I find it very interesting that so many people are spending so much effort attacking a Zogby poll about Harrison Square.
I have informally polled about 50 of our clients as they picked up their tax returns this year. About 20% have been unsure and about 80% have been against the project. I can only think of one who was even somewhat in favor of the project that I talked to.
I have informally polled another 50 people in other settings. Those results were different. Maybe 20% in favor, maybe 20% unsure, maybe 60% opposed.
I polled citizens at a Northwest Area partnership meeting attended by Nelson Peters, Councilman Didier, and many candidates for City Council. The vast majority of those polled were against the project...
My polls were not scientific and I most likely influenced the results due to the way I often posed the questions!
I personally feel that the majority of Fort Wayne residents are against this project. I think this is obvious to anyone except for "blind" supporters of the project.
I feel that today's Zogby poll actually understates the negative opinions of residents about Harrison Square.
The Zogby poll shows that Democrats are more likely to support Harrison Square then Republicans. I certainly believe that to be the case. Democrats are in favor of larger government in many cases.
The Zogby poll shows that Independents are more likely opposed to Harrison Square then Republicans. I believe that as well. I feel that Independents are more in favor of smaller government then today's Republicans.
The Zogby poll shows that young people or more likely to favor Harrison Square then older people. I certainly believe that as well.
In short, the Zogby poll reinforces my own informal polling.
I am glad that the Kelty Campaign is making this a major Campaign issue because this project SHOULD be a major campaign issue in the Republican primary for Mayor. I do not want to hear Mayoral candidates re-iterate their stance on abortion, I want to hear their views on how to improve Fort Wayne.
I think that the Harrison Square Project is a bad idea and will be another "boondoggle" that will waste taxpayer money. I favor Downtown development; however, I do not support pouring public money into Downtown Fort Wayne while at the same time allowing developers to build strip malls all over the edges of Fort Wayne. It does not make good economic sense.
Mike Sylvester
Friday, April 06, 2007
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Zoby poll of Fort Wayne residents and their feelings on Harrison Square
Press Release from the Matt Kelty Campaign
Kelty Leads Charge Against Harrison Square as Proposed by the City
54% of Residents in Recent Poll are Opposed, Nearly 76% Against the Ballpark and Public Financing of Project
Editors clarification about Zogby poll:
Nearly 9,000 calls were made to obtain a statistically significant sampling resulting in a +/-5% margin of error.
Updated by Mike Sylvester at 1:29 PM, 4/5/7.
Fort Wayne, IN., April 5, 2007 – Conservative Republican mayoral candidate Matt Kelty today released the results of a recent poll showing a majority of Fort Wayne residents are opposed to the Harrison Square project as proposed by City officials. Kelty supports a market-driven approach to downtown redevelopment, his opponent in the May primary, Nelson Peters, supports the city’s government-driven plan for Harrison Square.
"The results of the poll are consistent with, my position on the project, and with what I am hearing from voters at neighborhood association meetings, neighborhood walks, and meetings around the city", said Kelty. "Though I am for redeveloping the downtown, from the information provided so far, I just don’t think the ballpark and public financing parts of the project make economic sense for the citizens of Fort Wayne", remarked the candidate.
The random poll of likely Fort Wayne voters was conducted between 27-29 Mar 07 by Zogby International. The margin of error of the poll is +/-5%.
Q: Do you support or oppose the Harrison Square downtown development as proposed by the City of Fort Wayne?
Support 31.6%
Oppose 54%
Not Sure 14.5%
Q: Whether or not you support or oppose the project as a whole, which one of the following parts of the City’s proposed Harrison Square project are you most opposed to?
Ballpark 57.3%
Condos 4.5%
Hotel 1.4%
Parking Gagage 1.5%
Public Financing 18.4%
Retail Space 2.5%
Not Sure 14.4%
"The fate of this project is in the hands of City Council, as Mayor I, like everyone else, will have to live with any decision they make, and I won’t be able to undo it", said Kelty. "What I can do though, is make sure the people are heard on this issue, and hope the City Council is listening."
According to City administration officials, the City’s proposal for the Harrison Square project is scheduled to be presented to the Fort Wayne City Council for a vote this month. In the mayor’s own plan (http://www.cityoffortwayne.org/images/stories/news/harrison/fact_sheet.pdf), in the Hardball Capital aspect of the Harrison Square deal, the City will be putting up $54M of taxpayer funding to Hardball’s $23M for the Harrison Square development.
"Notwithstanding the fact we already have a publicly funded ballpark, I am having a difficult time understanding how paying Hardball Capital $2.35 of taxpayer dollars for every $1.00 of private investment is a good deal for the City of Fort Wayne", said Kelty. "Proponents of the project will ask me if not this, then what? If given the kind of time the administration and City Council has had to develop this project, I know I could come up with some better alternatives, but I’m not going to make a snap decision now, that’s what’s got us into this mess to begin with. It’s not about taking a risk or making a decision; it’s about taking a manageable risk and making a correct decision. The two choices are not the same; the second choice takes into account the public interest, and requires good judgment."
About the Kelty for Mayor 2007 Campaign
Matt Kelty, 42, is the Conservative Republican candidate running for Fort Wayne Mayor in 2007, and the President of Kelty Tappy Design, Inc., a commercial architectural and urban design firm located in downtown Fort Wayne in the Lincoln Tower.
Matt is married to the former Tami Thomas of Kendallville, IN and is the father of four children, Lauren (15), John (11), Allison (11) and David (9). Additional information about the Kelty for Mayor 2007 Campaign can be found at:
http://www.mattkelty.com
Kelty Leads Charge Against Harrison Square as Proposed by the City
54% of Residents in Recent Poll are Opposed, Nearly 76% Against the Ballpark and Public Financing of Project
Editors clarification about Zogby poll:
Nearly 9,000 calls were made to obtain a statistically significant sampling resulting in a +/-5% margin of error.
Updated by Mike Sylvester at 1:29 PM, 4/5/7.
Fort Wayne, IN., April 5, 2007 – Conservative Republican mayoral candidate Matt Kelty today released the results of a recent poll showing a majority of Fort Wayne residents are opposed to the Harrison Square project as proposed by City officials. Kelty supports a market-driven approach to downtown redevelopment, his opponent in the May primary, Nelson Peters, supports the city’s government-driven plan for Harrison Square.
"The results of the poll are consistent with, my position on the project, and with what I am hearing from voters at neighborhood association meetings, neighborhood walks, and meetings around the city", said Kelty. "Though I am for redeveloping the downtown, from the information provided so far, I just don’t think the ballpark and public financing parts of the project make economic sense for the citizens of Fort Wayne", remarked the candidate.
The random poll of likely Fort Wayne voters was conducted between 27-29 Mar 07 by Zogby International. The margin of error of the poll is +/-5%.
Q: Do you support or oppose the Harrison Square downtown development as proposed by the City of Fort Wayne?
Support 31.6%
Oppose 54%
Not Sure 14.5%
Q: Whether or not you support or oppose the project as a whole, which one of the following parts of the City’s proposed Harrison Square project are you most opposed to?
Ballpark 57.3%
Condos 4.5%
Hotel 1.4%
Parking Gagage 1.5%
Public Financing 18.4%
Retail Space 2.5%
Not Sure 14.4%
"The fate of this project is in the hands of City Council, as Mayor I, like everyone else, will have to live with any decision they make, and I won’t be able to undo it", said Kelty. "What I can do though, is make sure the people are heard on this issue, and hope the City Council is listening."
According to City administration officials, the City’s proposal for the Harrison Square project is scheduled to be presented to the Fort Wayne City Council for a vote this month. In the mayor’s own plan (http://www.cityoffortwayne.org/images/stories/news/harrison/fact_sheet.pdf), in the Hardball Capital aspect of the Harrison Square deal, the City will be putting up $54M of taxpayer funding to Hardball’s $23M for the Harrison Square development.
