Tuesday, October 31, 2006

PREDICTIONS... FOR THE 2006 GENERAL ELECTION



PREDICTIONS... 2006 STATE & FLOYD COUNTY GENERAL ELECTION


United States Senator
Richard G. Lugar (R)

Secretary of State
Todd Rokita (R)

Auditor of State
Tim Berry (R)

United States Representative
Baron Hill (D)

Indiana State Senate
Connie Weigleb Sipes (D)

Indiana State Representative
(Precincts Franklin 1, Greenville 1-5, Georgetown 4&6)
Paul Robertson (D)

Indiana State Representative
(Precincts Lafayette 1-5, New Albany 1-3B, Georgetown 1,2,3,& 5)
William C. Cochran (D)

Prosecuting Attorney
Keith Henderson (R)

Clerk of the Circuit Court
Linda S. Moeller (D)

County Sheriff
Darrell W. Mills (D)

County Assessor
Brenda Egge (D)

County Commissioner District #1
D. Mark Seabrook (R)

County Council District #1
Tom Pickett (D)

County Council District #2
Larry McAllister (D)

County Council District #3
Lana Aebersold (R)

County Council District #4
Jeff Fessel (D)

Township Trustee Franklin
Hazel Riley (D)

Township Board Franklin
Paul Byrne (D)
Randy L. Hubert (D)

Township Board Georgetown
Jeffrey Firkins (R)
Steven Byerley (D)
Terry L. Kehrer (D)

Township Trustee Greenville
Hilda Gibson (D)

Township Board Greenville
Mary (Rosie) Grube (R)
Patty Nelson (R)
Timi Brooks (D)

Township Assessor New Albany
Barbara J. Sillings (D)

Township Trustee New Albany
H. Ray Cunningham (R)

Township Board New Albany
Bob Hornung (R)
Brenda G. Oeffinger (R)
Lodema Applegate (D)


We here at Freedom of Speech are tired of all of the negative ads as we are sure you are also. Stooping to this level just turns off the voters.

We believe the candidates should discuss their records and the real issues. We cannot have an informed opinion unless we know where they stand and what they stand for.

An informed voter votes for the candidate - not the political party.

VOTE on November 7th!

Saturday, October 28, 2006

RE-ELECT BILL COCHRAN STATE REPRESENTATIVE

Your State
Representative
Who Obtains
Results For You

Bill Cochran...Leadership with Results!

Working to Benfit Seniors:

With an increasing number of Indiana's population growing older, it is important to ensure their well being. Seniors and their families shouldn't be forced into making difficult decisions to maintain their standard of living. Bill has worked hard to give Seniors the benfits they've earned.

Working to Reduce Property Taxes:

In the General Assembly, Bill has worked to reduce property taxes.

* A new homeowners deduction for property taxes on a taxpayer's principal place of residence
* Increased the income tax deduction for those with dependent children
* Eliminated the inventory tax for businesses and farms

Looking Toward The Future

Bill knows Indiana is still a long way from being perfect, and with an ever-changing world and a global economy, Indiana must stay on track to keep today's economy growing.

Bill's efforts in the legislature have always been focused on making Southern Indiana a better place to live.

Here are just a few of the many extraordinary projects Bill has sponsored during his tenure:

* Obtained additional funding for buildings and programs at Indiana University Southeast and Ivy Tech, including support for the Paul W. Ogle Center, Knob View Hall, the renovation...addition to the Life Science Building

* Cochran obtained funding for new IUS Library and is now working for student housing a Medical Education building

* Created Magistrate Court of Floyd County


Your State Representative
Who Obtains Results For You

VOTE
BILL COCHRAN
STATE REPRESENTATIVE

www.billcochran72.com

Paid for by Committee to Re-Elect Bill Cochran State Representative-Judy Cochran Treasurer

Thursday, October 26, 2006

ELECT FRANK LOOP FOR SHERIFF

Dear Citizens,

Over the past 24 years, I have worked hard to train and modernize the Floyd County Sheriff's Department. I have obtained thousands of hours of law enforcement training from around the country. Since 1989, I have also written over 1 million dollars in grants, and have obtained tens of thousands of dollars in free equipment from the military. I have also secured federal funding and implemented the School Resource Officer Program, placing an officer in each of our county middle and high schools.

I'm ready to put all of this experience to work for you. With your help, I know we can.

Thank you in advance for what you will do to ensure victory in November.

