THE LIBRARY

Independently, I am again the first candidate for mayor of Jasper to publicly announce my position and opposition on another contentious issue.  This would be building a new library on South Newton Street.  I would expect, and hope, the Republican and Democrat on the mayor's ticket will continue to take my lead on this important issue facing the City of Jasper, as they did on the biomass issue.  I will write more in-depth about the candidate's present biomass positions in my next blog.

We do not need a new library for the wishes of the few, and we do not need additional taxes on all our citizens, businesses, and industries. I believe we can renovate or re-construct the library at present location whether it be one, two, or three stories or more high; and with plenty of additional parking.  Please vote with me in voting 'NO' to the new library on the November referendum.

It is projected to 6.3 million to build the present proposed library.  It was stated by a member of the library board that the projected cost of renovating or rebuilding at the present site would be more costly. Jasper has nothing to gain at this time in regards to building the S. Newton Street but prestige.  Prestige does not pay the city's bills.

The City of Jasper is not in good shape financially.  I was in attendance at the final city budget meeting when a million dollars in budget cuts were attempted.  During the session, the parks and recreation manager stated Jasper would probably need a new pool in 4 years. 

Among other interesting expenditures, I found the city acquired 2 new Dodge Chargers last year (from what I understand, delivery has been made on 1 of these) and approved 2 new Chargers to be purchased this year.  The mayor's salary was increased to $66,000.00 by a lame duck mayor and our city's leaders.  We are buying new equipment for the street, utilities, and parks departments.  There are restrooms for 'Central Green Park', and more new sidewalks to be put in on the Strassenfest parade path for us one day watchers.

 When will the spending end?  It would end with me.  First, I would take a 50% cut in the mayor's salary.  I cannot imagine anyone gaining financially from becoming mayor of Jasper.  Why only half you may ask...simply, I plan to give whomever is the full-time manager of my store an appropriate salary commensurate (50%) with about half of the salary of Jasper's mayor.  One minus a half minus a half is zero.  The good Lord willing, my business will be successful enough for my present, what I consider humble, standard of living to be maintained.

When will the spending will end?   It would end with me.  I will also reduce the number of city owned vehicles that will be allowed to be treated as personal property for some city employees. I would also expect to drive my personal car as mayor. I would use it on only trips outside the city limits. Why only outside the city limits you may ask...simply, my wish is for a trade-off of a gas guzzling city owned mayor's car for what would be a four-seater golf cart type of vehicle running on natural gas or electrical power. This is an example of my honesty to sometimes a fault. I do believe, however; the in-city use of said vehicle would only save our citizenry money.

Where is the city going to come up with the funds to remain financially solvent?  City leaders are attempting to push through the contract with Twisted Oaks, expecting them to save the day.  They may not.  The stakes are so high that the city leaders can't afford to gamble with the harmony of the people of Jasper, along with gambling what little faith the citizens may still have in them as our city leaders.

Next blog:  Updated, or lack of updates in regard to the biomass issue.  What is my and the other candidates positions now, a month later?

Always Respectfully,

Mack

Busy, Busy, Busy for You!

As with facebook, it has been also been 10 days since posting to my blog. Gaining the knowledge to be the best prepared and informed candidate for mayor has been, and will continue to be my highest priority.  Today I will write two blog postings.  In this post I will include the text to an advertisement I ran in yesterday's Herald.  It will run on Monday and Tuesday also.   

Before the somewhat lengthly, but important ad included below, I want to thank all of my supporters, friends, and members of the public who have shared their concerns, opinions, and ideas with me.  They know I will listen to the people of Jasper and serve thier best interest, not by the decisions I make, but by the decisions our citizens make.  I truly want to be know as the people's mayor.

Here is the text to my ad running in The Herald:

“Mack” (Jeffrey Mack) Steffen

The Uncommon Candidate for the Common Man wants you to know…

• If elected mayor, I will hit the ground running with an intimate understanding of the day to day operations of the city. I hit the ground running as a young kid and teen, working at the Dubois County Courthouse, buying my own clothes and other things not considered necessities. I hit the ground running in my late teens and worked my way into management and obtained two A.S. degrees from VUJC. I hit the ground running when I opened the largest, best, and fairest full service coin and precious metals shop in southern Indiana. I have hit the ground in running as the people’s representative for mayor of Jasper.

 • I will be prepared to hit the ground running as your mayor by gaining extensive knowledge of the day to day operation of the city by sitting down and talking with all city officials. I have already begun scheduling meetings with all the city managers, department heads, city employees, appointed officials, and city and county organizations. I will also be touring all of our city facilities for this exacting knowledge.

• I believe it is important that as your representative, I will be able to tell you I will have a better understanding of running the city government than the other candidates. Most importantly, your voices will be heard, and the majority will always decide the major issues facing the great city of Jasper.

• I have asked the local university and several civic organizations in Jasper to step forward and mediate debates between the candidates. Thus far, responses have not been positive. Reasons given to date from these organizations have been that they don’t see any benefit for their club in doing it, they do not have time because other activities are more important, and/or they do not want to become politically involved.

• I plead to the sense of civic duty to the citizens of Jasper that one of the many civic organizations or clubs will do their duty to the people of the Jasper and mediate debates among the candidates.

• I vow as your mayor to uphold our Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, and Constitution, which begins “We the People”. It will be, ‘You the People’ to exercise your choice to elect the person who will represent your interests in all things.

• I believe you know where I and one of the other candidates stand on the biomass issue. I will be the first to publicly announce at this time we do not need a new library and I will be voting ‘NO’ on the referendum for it in November.

