EACS Teacher to be Fired for Allowing Gay-Tolerance Editorial

I'm sure most people know the gist of this story by now. Woodlan Junior-Senior High School (part of East Allen County Schools) teacher Amy Sorrell was reprimanded for allowing an editorial into the school paper promoting tolerance of homosexuals. As reported in today's JG she is now going to be fired.

This is an outrage. That editorial was very benign. Does EACS actually disagree with its message? Do they think homosexuals should be singled out and ridiculed? Does the school actually support an intolerance agenda? I suppose a more important question is should a teacher actually be FIRED for this? This is censorship at its worst folks and people like principal Ed Yoder and his supporters (are there any?) should be ashamed. Here's the best quote from today's story:

"Your efforts to cast Principal Yoder and EACS in a false light have hindered the efficient operation and educational mission of EACS and Woodlan Junior-Senior High School,” the letter stated.

Sorry but you did that to yourself Bubba. There's a reason that nearly every major newspaper in the state has ridiculed your behavior and it doesn't have anything to do w/ Ms Sorrell. It's because you've taken a non-story and blown into an all out catastrophe that challenges the boundaries of free speech. I suppose it's your prerogative to make such a decision but to think that you won't be "cast in a false light" when you make such a decision is ignorant. And your response to fire a well-respected teacher will only bring about more criticism - deservedly so.

I'll refer readers to a previous post I made about the superintendent stomping out dissent within FWCS. What I said in that post is as relevant as ever to situation at Woodlan:

However, I always felt like local school leaders were trying to do the right thing. That the problem was the system and not the leadership. That changed today. I think we all see the problem now. If you do ANYTHING outside the boundaries then you will be fired.

Of course I've argued all along that the school board doesn't give a damn about the public interest. They are a special interest group and they will only do what's best for them. Tax people out of their homes - so what. Spit on freedom of speech - so what. They really think it's THEIR schools but I have news for them - it's OURS, the citizens and taxpayers in this district. It's time we send our own message. It's time we tell the school board and it's supporters that Putin-like tactics are unacceptable.

That's what it's all about. Do we want to send this type of message to our kids - a message that says individualism, free speech, and tolerance has no place in the real world? In a just community everyone would rally around Ms Sorrell and fight this abuse of power. In a just community every single school board member that supports her removal would be defeated in the next election. In a just community the principle would be ashamed of his behavior and resign in disgrace.

For those of you that wish to contact the principle and the school board to voice your support Ms Sorrell you can reach them at the following (try to be courteous as the rantings of a madman are typically ignored):

Principle Ed Yoder eyoder@eacs.k12.in.us

School Board
Stephen L. Terry, Sr. sterry@eacs.k12.in.us
Kenneth E. Eytcheson keytcheson@eacs.k12.in.us
Janice A. Kelly jkelly@eacs.k12.in.us
Terry Jo Lightfoot tlightfoot@eacs.k12.in.us
Leland L. Etzler letzler@eacs.k12.in.us
William D. Hartman whartman@eacs.k12.in.us
Richard A. Allgeier rallgeier@eacs.k12.in.us

FOIA Update (Part 3) on Harrison Square Project

Cross-posted at Left of Centrist:

Previously (here and here) I have blogged about my FOIA request to the Fort Wayne city council and mayor Graham Richard's office. This request was to provide me with all communications between themselves and the Hardball Capital group before they purchased the Wizards and the city council responded by saying they had no such communication.

However, during one of the mayor's "Report to the People" meetings he told me that he had communicated with Hardball Capital prior to their purchase of the Wizards and he promised to provide me copies of all the relevant communications. The city attorney has since provided me with the requested documents and in my opinion, just as in the latest US Attorney General FOIA request, there appears to be some missing communications. I would like the readers to provide their opinion as to whether or not they believe there is a missing piece of information. I've linked images of these documents and I've also provided a quick synopsis of each document below. Note that some of the images are upside down - I was simply too lazy to change them and re-upload but I'm sure the readers know how to rotate the images.