Sincerely,

Frank Loop


Vote
Frank Loop
Floyd County Sheriff

www.loopforsheriff.com
frank@loopforsheriff.com



Paid for the committee to elect Fank Loop for Sheriff-Randy Hubbard chairman-Rick Fox treasurer

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

ELECT DARRELL MILLS FOR SHERIFF

Darrell Mills...A Sheriff For Your Neighborhood!

Meeting the Challenge

* Vision for Our Children...
Creating a Sheriff's
Summer Youth Camp

* A 21st Century Sheriff...

Tracking Down Internet Preditors

The shadow world of Internet preditors exists both in New York and New Albany. As a 21st century Sheriff, Darrell Mills understands the need for high-tech law enforcement to go after these low-profile and dangerous criminals who prey on children.

* Tough on Drugs...

Combating Methamphetamine

The number of methamphetamine labs in Floyd County doubled from 2004 to 2005. Darrell Mills is committed to a proactive initiative to seek out and stop this rapid growing form of illegal drug activity.

* Safer Neighborhoods...

Floyd County communities are vulnerable now more than ever. Darrell Mills is committed to working and strengthening homeowners associations and neighborhood coalitions. Working together, your specific safety needs can be better met.

Darrell
Mills
Sheriff

Leadership with
Vision and Security

For all of Floyd County's neighborhoods.

Vote Tuesday, November 7, 2006

812-944-7433
sheriff@darrellmills.com and www.DarrellMills.com


Paid for by the Committee to Elect Mills Sheriff-M. Caufield Treasurer

Sunday, October 22, 2006

LINDA MOELLER FOR FLOYD COUNTY CLERK

Linda Moeller has 7-years Experience as Deputy Clerk!

Moeller Coordinated these Programs for Floyd County:

* Computer conversion of Judicial and Election software

* Purchase of the current election software system

* Networking of Internet and E-mail service which includes the connectivity of the City-County Building and the Grantline Road Annex.

* The development of a Microfilm Department and installation of public access computers

* The development of Floyd County web site and received approval from the State to post Chronological Court Case summaries on the web site. Continues to work with office holders to expand their web pages.

Linda
Moeller
For Floyd County Clerk

Coming Soon...
The Judicial Offices
will go through a computer
software conversion.
It will connect the Floyd County
Clerk, Courts, Prosecutor,
Sheriff and Probation Offices
to each county in Indiana.

Linda Moeller is
"THE CANDIDATE"
with the experience
to Best Administrate
The Completion Of This Project!

Paid for by Committee to Elect Linda Moeller Floyd County Clerk Darlene McCoy, Treasurer


Many of us at Freedom Of Speech have known Mrs. Moeller for several years. Linda Moeller has an unmatched public record of efficiency, innovation and integrity. We respectfully ask for your Support & Vote for this outstanding citizen for the office of County Clerk.

14 Years experience does matter in County Government when putting the taxpayers needs first and foremost!

Vote
Linda Moeller
For Floyd County Clerk
November 7th

RE-ELECT LODEMA APPLEGATE FOR TOWNSHIP ADVISORY BOARD

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


Family:
Ollie Applegate: Retired New Albany Fire Department - 37 years

Four Children:
Vicky
Dan
Rick
Larry

Work Experience:
2 years - County Clerks Office
24 years - Prosecutors Office

Precinct 12 & 15
35-38 Years Experience

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

Lodema's campaign promise:

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

To serve the taxpayers of New Albany Township Fairly and 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.


Re-Elect
Lodema Applegate
for Township
Advisory Board

November 7, 2006


Paid for by Lodema Applegate for Township Advisory Board

RE-ELECT STATE SENATOR CONNIE SIPES

Connie Sipes
Indiana State Senator
Working hard for Hoosier families

Connie Sipes is your partner at the Statehouse. She returns every phone call, answers every email and listens to each of your concerns. She knows that by working together we can make southern Indiana a better place to live, work and raise a family.

Protecting Property Owners

Connie Sipes was instrumental in the passage of new legislation that will protect property owners from the threat of eminent domain. Hoosiers now have more rights and options when a unit of government attempts to take their property through this process.

Affordable Health Care for Everyone

Connie Sipes believes everyone should have access to the affordable, quality health care that so many of us take for granted. She is dedicated to finding innovative ways to help the more than 850,000 Hoosiers who have no health care plan and the thousands of other who cannot afford the rising premiums.

Improving Education

Connie Sipes supports state funding for voluntary full-day kindergarten in our schools, and she has become a leader in exploring birth to five early education opportunities. She will support a state budget that provides equitable funding for all our local schools, leaving no student, teacher or school corporation behind.

