Thursday, December 31, 2015

HAPPY NEW YEAR'S...

From our homes to yours. We wish you and your family a special Happy New Year's. It's  almost 2016, an upcoming election year and we have lots to say, alot of questions and issues to cover. It will be exciting... 

Happy New Years,
Freedom Of Speech Staff

Thursday, December 24, 2015

HOLIDAY GREETINGS FROM FREEDOM OF SPEECH

As the Freedom of Speech family gathers with family and friends to celebrate the joys of this holiday season.

We are thankful to those who have given us their support throughout the year.

We are so grateful to have so many people touch our lives and to have such rewarding work that challenges and inspires us.

We will always be grateful to each of you for helping to make that possible.

We will continue to fight for each and every taxpayer. This "we promise."

We have and will make a difference in City Government of New Albany in 2016.

Our entire Freedom of Speech family wish you and your loved ones peace, joy, health, and goodwill during the holidays and in the coming year.

Merry Christmas &Happy Holidays!
Freedom of Speech Staff

Monday, December 21, 2015

MERRY CHRISTMAS

T'was the night before Christmas
when all through our land,

Not a Christian was praying
nor taking a stand.

Why the PC Police had taken away
the reason for Christmas-
NO one could say.

The children were told by their schools
not to sing about shepard's and wise men
and angels and things,

It might hurt peoples feelings,
the teacher would say.

December 25th is just a "Holiday!"

Yet shoppers were ready with cash,
cheques and credit.
Pushing folks, down to the floor
it didn't matter!

CDs from Madonna, and XBox, an IPad
something was changing, something quite odd!

Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa
in hopes to sell books by Fran-ken and Fonda.

As Targets were hanging their trees upside
down, at Lowe's the word Christmas-
was no where to be found.

At K-Mart and Staples , Penny's and Sears you
won't hear the word Christmas, it won't touch
your ears.

Inclusive, Sensitive, and Di-ver-si-ty
are words that are used to intimidate us.

Now Ryan, now Hannity, now Sharpton, and Wolf Blitzer,
On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, and Obummer!

At the top of the Senate,  and the Top of the White House
arose such a cladder, to eliminate Jesus, in all public
matter.

And we spoke not a word, as they took away or faith
forbidden to speak of Salvation and Grace.

The true gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded.
The reason for the season, stopped before it started.

So as you celebrate "Winter Break" under your "Dream Tree"
sipping your Starbucks, listen to us.

Choose your words carefully, choose what you say and 
shout "Merry Christmas" not "Happy Holidays."

Christ is the only reason for the Christ-mas Season.





Thursday, December 17, 2015

REPUBLICAN DEBATE.....

Our Opinion:

* None of them agree on anything.

* They thought each other's idea sucks.

* They have NO idea how to solve or deal with Terrorism.

* Florina lied again about everything and so did Ted Cruz.

* They all want to make the same mistake and send soldiers to die in the Middle East.

* They all chickened out in front of Donald Trumps face.

* Ted Cruz kissed Trump's ass....period.

And, both parties wonder why the American people are supporting Donald Trump....


Friday, December 04, 2015

HOUSE BILL 1397

Here is an interesting turn of strategy.

"You can read the full text of House Bill 1397 here; it sweetly proposes that gun buyers have 72-hour waiting period imposed upon them, and have to "confer and discuss with a licensed physician" and risk factors that might arise "from the proposed firearm purchase." 

Freedom Of Speech would like to know what insurance company will pay this doctors fee, I bet Medicare won't.

Thursday, November 26, 2015

"HAPPY THANKSGIVING!"

As you gather with family and friends this Thanksgiving, please pause for a minute to express your thanks for the bounty of blessings we all enjoy.

America is a land of abundance, prosperity, and hope and we should not take for granted the things that make our country great: a firm foundation of freedom, justice, and equality; a belief in democracy and the rule of law; and our fundamental rights to gather, speak, and worship freely.

May those of us who sit down to a Thanksgiving meal this year, also take a moment to give thanks for all of the good things and many blessing in our lives.

