EJ&E Railroad updates and meeting with Pete Visclosky

Are you ready to get stopped at railroad crossings three times as often as you currently do, and then wait two and a half times longer for the train to pass? Would you like three times as many freight trains, like the one that badly injured three people in Griffith on July 25, barreling through your community every day? Do you want to breathe in more pollution because of extra trains chugging through and more idling cars stopped at railroad crossings? Would you compromise economic development initiatives like the South Shore Line expansion and the Gary/Chicago International Airport expansion for the interests of one corporation? For me, the answer to all of those questions is a resounding NO!

Unfortunately, all of those situations could become a reality if the Surface Transportation Board (STB) puts CN’s interest ahead of ours and allows CN to acquire the EJ&E Railroad. On July 25, the STB issued its Draft Environmental Impact Study (EIS) of the CN/EJ&E deal, which analyzes the environmental impacts on the surrounding communities and the natural environment that would occur if this acquisition takes place. It also sets forth the STB’s recommended mitigation measures, which I deem deficient. From the Draft EIS, it is clear that the impact of the acquisition on Northwest Indiana would be a severe change in our quality of life.

The EJ&E line running through the region would, on average, see a three-fold increase in the number of trains per day and an increase in train length from 2,590 feet to 6,321 feet. The result would bisect communities, impede the flow of automobile traffic, increase emissions, and add public safety hazards. The proposed acquisition also would create new obstacles to the expansion of the South Shore Line and would hinder the expansion of Gary/Chicago International Airport. None of that would be good for Northwest Indiana.

Beginning August 1, you will have 60 days to comment on the Draft EIS as the STB works toward a final ruling on the deal. Click here for more information on how to comment.

Additionally, the STB has scheduled an open house and public meeting to be held in Gary at IU Northwest, 3400 Broadway, on Wednesday, September 10, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Limiting the comment period to 60 days and holding only one meeting in Northwest Indiana is grossly inadequate and an affront to the region that I cannot stand for. I will appeal to the STB to extend the public comment period and hold additional meetings in Northwest Indiana. Together, we can make sure Northwest Indiana’s voice is heard.

Sincerely,

Pete Visclosky
Member of Congress

Washington Office
2256 Rayburn
House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
phone: (202) 225-2461
fax: (202) 225-2493

Northwest Indiana Office
701 East 83rd Avenue, Suite 9
Merrillville, IN 46410
phone: (219) 795-1844
(888) 423-PETE (toll-free)
fax: (219) 795-1850


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Gary workers face 20 percent pay cut

Gary workers face 20 percent pay cut

August 2, 2008

By Jon Seidel Post-Tribune staff writer

GARY -- Tough times are about to hit employee paychecks at City Hall, where the administration announced a plan to "impose" a 20 percent pay reduction, according to a memo sent to the unions this week.
Celita Green, the city's finance director, warns in the memo of a $12.9 million cash shortfall this year caused by a state-mandated budget freeze and shortfalls in tax collections.

"That means we will not be able to provide services at the current level," Green wrote, "or make payroll through year-end without taking immediately drastic action."

Mayor Rudy Clay couldn't be reached for comment Friday afternoon when some of the unions were scheduled to discuss the notice.

Green wrote in her memo that the city has already reduced its budget by $4.7 million. A 20-percent salary reduction, she wrote, would save another $2.9 million.

"Even with these reductions," Green wrote, "the city will still be cash short by $5 million."

Del Stout, president of Gary's Fraternal Order of Police, said his members have already decided against concessions.

Ted Bilski, business agent and trustee for Teamsters Local 142, said city officials offered his members a choice between a 32-hour work week or layoffs.

However, Bilski said the administration wouldn't rule out layoffs even with the reduced hours.

"That's a very tough decision," Bilski said. "That's why the members will vote on it."

When the Teamsters met with city officials last month, Bilski said he asked for a comprehensive plan from the administration. That plan, he said, has not been delivered.

Green wrote in her memo that the city is making constant changes to its plans, "which would make whatever I give you now obsolete with the next change."

