State of the City Address Mayor Lloyd Winnecke March 11, …ftpcontent4.worldnow.com/wfie/2014 SOTC...

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1 State of the City Address Mayor Lloyd Winnecke March 11, 2014 Fellow Rotarians and distinguished guests, I am honored to stand before you as your Mayor, to provide the annual status report on the great city of Evansville. It is with added pleasure that I am joined today by my wife, Carol, and my parents, Ralph & Shirley. Without the support system of my family, and so many wonderful friends, many of whom are in this room today, I would not have the positive outlook and determination to wake up every day with a “glass half full” mentality. Last year at this time, I stood before you with a laundry list of projects and initiatives being spearheaded by your city government. The headline the next day read, “Expectations Exceeded.” Fortunately, that continues to be a reoccurring reaction whether it is in city hall or through interactions with citizens who want to become more engaged in their community. This past year, the community’s first visioning process, referred to as “VOICE” drew more than 3,000 citizens to speak up and relay their preferred vision for our city. The city and Leadership Evansville developed the VOICE initiative, which is about building trust amongst the members of our community and learning that if we all join together and have civil dialogue about our future desires and current issues, we can create a strong society that will thrive and grow. With a renewed sense of pride, optimism and citizen engagement, our city becomes more and more vibrant.

Transcript of State of the City Address Mayor Lloyd Winnecke March 11, …ftpcontent4.worldnow.com/wfie/2014 SOTC...

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State of the City Address Mayor Lloyd Winnecke

March 11, 2014

Fellow Rotarians and distinguished guests, I am honored to stand before you as your Mayor, to provide the annual status report on the great city of Evansville. It is with added pleasure that I am joined today by my wife, Carol, and my parents, Ralph & Shirley. Without the support system of my family, and so many wonderful friends, many of whom are in this room today, I would not have the positive outlook and determination to wake up every day with a “glass half full” mentality. Last year at this time, I stood before you with a laundry list of projects and initiatives being spearheaded by your city government. The headline the next day read, “Expectations Exceeded.” Fortunately, that continues to be a reoccurring reaction whether it is in city hall or through interactions with citizens who want to become more engaged in their community. This past year, the community’s first visioning process, referred to as “VOICE” drew more than 3,000 citizens to speak up and relay their preferred vision for our city. The city and Leadership Evansville developed the VOICE initiative, which is about building trust amongst the members of our community and learning that if we all join together and have civil dialogue about our future desires and current issues, we can create a strong society that will thrive and grow. With a renewed sense of pride, optimism and citizen engagement, our city becomes more and more vibrant.

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From the 42 organized VOICE sessions and online input, we know that our citizens desire healthy green spaces, enhanced experiences to create a “fun city” and a revitalized urban core. Regardless of residency, an overwhelming percentage of citizens understand the need for strengthening our urban core, which is why more and more people are living downtown – investing in everything from historic homes in our preservation area to modern, new condominiums on Main Street. As a direct result from VOICE, residents are not only suggesting major capital projects as part of their vision, but also coming up with easy and fun items such as planting 1,200 tulip plants near the greenway, hosting pop-up restaurants and mob cash-bars (yes, these are good and organized via social media). Our downtown is blessed to have many attractions that are first class. Historic Victory Theatre is home to our wonderful philharmonic orchestra. We have touring Broadway productions, an energetic farmer’s market, art shows, and sculptural exhibits. We have a fabulously renovated Museum of Arts, History and Science that complements our world class children’s museum, the Evansville African-American Museum and Reitz Home Museum. We have professional hockey (some might say we’ve become somewhat of a hockey town…..I’ve even learned what a hat-trick consists of and the true role of an “enforcer.”). We have both Division One and Division Two Basketball, with both the University of Evansville and University of Southern Indiana with storied histories. It only made sense that the Great Lakes Valley Conference men’s and women’s basketball tournament was here again last week. Special congrats to the USI men for winning their 12th GLVC title! The NCAA Division Two Elite Eight will be at the Ford Center at the end of March --- so the Division Two national champion will be crowned right here in Downtown Evansville……….and then again in 2015. It has certainly been said that a community is only as strong as its center core.

