answer that question with one word – perseverance. What the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve. We can choose to listen to the naysayers (JBK) that live their lives by tearing ideas down, or we can ignore them and persevere, never looking back at the gloom and doom mentality so many in this city seem to possess.

TED CURRENT Fort Wayne

Thanks Ted. Exactly.

My Lady Luck

2008-07-01T23:19:00.003+09:30

Casino better idea than baseball park

I just read Cheryl Brock’s letter, “Casino would help entire city” (June 22).

Boy, did she hit the nail on the head. I so agree with her on opening a casino downtown, which would be more intriguing than a baseball stadium for most of us. And the money Fort Wayne would take in – wow.

I haven’t gone to Anderson to a casino yet, nor Blue Chip either, but I intend to go.

This idea of a baseball stadium is so boring. But it seems that’s par for Fort Wayne. Why not a casino downtown and some riverboats in our three rivers?

I recently saw a TV news clip about a club southeast of Fort Wayne that condones “partner swapping,” and it’s legal. But we can’t have a casino. Fort Wayne is so backward in a lot of ways. We can’t smoke in bars or gamble, but we can allow sex partner swapping.

PAMELA BRADTMILLER Fort Wayne

Pam is right. A Casino would be perfect for Fort Wayne. People would be allowed to smoke inside and I'm sure the new Casino would have a bad ass All-You-Can-Eat-Buffet!!!

My Smoking Ban

2008-07-01T01:18:00.003+09:30

It appears the Smoking Ban has closed another one: HERE

Were you able to visit before the closing? I bet they didn't even let you light one up for old nostalgia. I saw that there was a line down the street, but the late rally couldn't stop the inevitable.

No smokes, no Abe.

Also - The museum parking lot was full, and people were forced to find street parking or a garage - OH, THE HORROR.

*yes, I have been to the museum, probably more than the average Wayner.

My Property

2008-07-01T00:55:00.002+09:30

Read this in the News today- HERE

Found this quote pretty interesting, "Todd Stewart, president and co-owner of One Resource Group Corp., who said his firm was unable to find a larger suitable space downtown, despite two years of searching."

Check this property out: Property

I found that one in about two minutes. Seems to fit all of their criteria, with 5,000 sqft to spare and less than half the price.

I realize this doesn't solve the "parking crisis", but placing a new facility on the fringe of the city, increases the dependency on the car and I'd be willing to bet it is going to increase distance of the commute for most of the employees. Monthly parking costs (free if you live downtown - there's a novel idea), or keep truckin' with $4 a gallon gas.

My Horror

2008-07-01T00:51:00.002+09:30

From today's Journal Gazette

The museum parking lot was full, and people were forced to find street parking or a garage, but they continued to filter into the museum to view the collection in Fort Wayne one last time.

My Aeroplane

2008-06-26T22:07:00.006+09:30

So some fancy schmancy group says that Fort Wayne International Airport may be at risk for losing some air service.

I say...who cares! There is a little government run railway called AMTRAK. In fact, AMTRAK is experiencing record ridership this year. I'm so glad I can drive my Hummer down to Baker Street Station and take the train up to Chicago. Its so much easier then waiting for HOURS in the long security lines at Fort Wayne International. And the parking situation at FWA....HORRIBLE. With AMTRAK I can be dropped off in beautiful downtown Chicago.

**UPDATE**

Apparently AMTRAK left the city several years ago. The nearest station is located in Waterloo Indiana.

In all seriousness, there is no reason why Fort Wayne shouldn't have an AMTRAK station. We are located between several major cities, it makes all the sense in the world to have a stop here. Granted, our government has long neglected rail infastructure in most places besides the East Coast. It's too bad that it took a serious energy crisis to get people thinking about rail travel again.

Reccomended Reading:

H.R. 6003 (Yes, Mark Souder voted for this)
Midwest High Speed Rail Association
Old Pictures of Baker Street Station (From robertpence.com)
Interview with AMTRAK CEO

My - SO WHAT

2008-06-26T05:50:00.005+09:30

So apparently New York City is installing Waterfalls under bridges around the city as some sort of public art.

This being an artist rendering - actual stunning photos HERE

In the words of a Fort Wayner quoted today, "We don’t need it, we don’t want it."
What a terrible waste of tax payers money - Art is completely unnecessary - they've already got Niagara Falls in New York- so why do they nee more waterfalls?

