PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: October 16, 2007
Contact: Alicia Graves
E-Mail: info@AliciaGraves.com
Phone: (812) 219-2142

Graves calls for end to destruction of yard signs

It is an unfortunate reality that political yard signs become a target of vandals during an election season, Alicia Graves said today. Yard signs have been set on fire, ripped apart and stolen in the Bryan Park neighborhood alone. This behavior began the first weekend the signs appeared. One Graves supporter had her sign stolen twice. Interestingly enough, one of the pilfered signs sat in between two Isabel Piedmont signs that were unmolested. “I have to wonder if this illegal acts are politically motivated,” Graves said. “Isabel and I are trying to run an issue-oriented campaign and such behavior shows disrespect to both of us. I am sure that Ms. Piedmont would agree that this is wrong and needs to end.” Graves pointed out that destruction of campaign materials is not a Republican or Democratic issue. This is about making Bloomington a “safe and civil city”. While the newspaper has reported on destruction and theft of yard signs in the past (especially the attacks on signs supporting Scott Wells in 2000) it does not seem to be on the radar this year. Graves hopes that will change soon.

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Alicia Graves
E-Mail: info@AliciaGraves.com
Phone: (812) 219-2142

Alicia Graves, candidate for Bloomington city council, District 5, will hold a Chili Supper this Friday, October 5th, at KRC Catering (the old City Grill), 319 North Walnut Street. Suggested donation is a minimum $15.

“As we reach the final month of the campaign, much work remains to be done. I continue to hear from my constituents their concerns about city government being out of touch with the people. Issues like providing basic services such as adequate police and fire protection, convenient and cost effective waste disposal, as well as maintained parks should take precedence over issues of national concern that city government has no control over.”

“I hope all my supporters will make it out to KRC Friday night to hear my message and share my exuberance over wanting to represent them in the fifth district”.

Alicia may be contacted at info@AliciaGraves.com or at 812-219-2142

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You are invited to A Backyard Cookout Fundraiser on July 21.

Mayor Kruzan - AND THE MAJORITY OF THIS - City Council do not understand one of the most critical issues facing Bloomington’s families, and makes no provision for a preventive solution. That issue is the prevailing threat of Child Endangerment.

In the month of May, there were 157 convicted sex offenders registered in our Community. 6 offenders had failed to register. 16 of the 157 live and/or work in City Council district 5.

Reports in the Herald Times remind us that our children are at risk. Recently, predators driving an SUV attempted to abduct a child by using a dog as bait. The threat is real, and the MAJORITY of this City Council is doing nothing.

We can do better. The City Council should focus on the real issues in Bloomington and prevent child exploitation, molestation, and sexual battery – NOT PASS MEANINGLESS RESOLUTIONS on National Policy.

Funds should be appropriated for the important issues – the SAFETY of Bloomington’s families – NOT for additional administrative staff.

Attorney General Steve Carter and I discussed this issue during his recent visit to Bloomington.
Convicted sex offenders must register for a reason and care must be taken to protect the children of Bloomington. Ignoring this issue is not the solution – the threat of CHILD EXPLOTATION, MOLESTATION, AND SEXUAL BATTERY IS REAL “A SAFE AND CIVIL CITY” SHOULD BE MORE THAN A MOTTO…

invite-to-spaghetti-dinner.pdf

Spending time at the senior expo today (05/11/2007) was a BLAST. I laughed and heard many interesting stories of things happening in our different neighborhoods. I had a gentleman tell me a better way to play euchre. I was even invited to a Euchre night at their home with their friends that I am going to have to take hem up on that. I had one gentleman sit down and talk to me for a good 20 minutes about different things in his neighborhood that he would like to see happen.

A YMCA worker was walking around taking blood pressure and of course I was willing to loan her my arm…….118/76…. I would have to say that is pretty good.

This year theme for the expo was backyard fun and did we have some fun. Thank you to everyone that sponsored this event. Everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves and had smiles on their faces.

“Can you hear the voice of the children?”… As Angela Brower sang that song, I listened to all the children around. I thought to myself how many children right now are crying and pleading for someone to help them. Child Abuse is not just the responsibility of the Department of Child Services; vigilance against child abuse is everyone’s responsibility, yours and mine. Larry Smith and his staff should all be commend for their work, not to mention the police, detectives along with all the organizations that work to help protect children against child abuse.