"Notwithstanding the fact we already have a publicly funded ballpark, I am having a difficult time understanding how paying Hardball Capital $2.35 of taxpayer dollars for every $1.00 of private investment is a good deal for the City of Fort Wayne", said Kelty. "Proponents of the project will ask me if not this, then what? If given the kind of time the administration and City Council has had to develop this project, I know I could come up with some better alternatives, but I’m not going to make a snap decision now, that’s what’s got us into this mess to begin with. It’s not about taking a risk or making a decision; it’s about taking a manageable risk and making a correct decision. The two choices are not the same; the second choice takes into account the public interest, and requires good judgment."
About the Kelty for Mayor 2007 Campaign
Matt Kelty, 42, is the Conservative Republican candidate running for Fort Wayne Mayor in 2007, and the President of Kelty Tappy Design, Inc., a commercial architectural and urban design firm located in downtown Fort Wayne in the Lincoln Tower.
Matt is married to the former Tami Thomas of Kendallville, IN and is the father of four children, Lauren (15), John (11), Allison (11) and David (9). Additional information about the Kelty for Mayor 2007 Campaign can be found at:
http://www.mattkelty.com
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Indiana Big Government Republicans at work...
The House Public Health Committee voted 11-1 today to approve a new health coverage plan for uninsured Hoosiers, this bill is Senate Bill 503.
Does anyone remember the reaction from REPUBLICANS when Hillary Clinton wanted to socialize medicine? How the Republican Party has changed in a few years.
This silly plan will require individuals whose family income is below 150% of the Federal poverty rate to pay 2% of their family income for health care. Those families that make between 1.5 times and double the Federal poverty rate will pay 3 percent of their family income for health care.
This plan was spearheaded by both Republicans and Democrats:
6 Democrats voted for this bill, 5 Republicans voted for this bill. The sole dissenting vote was a Democrat...
What is going on in Indiana?
I have not had time to read the bill closely and it is not in its final form yet; however, leaders of both The Democratic and Republican Parties are full of praise...
So lets say you have a family of four and you make $41,000 dollars per year. Per House Bill 503 The State of Indiana will subsidize your health care. The family would have to pay $1230 for health care; the State of Indiana (You and me) will pay the rest. The average family health care plan costs almost $11,000 today per USA Today... This is going to get expensive for the taxpayers and the medical community is going to prosper even more...
This will actually raise the cost of health care in Indiana since the Indiana will end up throwing a huge amount of money into health care. We will see prices go higher and higher.
Good Grief...
Mike Sylvester
Does anyone remember the reaction from REPUBLICANS when Hillary Clinton wanted to socialize medicine? How the Republican Party has changed in a few years.
This silly plan will require individuals whose family income is below 150% of the Federal poverty rate to pay 2% of their family income for health care. Those families that make between 1.5 times and double the Federal poverty rate will pay 3 percent of their family income for health care.
This plan was spearheaded by both Republicans and Democrats:
6 Democrats voted for this bill, 5 Republicans voted for this bill. The sole dissenting vote was a Democrat...
What is going on in Indiana?
I have not had time to read the bill closely and it is not in its final form yet; however, leaders of both The Democratic and Republican Parties are full of praise...
So lets say you have a family of four and you make $41,000 dollars per year. Per House Bill 503 The State of Indiana will subsidize your health care. The family would have to pay $1230 for health care; the State of Indiana (You and me) will pay the rest. The average family health care plan costs almost $11,000 today per USA Today... This is going to get expensive for the taxpayers and the medical community is going to prosper even more...
This will actually raise the cost of health care in Indiana since the Indiana will end up throwing a huge amount of money into health care. We will see prices go higher and higher.
Good Grief...
Mike Sylvester
New Blog, Coming in May
I am going to start another blog in May. There will be some things I handle differently on the new blog...
When I started this blog I allowed anonymous comments.
Then for awhile I stopped allowing anonymous comments and some people complained to me about it.
Then I allowed anonymous comments again...
I have given this issue quite a bit of thought.
I am pretty sure that my new blog will not allow anonymous comments. It is to easy for people to post comments and "sling mud" with no accountability.
Do you think I should allow anonymous comments or not?
Mike Sylvester
When I started this blog I allowed anonymous comments.
Then for awhile I stopped allowing anonymous comments and some people complained to me about it.
Then I allowed anonymous comments again...
I have given this issue quite a bit of thought.
I am pretty sure that my new blog will not allow anonymous comments. It is to easy for people to post comments and "sling mud" with no accountability.
Do you think I should allow anonymous comments or not?
Mike Sylvester
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Harrison Square, delay is telling
Fort Wayne still does not have a financial plan in place for Harrison Square. I remember back when the Mayor told me that he expected the project to be approved before April 1st. I am glad that Fort Wayne is taking the time necessary to put a deal together and is not submitting it to City Council until it is finished.
I still have not heard back from Fort Wayne about ANY of my questions. I believe this is due to the fact that the deal is still being negotiated.
I think that the deal is taking longer then expected because Hardball Capital, the new hotel developer, and Fort Wayne all want a significant portion of various revenues; basically, I think they are arguing over the "pie" and I am not sure the "pie" is big enough for all three.
The more I hear about the financing; the more I think that the "pie" is too small.
Consider this one little fact and you will see one of the many reasons why I think the City of Fort Wayne is struggling to put a plan together:
When the project was announced the Mayor of Fort Wayne proudly announced that Hardball Capital would pay 5 million dollars to build a new baseball stadium and that the City of Fort Wayne would be paying 25 million dollars.
To the average citizen this would mean that Hardball would put 5 million down and the City would finance a 25 million dollar bond for construction.
Many stadium supporters and citizens of Fort Wayne were outraged because they felt that Hardball should pay more then a measly 1/6 of the cost of a baseball stadium that they will get the revenue from!
The final plan has not been unveiled; however, it now looks like Hardball Capital will only be paying $250,000 per year for twenty years and that they will not be paying $5,000,000 down like expected...
This is a huge change.
Lets say the stadium still costs 30 million dollars. Lets say Hardball actually does make all payments to the City in a timely fashion over the next twenty years. That would mean that Fort Wayne (You and me my friends) would have to finance the entire 30 million dollar bond and Hardball would just be paying (In present value terms) about 3 million dollars. In other words, Hardball would just be paying 10% of the costs of building a new stadium...
If you thought 1/6 was very little; what do you think of 10%?
Realize that I am just making guesses based on what the newspapers have reported. I have not seen any numbers from Fort Wayne in over a month...
What have you heard?
Mike Sylvester
I still have not heard back from Fort Wayne about ANY of my questions. I believe this is due to the fact that the deal is still being negotiated.
I think that the deal is taking longer then expected because Hardball Capital, the new hotel developer, and Fort Wayne all want a significant portion of various revenues; basically, I think they are arguing over the "pie" and I am not sure the "pie" is big enough for all three.
The more I hear about the financing; the more I think that the "pie" is too small.
Consider this one little fact and you will see one of the many reasons why I think the City of Fort Wayne is struggling to put a plan together:
When the project was announced the Mayor of Fort Wayne proudly announced that Hardball Capital would pay 5 million dollars to build a new baseball stadium and that the City of Fort Wayne would be paying 25 million dollars.
To the average citizen this would mean that Hardball would put 5 million down and the City would finance a 25 million dollar bond for construction.
Many stadium supporters and citizens of Fort Wayne were outraged because they felt that Hardball should pay more then a measly 1/6 of the cost of a baseball stadium that they will get the revenue from!
The final plan has not been unveiled; however, it now looks like Hardball Capital will only be paying $250,000 per year for twenty years and that they will not be paying $5,000,000 down like expected...
This is a huge change.
Lets say the stadium still costs 30 million dollars. Lets say Hardball actually does make all payments to the City in a timely fashion over the next twenty years. That would mean that Fort Wayne (You and me my friends) would have to finance the entire 30 million dollar bond and Hardball would just be paying (In present value terms) about 3 million dollars. In other words, Hardball would just be paying 10% of the costs of building a new stadium...
If you thought 1/6 was very little; what do you think of 10%?
