Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Illiana Toll Blogs
Special Thanks to Christopher Hedges for link to our post last week.
No Illiana Group Yahoo Site
No Illiana Another Site
Sort by dateCitizens Against the Privatized Illiana Toll Road to hold ...
3 hours ago Citizens Against the Privatized Illiana Toll Road will meet at 7 pm Thursday at Westville High School, 207 Valparaiso St., Westville./updates/breaking News from www.nwitimes.com - http://www.nwitimes.com/[ More results from /updates/breaking News from www.nwitimes.com ]
Save the Dunes Council opposes Illiana Toll Road
7 Mar 2007 Northwest Indiana's oldest environmental group takes standagainst Illiana private toll road citing damage to natural areas, Lake Michigan watershedand threat of urban sprawl.digg / dig - http://digg.com/[ More results from digg / dig ]
Illiana Toll Road Debates
19 Feb 2007 by dan The debate about the Illiana toll road is really only going on in Indiana. And perhaps even more interesting, is that only a portion of the con position is about environmental and/or local concerns, rather it seems that there is a focus ...moveonandshutup.org - You won't like... - http://www.moveonandshutup.org[ More results from moveonandshutup.org - You won't like... ]
SB 1 - Commerce Connector & Illiana Expressway toll roads
13 Feb 2007 by Doug SB 1 - Indiana Commerce Connector and Illiana Expressway. Sen. Wyss. The Governor’s Toll Road bill passed the Senate by a vote of 36 to 13. Theodore Kim has the story for the Indianapolis Star. The digest: ...Masson's Blog - http://www.masson.us/blog - References[ More results from Masson's Blog ]
Willing And Abell: INDOT Flack Contradicts Guv's New Private Toll ...
20 Mar 2007 by Taking Down Words ... the Guv's new private toll road plans, you know that he changed his talking points in recent weeks to shore up support for Senate Bill 1, which would authorize him to build the Indiana Commerce Connector and the Illiana Expressway. ...taking down words - http://www.takingdownwords.com/taking_down_words/[ More results from taking down words ]
Coverage of Illiana Toll Road News
13 Feb 2007 The Illiana Tollroad will only help the proposed Peotone airport to be built as the third Chicago airport, to the detriment of our own Gary Airport, talk about stabbing ourselves in the back. 2. There is no proof that trucks will use ...Everything Else RSS - http://www.talmir.info/index.html[ More results from Everything Else RSS ]
Building trades group supports Illiana Toll Road (Chesterton Tribune)
15 Mar 2007 by admin The Construction Advancement Foundation (CAF) is voicing its support for the proposed Illiana Toll Road, which CAF says would create “thousands of high-paying jobs,” improve “the quality of life for residents of the region,” generate ...Top Blogs - http://uxnx.com
Ind. Gov't. - Continued coverage of Governor's Illiana and ...
31 Jan 2007 by Marcia Oddi Before the Indiana news, take a look at this story by Jeff Parrott of the South Bend Tribune that reports on a toll road project in Texas. Here is a quote:One of the foreign firms leasing the Indiana Toll Road...The Indiana Law Blog - http://indianalawblog.com/
Illiana Expressway/Commerce Connector Passes First Hurdle
2 Feb 2007 Mitch Daniels' proposed "Commerce Connector" has officially started moving down the road. The first green light for this brand new toll road by-pass around Indianapolis came from the Homeland Security, Transportation & Veteran Affairs ...Muncie Free Press - topstories - http://www.munciefreepress.com - References
Illiana Expressway Updates
30 Jan 2007 by The Urbanophile And an article in the Gary Post-Tribune also talks about potential amendments to the Toll Road bill (Senate Bill 1) that would give the legislature the ability to approve the final route selection for the road. ...The Urbanophile - http://theurbanophile.blogspot.com/index.html[ More results from The Urbanophile ]
No Illiana Group Yahoo Site
No Illiana Another Site
Sort by dateCitizens Against the Privatized Illiana Toll Road to hold ...