Besides - We've been doing that with our rivers for years now.

My Ads

2008-06-26T04:55:00.002+09:30

I've noticed a couple of repeating ads on TV and around town for restaurants we don't even have.

Could these possibly be in the works?

CiCi's Pizza

California Pizza Kitchen

Dave and Buster's

Anyone know any plans for these restaurants?
-How about any other restaurants that people have seen advertised, but not local.

My Ignorance

2008-06-26T00:05:00.002+09:30

From today's Rant:

According to the newspapers: $30 million for the stadium, $20 million for the apartments and $24 million for the hotel. That’s $74 million. What’s the rest of the $160 million for? (Editor’s note: Here’s how the city breaks out the costs: Phase I: Stadium, $30 million; condos/retail, $20 million; hotel, $35 million; parking garage, $13 million; site development, $21 million — Total $119 million. Phase II: Condos/retail, $20 million. Phase III: Condos/retail, $20 million. Grand total: $159 million.)

Congratulations to Councilman Tom Smith, the only one who had the fortitude to stand up and say “no” to any more money going to the Graham Richard boondoggle downtown, called Harrison Square. Taxpayers are having a hard enough time. Politicians, listen up: We don’t need it, we don’t want it. Turn it into a big park instead of a ballpark.

For the person who wrote about Harrison Square bashers: You need to realize that once the horse is dead, it’s dead forever, just like Harrison Square is. It was a mistake. Now they realize it, and there’s not much they can do about it. It’s doomed.

To the ranter who stated that we’re all much too hard on Harrison Square and should give up our criticism and give the poor place a chance: Well, you must have one big checkbook and love paying more taxes. … What we do want and could use is an update to the Citilink routes and better public transportation that runs 24/7. Then we could use it because it’s reliable, which would enable us to get around as needed.

I just wonder why the NS even prints this garbage. I also love that both newspapers have NO intention of even trying to explain where the money is coming from. I guess the angrier/riled up people get, the more people read. So, I guess we are going to go on allowing people to think there is a big sack of money laying around that is labeled "Tax Dollars" - and that is how everything gets funded, not that there is actual specified areas of allocation and designation for these dollars.

These points of view pretty much the target of Ben Smith's article - HERE

I may suggest a new motto - "Why Try?"

Congratulations to NS, you're furthering your candidacy for 'Rag' contention.

My UFO

2008-06-26T00:00:00.001+09:30

My End of the World

2008-06-25T23:47:00.000+09:30

Life wouldn't be worth living

My Fort Weezy

2008-06-24T04:15:00.001+09:30

My Why

2008-06-13T04:06:00.002+09:30

Apparently a new Ice Rink is in the works: Read HERE

I've got to ask why are we not encouraging this kind of development downtown?

Moreover, this looks like a great time for the city council to revise its tax abatement approval criteria. The council should only consider a tax abatement only if the development occurs inside Fort Wayne's CReED areas.

If this development is done correctly, this could attract many tournaments or competitions that have been known to create a large draw of tourists.

In the Current vicinity of the proposed development area, there are no hotels. The closest hotels are the ones on 69, and the great hotels on Goshen and Coliseum.

Or how about North River?

This is a HUGE opportunity that we are about miss.

My Embarrassment

2008-06-12T22:45:00.001+09:30

My Bravo

2008-06-12T22:06:00.001+09:30

From the Journal Gazette

Anti-foreigner attitude is bigotry

I’m troubled by the letter “Foreign people are inconsiderate” (May 26). I’ve encountered rude people all my life – just as every other human being has – but rude people are Americans and non-Americans, they are every gender, race, age, religion and political affiliation. I’ve also encountered many “foreigners” who have been far kinder and more respectful to me than some American-born citizens.

This attitude toward “foreigners” is nothing short of bigotry. I understand the letter writer experienced rude behavior – I don’t dispute that – but for her to proclaim that foreigners aren’t welcome because of this incident is simply not fair.

I’m wondering what she hoped to gain by this letter – to perpetuate hate and negative stereotypes? What if a woman named Helen was rude to me and I took the belief that all women named Helen are not welcome in our country? Perhaps if she would have been more diplomatic in the situation instead of asking them to “shut up,” she would have had different results.