Realize that I am just making guesses based on what the newspapers have reported. I have not seen any numbers from Fort Wayne in over a month...
What have you heard?
Mike Sylvester
Monday, April 02, 2007
Fort Wayne Republican Primary
I have posted a new poll concerning the Republican Primary and the contest for City Council "at-large."
You may vote in this poll once per day. You may vote for multiple candidates.
I am posting this thread due to a request from one of the readers and commenters of this blog!
This is a very interesting contest and has not captured as much attention as I would have expected. All six candidates have unique qualifications and this should be a spirited contest. That being said, I have seen little activity in this race other then yard signs to date.
Please post a comment to this thread telling us who you support and why you support them. Your comment will be much more meaningful if you list your name!
I will be posting predictions for the races and who I think is most qualified for the contested races in the near future...
Mike Sylvester
You may vote in this poll once per day. You may vote for multiple candidates.
I am posting this thread due to a request from one of the readers and commenters of this blog!
This is a very interesting contest and has not captured as much attention as I would have expected. All six candidates have unique qualifications and this should be a spirited contest. That being said, I have seen little activity in this race other then yard signs to date.
Please post a comment to this thread telling us who you support and why you support them. Your comment will be much more meaningful if you list your name!
I will be posting predictions for the races and who I think is most qualified for the contested races in the near future...
Mike Sylvester
Poll for Republican Primary
A whole lot of people voted in the Republican primary poll for Mayor on this blog. The results were
22 No one, I do not vote in the Republican Primary
4 Brown
15 Hood
80 Kelty
2 Licari
219 Peters
Who did you vote for and WHY?
Mike Sylvester
22 No one, I do not vote in the Republican Primary
4 Brown
15 Hood
80 Kelty
2 Licari
219 Peters
Who did you vote for and WHY?
Mike Sylvester
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Info from the Matt Kalty Campaign
The Role of City Government
It has been asserted that the idea of limited City Government might no longer be possible or acceptable to the citizens of Fort Wayne, because, "everything has gotten more complicated". If true, it begs the question, Why? If indeed Government has gotten more complicated it's because we let it get that way. It's said that people get the government they deserve; I say we get the government we vote for. As citizens we have a responsibility to be informed, check government through our elected officials, let them know what we think, and vote. Without the people driving the issues, politicians will create activity to feign accomplishment, and yes, things get complicated.
Action Plan
"As mayor, I'll get government back to basics, and strip the mask of accomplishment off simple activity." As I have written in previously published articles in the Fort Wayne media, Mayoral leadership is about charting a course, assembling the necessary resources, and then leading the way. Every dollar spent by government must be spent in accord with the just mission of the city's charter. Money spent outside of public safety and essential infrastructure should be very deliberately allocated. The private sector respects strong government that operates within its bounds, government that does not reach into their lives, their operations, or their pocketbooks. Outside the more formal aspects of City operations, the Mayor's leadership is essential in coordinating non-public community assets, focusing public attention, fashioning productive partnerships, and projecting a vision for the future.
Experience vs. Leadership and Vision
The conventional thinking says that only people already in office or with strong political backgrounds will be drawn to serve as mayor, vice a businessman today. I disagree. Though it may not be a part time job anymore, mayor has certainly been treated like one for the last term. Experience alone is over-rated, leadership & vision will always trump experience. How valuable is 20 years of experience in government if all it's really been is the same experience done 20 times? It's not enough to know where all the levers are to try and keep the train on the tracks if you're headed in the wrong direction. I think the mayor should be someone who's conceived an idea, created and sold a concept, developed the plan, taken a risk, and executed and managed a project to completion - this while also paying suppliers and employees, keeping the lights on, and simultaneously working on 11 other projects.
Action Plan
I bring new ideas and accomplishment to the job of mayor, along with common sense and an incredible work ethic. The evidence of my experience dots Fort Wayne today where I've already begun to transform the city, one building at a time. Think what we could do together. Running any organization the size of Fort Wayne's government requires many people of varied professional backgrounds. Effective leadership establishes a forward-looking culture and chemistry, defines strategic and tactical objectives, and then allows qualified people to get the job done. Whether one administrates 8 or 800, the leadership principle remains the same. I have organized massive rallies (Rally for America, 3/03 and Mitch Daniels, 11/04) and I have initiated, organized, and executed large complex operations (Eleventh Commission, 11/00, Operation Recreation, 4/04). Good people get the job done.
Leadership and Vision
A bold leader with a strong vision can inspire. I agree. The difference between a bold and reckless leader is judgment and humility. No one of us is smarter than the two of us together, and as long we don't care who gets the credit, and don't forget why we are doing what we are doing, and for whom (you), there is simply nothing we cannot overcome or do if we put our minds to it.
Action Plan
As mayor, I'll decisively lead, and seek counsel not consensus. A wise and successful businessman came to my office in the Lincoln Tower in late 2004, greatly disappointed by the failure of the city to act with decisiveness. He exclaimed, "Where consensus is required, leadership dies!" Consensus is great when trying to determine what movie to go see. It is wonderful to have consensus on a board regarding a new administrative hire. But when it comes to charting the fundamental course for the City of Fort Wayne, I will not rely on trial balloons or opinion polls. I will not seek some elusive state of consensus. For many years this artificial form of leadership has hamstrung Fort Wayne. Great leadership seeks wise counsel. It listens carefully. It asks for help. And then, without pause, it projects the vision of the new course and it moves decisively forward. If the course requires correction, so be it. If success is achieved, leadership says, "We did it!" If mistakes are made, leadership says, "I made a mistake. Here is what we have to do now." Ronald Reagan once said, "A leader, once convinced a particular course of action is the right one, must have the determination to stick with it and be undaunted when the going gets rough."
In the end, leadership is about courage. And, simply put, courage inspires.
Transforming the City, Creating a New Legacy
I believe people want to be inspired; they yearn for decisive leadership, and will work to be part of, and achieve, a vision. They want to be part of a winning team. A good mayor will have all these qualities, the ability to marshal the resources, and lead the people to transform the vision into reality, decisively and transparently. Government should facilitate that transformation, not govern or inhibit it.
Action Plan
As mayor I intend to insure government plays its appropriate role, decreasing regulation, and government cost-allowing the private sector to surge ahead. This is the new legacy of innovation, invention, and prosperity.
It is time for fresh leadership that gives rise to a new legacy, a legacy of innovation, yes, and of creativity and hard work, but also of vision and of boldness. If our grandmothers and grandfathers found ways to grow strong in the middle of the Great Depression, how much more important, then, is it for us today to stand-up and build a new Fort Wayne? Ours can be a city where garage inventors, impassioned citizens, and aspiring writers beget a new generation of high-tech invention and industry, social justice, and artistic enterprise. I embrace the new group of creators, hope-filled with spirit and vision. Together we will drive forward this new legacy of purpose, productivity and prosperity. For this is the vision of the new legacy: to recognize in each person the dignity and the greatness that is not government defined, but rather, God-given; to restrict government from places where it is not just; and to afford by proxy the right of each to provide for their family.
The vision of the new legacy pulls into it every man and women in Fort Wayne, the wage earners, the sole proprietors, and the corporate investors; it includes single parents, families waiting on the return of a loved one from overseas, and the great aunt who lives alone. As this campaign yields to the forming of a new administration, Fort Wayne's new legacy shall call each of us to sharpen our commitment to our families, to our neighborhoods, and to our churches. This vision is about you: about your passions and your hopes; about a culture that provides for the dignity and the potential of every citizen; and about the power of a free market roaring into a bright future.
Issues, Perceived and Real
There are perceived issues of the delineation of public/private partnerships, City-County Consolidation, local control of taxing policies, and competing regionally, I have positions on all these issues. However, in my discussions with citizens, officials, and business people over the last 6 months since I formed an exploratory committee, these issues are not in the top 5 of the most important issues facing Fort Wayne, nor the top 5 of the next most important issues facing the city. The folks I've met with and talked to at coffees, neighborhood meetings and polling around town over the last 2-months, see these issues for what they are, politician's issues, because at their core they come down to money (taxes) and power (authority). My observation is; the voters have a pretty good bead on the real issues.