A State Senator who listens to you.

www.conniesipes.com

Authorized and paid for by Connie Sipes for State Senator Committee, Dan Weigleb, Treasurer

LEE COTNER FOR PROSECUTOR

Priority #1:
Getting Criminals Off the street

* Holding down trial costs

* Working with the Federal Government on the problem of Illgal Aliens commiting crimes

* Expanding the war on methamphetamine labs in Floyd County

* Working with the NAFC Schools and filing charges on parents of chronic truants

* An all out effort to lock up dead beat parents

Vote
Lee Cotner
For
Prosecutor

...our relationships with our children and our schools can have an enormous impact on choices that kids make with respect to the law.
Lee Cotner


Paid for by the Committee to Elect Lee Cotner Prosecutor,
John Willman Chairman, Shane Gibson, Treasurer

Saturday, October 21, 2006

VOTE FOR RAY CUNNINGHAM TRUSTEE

Why Vote for Ray Cunnungham Trustee?

The New Albany Township Trustee's office is crying out for a public servant who will work with the NA Townshio Advisory Board. For the last 12 years, there has been a gaping lack of good management in the office, resulting in an unfortunate loss of trust in the office holder. Just talk to residents oh Highland Oaks, Cobbler's Crossing, and other township residents.

The citizens of New Albany deserve better:

When elected I plan to put an end to the mismanagement and waste of the last several years. I plan to work closely with the new Fire District, and I intend to bring respectability back to the Trustee's office, whose outgoing office holder has been investigated over the last four years by the State of Indiana and the prosecutor's office for a myriad of reasons.

My opponent is a career politician with several skeltons in the closet, and she has shuffled from one office to another. I, on the other hand, welcome scrunity of my career.

I am presently the Vice President of the new Fire District Board for the Township.

We citizens of NA Township have two cleary different choices. Please study the candidates and the issues and make an informed decision on election day, Tuesday, November 7.

Thank you,
Ray


VOTE RAY CUNNINGHAM TRUSTEE

* New Albany firefighter for 32 years
* Navy veteran
* President of Harvest Homecoming
* Vice President of Fire District Board
* Tireless team player!

Contact Ray Cunningham 812-246-4001

Paid for by Brenda Oeffinger for NA Township Advisory

Friday, October 20, 2006

RE-ELECT BRENDA EGGE FOR FLOYD COUNTY ASSESSOR

"Decisions made in Indianapolis effect our pocketbook...
We must be involved at that level."
-Brenda Egge

President of the Indiana Assessors Association
Level II Certified Indiana Assessor/Appraiser
Our Floyd County Assessor

WHAT DOES THE COUNTY ASSESSOR DO?

County Assessor-identifies lists and calculates the assessed value of all real and personal property in those areas of the county that are not maintained by the individual Township Assessors, in general the County Assessor performs the following duties:

1. Advises and instructs the County Township Assessors.
2. Oversees the General Reassessment process.
3. Serves as Member/Secretary of the County Property Tax Assessment Board of appeals.
4. Issues countywide uniform Property Assessment Equalization.
5. Acts as the inheritance Tax Appraiser and represents the Inheritance Tax Division.
6. Discovers and identifies omitted property.
7. Calculates the assessed value of all realproperty in each taxing district.
8. Verfies and reviews the self reported values of all personal property in each taxing district.
9. Calculates the total assessed value of each taxing district.
10. Certifies current Assessment to the County Auditor's Office.
11. Utilizes recent sales of land (Sales Disclosures) to establish base market rates and values in each neighborhood, adjust base values for location, nearness to amenities and other influence factors.
12. Is responsible for the selection of Assessment Software and Computer systems.

These are jobs important to your family's finances.
Call Brenda with any questions at 812-948-5420

Brenda Egge
for Floyd County Assessor


Paid for by the committee to Elect Brenda Egge County Assessor-Kent Shirley Treasurer

Thursday, October 19, 2006

TERRY WATSON FOR COUNTY ASSESSOR

Responsibility
Education
Experience

Terry Watson
for County
Assessor

* Lifelong Resident of Floyd County

* 35 Years as a Professional Appraiser

* Certified General Appraiser Licensed in Indiana and Kentucky

* Level I & II Certified Indiana Assessor-Appraiser

* Member/Property Tax Board of Appeals (Floyd County)

Phone: 812-944-5622
Fax: 812-949-8236
Email: twatson@AssociatedAppraisals.org


Paid for the Committee to Elect Terry Watson County Assessor, David McCullough Treasurer

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

PROPOSED LONGEVITY FOR CITY NON-UNION EMPLOYEES...