SUSAN FORD Fort Wayne

My Gas Problem

2008-06-10T00:25:00.001+09:30

From the News-Sentinel:

Linda Wilson-Green doesn’t have to worry as much about how much it costs to fill her tank as the rest of us do. At least not anymore.

She is the first top-prize winner in the new Gas for Life scratch-off game. That translates into $78,000 paid out over the next 50 years.

“We’ve got a big old truck,” said Wilson-Green in a statement. “This prize will definitely help.”

She bought the $5 ticket at Smoker’s Discount Tobacco, 6519 E. State Blvd. Thirty-one top prizes remain in the game.

My "Only in Fort Wayne"

2008-06-05T22:07:00.002+09:30

From the News Sentinel:

"Bicycles, mo-peds and buggys, if they are going to use the highways, they need to have plates, insurance and a safety flag sticking up so they can be seen."

Good for you Fort Wayne. How dare anyone ride a bicycle on YOUR streets! Fort Waynians know that the high gas prices are just a temporary thing, and everything will be back to normal in just a few short weeks.

I mean who would ever ride a bus in this city? You actually have to sit next to people and maybe walk a few blocks to your final destination. Oh the horror!!! Who needs public transportation, it's only for those fancy people in New York City.

And one of the cities biggest employers happens to make gas guzzling pick up trucks...but like I said, this is just a temporary thing. No need to worry.

My Real Estate

2008-06-05T00:29:00.003+09:30

News Flash - The Harrison Goes BOGO.

In light of the down swing in nationwide real estate, Fort Wayne is looking to its coasts for ideas on how to move condos. We've been inspired by the Wizard's big league city - San Diego. Read it HERE.

Yes, Its Buy One Get One at The Harrison! Act fast and get yours TODAY!

My Similarities

2008-05-29T23:47:00.002+09:30

By Golly, this sounds very familiar:

"Residents had higher smoking rates and a higher death rate for cardiovascular disease. Also, fewer eat five or more servings of fruit and vegetables per day, exercised in the past 30 days, walk or bike to work or use public transportation to go to work.
The area as a whole has a smaller percent of land for parks, fewer farmers' markets, ball diamonds and parks per capita and lower park-related spending per capita."

Its not Fort Wayne....Its Indianapolis!

Read it here: Report: Metro Indy Needs To Hit The Gym

My Home

2008-05-28T04:56:00.002+09:30

WOW. Read the last Letter to the Editor. HERE

Foreign people are inconsiderate

On May 3 my family went to Memorial Coliseum to see the University of St. Francis commencement ceremony. We arrived early enough to obtain a good seat.

Right as the program started, a group of people came in with a toddler and sat behind us. The child started complaining as soon as the program started. The people just ignored the child and let him yell. One of the people started humming; one was doing a tap dance on the floor; the rest talked in a foreign language so loud that they overpowered the speakers; and no one could hear a thing.

After 15 minutes of this, I turned around and asked, “Will you please shut up!” I was screamed at in very plain English, “I don’t have to shut up – you shut up!” No wonder they are not welcome in our country.

Simply amazing.

My Same Ole Story

2008-05-23T00:44:00.002+09:30

BIG surprise. Fort Wayne is still focused on giving preference to the driver. HERE

A pedestrian expert recently said he is afraid to walk around Fort Wayne, Carpooling is almost unheard of, Citilink is under funded, and forget about trying to bicycle- unless you are looking to get run off the road.

Fort Wayne is focused on timed lights. Brilliant.

Maybe the city should take a look at how it views development. Our developments are unplanned and out of control. The city should STOP ALLOWING A STOP LIGHT AT EVERY LITTLE STRIP MALL OR NEW BUILDING. Look at Illinois Road - From 69 to Jefferson - there are 8 lights (if you count the new one for Target). How about Lima Road? We could eliminate the majority of those lights if Fort Wayne would look into Frontage/Access Roads.

What about the citizens?

To tell you the truth - I have only a little sympathy for drivers, due to the fact that people are not changing their habits. We are still driving alone, building new subdivisions, eating out excessively, amongst other lifestyles that create a heavy dependency on automobiles.

People are still building their homes in the vast reaches of Allen county and still complain about the daily commute. People knew what they were getting into when they purchased their home, Most people have a job before they buy a house, so it shouldn't be a surprise of how far the drive is going to be. The solution is to live more central to work, entertainment, and where you frequent.

