Sunday, April 30, 2006

VOTE CHUCK SIMMONS FOR NEW ALBANY TOWNSHIP ASSESSOR

VOTE
CHUCK SIMONS
New Albany Township
Assessor
The only candidate that is
STATE CERTIFIED
LEVEL II
(required by statue)

My name is Chuck Simons and I am asking for your vote and help to obtain the office of New Albany Township Assessor. I have the experience and the knowledge to oversee the assessments in New Albany City and New Albany Township. I have been appraising property for over 35 years. I served as President of the PTABOA Board in Floyd County for 3 years. Due to statute and court rulings all township assessors in the State of Indiana must be Certified Level II to perform assessing duties. I am the only Certified Level II Assessor/Appraiser running for the office of New Albany Township Assessor.

EXPERIENCE:

* State Certified Assessor for over 20 Years
* Certified Course Instructor since 1989
* Dedicated that all taxpayers be treated fairly
* Experienced over 35 Years as an Assessor/Appraiser

History:

* Long-time Floys County Resident
* Married 37 years to wife, Cathy & has 3 children, 2 grandchildren
* Member Elks Lodge
* Active with VFW Members
* Jefferson Lodge, Tri-County Shrine Club
* American Legion & Redman Club

My Goal for The Assessor's Office include:

* Public access online to Real Estate records
* Complete and up-to-date training for office personnel
* Trustworthy * Honest * Hardworking *

"Bringing The Assessors Office to The 21st Century"
Your Vote on May 2nd will be appreciated!

Elect Chuck Simons
New Albany Twp. Assessor
Democrat

Saturday, April 29, 2006

VOTE LINDA MOELLER FOR COUNTY CLERK

ELECT
LINDA MOELLER
DEMOCRAT
COUNTY CLERK

Deputy Clerk Experience:

14 Years in County Government
Deputy Clerk beginning November 1998

* Budget
* Daily Balance
* Child Support
* Knowledge of Court Filings
* Retention and preservation of records
* Customer Service
* Cordinated Web Site, networking, Internet & email service for Floyd County
* Submitting claims to Auditor
* Coordinating the development of a Microfilm Department
* Connectivity to the Indiana Dept. of Revenue

Duties Of Clerk:

* Excute the official court records of all court cases: Criminal, Traffic and Civil Cases
* Maintain the court's historical records: Record of Judgements and Orders, Judgement Docket, Chronological Case Summary, Indexes
* Process and issue documents: Marriage Applications and Licenses, State Tax Warrants, Criminal Warrants, Probate and Estates, Juror Processing
* Collect, distribute and reconcile monies subject to yearly audits by State Board of Accounts

Work Experience:

March 1991-November 1998
Floyd County Prosecutor's Office/Child Support Division

Floyd County Prosecutor's Office
Floyd County Administrative Clerk
Floyd County Office Manager

November 1998-Present
Deputy Clerk
1ST Deputy

Political:

* Election Poll Worker
* Precinct Committee Person, Precinct 19
* Elected Vice Chair Democratic Central Committee 1997 & 2001
*Indiana Democrat State Convention Delegate

Family:

Resides in New Albany with husband Ron. They have two grown children, daughter Catherine son Allen & his wife Vanessa



Many of us at Freedom of Speech have known Mrs. Moeller for several years. We respectfully ask for your support for this outstanding New Albany citizen for the office of County Clerk.

Experience does matter in local government!

Friday, April 28, 2006

YOUR STATE LEGISLATIVE TEAM!

We thank you for all your support!

Vote Tuesday May 2

State Senator Connie Sipes
State Representative William Cochran
State Representative Paul Roberts

Serving the citizens of Indiana!


See you all at the KFC Hall Tuesday May 2, 2006-Primary Election Night and watch the "VOTING RESULTS" come in!

Thursday, April 27, 2006

BILL NO. G 06-09....IS THIS A PART OF THE COVER-UP?

AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE USE OF CREDIT CARDS AND PURCHASING CARDS FOR CITY PURCHASING

WHEREAS, the State Board of Accounts Accounting and Uniform Compliance Guidelines Manual for Cities and Towns, Chapter 7 authorizes a city's use of credit cards once a city adopts a resolution or ordinance regarding credit card policies; and,

WHEREAS, the Common Council may authorize the use of credit cards and purchasing cards with conditions it deems necessary and appropriate under Indiana Home Rule Powers in IC 36-1-3-1; and

WHEREAS, the City of New Albany desires to approve and limit the use of city credit cards and purchasing cards by city employees and officials in the performance of city duties when such use is in the best interest of the city.