Website: www.mackformayor.com - Phone: 482-7025 (available 24/7) - Email: mackformayor@psci.net

Paid for by Mack for Mayor Committee, “Mack” (Jeffrey Mack) Steffen, Treasurer

Biomass Interview

Hope you don't, or haven't already missed my interview by WTVW, channel 7 in Evansville.  It airs this evening at 6P or 6:30P (7 or 7:30 Jasper time).  Please let me know what your thoughts are.  Call me anytime at 812.482.7025 or you can email me at mackformayor@psci.net

Mack

ConstiuWhats?

I would like to address an email received from Terry Seitz regarding a request from Chris Breedlove for the mayoral candidates to publicly stand together in solidarity to express our ‘stated opposition’ to the present power plant proposal.  You will find emails originating from myself, Mr. Seitz, and Chris Breedlove below.

To establish the background for this writing, I publicly stated my opposition in an ad in The Herald which began running on June 25.  Terry Seitz wrote a ‘position paper’ on June 26 and had it posted on his website.  Mr. Seitz also stated his opposition publicly as was reported by the news media on June 28 and again on June 29. 

John Burger appeared to also state his opposition; however, after reading again Mr. Burger’s statements as reported in The Herald on June 29, I have realized Mr. Burger is still trying to please both sides and actually did not make a personal statement of opposition.  I am disappointed in myself for not reading between the lines in my initial read of the article. 

John Burger has deferred the judgment to the people of Jasper, which he should do, given the citizens have their questions answered and are presented all the facts.  Should we not ask Mr. Burger for a simple yes or no answer to the question of whether he is opposed to the current proposed contract?

As you read the email from Terry Seitz below, please ask yourself why he has no interest in participating in any joint public announcement or event on the power plant project?  Seitz writes that he has stated his position and indicates he will only discuss it with ‘leaders’ and constituents individually.  Terry Seitz needs to understand a Republican primary win does not a constituent make.  I believe Mr. Seitz does not realize a constituent is a person who authorizes another to act in his or her behalf, as a voter in a district represented by an elected official would be.

Mr. Seitz is not an elected official and the citizens that did not vote for him in the primary are not his constituents.  Those that did vote for him in the primary are yet to be his constituents.  I would like for Mr. Seitz to let us know who the leaders are that he discusses this matter with.  I speak with leaders daily about the biomass issues, as well as other city issues.  Who are these leaders?  They are ‘We the People’.

Mack Steffen

The emails:

__________________________________________________________________________
From: Mack Steffen [mailto:mackformayor@psci.net]
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 5:36 PM
To: 'chris breedlove'
Cc: 'Rick Stradtner'; 'burgerturkeyfarms@insightbb.com'; 'Terry'
Subject: RE: Jasper IN Biomass

Rick and Chris,

I do believe it is important that we candidates say what we mean and mean what we say.   I would be glad to participate in any public announcement, whether it be John and I, or simply myself stating my position.   I will continue to discuss it with the people and our leaders, publicly or individually.

Respectfully,

Mack Steffen

__________________________________________________________________________

From: Terry [mailto:terry@intercommgroup.com]
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 12:10 AM
To: chris breedlove
Cc: Rick Stradtner; burgerturkeyfarms@insightbb.com; Mack Steffen
Subject: Re: Jasper IN Biomass

Rick and Chris...

I have no interest in participating in any joint public announcement or event on the power plant project. I have stated my position and will continue to discuss it with leaders and constituents individually.

With regards,

Terry

Sent from my iPhone

__________________________________________________________________________
On Jul 12, 2011, at 9:40 PM, chris breedlove <pastorbreedlove@gmail.com> wrote:

Rick,

Is it possible for you to bring the three Jasper mayoral candidates together for a joint press conference stating their common stance against Twisted Oak.  I think that the voting tax paying public would like to know that all three of the mayoral candidates are opposed to Twisted Oak's proposal.  The three mayoral candidates could also simply ask that the current Jasper city leadership give a more reasonable allotment of time so that concerned citizens can look through the pending agreement between Jasper and Twisted Oak once it is released before any public forum.  Citizens are honestly fearful that the Mayor and certain city leadership are going to attempt to rush an agreement through in July or early August leaving little time for citizens to be a part of any discussion or thorough review concerning the agreement.

~Chris 

I Want to Be the People's Mayor Ad Going in The Herald on 07/09/2011

Say It Isn't So - Fireworks

I happened to come across the memo below written by John Blair.  I was drawn to read this memo because of the first word, “Fireworks”. 

I can only say now that I have read it, I know those who fought for America’s freedom were in incredible life-threatening situations.  I’m certain  the  gun smoke was so thick one couldn’t see or breathe at times as they battled governmental taxation, oppression and control by the British. 

We celebrate our independence by remembering those who dedicated their lives to the establishment of our country.  Our custom of celebrating our independence happens to include fireworks.

Now that you have read this, I need to say for the record, I am not making any disparaging references to any of the unfortunate individuals affected or could be affected whom were mentioned in Mr. Blair’s letter.

I’m just saying no fireworks during the fourth of July is like Christmas without devotion to one’s faith.  We, the people, cannot afford to continue to give up our freedom and liberties.

Mack Steffen

http://www.mackformayor.com/

*********************************************************

From: John Blair; Valley Watch
Sent: Tuesday, July 05, 2011 3:57 PM
To: Cumberland Committee List
Subject: Deadly particulates reach historic levels in Evansville July 4

Fireworks throughout the community caused levels of fine particles to rise to historic levels in Evansville last night. At 9 PM, levels reached 153.92 (more than 4X the standard) at the monitor located on Buena Vista Ave. a level I have never seen recorded since the data was placed online in the 1990s.