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Fortunately for Evansville, we also have tremendous momentum on the west side with new energy being promoted from the Franklin Street Events Association. New events such as the Mardi Gras on Franklin, in addition to the famous annual Fall Festival hosted by the West Side Nut Club, are citizen driven events that continue to grow. The Jacobsville Area Community Corporation is another organization that deserves recognition for the redevelopment efforts being undertaken and taking ownership of the annual Christmas on North Main Street parade, which was another success. You know, sometimes communities need to reflect on their blessings and assets. Maybe, like many cities, we tend to overlook the positive, which is why all of what I just mentioned is so important to remember. Over the past two years, you’ve heard me use phrases like “poised for the future” and “now is the time.” And my favorite, “positive progress,” which I hope you would agree adequately defines our ongoing collaborative efforts to move the city forward. Ladies and gentlemen, thanks to our unified efforts, the state of our great city is truly invigorating and has created a new excitement in Evansville. Evansville’s positive progress can be attributed to a lot of fine people and organizations…inside government and out. As we provide the annual status update of our city government, it only makes sense to recognize those committed to public service in city hall. Many of the city department heads are here today and I would ask them to stand and be recognized. You should know that these are extraordinarily dedicated men and women who work very hard to make Evansville stronger. In addition, there are several members of our Common Council here. Please stand and be recognized. It’s fair to say that we don’t always agree, but unlike our

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friends in Washington, D.C., we CAN sit down and work toward solutions that make our city better.

PROJECT UPDATES A prime example of compromise was securing the long-awaited convention hotel in downtown Evansville. Just yesterday we broke ground on a new 257 room Doubletree by Hilton with

our developer HCW out of Branson, Missouri.

Joining us today is its President and CEO, Rick Huffman. Rick, thank you for your

interest, patience AND investment in Evansville.

It has already been said many times at other public events, but it is worth

repeating and underscores the collaboration in our city.

The combined support of the business and labor community was instrumental in

making this project a reality. For the record, let’s give them a round of applause.

As a result of all the hard work, we anticipate an opening in the fall of 2015.

With that, I’m pleased to announce we already booked our first convention!

The Indiana Association of Cities and Towns has agreed to book its annual

convention in the new hotel shortly after opening. The last time the statewide

conference was held in Evansville was 2007 and their leadership is thrilled to

return to our city.

As construction begins, it is now the task of our capable Convention & Visitors

Bureau to recruit conventions business back to Evansville, as the welcome mat is

out once again.

I believe Bob Warren is with us today…..Bob, our community is behind your

organization and is here to help. Soon Bob and his team will be breaking ground

on the new ball field complex off of north Green River Road which is yet another

attractive selling point for our community.

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If I gave him the mic, I know he would encourage all of us to approach our

involved organizations, businesses and events to consider Evansville as their new

destination of choice.

As our visitors come to Evansville, the award winning DoubleTree Hotel service

will be waiting for them…..along with their special treat, the DoubleTree Signature

Chocolate Chip cookie, which is at every place setting….this is what our visitors

will enjoy when staying in our hotel.

As you know, a new convention hotel has been a primary focus of officials for

many years, not only to boost the convention business, but to create a much

needed economic development tool.

This project will create hundreds of construction and permanent jobs, in addition

to being a catalyst for growth.

Two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of joining the leadership of the Economic

Development Coalition at a national site selector conference, to meet the

professionals that work directly with corporations seeking to relocate or start

their business operations.

Let me just say, the business of economic development is cut-throat and very

competitive. Not only do corporations want the best deal, they also want to

locate in cities that have a robust quality of life.

A few weeks ago, the news of the latest employment numbers for our city and

region reinforced our efforts, as our city is experiencing the lowest

unemployment rate in the past 5 years. While not every deal becomes reality, the

local economy is rebounding and growing.

While our jobs team responds to requests and pro-actively seeks new potential

deals, the successes of 2013 were the retention and expansion of major

employers, whether it was Uniseal, SS&C, or Berry Plastics.

We spent a fair amount of 2012 and 2013 working with our friends at Berry

Plastics on separate expansion projects creating 395 new jobs in the past 2 years.

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Berry Plastics has become a tremendous driver of our local economy and to the

many suppliers throughout the region. Special thanks to Jonathan Rich and his

leadership team for continuing to grow and invest in Evansville.

Business start-ups have also been a positive niche for the Growth Alliance,

utilizing the incubator space at Innovation Pointe and the Vanderburgh Industrial

Park. Envolve Engineering, nFlow, Exergy Resources, CURVO are just a few of the

new companies receiving assistance.

Frankly, the innovation and creativity of our home-grown businesses is inspiring

and should be embraced by our community.

A key component to ensuring our local economy grows is building a strong

transportation infrastructure, whether it is for pedestrian, bike or vehicle traffic.