I shudder to think of what it would be like, going into a home and see children being neglected and/or abused physically, emotionally or sexually. Detectives have a difficult job, but as Judge Gavin highlighted, some of these children are alive today because of detectives like Brad Swain.

I was a little disappointed that many of our County and City elected officials did not attend along with our candidates. I have heard over and over again how our kids and safety is important to them, yet their absence was felt. I was proud to be alongside so many local heroes, protecting our most innocent citizens, our children.

A poem was read by Brice McGarvey and Claire Glomm entitled What Children Know (understand) by Namie Elisha
Children know laughter
They know tears
Children know peace
They know chaos
Children know acceptance
They know rejection
Children know joy
They know pain
Children know abundance
They know lack
Children know health
They know illness
Children know fulfillment
They know emptiness
Children know hope
They know dismay
Children know love
They know hatred
What they don’t know is WHY!

We marched from the Sample Gates to the Courthouse lawn where there were shirts hung up of all sizes with words written on them like, Shaken Baby, Gun Shot, and many more. Due to the rain we moved into the Courthouse, which prevented us from lighting our candles in remembrance. There were a few battery operated candles that were around that still made for an impact. In a moment of silence, we remembered the victims of this most tragic abuse. There were over 1300 reported cases of Abuse in Monroe County last year. If you suspect abuse or neglect you can report it, please contact: 1-800-800-5556. Reports can be made 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.

The recent Hoosier Hills Food Bank Homeward Bound Walk inspired my thoughts today. I was pleased that I could get a team together that helped to provide a home for the homeless in need. I was also pleased that so many people came out to support such a worthy cause.

I was concerned and ashamed over the route for the walk.

I wished that we could have found a better route to walk on but then it came to my mind that there probably were not any better sidewalks to walk on in Bloomington. It was extremely hard to walk with kids along that route. However while walking I realized there might have been a point to show the walkers, that our uncomfortable walk was a small inconvenience compared to what the disenfranchised and unfortunate must endure. The homeless might not have it so lucky, for when the wind would kick up, we had an extra jacket. They might not. If we were cold, there was some hot soup under a tent waiting for us; the homeless might not have that chance to get some hot soup, and so on.

After coming home to feed my children and laying them down for a nap, I thought to myself how many people might not have what my children and I have. I would like to encourage everyone to get out and give back to the community in efforts to reduce homelessness.

Today (Monday, April 16, 2007) I have decided to go through my children’s belongings that they either no longer need or want. I am going to be taking all these items to the Crisis Pregnancy Center. This is an organization that is committed to helping expecting and young mothers in times of needs. This could be with material items or with a place to stay. You may take your donations to them as well at 808 North College Avenue or give them at call at 334-0055. This organization holds a special place in my heart for all the wonderful things they have done, and still DO, for Bloomington.

Did you know Over 100 firefighters are killed in the line of duty every year?

Did you know A law enforcement officer is killed somewhere in America every 53 hours?

Did you know EMS workers have an occupational fatality rate that is comparable with that of firefighters and police?

Every time I hear an ambulance, fire truck or police car with its lights on going to where help is needed I think about them not having a national day of appreciation.

But we are able to honor TV dinners every March, catfish every June and ice cream every July.

We need to designate a national day in honor of our first responders this is a simple – yet extremely powerful — gesture that Congress can make to recognize their contributions, sacrifices, and dedication to public service. The First Response Coalition is working to give first responder their national day of recognition by collecting 25,000 signatures on their online petition. Please consider signing this petition by visiting my website at www.AliciaGraves.com/firstresponders.

Thank You to all First Responders!

I registered a team for the Homeward Bound walk because as a single mother, I know that life can bring hardships. It is important to me that people have the opportunity to be successful. I believe this is an opportunity for the community to come together, undivided by partisanship, and help those who truly need it. I am encouraging everyone to get involved and come out and show your support for this cause.

I want to thank the social service agencies and the volunteers who make events like this happen. These are the people who get their hands dirty yet never seek so much as a ‘thank you’. They make this community a much better place to live.

If you would like to walk with me please feel free to register at www.homelesswalks.org and search for team “Alicia Graves for City Council.”