3 hours ago Citizens Against the Privatized Illiana Toll Road will meet at 7 pm Thursday at Westville High School, 207 Valparaiso St., Westville./updates/breaking News from www.nwitimes.com - http://www.nwitimes.com/[ More results from /updates/breaking News from www.nwitimes.com ]
Save the Dunes Council opposes Illiana Toll Road
7 Mar 2007 Northwest Indiana's oldest environmental group takes standagainst Illiana private toll road citing damage to natural areas, Lake Michigan watershedand threat of urban sprawl.digg / dig - http://digg.com/[ More results from digg / dig ]
Illiana Toll Road Debates
19 Feb 2007 by dan The debate about the Illiana toll road is really only going on in Indiana. And perhaps even more interesting, is that only a portion of the con position is about environmental and/or local concerns, rather it seems that there is a focus ...moveonandshutup.org - You won't like... - http://www.moveonandshutup.org[ More results from moveonandshutup.org - You won't like... ]
SB 1 - Commerce Connector & Illiana Expressway toll roads
13 Feb 2007 by Doug SB 1 - Indiana Commerce Connector and Illiana Expressway. Sen. Wyss. The Governor’s Toll Road bill passed the Senate by a vote of 36 to 13. Theodore Kim has the story for the Indianapolis Star. The digest: ...Masson's Blog - http://www.masson.us/blog - References[ More results from Masson's Blog ]
Willing And Abell: INDOT Flack Contradicts Guv's New Private Toll ...
20 Mar 2007 by Taking Down Words ... the Guv's new private toll road plans, you know that he changed his talking points in recent weeks to shore up support for Senate Bill 1, which would authorize him to build the Indiana Commerce Connector and the Illiana Expressway. ...taking down words - http://www.takingdownwords.com/taking_down_words/[ More results from taking down words ]
Coverage of Illiana Toll Road News
13 Feb 2007 The Illiana Tollroad will only help the proposed Peotone airport to be built as the third Chicago airport, to the detriment of our own Gary Airport, talk about stabbing ourselves in the back. 2. There is no proof that trucks will use ...Everything Else RSS - http://www.talmir.info/index.html[ More results from Everything Else RSS ]
Building trades group supports Illiana Toll Road (Chesterton Tribune)
15 Mar 2007 by admin The Construction Advancement Foundation (CAF) is voicing its support for the proposed Illiana Toll Road, which CAF says would create “thousands of high-paying jobs,” improve “the quality of life for residents of the region,” generate ...Top Blogs - http://uxnx.com
Ind. Gov't. - Continued coverage of Governor's Illiana and ...
31 Jan 2007 by Marcia Oddi Before the Indiana news, take a look at this story by Jeff Parrott of the South Bend Tribune that reports on a toll road project in Texas. Here is a quote:One of the foreign firms leasing the Indiana Toll Road...The Indiana Law Blog - http://indianalawblog.com/
Illiana Expressway/Commerce Connector Passes First Hurdle
2 Feb 2007 Mitch Daniels' proposed "Commerce Connector" has officially started moving down the road. The first green light for this brand new toll road by-pass around Indianapolis came from the Homeland Security, Transportation & Veteran Affairs ...Muncie Free Press - topstories - http://www.munciefreepress.com - References
Illiana Expressway Updates
30 Jan 2007 by The Urbanophile And an article in the Gary Post-Tribune also talks about potential amendments to the Toll Road bill (Senate Bill 1) that would give the legislature the ability to approve the final route selection for the road. ...The Urbanophile - http://theurbanophile.blogspot.com/index.html[ More results from The Urbanophile ]
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Porter Hospital Deal Starting Over?
Even Bob Harper suggested yesterday, after hearing that Triad Hospitals has changed it's buyout suitor, that the Porter Hospital deal may have to be re-visisted. Well good, this time let'ss choose the suitor for our county that offers us the kind of funds that we can control.
The little escrow account gambit they offered in the last round wasn't for us, it was probably a way to keep the cash on their balance sheet.
Now if you want to join the active debate, with over 5,000 views in the last couple days, go to the opinion center on this topic.
I for one think it's time to raise our price to $125 million ... looks like hospital price are soaring!
The little escrow account gambit they offered in the last round wasn't for us, it was probably a way to keep the cash on their balance sheet.
Now if you want to join the active debate, with over 5,000 views in the last couple days, go to the opinion center on this topic.
I for one think it's time to raise our price to $125 million ... looks like hospital price are soaring!
Illiana Expressway - Friend or Foe?
Just when it looks like Governor Daniels has had it with Northwest Indiana, throws up his hands and pronounces "why work so hard for them, they didn't elect me anyway." the unions join hands to pull their democratic pals into line.
NWI Indiana groups announce support (finally) for the Illiana Expressway
In the interest of equal opportunity here is the link to the nwi.com message board where Illiana protesters like to post and discuss their reasons for disliking the idea.