Fine particles were projected to be bad due to normal activity for most of the weekend but instrument problems knocked the State's internet monitoring program down for both Sunday and Monday when fireworks cut visibility to near zero in many places in the Evansville community.

Thus, there will be no indication of any ambient air pollution violation since most of the data from these two horrible days may remain unknown. Fine particles are known to cause heart attacks, stroke, asthma and cancer for sensitive populations including children.

Botched data on days with high levels of pollution is not an uncommon occurrence. In fact, numerous days  are missing from Evansville data that is used by EPA to determine if an area meets the health based National Ambient Air Quality Standards for fine particles. Just recently, the comment period closed on the most recent effort by the State to have Evansville comply with the standards. Valley Watch filed comments on that proposal objecting to a "re-designation" from nonattainment to attainment because of "data gaps" we identified that occurred on some days when pollution was high everywhere around us but our monitors mysteriously did not function properly.

In any case, the level reached in Evansville last night could have been deadly for people and not only those that suffer from chronic respiratory ailments. It seems to us that some kind of warning should have been issued outlining the health risks that accompany the setting of fireworks, especially when the problem already exists even if the fireworks are not being fired.

Currently Evansville and much of SW Indiana remain in violation of the annual fine particle standard. It is unknown what EPA will decide on the re-designation. THe annual standard which is supposed to be revised downward in the near future is 15µg/m3. And the twenty four hour standard is 35µg/m3. 

John Blair

"...Stand Together and Publically Request..."

My title this evening is an excerpt from emails from Chris Breedlove in which among other things, he asked all three candidates to stand together on the biomass issue.  My response is included in the following text.
 
It is now up to John Burger and Terry Seitz to agree to stand united. 
Please read on for the above title in context...

*****************************************************************************
From: Chris Breedlove
Sent: Saturday, July 02, 2011 3:17 PM
To: Mack Steffen
Subject: Re: Biomass forum

Thanks Mack... I'll see what I can do ASAP.

**********************************************************************
Dear Christopher,

In turn, thanks for your response to my email.  I am completely

agreeable to standing together with John and Terry to politically ask
there be no vote on the present biomass until after the election of
the new mayor and city council.  My position is to still hold a
referendum.  At the last joint meeting of the USB and city council,
our city attorney stated there was no statute requiring a referendum
vote on this matter.  However, the statute does not imply or state
that the City of Jasper cannot put it to a referendum vote.

I believe John Burger pointed this out in one of his statements to the

media.  If the what I have just stated as 'assumed facts' are valid as
stated by John, the referendum need not be binding on the city (I have
not personally vetted the statue for my interpretation, nor John's).  
I realize 'assumed facts' is an oxymoron, but I have used it for lack
of more accurate phrasing at this time.  Any referendum on this
proposed contract approval will, at the very least, give all opponents
and proponents to indicate their personal preference.
 
There is a logical reason why the city is trying to rush the biomass
contract through prior to the end of the year.  I have not
definitively put my finger on it; however, I believe the reasoning
must be stated by the city.  It would help tremendously to understand
the why the city is attempting to rush this through.  I still hold the
belief that it is a deal or walk proposition.

If you would be so kind to set-up a press conference and a possibly a

resolution for the mayoral candidates to sign to the effect that we
stand in solidarity against any vote on the biomass prior to city
elections in November, it would be greatly appreciated.  Please let me
know if Terry and John are receptive to your idea.  You may count on
me to be involved and supportive of this united stand.
As an attempt at using my sense of humor and attempt to leave everyone
with a smile, Christopher, I hope you are not emailing while driving!

Respectfully,

Mack

Jeffrey Mack Steffen
mackformayor@psci.net

http://www.mackformayor.com/

http://mackformayor.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/MACK-for-Mayor/
812.482.7025

**********************************************************************
From: Chris Breedlove
Sent: Saturday, July 02, 2011 10:13 AM

If the current mayor rushes the occurrence of any forum without consideration of giving citizens ample time for review, or even sitting a date that is mutually desirable, then his insincere intentions will be revealed;  the current mayor wants to ram through an agreement in July and early august irregardless of the will and participation of citizens, or the expressed desire of all three mayoral candidates.

I recommend that all three mayoral candidates stand together and publicly request that any vote on biomass happen only after the election of the new mayor and city council. 

Please read below the message I sent to Alan Johnson; it reveals the reasonable concerns currently disregarded by city leadership:

*******************************************************************************

To: Alan Johnson

From: Chris Breedlove

Thank you for being willing to moderate discussions between the city and citizens.  I have always found you to be professional and fair on such occasions.

There are several concerns with the vague guidance provided by the mayor and Wayne concerning the forum on biomass.  Rock Emmert may or not be available to meet with you on Friday; I am currently out of town and will be on out of town on Friday as well.  As I mentioned Tuesday, concerned citizens (Mrs. Habig and Rock and others) are meeting with House Rep. Todd Young concerning this same topic.

It appears that Wayne and the mayor are set on a forum and vote on the matter occurring in July.  The mayor alluded to a tentative date that may or may not still be in effect; this is an example of a failure of mayoral leadership to be transparent to and considerate of citizens.

To discuss any forum before any decision is premature.

Too many citizens will be unavailable in July, and with such a short notice of time, several concerned citizens will have been intentionally excluded and ignored by city leadership.

