Why would we vote for Brenda Scharlow for City Council to represent the 3rd District? Maybe we should first review the Scharlows' track record and then let the voters decide:
According to public record, on December 12, 2003 the Scharlows transferred their property at 601 West Main Street from "tumblebus" to "Larry and Brenda Scharlow". On this same date, they then sold this property to "The River LLC" in Clearwater, Florida. Shortly thereafter, New Albany's first Adult Bookstore opened at this location, directly across the street from Main Street United Methodist Church. The legal battle against the Adult Bookstore location has cost the City of New Albany over $500,000 and the dispute is still not settled.
When they moved their Tumblebus to a new location, they left the parking lot gravel until the city forced them to pave it. They not only paved the lot, they also paved the entire sidewalk. Now, there is no sidewalk. School children on field trips walk around the Scharlow's cars and Tumblebuses and into the street.
The board of zoning required the Scharlows to re-install the sidewalk. Three years later, NO ACTION and children are still dodging Main Street traffic on their way from Scribner House to Mansion Row.
For the past four to five years, the Scharlows have been working on a 16 unit condominium project. Located right behind Mansion Row and blocking the views of historic homes. The Scharlows obtained this building permit within weeks of the City's action to place the property in the National Register of Historic Places.
As a result they are not subject to any of the rules of the adjoining historic properties.
While Bret Scharlow apparently owns one of these buildings and sat on the Historic Review Board, the Scharlows do not feel compelled to follow any of the historic guidelines.
Isn't it ironic that he could enforce strict guidelines on Main Street property owners while he and his family do the exact opposite to their property?
Somehow, they have made it through a lot of approvals for a project that has always been controversial. Approved as 3 stories, some are now 4 stories. They advertise it is a 16 unit condo complex, but have convinced the city to treat each building as a single family residence.
One has to wonder if they paid the proper hook up fee's for sewers?
To add insult to injury, they have now placed their real estate sign over the City's sign. The sign that welcomes visitors to New Albany's Riverfront has suddenly become just a backdrop for a Scharlow billboard.
"This is yet another self serving act in a list of many."
Is it true the Scharlow's have file bankruptcy in the past?
Maybe the Scharlow's should take the advice of a famous democrat and "Ask not what you can do TO New Albany, ask what you can do FOR New Albany".
It's now up to you the voters of the 3rd District to make an "informed" decision.
Freedom of Speech would like to know is this the direction we want to take New Albany in?
* Where certain people have advantages over other people.
* Where some people play by the rules and others don't.
Let the Scharlow record speak for itself!
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After much thought,discussion, and looking at the facts, Freedom of Speech feels the following candidate is best suited to address the taxpayers needs of the 3rd District. We also feel that this candidate is dedicated to return accountability back to city government.
Freedom of Speech PROUDLY endorse the following candidate and hope that you are readers will vote to:
Re-Elect Councilman Steve Price
"Another voice for taxpayers"
Accomplishments...
* Fought against sewer rate increase-
(8% increase vs. proposed 26%)
* Fought against property tax back up
for Scribner Place
* Fought against sanitation privatization
* Fought for fiscal accountability to taxpayers
of the 3rd District
* Spearheaded cleanliness ordinance
* Voted for Code Enforcement Officer at no
extra cost to the taxpayers
* Lobby for route system in Street Department
* Police Officers contribute gas money
What do you want 3rd District?
Results or Political Promises?
Vote to Re-Elect
Democrat Councilman
Steve Price
footnote: Freedom of Speech
will not lower our standards
to reply, or to defend any fact
or opinion!
