Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 15 October 2004 — Page 3

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2004

THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

PAGE A3

CLUB ► Continued from Page 1 needed to make cuts." The BGCI board of directors was faced with a decision. Either close the Atkins facility at 3131 W. lb 01 St. or the Wheeler’s Club, 2310 E. 30th St. Because Atkins’ decline in membership over the years, the $3.7 million building restoration cost outweighed the Wheeler’s building repairs. Simply, the Wheeler’s Club was less of a financial burden. “At the time our two priorities were Wheeler’s Club and Atkins Club and Wheeler’s Club was being close to $3 million (for repairs),” Branch said. “The board made the decision that rather to do only partial at both, that we would choose the Wheeler Club and move forward with it.” Currently, BGCI lacks a club for Haughville youth. A private party is interested in purchasing the old facility, making building upkeep cost no longer a wony. With that concern addressed, maintaining the programs in the 16th Street location will be BGCI’s only priority. “There is an interest there. This group would purchase the structure and allow us to come in there and run our programs,” said Branch. “And we just received a letter from that group today as a intent to purchase the building.” With the purchase of the building by an outside party, BGCI has agreed that they are unable to pay rent, make the upkeep on the building, they simply have the funds to only

run the programs. Dorothy James, a Haughville resident, says that the 7-year-old whom she baby-sits would attend the programs at Atkins if reopened. “I hope they do reopen the Atkins club because it keeps some of these kids off the streets,” she said with frustration. “If the club reopens I believe a lot of these kids will return to the program.” For this reason, BGCI continues to ask for support from the community. “We hopefully can get the unit board, the volunteers and parents to say, that they w’ould support the programs so that a year from now we are not in the same predicament,” Branch said. Thirty percent of BGCIs funding comes from the United Way, 15 percent from special events, 20 percent reflectsgovemmentfunding and 5 percent from endowments interest and the rest from corporate, individual and regular foundation giving. “When effective partners like Boys and Girls Clubs are forced to cut back their offerings, it’s a sad day for us all,” said Ellen K. Annala, president and chief executive officer, United Way of Central Indiana. The pressure to diversify funding, to come up with new and creative methods is a constant in the life of ever)' nonprofit, and unfortunately, I don’t see signs that such pressures will be letting up any in the foreseeable future.”

Pma (or by th* Committee to Elect Dew) Orenthcber David Gabovittfi Treesurei

Re-Elect State Representative

Honorary Co-Chairs: Congresswoman Julia Carson and Hon. Andy Jacobs. Jr.

David Orentlicher

Democrat Ballot #8B Creating high-paying jobs Building stronger schools Making health care affordable Doctor, lawyer, ethicist Husband, father, Sunday School teacher

5 O O

SPIRIT U At FORMATION AND CHARACTER DC Vll OPME NT • ClASSK CUMlf.UlJM N A,(.AP NO £N* RQNM1NT

St. Richard’s School Open House Saturday, October 23, 2004 9-11 a.m.

A B60 Knowledge and values for a lifetime 33 Eaat 33rd Street Indianapolia, IN 46205-3401 317/926-0425 www.8trichardaschool.org