Just as the city desires more time to conduct "due diligence,"

citizens deserve ample time to review any pending lease agreement and terms between the city of Jasper and Jasper Clean Energy Center before any series of forums.  A few weeks notice of a rushed single forum is not adequate time for citizens to fully participate and be prepared.

Reasonable and sensitive consideration by the moderator and city leadership is requested on this point.

Moreover citizens are still awaiting a "community in conversation"

with Jasper Clean Energy Center.  Citizens reasonably expect that Jay Catasein and the JCEC board be at any series of public forums.

Citizens also ask for disclosure of DCADC minutes of when the DCADC publicly endorsed the JCEC proposal through the Herald.  We understand that yourself, the mayor and some members of the USB are a part of the DCADC.  We are asking for unedited DCADC minutes where the DCADC public position concerning the JCEC proposal was discussed.   We would like to know who voted in favor of that recommendation and who abstained, and the full minutes that reveal that DCADC decision to go public.  We are simply asking for goodwill transparency in this matter and we are making no accusations.

Any series of forums needs to ensure maximum participation of all involved and reasonable time to review items.  We expect that as a fair moderator that you too will insist on the same things mentioned above.

Out of respect for the hundreds of concerned citizens I have included them in this email.  Please pardon my text and mistakes, as i have sent this email from my phone using one thumb....

Thank you again Alan.

Chris Breedlove

******************************************************************************
On Friday, June 24, 2011,  <AJohnson@vinu.edu> wrote:

Chris,

The City has asked me to moderate another public forum on the biomass

issues and they will hold a meeting on Tuesday to establish the date,
location and format. I don't believe they will be inviting public
comments at that session.

After I have an initial discussion with the City officials to set the

objectives and parameters I will contact you to arrange a meeting with
some of the opposition leadership to clarify our roles and
expectations. My goal is to lead a civil discussion to ensure that the
issues of concern are clearly and succinctly communicated and heard.

I'll be in touch.

Dr. Alan Johnson, Dean

Vincennes University, Jasper Campus
850 College Avenue, Jasper, IN 47546
812/482-3030      Fax: 812/481-5960

Political Civility Challange

From local media and JCC sources

I would like to address the Political Civility Challenge which was issued by the Jasper Chamber of Commerce to the political candidates running in the November 2011 elections.  The JCC has challenged us candidates to sign a pledge committing to run a clean campaign.  As of June 29, 2011, ten of the fifteen candidates on the ballot had signed the  “political civility challenge“,   accepting its terms.

I am one of the five who have yet to sign the challenge.  Why?  I have been thinking long and hard about this pledge developed by the JCC.  It states candidates "“will conduct this campaign with the highest integrity and respect for our opponents and their supporters.“This pledge also asks candidates to promise to “speak directly to issues that affect the city“ and “clearly explain our goals and dreams for its future.“".

One unopposed candidate stated this morning that she was glad to sign the challenge saying  “You should promote yourself on your own merit and what knowledge you have to come into the position,“ she said, “and how you will represent the city. I believe the community wants to see the candidates run clean campaigns and run on their own merit, not bash the other candidate.“

A chamber board member said she hopes the trend of running clean campaigns continues past this election.  Does this mean to me that the primary election was not clean?  I believe so.  I saw the last minute attack on Raymie Eckerle in the primary.  I agree with the concept of promoting one's self on their own merit, and what knowledge one has to come into the position, and how the city would be represented.  I too, believe the people of Jasper want to see all candidates run clean campaigns and on their own merit.  The candidates should not bash the other candidates if unwarranted.

My problem with the pledge resides in the wording of conducting oneself with the highest integrity and respect for my opponents and their supporters, which I believe if their character does not enter into the issues and affect the governing of the City of Jasper.  A candidate can also talk a good talk towards the issues, but can still support and be part of the cronyism and nepotism that presently exists in our city government.

The citizens of Jasper deserve to know the character and intellect of their candidates for mayor and if I have to bring these into account for the betterment of Jasper, I am prepared to do so.  I,  am personally laying out all of my skeletons that I can recall collecting in my life.  The people will decide if I conduct myself with integrity and respect to all individuals.  The citizens, I am hopeful, will also realize that bad things happen to good people as most have at one time or another have experienced.
 
I have always been able to strongly disagree with an individual while continuing to respect the person.  People are who they, are and I will always accept this without judging them.

I have determined I will sign the challenge knowing (with the understanding) there will be statements I will make that are attacked as being a personal assault on my opposition's character.  Any statement may be construed by the opposition as my challenging the integrity and respect of the other candidates.  Knowing that I will, indeed, bring character and intellect into some of the issues facing Jasper.  The issues of all candidate's character and knowledge must not be hidden from the voting public.

Mack

It is Independence Day!

I want to wish every citizen of this great country and particularly the people of Jasper a thankful and thoughtful Independence Day.

      Have a very celebratory and happy 4th. of July!!  God Bless America

I salute the founders our great country and all those who have fought to preserve our honor, liberty, and freedom.  Most importantly on this day I want to salute and acknowledge my gratefulness to all those who have served since we won our Independence.  You went to preserve what, we as Americans, hold so dear.  Many of you served, many of you were severely injured and wounded, and many made the ultimate sacrifice.  You fought and died for our country's freedom.  I cannot thank enough, the men and women who have kept us safe and continue to keep us safe today.

As our brave soldiers carry on today with their proud service to protect "We, the people",   please browse though the following links for some very interesting background, the observance, the customs, and other information about this great day in the birth of our nation  Independence Day  

This link is to the text of the Declaration of Independence and additional info.