Now, therefore, be it ordained by the Common Council of the City of New Albany that

Section 1. This ordinance is adopted in compliance with the State Board of Accounts Accounting and Uniform Compliance Guidelines Manual for Cities and Towns, Chapter 7, authorizing a city to use credit cards for purchases.

Section 2. City of New Albany employees and officials may use city credit cards and purchasing cards for purchases related to the performance of city duties when such use is in the best interest of the city.

Section 3. The Department head or their designee shall be responsible for safekeeping of the credit cards and purchasing cards.

Section 4. City credit cards and purchasing cards shall be used only with the approval of the department head or their designee. The department head shall maintain a usage log for each card identified by card account number, with entries certified by signature of the department head or their designee. The log shall include the following information: (1) the name and position of the individual using the city's card; (2) upon issuance: the date the card is issued to the individual, the estimated amounts to be charged, the type of expenses (such as airline tickets or office supplies), and the appropriation account numbers to be expended; and (3) upon return: the date the card is returned and the amount charged to the card.

Section 5. City credit cards and purchasing cards shall be used for purchases relating to the performance of city business only. No personal use of a city credit card or purchasing card is allowed, even if an employee offers to reimburse the city of the employee's personal use of a city credit card or purchasing card.

Section 6. Payment of credit cards and purchasing card bills shall be subject to the audit requirements of accounts payable vouchers in conformity with IC 5-11-20 and IC 36-4-8 and the regulations of the State Board of Accounts. Itemized receipts are required for all card and purchasing card purchases, including resturaunt charges. Payment will not be made on the basis of a credit card or purchasing card statement. Signed charge slips showing the total charge only, with no itemization of items purchased, are not acceptable. It is the responsibility of the employee authorizing the charge to obtain proper itemized receipts.

Section 7. Credit card an purchasing card charges that do not meet audit requirements including charges that include the imposition of sales taxes for which the city is otherwise exempt, are the responsibility of the employee authorizing the charge. The city will take all necessary steps to obtain reimbursement for charges which do not meet audit requirements from the employee authorizing the charge, including, but not limited to, the garnishment of the charging employee's city wages.

Section 8. Any interest of penalty incurred due to the late filing with the City Controller of an accounts payable voucher for payment of a credit card or a purchasing card bill, or incurred due to the delay in furnishing of documentation required for audit by an officer of employee, shall be the responsibility of that officer or employee.

Section 9. The City Controller shall be notified immediately if a credit card or purchasing card is lost or stolen. If a credit card or purchasing card is lost due to negligence on the part of a city employee, the employee shall be responsible for any and all expenses incurred on the lost card or purchasing card.

Section 10. The City Controller is authorized to revoke credit cards or purchasing cards that have been used in violation of city policy.

This ordinance shall be in full force as of this______day of ___________2006.




____________________________________
JEFF GAHAN, PRESIDENT
COMMON COUNCIL, CITY OF NEW ALBANY



ATTEST:_____________________________
MARCEY WISMAN, CITY CLERK


Freedom of Speech would like to know:

1. Were there problems with the use of the credit cards in the past?


2. Why does this Adminstration continue to "Cover-Up" a former employee of the Fire Department's misuse of the City credit card?


3. How will the use of the credit cards be supervised?

4. What records will be kept on the use of the cards?

5. Who will approve credit card expenditures? Dept. heads? Board Of Works?
Or the City Controller?

6. Will these expenditures be available and open to be viewed by the public?


7. Who can the taxpayers hold accountable for any misuse?


Freedom Of Speech believes the Administration is accountable for taxpayers' monies and how they are being spent. They should not be putting the burden of over spending and wasteful spending, on the backs of the taxpayers of New Albany.

We are outraged with the mismanagement and abuse of power from the Garner Adminstration and the attempt to influence City Council decisions.

We want real Council Members who will:


* Not be a rubber stamp for the Mayor.

* Not be afraid to stand up and say "No" were going to look out for the taxpayers and use a common sense approach.

* Do what is right for all, instead of a selective few.

* Fix existing problems, before other projects are started.

* Avoid double dipping.

* Avoid conflict of interest.