3 z

> o > m ® o o

AN INDEPJNDENT EPISCOPAL DAY SCHOOL • PRC K (3 YEARS) THROUGH GRADE 8

HOUSE ► Continued from Page 1

Rep. B. Patrick Bauer, D-South Bend, speaker (procedural leader) ofthe Indiana House, believes the Democratic majority has made tangible accomplishments on behalf of citizens under their leadership. But he warns that future achievements could be placed in jeopardy if voters allow Republicans to take back the House. “I think Democrats have a history of putting people before profit, especially when it comes to issues like the cost of prescription drugs,” said Bauer. “We also have tried to assist small businesses because they’re the ones that create most of the jobs. When Republicans last had the House majority they initiated policies that went after teachers, funding for kids in special education programs, and living wages for working people. Indiana can’t afford to give them another chance to completely control our Legislature.” Republicans however, contend that Democrats haven’t pushed for anything of substance during the past eight years they’ve had the majority. Republican leaders are calling for more fiscal discipline to restore the state’s financial health. “The Democrats have controlled the Indiana House for 14 ofthe last 16 years and we’ve had a rather sorry record of job loss around the state, and it’s time for new leadership take our state in a fresh direction,” said Brian Bosnia, R-Indianapolis, the Republican minority leader who would become speaker ifhis party won the majority. “We have proposed ideas to create high wage jobs by bringing new technology employers to our state, to cause Indiana to live within its budgetary means, tax breaks for insurance, and a strong program to expand charter schools and education choices.” Although a vast majority of minorities believe Democrats are more responsive to the needs of citizens in mostly urban communities, a handful of African Americans in the state welcome the idea of the House of Representatives having a Republican majority. “I think the Republicans would get the things done that really need to be done,” said James Vanleer. A Muncie Republican w ho was in the House until 1996, Vanleer is the last African American from that party to serve in the General Assembly. He believes minorities limit themselves by being loyal to only one party be-

cause they have no one to fight on their behalf when Republicans hold executive offices. “Both national and state Democratic policiessuch as welfare have made us far too reliant on social programs,” he said. “In the inner city w r e don’t need Democrats in office who just grin in our face and only show up in our community during election time. We need less rhetoric'and more concrete action to deliver jobs.” But Dickinson, who’s also the assistant House majority whip, countered that Democrats have presented the legislation that truly matters to not only minorities, but also citizens of all stripes. “Democrats have faithfully represented and fought on behalf of the state’s working people and low income residents,” she said. “For example, we are very concerned about issues involving health care for those who need it, informing citizens of their voting rights, and increasingthestrength of Indiana’s school systems. Although many of our efforts have been stymied by the Republican Senate, we have promoted full day kindergarten because it has been proven that earlier learning is helpful to students both academically and socially.” The House of Representatives is only one of the two chambers in the Indiana General Assembly. The other is the state Senate, which has been dominated by Republicans since the late 1970s. For that reason, many individuals, including Porter, believe that a Democratic-led House has provided an effective check and balance to the Senate. Porter, who’s also chairman of the House Education Committee, noted that several African Americans serve as chairs of important House committees, including himself, Bill Crawford of Indianapolis (Ways and Means), Gary’s Charlie Brown (Health), and Indianapolis’ Vanessa Summers (Human Affairs). Other African American caucus members are strategically placed on committees to continue to set policy in a diverse way,” said Porter. “But in order for that to continue w r e must vote Democratic.” It’s unlikely this year’s election would have any substantial impact on the Senate, given that only half of the senators are running (representatives are elected every two years, senators every four years) and Republicans hold a solid 32-18 majority.

Taking my money is abuse.

Stop it,

For help with domestic abuse, call 317.926.4357

www. dome st icviolencenetwork.org

ITS YOUR RIGHT AND WEIL HELP YOU FIGHT! CALL TODAY INDIANA CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION (866) 3 FAIR 4 U OR (866) 332-4748 TTY (800) 743-3333

Sandra 0. Lack, Esq., Executive Director Thlt lamWmnl on produml wMi Um MMUnca of MFA Oireugfi Mml fundo midi ovaHiMo by MFA undor ttw NoMooil AflordoMt Hooting Act of 1991, at tmtndtd jtfng HOME (nvtltmut PartntMp Program fandi MIorMilf 9y HUD.

VQ) Co\ w

& \

Srf] \ S o i J\\ »< SI | SALE B j NOW CALL 924 5143

...Become Tomorrow’s Leaders. We’re living proof. Today, local YMCA programs and services touch the lives of more than 140,()()() people — living proof we re making a difference even day. >

The YMCA. Celebrating 150 years of making a difference in our community.