AN ORDINANCE SETTING LONGEVITY FOR NON-UNION EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF NEW ALBANY, INDIANA

SECTION ONE. All non-union employees will receive a longevity pay the first payroll in February of each year of employment, and

SECTION TWO. All non-union employees must be employed from January 1 through December 31 to receive such longevity pay; and

SECTION THREE. The longevity schedule will be as follows:

Step 0......Less than one year......$-0-
Step 1......1 year of service...........$200
Step 2......2 years of service.........$400
Step 3......5 years of service.........$700
Step 4......10 years of service.......$1,000
Step 5......15 years of service........$1,200
Step 6......20 years of service.......$1,400

SECTION FOUR, Said years must be served consecutively and without any interruption of employment.

SECTION FIVE. Any union within the city that does not have longevity included in its contract as of the passage of this ordinance shall be eligible to negotiate for the same.

SECTION SIX. No elected official shall be eligible for longevity.



First of all after Freedom Of Speech looked at this possible new Ordinance we think they should also add another section stating, "No part-time employee qualifies for longevity."

Then we have to ask ourselves as taxpayers should non-union employee's be penalized compared to the longevity pay the New Albany Police and Fire Department receives.

Freedom Of Speech feels there should be a fairness and a balance concerning the amount any full-time employee receives in longevity pay based on length of service to local government.

Freedom of Speech would also like to point out that in section 4 of the Longevity Ordinance the word CONSECUTIVE means employment time of service in the current position, not counting previous employment with a break in service.

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

IS ALCOHOL A THREAT TO OUR CHILDREN?

Our community recently suffered a tragic car wreck that resulted in the loss of a high school student's life. The three families of the students involved in the wreck are coping with great sadness.

We would like to extend our sympathy and prayers to those families.

It appears from the reports, that alcohol was a major factor in this terrible wreck.

Was this tragic accident a message to our community that we in New Albany and Floyd County need to do more to help prevent alcohol related accidents.

Parents, schools, churches and local government need to work together to help solve this alcohol problem. We do not want to see another life lost because of alcohol.

We would like to suggest a "Town Hall Meeting" of parents, schools, church and local government to find ways to prevent alcohol tragedies and loss of life.

Freedom Of Speech welcomes your suggestions by e-mail response...

Monday, October 16, 2006

DO NEW ALBANY POLICE OFFICERS DESERVE THIS MUCH LONGEVITY PAY?

Cost of Longevity in Police Department for 2006

Name......Cost..........Years......Rank

Armenta...$0.00...........0.......Rookie
Bailey....$3,487.65........8.......Corporal/Det
Barnes...$10,070.58.....22......Sergeant
Bell.......$830.39..........2.......1ST Class
Brown....$3,321.57.......8.......1ST Class
Bush......$6,866.31......15......Sergeant
Byrne.....$0.00............0.......Rookie
Ellis.......$1,245.59.......3.......1ST Class
Fudge.....$4,119.78.......9.......Sergeant
Futter.....$0.00............0.......Rookie
Gaines....$830.39.........2.......1ST Class
Gilbert....$1,245.59.......3.......1ST Class
Griffey....$12,871.07.....31......1ST Class
Hall.......$4,359.56.......10......Corporal/Det
Harl.......$16,771.15......29......Chief
Harris....$4,567.15.......11......1ST Class
Hatfield..$415.20..........1.......1ST Class
Haub.....$4,359.56.......10......Corporal/Det
Higdon....$13,091.76....26......Captain
Houchin.$415.20...........1.......1ST Class
Humphrey.$4,577.54....10......Sergeant
Isom......$3,726.76........9.......1ST Class
Jones.....$3,726.76........9.......1ST Class
Kaiser....$2,906.37........7.......1ST Class
Kesling...$2,491.17........6.......1ST Class
King.......$830.39..........2.......1ST Class
Knight....$4,577.54......10......Sergeant
Lawrence.$7,639.13.....14......Major
Lewis.....$13,286.26.....32......1ST Class
Lyninger.$2,906.37.......7.......1ST Class
May.......$1,245.59........3.......1ST Class
McKinney.$1,245.59.....3.......1ST Class
McMahel...$12,871.07...31......1ST Class
Messer.....$9,134.31......22......1ST Class
C.Miller...$13,950.59....32......Corporal/Det
R.Miller...$2,491.17.......6.......1ST Class
Mills......$18,030.48.....32......Asst. Chief
Nale......$415.20...........1.......1ST Class
O'Neal....$13,950.59.....32......Corporal/Det
Offutt....$13,286.26......32......1ST Class
Parsons..$11,334.85.....26......Corporal/Det
Pavey.....$7,473.52.......18......1ST Class
Pearmann.$2,491.17......6.......1ST Class
Pennell...$9,562.06......19......Captain
J.Popp....$2,075.98.......5.......1ST Class
W.Popp...$415.20..........1.......1ST Class
Price.....$830.39...........2.......1ST Class
Pumphrey.$1,660.78.....4.......1ST Class
Richards..$8,283.16.....19......Corporal/Det
Schook....$4,567.16......11......1ST Class
Sowders...$14,648.12...32......Sergeant
State......$2,906.37........7.......1ST Class
Tucker....$4,567.15......11......1ST Class
Wells......$4,151.96......10......1ST Class
Whitlow...$14,098.82..28......Captain
Witt.......$13,286.26.....32......1ST Class
Zagami....$415.30..........1.......1ST Class
Condra....$8,719.12......20......Sergeant
Couch.....$4,151.96......10......1ST Class
Crabtree..$10,070.58...22......Sergeant
Darensbourg..$3,321.57..8.......1ST Class
Denny.....$13,091.76....26......Captain
Dickey.....$10,795.09...26......1ST Class
Downs.....$7,411.25......17......Corporal/Det
East........$5,795.51......11......Corporal/Det