We feel this is a "charge now & pay later" attitude of this current Adminstration and several Council Members.

This is not the way to make progress in New Albany.

You will not be able to "Ignore the Voices" of the taxpayers in regards to over spending, wasteful spending, mismanagement and abuse of power in the up coming election in 2007.....








PREDICTIONS...FOR THE 2006 PRIMARY ELECTION

Primary May 2, 2006

UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVE
Republican: Mike Sodrel
Democrat: Baron Hill

TOWNSHIP ASSESSOR NEW ALBANY
Democrat: Barbara Sillings

TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE NEW ALBANY
Democrat: Jeannie Freiberger

TOWNSHIP BOARD NEW ALBANY
Democrat: Lodema Applegate
Democrat: J.D. Evans
Democrat: Rick Jones

TOWNSHIP BOARD FRANKLIN
Democrat: Randy Hubert

COUNTY SHERIFF
Democrat: Darrell W. Mills

COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT #1
Democrat: Ted Heavrin

COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT #2
Democrat: Larry McAllister

SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT #1
Warren Sellers

SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT #2
John Everett Watkins

SCHOOL BOARD AT LARGE
Robert Denison
Don Sakel

The following candidates are unopposed

United States Senator:
Republican-Richard G. Lugar

State Senate:
Democrat-Connie Weigleb Sipes
Republican-Ryan Bergman

State Representative:
Democrat-Paul Robertson
Republican-Christopher L. Byrd

State Representative:
Democrat-William C. Cochran

Clerk Of The Circuit Court:
Democrat-Linda Moeller
Republican-Donald Jones

County Auditor:
Democrat-Teresa A. Plaiss

County Commissioner District #1
Republican-Mark Seabrook
Democrat-Randy Stumler

County Sheriff:
Republican-Frank Loop

Prosecuting Attorney:
Democrat-Lee Cotner
Republican-Keith Henderson

County Assessor:
Democrat-Brenda Egge
Republican-Terry Watson

County Council District #3
Democrat-Steve Mennemeyer
Republican-Lana Aebersold

County Council District #4
Democrat-Jeff Fessel
Republican-John Schellenberger

Township Trustee Franklin:
Democrat-Mike Riley

Township Trustee Greenville:
Democrat-Hilda Gibson
Republican-Carl Pearcy

Township Trustee Lafayette
Democrat-Evans J. Frieberger

NEW ELECTION LAWS NOW REQUIRE VALID ID- Make sure you can vote on Election Day May 2

New state election laws now require you to provide valid photo identification (ID) before you can cast your ballot on Primary Election Day May 2. Acceptable forms of state or federal issued ID are:

* A current Indiana Driver's License

* An Indiana ID card issued by BMV license branches to those who do not drive.

* A state university student ID card with photo and an expiration date.

* A passport or a military ID.

Your name on the ID must conform to your name on the voters registration record and include an expiration date, which is either not expired or has expired after November 4, 2004.

Those who do not drive can get a state ID card free of charge at any license branch. All license branches will be open the day before and on Election Day.

For more information, call the State Election Commission toll-free at 1-800-622-4941 or your county voter registration office (812) 948-5419.

Saturday, April 22, 2006

MATTHEW NASH FOR COUNTY COUNCIL

Elect
Matthew Nash
Democrat for
County Council
2nd District

Floyd County is the greatest county in Indiana. The people, the culture, the heritage are what makes it great. I believe that our future can be even brighter and I want the chance to make it even better.

SOMETHING BETTER FOR FLOYD COUNTY!

Vote
Matthew Nash
County Council
2nd District

Thursday, April 20, 2006

LODEMA APPLEGATE TOWNSHIP ADVISORY BOARD

Re-Elect
Lodema Applegate
Township Advisory Board

Life Long Resident of New Albany

Family:

Ollie Applegate: Retired New Albany Fire Department - 37 years

Four Children:

Daughter-Vicky
3-Son's
Dan
Rick
Larry

Work Experience:

2 years -County Clerks Office

24 years-Prosecutors Office:

4 years-Prosecutor Stephen Beardsley
4 years-Prosecutor Nick Stein
16 years-Prosecutor Stan Faith
Adminstrative Clerk

Precinct Committee Person:

Precinct 12 & 15
35-38 Years Experience

Mrs. Applegate has been in politics since mid to late 60's.

