With 2007 upon us it is only fitting to reflect back on the "hot" issues of the year. All of us at Freedom of Speech want to thank those of you who give us feedback. Please know that every single email that is sent is read.
With that in mind, we want to share the issues that most concern the citizens of New Albany based on your response.
10. LITTLE MONEY TREE
Were the slum lord's forced to bring their properties up to code??? It would cost HUNDREDS of thousands of dollars. You know it. They'd have to increase their rent fees and probably then lose the current low rent renters.You do NOT screw around with the money tree. - (309 positive emails)
9. THANK YOU...MR. MAYOR
* For misleading us to get your vote!
* For privatizing Sanitation
* For planning to raise my sewer bill
* For raising the Stormwater fee
* For mismanaging the taxpayers money - (321 positive emails)
8. ACCOUNTABILITY, CREDIBILITY AND INTEGRITY IN NEW ALBANY GOVERNMENT...WHERE IS IT? -
Local governments are creditble if they are able to deliver services such as keeping the city clean and public utilities working efficently - (337 positive emails)
7. IS IT A CONFLICT OF INTEREST...
Attorney Greg Fifer does not see any problem with being the attorney for the Sewer Board while representing various developers in Floyd County. - (349 positive emails)
6. IT IS WHAT IT IS...MALFEASANCE, MISFEASANCE, AND NONFEASANCE -
Just so this adminstration knows that the wool hasn't been pulled over the taxpayers eyes, but since you have chosen to take away our options. We want you to know that we know a lot more than you give us credit for. As if it isn't bad enough that the taxpayers are left holding the bag on numerous projects and the only options explored are the ones that has financial gain. (361 positive emails)
5. FOLLOWING THE MONEY...IS THE BOARD OF WORKS DOING THEIR JOB? -
Freedom of Speech felt we needed to look at the process of approval of the city claims for 2006. We also feel we need to look at what is currently going on with taxpayers' money. Are we making the same mistakes over and over again?
It is Kay Garry's job as Controller to submit the claims to the Board of Works for approval. Members of the Board of Works are Tony Toran, Chairman and Chas Hunter, Vice Chairman. After approval by the Board of Works, Mrs. Garry then cuts the checks. And the claims are paid.
Sounds simple? Wrong... (378 emails)
4. THE 9 MILLION DOLLAR BAILOUT...(sewers)
"This is a 9 million dollar bailout of a utility that's failing, and that comes on the heals of a $40 million dollar project."--Council President Jeff Gahan stated. (386 positive emails)
3. HOWARD MCLEAN BALLFIELD
How can CHDO be spending money on rehabilitating these homes, the streets being built, when the matter is still in the courts and ownership of the land still in question? Mr. Miller how can you ask the Sewer Board to forgive sewer tap-ins fees for CHDO and ask the City Council for Tax Abatements when you are in litigation? (397 positive emails)
2. A LETTER FROM COUNCILMAN STEVE PRICE
Mr. Tucker,
While some people justify the spending, and give excuses for inactions, it is what it is, the facts:
Parks Department: spent $11,000 cell phone bills
Sewer Board: Voted 4-0 money shall not be taken from the sewer to fund any other departments.(Balance owed $540,000)
Unpaid Sewer Bills:(Over $1.3 uncollected sewer bills)
Before I close, I leave you with one more fact. The definition of rape according to Webster's Dictionary is as follows; abusive or improper treatment; violation: a rape of justice.
What do you call what's being done to the citizens of New Albany? (419 positive emails)
And the Number 1 Article selected by you the readers of Freedom of Speech for 2006 is:
1."JAMES GARNER VS THE TRUTH"
Elected officials strongly desire to be identified as "persons of principle." The problem is everyone isn't motivated by the same principles.
Everyone in the community knew that the real credit should go to Valla Ann Bolovschak for saving the 2.3 million dollar grant for the Greenway Project.
Why couldn't Mayor Garner been gracious enough to tell the local newspaper the name of the person who really did the hard work?
A true community leader would have done so.
Lets look at the real facts, and you decide who deserves the real credit. (466 positive emails)
Freedom Of Speech would like to say "thank you" to our many readers for your suggestions, opinions and the hundreds of emails of your continuing support in 2006!
Happy New Years!