Lorenzo Crowell Jr., an internal organizer for the Service Employees International Union, said he didn't want to speak in detail before meeting with his members next week, but he said he'd been contacted by the administration.

"It wasn't very palatable," Crowell said.

According to Green's memo, department heads will continue to work 40-hour weeks, but they will be paid for just 32 hours. Insurance benefits, Green wrote, will remain in full effect.

The 20-percent cut, Green wrote, will be seen on the Sept. 12 paychecks.

In addition to meeting the cuts for 2008, new property tax laws could force the city to cut its budget by another third in 2009 and by half in 2010.

Contact Jon Seidel at 881-3148 or at jseidel@post-trib.com. Comment on this story at www.post-trib.com


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SCORPIO - The Intense One (Oct 23 - Nov 21)

This was interesting. Criss Angel showed how this worked on one of his shows, but it was still kind of surprising when I checked out several people I knew. Not superstitious, but I need all the luck I can get. Once you have opened this e-mail, there is no turning back. Below are true descriptions of zodiac signs. Read your sign, and then forward it on, with your zodiac sign and label on the subject line. This is the real deal, try ignoring or changing it, and the first thing you ' ll notice is having a horrible day starting tomorrow morning - and it only gets Worse from there.

Remember, if you are on the cusp of another sign you most likely will have features of both signs...which may lead you into total confusion...

CAPRICORN - The Go-Getter (Dec 22 - Jan 19) Patient and wise. Practical and rigid. Ambitious. Tends to be Good-looking. Humorous and funny. Can be a bit shy and reserved. Often pessimistic. Capricorns tend to act before they think and can be Unfriendly at times. Hold grudges. Like competition. Get what they want. 20 years of good luck if you forward.


AQUARIUS - The Sweetheart (Jan 20 - Feb 18) Op timistic and honest. Sweet personality. Very independent. Inventive and intelligent. Friendly and loyal. Can seem unemotional. Can be a bit rebellious. Very stubborn, but original and unique. Attractive on the inside and out. Eccentric personality. 11 years of luck if you forward.


PISCES - The Dreamer (Feb 19 - Mar 20) Generous, kind, and thoughtful. Very creative and imaginative. May become secretive and vague. Sensitive. Don't like details. Dreamy and unrealistic. Sympathetic and loving. Kind. Unselfish. Good kisser. Beautiful. 8 years of good luck if you forward.


ARIES - The Daredevil (Mar 21 - April 19)
Energetic. Adventurous and spontaneous. Confident and enthusiastic. Fun. Loves a challenge. EXTREMELY impatient. Sometimes selfish. Short fuse. (Easily angered.) Lively, passionate, and sharp wit. Outgoing. Lose interest quickly - easily bored. Egotistical. Courageous and assertive. Tends to be physical and athletic. 16 years of good luck if you forward.


TAURUS - The Enduring One (April 20 - May 20) Charming but aggressive. Can come off as boring, but they are not. Hard workers. Warm-hearted. Strong, has end urance. Solid beings that are s table and secure in their ways. Not looking for shortcuts. Take pride in their beauty. Patient and reliable. Make great friends and give good advice. Loving and kind. Loves hard - passionate. Express themselves emotionally. Prone to ferocious temper-tantrums. Determined. Indulge themselves often. Very generous. 12 years of good Luck if you forward


GEMINI - The Chatterbox (May 21 - June 20) Smart and witty. Outgoing, very chatty. Lively, energetic. Adaptable but needs to express them selves. Argumentative and outspoken. Like change. Versatile. Busy, sometimes nervous and tense. Gossips. May seem superficial or inconsistent. Beautiful physically and mentally. 5 years of bad luck if you do not forward.


CANCER - The Protector (June 21 - July 22)
Moody, emotional. May be shy. Very loving and caring. Pretty/handsome. Excellent partners for life. Protective. Inventive and imaginative. Cautious. Touchy-feely kind of person. Needs love from others. Easily hurt, but sympathetic. 16 years of bad luck if you do not forward.