Significant investments continue to be made in repairing sidewalks, improving

intersections and paving streets.

The Oak Hill Road reconstruction project is nearing completion in July.

I’d like to thank everyone who uses the road for your continued patience,

particularly the residents. You’ve coped with lane closures, lane changes, limited

access and detours for the past 9 months.

Over the past 24 years, our City Engineer Pat Keepes has overseen hundreds of

projects, including the Oak Hill project and still is one of the nicest individuals ever

to work in the Civic Center. After serving four Mayors, Pat will soon be leaving us

to join his future bride in Indianapolis.

Pat, a sincere thank you on behalf of the city for your public service.

Not to mention his insights and creativity were invaluable on a certain high-profile

interchange in the center of our community.

It is quite obvious that substantial change is occurring at the interchange of U.S.

41 and the Lloyd Expressway.

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The plans remain to have traffic flowing on the new full cloverleaf in the fall of

2015. Clearing and demolition work is ongoing with utility relocations to follow.

To avoid long traffic delays and disruption in the area, the Indiana Department of

Transportation (INDOT) has developed a shorter construction timetable with

practical design elements added that will produce long-term savings for the

project. Those savings will benefit both the state and our city.

The original $2.5 million investment from the Evansville Metropolitan Planning

Organization (EMPO) will be returned and INDOT will now cover the associated

costs of the enhanced lighting at the interchange, which would have cost the city

approximately $800,000.

The collaboration on this project has been tremendous and a prime example of

the innovation being applied.

Our Parks Department continues to find efficiencies in its operations and

maximize its available resources.

Both an updated park master plan and greenway connectivity study will be

performed in 2014.

The previous park master plans from 2003 and 2009 both urged enhanced green

space and connectivity between the city parks.

Regardless, we know that our parks always need work, whether it is maintenance

or repurposing equipment as was done at Sheridan Park on the north side.

We were very fortunate to have Lorraine Park Neighborhood Association and

Councilwoman Missy Mosby take the initiative to partner with the city on new

playground equipment at Lorraine Park. The equipment at Lorraine and the park

at Sixth and Casselberry on the west side were installed last month and have

received lots of attention from kids in those areas.

The last park master plan from 2009 further recommended that “a

reuse/redevelopment plan for Roberts needed to be developed. And that

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alternative uses need to focus on expansion of park and recreation

opportunities.”

Through an extensive public engagement process, we heard the community loud

and clear, that the former site of Roberts Stadium should be green space.

The proposed Roberts Park is a project that was based on the recommendations

and desires of the citizens that participated in the meetings and submitted

feedback online to our office. The citizen input has improved the conceptual plans

and as I have continually said, the land represents a unique opportunity for green

space.

Last year, early estimates on enhancements to the space where the former

Roberts Stadium stood ranged from $6 – 8 million. Thanks to the Welborn

Foundation, our team is still working on the plan with the goal of meeting that

range. However, the final product will be further based on public input and

private investment.

Let’s not forget that this park will be built in phases as capital funds are available.

During this process, hundreds of comments and questions were submitted. The

support for a new dog park was obvious, however, the exact location was

questioned, even by supporters.

Working with the state of Indiana, we believe the recommendation of utilizing a

portion of land next to the Evansville State Hospital already informally used for

that purpose would be ideal. Special thanks to State Representative Wendy

McNamara for supporting language in legislation to be approved by the General

Assembly this week to make the transfer of land happen.

The connectivity between the State Hospital grounds and Roberts Park via the

planned pedestrian crosswalk creates tremendous synergy.

Whether you take the crosswalk or are driving past the future Roberts Park, a

visible feature will make certainly make a statement.

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This is a perfect opportunity to announce that the Rotary Club of Evansville will

sponsor the “Rotary Centennial Wetland” at Roberts Park to provide both an

aesthetic and educational component of the park that will be inviting and usable

by all ages.

When you hear the term “wetland,” thoughts of Howell Wetland may come to

mind. While equally useful, the Rotary Centennial Wetland will be a special area

that will incorporate the four way test and have a natural connection to the

educational programs at Wesselman Nature Center, only a trail away.

On behalf of the city of Evansville, thank you to Rotary and all of the contributors

to your Centennial fundraising effort. It is our intent that the Rotary Centennial

Wetland will be one of the first projects constructed in a truly public-private

partnership.

Our administration has also engaged the community in the civic pride campaign

Clean Evansville, one of the first initiatives I announced after taking office.