Action Plan
As Mayor I plan to address the real issues facing the City such as economic development, jobs growth, improving the infrastructure, reducing crime, and dialing back the reach and cost of Government.
Public-Private Relationships
With regard to the issues surrounding the relationship between public and private sectors, this is very clear to me. If the downtown really needed and could support another hotel, don't you think Marriott, Hilton, or Starwood would be rushing there to build one because it was a good business decision to do so? If it's not a good business decision for them, what makes it so great for us?
Action Plan
As mayor I'll leverage government to facilitate private sector economic development, and use market forces to partner as appropriate with industry to deliver the best services at a fair price to the citizens of Fort Wayne. Let's face it: the government does have a role to play in most economic development initiatives. Frequently, it means ensuring traditional infrastructure (water, sewer, roads, etc.). Today this infrastructure can also include data and communication technology trunks. Beyond infrastructure, government can consider prudent property tax abatements. But oftentimes, the biggest obstacle to economic growth is the challenge of unfair or spurious development standards and a complex process for gaining project approval. In other words, sometimes the best thing government can do is nothing! Stay out of the way! Let the private sector do what it does best: generate wealth!
Economic Development, Unify Our Efforts
Right now there are a number of public, private, and quasi-governmental organizations established with some charter for economic development for the City; each with their own interest and approach. I think we need unity of effort and economy of force. I believe we need to break the religion of economic development and consolidate City & County economic development organizations and efforts for better efficiency (lower costs) and more effectiveness (production). We have to develop a more effective relationship between the Northeast Indiana Economic Development Corporation, the Fort Wayne-Allen County Economic Alliance, the Chamber of Commerce, the Northeast Indiana Corporate Council and other similar organizations. There has to be unity of command, a comprehensive plan, roles & responsibilities, and metrics to measure progress. Today's booming economy and low unemployment is fertile soil for growth. Now is not the time for incrementalism, but bold and decisive moves forward to create a new legacy for the city.
Action Plan
The mayor is in a unique position, "Rocket 1", the top marketer (not just cheerleader) for the city. I will kick the door open on opportunities, have may staff work the details, then close the deal, getting new businesses to locate to Fort Wayne, and helping existing businesses to expand. That's my job. A measure of my success as mayor to strike a balance between public and private sectors to foster economic development, will be an article on the front page of the Wall Street Journal in 2010 or 2011 with the headline, "Fort Wayne, Indiana, the Best Place in America to Own a Business".
City-County Consolidation: Consolidate Operations, Not Power
On consolidation, we have to ask ourselves two things, 1) why?, and 2) who benefits? In my view, we consolidate for more efficient operations (reduce costs), improved services (citizens benefit), and scalability. Everyone should be proud that absent any State mandate, Fort Wayne and Allen County have been consolidating to this end ever since the City and County Health Departments were brought together in the late 60's, followed by the Building Departments in the 70's and recently the Homeland Security Departments. Through a series of inter-local agreements, the City and County continue to pool resources and leverage economies to get the best value, whether fuel or police cruisers. Where it gets sticky is when officials start thinking about consolidating power and authority vice consolidating for lower costs, better services and scaling for future growth. We are not Indianapolis and Marion County. One size does not fit all.
Action Plan
As mayor I am committed to accelerating the work of consolidating for more efficient operations, improved services and scaling up, while also continuing to respect the integrity of existing municipalities. There's a Fort Wayne solution to consolidation that makes sense for the City, County and the region. It's been studied it to death, so let's put an action plan together then execute it. The discussion of HEA 1362 distracts each of us from those activities appropriate for government and healthy for growth. Meanwhile, I believe that inhibiting the right of New Haven or Huntertown or Leo-Cedarville to control their own destiny is a selfish and immoral act. Let us continue to find opportunities to work together where it makes sense, and allow the Region of NE Indiana to move forward as a community.
Tax Policy, Deliver Value for the Money
With regard to the issue of the prospect of more local control over taxing policies, I think the city has already demonstrated enough control of tax policy with the recent 30% and 32% increase in property taxes in Aboite and Wayne Townships1 respectively. In my view, the city has to deliver some value to the over 25,000 new Fort Wayne residents for that kind of money. I'm not sure that garbage collection, and 2 new fire stations within a 3-iron shot of the existing very capable volunteer fire station is enough. It appears that the only person who made out on the annexation of Aboite in addition to the city, was the owner of the properties at Scott Road and Covington, and Liberty Mills and Homestead Road where the new fire stations were built. I think we can do better than that. We might not be able to put the toothpaste back in the tube with regard to annexation, so we ought to deliver value for the money, or lower property taxes.
Action Plan
As mayor I am committed to re-examining tax policy, particularly in the newly annexed areas of the City, to deliver more value for taxes-paid, or reduce property taxes, or both. We should allow the dynamic of this new city area to drive a more just and productive government for the city as a whole.
Improving the Infrastructure
Appropriate value-driven application of tax policy to stimulate economic and jobs growth in Fort Wayne is essential for the city to lead the Northeast Indiana region into a new economic renaissance. But this alone is not enough to attract existing businesses to expand and new businesses to locate in Fort Wayne. We must have the infrastructure, the on-ramps if you will, for business folks to get here. The airport is critical to any significant growth strategy for the future. Over the last 8-years we've seen airlines terminate service, and those that remain cut back the number of flights in and out of the airport. When people fly into and out of Indianapolis and drive 2+ hours to and from Fort Wayne to save $200 a ticket, that is not an adequate on-ramp if we want to grow. Further, Congressman Mark Souder fought the FAA for the new control tower at the airport, and won. But the FAA is equipping the tower with antiquated equipment and standing in the way of 24-hour operations so they can regionalize air traffic control and manage it out of Indianapolis. This means that in addition to Fort Wayne, the South Bend airport will also come under the auspice of the Indianapolis ATC if FAA regionalized control is achieved.
Action Plan
As mayor, I'll work with the airport authority and directly with the airlines to develop a plan to make the airport more attractive for business and leisure travel to and from the city. In addition, I'll work with the Governor's office and the Indiana Congressional delegation to reconcile the issues around modern 24-hour tower operations in Fort Wayne, and fight Indianapolis control of the Fort Wayne airspace. The airport is just one of the on-ramps necessary to build a better, stronger Fort Wayne. Finding ways to accelerate High-speed Rail development and improve intra-city transportation are keys to economic development. Finally, and importantly, eliminating the regulatory morass of municipal government may prove to be the most high value application of Mayoral Leadership. Existing businesses that wish to expand should not have to overcome specious guidelines and a cumbersome process to grow their business.
Our Role as Taxpayers
Finally, in response the question where do taxpayers fit in all these issues and what should their relationship be to elected officials, I'll repeat what I stated at the beginning of this article, "As citizens we have a responsibility to be informed, check government through our elected officials, let them know what we think, and vote." Voting is the ultimate term limit, and if elected officials know you're going to vote, they are often very responsive to your thoughts and comments, again, let them know what we think, and vote.
Action Plan
Government doesn't have to be that complicated, we just can't accept the premise that the Government is what it is and we can't do anything about it. We can do something about it, and if elected, I will. Perhaps it's true that, "City Hall has gone beyond the idea that the best thing for government to do is to provide infrastructure, cut the red tape and then move out of the way". With your support, as mayor, we can get City Hall back to its rightful role.
It has been asserted that the idea of limited City Government might no longer be possible or acceptable to the citizens of Fort Wayne, because, "everything has gotten more complicated". If true, it begs the question, Why? If indeed Government has gotten more complicated it's because we let it get that way. It's said that people get the government they deserve; I say we get the government we vote for. As citizens we have a responsibility to be informed, check government through our elected officials, let them know what we think, and vote. Without the people driving the issues, politicians will create activity to feign accomplishment, and yes, things get complicated.
