Henry hired Palermo Galindo as Fort Wayne’s Hispanic-immigrant liaison back in June. Palermo Galindo operates Centro De Dinero, one of those high-priced check cashing services whose target audience is the Hispanic market, and undoubtedly Fort Wayne’s illegal alien population.
I heard the other day about what seemed to be a real blatant bit of insider dealing. It is a lesson in how Fort Wayne works and how rumors grow into something more.
The story was of a sweet-heart deal and conflict of interest. It involved a leading citizen and one of his employees sitting on a board making the decision on the matter.
In a report forced on King Henry’s administration due to a bill authored by city councilwoman Liz Brown, the city reported spending $90 an hour, or a total of $50,000 in the 4th quarter of last year to provide “specialized marketing communications services” for the city.
Or as City Controller Pat Roller called it, a “fill-in public information officer.”
What’s happening with Barry Real Estate and the failed condo/retail development at Harrison Square? Both the city and Barry have failed to really provide any substantive answers of late.
I just got a release from Mayor Henry’s office, and it flies in the face of every news report I’ve read today. Here’s the first paragraph.
The Gaming Study Committee report released today contained good news for Fort Wayne. It affirmed the right of the public to be heard on this important issue, something I have championed all along with my call for a referendum on gaming. The report also highlighted the significant economic potential in the Fort Wayne market, possibly $20 million to $30 million of new revenue each year.
The Henry administration has spent nearly $300,000 on attorneys, and almost $200,000 on consultants. That’s nearly $500,000 in their attempt to railroad I&M on the light lease contract. Of the $300,000 spent on attorneys, $197,464 was spent with Baker & Daniels, where Tim Haffner, the city’s corporate counsel is a partner.
Haffner gave $5,000 to Henry’s campaign on Sept., 5, 2008.
The Indianapolis law firm of Bingham McHale has been paid $14,881 for their efforts and there’s plenty more to come, since Bingham McHale is the lead law firm representing Fort Wayne.
J. Richard Kiefer gave Henry $500 on Jan., 31st, 2008. Mary Solada gave Henry $500 in the same year. Amy Stewart, $250. All of them work for Bingham McHale.
It may be too late for Mayor Henry’s casino ambitions. Last night, Ohio voters approved four casinos in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati and Toledo. The amendment was promoted by Penn National Gaming Inc. and Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert. Their group spent $35 million in to persuade voters, and the amendment passed 53 percent to 47 percent.
David Wilmott, president of Penn National says all four casinos should be built in a little over two years.
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