To our faithful readers,

May your Thanksgiving be blessed!
~ Freedom of Speech Staff

Sunday, November 22, 2015

ONE SIMPLE QUESTION....

Would Islamic Countries welcome millions of Christians?

Nuff said!

Saturday, November 14, 2015

FRANCE ATTACK

We wholeheartedly agree with Donald Trump: "We need to blow the SHIT Out of Isis!"

VIVA La France.

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

THANKS DAD...FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY:

On this Veteran's Day, we pray that all Americans consider the price of freedom, the feelings of those returning and those at home and still at war.

Be proud you are an American and think about the sacrifices that our men and women have made, and still our making in Iraq, Afghanistan and places which we don't even know about.

Freedom isn't free, and many have proudly paid the ultimate price for us.

We, as a free nation, should be ever grateful for our veterans...past, present, and future and all Military Personnel for having the courage to defend our flag and our country.

Thanks Dad, for serving our country.
God Bless America!

Tuesday, November 03, 2015

IT'S ELECTION DAY....

It's Election Day in the City Of New Albany. It's time to take this lying Mayor Gahan out of office. Remember, if you don't VOTE you don't have a right to B-I-T-C-H about local government....

See you at the polls...

Sunday, October 25, 2015

TRANSPARENCY...

Is  operating in such a way that it is easy for others to see what actions are performed, according to Wikipedia.  It guides an organization's decisions and policies on the disclosure of information to its employees and the public.  

Examples of lack of Transparency with our current mayor and his administration follow:

1.  What sort of mayor does not show up for a debate when there is an election on the horizon?  

2.  When the city council is supposed to approve a budget, why do they not get that paperwork until the meeting for the vote?

3.  When the new swimming complex was to be built, and DLGF director says not to use TIF bonds to pay for such a thing, why then did that happen anyway?   Bonds being backed by property taxes.  One should care when this is not the only bond.   130 million dollars in bond debt.
   
And to add insult to injury, there isn't enough parking by any stretch.  Zoning isn't even aware of the under the table tax payer money being spent on "alternative" parking in peoples yards to the tune of $500 a month.  If you live over there and people are parking in your yard, be sure to go downtown and demand your $500.

4.  Why are we paying a whopping salary to the city attorney and THEN billable hours, which are hard to account for, such that nobody really has a clue where what a lump of taxpayer dollars that even is? 
  
5.  In the past, finding reports of police officers committing crimes has been impossible, breaking and entering, assault......threats, not to mention their ghost employment, working elsewhere and collecting undue comp time.   Quite ridiculous.  

6.  Is transparency when the mayor denies a formal chief of police to testify against the department?  Is transparency when the a video of a chief is denied to be used as evidence? 

What is all this hiding all about?  Things that lurk and hide, vampires, viruses, cancer.  None of it is good.  

SHAME.  SHAME.  SHAME on you Jeff Gahan.  

Taxpayers, govern yourselves accordingly at the next election.   This is NOT the change we voted for in 2012.

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

MAIL CALL: OUTRAGED PATRON

Everyday we recieve e mails on candidates, elected, officials, city employees and businesses, so we wanted to share with our readers a complaint recieved.

Dear Freedom of Speech,
Over the past ten years we have had first our wedding and all our anniversaries at bed and breakfasts, so we are pretty used to what to expect.   We stayed recently at the Admiral Bickknell Inn late this summer and feel completely mislead by the information on the internet.  The photos in no way reflect the decor or condition of the b and b.  It was a mess.  Children everywhere, not romantic or peaceful. We learned new owners had taken over this year which explains why the reiews were  so misleading. If you want to trip over Barbie dolls and shoes with wet towels hanging about, you might as well stay home.  

Freedom of Speech would like to say:  You are correct.  It is under new ownership and we don't think the 3.9 million dollar street improvement is going to help this business.   Just wondering, too, did the Hysterical Society approve the crazy blue shutters?   You can't fix color blind.  

Thursday, October 08, 2015

WHO SAID IT?

We are concerned about a comment made by a candidate for City Council.