Lodema's campaign promise:

To serve the taxpayers of New Albany Township Fairly & Honestly. I am always available for questions and concerns, as I have been in the past, regarding my position as New Albany Township Board Member.

The taxpayers come "First". The taxpayers have shown confidence in me and I will continue to place the taxpayers first in every respect.

For many years, Lodema Applegate has lived, worked, and served her community. Her roots in the New Albany Township are strong. While keeping a close eye on the Township's budget and tax dollars, Lodema strives to continue building a more efficient Township Government.

Bringing Honesty
and Experience
to Township
Government

Re-Elect
Lodema
Applegate
Township Advisory Board
May 2, 2006

Wednesday, April 19, 2006

INDIANA CODE 35-44-1-3

UNIFORM CONFLICT OF INTEREST DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

A public servant who knowingly or intentionally has a pecuniary interest in or derives a profit from a contract or purchase connected with an action by the governmental entity served by the public servant commits conflict of interest, a Class D Felony. A public servant has a pecuniary interest in a contract or purchase if the contract or purchase will result or is intended to result in an ascertainable increase in the income or net worth of the public servant or a dependent of the public servant who is under the direct or indirect administrative control of the public servant, or receives a contract or purchase order that is reviewed, approved, or directly or indirectly administered by the public servent. "Dependent" means any of the following: the spouse of a public servant; a child, stepchild, or adoptee (as defined in I.C. 31-3-4-1) of a public servant who is unemancipated and less than eighteen (18) years of age; and any individual more than one-half (1/2) of whose support is provided during a year by the public servant.

Form 236
State Board of Accounts

Tuesday, April 18, 2006

RESIDENTS VS DEVELOPERS

RESIDENTS AGAINST DAISY LANE DEVELOPERS-BRIDGEWATER CONDO PROJECT

Check Wednesday's 3-22-06 Tribune and CJ for articles regarding the meeting Tuesday night 3-21 with the Planning and Zoning Board regarding the 162 Condo Units proposed for the 9 acres between Daisy Lane and Wolfe Trace. This proposed development is to have an entrance at the Schell Lane and Daisy Lane intersection. At that meeting the Board approved it to go on to the Planning Commission for a ruling contingent on a few details which included the Housing Authority's approval for easement over their property by this development for a second entrance onto Wolfe Trace.

This property is currently in the City's Plan for single family homes and is still zoned as such, this developer wants to change that and build 162 Condos.

We don't want to change the zoning, we don't want the multi-family housing that is on Country Club Drive to spread over to Daisy Lane.

Not to mention the traffic issues 162 units would cause for the Schell Lane intersection and Daisy Lane.

It is also proposed that a throughway street through the this development connect Daisy Lane to Wolfe Trace which would significantly increase the traffic flow in a currently quiet caldasac neighborhood.

If you are at all concerned about the traffic on Daisy Lane or these Condo's spreading to Daisy Lane Please do the following:

Contact the following people today and let them know how you feel!!!

1st District-Dan Coffey-949-1262

2nd District-Bill Schmidt-945-7386

3rd District-Steve Price-945-5632

4th District-Larry Kochert-945-7652

5th District-Beverly Crump-948-2603

6th District-Jeff Gahan-949-9314

aT Large-Don Blevins-944-4856

aT Large-Jack Messer-949-9638

aT Large-Mark Seabrook-949-9644


Freedom Of Speech would like to thank Mrs. Hickerson and the other citizens involved for coming to us for our help and support. We understand this issue will be coming before the City Council in May. And we totally agree it is a "conflict of interest" for Councilwomen Beverly Crump to vote on this issue.







Sunday, April 16, 2006

LAWSUITS CHALLENGING ACTIONS OF LOCAL PUBLIC BODIES

Statues sometimes contain procedures for judicial challenge to municipal actions. In addition, public officals should be aware of certain general provisions that might apply to lawsuits challenging their actions.

1. Are allowed under another statute; and

2. Are taken against an action or decision of a board of a city, a city council that performs the functions of a board, or town council.

"Public Lawsuits" are governed by IC 34-12-5. A public lawsuit is defined in IC34-6-2-124 as "any action whereby the validity, wisdom, feasibility, extent or character of construction, financing or leasing of any public improvement by any municipal corporation is questioned directly or indirectly...."

