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Published: April 30, 2008 04:20 pm
Readers' Forum: May 1, 2008
Brugnaux deserves another term
This is in response to the negative letters to the editor, flyers and mailings to Vigo County residents concerning Judge Barbara Brugnaux. I have worked in the Vigo County court system for the past 36 years and am now retiring from the position of roving court reporter, which placement has allowed me the privilege of working under every Vigo County judge for many years.
I have served under Judge Brugnaux probably more than any other judge, if for no other reason than hers is one of, if not the, busiest court in Vigo County. I have always found Judge Brugnaux to be a professional of the highest ethics and committed to serving in her capacity impartially and fairly. She truly cares about people, is fair, tough, but also realizes that there are times when leniency is deserved. And I can’t say enough about her Drug Court Program. I have witnessed over and over again how the program has changed the lives of many individuals with very serious drug addictions. Her personal involvement is an absolute key to its success.
I was working for Judge Brugnaux through much of the Courtenay Scott case, and I know how she pored over the evidence that was to be presented. She was convinced that a conviction would not have been the outcome of the case had it gone to jury. At the point that there appeared to be a plea agreement on the horizon, I even suggested to her that perhaps she should take it to trial anyway so the monkey would not be on her back. After much deliberation Judge Brugnaux instead took the high road, knowing the backlash that was ahead for her because she simply could not let Ms. Scott get away without a conviction for the needless, tragic death of Alexis Williams.
I can certainly understand the anguish and anger that the Williams family have undergone. But I also know that Judge Brugnaux’s decision to accept the plea agreement was not from any obligation to the Scott family or a result of secret negotiations with attorneys. If anything, it was to ensure that Courtenay Scott would be held responsible for her actions and never be allowed the care of other children.
Judge Brugnaux deserves re-election to her position of Judge of Vigo Superior Court, Division 5. I know of no more hard-working, honest, ethical, or moral judge serving today.
— Bonnie Chickadaunce
Farmersburg
Voting under way, make system work
The League of Women Voters of Vigo County would like to ask, “Have you voted yet?”
You can, you know, at any of four Satellite Voting Sites in Vigo County — Meadows Shopping Center, Plaza North (former theater building), Southland Shopping Center and Cunningham Memorial Library on the ISU campus. The first three sites are open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday through May 2 and 8 a.m. to noon May 5. The ISU site is open through May 2, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. You can also vote at the courthouse.
Of course, you can vote on Election Day, May 6, at your polling place. You need a state or federally issued photo ID to vote at any of the sites or polling places.
When you vote, you’ll be given a lapel sticker that says “I Voted Today!” The Vigo County League has provided these stickers to encourage more people to vote. If you vote before Election Day and are wearing one of these stickers, someone might approach you and say, “I didn’t know the election was today.” This would be your opening to talk about the opportunity to vote absentee in person at the convenient satellite sites without giving a reason.
The LWV of Vigo County would like to thank the following businesses, organizations and individuals for donating money to help the League purchase the “I Voted Today!” stickers: Barbara Brugnaux, Barbara Norman, Max Gibson, United Steelworkers Local Union 7441, Krietenstein American Legion Post 104, Terre Haute Savings Bank, Kroger North, Wright, Shagley & Lowery, Baesler’s Market, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 972, and Bionca Gambill.
Their commitment to voter education and getting out the vote is truly a plus to our community. Thanks for “Making Democracy Work.”
— Judy Buchholz, president
League of Women Voters of Vigo County
Telemarketing effort is a scam
My name is Mike Davis and I am the commander of AMVETS Post 2 in Terre Haute and also the senior vice commander for the Department of Indiana.
It has come to our attention that there are telemarketing activities taking place in the Terre Haute area that are using the name of AMVETS and saying that they are collecting money/seeking donations for Special Olympics Indiana and that if you donate they will come to your house to collect that donation. AMVETS Department of Indiana has in no way authorized this telemarketing activity.
None of the money that is being solicited and collected is going to AMVETS or Special Olympics Indiana. This is a scam.
AMVETS does have an agreement with the publisher of our state newspaper that they may solicit advertising from businesses and individuals. However, they will never tell you that they will come pick up the donation. Our publisher is located in Indianapolis and will give those contacted an address there. No other telemarketing is authorized by AMVETS.
Our Headquarters is located at 2480 Lafayette Rd. Suite A, Indianapolis, IN 46222, (317) 923-4320. Our office person is Mr. John Garland. Locally I can be reached at (812) 242-0767. Thank you.
— Mike Davis
AMVETS Department of Indiana Shepardsville
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