Total.....$358,360.80


This amount is in addition to their salaries, raises and take home police cars.

Freedom Of Speech would like to say longevity is paid the 2nd pay in February and an employee has to have a 1 year anniversary date by Jan. 31 of the payout year. (i.e., someone who starts work on February 1 would have to wait 2 years to receive a longevity pay.)

Again Freedom Of Speech would like to know:

Do New Albany Police Officers deserve this much longevity pay? Contract or union it sure seems like a large "chunk of change" of taxpayers money being wasted!

About 82% of the City of New Albany's budget is used on our Police and Fire Department. And about 90% of New Albany's Police and Fire Department budget is used strickly for salaries!

What's wrong with this picture taxpayers?



note: Longevity pay is considered as vacation pay.

Sunday, October 15, 2006

RANDY STUMLER FOR COMMISSIONER

Moving Forward with New Leadership

Randy Stumler is committed to a County Government that will help build a future for your family.

Through...

* Fiscal responsibility
* Sensible and measured growth
* A partnership with New Albany and Kentuckiana
* Development of a strategic plan for the future
* Solving problems now and not passing them on to our children

"This is my commitment to my family, my community and you."
-Randy Stumler

NEW LEADERSHIP TO MOVE US FORWARD!

www.RandyStumler.com

Paid for by RandyStumler.com-Marcy Wisman Chair-Tim Hancock, Treasurer

Saturday, October 14, 2006

MARK SEABROOK FOR COUNTY COMMISSIONER

Vote for Progress,
Vote for Experience.

Vote for Mark Seabrook for
Floyd County Commissioner.

Why Mark Seabrook?
In a word, experience.

As a husband, a father and a business owner, Mark understands the needs of our county. He's keenly aware of the need to focus on the priorities of Floyd County families while fostering a spirit of coperation toward those companies who have chosen to do business here.

Mark has also been extremely active in our county, serving on a wide range of charitable and civic boards and committees, including a term as Chairman of Harvest Homecoming. This commitment to helping improve the quality of life throughout our county will shape the decisions he makes as County Commissioner.

Finally, Mark understands the political environment and has dedicated himself to civic service. He has served for eight years on the New Albany City Council, and knows the value of closely examining all sides of an issue before considering which course is best for the people he serves.

A FUTURE FOR FLOYD COUNTY
Mark places a high value on setting priorities and planning for the future.

It's his believe that the first obligation of a County Commissioner is to stability in the delivery of basic services such as fire protection and law enforcement. Future growth and prosperity required a strong foundation on which to build.

From that secure footing, Mark believes that we can work together to crete a unified vision and strategy for Floyd County, one that will set reasonable limits and boundaries, but with the flexibility to take advantage of unique opportunities as they present themselves.

Of course, progress brings challenges, and Mark is also aware that he and his fellow Commissioners will need to cooperate to ensure fiscal responsibility and stability while creating paths for the progress and growth that can generate additional resources for Floyd County.


seabrook.org

Paid for by D. Mark Seabrook for County Commissioner, D. Mark Seabrook, Treasurer

Friday, October 13, 2006

ELECT BARON HILL FOR CONGRESS...