Thursday, April 13, 2006

FOLLOWING PROCEDURES

BUILDING COMMISSIONER RESPONSIBILITIES
AS LISTED IN ORDINANCE G-04-23
CLEANLINESS OF PREMISES

1. Enter Premises to determine compliance

2. Determine the identity & address of landowner

3. Send written notice by certified mail

4. Have the city remove material & vehicles

5. File a lien against the property with the County Recorder for all cost incurred by the city for removal.


PROCEDURE TO FILE A LIEN ON PROPERTY

1. Building Commissioner to Recorder
2. Recorder to Auditor
3. Auditor to Treasurer
4. Treasurer adds to the next tax bill to be mailed.


Freedom Of Speech would like to ask the Building Commissioner if he has even read the code book? Because if you had you would be doing your job!


Wednesday, April 12, 2006

THIS IS THE LAW.....MR. RON HARTMAN

150.101 CLEANLINESS OF PREMISES.....ORD. NO. G-04-23


150.101 (C)
DEPARTMENT RESPONSIBLE FOR ADMINSTRATION

....Building Commissioner: shall be responsible for administration of action taken under this chapter, including, but not limited to the issues of notices to the landowners and other persons, the issuance of certificates of cost to the County Auditor, and the adminstration of the appeals procedure.

150.101 (E)
INSPECTION AND NOTICE OF VIOLATIONS

The Building Commissioner: is entitled to enter upon permises of any real property within the city to determine compliance with this chapter.
If the Building Commissioner: determines there is a violation of this ordinance he shall:
----send a written notice by certified mail to the owner

(5) The Building Commissioner: will determine the identity of the landlord and his address.

150.101 (F) FAILURE TO REMOVE & NOTICE OF ABATEMENT-If the landowner fails to remove the materials and vehicles.

The Building Commissioner: shall cause the city or its agent to remove and dispose the material and vehicles as allowed under IC-36-1-6-2

150.101 (G) LIEN UPON PROPERTY

....The Building Commissioner: shall file with the County Recorder, a lien against the property.

Freedom Of Speech would like to know why the Building Commissioner is not following the law? And doing the job the citizens of New Albany is paying him to do.

Where does the accountability of these housing problems start and end?

The Building Commissioner or the Mayors Office?



Monday, April 10, 2006

STORM WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Federal environmental regulations, the implementation of such regulations by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, and the general need to control heavy rainfall events have forced many communities to consider various improvements to their storm water management systems. The purpose of these improvements is to limit the amount of water pollution resulting from "wet weather" runoff into natural waterways and to control flooding problems generally. In some, but not all, instances these concerns are related to combined sewer overflow (CSO) issues.

Cities and towns in Indiana Code 36-9-23 and 36-9-25, respectively, or through Indiana Code 8-1.5-5, first enacted in 1987.

Many cities and towns have or are in the process of establishing a seperate rate for "users" of storm water management systems. A number of communities have set rates based on the amount of impervious area e.g. buildings, parking lots, etc. on a parcel of land, because impervious land increases the amount of ground water polution reaching natural waterways. This rate setting approach typically uses an equivalency factor known as an "ERU" (which stands for equivalent residential unit) with the amount of impervious area on a parcel containing a typical single-family house equaling one ERU and other properties paying some multiple of one ERU based upon the total amount of impervious area on each parcel of land.

From a financing point of view, municipalities that operate their storm water management systems under Indiana Code 36-9-23 generally must fund improvements through the issuance of revenue bonds. Municipalities using a sanitary district must issue special taxing district bonds, although the bonds may be payable from revenues of the sewage works as well.

Finally, municipalities that establish a department of storm water management under Indiana Code 8-1.5-5 may issue either special taxing district bonds or revenue bonds, or any combination thereof.

Sunday, April 09, 2006

DEMOCRATIC WOMEN'S CLUB

FUTURE DATES-MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Saturday mornings 8:30 am

White Castle-Spring Street for breakfast
Democrats have been meeting here to talk about local, state and national issues and have a great cup of coffee.

April 10, 2006-Chili Supper at Knights of Columbus on Main Street
Time 6:30 pm
$4.00 per person, 5 and under free.
Chili, hotdogs, dessert & drinks
Meet the Candidates

April 27, 2006-Jefferson-Jackson Dinner
at The Grand-$25.00

May 13, 2006-State Jefferson-Jackson Dinner

June 3, 2006- Indiana State Convention

Aug. 17-19, 2006-I.D.E.A. at Ceasar's (new location)
If you haven't signed up, now is the time.