So, what's your position?
NWI Indiana groups announce support (finally) for the Illiana Expressway
In the interest of equal opportunity here is the link to the nwi.com message board where Illiana protesters like to post and discuss their reasons for disliking the idea.
So, what's your position?
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Hospital for Sale!
THREAD: Hospital Sale
Author: FOURTHERECORD
Location: Porter Township
Gender: Male
Subject: Posted: Mar 17, 2007 1:06 pm
E4P: It's far-fetched to regard me as the leader of anything. I have spoken independently to a few of our County Council members and expressed my concerns and reservations. I fear any message I would deliver to our Commissioners is a lost cause falling on deaf ears. When Bob and Carol named Gwen and Dave to the hospital board of trustees the writing was on the wall. Bob wants this deal, the pie has been carved and pieces apportioned, and he's going to vigorously defend the arrangement authored under his commission. Carole is going to do whatever Bob says and John is out-voted. [At this point we may as well have one commissioner and save the $ 60 K + we compensate the other two... but that's another issue for another day.]
Here's the vote as I see it:
QUESTION: Should the deal be approved and the Foundation established?
Commissioner Harper: YES. Because I said so, I know what's good for the people and I am never wrong.
Commissioner Knoblock: YES. Cuz Bob told me so - and you know he never makes mistakes and always stands up for what is right.
Commissioner Evans: NO.. But only because his YES vote does not materially affect the outcome... largely ceremonial.
Council President Whitten: YES. Doing exactly as he is told. He'll spew a lot of rhetoric to cover his butt in '08 which will drag out the proceedings but he'll vote as instructed.
Burge: NO. Smells the rats and has enough whiskers to know where the smell is coming from.
Murphy: NO. He may be a newbie Councilman, but he's a seasoned business professional and knows a "loaded deal" when he sees it.
Carmichael: YES. If he's the clever fox I know him to be he's already cared for his own interests in the deal. He realizes that Harper is going to get his way and the price to oppose him is costly. Remember, Carmichael has been where Harper is now and knows the rules of engagement better than any other elected official in our County.
Poparad: YES. After consulting with Dave Hollenbeck and being assured it's the Council & the County's only reasonable & realistic solution - and that no other viable options exisit - which may or may not be true, but few, if any politian in Porter County has survived by opposing Dave - "when he's not being a lawyer, he doesn't just keep score at V.U. athletic events" (smile; sorry Dave, I just could not help myself). When the Dems took control of the Council, it was not by accident that Hollenbeck retained his position as the Council's legal counsel.
Stevenson: YES. She will follow Poparad's lead as she traditionally does.
Bucko: YES. He may have been considered a swing vote, but when he appeared at the press conference with Harper it was clear he's trying to attone for his sins with Harper and his Party (recall that he voted against Bob on his "Green Space" ordinance and was subsequently kicked off the County Planning Commission when the Dems took control of Board appointment). Mike's gonna go along. He has excellent self-preservation instincts.
ON THE QUESTION: THE YEAs HAVE IT! OVERWHELMINGLY. But little of it having anything to do with the actual issue or the interest of the taxpaying citizens. And this, my friends is why there is a disconnect between the voters and their elected officials. Following the vote... Resounding victory declared for Porter County, authroities in charge, and the winning team who put the deal together.
A "new day of quality health care in Porter County" declared. Parties to celebrate success and where the "carving of the winnings" will take place. Much back slapping and social hugging involved. The lawyers will be paid. The taxpaying citizens will forget and be forgotten. The $ 100 M will be spent by a Board whose members no one will recognize. And we won't hear about this again until all the money is gone.
And don't worry - they'll find some way to spin the story so the executive director, the staff, the years of P.R. spent convincing us of what a great deal it was, as well as the all important attorney's fees are not to blame, but "rising indigent care costs and decreasing medicare reimbursement" is the culprit
Author: FOURTHERECORD
Location: Porter Township
Gender: Male
Subject: Posted: Mar 17, 2007 1:06 pm
E4P: It's far-fetched to regard me as the leader of anything. I have spoken independently to a few of our County Council members and expressed my concerns and reservations. I fear any message I would deliver to our Commissioners is a lost cause falling on deaf ears. When Bob and Carol named Gwen and Dave to the hospital board of trustees the writing was on the wall. Bob wants this deal, the pie has been carved and pieces apportioned, and he's going to vigorously defend the arrangement authored under his commission. Carole is going to do whatever Bob says and John is out-voted. [At this point we may as well have one commissioner and save the $ 60 K + we compensate the other two... but that's another issue for another day.]