Mack

Dual Topics: Never Give Up! - A Circus or a Political Statement?

Contained in today's blog is an email I received from Dr. Norma Kreilein and my subsequent reply to her and Jasper's city leaders.

Dear Norma,

Thank you forwarding your email to me.  In my humble opinion, I do not believe skipping any public forum offered by the city is a good idea.  I can identify with your frustration and feelings of disgust  (my inferences) concerning the current biomass proposal.  Regardless whether I have interpreted your position in your email correctly, I respect your input to the city, not only as a citizen, but as a health care professional.  However, I do not believe boycotting any public forum on the biomass matter is prudent.

To quote Thomas Jefferson, “All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for the people of good conscience to remain silent".  I welcome any further questions the city will take on this matter.  Granted, it appears that questions to the USB and the city council are less desirable than simply hearing out opponents views and questions posed.  As an attendee at past public meetings, it appears individual city leaders are hard pressed to take a position, or to respond to any questions during the hearings.  I am speaking of even ‘easy to answer’ yes or no questions.

No one should be assured that the proposal will be approved after the public forums are held (the plurality denotes a hope of there being more than one public forum).  Thankfully, America is still a country where the voice of the people can and must be increasingly and vociferously heard as afforded by our U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, for government (federal, state, local; etc.) will decide what is best for its constituents.    

Norma, I too, read with interest (and dismay) Mayor Schmitt’s comments in The Herald.  Acting as a private citizen, I also sought approval from a Jasper police officer prior to taking a small sign into the chamber.  I am not aware of specifically where the other signs were or what others were doing with their signs.  I voluntarily asked an officer if he wanted mine also.  He seemed to indicate it would be a good idea and I respectfully gave it to him.  Before I get to the others points of my response, I want to again commend your son, Greg, as I was one of the individuals that shook his hand that evening.  The presence and speech of your son is what makes me proud to be an American, particularly given that he is only fifteen years of age.

What the mayor actually stated is more closely to “I don’t want this to turn into a political statement.”  My apologies if this is not an exact verbatim quote.  I will hope Mayor Schmitt will qualify what he stated later, and what you quoted from the Dubois County Free Press.  If I remember correctly, the storyline was the same in The Herald. 

I was in attendance as a private citizen of Jasper and a supporter of the opponents of the present biomass proposal first and foremost.  I was there in a secondary capacity as an independent mayoral candidate.  Although I did not see any other mayoral candidates in the audience, they very well could have been in attendance.  If not, then I fail to see the logic used for removal of the signs due to any political statement and consider it more a personal attack on my person rather than concern the meeting was going to turn into a circus.  If this was the case, I apologize to you and your fellow remonstrators for the mayor having taken his eye off the ball momentarily.  I will look forward to a pleasant discussion with the mayor about my expressed concern.

Norma, honestly I was quite surprised the way you opened your email, but couldn’t agree with you more with what you stated in your last paragraph.  We must continue to question all our city leaders why the present proposal is being fast-tracked.  The foremost reasoning that enters my mind is that Twisted Oak is threatening to walk if a contract is not in hand by a certain deadline.  If so, please let them walk.

I will end with my personal rendition of Jefferson’s quote I used earlier in this response…All government needs to do to gain control over all aspects of our lives is to have its people refrain from their right to free speech and collective power.

Respectfully,

Mack Steffen

*******************************************************************************************************

From: Dr. Norma Kreilein
To: Bill Schmitt <mayor@ci.jasper.in.us>
Sent: Thu, 30 Jun 2011 13:21:31 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Fwd: skip the forum

Quoted today in Dubois County Free Press:

"Mayor Schmitt assured the public 'There will be a public forum before this proposal is approved.'”
So we as citizens of Jasper may be assured that there will be a public forum, then the proposal will be approved. Skip the public forum as it is a waste of time.

I also read with interest your comments regarding the signs at Tuesday's meeting causing it to be a "circus."  My son, Gregory, brought the sign in because the Jasper policeman we spoke to before entering the council chambers not only said it was OK, he specifically said he was not given any instruction to forbid them.  I can certainly understand where opposition and civil rights such as free speech can be a significant distraction to the boards conducting their business.  This maneuver spoke volumes about this entire process.

Greg, the youngest Eagle out of >200 Eagle Scouts in Troup 185, is not contributing to this being a circus.  In fact, last week when he made his presentation about the proposal, he was not censured by the city council or the pro tempore in your absence.  In fact, he was allowed to speak, then applauded loudly by the crowd.  Multiple persons shook his hand and commended him afterward, including a city councilman. 

We have demanded dignity, transparency, representation, accuracy, and accountability.  We have presented objective, well referenced and consensus data and well educated opinions. The closed door sessions and censorship of opposition need to stop.  Risks of the project and its effect on vulnerable constituencies (which have always been our primary focus) continue to render this project fundamentally flawed.  As the 4th of July approaches, we need to return to an open government of the people, by the people, and for the people.  Or has it perished in the City of Jasper?

Norma Kreilein, MD FAAP

Politically Incorrect

Two days ago I commented on an email in which I was informed that Jasper was not the only city funded arts program in the Midwest. In the present 21 Issues listed on my website regarding issue number 10 – Arts and Cultural Activities. In the text for this issue I stated “The knowledge I have gained recently, finding out that the JCAC is the only city in the Midwest with a city funded arts program, saddens me. Jasper should not be spending the citizen's money to facilities and programs used by only a fraction of the community. “.