The focus of the article is people waiting at stop lights, but about drivers insisting on using the drive through at fast food restaurants. I realize the stop and go of a long line at a drive through is much easier than that pesky walk into McD's. But hey, gas is cheap right? Oh wait...

For your reading pleasure... Gas Saving Driving Tips

So every time you complain about gas prices, start thinking, "What am I doing to help myself" Its time to start changing our habits.

My Other Hand

2008-05-22T06:42:00.003+09:30

Another ranking came out- Newsweek's -1300 Top public schools.

Read HERE

Unfortunately, we only have one area school that made the list.

Coming in at a slender 1085- Homestead.

My New Ranking

2008-05-21T23:42:00.003+09:30

Seems as though Fort Wayne is on a new list. No, its not fattest, dumbest, most hip replacements, or highest concentration chain restaurants -com'on, you have to have density before you have concentration- we all know how much we love our sprawl.

This is a good list to be on - BEST PLACES TO RAISE A FAMILY -

Now, they dont specify- traditional or single parent

Notice #18 - we beat out some pretty nice towns.

Also, notice the runner up to the dumbest city - Corpus Christi, TX - it didn't do as well (check the bottom for WORST).

My $55M Road

2008-04-18T00:01:00.004+09:30

From Today's NS HERE

The $55,000,000 road to River Haven. SWEEEEEEEEET.

Best Quote of the article:

"Without the Maplecrest project, Young said, Wal-Mart might not build its long-proposed store at Adams Center Road and Indiana 930. The project also makes east-side industrial locations more attractive, he said, including the former Nishikawa Standard plant at 2808 Adams Center Road. Economic activity in the area is vital, because plans call for generating about $125,000 for the project per year by creating a Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) district, which would direct new property taxes to repayment of construction bonds."

So, let me get this straight - we are willing to start a TIF district in order to secure a new Wal-Mart. But creating a TIF for Harrison Square - a catalyst project for downtown - is completely taboo.

I think its time for FW to get real - this road has been tabled for 30 years now? Time has passed and so has a reasonable price for this project. The benefits seem to be all on the side of New Haven, and the last time I checked - New Haven and the rest of Allen County want a clear definition between FW and them - so let's back out. If they want it, let them deal with it.

My Congratulations #II Bruce Boudreau

2008-02-08T15:38:00.000+10:30

Congratulations Bruce Boudreau on the great start. Best of luck in making the playoffs.

My Burrito

2008-02-02T05:20:00.000+10:30

So, I've heard you can judge a communities economic wellbeing by the number of "Advanced Payday/Check into Cash" places or the number of "buy here pay here/no credit" used car lots.

Have we stumbled onto a new one?

How long people are willing to wait in line for a Free Burrito

And people complain about going outside to smoke.

My Ban

2008-02-02T04:52:00.000+10:30

Looks like we have another one of "those guys" HERE

The Journal Gazette published several articles regarding smoking the week of Jan. 13. This concentrated blitz is surely an effort to influence the City Council as it prepares to consider modifying that oppressive piece of legislation commonly known as the smoking ban.

People who go to bars and clubs go there to smoke, relax and have a few beers and socialize with like-minded friends.

Now, the smoke Nazis are encouraging people to inform on their fellow citizens. They have even come up with a special 311 number to make the process easier, and they have enlisted the pledge of the police department and fire department to enforce their edict.

I resent that my tax money is being used to police the city for people who want to have a cigarette when that tax money could be used for better purposes.

This whole debacle reeks of the same tactics that got the Third Reich started, i.e.: unreasonable laws, people informing on each other, businesses going broke, people out of jobs and so forth. For those too young to remember, maybe the words “Adolf Hitler” and “Nazi Germany” will have meaning.

Kudos on more terrible Nazi comparisons. Please let me know when the SS come by to haul off smokers- then you might have a case.

Also - the 3-1-1 number isn't a smoking snitch line. Its the "One call to City Hall" number. FW Website

The public now can dial 311 to get quick and easy access to non-emergency City services. Several City departments are part of the initial rollout. Those departments are Solid Waste, Neighborhood Code, Parking Control, Street Department, Property Management, Sign and Signal Operations, and Right of Way. Additional departments, including Animal Control, Water Maintenance and Traffic Engineering will be added in the near future.

The funny thing is - I have heard multitudes of nonsmokers say how great the smoking ban is, and personally I can't see how the ban has made a smoker's life intolerable. The way people are whining, its as if something terrible was happening to people every time they stepped outside.