Here's the vote as I see it:
QUESTION: Should the deal be approved and the Foundation established?
Commissioner Harper: YES. Because I said so, I know what's good for the people and I am never wrong.
Commissioner Knoblock: YES. Cuz Bob told me so - and you know he never makes mistakes and always stands up for what is right.
Commissioner Evans: NO.. But only because his YES vote does not materially affect the outcome... largely ceremonial.
Council President Whitten: YES. Doing exactly as he is told. He'll spew a lot of rhetoric to cover his butt in '08 which will drag out the proceedings but he'll vote as instructed.
Burge: NO. Smells the rats and has enough whiskers to know where the smell is coming from.
Murphy: NO. He may be a newbie Councilman, but he's a seasoned business professional and knows a "loaded deal" when he sees it.
Carmichael: YES. If he's the clever fox I know him to be he's already cared for his own interests in the deal. He realizes that Harper is going to get his way and the price to oppose him is costly. Remember, Carmichael has been where Harper is now and knows the rules of engagement better than any other elected official in our County.
Poparad: YES. After consulting with Dave Hollenbeck and being assured it's the Council & the County's only reasonable & realistic solution - and that no other viable options exisit - which may or may not be true, but few, if any politian in Porter County has survived by opposing Dave - "when he's not being a lawyer, he doesn't just keep score at V.U. athletic events" (smile; sorry Dave, I just could not help myself). When the Dems took control of the Council, it was not by accident that Hollenbeck retained his position as the Council's legal counsel.
Stevenson: YES. She will follow Poparad's lead as she traditionally does.
Bucko: YES. He may have been considered a swing vote, but when he appeared at the press conference with Harper it was clear he's trying to attone for his sins with Harper and his Party (recall that he voted against Bob on his "Green Space" ordinance and was subsequently kicked off the County Planning Commission when the Dems took control of Board appointment). Mike's gonna go along. He has excellent self-preservation instincts.
ON THE QUESTION: THE YEAs HAVE IT! OVERWHELMINGLY. But little of it having anything to do with the actual issue or the interest of the taxpaying citizens. And this, my friends is why there is a disconnect between the voters and their elected officials. Following the vote... Resounding victory declared for Porter County, authroities in charge, and the winning team who put the deal together.
A "new day of quality health care in Porter County" declared. Parties to celebrate success and where the "carving of the winnings" will take place. Much back slapping and social hugging involved. The lawyers will be paid. The taxpaying citizens will forget and be forgotten. The $ 100 M will be spent by a Board whose members no one will recognize. And we won't hear about this again until all the money is gone.
And don't worry - they'll find some way to spin the story so the executive director, the staff, the years of P.R. spent convincing us of what a great deal it was, as well as the all important attorney's fees are not to blame, but "rising indigent care costs and decreasing medicare reimbursement" is the culprit
Saturday, March 10, 2007
NWI.com Interact Getting Good Again
After months of boredom, Interact is finally interesting again.
Go to: http://www.nwitimes.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=14160&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=
The topic is all about selling the hospital. Good stuff.
Go to: http://www.nwitimes.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=14160&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=
The topic is all about selling the hospital. Good stuff.
Porter County Today
Dohner named city's first neighborhood advocate - nwitimes.com
Saturday, March 03, 2007, 12:41:37 AM
Dohner named city's first neighborhood advocatenwitimes.com, IN - Mar 2, 2007Mayor Jon Costas announced Friday that Dohner will be the city's first neighborhood advocate, a position identified in the city's strategic plan as someone ...
CEDIT cash can fund just about everything - Gary Post Tribune
Thursday, March 08, 2007, 4:26:42 AM
CEDIT cash can fund just about everythingGary Post Tribune, IN - Mar 8, 2007"It's a great tool for cities to invest in things that keep it strong and that people want," Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas said. ...
Friday, March 09, 2007
Friday's Porter County Headlines
City finalizes RDA application for lakefront site
Today, March 09, 2007, 6 hours ago
PORTAGE The city will turn in its application to the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority today, seeking some 6.3 million for developing Portage Lakefront Park.
Dalton says: Many decades ago Porter County gave away all it's shoreline to mills. It's high time that we regain a shoreline. It's also time for those businesses to help pay to clean up that shoreline.