BARON HILL
FOR CONGRESS

*************

Congressman
Baron Hill

Making Hoosier
Families Secure

* Work across party lines to reduce health care costs

* Work for Energy Independence

* Strengthening Social Security
and Protecting Your Pension.

* Helping Hoosiers Get and Keep
Good Jobs

* Balancing the Federal Budget
and Working to Boost our Economy

* Making Schools Smaller and
Safer

info@bringbackbaron.com

Paid for and authorized by "Friends for Baron Hill Committee." Bill Cochran Treasurer.


Freedom Of Speech would like to say that:

Baron Hill(D)
Raised: $1,171,727
Spent: $213,658
Cash on hand: $967,878

Last Report: 6/30/2006

PAC's: $517,030 (44%)
Individuals: $529,757 %)
Candidate: $0
Other: $124,940 ((%)

Note: All the numbers are based on Federal Election Commission data
released on Monday, October 16, 2006

Thursday, October 12, 2006

RE-ELECT CONGRESSMAN MIKE SODREL ...

Congressman Mike Sodrel
...getting things done for us.

Getting Things Done For Southern Indiana

* Mike has delivered by securing more than $72 million in much needed fundings for roads and bridges in Southern Indiana.

* Mike is working to eliminate our dependence on foreign oil by allowing domestic exploration of energy and creating incentives for alternative energy sources like Ethanol and Bio-diesel.

* Mike believes in our Hoosier values and voted for legislation to ban the burning of the American Flag. He supports legislation keeping "Under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Getting Things Done for America

* Mike opposes amnesty for illegal aliens and supports increased border security by building fences along the Mexican border to keep illegal immigrants from entering the country.

* Mike supports our troops fighting the global war on terror and has voted to raise military pay, speed up delivery of body armor, and provide better armoured vehicles.

* Mike supports tax cuts and has voted to permananently repeal the marriage penalty, the burdensome Death Tax, and supports extending the per child tax credit.

Support Mike Sodrel as he continues
Getting things done for us!

www.mikesodrel.com

Paid for by the Indiana Republican State Committee,Inc.


Freedom Of Speech would like to say that:

Congressman Mike Sodrel
Raised: $2,181,232
Spent: $1,132,816
Cash on hand: $1,072,484

Last Report: 9/30/2006

PAC's:$1,028,280 (47%)
Individuals: $891,939 (41%)
Candidate: $0
Other: $261,013 (12%)

NOTE: All the numbers are based on Federal Election Commission data released on Monday, October 16, 2006.


Freedom Of Speech wishes Congressman Mike Sodrel all the best in the upcoming November election!

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

"FIREMAN SUSPENDED"... IS IT RETALIATION ?

New Albany fireman wrote a letter concerning Mayor James "Maverick" Garner, his words. He then passed this letter to firefighters in other firehouses.

This man was suspended without pay for a day and a half by Chief Ron Toran. Could this have been politically "Garner" motivated?

We understand that the union has been notified as well as Indianapolis. A grievance has been filed.

This fireman was not suspended for a job related offense, he was suspended because he angered Chief Toran and Mayor Garner.

Politics has no place on the Fire Department.


Your actions "Fire Chief Toran" are totally unacceptable to the citizens!

Freedom Of Speech bets "Jimmy" sure didn't want this to leak out!

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

DECISION ' 06...INDIANA STATE & LOCAL POLITICAL CANDIDATES

Again this year Freedom of Speech will be posting information about the candidates running in the upcoming election, November 7th.

As this is a non-partisan blog, we will have information from both the Republican and Democratic candidates. We want to thank everyone for supplying their information to Freedom Of Speech.


United States Senator
R- Richard G. Lugar
L- Steve Osborn

Secretary Of State
R- Todd Rokita
D- Joe Pearson
L- Mike Kote

Auditor Of State
R- Tim Berry
D- Judy Anderson

Treasurer Of State
R- Richard E. Mourdock
D- Michael W. Griffin

United States Representative
R- Mike Sodrel
D- Baron Hill
l- Eric Schansberg

State Senate
R- Ryan Bergman
D- Connie Weigleb Sipes

State Representative
R- Christopher Byrd
D- Paul Robertson

State Representative
R- Jim Wathan
D- William C. Cochran

New Albany

Prosecuting Attorney
R- Keith Henderson
D- Lee Cotner

Clerk Of The Circuit Court
R- Donald Jones
D- Linda S. Moeller

County Auditor
D- Teresas A. Plaiss

County Sheriff
R- Frank Loop
D- Darrell W. Mills
L- Thomas Keister

County Assessor
R- Terry L. Watson
D- Brenda K. Egge

County Commissioner District #1
R- Mark Seabrook
D- Randy Stumler

Township Assessor New Albany
R- Jennifer Mayfield
D- Barbara Sillings

Township Trustee New Albany
R- Ray Cunningham
D- Jennie Freiberger

Township Board New Albany
R- Bob Hornung
R- Brenda Oeffinger
R- Clinton Smith Jr.
D- Lodema Applegate
D- James Hollis
D- Patty Walker