Maybe its just an age thing.

My Money $$$

2008-02-02T00:12:00.000+10:30

CFW is the first to bring you this late/breaking news from the Montagano and Souder campaigns.

Year End Fundraising Totals

Montagano
Raised: $41,200
Cash on Hand: $181,263

Souder
Raised: $112,353
Cash on Hand: $210,960

Source: Federal Elections Commission

My Pyramid

2008-01-31T07:16:00.000+10:30

The Cairo of the Midwest?

Can we expect to see Sammy T walking like an Egyptian at Headwaters this Summer?

Or maybe its a hint of what headlining bands are coming this summer. Fort Wayne Presents: The Bangles!

My Party

2008-01-25T04:14:00.000+10:30

Party time at Knuth's Place

CFW has EXCLUSIVE-LATE BREAKING video from the last Knuth TRF PARTTTAAAYY.

My Newspaper

2008-01-25T02:27:00.000+10:30

Dear News-Sentinel,

Please stop printing terrible editorials, such as this:

If we're going to ban smoking in private places where people can choose or not choose to patronize, then the city needs to also ban all alcohol sales as well.

This is just as dangerous as cigarettes if not more so. People get drunk and then get behind the wheel. Next let's start pulling drivers off for reckless, aggressive driving and running all of these stop lights. The streets are a public place - a bar isn't.

By the way, when I am walking in the park or riding my bicycle, I am being exposed to all of the gas fumes and omissions from the gas-sucking SUVs, semis, pickup trucks and vans on the road. Again, public is the key word here.

By the way, I am a non-smoker.

Sincerely,
CFW

MY BREAKING-Allen County LP avoids coup d'état

2008-01-23T03:40:00.000+10:30

To All,

At last night meeting Doug Horner was approved as the new Chairman for the LPAC.

I think it is a great testament to the previous Chairs Mike Sylvester and Jennifer Jeffries that we have been able to transition through the sudden resignation of a chairman. This would have caused chaos in many other counties and we have effected a smooth transition here in Allen County.

I will only be Chairman until our April convention. At the April convention I will run for Chairman of the LPAC. As of right now I do NOT intend to run again. I may change my mind but I doubt it.

After the end of last nights meeting I resigned as Secretary of the LPAC and have appointed Ken White as Secretary. Per our bylaws there will be a vote to approve him at the next business meeting.

I told the other officers some monthes ago that I would run one more time as Secretary and after that I was done. Meetings are only once per month but that adds up as the years go by.

I hope I can do as well as the previous Chairs and will probably be asking for a lot of help in the coming months.

Should any of the readers be fed up with the current status quo and believe in a smaller government that does not interfere in the lives of its citizens or businesses the Libertarian Party would welcome your membership. Contact me if you are interested.

Respectfully,

Doug Horner
Chairman, LPAC

My Tower

2008-01-23T00:59:00.001+10:30

Proposed cell phone tower in West central - HERE

Centennial wireless wants to put up a huge cell phone tower in the same area as the historic GE sign along Broadway so that "people can get better coverage"

We here at Change Fort wayne did some digging and found out two other locations (see below) that Centennial wants to put cell phone towers so that Jessica can tell her friend Melissa how cute Tommy is in Mrs. Waterson's 4th period social studies class.

My Level 4 Hurricane PAPE Warning

2008-01-22T22:38:00.000+10:30

Fort Wayne City Council Arguments Continue

Tim Pape/(D) 5th District Councilman: "The lawyer needs to represent everybody's interest. Not just one sides interests, the body as a whole. When one side has decided on who the lawyer will be, it necessarily impacts the representation of the other members."

Tom Didier/ (R) Council President: "I was just trying to make it more efficient. Why is it all of the sudden he is questioning it now and he didn't four years ago? "

My Polling

2008-01-22T07:31:00.000+10:30

New Sentinel did a poll recently about HS - HERE

There are a ton of funny reasons people are refusing to go to games.

"The team will be long gone by the time I buy a ticket." How does that work?

"Redevelop the existing stadium. it is convenient where it is. downtown is not. Also, there is no parking downtown. Lastly, I resent having to pay taxes to operate the downtown garages, then having a private company charge me to park in those same garages, and collecting all of the money while bearing none of the load." And the parking at Memorial Coliseum is???