Sept. 10, 2006-Democrat Picnic at Binford Park-12:00 noon

Sept. 23 & 24, 2006-Street Ball Tournament at Community Park
Candidates may choose to sponsor a team-$80.00 per team or $20.00 per player. Club will sell concessions.


Saturday, April 08, 2006

POLL WORKERS INFORMATION

Instructions for poll workers for both parties will be held in the Floyd Circuit Courtroom. In order to accommodate group sizes, the Judges will meet April 25 at 6:30pm and the Clerks will meet April 26 at 6:30 pm.

Friday, April 07, 2006

TED HEAVRIN FOR COUNTY COUNCIL

RE-ELECT
TED HEAVRIN
COUNTY COUNCIL
FIRST DISTRICT
DEMOCRAT

Why elect Ted Heavrin?

I have knowledge and experience with my years on the council. First on the council to receive a diploma from the Association of Counties to increase my knowledge and become a better council member. I am not hesitant to say NO! when it comes to spending tax funds.

I was voted OFFICER OF THE YEAR by my peers for the outstanding work I have done for the Floyd County Police Department in 2005. I will put the same effort into my duties as a member of the Floyd County Council as I have in all of my endeavors over the years.

BOARD MEMBER:

1. President, Floyd County Council.
2. New Albany Lions Club
3. Community Corrections
4. Trustee for VFW 3281
5. American Legion Post #42
6. President of Solid Waste Management
7.Past President Wyandotte Lodge #171 Fraternal Order of Police and other community organizations

Involved in my community:

Coach of New Albany In-City T-ball
Coach of Boys and Girls Basketball St. Mary's School

Served my county for 30 years as Captain of the Floyd County Police Department

Attends:
St. Mary's Church
New Albany

Citizens of the First District:

RE-ELECT
TED HEAVRIN
FLOYD COUNTY
COUNCIL

because I CAN and WILL represent you and your tax dollars first and foremost.








Thursday, April 06, 2006

DOUBLE DIPPIN....

2006 New Albany Flood Control District Board of Commissioners

Position.............Name.............Annual Salary

President....Anthony B. Toran..$1,600.00
Vice President..Tom Cannon....$1,600.00
Member......Shane Gibson........$1,600.00
Member......Chas Hunter..........$1,600.00
Member......Chief Ron Toran....$1,600.00
Member......Steve LaDuke........$1,600.00

Executive Secretary...Sally L. Mastrolia...$10,000.00 -(Mayor's Secretary)

Supervisor......Ron Grangier.....$32,639.87

Employee Name......Hourly Rate per contract
Charles J. Baird......$13.62 per hour
Gary W. Sams,,,,,,,,,$13.62 per hour
Clinton D. Sorrels...$13.62 per hour
Charles Weigleb.....$13.62 per hour..Retiring 2/28/06

No contractual employees.

Flood Control Meetings are the second Tuesday of every month, at 9:00 AM in the Assembly Room on the Third Floor of the City County Building.

If that day conflicts with a holiday, we will notify via the newspaper and will also be posted on the bulletin board 3rd floor City County Building regarding the change of date.

Sally L. Mastrolia


Merriam-Webster Dictionary Definition of the term "double-dipping"
Two incomes received from the same source (as by holding a government job)


Freedom Of Speech calls this easy money, gravy train and Income obtained with a minimum of effort.

The following employees are on local Government Payroll:
8:00-4:00 PM

Anthony B. Torran-City Operation Manager
Tom Cannon-New Albany Trustee
Shane Gibson-City Attorney -Part time
Chief Fire Dept.-Ron Torran



Now try to convince citizens and taxpayers this is not double dipping!







Wednesday, April 05, 2006

SEWER MONEY WE DON'T HAVE!

Why does Sewer Board attorney Greg Fifer want to spend sewer money we don't have?

April 5th-Tribune

"Fifer said he'd recommend to Mayor James Garner and city attorney Shane Gibson that the administration hire a specialist in municipal finance laws to advise it on what sources of money can be used to increase sewer-utility income and pay bonds."


Councilman Bill Schmidt passed out copies of the Baker & Daniels Manual of Local Government Funding Sources. At the monday night Council Meeting. Councilman Schmidt stated that this manual said that TIF money can be used to Fund Sewers.

Also that a member of the Baker & Daniels firm has offered to come to New Albany to discuss TIF funding with the Council at "No Charge" to the city.