Since January 2012, more than 3-thousand-500volunteers have participated in the

monthly clean-up collecting over 50-thousand lbs. of trash all over town.

Clean Evansville’s success recently earned the city the 2013 Indiana Association of

Cities and Towns Community Achievement Award.

This program would not be possible without the support of Keep Evansville

Beautiful, Republic Services, Rural King and volunteers from several businesses

that participate in every clean-up, including Vectren, Accuride, and Fifth Third

Bank…to name a few.

Switching gears to the city’s financial state. I’m pleased to report that the city’s

financial position is stable. Yes, like almost every community we have budgetary

issues. Our department heads have done a great job of adjusting their budgets

without a detrimental effect on the delivery of services.

At times, misinformation may lead you to believe otherwise. Don’t be fooled.

The city continues to grow and so does the demand for services. The city is

blessed to have sources of funds not dependent on property taxes for the

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purpose of investing in our quality of life. As mentioned before, those

investments should not halt and are critical in driving additional development as

evidenced from our interactions with economic development professionals and

citizens alike.

The bond rating agencies are pleased with our financial position, as they have

affirmed our previously favorable ratings. Strong statements that our bonds are

“high quality” and “subject to low credit risk” is always welcomed news.

Finding creative ways to save money is a directive given to all department heads,

regardless of how large the amount. As a result of hedging the price when the

market was favorable, the city was able to save $95,000 in fuel savings last year.

Our administration has also put a strong emphasis on workplace and worker

safety. This includes training, working with insurance personnel, safety experts,

department heads and supervisors to emphasize safety. I believe the results are

impressive: since taking office, our worker’s compensation claims have decreased

32%, which translates to a decrease of over $300,000.

CHALLENGES

In any honest assessment of our city, we have to acknowledge that we have

challenges ahead. And it shouldn’t be breaking news to anyone that at the top of

our list of challenges is our water and sewer utility infrastructure.

I’d like to recognize the gentleman who leads that effort, Allen Mounts.

Allen deserves special recognition for successfully handling impacts of both the

polar vortex and the chemical plume this year.

And he is probably the only person to be on local television more than me this

winter. But seriously, Allen and his team have worked long, long hours in

horrendous weather to oversee and repair a record number of water main

breaks, manage the upriver chemical spill and our conservation request.

In addition, we continue to have dialogue with the EPA regarding our Integrated

Long Term Control Plan --- that is federal government terminology for our plan to

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fix our sewer system. Our 28-year, $540 million plan was submitted for their

consideration last May 31st.

It should be noted that our plan is approximately $300 million less than what

would be needed to achieve the EPA’s original desired level of control and we

intend to push back on any efforts to further unduly burden our ratepayers.

Evansville is one of 700+ cities nationwide mandated to make these upgrades. As

the EPA reviews our plan, we await their decision.

The water and sewer utility isn’t the only department with aging equipment. Jay Perry and his team at the Levee Authority also replaced flapgates on our three major pump stations downtown. These flapgates were part of the original infrastructure installed in the 1940s. The new gates will keep water from backflowing into the city during high rivers. It is no surprise that the common theme in the challenges we face relates back to

infrastructure needs. When the snow and ice disappeared, a new foe arrived…the

dreaded pothole.

Since January, over 1,155 potholes have already been filled, but the fluctuating

weather patterns have made it even more difficult for our team at the city garage.

As spring is on our door step, the efforts to fill potholes will be easier to schedule.

While our related infrastructure issues create the largest challenges from a

monetary standpoint, citizens should be reassured that the aforementioned

challenges have plans to address them.

Over the past two years, our Administration has worked diligently to meet the

needs of the LST. Whether it was providing new storage space for the ship’s land

vehicles, painting the dock or increasing marketing efforts to bring visitors to the

ship, the city is committed to keeping the historical vessel here in its birthplace. In

April, the city will make a comprehensive presentation to the LST board of

directors with the goal of extending their lease with the city.

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I have to admit that I love Mesker Park Zoo. Amos Morris and his team do a

fantastic job…it’s a big draw for the city. Last year, more than two-hundred

thousand people came through the gates.

Believe it or not, Amazonia has already had its one millionth visitor!

Kudos to former mayors Russ Lloyd Jr. and Jonathan Weinzapfel, as well as former

zoo director and current City Councilman Dan McGinn for the vision and

commitment to this wonderful attraction.