I stand corrected and publicly apologize for my error. The fact is that Jasper is not the only city in the Midwest with city funding for the arts. Bloomington, Indiana has had long standing city funded arts programs for many years. I apologize to the writer of the email, David Dudine, for my misstatement. I will be changing my website to reflect the correct information. I vetted David’s information by contacting the Bloomington Chamber of Commerce.

I continue to stand behind my belief the City of Jasper should not be spending the citizen’s hard earned money to fund the Jasper Community Arts Commission (JCAC).

Also in my post of 06/27, I asked readers to ponder how I received this misinformation. The answer is it came from Terry Seitz at the mayoral primary forum held on April 18, 2011 at VUJC.

I am guilty of hearsay which is unverified, unofficial information gained or acquired from another and not part of one's direct knowledge. I pride myself in paying no attention to hearsay. I was gullible in believing all local candidates would speak facts and truths at the forum. I'm much too trusting. I truly hope I have once more relearned my lesson – verify so called ‘facts’ before passing on second-hand information.

I’m increasingly become more aware ‘politics is politics’, even at the local level.  However, I hope to break that mold.  I will not continue the ‘politics as usual’ in Jasper.  You, the citizens of Jasper deserve an honest, straightforward, mayor who will espouse facts.  Please accept my public apology for having restated an untruth.  I pledge to the people of Jasper not to do it again.

Mack

Follow the Leader and the Jasper Community Arts Commission

First I’m happy to lead the other two mayoral candidates to a decision on the present proposed bio-mass plant, as well having taken the lead on creating a dialog with the public by way of monthly debates.  I believe everyone knows where I stand on Jasper building a new Library.  I expect my opponents to follow suit by also stating their opposition on this issue.  I must state that I can’t understand why Mr. Seitz thinks this year’s Strassenfest is more important than the election of Jasper’s future mayor.  That said, I can only logically think Mr. Seitz is looking for the November election to get here as fast as it can.  I will let my readers to determine why, but I will give everyone a hint.  Perhaps ‘The more you know’ is what worries Mr. Seitz.

I believe The Herald picked up on the 231 by-pass issue I raised which was addressed to the primary candidates during last October’s forum held at VUJC.  I had publicly first heightened awareness on this issue in the local newspaper, The Herald, as they ran an article relating to my announcement to run for mayor of Jasper on the independent ticket.  There will be more for the opposition to follow.  Please keep abreast of my publicly announced positions and those rendered in subsequent posts to my blog.

I truly hope the Republican and Democratic candidates continue to follow my lead as your next mayor.  One would not expect them to completely get out of the political scene altogether.  I would expect and appreciate their support.

As I end this writing I want to apologize for a mistake I may have made concerning Jasper having the only publically funded community arts program in the Midwest.  I received an email from David Dudine informing me “It (sic) is simply untrue that Jasper is alone in having city funded arts, as your web site states.  Bloomington also has had their Arts Commission for many years.  The city even hires artists to produce public art for the city.” 

I haven’t vetted this information, but once done I will admit I was wrong, if so, and will remove that particular reference about the JCAC from my website.  Regardless of whether Bloomington has a city funded arts program, I will continue to believe Jasper should not use public funds for the few at the expense of the many.  There are enough wealthy individuals in this city.  There should be no need for all of the public to foot the bill for programs not attainable by all of the citizens.  Public art is a different matter.  If the majority of the people of Jasper vote for public art, I would support our citizen’s decision.

I will let the readers know tomorrow if Mr. Dudine’s facts are correct, and if I am guilty of misinformation, I will publically apologize.  Also tune-in tomorrow to discover where I received the misinformation regarding the JCAC being the only publically funded arts program in the Midwest.  Until then, I will give you a helpful suggestion – dare I say one of the other two candidates may have stated this information publicly prior to me picking up on it?   Yes.  Make your pick.

Mack

Circumventing Dirty Politics

I was bemused by Mike Eckert's statement at the October 2010 mayoral forum that he was happy to see no dirty politics in the mayoral primary.  This was not a belief I held as I sat in the audience, and was proven correct after the last minute political assassination by "The Committee To Re-elect Anyone But Raymie Eckerle".  My having to sit in the audience was a political ploy in itself.  I will comment at another time concerning this.

I am going to avoid twelfth-hour dirty politics attacks by my mayoral candidate opponents by anticipating their movements and eliminating any destructive ploys on their part.  I believe artfulness will trump attempts to deceive and destroy.  I have been in governmental politics less than four months and have already realized the local Democratic and Republican parties will resort, and have resorted, to dirty politics.  Unfortunately, as I was recently a member of their party, I believe the hatchet jobs done thus far have originated in the Republican camp.

Some readers my not be aware of the mailing that went out on the weekend prior to last November's Tuesday primary election.  This was a two page attack on Raymie Eckerle which was to say the least, unfair.  It was also cowardly as, whoever "The Committee To Re-elect Anyone But Raymie Eckerle" consists of, they failed to identify its member or members.

I have nothing to hide and challenge my opposition and any individuals to step up to the plate now and express their concerns and have the courage to identify yourself or group.  As I announced in my first political ad which ran in The Herald yesterday and will run Monday and Tuesday, I want you, the voter, to know me as an individual.  As time restraints make it difficult for me to post daily, please check back from time to time for my discussions on my character, difficulties with the media, updates on biomass, the library, city meetings, and other new happenings and more.