Action Plan
"As mayor, I'll get government back to basics, and strip the mask of accomplishment off simple activity." As I have written in previously published articles in the Fort Wayne media, Mayoral leadership is about charting a course, assembling the necessary resources, and then leading the way. Every dollar spent by government must be spent in accord with the just mission of the city's charter. Money spent outside of public safety and essential infrastructure should be very deliberately allocated. The private sector respects strong government that operates within its bounds, government that does not reach into their lives, their operations, or their pocketbooks. Outside the more formal aspects of City operations, the Mayor's leadership is essential in coordinating non-public community assets, focusing public attention, fashioning productive partnerships, and projecting a vision for the future.
Experience vs. Leadership and Vision
The conventional thinking says that only people already in office or with strong political backgrounds will be drawn to serve as mayor, vice a businessman today. I disagree. Though it may not be a part time job anymore, mayor has certainly been treated like one for the last term. Experience alone is over-rated, leadership & vision will always trump experience. How valuable is 20 years of experience in government if all it's really been is the same experience done 20 times? It's not enough to know where all the levers are to try and keep the train on the tracks if you're headed in the wrong direction. I think the mayor should be someone who's conceived an idea, created and sold a concept, developed the plan, taken a risk, and executed and managed a project to completion - this while also paying suppliers and employees, keeping the lights on, and simultaneously working on 11 other projects.
Action Plan
I bring new ideas and accomplishment to the job of mayor, along with common sense and an incredible work ethic. The evidence of my experience dots Fort Wayne today where I've already begun to transform the city, one building at a time. Think what we could do together. Running any organization the size of Fort Wayne's government requires many people of varied professional backgrounds. Effective leadership establishes a forward-looking culture and chemistry, defines strategic and tactical objectives, and then allows qualified people to get the job done. Whether one administrates 8 or 800, the leadership principle remains the same. I have organized massive rallies (Rally for America, 3/03 and Mitch Daniels, 11/04) and I have initiated, organized, and executed large complex operations (Eleventh Commission, 11/00, Operation Recreation, 4/04). Good people get the job done.
Leadership and Vision
A bold leader with a strong vision can inspire. I agree. The difference between a bold and reckless leader is judgment and humility. No one of us is smarter than the two of us together, and as long we don't care who gets the credit, and don't forget why we are doing what we are doing, and for whom (you), there is simply nothing we cannot overcome or do if we put our minds to it.
Action Plan
As mayor, I'll decisively lead, and seek counsel not consensus. A wise and successful businessman came to my office in the Lincoln Tower in late 2004, greatly disappointed by the failure of the city to act with decisiveness. He exclaimed, "Where consensus is required, leadership dies!" Consensus is great when trying to determine what movie to go see. It is wonderful to have consensus on a board regarding a new administrative hire. But when it comes to charting the fundamental course for the City of Fort Wayne, I will not rely on trial balloons or opinion polls. I will not seek some elusive state of consensus. For many years this artificial form of leadership has hamstrung Fort Wayne. Great leadership seeks wise counsel. It listens carefully. It asks for help. And then, without pause, it projects the vision of the new course and it moves decisively forward. If the course requires correction, so be it. If success is achieved, leadership says, "We did it!" If mistakes are made, leadership says, "I made a mistake. Here is what we have to do now." Ronald Reagan once said, "A leader, once convinced a particular course of action is the right one, must have the determination to stick with it and be undaunted when the going gets rough."
In the end, leadership is about courage. And, simply put, courage inspires.
Transforming the City, Creating a New Legacy
I believe people want to be inspired; they yearn for decisive leadership, and will work to be part of, and achieve, a vision. They want to be part of a winning team. A good mayor will have all these qualities, the ability to marshal the resources, and lead the people to transform the vision into reality, decisively and transparently. Government should facilitate that transformation, not govern or inhibit it.
Action Plan
As mayor I intend to insure government plays its appropriate role, decreasing regulation, and government cost-allowing the private sector to surge ahead. This is the new legacy of innovation, invention, and prosperity.
It is time for fresh leadership that gives rise to a new legacy, a legacy of innovation, yes, and of creativity and hard work, but also of vision and of boldness. If our grandmothers and grandfathers found ways to grow strong in the middle of the Great Depression, how much more important, then, is it for us today to stand-up and build a new Fort Wayne? Ours can be a city where garage inventors, impassioned citizens, and aspiring writers beget a new generation of high-tech invention and industry, social justice, and artistic enterprise. I embrace the new group of creators, hope-filled with spirit and vision. Together we will drive forward this new legacy of purpose, productivity and prosperity. For this is the vision of the new legacy: to recognize in each person the dignity and the greatness that is not government defined, but rather, God-given; to restrict government from places where it is not just; and to afford by proxy the right of each to provide for their family.
The vision of the new legacy pulls into it every man and women in Fort Wayne, the wage earners, the sole proprietors, and the corporate investors; it includes single parents, families waiting on the return of a loved one from overseas, and the great aunt who lives alone. As this campaign yields to the forming of a new administration, Fort Wayne's new legacy shall call each of us to sharpen our commitment to our families, to our neighborhoods, and to our churches. This vision is about you: about your passions and your hopes; about a culture that provides for the dignity and the potential of every citizen; and about the power of a free market roaring into a bright future.
Issues, Perceived and Real
There are perceived issues of the delineation of public/private partnerships, City-County Consolidation, local control of taxing policies, and competing regionally, I have positions on all these issues. However, in my discussions with citizens, officials, and business people over the last 6 months since I formed an exploratory committee, these issues are not in the top 5 of the most important issues facing Fort Wayne, nor the top 5 of the next most important issues facing the city. The folks I've met with and talked to at coffees, neighborhood meetings and polling around town over the last 2-months, see these issues for what they are, politician's issues, because at their core they come down to money (taxes) and power (authority). My observation is; the voters have a pretty good bead on the real issues.
Action Plan
As Mayor I plan to address the real issues facing the City such as economic development, jobs growth, improving the infrastructure, reducing crime, and dialing back the reach and cost of Government.
Public-Private Relationships
With regard to the issues surrounding the relationship between public and private sectors, this is very clear to me. If the downtown really needed and could support another hotel, don't you think Marriott, Hilton, or Starwood would be rushing there to build one because it was a good business decision to do so? If it's not a good business decision for them, what makes it so great for us?
Action Plan
As mayor I'll leverage government to facilitate private sector economic development, and use market forces to partner as appropriate with industry to deliver the best services at a fair price to the citizens of Fort Wayne. Let's face it: the government does have a role to play in most economic development initiatives. Frequently, it means ensuring traditional infrastructure (water, sewer, roads, etc.). Today this infrastructure can also include data and communication technology trunks. Beyond infrastructure, government can consider prudent property tax abatements. But oftentimes, the biggest obstacle to economic growth is the challenge of unfair or spurious development standards and a complex process for gaining project approval. In other words, sometimes the best thing government can do is nothing! Stay out of the way! Let the private sector do what it does best: generate wealth!
Economic Development, Unify Our Efforts
Right now there are a number of public, private, and quasi-governmental organizations established with some charter for economic development for the City; each with their own interest and approach. I think we need unity of effort and economy of force. I believe we need to break the religion of economic development and consolidate City & County economic development organizations and efforts for better efficiency (lower costs) and more effectiveness (production). We have to develop a more effective relationship between the Northeast Indiana Economic Development Corporation, the Fort Wayne-Allen County Economic Alliance, the Chamber of Commerce, the Northeast Indiana Corporate Council and other similar organizations. There has to be unity of command, a comprehensive plan, roles & responsibilities, and metrics to measure progress. Today's booming economy and low unemployment is fertile soil for growth. Now is not the time for incrementalism, but bold and decisive moves forward to create a new legacy for the city.
Action Plan
The mayor is in a unique position, "Rocket 1", the top marketer (not just cheerleader) for the city. I will kick the door open on opportunities, have may staff work the details, then close the deal, getting new businesses to locate to Fort Wayne, and helping existing businesses to expand. That's my job. A measure of my success as mayor to strike a balance between public and private sectors to foster economic development, will be an article on the front page of the Wall Street Journal in 2010 or 2011 with the headline, "Fort Wayne, Indiana, the Best Place in America to Own a Business".