If you haven’t been to the zoo lately, here’s what you are missing: improvements to the 60-year old Kley Building that includes the Komodo Cove, home to three Komodo Dragons. And we’ve welcomed an African-crested Porcupine, the Red Panda on the renovated Discovery Trail, two Mexican Grey Wolf pups and a new Colobus monkey. But we cannot rest on our laurels. We have some exciting, and big ideas that we are working on to make the zoo even MORE inviting. We’ll leave you with that teaser for now. Our city is becoming more and more diverse each week, and with that comes an

obligation to be a more accepting, a more understanding and an inclusive city.

The open dialogue with the leadership of the Concerned Clergy and the NAACP

has been greatly appreciated and constructive in our march forward together as a

community.

As Mayor, I must take seriously any feelings, real or perceived, regarding

discrimination or bias. This is especially important of instances involving city

employees who have frequent encounters with our citizens.

To that end, beginning this year, all city employees, including the Mayor will

undergo annual online training that introduces basic diversity concepts. This is

one prong of a comprehensive approach to ensure city employees have the

competencies to serve a diverse community.

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I am also pleased to announce that the Evansville Police Department will soon roll

out a new, interactive community engagement program called “Life on the Beat.”

This program, which includes a good deal of role playing, is designed to show our

citizens why officers make the decisions they make. And no doubt, it will give our

police force insight into why our citizens may question some of those decisions.

“Life on the Beat” will be soon rolling out to neighborhood associations, church

groups or a civic clubs that are interested in learning more about the Evansville

Police Department.

And speaking of our police department, our uniform officers now EACH have high

definition body cameras. These cameras are yet another tool available to assist

law enforcement, and should provide irrefutable evidence in our on-going effort

to protect our citizens.

One of the few disappointments I’ve had while in office has to do with the

continuing scourge of methamphetamine and its impact on users, their

families…especially the kids…and our community.

While meth remains a problem, our city is the only municipality in Indiana that

has a law enforcement department with a dedicated meth suppression unit.

That means the City of Evansville doesn’t simply react to the meth epidemic…we

take a pro-active approach to the problem…

And I truly believe meth will remain a problem until legislation is approved

making pseudoephedrine a controlled substance.

It’s not often that an elected official recognizes the media for its reporting of an

issue that government is struggling to solve. If you have not read the ongoing

series by the Evansville Courier and Press, it certainly highlights an issue that

speaks to the look and feel of our historic city.

While blight and abandoned homes are not a new problem, the challenge is

ongoing and key towards our revitalization efforts.

First, it is important to understand the problem.

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In 2013, the Building Commission has been on the forefront.

Managed over a 1,000 separate property maintenance violation matters

and responded to citizen concerns with over 3,800 inspections on blighted

property

Issued over 500 Administrative Orders for the Sealing, Repair, or Razing of

blighted buildings

Removed over 150 residential blighted buildings by demolition and secured

another 155 (The city will soon apply for funds through the state’s Hardest

Hit Fund to be used on acquisition and demolition of abandoned residential

structures)

Responded to citizen concerns of high weeds with over 8,000 inspections

(In the coming weeks, our Administration will be proposing updates to the

“weed” ordinance to strengthen enforcement)

The Rental Registry Programs have helped identify more than 7,400 parcels of

land that have rental units and the contact information for over 2,800 different

owners saving city resources in tracking down owners. It is our intent to further

consolidate existing registries to maximize results.

Clearly, our investments in removing blight from neighborhoods are striving

towards stabilizing property values and improving the quality of life.

Even so, more needs to be done by collaborating with neighborhood associations

and residents that report problem areas.

As the General Assembly is in its final hours, conference committees are now

meeting on key issues before adjournment.

The current legislative session has several issues impacting municipalities and it is

true that actions in the statehouse often have lasting impacts in city halls across

the state.

In 2013 alone, circuit breaker caps lowered property tax payments to the city by

$9.4 million, a 100% increase over 2012 ($4.5 million).

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In response to reduced revenue from the caps, the responsibility of governing

within our financial means rests on our shoulders and that is exactly what has

happened in our city hall.

After learning that December 2013 tax revenue was lower than expected by

approximately $2 million, the Administration immediately started working with

department heads to identify areas for budget reduction to address the shortfall.

In the coming weeks, the proposed cuts to the city’s General Fund will be

presented to Council for their consideration.

Fortunately, the city’s investment in projects such as the new convention hotel,

medical education campus or other capital projects will not be impacted, as

completely different funding mechanisms are utilized to ensure homeowners are

not impacted.