The funny thing is, is that if it is a night game at HS, then the parking will be FREE. Here's the kicker - you will probably have to walk a couple of blocks. GASP! I know, I know, its a lot to ask of people, but I urge you check out walking - you might enjoy it. I realize that another benefit to Memorial stadium is that if you show up early enough, you can get a parking spot that would rival the coveted front row at Walmart- but then again, if you park a block or two away - you don't run the risk of a foul ball nailing your windshield.

What also really gets me is that people are so stubborn and believe that HS is the wrong project - that they won't even go to a game. If you enjoyed games at Memorial Stadium - you are going to enjoy them has Harrison Square.

The only acceptable reason for people not wanting to attend games should be: "I do not enjoy baseball"

(Also, note the New Sentinel poll tampering claim)

My Fort Wayne Top 50

2008-01-19T02:14:00.000+10:30

Which Fort Waynians made Brian Howey's "Indiana's Top 50 Most Influential" list?

CFW provides you with the late, breaking list below.

Source: www.howeypolitics.com

4. Senate President Pro Tempore David Long: The tall Fort Wayne sycamore turned in a gracious and inclusive first year of power, in which the face of the Senate went from grizzled old white men to a new generation that gave women seats at the table. This year, President Long is on a tightrope, seeking to balance the goals of the Daniels administration from a restive conservative wing of his own caucus seeking a more radical course. If you read this on Thursday afternoon, the Senate Majority Caucus will be making a fateful decision on whether SJR-8 gets out of Senate Rules for a vote. If it's killed, he'll have to weather the populist storm in the coming days. Could the snuffing ignite an Eric MIller candidacy for governor? Or endanger Senate incumbents? If it hits the Senate floor, the repeal will probably pass, multiple sources tell us. If Long emerges in March or April with good reviews and power intact, he becomes a giant beyond his own physical stature. In 2009, we see him as perfectly placed to help install the thrust of the Kernan-Shepard reforms. Should Long emerge from the 2009 long-session this highly regarded, he ends up on our short list as we head into a post-Daniels era.

25. U.S. Rep. Mark Souder: When the GOP was in control of the House, Souder was often a central figure in shaping and promoting conservatives' social policy positions. In the minority, he is relegated to criticizing what he sees as the Democratic drift. But his arguments - in some cases his harangues - in the House Education and Labor Committee outline the primary lines of attack that the GOP pursue against the majority. He also continues to be one of the most political savvy pols in Indiana. He'll need to use all his skills this year in what could be one of his closest races yet. He's raising money earlier than he ever has.

41. Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry: He preserves a three-term lock on city hall in an election many believed would go to the Republicans due to the heavily GOP annexed areas. But establishment favorite Allen County Commissioner Nelson Peters lost the primary to Matt Kelty, who went on to self-destruct in ways we've never seen before, ultimately facing a 9-count indictment on finance and perjury counts. Henry didn't have to say a bad thing about Kelty, and the two even praised each other during debates. So Henry, who was a late entry into this race, now leads Indiana's second largest city. It's a scenario no one would have predicted a year ago.

Honorable Mention

State Rep. Randy Borror: Beyond House leadership, we see Borror as a House Republican with real substance and potential. We could see him as a future mayor of Fort Wayne, in Congress, or on a state ticket some day.

Fort Wayne Councilman Mitch Harper: After serving more than a decade in the Indiana House, Harper won a council seat in 2007 and will be well positioned if and when Rep. Mark Souder decides to retire.

Paul Helmke: The former Fort Wayne mayor now heads the Brady gun control organization.

State Rep. Winfield Moses Jr.: One of the more thoughtful and seasoned voices among House Democrats. We hope there's a leadership position in his future some day.

Michael Montagano: The 3rd CD Democrat posted credible numbers last July and has spurred U.S. Rep. Mark Souder to uncharacteristically pick up his fund raising. If people are talking about Montagano next October, it's an indicator there's a Democratic wave developing.

Steve Shine: The Allen County Republican chairman had a nightmare of a year when his party's choice for mayor was defeated in the primary, and then Matt Kelty self-destructed. Shine had to walk a line where he backed the nominee, yet was instrumental in convincing him to come clean before the Democrats used the allegations against him last fall. Now he is faced with rebuilding a divided party with key gubernatorial and congressional races coming up. It will be his greatest challenge.

