Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 16 January 2004 — Page 4

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THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2004

A The loss of your loved one l is difficult enough... f

INDYGO

► Continued from Page 1 tion years ago and believes it could have been handled more effectively. “We, the bus drivers and the riders (are upset) with our Mayor because when we voted him in office he knew about the troubles in the public transportation system and w r e feel the situation should have been nipped in the bud years ago,” he said. With the recent $4 million dollar cut to IndyGo’s budget a change had to come. IndyGo receives $41 million in passenger fares. Seventy-nine percent of the dollars are local funds, one percent comes from the state and IndyGo receives no federal funding. “This study was done several years ago, but it w r as put on the shelf, I don’t know why,” said Gilbert. “When people think of Indianapolis right now they com-

pare us to a Cleveland or Milwaukee, but after they leave here they compare us to Orlando or Salt Lake City. The City-County Council approves our budget, and once it is approved we adopt the budget.” Along with the route removal IndyGo plans to upgrade services. During weekday rush hour buses will be available every 15 minutes instead of every half-hour. “We try to deal with complaints objectively and quickly. We want to try to help people understand the situation so that they can be advocates for public transportation,” Gilbert said. Riley completely objects this notion saying Gilbert and others at IndyGo “have not returned any of the (bus riders) phone calls or responded to our letters.” He, along with the majority of bus riders feel the two commu-

nity meetings are a “slap in the face” and feel at times they can not attend and voice their opinions and rejections. The two com mu nity meetings where citizens, bus riders and employees will be allowed to voice their concerns are on Jan. 20 at 1 p.m. in the Public Assembly room in the City-County Building, 200 E. Washington St., and Jan. 21 at 5 p.m. Buk riders want the meetings rescheduled on a Saturday at the Omega Conference Center saying it is convenient for themselves and their families. On Jan. 29 the IndyGo Board ofDirectors will vote on the plan, if it is approved it will take effect March 14. “We want the March 14' 1 ' pushed back a year and we are doing all that we can to take this to court," said Riley.

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► Continued from Page 1 “The classes are rigorous,” she explained. “We meet the state standards and hold each student responsible for their performance. This is not watered down material.” Most students are in their early 20s, but there are some older and younger people who are still eager to complete their education. Calvin Smith II, a 19-year-old participant, wants to go to col-

lege and knows this is the best way to achieve that goal. “I think it’s easier here than in high school,” said Smith who missed credits his freshman year and as a result was not able to graduate his senior year. “It’s relaxed and you work at your own pace,. You can go ahead if you want.” Smith hopes t<J graduate this year and go to Indiana University and play football. He used

that dream as motivation to keep himself in school and finish. Inordertoparticipateyou have to be a resident in the Pike school district. It’s free of charge but students have to pay for book rental. The goal for the ERC is to create, evaluate and sustain alternative public education opportunities through disciplined expansion, enabling at-risk youth to earn their diplomas.

NEW VP ► Continued from Page 1 have someone ofYvonne s experi- portunities to increase our presence and commitment to the com- ence in the community' for our munity. Yvonne will play a critical customers to see what we have to role in helping the Public Chari- offer.” table Trust under which Citizens since she has already begun Gas (achieves) its vision of being her duties as vice president of the local distribution company of community relations she exutility services,” said Lykins. pressed what she will do to try to When asked how she felt about improve community developher new position she responded, ment. “I am excited about the new op-

“I plan tostart with an increased partnership with community development corporations, as we look for new' projects to enhance neighborhood revitalization,” she commented. When she is not working, she spends time with her daughter Kimberly Black and grandson Davyd Hall.

■ tnH<? r eMre yj 6"?6 2'21 Located in downtown Indianapolis