FLOYD COUNTY GENERAL ELECTION RESULTS... ELECTION 2006

United States Senator
Richard G. Lugar (Rep.)

United States Representative In Congress
Baron Hill (Dem.)

State Senator
Connie Weigleb Sipes (Dem.)

State Representative
Willian Cochran (Dem.)

Prosecuting Attorney
Keith Henderson (Rep.)

Clerk Of The Circuit Court
Linda Moeller (Dem.)

County Auditor
Tersea Plaiss (Dem.)

County Sheriff
Darrell Mills (Dem.)

County Assessor
Brenda Egge (Dem.)

County Commissioner
Mark Seabrook (Rep.)

County Council District 1
Thomas Pickett (Dem.)

County Council District 2
Larry McAllister (Dem.)

County Council District 3
Lana Aebersold (Rep.)

County Council District 4
John Schellenberger (Rep.)

Township Trustee Franklin Township
Hazel Riley (Dem.)

Township Board Franklin Township
Paul Byrne (Dem.)
Randy Hubert (Dem.)
Ernie Mayfield (Dem.)

Township Trustee Georgetown Township
David Riley (Dem.)

Township Board Member Georgetown Township
Dennis Roudenbush (Dem.)
Charles Wilson (Rep.)
Jeffrey Firkin (Rep.)

Township Trustee Greenville Township
Hilda Gibson (Dem.)

Township Board Member Greenville Township
Mary Grube (Rep.)
Rick Hall (Rep.)
Patty Nelson (Rep.)

Township Trustee Lafayette Township
Evan Freiberger (Dem.)

Township Board Member Lafayette Township
Priscilla Meer (Dem.)
Carl Schindler (Dem.)
Charles Zipp (Dem.)

Township Assessor
Barbara Sillings (Dem.)

Township Trustee New Albany Township
Jeannie Freiberger (Dem.)

Township Board Member
Bob Hornung (Rep.)
Lodema Applegate (Dem.)
Patty Walker (Dem.)

Greenville Town Board
Patti Hayes-Daniels (Rep.)
Bob Wright (Rep.)


Freedom Of Speech would like to offer our Congratulations to all the winning candidates.

ELECTION 2006 ... WHO WILL YOU VOTE FOR?

THOSE DAMN HUMAN POLITICAL ADS ... I'M VOTING FOR GARFIELD!

SCRIBNER PLACE - WHO GETS THE CREDIT?

Will former Mayor Regina Overton be at the ground breaking for the Scribner Place today?

Former Mayor Overton had the courage and interest to keep the Scribner Place Project moving forward. She endured the setbacks but, she had the determination to keep Scribner Place moving ahead for Downtown New Albany.

Will Mayor Garner have the "common decency" to give Overton the credit she deserves for Scribner Place and share the ground breaking?

Freedom Of Speech knows that Mayor James Garner always likes to take credit for other peoples hard work.

This seems to be your pattern...Right Jimmy!

HERE "WE GO" AGAIN!...PIE-SLICING TIME FOR THE MAYOR?

Here we go again...It doesn't surprise us that Mayor Garner is getting ready to put the taxpayers in another mess. Good Lord, can 2007 come soon enough for New Albany's deliverance?

What are we talking about? Well just read it and see what Mr. Mayor is up to now!

Request For Pricing

The Housing Authority of the City of New Albany is issuing a solicitation for proposals for the following service for fiscal year 2007: Solid Waste Disposal (Trash pickup) interested offerors should contact Cora Huffines, Director of Finance and Compliance at 812-948-2319, ext. 2039 or chuffines@nahain,comfor propsal packets. Deadline for proposals is November 13, 2006 by 5:00 p.m. EST at Administrative Offices, 300 Erni Ave., New Albany, In., Public bid opening will be at the Board of Commissioners meeting, November 13, 2006, 7:00 p.m., Mark Elrod Towers, New Albany Housing Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer and preference is given to Minority or Women owned Businesses, Resident owned Businesses, and Faith Based Organizations. NAHA reserves the right to terminate any solicitation. Lowest and best offer considered.
Oct. 25,27,29

Does this mean...