Freedom Of Speech would like to ask why would you pay for this financial information when another firm has offered to present this information at no charge?





Tuesday, April 04, 2006

MEET THE CANDIDATES

"Meet The Candidates" Chili Supper
Monday, April 10TH 6:30 P.M.
Knights Of Columbus
809 E. Main Street, New Albany

PROJECTS THAY MAY BE FUNDED

Generally, bonds payable from TIF may be used to finance the cost of redevelopment and the construction of public improvements in the redevelopment area or projects that directly serve or benfit that area. For example, the proceeds of TIF bonds may be used for property acquisition and redevelopment activities including the construction of "local public improvements," such as public ways, sidewalks, sewers, waterlines, parking facilities and park recreational areas.

Monday, April 03, 2006

THE REAL ALTERNATIVES FOR STORM WATER BOARD

FMSM
ENGINEERS

Feburary 21, 2006

The Honorable James E. Garner
Mayor & Sewer Board President
City of New Albany
311 Hauss Square
New Albany, Indiana 47150


Honorable Mayor Garner,

A new Stormwater Board will oversee and implement the provisions of New Albany's Stormwater Program and associated user fees. Concern has been expressed by the Mayor and Common Council regarding initial constitution of the Board. The purpose of this document is to provide data for that decision.

The City has several enabling authority alternatives including the provisions of IC 8-1.5-5, IC 36-9-23 and IC 36-9-25. The table below briefly outlines the provisions available to establish a Stormwater Board.

IC 8-1.5-5
Department of Stormwater Management

3 Member Board
Mayor appoints Board Members
Requirement- No more than two of the same Political Party.
Compensation- No Compensation


IC 36-9-25
Sanitation Department in Certain Cities

3 to 5 Members
Mayor appoints Directors
Board Members Receive Compensation


IC 36-9-23
Municipal Sewage Works

3 Members
Mayor is Chairman
Council selects other 2 Board Members.
One member must be a Professional Engineer.
Board Members Receive Compensation

Treasurer can be Non-Member (will receive compensation)
Secretary can be Non-Member (will receive compensation)



Freedom Of Speech feels Taxpayers can not afford to pay salaries for a Stormwater Board. And Mr. Mayor you need to stop misleading the Council and the Citizens of New Albany with only one option for the Stormwater Board. You also need to stop thinking about another salary for yourself and others and start thinking about the Citizens wallet instead of your own!

Sunday, April 02, 2006

I NEED YOUR VOTE FELLOW DEMOCRATS

RE-ELECT
BARBARA J. SILLINGS
NEW ALBANY TOWNSHIP ASSESSOR


Dear Citizens,


I am writing to you to announce that I am seeking re-election as New Albany Township Assessor on the Democratic ticket. During the pass three years as your Township Assessor. I have greatly enjoyed serving the citizens of New Albany and look forward to the opportunity of continuing in this capacity, upon my re-election.

As you may know, the responsibilities of the TOWNSHIP ASSESSOR have increased and include maintaining property assessment data daily and insuring that we all recieve a fair and equitable assessment. In this process, the State of Indiana has required that trending to fair market value be a part of the many changes implemented into our current system. I have worked diligently to accomplish my duties as New Albany Township Assessor and feel I have done so in responsible, dedicated and ethical manner. I am proud to announce that I have achieved my Level 1 Assessor-Appraiser certificate from the State of Indiana, within my first three years, and am committed to continuing my education, as this is imperative in this position.

On a personal note, I am married to Todd Sillings and we have lived at 545 Spickert Knobs Road in New Albany Township for 30 years.

I ask for your support in the May Primary and hopefully in the General Election in November. As a past precinct committeeman and presently a vice-committeeman and Office Holder, I thank you for your continued hard work throughout the election year.

Very truly yours,

Barbara J. Sillings
New Albany Township Assessor
Democratic candidate for re-election
812-945-1679
e-mail
bsillings1951@aol.com

Saturday, April 01, 2006

FOR ALL....

I pledge allegiance to the flag, of the United States Of America, And to the republic, for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for ALL!

It is said that 86% of Americans believe in God. Therefore we have a very hard time understanding why there is such a problem in having:
"In God We Trust" on our money and having "God" in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Why don't we just tell the other 14% to SHUT UP and move out of the good ole USA!!!

"God Bless America"

And God Save New Albany!