County Council District #1
R- Phyliss Thomas
D- Tom Pickett

County Council District #2
R- Kelley Miles
D- Larry McAllister

County Council District #3
R- Lana Aebersold
D- Steve Mennemeyer

County Council District #4
R- John Schellenberger
D- Jeff Fessel

Township Trustee Franklin
R- Michael Thompson
D- Hazel Riley

Township Board Franklin
D- Paul Byrne
D- Randy Hubert
D- Ernie Mayfield Jr.

Township Trusteee Georgetown
D- David Riley

Township Board Georgetown
R- Jeffrey Firkins
R- Charles Wilson
R- Matthew Wray
D- Steven Byerley
D- Terry Kehrer
D- Dennis Roudenbush

Township Trustee Greenville
R- Carl Pearcy
D- Hilda Gibsons

Township Board Greenville
R- Rosie Grube
R- Rick Hall
R- Patty Nelson
D- Timi Brooks
D- C. Jeanette (Cundiff) Seewer
D- Tom "Bucket" Little


Township Trustee Lafayette
D- Evans Freiberger

Township Board Lafayette
D- Priscilla Meek
D- Carl Schindler
D- Charles Zipp

Greenville Town
R- Patti Hayes-Daniel
R- Bob Wright
D- Barry Ginkins
D- David Allen Moore


Judicial Retention Questions

Judge of the Indiana Court of Appeals-First District

Shall Justice Frank Sullivan Jr. be retained in office?
YES
NO

Judge of the Indiana Court of Appeals-First District

Shall Judge Edward W. Najam Jr. be retained in office?
YES
NO

Judge of the Indiana Court of Appeals-Fourth District

Shall Judge Patricia A. Riley be retained in office?
YES
NO

Don't forget to Vote November 7th ... Every vote counts!

Sunday, October 08, 2006

A PICTURE IS TRULY WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS!

DADDY, WHY ARE THEY BOOING YOU?... JUST SMILE AND WAVE HONEY!

Friday, October 06, 2006

PLAYER PLACE CAN'T HANDLE ANY MORE FLOODING!

Will Daisy Lane Developers dump more flood water on Players Place residents?

The proposed development of 162 residences will create more run-off drainage problems. More concrete--more blacktop-more water will have to go somewhere.

This property along side the Radio Tower property will cause more flooding towards Country Club Drive and Player Place.

The creek now is overloaded.

Flooding has caused a lot of damage and homes ruined.

* The danger of the creek flooding was a concern for the residents of Lincoln Hills Nursing Home. The residents were prepared for evacuation as the flood waters almost entered the Lincoln Hills Nursing Home.

All of the discussions & concerns were about traffic.

The Daisy Lane Developers did not dare mention the diaster of floods. Don't they even care about the safety of people?

It has been said that the Daisy Lane Developers are planning to bypass the Council to get this housing project approved.

Player Place residents can not take anymore flood water.

Freedom Of Speech highly recommends you take a drive on Daisy Lane and see what a real traffic mess is!

Thursday, October 05, 2006

IN MEMORY: JAMES MICHAEL "MIKE" RILEY

March 21, 1951 - September 28, 2006

Earlier this month, we was saddened at the passing of James "Mike" Riley, proud Democrat and our Franklin Township Trustee. Mike, who courageously battled cancer, was 55.

The Franklin Township Trustee for three terms, Mike was a loyal Democrat who is remembered as always helping a friend in need. He truly served the citizens of Franklin Township like family. He also served two terms on the Franklin Township Advisory Board and was a former member of the Floyd County Plan Commission. A life long resident of Franklin Township, Mike graduated Floyd Central High School in 1969 and retired from Kitchen Kompact Inc. in Jeffersonville.

Mike was also a member of the Lanesville Lions Club and a U.S. Army Veteran during the Vietnam Era.

Freedom Of Speech extends our condolences to the Riley Family.

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

ANNEXATION...HAVE THE COUNCIL MEMBERS LOST THEIR MINDS?