Cover Letter(2/22/07) - A brief paragraph from the city attorney stating what they have provided

Mayor Richard Schedule Entry (11/11/05) - An entry from the mayor's electronic schedule stating that he had a meeting w/ perspective new Wizards' buyers (Hardball Capital)

Mayor's Post-Meeting E-mail to Jason Freier of Hardball Capital (11/12/05) - A quick thank you for their interest and the mayor tells them that Gregg Leatherman will be their point of contact for future data and meeting scheduling

Hardball Capital E-mail to Gregg Leatherman (11/20/05) - Freier states that HC is looking for info in 3 categories - general info regarding the business climate in Fort Wayne, Blueprint Plus report including info about tax incentives, info about other significant projects such as the Grand Wayne Center.

Mayor's E-mail to Jason Freier of Hardball Capital (1/16/06) - Mayor states that he'd like to join the media conference regarding the purchase of the team. Then the last sentence states - "I will be in touch soon about the other issues".

Jason Freier E-mail to Mayor Richard (2/10/06) - Discussion about scheduling a press conference so all the necessary people can be present

John Perlich E-mail to Jason Freier (2/13/06) - Provides Hardball Capital w/ the contact info for the various media outlets

John Perlich E-mail to Jason Freier (2/17/06) - More contact info

Now let's go back to the 1/16/06 e-mail from the mayor to HC; the problem is we have no idea what these "other issues" are. There are no communications for almost 2 months and there is nothing after this e-mail to suggest what the "other issues" were. This could be no big deal but when reading these e-mails this glaring gap (in time as well as information) sticks out like a sore thumb.

I will be sending a request to the city attorney tomorrow to provide any relevant information they might have in regards to these apparent missing communications.

Fort Wayne Leaders Simultaneously Support and Undermine Harrison Square Project

Cross-posted at Left of Centrist

Over at Downtown Fort Wayne Baseball they have posted the powerpoint presentations given by the different councilmembers. In Talarico and Pape's presentation, Slide 15 shows that Hardball Capital is projecting 200 events per year in the proposed downtown stadium. I wonder if they know that the city of Fort Wayne is actively COMPETING w/ them?

I'm staring at a contract the city partially paid for (provided to me through the mayor's office and IPFW) to try and find uses for Memorial Stadium in the event a stadium is built downtown. These alternate uses are in direct competition with what the Hardball Capital group said they want to do w/ the Harrison Square stadium.

Here's an excerpt from the contract given to the CSL consulting group:

"Various potential stadium renovation and reconfiguration alternatives will be discussed, providing feedback related to a number of potential development scenarios. In addition, survey participants will be asked to assess their interest in utilizing Memorial stadium as opposed to the proposed new downtown ballpark."

Is Hardball Capital aware of this consulting contract? Why in the world would the city be spending $30 Million on a new stadium only to try and find ways that the old stadium can compete w/ the new one? Here are some of the potential uses cited in the contract:

-Development of a hybrid sports/amphitheater venue
-Reconfigured baseball stadium that could also accommodate other sports such as football, soccer and lacrosse
-Fort Wayne Fever Soccer
-Local collegiate athletics

I think those of us that attended the YLNI panel discussion remember Hardball Capital talking about these very same uses for Harrison Square. Thus, the reuse of Memorial Stadium would DIRECTLY compete w/ Harrison Square. While I'm not the biggest supporter of the Harrison Square project, I certainly don't think the city should be financing it's construction while simultaneously undermining it's potential use...

Congressman Mark Souder Votes Against Our Troops

Cross posted at Left Of Centrist:

Indiana Republican Congressman Mark Souder likes to think he supports our troops in this war. He also seems to hedge towards wanting the war to end without causing complete chaos. He had a golden opportunity to address BOTH of these issues in today's House vote on the Iraqi Supplemental bill and HE FAILED MISERABLY. He failed the veterans in this country. He failed our current military personnel and their families. His vote today was flat out inexcusable and something the people of this district will not forget.

So what did he vote against?

Current military personnel have some of the greatest healthcare needs yet Mark Souder voted AGAINST helping them. He voted AGAINST $1.7 Billion dollars for healthcare. He voted AGAINST $450 Million for PTSD care. He voted AGAINST $450 Million for brain injury care. He voted AGAINST $62 Million for amputee care. He voted AGAINST $20 Million for Walter Reed. Giving our troops the much-needed healthcare they deserve evidently wasn't important enough to Mark Souder.