At a recent Democrat gathering he was overheard telling  potential voters and we Quote: Candidate Matt Nash stated, that the people should serve local government rather than local government serve the taxpayer.

 And,  he went on to say: Anyone, who (does) not like Mr. Mayor's bonds backed up by TIF's should consider moving or not come to New Albany to live. He doesn't need them or want people to question how he does business....

We at Freedom Of Speech, feel we have paid more than our fair share of taxes and other fees. 

We greatly resent  candidate Matt Nash's statement. 

We are also amazed how the Democrat Party could rig the caucus to replace Matt Nash over Councilwoman Diane Benedetti, that's one for the history books of local political hog wash 

Is it true, all of this, and a bi-polar, domestic abuse individual be supported by the democrat party?  Who are all these clowns?  Seems like a circus of nut balls and not an election of integrity.  

If you ask the questions who and why?  We are going to call Dr. Suess and see if he knows.  

Do we really want a person like Matt Nash representing us taxpayers on Council?




Friday, October 02, 2015

QUESTION OF THE WEEK....

Candidate Baylor what is you stands on TIF'S in New Albany?

Freedom Of Speech would like to say: Mr. Baylor you don't look to bad now that you look and  dress as a candidate. One suggestion: If you own a suit you should have wore one in the Debate....

Saturday, September 05, 2015

COMMON SENSE APPROACH ON LABOR DAY WEEKEND....

Labor Day is a marker in time, the end of a season and the beginning of one.

Today's holiday originated as a labor movement observance intended to honor the working class citizens of this city who afforded us this opportunity and things like the 8 hour day, the weekends, overtime, sick leave, worker's compensation, OSHA, you know, things that are now, well, taken for granted.

Their movement pushed to better the conditions of the work place and strove to secure respect and appreciation for those who work hard.



 Now it seems like some unions are destroying our country.

I am often struck by how hard everyone is working. Harder than before, it seems.

As one of the working middle class to be stuck in rush-hour traffic in the early morning is to be surrounded by people who are dutifully making their ways to desk and benches and counters and nursing stations and keyboards and cement mixers and cash registers and small businesses. 


To notice this most mundane fact of life is to be amazed by it.

The morning commute puts on full display what makes this Labor Day weekend so special.

How did human beings come to this ingenious mode of organization!

My father always told me the myth is that life "by the sweat of the brow" was a consequence of the fall, the wages of sin, in which work is defined by obligation and necessity.

But Labor Day should be more than just a date on a calendar and a long holiday weekend.

It is time to pause and reflect on the meaning of work, the contributions of workers. In today's economy many are not moving forward, reaping the rewards of their education, skills, and hard work. 


Families in the middle can be one lost job, one major illness, one unanticipated setback away from serious economic trouble.

Heck, unions gave birth to the middle class in America after WWII he preached... Us baby boomers have ridden this wave of economics that our parents created and have had a good ride thanks to many of the unions.

I do appreciate Labor Day for it's intended meaning.

See, I grew up in a union household; my father was a union steward for many years. While I'm thankful now that our family had to live through a few strikes or other major hardships, I was raised to appreciate one of the great virtues of organized labor-shielding employees from intimidation.

It'll come as no surprise that I was raised by a proud loyal union man. I know there were times when my father was acting as an internal whistle blower, standing up to his management about inappropriate or unfair practices.

Without the union, he and others would have not been safe to speak out.
This Labor Day, in honor of my father, I raise a toast to all the whistle blowers, and others who show courage in speaking truth to power!


Officer Laura Schook you make us all proud!

And most of all Happy Labor Day to all of New Albany's "little people" who work hard and play by the rules. Have fun and go barbecue something -- I'd prefer it not be an American flag, however better days are ahead for all of us in New Albany...We hope!


When one individual or class suffers, the whole body of society suffers; an injury to one is the concern of all, and the welfare of each the interest of all; and the common wealth requires the improvement in the condition of wage-workers, materially, morally, and intellectually.

~C.H. Zimmermann

Friday, August 07, 2015

NEWS FLASH.....ANOTHER FIXED ELECTION.