* Is it a fact the Mayor has promised "a 2007 Housing Authority Contract" to the current company collecting New Albany garbage?

* Why does the Mayor have a hand in this?

* Is it true the current company is still using New Albany equipment and City building? Do they not own the necessary equipment to do the job?

* Why is it such a "big secret" as to who the "ghost" backers are of this business arrangement between New Albany and the current Waste Disposal Company?

Original contract was with - City of New Albany & Clark-Floyd Landfill, L.L.C. ECO-Tech

Southern Indiana Waste Systems services the City of New Albany customers.

Freedom Of Speech would like to ask if the City of New Albany is picking up The Housing Authority garbage now, why is the Housing Authority taking bids?

Will the New Albany Housing Authority still pay/owe an outstanding garbage collection bill to the city?

So many questions and not enough answers!

Could the old adage "If it AIN'T BROKE - don't fix it" be applied to this situation?

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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...

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.

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

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

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

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!

"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!

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!

A PICTURE IS TRULY WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS!

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

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!

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.

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.

"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...

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 !

CJ "THE BUZZ" SEPTEMBER 29, 2006

" New Albany Police Officer allows himself to be stunned by a Taster Gun with 50,000 volts at 4th Street Live in Louisville."

Questions:

1. His colleagues were present. How many New Albany Police Officers were at 4th Street Live in Louisville for the New Albany Police Officer's performance?

2. Did Police Officer Wells and the others drive their New Albany Police Cars to 4th Street Live Bar in Louisville?

3. Remember---we taxpayers pay for the gas and upkeep of those police cars.

4. Was the 50,000 volt Taser Gun a New Albany Taser Gun?

5. We can't believe that the Louisville Police Department loaned the 50,000 volt Taser Gun to shoot a New Albany Policemen.

6. Interesting---"Chief Merle Harl and Capt. Rick Denny allowed Policeman Wells to try this desperate stunt."


Freedom Of Speech would like to ask Chief Merle Harl:

Is this a good image for New Albany Police to be performing in Louisville Bars?

MEDIA ADVISORY...FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Indiana Association of Cities and Towns
200 S. Meridan, Suite 340
Indianapolis, In 46204
www.citiesandtowns.org
Contact: Andrea W. Johnson
(317) 709-2188
(mobile phone)


Oct. 2, 2006

"The Official Voice of Municipal Government in Indiana"

City of New Albany to Host 'Hometown Gathering' on Oct.5

Local officials to engage public with regional forums
to discuss the future of local government in Indiana

The City of New Albany and the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns will host a regional meeting to discuss property taxes, the future of local government and solutions that will make a difference in how local services are paid for in Indiana. Citizens, business leaders, and local government officials in surrounding counties are encouraged to attend.

This is the first in a series of 16 state-wide Hometown Gatherings to discuss reducing reliance on property taxes, alternatives to funding local government, and how local officials can provide the most efficient, effective government possible.

Thursday, October 5, 2006, 5:00-7:00 p.m.

The Assembley Room (3rd floor), City-County Building, 311 Hauss Square, New Albany, Indiana 47150

Media is invited and may contact Andrea Johnson for more information, or go to The Indiana Association of Cities and Towns (IACT) is a coalition of municipal officials who seek to improve the quality of life in Indiana and has 475 cities and towns as members.

IACT advocates for municipalities as the official voice of municipal government in Indiana, and promotes good government through education, training and leadership.

Freedom Of Speech would like to thank Andrea Johnson at Indiana Association of Cities and Towns, for all her help and information she has supplied us with over the past year. And we also look forward to her continued correspondence in the future.

Welcome to New Albany...

MAYOR 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. As proven by current Mayor James Garner last week.

Freedom of Speech has been waiting for the last 7 to 10 days to see if Mayor Garner has the honesty and integrity to give credit where credit is due. Everyone in the community knows that the real credit should go to Valla Ann for saving the Greenway Project. Do the right thing and give Valla Ann Bolovschak the credit she earned and the credit she deserves for saving the project.