LEO - The Boss (July 23 - Aug 22)
Very organized. Need order in their lives - like being in control. Like boundaries. Tend to take over everything. Bossy. Like to help Others. Social and outgoing. Extroverted. Generous, warm-hearted. Sensitive. Creative energy. Full of themselves. Loving. Doing the right thing is important to Leos. Attractive. 13 years of bad luck if you do not forward .


VIRGO - The Perfectionis t (Aug 23 - Sept 22)
Dominant In relationships. Conservative. Always wants the last word. Argumentative. Worries. Very smart. Dislikes noise and chaos. Eager. Hardworking. Loyal. Beautiful. Easy to talk to. Hard to please. Harsh. Practical and very fussy. Often shy. Pessimistic. 7 years of bad luck if you do not forward.


LIBRA - The Harmonizer (Sept 23 - Oct 22)
Nice to everyone they meet. Can't make up their mind. Have own unique appeal. Creative, energetic, and very social. Hates to be alone. Peaceful, generous. Very loving and beautiful. Flirtatious. Give in too easily. Procrastinators. Very gullible. 9 years of bad luck if you do not forward.


SCORPIO - The Intense One (Oct 23 - Nov 21)
Very energetic. Intelligent. Can be jealous and/or possessive. Hardworking. Great kisser. Can become obsessive or secretive. Holds grudges. Attractive. Determined. Loves being in long Relationships. Talkative. Romantic. Can be self-centered at times. Passionate and Emotional. 4 years of bad luck if you do not forward.


SAGITTARIUS - The Happy-Go-Lucky One (Nov 22 - Dec 21)
Good-natured optimist. Doesn't want to grow up (Peter Pan Syndrome). Indulges self. Boastful. Likes luxuries and gambling. Social and outgoing. Do esn't like responsibilities. Often fantasizes. Impatient. Fun to be around. Having lots of friends. Flirtatious. Doesn't like rules. Sometimes hypocritical. Dislikes being confined - tight spaces or even tight clothes. Doesn't like being doubted. Beautiful inside and out. 14 years of bad luck if you do not forward.


Send away!!~ Ready, set, go!
1-3 people= 1 minute of luck
4-7 people= 1 hour of luck
8-12 people = 1 day of luck
13-17 People = 1 week of luck
18-22 people = 1 month of luck
23-27 people = 3 Months of luck
28-32 people = 7 months of luck
33-37 people = 1 year of luck


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New Jobs in Indiana with Clean Energy... Jill Long Thompson

Last month, Indiana lost 17,900 jobs. Our unemployment rate jumped more than any other state in the country.

Those are daunting statistics -- but while our current leadership might accept them, we don't have to.

Yesterday, Dennie Oxley and I announced our new Green Jobs Initiative. Our plan centers on using the skills Hoosiers already have and creating 30,000 new, good paying green jobs across the state.

Visit my website to learn more about the plan -- and to provide your own feedback:

http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/greenjobs

We can make clean technology options a priority in Indiana.

Research shows in our manufacturing sector alone, Indiana has the potential to create as many as 25,180 new jobs from wind turbine manufacturing. We can also create an additional 7,485 new jobs in solar component manufacturing, with even more jobs to be created in geothermal and biomass manufacturing fields.

These jobs use skills many Hoosiers already have. They run the gamut from electricians to welders, carpenters to engineers, mechanics, equipment operators, roofers, iron and steel workers, millwrights and truckers.

Combined with tax rebates for eligible companies that create green jobs, and a clean energy fund to invest in this emerging industry, we can achieve our energy, environmental and economic goals.

Click here to learn more -- and to tell us what you think:

http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/greenjobs

Indiana has the potential to be a national leader in clean energy and simultaneously build its economy. Dennie and I plan to work hard everyday to make this a reality for all Hoosiers.

Sincerely,
Jill Long Thompson

PS. You can read the comprehensive Green Jobs Initiative here:

http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/greenjobs


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Break Bread with Hillary Clinton

During the campaign, Hillary and I didn't have the chance to eat together much because we were usually on the trail in different states. Now that the campaign's over, I'm glad we can share more meals again.

Of all the people I've had the privilege to break bread with, the person I most enjoy is still Hillary.