Floyd County Democrat Chairman:

We are proud to announce that Matthew Nash has been selected (not elected) as the Democratic nominee for New Albany 5th District.

Question: Isn't Matt Nash related to Warren Nash the ass kisser of Mayor Jeff Gahan and current President of the Board of Works?

Answer: Absolutely.

Question: Will Matt Nash give up his writing column with the News & Tribune?

Answer: Let's Contact Chris Morris and see. Who reads his stupid column anyway....

Freedom Of Speech would like to give a "shout out" to Adam Dickey Democrat Chairman of Floyd County: Are you really seriously or just that "stupid" to pick Matt Nash over current councilwoman Diane Benedetti?

Did Matt lose his job at Walgreens?

You dumb ass Democrats have just handed the 5th District to Mrs. Burke....

Shame on you all....

You, Mr. Matt Nash could not get elected "Dog Catcher" in Floyd County.

"No wonder our city is going to HELL in a hand basket!"


Thursday, April 30, 2015

A MESSAGE TO THE NEWS & TRIBUNE....

To The Editor:

How come you refuse to print political letters against Mr. Mayor? What has happen to Freedom Of Speech?

No wonder they call you the News & Tribune Rag.....

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

QUESTION OF THE WEEK.....

Why did Mr. Mayor refused to debate Candidate David White?

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

HE KNOW HOW TO PINCH A PENNY....

How come Mr. Mayor is paying a House Inspection employee $50.00 an hour?

Friday, March 27, 2015

QUESTIONS FOR MR. MAYOR AND NEW ALBANY'S MERIT BOARD MEMBERS........

How can you terminate Officer Schook's paycheck and health insurance as of today, March 27, 2015, if she continues to be employed with the NAPD?

Is Mayor Gahan and the Merit Board setting the taxpayers up for another Civil Lawsuit?

Even Officer Messer was entitled to receive a paycheck and his health care when they investigated him. Something smells about this entire case. Maybe it's time for Chris Morris of the News & Tribune to investigate what is going on here with the recent cutting of Officer Schook's pay and benefits...

Freedom Of Speech would like to suggest to Mr. Morris that he pulls the ISP Report and Interm Investigation Report of Sherry Knight. Then tell us, this isn't a cover-up by Mr. Mayor and the Merit Board.

Thursday, March 19, 2015

TIF'S & TIF CONFUSION ...

After reading the recent Tribune article on TIF's.

Does Mr. Mayor think that TIF is a "pie in the sky" balloon filled with "thousands of dollar bills?"
We had to laugh... 
Should Mr. Mayor be called "Dumb and Dumber...?" 

The current economy is too shaky to have expanded TIF areas.

Let alone thinking of float any more TIF Bonds. If more New Albany TIF Bonds are issued, the debt payment could fall on the backs of the property taxpayers.
Have you ever heard the ole saying "Buyer Beware"...Don't buy Mr. Mayor's "crap" taxpayers.
They are laying the ground work for more BONDS!
Does this surprise you?
Mr. Mayor has stated in the past, "I think it's a false conclusion to say that TIF districts cause any fiscal harm to the taxpayers."

Boy, you sure haven't done your home work.

You need to pick up the phone and call the following people because we did:

Charlie Pride: 317-232-2521 State Board of Accounts

Gail Snyder: 317-407-2433 Indiana Department of Local Government for Floyd County

Where is this guy coming from? We're actually paying him about $93,000 for these bad decisions.
Good Grief!
Let's cut to the chase...shall we?

Let's give you, the taxpayers and our Council members some truth for a change.

 We count 10 TIF Districts, not 5.

1. Downtown TIF
2. State Street Area TIF
3. Grantline Road TIF
4. Park East TIF
5. Charlestown Road TIF
6. Add on to State Street TIF
7. Add on to Grantline TIF
8. Add on to Downtown TIF
9. Main Street - Scribner Place TIF
10. Monon Corridor TIF on Grantline Road

Are we correct Mr. Mayor?

"At this time the Downtown TIF has NOT repaid the $3,613,698 back to the EDIT Fund."