Be a man and do the right thing!

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.

We have waited for Mayor Garner to demonstrate honorable character and be a man of principles.

Lets look at the real facts, and you decide who deserves the real credit.

Last Thursday afternoon, Valla Ann Bolovschak paid a visit to Scott Woods at the City County Building before the Ohio River Greenway Commission Steering Committee meeting because she was very concerned about the looming deadline for the Corp. of Enginners. She had been down to see Scott twice about the matter of the status of the paperwork and he blew her off. She had been e-mailing Matt Schuler at the Corp. of Engineers and he told her he couldn’t get Scott to call him back either. When she saw Scott that Thursday, she asked him where the paperwork was and he told her that Steve Dilk at INDOT had it. She asked him to please come to the steering committee meeting at 4pm and he told her that either he or the mayor would be there.

Valla Ann was very suspect that the paperwork was not in Indianapolis.

At 4PM she attended the steering committee meeting and called Steve Dilk at INDOT from her cell phone and he told her he had not spoken to Scott Wood in over a month.

During that phone call, and several she made from home the following day, she ascertained what paperwork needed to be completed and had Steve Dilk send it to her and to Scott Wood on Friday via e-mail.

She kept the steering committee in the loop as well as Matt Schuler at the Corp.

What they needed at that point was a contract between the state and the City of New Albany. The contract was sent to Scott Wood late Friday afternoon. During the course of that day, she was on the phone to INDOT for hours, communicating her concerns and contacting the people who she have made relationships at INDOT, DNR and with the Greenway Foundation, which she serves on the board of as well, to get all the help she could to push this paperwork through.

On Monday morning, she drove to Indianapolis and went straight to INDOT and met with Steve Dilk. He told her the Mayor had dropped by and had gone to lunch and would be back later. Steve Dilk had sent Valla Ann the list of contact people Friday, those they needed signatures from, so she spent the rest of the afternoon determining several things;

A. If they were in town
B. Where there office was
C. Who had signature power for them in the event that they weren’t in Indianapolis

These people are scattered between the North Tower, the South Tower and the State House.

Valla Ann met with secretaries, aides and deputies. She kept a list of people because she didn’t want to have to recreate the wheel, should she ever have to go through this ordeal again.

Tuesday morning she went back to INDOT at 9am and met with Steve Dilk. He had gotten the first signature they needed, John Morton. She told him she would get the rest. And she stated she would not leave Indy. without getting all the required signatures.

The contract required another form, State Form 41221 which needed to be signed off by three people, an agency official, the budget agency and the attorney General.

The contract required six signatures, that of John Morton (Deputy Contract Administration, INDOT), Tom Sharp (Commissioner, INDOT), Charles Schalliol (Director of Office Management and Budget), Carrie Henderson (Office of Management and Budget, Department of Administration Commissioner) and Steve Carter (State Attorney General).

Over the course of the next several hours she ran paperwork around the state buildings. She was trying to acquire the signatures required for this portion of what needed to be completed to get a check cut. This took her approximately 3 hours as she ran into brick walls everywhere she went.

Upon obtaining the signatures, she then went back to the INDOT offices and starting tracking down the rest of the stuff needed, routing numbers from Seymour, the federal funding tracking numbers for the budget department, etc.

Many different computers had to match up with the identical information on several different forms required to take the paperwork to the budget offices, including a SPA claim voucher which was e-mailed electronically to Scott Wood in New Albany, who signed it after much phone prodding, and e-mailed it back. Had the Mayor been in the building, there would have been no need to e-mail the voucher to Scott.

When they finally got the computers to match up, Pam Cook (Assistant Accounts Payable Supervisor, Division of Accounting & Control) and Valla Ann walked the paperwork back over to the State House and submitted it in time (they had a free hour to spare) to get a check cut the following morning, by 11am. Pam said she would come get the check the second it was ready and meet her at her office the following morning.

Valla Ann was elated.

She called Scott Wood and he told her that the Mayor was on the way back to Indianapolis and that he would be picking up the check.