City Council to discuss Annexation.

They have to be kidding!

Annexation means that you must provide all "city services" to areas that you Annex.

Freedom Of Speech has strong Financial Concerns:

* We are short on Fireman
* Build a new firehouse to service this area
* We need more Police Officers
* Our streets are busted and full of holes
* No money to repair the streets
* Creeks are flooding neighborhoods
* No money to clean the ditches & creeks
* City Sanitation can not pick up garbage


Freedom Of Speech would like to ask our Mayor and Council:

How can we take on a larger area when we can not take care of city problems now.

Residents outside of city pay 1 1/2 rate on sewers.

If annexed, their "sewer bill" would drop and City Sewer Dept. would get less sewer money.

It has been mentioned that the Charlestown Road area is the prime target for annexation.

TIF AREAS on Charlestown Road and Tax Abatements would wipe out the promise of collecting new taxes.

So...What is the attraction to annex that area?

Freedom Of Speech would like to ask:

Is it true that Councilman Gahan would like to annex the area to add to his political voting base in case he loses some precincts in the pending Council Redistricting suit which has not been settled?

And we thought things couldn't get any worse!


footnote: Courier Journal Article 10/4/06


NEW ALBANY

City Council work session
scheduled for Oct. 10

The New Albany City Council has scheduled a work session at 6 p.m. Oct. 10 to get information about the annexation process and to discuss the ambulance service and providing longevity salary increases for city employees.

The meeting will be held in the third-floor meeting room of the City-County Building.

Monday, October 02, 2006

"MEET THE CANDIDATES" ANNUAL DINNER

FLOYD COUNTY DEMOCRAT WOMENS CLUB

MEET THE CANDIDATES SPAGHETTI DINNER

MONDAY, OCTOBER 9TH, 2006

6:30 PM

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS HALL

809 E MAIN STREET

$4.00...CHILDREN UNDER 5 FREE


Dear Members, Officeholders, Candidates, and Fellow Democrats:

It's time for our annual "Meet the Candidates" dinner, and we are again asking for your participation!!!

1. Democrat Women Members are asked to supply us with their scrumptious desserts.

2. Officeholders and Candidates are asked to bring a door prize.

3. ...and as before, Candidates are invited to place their literature on the tables; help serve the food line; and stay to help with clean up.

Bette Buechler


We want to encourage everyone in our area to attend this dinner. It is a great opportunity to meet with the candidates one on one and have an evening of good food and a lot of fun.

Freedom Of Speech would like to say that:

We also wish to thank a very gracious and special Democrat, Mrs. Lodema Applegate, for cooking all of that spaghetti!

See you all there Monday Night...


Sunday, October 01, 2006

WHAT WILL JIMMY DO NEXT?

GENERAL FUND-- PERSONAL SERVICES--SALARIES AS PER 3% INCREASE

DEPT...........2006...........2007..........INCREASE

MAYOR........$94,392........$97,450........$3,058

CONTROLLER...$102,365.....$105,676....$3,311

CITY CLERK...$55,669........$57,973........$2,304

COUNCIL......$105,193.......$111,715.......$6,522

CITY ATTY....$81,575........$83,665.........$2,090

BOARD OF
WORKS........$324,465.......$326,959.......$2,494

ANIMAL
CONTROL.....$297,920.......$307,327.......$9,407

WEIGHTS &
MEASURE......$30,907.........$32,388........$1,481

PLAN COMM...$209,021.......$215,723.......$6,702

BUILDING
COMMISSION...$170,981.......$180,033.......$9,052

POLICE DEPT...$5,486,918.....$5,709,411.....$222,493 (PER UNION)

FIRE DEPT......$6,21,784.......$6,381,834.....$168,050 (PER UNION)

POLICE MERIT.$12,045........$12,693.........$648.00

COMMUNICATIONS
WORKERS......$483,800.......$583,624.......$99,824

FAIRVIEW
CEMETERY.....$139,465.......$167,888.......$28,423

WEST HAVEN
CEMETERY.....$36,200.........$39,952........$3,752


Freedom Of Speech would like to ask the Garner Administration why they increased our sewer bill, increased our stormwater fee and now will increase our sanitation bill in January 2007?

How can you justify these increases Jimmy?

Not only have you increased their salaries, but you used our sewer rate increase to run your billing office.

Thanks to you, New Albany is in a financial crisis.

You sir, are part of the problem, and not the solution!


footnote to Roger Baylor: Glad you are enjoying Freedom of Speech !