It is frustrating to travel to Indy and testify on issues impacting municipalities

simply to hear that “locals should just tighten their belts,” only to have legislation

be approved that creates operational problems for local government.

The current proposals regarding the Business Personal Property Tax are prime

examples of good concepts, but bad public policy.

The Indiana Fiscal Institute agrees that a partial or full elimination would result in

a tax shift.

So today, I urge you to call your legislators and ask them to oppose any attempts

to shift tax burdens to homeowners.

Whether it is voluntarily cutting budgets by millions of dollars, offsetting medical

trends by expanding our Novia Clinic for employees or cutting $11 million from a

utility contract, your city government is “tightening its belt.”

In terms of challenges, our region will soon be tasked with advocating that the

General Assembly include the expanded medical education center in the next

biennial budget. There is no doubt that we are up to the challenge.

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The current IU medical school program is hosted by the University of Southern

Indiana and the expansion will add the participation of the University of Evansville

and Ivy Tech Community College.

While my personal preference is for a downtown location, the tremendous

educational collaboration and resulting economic development will have lasting

impacts on southwest Indiana.

As we united in support for Interstate 69, the same effort needs to be put behind

this project, regardless of the final location.

I pledge today to be a champion for obtaining the necessary funding and

approvals from our state capital.

I would also be remised if I did not recognize City Councilman Dr. Dan Adams,

who has been an instrumental advisor on this initiative and has brought creativity

to the process.

You can see that we have some challenges, but none are insurmountable.

You should know that there is positive progress happening in all parts of our city.

Whether it is the Wesselman Nature Center wrapping up a $1.5 million capital

campaign or citizens all over the city who are health enthusiasts working towards

the designation of a Bicycle Friendly Community, it is refreshing to see these

efforts to better our community.

I could go on and on. Evansville is blessed with a strong non-profit network that is

committed to helping our neighbors. And best of all, we have a volunteer network

that goes above and beyond on a daily basis.

INTERSTATE 69 UPDATE

A status report of our city would not be complete without the mention of

Interstate 69.

Progress to the north continues and INDOT will soon officially award the contract

for Section 5 making the connection to Bloomington.

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You may have also caught a little bit of news recently on the route to the south.

My longtime friend, Henderson Mayor Steve Austin, is with us again this year.

Please help me welcome Mayor Austin.

Steve and I have vowed to our respective cities to lead the charge to ensure that a

new I-69 bridge is built to link Evansville and Henderson.

Putting it in perspective, the existing bridge structures carrying U.S. 41 traffic are

nearing their end of life, as the northbound bridge was built in 1932 and the

southbound bridge in1966.

My friends, this is NOT about two mayors trying to butt heads with another

mayor. This is about completing a project that two states and our federal

government have already, and rightfully, committed to build on a specific route.

This is NOT about grabbing headlines. This is about the completion of a significant

highway of national importance.

And it is noteworthy that both Governor Pence and Governor Beshear have stood

firm on this issue, that the route will NOT change and the bridge IS needed. We

appreciate their continued support.

Construction of I-69 to the north is only part of the equation. The bridge linking

Evansville and Henderson must be constructed. Evansville cannot be the cul-de-

sac on the interstate system, and cities like Henderson, Madisonville and

Hopkinsville, all of whom have been planning to GET connected to the interstate

system cannot be scratched from the plan.

My service on the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation has

been productive and we will soon release the priority projects for the state of

Indiana. I can assure you that the completion of Interstate 69 to the north and

south will be included in the final report.

FINAL THOUGHT

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As we leave here today, I’d like to share with you an inscription on a plaque that

hangs at Bosse High School. I saw it recently during a Traveling City Hall and it

inspired some thoughts.

It reads:

Benjamin Bosse – A Man of the People

Whose life was spent and given in the service of the city which he helped to

build. He labored unselfishly and untiringly in the cause of broader and higher

education. This building is a monument erected in appreciative memory. To a

man whose life, so generously given to every cause for human betterment,

continues its influence and is an inspiring example to the men and women who

shall go out from this school.

Without a doubt, Mayor Bosse was one of our city’s greatest leaders. His style

and enthusiasm for Evansville may never be matched.

But we can ALL strive to match his commitment to public service and continue

making Evansville a great city in present day and for our future generations.

That leads us to tomorrow’s headline…….if I had the power of the pen and could

write the ideal message to ensure that the spirit of Mayor Bosse is emulated……it

would simply read: “Evansville is Unified in Positive Progress.”

Friends, thank you for your time and support today. And God bless the city of

Evansville.