She then phoned Matt Schuler to let him know what was going on and to make sure that he stayed on top of the matter. She phoned Phil Hendershot and let him know they were out of the woods and drove home to New Albany.

The following afternoon Valla Ann returned to Indianapolis to make sure that somebody was there in time to get the check, and then went to the Greenways Foundation meeting at 4:30.

If Mayor Garner had been in Indianapolis, he wasn’t at INDOT or the State House the entire time she was there. According to Steve Dilk, Mayor Garner dropped off the paperwork and left.

Had Valla Ann not taken the initiative to visit Scott Wood on the 14th, Call Steve Dilk and INDOT that afternoon from the steering committee meeting, made the phone calls to determine what needed to happen and drive to Indianapolis and walked the paperwork though, New Albany would have lost it's Greenway funding, a $2.4 million dollar riverfront upgrade this year and with no guarantee of ever recouping the opportunity of re-obtaining it...

We would like to ask Mayor Garner what part did he play in saving the Greenway Project? Other than taking the contract up and picking the check up the following day. And Mr. Wood is this how you do the citizens business? And it's obvious you did drop the ball as stated.


Freedom Of Speech would like to also thank the following people for their participation in helping Ms. Bolovschak in obtaining the necessary credentials for the Greenway Funding Project;

* Mr. Steve Dilk
* Mr. Phelps Halsey Klika, PE
* Mr. Bruno Canzian PE, LS
* Mr. John Morton
* Mr. Michael Smith
* Mrs. Pamela Cook
* Mr. Zachary Q. Jackson
* Susan W. Guard
* DeAnna L. Brunner
* Mr. Bob Berry
* Mr. Corey Carr
* Mr. Thomas Griffin
* Mr. Gary Eaton
* Mr. Tony Disimone

CAN THE TAXPAYERS AFFORD TO PAY FOR THE GAS?

Gas Donations by Police Officers with take home cars for 2006.

Amount = Is total paid by the Officers for gasoline in his take home car from Jan. thru Aug. 2006

Mileage = Round trip mileage from individual residence to the New Albany Police Department.

Name = Police Officers

Salary = Yearly Salary per officer for 2006

Amount...Mileage........Name............Salary 2006

$399.20...9 miles....William Bailey.....$44,841.26
$70.75....3.4 miles....Edward Barnes..$55,846.13
$342.98...11.2 miles....James Bell.......$41,934.67
$359.30...25 miles......Kelly Brown.....$44,841.26
$214.56...9.4 miles.....Stephen Bush...$52,183.87
$125.37..4 miles.......Juliann Condra...$54,472.50
$78.51...12.6 miles..Bryan Couch.......$45,671.60
$223.79..8 miles....Greg Crabtree.......$61,430.72
$372.14..15 miles....Rick Denny..........$62,941.22
$153.55..4 miles.....Anthony Downs...$50,570.83
$303.14..35 miles...James Ellis...........$42,349.84
$163.74..16 miles...Jason Hatfield.......$28,987.09
$127.06..8 miles....Terry Griffey..........$53,975.58
$496.50..31 miles...Chief Merle Harl...$74,024.50
$179.25..34 miles...Phillip Houchin....$28,987.09
$377.84..14 miles...Albert Higdon.......$62,941.22
$247.52..11 miles...Phillip Kaiser........$44,425.89
$42.04..7 miles......Shawn Kesling......$43,595.75
$209.70..6 miles...Jason King............$41,934.67
$144.30..9 miles...Jerry Lawrence.....$62,204.27
$145.66..6 miles...Richard Luninger..$44,010.72
$413.45..24.4 miles..Eric May............$42,349.84
$186.22..6 miles...Jeffrey McKinney...$42,349.84
$387.00.13.4 miles.Danny McMahel...$54,390.54
$28.39...1.5 miles...Charles Miller.......$60,423.58
$227.70...33 miles...Cameron Nale......$28,987.09
$308.55...18 miles...Mike Mills............$74,376.85
$126.55.. .50 miles...Perry Parson.......$49,408.53
$130.29...6 miles...Joshua Peraman....$43,595.76
$314.66...40 miles..Jason Popp...........$43,180.59
$125.32....8 miles...Danny Price...........$41,934.67
$310.23.33.4 miles....Greg Pumphrey...$42,765.22
$185.27...10 miles...James Richards.....$51,442.56
$143.24...13 miles...Laura Shook.........$45,671.60
$150.66...12 miles..Rick Sowders.........$60,423.58
$182.15...8 miles....Jon Tucker...........$45,671.60
$362.49...44 miles..Timothy Wells......$45,671.60
$300.84...24 miles..Keith Whitlow......$64,451.92