Councilman says residents should rally for sidewalks
Today, March 09, 2007, 6 hours ago
SOUTH HAVEN If residents here want sidewalks, they need to rally together in a united front, a county official told a small group of people Thursday night at the South Haven Safety Task Force meeting.
Do I hear "community oriented government"? Don't they know that they can't do anything unless the Commish approves it first?
Ordinance hearing spurs call for better planning
Today, March 09, 2007, 6 hours ago
VALPARAISO Plenty of county residents came out for the Porter County Plan Commission's special meeting Thursday to discuss changes in the proposed Unified Development Ordinance. The document will be revised one last time before going on to county commissioners for consideration.
This UDO document is a travesty. Where's the fiscal impact statement? How much exactly will it cost the county to enforce all these rules?
5 Valpo elementary schools win acclaim
Today, March 09, 2007, 6 hours ago
Five Valparaiso elementary schools have earned the state's Four Star School Award, the Indiana Department of Education announced Thursday.
Express bus to Loop touted as best option
Today, March 09, 2007, 6 hours ago
VALPARAISO A survey being done next month could determine whether it is feasible for the city to provide a shuttle service to the Dune Park South Shore commuter station or an express bus service to Chicago's Loop - or both.
Porter hospital defends health care foundation plan
Today, March 09, 2007, 6 hours ago
VALPARAISO Porter hospital board Chairman Richard Wathen defended plans Thursday to use the estimated 80 million to 100 million in proceeds from the proposed sale of Porter hospital for ongoing health care needs in the county.
One last time - what's the difference between selling the hospital and leasing the toll road. It seems that democrats want the first deal but don't want the second?
llliana Toll Road foes to hold legislative forum
Today, March 09, 2007, 6 hours ago
Times Staff Report PORTER COUNTY Citizens Against the Privatized Illiana Toll Road will host a legislative forum at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Porter County Expo Center, 215 E. Division Road in Washington Township.
Educators: We did not fail
Today, March 09, 2007, 6 hours ago
Despite the numbers, we are making progress, some region educators are saying.
Today, March 09, 2007, 6 hours ago
PORTAGE The city will turn in its application to the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority today, seeking some 6.3 million for developing Portage Lakefront Park.
Dalton says: Many decades ago Porter County gave away all it's shoreline to mills. It's high time that we regain a shoreline. It's also time for those businesses to help pay to clean up that shoreline.
Councilman says residents should rally for sidewalks
Today, March 09, 2007, 6 hours ago
SOUTH HAVEN If residents here want sidewalks, they need to rally together in a united front, a county official told a small group of people Thursday night at the South Haven Safety Task Force meeting.
Do I hear "community oriented government"? Don't they know that they can't do anything unless the Commish approves it first?
Ordinance hearing spurs call for better planning
Today, March 09, 2007, 6 hours ago
VALPARAISO Plenty of county residents came out for the Porter County Plan Commission's special meeting Thursday to discuss changes in the proposed Unified Development Ordinance. The document will be revised one last time before going on to county commissioners for consideration.
This UDO document is a travesty. Where's the fiscal impact statement? How much exactly will it cost the county to enforce all these rules?
5 Valpo elementary schools win acclaim
Today, March 09, 2007, 6 hours ago
Five Valparaiso elementary schools have earned the state's Four Star School Award, the Indiana Department of Education announced Thursday.
Express bus to Loop touted as best option
Today, March 09, 2007, 6 hours ago
VALPARAISO A survey being done next month could determine whether it is feasible for the city to provide a shuttle service to the Dune Park South Shore commuter station or an express bus service to Chicago's Loop - or both.
Porter hospital defends health care foundation plan
Today, March 09, 2007, 6 hours ago
VALPARAISO Porter hospital board Chairman Richard Wathen defended plans Thursday to use the estimated 80 million to 100 million in proceeds from the proposed sale of Porter hospital for ongoing health care needs in the county.
One last time - what's the difference between selling the hospital and leasing the toll road. It seems that democrats want the first deal but don't want the second?
llliana Toll Road foes to hold legislative forum
Today, March 09, 2007, 6 hours ago
Times Staff Report PORTER COUNTY Citizens Against the Privatized Illiana Toll Road will host a legislative forum at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Porter County Expo Center, 215 E. Division Road in Washington Township.
Educators: We did not fail
Today, March 09, 2007, 6 hours ago
Despite the numbers, we are making progress, some region educators are saying.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)