A News Flash for you the Taxpayer's of New Albany. Are you aware the City of New Albany is $89 million dollars in debt?

Let us educate you on TIF's:

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is an area with designated boundaries (like a circle) drawn on a city map and labeled as a TIF area. The taxes in that TIF area are frozen at the time the TIF area is approved. The current property taxes continue to go into the City General Fund and to the other entities (Schools, County Government and Library).

As new development is made on that plot of ground, those "new taxes do not go into the City General Fund" or to other entities (NA-FC Schools, Floyd County Government and NA-FC Public Library).
All those new taxes on the "new development go into an account for that TIF area only" for use in the TIF area for improvements such as roads and sewers.

That new money does not go to our City General Fund.

The need for extra Police and Fire Protection is increased, but new additional money does not come out of the TIF district. So the City Council has to find other ways to pay for all the extra services needed in those TIF areas including sanitation.

This may need to be done by cutting back on all departments throughout the city.

The burden of paying for the additional services is shifted to the other taxpayers!

With too many TIF areas, the whole city could suffer because services are spread too thin and there is not enough money to sustain them. The "new tax money is gone" that could have been used for New Albany General Fund Services.

Source: Indiana Department of Local Government Finance 


Freedom of Speech would like to say: 


* All Developers should pay for the Public Improvements they need to construct their own projects.  Stop these damn bond commissions and these friggin feel good projects....

What Mr. Mayor doesn't get is this:

"The State Street Parking Garage TIF Fund still owes our EDIT Fund $3.6 million. If this $3.6 million was repaid to EDIT, those FUNDS could be used for streets, Stormwater repairs and Sewer over flow problems that should be Mr. Mayor's No.1 priority!"

We are not against growth.

What we property owners, don't understand is why we are being lied too.
Why can't Mr. Mayor, and Shane Gibson look the citizens in the eye and tell them TIF's affect property taxes. New tax dollars collected in TIF Districts are restricted and are NOT used to help hold down property tax rate.Tax abatements affect property taxes but most of all local government spending affects our property tax bills.

Should TIF's be considered Corporate Welfare? Should Developers pay for the needed infrastructure, themselves?
Absolutely!!!!
The bottom line is this, who are you going to believe property owners:
Indiana Department of Local Government Finance or Mayor Gahan on TIF's?


Our final thought is this:

We smell the LOIT Tax and Wheel Tax coming to New Albany in 2016 or before.....


Tuesday, March 17, 2015

QUESTIONS FOR ROGER BAYLOR.....

What will be R-O-G-E-R'S Mayoral Campaign Platform? Two-Way Streets? It will be a COLD day in HELL before the voters of the Great City of New Albany will EVER elect him as our NEW Mayor!

Sorry, Rog. Your just NOT qualified.

Saturday, February 14, 2015

QUESTION...

How many beers does it take to get a signatures to run for Mayor?


Friday, February 13, 2015

HERE WE GO AGAIN.....

District 1

Dan Coffey

District 2

Bob Caesar (D)
Irv Stumler (R)

District 3

Greg Phipps (D)
Dale Bagshaw (R)

District 4

Pat McLaughin (D)
Ross Heinz (R)

District 5

Dustin Collins (D)
Diane Benedetti (D)

Danita Burks (R)
Tonya Rutherford (R)

District 6

Cliff Staten (D)

Larry Belcher (R)
Noah McCourt (R)
Nicholas Vaughn (R)

At-Large

Shirley Baird (D)
Brad Bell (D)
James Garner Sr. (D)
John Gonder (D)
Adam Keeler (D)
Hannegan Beardsley Roseberry (D)
David Barksdale (R)
Bon Hornung Jr. (R)
Dr. Al Knable Jr. (R)

We  here at Freedom Of Speech feel the entire Mayor's race is a joke. We're still waiting to see if R-O-G-E-R can come up with the signatures required to run.  The Democrat Party is a joke and so is Adam Dickey.

As they often say: Same ole SHIT just a different year. God help the citizens and taxpayers of New Albany.