My Proofread

2008-01-19T01:35:00.000+10:30

HERE

In the wise words of Bugs Bunny
"Remember dum backwards is mud"

My Festival

2008-01-19T01:09:00.000+10:30

Three Rivers Festival Planning is starting up. Read HERE

Input gathered at two public forums will help the Three Rivers Festival eventually become a nationally recognized event like Mardi Gras, Burning Man or Taste of Chicago, according to Shannon White, the festival’s executive director.

The Burning Man???? If you don't know what that is, feel free to peruse the Burning Man Photograph Website

Somehow, I don't think ultra conservatives are going to enjoy it.

My Shock I (First one of 2008)

2008-01-19T00:20:00.000+10:30

Bloomington development bucks zoning standards to blend new with old

Those crazy liberals in the People's Republic of Bloomington have no idea what they are doing!

No cul-de-sacs?!?!? Are they serious? Where are my kids supposed to play?

My last trip to Bloomington was a complete disaster. I was FORCED to eat at a locally owned restaurant and actually had to walk almost four blocks from my car to get there. Strip Malls are almost non existent and people actually use public transportation. Can you believe it? No wonder Bloomington is consistently rated one of the dumbest, fattest and worst places to live in the country.

Bloomington was named one of America's top 50 adventure towns by National Geographic Adventure Magazine. One town was chosen for each state; Bloomington made the list thanks to great outdoor recreation options like Lake Monroe and the Hoosier National Forest.

Mother Earth News Magazine named Bloomington, Indiana one of Eight Great Places you've never heard of, citing the college town's sustainability practices.

"The verdict: Whether you're gay, straight or somewhere in between, Bloomington offers something rarely found in this country: a small town with a bold history of openness and acceptance." Out Traveler Magazine,

Inc. Magazine ranked Bloomington Number 19 in the country on its list of America’s best cities for doing business. “Not only is Indiana University the largest employer in town, its faculty and students helped spawn 60 tech-related start-ups.”

Bloomington was named number 10 on the Forbes list of Best Places for Business. The rankings were based on criteria including the cost of doing business, cost of living, crime rate, culture and leisure, job growth and educational attainment.

Bloomington was listed at number 8 on the list of Top 10 Places to Live from Men’s Journal Magazine. The magazine looked at 50 variables to find the “healthiest, sexiest, most fun and most affordable towns in the land.”

Forbes.com ranks Bloomington 11th in the nation among the best small cities to do business in. Forbes rates the cities in nine categories: advanced degrees; cost of doing business; cost of living; crime rate; culture and leisure; educational attainment; income growth; job growth and net migration.

The League of American Bicyclists named Bloomington one of only 13 bicycle-friendly communities in the nation. The communities were recognized for a "longstanding commitment to providing safe accommodation and facilities for bicyclists and for encouraging bicycle travel for both transportation and recreation."

Travel & Leisure Magazine tells its readers to " . . . look no further than Bloomington, Indiana. Its cobblestoned streets, limestone buildings and old-fashioned porches create a laid-back setting, while the outdoor markets and frequent concerts and lectures keep energy at a steady high. To paraphrase one local artisan, Bloomington has the soul of a big city but the heart of a small town . . . the cultural pulse of the Midwest.

Family Wealth's Great Places to Retire (from the publishers of Money magazine) ranked Bloomington number 6 in the nation. "

The 50 Healthiest Places to Live and Retire in the United States, a book by Norman D. Ford, ranked Bloomington 12th in the country. Ford cites Bloomington's low level of urban stress and ample sources of culture and social awareness. The area also is dedicated to fitness, nutrition and has lower than average costs of living and housing. The book describes Bloomington as a bike-friendly city with a highly articulate population. It is located close to six state and federal recreation areas.

My Konfusion

2008-01-18T08:07:00.001+10:30

The use of K instead of C is kind of catchy... sorry.

From the Rants - HERE

Did you notice, Former Mayor Richard, that Wrigley Field is not being torn down after 98 years of service, but is being added to? A much better deal than we are getting here.

So we can compare ourselves to Chicago now? I've heard numerous times verbatim - "We will never be Chicago." 2008 - The year of bad comparisons - I will be a proud contributor!

Also, anyone comparing Wrigley to Memorial Stadium- truly amazing. East Coliseum is hardly Wrigleyville. Also, look at the designs- Compare an excess stock pile of cinder blocks to the ivy on Waveland and Clark?