City-County Consolidation: Consolidate Operations, Not Power
On consolidation, we have to ask ourselves two things, 1) why?, and 2) who benefits? In my view, we consolidate for more efficient operations (reduce costs), improved services (citizens benefit), and scalability. Everyone should be proud that absent any State mandate, Fort Wayne and Allen County have been consolidating to this end ever since the City and County Health Departments were brought together in the late 60's, followed by the Building Departments in the 70's and recently the Homeland Security Departments. Through a series of inter-local agreements, the City and County continue to pool resources and leverage economies to get the best value, whether fuel or police cruisers. Where it gets sticky is when officials start thinking about consolidating power and authority vice consolidating for lower costs, better services and scaling for future growth. We are not Indianapolis and Marion County. One size does not fit all.
Action Plan
As mayor I am committed to accelerating the work of consolidating for more efficient operations, improved services and scaling up, while also continuing to respect the integrity of existing municipalities. There's a Fort Wayne solution to consolidation that makes sense for the City, County and the region. It's been studied it to death, so let's put an action plan together then execute it. The discussion of HEA 1362 distracts each of us from those activities appropriate for government and healthy for growth. Meanwhile, I believe that inhibiting the right of New Haven or Huntertown or Leo-Cedarville to control their own destiny is a selfish and immoral act. Let us continue to find opportunities to work together where it makes sense, and allow the Region of NE Indiana to move forward as a community.
Tax Policy, Deliver Value for the Money
With regard to the issue of the prospect of more local control over taxing policies, I think the city has already demonstrated enough control of tax policy with the recent 30% and 32% increase in property taxes in Aboite and Wayne Townships1 respectively. In my view, the city has to deliver some value to the over 25,000 new Fort Wayne residents for that kind of money. I'm not sure that garbage collection, and 2 new fire stations within a 3-iron shot of the existing very capable volunteer fire station is enough. It appears that the only person who made out on the annexation of Aboite in addition to the city, was the owner of the properties at Scott Road and Covington, and Liberty Mills and Homestead Road where the new fire stations were built. I think we can do better than that. We might not be able to put the toothpaste back in the tube with regard to annexation, so we ought to deliver value for the money, or lower property taxes.
Action Plan
As mayor I am committed to re-examining tax policy, particularly in the newly annexed areas of the City, to deliver more value for taxes-paid, or reduce property taxes, or both. We should allow the dynamic of this new city area to drive a more just and productive government for the city as a whole.
Improving the Infrastructure
Appropriate value-driven application of tax policy to stimulate economic and jobs growth in Fort Wayne is essential for the city to lead the Northeast Indiana region into a new economic renaissance. But this alone is not enough to attract existing businesses to expand and new businesses to locate in Fort Wayne. We must have the infrastructure, the on-ramps if you will, for business folks to get here. The airport is critical to any significant growth strategy for the future. Over the last 8-years we've seen airlines terminate service, and those that remain cut back the number of flights in and out of the airport. When people fly into and out of Indianapolis and drive 2+ hours to and from Fort Wayne to save $200 a ticket, that is not an adequate on-ramp if we want to grow. Further, Congressman Mark Souder fought the FAA for the new control tower at the airport, and won. But the FAA is equipping the tower with antiquated equipment and standing in the way of 24-hour operations so they can regionalize air traffic control and manage it out of Indianapolis. This means that in addition to Fort Wayne, the South Bend airport will also come under the auspice of the Indianapolis ATC if FAA regionalized control is achieved.
Action Plan
As mayor, I'll work with the airport authority and directly with the airlines to develop a plan to make the airport more attractive for business and leisure travel to and from the city. In addition, I'll work with the Governor's office and the Indiana Congressional delegation to reconcile the issues around modern 24-hour tower operations in Fort Wayne, and fight Indianapolis control of the Fort Wayne airspace. The airport is just one of the on-ramps necessary to build a better, stronger Fort Wayne. Finding ways to accelerate High-speed Rail development and improve intra-city transportation are keys to economic development. Finally, and importantly, eliminating the regulatory morass of municipal government may prove to be the most high value application of Mayoral Leadership. Existing businesses that wish to expand should not have to overcome specious guidelines and a cumbersome process to grow their business.
Our Role as Taxpayers
Finally, in response the question where do taxpayers fit in all these issues and what should their relationship be to elected officials, I'll repeat what I stated at the beginning of this article, "As citizens we have a responsibility to be informed, check government through our elected officials, let them know what we think, and vote." Voting is the ultimate term limit, and if elected officials know you're going to vote, they are often very responsive to your thoughts and comments, again, let them know what we think, and vote.
Action Plan
Government doesn't have to be that complicated, we just can't accept the premise that the Government is what it is and we can't do anything about it. We can do something about it, and if elected, I will. Perhaps it's true that, "City Hall has gone beyond the idea that the best thing for government to do is to provide infrastructure, cut the red tape and then move out of the way". With your support, as mayor, we can get City Hall back to its rightful role.
Iran
Iran has captured fifteen British sailors and marines and is trying to get attention...
I think Englad should warn Iran and give them about 24 hours to return all of the British citizens.
If Iran decides not to give them back then I think England should do the following:
1. When the 24 hours elapses completely and utterly destroy one of Iran's power generating
plants.
2. If another 24 hours elapses then completely and utterly destroy Iran's ONLY plant that
refines oil into gasoline.
3. If another 24 hours elapses then destroy another power plant.
You get the idea. I can guarantee you Iran would return the prisoners fairly quickly.
I really should be President of a major Country...
Mike Sylvester
I think Englad should warn Iran and give them about 24 hours to return all of the British citizens.
If Iran decides not to give them back then I think England should do the following:
1. When the 24 hours elapses completely and utterly destroy one of Iran's power generating
plants.
2. If another 24 hours elapses then completely and utterly destroy Iran's ONLY plant that
refines oil into gasoline.
3. If another 24 hours elapses then destroy another power plant.
You get the idea. I can guarantee you Iran would return the prisoners fairly quickly.
I really should be President of a major Country...
Mike Sylvester
Friday, March 30, 2007
Nelson Peters Direct Mail I received today
There was a direct mail piece in my mailbox today.
AWB over at Fort Wayne News has an elaborate post about the direct mail piece.
Believe it or not, the focus of the piece is that Mark Souder endorses Nelson Peters; therefore, Republicans should vote for Nelson Peters.
If you are interested in the Republican Primary for Mayor please go and check out AWB's post and leave some comments:
<http://www.angrywhiteboy.org/index.php/2007/03/30/the-peter-principle/>
Readers of this blog know that I would not vote for Mark Souder unless he was running against Senator Kennedy from Massachusetts or a candidate equally as poor...
Mike Sylvester
AWB over at Fort Wayne News has an elaborate post about the direct mail piece.
Believe it or not, the focus of the piece is that Mark Souder endorses Nelson Peters; therefore, Republicans should vote for Nelson Peters.
If you are interested in the Republican Primary for Mayor please go and check out AWB's post and leave some comments:
<http://www.angrywhiteboy.org/index.php/2007/03/30/the-peter-principle/>
Readers of this blog know that I would not vote for Mark Souder unless he was running against Senator Kennedy from Massachusetts or a candidate equally as poor...
Mike Sylvester
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Change Fort Wayne
There is a new blog in Fort Wayne that is pretty darn funny...
The purpose of the blog seems to be to make fun of ANYONE who opposes change in Fort Wayne (I have been a popular target as well).
The blog is very funny.
You should check it out if you want a laugh:
<http://www.changeftwayne.blogspot.com/>
Mike Sylvester
The purpose of the blog seems to be to make fun of ANYONE who opposes change in Fort Wayne (I have been a popular target as well).
The blog is very funny.
You should check it out if you want a laugh:
<http://www.changeftwayne.blogspot.com/>
Mike Sylvester
Property Tax Appeal in Perry Township
My property tax appeal was resolved within ten days.