Mark Souder voted AGAINST the idea that our troops should only be sent to war with the proper equipment and readiness level. Mark Souder evidently doesn't care that our troops need the new IED-resistant up-armored vehicles. He voted AGAINST $1.4 Billion for these new IED-resistant vehicles. How can he continue to send troops to combat if they are not fully trained and equipped? This bill would've prevented that unless the president waived that requirement for national security reasons - Mark Souder voted AGAINST this.

This bill sets benchmarks for the Iraqi government to ensure they start to take responsibility for their own country. Mark Souder voted AGAINST this.

This bill banned permanent bases and torture in Iraq. Mark Souder voted AGAINST this.

This bill provides contractor oversight in Iraq - Mark Souder voted AGAINST this.

So let me ask you sir - WHY EXACTLY did you vote against this bill? Do all these items just not matter? Do you truly want to support the troops and help bring this war to an end or not? A silly question I suppose as you spoke loud and clear with your vote today.

So remember, while you sit in your office and contemplate more wasteful spending on ridiculous anti-drug pet projects our troops are dying. They are dying because YOU sent them into an unnecessary war. They are dying because YOU sent them there without the necessary body armor and vehicles. They are dying because YOU lack the courage to oppose the failed policies of the Bush administration. They are dying because YOU continue to vote against providing them with adequate healthcare and armor. Sooner or later this war will end and you will forever be remembered as one of the immoral lackeys that perpetuated this debacle. I sincerely hope the voters of this district wake up and decide to oust you in 2008...

Introducing Charles Langley

Charles Langley for City Council

Since graduating from 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 has been recognized for his ability to connect with each and every student. His 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, Charles understands the public needs and concerns that affect his neighbors. These concerns extend beyond the newly imposed property taxes in the district, and include the congestion, bottlenecks, and other numerous transportation issues that we face in the fourth district.

Charles’ father, Lewis Langley, who has 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 absorbed that message and brings a strong voice to the fourth district and the thousands of new Fort Wayne residents who reside there.

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 fourth city council district in the great city of Fort Wayne!

Where does Charles stand on the issues facing our district?

-Economic improvements without tax increases:

We are a recently expanded district in the city of Fort Wayne with thousands of new residents due to the recent annexation. 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 the leadership of Mr.Langley this will NOT happen. Any tax matter that does not substantially and directly benefit our district will meet his zealous opposition and
fiercest dissent. He will also work with current businesses to better market our city, which was recently ranked the most affordable by the Frontier Centre on Public Policy, for increased economic growth and jobs.

- Improve Roads and Transportation:

The transportation network in our district is congested and full of bottlenecks and inconveniences. The southwest area of town has expanded rapidly without proper planning for addressing the transportation needs of this growth. This harms the potential for commercial and economic growth in our area. Charles will fight to expand and renovate the roads of the fourth district, and will pressure the State of Indiana to finally expand Illinois Road without any further delay. Furthermore, he will act to ensure that the Ardmore corridor, it's connectors, 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 of 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. Charles will make certain that our neighborhoods continue to be safe and that all residents will have the peace of mind that the city is affording them every available resource. While Aqua Indiana does a fine job providing vital services to the citizens of the fourth district, Charles believes that increased cooperation with City Utilities can substantially improve the water and sanitation services provided to residents of our area and will personally mediate and work to establish cooperation between Aqua Indiana and City Utilities, to ensure that each and every citizen of the district receives the best water and sanitation services without unnecessary additional cost.

-Improve Cooperation with City and County Agencies

Duplication of certain agencies of the city and county are financially wasteful and staggeringly inefficient. The current system is not only more expensive, but provides lesser services than a cooperative system would accomplish. The consequences of our inaction in these areas could result in potentially disastrous situations. Charles will work to establish cooperation and unity between more City and County agencies, especially in the areas of purchasing power, human resources, 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.

"This is an exciting time for the city of Fort Wayne, and for the fourth district in particular. There is great opportunity for development and growth in our fine city, and I stand here today to fight to ensure that the each and every resident of the fourth district have the opportunity to reap the benefits of this development. We have a unique opportunity here today to build a new future for the our area, one that takes advantage of the exciting benefits of being a new part of our city, but one that also respects the existing and exceptional properties of our fourth district.

We have tremendous power, with our 42,000 exceptional and hard-working residents. We have an exceptional community here, with strong businesses, strong churches, and, as I know personally, a very strong education system.But, above
all, we share a strong desire to make this our district the best that it can be. There is no stronger foundation upon which to forge a new path and build a new future for ourselves and are children who represent our future.

