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REGULAR MEETING July 9, 2018
<br /> interviewed on the television. It was right after a Council meeting and we both stopped and took
<br /> in what he was saying. A lot of times he was being interview by TV he was straight to the point
<br /> and the responses he would give were of common sense. It wasn't anything political and he didn't
<br /> dodge the question, he was straight forward and we both took notice of that. He would always ask
<br /> why we are doing what we are doing. When I decided to run and won the primary, the first (1St)
<br /> thing my wife said to me was watch Dave and do what he does. I think that's what he meant as my
<br /> wife's advice. When I came on Council that is one (1)thing I definitely did.
<br /> This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and
<br /> opponents were given an opportunity to be heard.
<br /> City Clerk Kareemah Fowler, City Clerk with offices on the 4th floor of the County-City Building,
<br /> South Bend,IN, stated,What I would say about Dr.Varner is Council aside and political affiliation
<br /> aside, I thank Dr. Varner for being an exemplary example to all mankind. There are two (2)things
<br /> that stick out to me the most about Dr. Varner. The first is silence. You can move in silence and
<br /> get a lot done. You don't have to be the loudest person in the room. Secondly,Dr.Varner has never
<br /> changed. From the time I walked into the office ten (10) years ago, he has been the exact same
<br /> individual. He embraced me. We have had two (2) different administrations of Council Members.
<br /> A lot has gone on and Dr. Varner has remained the same. I thank you Dr. Varner for your service
<br /> and your leadership.
<br /> Sue Kesim, 4022 Kennedy Drive, South Bend, IN, stated, Dr. Varner is in my district so as a
<br /> citizen, I would like to say I think he has represented us very well. I've been observing and part of
<br /> the Council as a citizen advocate for about three (3) years now and one (1) of the things I've
<br /> appreciated most about Dr. Varner is, because of his depth of experience, he always knew great
<br /> questions to ask. He always had great background and insight and I think that is going to be very
<br /> missed. I know we still have our historian in John Voorde. I think between John and Dave, it gave
<br /> us a lot of perspective. That seniority is really valuable. He will be missed in the fifth(5th) district.
<br /> I can tell you that because I'm from there so I wish him well in his travels.
<br /> Jason Banicki-Critchlow, 3822 West Ford Street, South Bend, IN, stated, I've been coming here
<br /> for years to talk and I typically am someone who identifies as a Democrat but I always appreciated
<br /> what Dave had to say. Believe it or not,more often than not when it came to City financial issues,
<br /> we aligned more closely than you would think. I've always appreciated his concept of fiscal
<br /> conservatism. Because in a City,pennies are tight and the budget is only getting tighter every year
<br /> and the demands are great. I always appreciated the time he took to listen to us and answer our
<br /> questions. The point of view he brought asking about money is something I hope we remember as
<br /> we move forward. We need to think about what Dave Varner would do when we make fiscal
<br /> decisions. Thank you for years of service, Dave.
<br /> Henry Davis Jr., 5117 Idlewood Drive, South Bend, IN, stated, I didn't come here to speak on
<br /> behalf of Dave Varner,tones,but it just so happens to play out this way. I'm glad I came. I think
<br /> Dave is an honorable person. I served on the South Bend Common Council for about eight (8)
<br /> years. I spent some time on the Redevelopment Commission with him as well. Dave is a man. He
<br /> is a person and is a human being. He understands how to govern. I appreciate the time I spent with
<br /> Dave and I learned quite a bit from him. He even had a Cadillac like mine, as well, so I knew he
<br /> understood what it was like. There were similarities between us even me being a younger black
<br /> male sitting down with an older white gentleman. I think our voting record is probably almost
<br /> identical as well. I appreciated his time here and the City is in a better place because of people like
<br /> Dave Varner. I implore the Council to, at any opportunity, to reengage people with that type of
<br /> political knowledge and get them back into the system. Whether they are able to serve on
<br /> Commissions or Boards or what have you,the time is smaller and it is a lot less of a responsibility
<br /> but you can't just push that type of capital away and then try to figure out how to make that up
<br /> later on. I would implore the Council if there is any opportunity in the future that, this man be
<br /> asked to come and help. Keep him involved. Thank you so much.
<br /> Sharon Banicki, 3822 Ford Street, South Bend, IN, stated, Dr. Varner, I thank you for everything
<br /> you've done. You've always maintained your feet on the ground not only with the Council but
<br /> with anything in the community. When the call went out for poll workers,he stepped up.Anything
<br /> anybody has ever needed, Dr. Varner has been there. I won't say you are my favorite Republican
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