To make a long story short; they have lowered my assessed value by $17,700.
I spent about an hour on my appeal and a couple hundred bucks to hire a professional appraiser...
I will make my investment back within several months. Having my property assessment lowered by $17,700 will save me several hundred dollars this year alone. More importantly it will save me money in future years as well due to the new "trending" policy the our Legislators enacted...
I highly suggest that you appeal your property taxes if you feel that your property has been assessed at to high of a value.
If you want to know more about it please post a comment!
Mike Sylvester
To make a long story short; they have lowered my assessed value by $17,700.
I spent about an hour on my appeal and a couple hundred bucks to hire a professional appraiser...
I will make my investment back within several months. Having my property assessment lowered by $17,700 will save me several hundred dollars this year alone. More importantly it will save me money in future years as well due to the new "trending" policy the our Legislators enacted...
I highly suggest that you appeal your property taxes if you feel that your property has been assessed at to high of a value.
If you want to know more about it please post a comment!
Mike Sylvester
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Big news, CPA exam
I got my score for the fourth section of the CPA Exam this afternoon.
I passed with a 78...
Now I have to send in a package to Indiana to get my CPA license...
Mike Sylvester
I passed with a 78...
Now I have to send in a package to Indiana to get my CPA license...
Mike Sylvester
Allen County Food and Beverage Tax
As the readers of this blog know the Allen County Food and Beverage tax was "sold" to the taxpayers of Allen County by:
1. Claiming it was a temporary tax.
2. Claiming that it would be used for only one specific purpose.
Nelson Peters is proposing using the "Temporary" Food and Beverage Tax for purposes other then support of the Coliseum according to the newspapers:
<http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/news/local/16670487.htm>
I think the tax should be abolished once its original purpose is fulfilled.
What do you think?
Mike Sylvester
1. Claiming it was a temporary tax.
2. Claiming that it would be used for only one specific purpose.
Nelson Peters is proposing using the "Temporary" Food and Beverage Tax for purposes other then support of the Coliseum according to the newspapers:
<http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/news/local/16670487.htm>
I think the tax should be abolished once its original purpose is fulfilled.
What do you think?
Mike Sylvester
Monday, March 26, 2007
Sam Talarico, help us!
A couple days ago I posted a question to those who support Harrison Square.
Why on Earth is a new publicly financed parking garage needed for the Harrison Square Project?
Please check out the following link, it shows a picture of all of the excess surface parking lots in downtown Fort Wayne:
http://downtownfortwayne.com/story.php?cat=1&sub=&uid=87
Scott Grieder (A passionate Harrison Square supporter) also expressed an interest in knowing the answer to this question. We have a lot of extra parking downtown and a parking garage would make it far less likely that people would WALK around downtown Fort Wayne.
In the previous post I asked Sam Talarico to let someone else answer the question.
Alas, not one Harrison Square supporter chose to answer the question!
Sam we need your help!
The parking garage makes no sense to me. I think that it would discourage people from walking around Downtown.
Mike Sylvester
Why on Earth is a new publicly financed parking garage needed for the Harrison Square Project?
Please check out the following link, it shows a picture of all of the excess surface parking lots in downtown Fort Wayne:
http://downtownfortwayne.com/story.php?cat=1&sub=&uid=87
Scott Grieder (A passionate Harrison Square supporter) also expressed an interest in knowing the answer to this question. We have a lot of extra parking downtown and a parking garage would make it far less likely that people would WALK around downtown Fort Wayne.
In the previous post I asked Sam Talarico to let someone else answer the question.
Alas, not one Harrison Square supporter chose to answer the question!
Sam we need your help!
The parking garage makes no sense to me. I think that it would discourage people from walking around Downtown.
Mike Sylvester
Fort Wayne Republican Primiary, 2007
If you are going to be voting in the Republican primary in 2007 who will you be voting for and why will you be casting your vote for the candidate you listed?
Please do not make personal attacks on any of the candidates and please explain your reasoning.
Mike Sylvester
Please do not make personal attacks on any of the candidates and please explain your reasoning.
Mike Sylvester
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Charles Langley, Democrat for 4th City Council District
The below information was sent to me by Charles Langley and is posted in its entirety:
Charles Langley for City Council
New Face, New Ideas, New Future!
Fiscal Conservative
SUPPORTED BY CURRENT COUNCILMAN, DR. THOMAS HAYHURST
Not Increasing Taxes while Improving the Economy
We are a newly formed district in the City of Fort Wayne with thousands of new residents recently annexed by the government. It would be easy for members of the Council to take advantage of us and ask for more revenue with the new influx of residents. Under my leadership this will NOT happen. Any tax matter that does not substantially and directly benefit our district will meet my zealous opposition and fiercest dissent. I will also work with current businesses to better market our city, ranked the most affordable by the Frontier Centre on Public Policy, for increased economic growth and jobs in the Fourth District and in Fort Wayne.
Improve Roads and Transportation
The roads and transportation in our district are congested and full of bottlenecks and inconveniences. This harms the potential for commercial and economic growth in the District. I will fight to expand and renovate the roads of the Fourth District. The State of Indiana will expand Highway 14 and I will work for even more innovative traffic solutions on Illinois Road as well as the roads and areas surrounding Jefferson Boulevard, Covington Road, and Aboite Center Road. Further, I will act to ensure that the Ardmore thoroughfare and the roads and neighborhoods that surround it are maintained and given the proper attention they deserve. The roads of Waynedale will finally receive desperately needed care and renovations, especially in regards to chip and seal streets.
Maintain and Improve City Services
With thousands of new residents in the Fourth District, it is essential that we have the very best police, fire, and emergency service available to the citizens of Fort Wayne. I will make certain that our neighborhoods continue to be safe and that all residents will have the peace of mind that the city if affording them every available resource.
While Aqua Indiana does a fine job providing vital services to the citizens of the Fourth District, I believe increased cooperation with City Utilities can substantially improve the water and sanitation services provided to residents of the Fourth District. I will personally mediate and work to establish cooperation between Aqua Indiana and City Utilities, to ensure that each and every citizen of the District receive the best water and sanitation service without unnecessary additional cost.
Improve Cooperation with City and County Agencies
Some duplicate agencies of the city and county are financially wasteful and staggeringly inefficient. The current system is both more expensive and provides lesser services than a cooperative system could accomplish. The consequences of our inaction in some areas could result in potentially disastrous situations. I will work to establish cooperation and unity between more City and County agencies, especially purchasing power, human resources, street departments, and emergency communications (911). This will greatly increase the efficiency and quality of services available to all Allen County residents, while reducing the overall cost of the agencies to City and County taxpayers.
Charles Langley Biography
Since graduating Indiana University Bloomington with a degree in Education Charles Langley has spent his professional career serving the citizens of Indiana in the classroom. Charles possesses a strong reputation for excellence in the classroom, and is recognized for his ability to connect with each and every student. Charles’s energy and drive extend beyond the classroom into his desire and determination to build a stronger Fourth District. As a homeowner in the Fourth District of Fort Wayne he understands the public needs and concerns that affect his neighbors. His concerns extend beyond the newly imposed property taxes in the District, but also with the local economy, jobs, the congestion, bottlenecks, and poor access of the roads and transportation in the Fourth District, maintaining and improving our city services, as well as cooperating with the county government for increased efficiency and quality of service.
Growing up Charles’ father, Lewis Langley, who is now passed away, taught him that a man’s word is his bond and that everything a man puts his mind to, he does with all of his heart, mind, and strength. Charles brings a strong voice to the Fourth District and the thousands of new Fort Wayne residents residing therein. His character is one of strength, determination, and compassion. As his friends, family, and colleagues will attest, Charles performs each and every task he sets his mind to with the utmost diligence and conviction. As a new face with new ideas for a new future in the Fourth District, Charles hopes to bring these values to our City Council to fight for each and every resident of the great city of Fort Wayne.