It is my hope that each of the 42,000 residents of the Fourth District will allow me to be an integral part of this development by electing me to represent our interests as the fourth district’s representative to the City Council of the city of Fort Wayne. Our district is a powerful district and we need a powerful voice.

Councilman Tom Hayhurst has built a tremendously strong and vibrant foundation in this district, and it is my sincere hope that his work will not be tossed aside, and serve as a launching pad for the future of the fourth district. We have the unique opportunity to change city government into something genuinely groundbreaking. It is my hope to represent all 42,000 residents of the fourth district in building a new and brighter future for a for us all."

Contact Information:

Charles Langley
5260 Coventry Lane
Fort Wayne, Indiana 46804

(260) 432-1323

charlesmlangley@gmail.com

Charles Langley is supported by our current councilman, Dr.Tom Hayhurst!

YLNI Public Discussion On Harrison Square

Cross-Posted at Left of Centrist:

Tonight I attended the Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana's panel discussion on Harrison Square held at the downtown library. They had a panel of 7 people - Mark Becker, Fort Wayne deputy mayor; Steve Brody, Harrison Square project manager; Dan Carmody, president of the Downtown Improvement District; Mark Pope, athletic director at IPFW; Steve Gard, owner of the Oyster Bar; and Wizards owners Jason Freier, CEO of Hardball Capital, and Chris Schoen, chairman of Barry Real Estate.

The meeting started by Becker and Brody commenting on various aspects of the project and then the entire panel took questions from the audience. The questions had to be submitted in writing and I thought this was a fantastic idea because it took the emotion and grandstanding out of the discussion. It also provided the panel an opportunity to answer more questions than would've otherwise been addressed. The downside of the panel discussion was that not one skeptic was on the panel. If this were being held by the administration then I could understand the omission but considering it was being held by a private community organization there really is no excuse. Especially when you take into account that two of the panelists (Pope and Gard) provided next-to-nothing towards the discussion.

However, I'm happy to report that while most of the details I've been waiting for weren't available, there WAS some new information given.

1. Mark Becker stated that 80% of the project funds will be generated by the project or TIF and 20% will be from CEDIT

2. Steve Brody said that the hotel details are still in discussion and should be wrapped up in the next several weeks. He also said that details were still being worked out between the city and Hardball Capital and that he expected those to be done in the next 2-3 weeks. Then he stated that he felt the project would be officially introduced to city council in the 2nd week of April with the hopes of construction commencing in late Summer or early Fall. I personally think this is a very aggressive timeline and I hope they do not rush the process just to meet these arbitrary dates.

3. Jason Freier said that since the city has already acquired the land they can "masterplan" the project and that this is a significant advantage over the piecemeal approach taken by other cities. He also said that they are trying to utilize the stadium as much as possible including large concerts, local bands, theatre and possibly football (the right field fence is being pushed back to accommodate a football field). He also mentioned that the structure will be grated such that it sits no higher than the Grand Wayne Center.

4. Chris Schoen said he thought the condos would range from 850-1200 sq ft and cost around $180k-$280k. Said the first floor of the building would be retail with floors 2-4 (and possibly 5) being used for condos. He also said that half the units would face the ballpark and all units would have balconies and a brick facade. He also said that he felt the downtown area would still have a ways to go before they could attract a grocery store even after the Phase1 development.

5. Jason Freier said that stadium operation is usually done by the city but they are willing to absorb a "significant portion" of operating costs. They will also contribute annually to a capital improvement fund that will help maintain the stadium over the 20 year lease period. He also said that the cheapest tickets will be less than the current cheapest ticket prices at the current stadium.

6. Mark Becker said that $10M in state CRED money goes away by the end of the year if they don't have a project in place.

7. 300K in attendance is the number being bantered around by everyone involved - this seems too high to me and especially in the long term.

8. Jason Freier reads the Downtown Fort Wayne Baseball Blog

9. HOK will design the stadium and those on the panel said they were the best in business

10. Dan Carmody said "Downtown ain't compelling". Of course even if you agree w/ that (which I don't), he's been the one in charge of correcting that problem.

Now my comments. My submitted question was:

"Will the city provide any long term benchmarks that we can use to judge the success of the project by?"