Mack

Jasper Utility Service Board and Bio-mass; Jasper Library, and Local Media

Yesterday I posed the questions of whether I was a fence sitter, a flip-flopper, or both.  Here is an email I sent today to some of our city officials, which I hope will clarify my positions not only on the proposed bio-mass plant, but also on the the library issue and lack of media coverage of the issues facing Jasper:

I am vehemently opposed to the city’s current biomass plant proposal.  There are way too many unanswered questions for the city officials and the people of Jasper and Dubois county to make an educated decision of worth versus risks.  I am opposed to the city hurriedly trying to get this contract signed this year, much less, by the end of July.  I will actively support all those opposed to the current power plant proposal.  This said, I must say I am in favor of an air-quality acceptable bio-mass or other alternative fuel power plant in Jasper’s future.  There is a distinct difference in my positions for this proposal and for any future proposal.  Any city proposal of this magnitude must be left to the voters to decide via referendum.

I am also in favor of a clean air ordinance.  However; again, I must qualify this statement also.  Very briefly, first, after looking over the proposed ordinance, which I admit I only read portions of it, I am fearful that requirements within the proposal may violate personal freedoms and liberties.  Secondly, the proposed clean air ordinance appears to be very technical and needs explanation in terms in which the ordinary citizen can ascertain the facts and form their opinions.  With knowledge, the people of Jasper as a whole should have say over what goes in, or what should go out of the proposed ordinance.  This appears to me to need as much study and public input as the bio-mass plant should have received.

...I will use this opportunity to address the news media’s part in disseminating information on the bio-mass and library issues, not to mention Jasper’s mayoral election.  I witnessed the chastising of the media by one speaker who spoke at the 06/20/2011 USB meeting regarding incomplete, misinterpreted, or lack of information presented to the public.  I must also have to chastise the media for their past lack of diligence in addressing all of the issues important to Jasper’ citizens. 

I personally do not recall a mayoral election in which so many important issues face the City of Jasper.  It appears that the media either does not care, is incapable of caring, or is being told not to care about the important issues that face Jasper and its citizens.  I am attempting to get monthly dialogues among the candidates for mayor initiated so that the citizens of Jasper can determine who best can lead our city into the future.  I am urging our media to get involved as a civic duty to their readers, watchers, and listeners.   All opposing views on any important issue whether pro or con must be fair, just, and non-selective.

Respectfully,

 Mack

Jeffrey Mack Steffen

Lifelong Jasper Resident and

Independent Candidate for Mayor of Jasper

“The Uncommon Candidate for the Common Man”

www.mackformayor.com
mackformayor@psci.net
812-482-7025

Jasper Utility Service Board and Bio-mass - Shock and Awe

First let me state that although I am an advocate of an alternative source of energy for Jasper and I still support the possibility of a bio-mass plant.   BUT, I definitely DO NOT SUPPORT the current bio-mass proposal and definitely the time frame. I believe NOT NOW;  NOT THIS YEAR.
The USB (Jasper Utility Service Board) resorted to Shock & Awe at last night's utility meeting.  As I sat in the audience, the more I had an overwhelming feeling of fear (shock) come over me.  The meeting created a sudden disturbance of my mind, emotions, and sensibilities (awe).  As stated in my blog of 06/19/2011, I felt the impending disaster (if done this year) was indeed, purely political in nature as I said "Everything in life is political. How true I have found this to be. As a novice in politics, I am learning all governmental entities are corrupt. Yes, even at the local level. If it is determined a contract be signed with Twisted Oaks prior to the November election, it is for the benefit of the Democratic and Republican politicians, not for our citizens."

I do not know most of our city officials personally, and do not want to imply anything individually, but will say our city government operating as a whole has been unseemly, incompetent, and as one speaker put it last night, "guilty of lack of due diligence" when it comes to rushing through THIS alternative energy plan.  Adding to the rush mindset of these officials is their need to take advantage of federal 'grants' before they expire at the end of the year.  Federal money, or really, just another piece of your dollar will be going to help fund THIS power plant.  One can only tear a dollar into so many pieces.  I believe the vast majority of  U.S. citizens realize adding to our federal deficit is irresponsible.  This is based on national poll results.  Our federal government is going bankrupt and our spending and our national debt continues to skyrocket.  Doling out more federal monies to ill conceived planning will not helping the U.S. economy, nor will it help our local economy.

Last night's decision/direction of the utility board apparently takes the heat off of the entrenched candidates of both the Democratic and Republican parties.  Not only did they surprise everyone in attendance with the bio-mass time line, insult to injury was added by the utility board proposing gas rate increases for Jasper's citizens.

We, the people of Jasper, cannot let THIS proposed bio-mass contract to be signed, sealed, and delivered down the throats of Jasper's and Dubois County's citizens.  We should demand the City of Jasper's officials to stop any further consideration of THIS  very unwise direction.  I am urging all the people to get involved immediately and press for all information and have your questions answered by city officials.  I am taking up Pastor Christopher Breedlove's cause to stop THIS proposal and hope you will too.

I certainly would like to write more at this sitting, but am pressed for time.  Please come back again tomorrow when I will let you know more about the meeting I attended last night.  By the way, did you know your gas rates are going up.  Yes, you will be paying - I believe the percentage was 19% - more for gas utilities?  What's another $8-$16 a month though?  We can just add this increase to the $50 - $60 more added to our taxes if the library referendum passes.  And what is it going to cost us for THIS power plant conversion?

Am I a fence sitter?  ...a flip-flopper?  Please check back for further information about this, and the meeting about the other THIS.