Charles Langley for City Council
5260 Coventry Lane
Fort Wayne, Indiana 46804
charlesmlangley@gmail.com
(260) 432-1323
Charles Langley for City Council
New Face, New Ideas, New Future!
Fiscal Conservative
SUPPORTED BY CURRENT COUNCILMAN, DR. THOMAS HAYHURST
Not Increasing Taxes while Improving the Economy
We are a newly formed district in the City of Fort Wayne with thousands of new residents recently annexed by the government. It would be easy for members of the Council to take advantage of us and ask for more revenue with the new influx of residents. Under my leadership this will NOT happen. Any tax matter that does not substantially and directly benefit our district will meet my zealous opposition and fiercest dissent. I will also work with current businesses to better market our city, ranked the most affordable by the Frontier Centre on Public Policy, for increased economic growth and jobs in the Fourth District and in Fort Wayne.
Improve Roads and Transportation
The roads and transportation in our district are congested and full of bottlenecks and inconveniences. This harms the potential for commercial and economic growth in the District. I will fight to expand and renovate the roads of the Fourth District. The State of Indiana will expand Highway 14 and I will work for even more innovative traffic solutions on Illinois Road as well as the roads and areas surrounding Jefferson Boulevard, Covington Road, and Aboite Center Road. Further, I will act to ensure that the Ardmore thoroughfare and the roads and neighborhoods that surround it are maintained and given the proper attention they deserve. The roads of Waynedale will finally receive desperately needed care and renovations, especially in regards to chip and seal streets.
Maintain and Improve City Services
With thousands of new residents in the Fourth District, it is essential that we have the very best police, fire, and emergency service available to the citizens of Fort Wayne. I will make certain that our neighborhoods continue to be safe and that all residents will have the peace of mind that the city if affording them every available resource.
While Aqua Indiana does a fine job providing vital services to the citizens of the Fourth District, I believe increased cooperation with City Utilities can substantially improve the water and sanitation services provided to residents of the Fourth District. I will personally mediate and work to establish cooperation between Aqua Indiana and City Utilities, to ensure that each and every citizen of the District receive the best water and sanitation service without unnecessary additional cost.
Improve Cooperation with City and County Agencies
Some duplicate agencies of the city and county are financially wasteful and staggeringly inefficient. The current system is both more expensive and provides lesser services than a cooperative system could accomplish. The consequences of our inaction in some areas could result in potentially disastrous situations. I will work to establish cooperation and unity between more City and County agencies, especially purchasing power, human resources, street departments, and emergency communications (911). This will greatly increase the efficiency and quality of services available to all Allen County residents, while reducing the overall cost of the agencies to City and County taxpayers.
Charles Langley Biography
Since graduating Indiana University Bloomington with a degree in Education Charles Langley has spent his professional career serving the citizens of Indiana in the classroom. Charles possesses a strong reputation for excellence in the classroom, and is recognized for his ability to connect with each and every student. Charles’s energy and drive extend beyond the classroom into his desire and determination to build a stronger Fourth District. As a homeowner in the Fourth District of Fort Wayne he understands the public needs and concerns that affect his neighbors. His concerns extend beyond the newly imposed property taxes in the District, but also with the local economy, jobs, the congestion, bottlenecks, and poor access of the roads and transportation in the Fourth District, maintaining and improving our city services, as well as cooperating with the county government for increased efficiency and quality of service.
Growing up Charles’ father, Lewis Langley, who is now passed away, taught him that a man’s word is his bond and that everything a man puts his mind to, he does with all of his heart, mind, and strength. Charles brings a strong voice to the Fourth District and the thousands of new Fort Wayne residents residing therein. His character is one of strength, determination, and compassion. As his friends, family, and colleagues will attest, Charles performs each and every task he sets his mind to with the utmost diligence and conviction. As a new face with new ideas for a new future in the Fourth District, Charles hopes to bring these values to our City Council to fight for each and every resident of the great city of Fort Wayne.
Charles Langley for City Council
5260 Coventry Lane
Fort Wayne, Indiana 46804
charlesmlangley@gmail.com
(260) 432-1323
Contested Primaries in Fort Wayne, part 2
I am interested in learning more about those candidates who are running for office in 2007. The people who read this blog come from many different political spectrums.
I will post any synopsis I receive from any candidate!
I believe that voters make better decisions the more they know about each candidate.
So if you are running for office or if you know someone running for office please have them email me a synopsis of what they wish posted and I will post it.
Please mail them to Mike.Sylvester@Verizon.net.
Mike Sylvester
I will post any synopsis I receive from any candidate!
I believe that voters make better decisions the more they know about each candidate.
So if you are running for office or if you know someone running for office please have them email me a synopsis of what they wish posted and I will post it.
Please mail them to Mike.Sylvester@Verizon.net.
Mike Sylvester
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Republican Mayoral Poll, Fort Wayne
I have ended my previous poll asking you if my family are typical Wizards fans. The poll came out similar to what I expected:
10 Yes
10 No
9 Unsure
I certainly think that my family tends to reflect typical Wizards fans...
I have posted a new poll about the Republican Mayoral Primary, you may vote in the new poll once per day.
Mike Sylvester
10 Yes
10 No
9 Unsure
I certainly think that my family tends to reflect typical Wizards fans...
I have posted a new poll about the Republican Mayoral Primary, you may vote in the new poll once per day.
Mike Sylvester
Matt Kelty and SOB's
I have had several people ask me what I think about Matt Kelty's stance on Sexually Oriented Businesses (SOB's).
I am surprised that anyone who reads this blog would ask me what I think about Matt Kelty's thoughts on SOB's.
I do not agree with them in the slightest.
I tend to think that consenting adults should do what they wish as long as it does not harm someone else.
I do not think that SOB's hurt anyone. While it is possible that SOB's are harmful, I really am not sure whether they do or not. Consenting adults should have the right to do what they wish as long as they are not harming another person!
I have never had someone stick a gun in my face and force me into an SOB against my will. The people who patronize SOB's are adults and they should have the right to make their own decisions.
I truly am tired of the Government constantly trying to legislate everything. You cannot legislate morality, period...
I choose not to patronize SOB's in general. In my navy days the same cannot be said. After spending a couple of months underwater with a hundred other young men I did all kinds of things when I pulled into foreign ports that I would not do today.
If a friend has a Bachelors party and part of the Bachelors Party is in a "Strip Club" then I go to a "strip club." I do not generally go to SOB's; however, I have done it before and I may do it again. That is between me and my wife and is no one else's business.
It is fairly easy to statistically conclude that being overweight is bad for your health. Will we allow the government to make it illegal to be overweight?
It is unhealthy not to exercise three times a week. Should the government pass a law requiring us to exercise?
This is certainly one issue where Matt Kelty and I disagree.
Mike Sylvester
I am surprised that anyone who reads this blog would ask me what I think about Matt Kelty's thoughts on SOB's.
I do not agree with them in the slightest.
I tend to think that consenting adults should do what they wish as long as it does not harm someone else.
I do not think that SOB's hurt anyone. While it is possible that SOB's are harmful, I really am not sure whether they do or not. Consenting adults should have the right to do what they wish as long as they are not harming another person!
I have never had someone stick a gun in my face and force me into an SOB against my will. The people who patronize SOB's are adults and they should have the right to make their own decisions.
I truly am tired of the Government constantly trying to legislate everything. You cannot legislate morality, period...
I choose not to patronize SOB's in general. In my navy days the same cannot be said. After spending a couple of months underwater with a hundred other young men I did all kinds of things when I pulled into foreign ports that I would not do today.
If a friend has a Bachelors party and part of the Bachelors Party is in a "Strip Club" then I go to a "strip club." I do not generally go to SOB's; however, I have done it before and I may do it again. That is between me and my wife and is no one else's business.
It is fairly easy to statistically conclude that being overweight is bad for your health. Will we allow the government to make it illegal to be overweight?
It is unhealthy not to exercise three times a week. Should the government pass a law requiring us to exercise?
This is certainly one issue where Matt Kelty and I disagree.
Mike Sylvester
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