Becker stated that they would measure the amount of private investment downtown including the number of new and renovated homes. Unfortunately this answer shows that he either misunderstood the question or simply doesn't understand the concept of benchmarks. What he's referring to are the MEASURABLES by the which the benchmarks are judged. In other words the benchmarks are goals such as the AMOUNT of private investment EXPECTED. Without benchmarks it's very difficult to judge whether or not a project was successful and ultimately hold people accountable. Of course very few in government seem to take the idea of benchmarks and measurables seriously.

Next, there seems to be a lot of talk about retaining and attracting young professionals to the area and that somehow this project will help. I disagree with the premise of that argument. The truth is Fort Wayne has a shortage of JOBS for these people. If we had more jobs then more people would stick around. The idea that we're going to develop downtown into one that will compete with Indianapolis or Chicago is implausible. I truly don't see how this project will help CREATE JOBS. Will it help Lincoln Financial retain a few more younger workers? Probably. But for the investment we're making we could directly provide around 100 well-paying jobs for 5 years. If we're going to invest this money then we should be DAMN SURE we can do MUCH better than that and I haven't seen any argument that would convince me of that.

Finally, there was nothing presented that would remove me from the list of skeptics. But I am still patiently awaiting the details before making a final judgement...

Paul Helmke discusses DC handgun ban on The Ed Schultz Show

Former Fort Wayne Mayor and President of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, Paul Helmke, appeared yesterday on The Ed Schultz Show on The Air America Radio Network. Ed was discussing the longtime ban on handguns in DC and a recent challenge to that legislation, and contacted Mr.Helmke to discuss his views on the subject. You can listen to the audio of that interview here: Helmke on the Ed Schultz Show

The Employee Free Choice Act

The House passed H.R. 800, to amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations and to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during organizing, by a recorded vote of 241 ayes to 185 noes, Roll No. 118.

On Passage
03/01/2007
House Roll Call No. 118
110th Congress, 1st Session

Passed: 241-185

How the U.S. House from Indiana voted:

• Rep. Dan Burton (R-5) N
• Rep. Steve Buyer (R-4) N
• Rep. Julia Carson (D-7) Y
• Rep. Joe Donnelly Y
• Rep. Brad Ellsworth (D-8) Y
• Rep. Baron Hill (D-9) Y
• Rep. Mike Pence (R-6) N
• Rep. Mark Souder (R-3) N
• Rep. Peter Visclosky (D-1) Y

Fort Wayne Community Schools Dictator Stomps Out Dissent

Cross-posted at Left of Centrist:

As reported in today's JG, Evert Mol was fired from his volunteer duties and banned from all FWCS buildings. And for what? Because he voiced opposition to the ridiculous and arbitrary $500 Million facilities upgrade. This is the leadership of our local schools folks. Criticize a plan - you're fired. Offer up an alternative - you're fired. Is this the kind of example we want to set for our children? That you should never speak out or participate in the political arena because if you do some local political boss will have you fired? Does this encourage creative thinking and individualism? Of course not, but hardly anything in the educational system does these days.

However, I always felt like local school leaders were trying to do the right thing. That the problem was the system and not the leadership. That changed today. I think we all see the problem now. If you do ANYTHING outside the boundaries then you will be fired. That was the message sent today and the Superintendent knew it. She wanted to send a message to all teachers and staff - you're either with us or your against us. But that's the wrong message to send. We need MORE people involved in local politics and this kind of strong-arm tactic only serves to undermine the public interest.

Of course I've argued all along that the school board doesn't give a damn about the public interest. They are a special interest group and they will only do what's best for them. Tax people out of their homes - so what. Spit on freedom of speech - so what. They really think it's THEIR schools but I have news for them - it's OURS, the citizens and taxpayers in this district. It's time we send our own message. It's time we tell the school board and it's supporters that Putin-like tactics are unacceptable. And it's certainly time to support the remonstrance, not because of the administration's poor behavior but because their plan is fiscally irresponsible...

Update: 3/2/07 16:53 - Looks like Dr Robinson has corrected the "mistake" and allowed Mr Mol back into the building:

This morning we received a call from Dr. Robinson to tell us that the incident was a mistake for which she took full responsibility. So we plan to be back in the schools next week to continue helping with the kids.