Now you have a chance to have dinner with her. And if you contribute today to help Hillary retire that pesky campaign debt, you and a guest might be sitting down to dinner with her soon. I think you should go for it and enter today.

Join Hillary for dinner. Make a contribution today.

Trust me on this one. If you're the lucky winner, it will be a night you'll really enjoy and one to remember.

All my best,

Bill Clinton


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Obama says McCain has hit the "Low Road"

A few hours ago John McCain, the same man who just months ago promised to run a "respectful campaign," said he is "proud" of his latest attack ad.

That's the one attacking your enthusiasm, comparing me to Paris Hilton and Britney Spears, and making false claims about my energy plan.

Now, we're facing some serious challenges in this country -- our economy is struggling, energy costs are skyrocketing, and families don't have health care.

Given the seriousness of these issues, you'd think we'd be having a serious debate. But instead, John McCain is running an expensive, negative campaign against us. Each day brings a desperate new set of attacks.

And they're not just attacking me. They're attacking you.

They're mocking the desire of millions of Americans to step up and take ownership of the political process.

They're trying to convince you that your enthusiasm won't amount to anything -- that the people you persuade, the phone calls you make, the donations you give, the doors you knock on are all an illusion. They believe that in this election the same old smears and negative attacks will prevail again.

They're wrong.

And right now, we have a few hours left to prove them wrong in a very concrete way.

Make a donation of $5 or more before the July fundraising deadline at midnight tonight.

Show the strength of our movement for change.

Thank you,

Barack

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Cookout for Barack Obama's 47th Birthday

Barack's 47th birthday is coming up next week, and you have a unique opportunity to give him something that few people across the nation can.

By attending a Cookout for Change this Sunday, August 3rd, you can give your time, energy, and passion by helping to build the Campaign for Change right here in Indiana.

The Campaign for Change Cookouts are a fun way to meet fellow supporters in your area and learn more about our plans to turn Indiana blue for the first time in over 40 years.

These events are also an opportunity to learn more about Campaign for Change Hoosier Teams that will help grow our movement for change.

Sign up to attend a Cookout for Change in your area and celebrate Barack's birthday:

http://in.barackobama.com/incookout

Hoosiers across Indiana are uniting to help build this grassroots organization. Together, they're growing this movement to help Barack this November.

One of the easiest ways to get involved is by joining a Campaign for Change Hoosier Team. Hoosier Teams will reach out to friends, go door-to-door in their neighborhoods, and help bring people into our political process by registering new voters.

Campaign staff and supporters will be talking more about these opportunities at Cookouts for Change across the state this Sunday, August 3rd.

Give Barack the best birthday gift you can -- your time and energy -- and meet fellow Hoosiers committed to bringing change in your area:

http://in.barackobama.com/incookout

See you at the Cookout,

Lily

Lily West
Deputy Field Director
Indiana for Change

P.S. -- If you can't make it to a Cookout in your area, there are still plenty of ways to get involved and celebrate Barack's birthday. Visit an office and go knock on 47 doors, make 47 calls, or register 47 voters for Barack Obama's 47th birthday.

Find the office nearest you and join us:

http://in.barackobama.com/inoffices

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Have dinner with Hillary Clinton

Summer is a time for simple pleasures: family vacations, baseball games, and dinner out under the stars. At least it is if you aren't running for president!

It sure is nice having a little more time on my hands, and I'd love to spend some of it with you. Would you like to join me for dinner?

During the campaign, I had the chance a few times to grab meals with supporters, but they were always rushed thanks to the frenetic pace of the campaign. This is my first chance to sit down and spend some real one-on-one time with you. If you enter today, we could be having dinner together soon!

Join me for dinner. Make a contribution today.

My staff has been calling this my "retirement dinner" -- not because I'm retiring, of course, but because we're working on retiring the debt we owe to small vendors all over the country. And everyone who acts today will have the chance to join me -- along with a guest -- for a dinner to talk about whatever you'd like.

Let's go to dinner! Contribute now, and you and I could be enjoying a summer dinner together soon!

Join me for dinner. Make a contribution today.

Thank you so much for all your wonderful support.

All the best,

Hillary Rodham Clinton

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