Mack

Jasper Utility Service Board and Bio-mass - Part 2

 Posted by independent candidate for mayor of Jasper, Mack Steffen

Today I finish my discussion on an email sent to the mayoral candidates by the Rev. Dr. Breedlove.

Included in the email from Pastor Breedlove was a link to an email sent by him to the Jasper Utility Service Board and the Common Council.  This link below is the article (email) posted by the Dubois County Free Press on June 14, 2011. 

Along with the link, the email contained two sections:  "Reasons to be concerned about biomass" and "Specifically you can lead now by helping citizens".  My opinions are expressed for each point in each section.

In the "Reasons to be concerned about biomass" section one cannot dispute 2 of the 4 points addressed in the Rev. Doctor's email text, as they appear to be factual and indisputable:

• The release of particulate matter (PM) would spike an already compromised ambient air space and put lives and the health of nearby residents at a greater risk;
• we are in a non attainment classified area for PM; a biomass power plant would likely hinder local Dubois County Industry (Jobs) growth. Read Dr. Steve Hopf's letter;
• the use of federal dollars adds to the national deficit;
• a significant growing number of physicians, healthcare providers and citizens specifically oppose further negotiations with Catasein's Twisted Oak.

How much the release of particulate matter would put the lives of the nearby residents and the citizens of Jasper at risk is open to debate. The statement that the plant would likely hinder local job growth, lacks confidence in the truth or existence and is not immediately susceptible to rigorous proof. It is factual that using federal dollars adds to the national debt and a growing number of people oppose the plant.

I have addressed The Rev. Doctor's section titled "Specifically you can lead now by helping citizens", after each point as indicated in my viewpoints below:

·  Advocate for a  clean air ordinance 

MACK's VEIW:  The Healthy Dubois County groups clean air ordinance proposal definitely needs what I have coined as the IdTEC process, which is to Investigate, Discard or Implement, Test and Monitor, Evaluate, and Conclude.  But, yes, I would advocate for a clean air ordinance if the ordinance would not have adverse effects on our economy and our citizen's rights.  However, from my brief scan of the proposed ordinance (if it were planned to be enacted basically as it now reads) I found I would not be supportive of this proposed ordinance as a whole. 
·  encourage City leaders to reveal to date how much money has been spent by the city of Jasper on feasibility studies, outside consultations, negotiation expenses, and contracted attorney fees related to the power plant conversion to biomass (The Herald reported on expenses related to the library, the same should be done about the biomass issue);

MACK's VEIW:  I am in total agreement.
·  ask city leaders to slow down this matter until after the November election;

MACK's VEIW:  I am perplexed by this point.  The city leaders do need to 'slow down' to ensure getting it right, but the November elections are not relevant.  I discussed the political ramifications in my previous post on this subject.  Politics cannot be a factor in determining what is best for Jasper's citizens.

·  ask city leaders to reveal who would be serving as the board members of the Jasper Clean Energy Center; ask current and future city USB and Common Council leaders to sign a pledge stating that they will in no way serve on the JCEC board or seek to financially benefit by any means from JCEC; - MACK's VEIW:  The city should reveal how many members and in what capacity they would be serving on JCEC board if feasible.  I need more information on the pledge logic.  I believe the financial gain issue will (must be) covered by conflict of interest contracts.
·  ask city leaders to specifically and publicly speak to the growing list of physicians, health care providers and citizens for clean air and that are opposed to Catasein's Twisted Oak biomass proposal.
MACK's VEIW:  Yes, to more and continued information and discussion with all citizens of Jasper and Dubois County.  Physicians and health care providers should be listened to and valued for expressing their professional opinion.  However, I do not believe members of this group should have more weight in their personal decision making than any other citizen.

I also want to comment on Dr. Norma Kreilien's article or letter, also in the Dubois County Free Press  http://www.dcfreep.com/i-will-move-my-practice-if-this-agreement-is-approved-by-my-city-government/    Dr. Kreilien stated "I will move my practice if this agreement is approved by my city government."  My apologies Dr. Kreilien, but in my opinion, her public outrage is silly.  She should be even more concerned about your patients if the plant is approved.  I am not a physician; however, I think Dr. Kreilien's position on leaving her patients 'high and dry' may be a violation of the Hippocratic Oath if taken by Dr. Kreilien.  A couple of excerpts from the oath are as follows:

"I promise that my medical knowledge will be used to benefit people's health. They are my first concern. I will listen to them and provide the best care I can. I will be honest, respectful and compassionate towards patients. In emergencies, I will do my best to help anyone in medical need."  .



 Rather than move from our great city, Dr. Kreilien would do best by considering passage as an emergency for her patients, and her professional judgement should, indeed, not be influenced by political pressures.  If Dr. Kreilien wants to move, she should move as a private citizen, not as a disgruntled physician.

In wrapping-up today's blog, I must say my phone conversation with the Rev. Dr. Breedlove was cordial and enjoyable for me.  We had pleasant discussions on several topics.  I thank Rev. Dr. Breedlove for his informational email and the corresponding links contained within.  Although I have some disagreements with his position on the proposed bio-mass plant,  we also found common ground on others.  We have agreed to disagree in a civil and, hopefully, helpful manner for us and the citizens of Jasper

As always, respectfully to ALL citizens of Jasper,


Mack (Jeffrey Mack) Steffen
The Uncommon Candidate for the Common Man
Your independent and alternative choice for mayor of the City of Jasper.http://www.dcfreep.com/i-will-move-my-practice-if-this-agreement-is-approved-by-my-city-government/