Northside Christain Church Donation...$800.00
PSI Energy Donation........$600.00
ABC Auto.........................$0.00
EMC.................................$0.00
Pacers & Racers Donation..$100.00

January Donation totals....$1,337.07
Feburary Donation totals...$1,280.77
March Donation totals.......$1,277.78
April Donation totals.........$1,453.31
May Donation totals..........$1,311.04
June Donation totals.........$1,447.95
July Donation totals..........$1,652.06
August Donation totals......$382.94

January thru August 2006 totals...$10,142.92


Freedom Of Speech would like to say:

"This is our tax dollars at work!"

Just think...

* No car payment
* No car maintance
* No car insurance payment
* No license plate fee
* No car repairs

Freedom Of Speech would also like to ask why Police Officer/Councilman Jack Messer is not listed?

Is Chief Harl not requesting officers inside the City with take home cars to help pay for the gas?

CAN WE REALLY AFFORD IT?

FOLLOWING ARE THE ADDED COSTS TO FUNDS WHEN ADDING A LONGEVITY PLAN FOR NON UNION EMPLOYEES number of years as of 12/31/06.

DEPT......... NAME ............3%INC ......#YRS .......LONGEVITY ..........COSTS


MAYORS:
..............S. Mastrolia...... $29,648...... 3............ $400.00............$442.60

CONTROLLER:
...............K.Garry...........$37,400.....15.............$1200.00.........$1327.80
.............S.Boofter...........$32,136......15............$1200.00.........$1327.80
...............D.Clark...........$25,964......14.9.........$1000.00.............$1106.50

CLERK:
...........V.Glotzbach.........$21,424........3............$400.00................$442.60

ATTORNEY:
..........S.Gibson............$28,826........3..............$400.00.................$442.60
............P.Badger...........$31,209........5.2...........$700.00................$774.55

BOARD OF WORKS:
............P.Linck..............$23,155.......11.............$1000.00.............$1106.50
...............T.Toran..........$42,132.........3..............$400.00...............$442.60

ANIMAL SHELTER:
...............D.Hall.............$37,170.........4..............$400.00................$442.60
...............R.Davis............$21,638.........1.2...........$200.00................$221.20
................C.Mooser.........$25,790........4.5...........$400.00................$442.60
................T.Stilger..........$27,315........3.4...........$400.00................$442.60
............D.Greenwell........$21,638........1.10..........$200.00................$221.20

WEIGHTS/MEASURES:
.............J.Moreillon..........$28,834......32............$1400.00...............$1549.10
..........Jim is also paid by county. Current salary IS $11,240. He only
receives $300.00 longevity as they consider him working 1/4 of his time.

PLAN COMMISSION:
............J.Rosenbarger......$59,261.......31.8.........$1400.00..................$1549.10
............S.Wood.................$49,243......16.6.........$1200.00..................$1327.80
...............K.Cousins..........$24,129........7.6............$700.00................$774.55
................A.Dickey...........$33,029........3...............$400.00................$442.60

BUILDING COMMISSIONER:
..............B.Lenz..................$34,851........10.............$1000.00............$1106.50
................R.Bruner............$22,890.......10mos................0........................0.....
.................R.Hartman........$42,132........10mos................0........................0.....

POLICE (CIVILIANS)
.................M.Jeffries...............$23,238.......15.1...........$1200.00............$1327.80
.................P.Rainey................$23,238.........8.8.............$700.00...........$774.55
....................D.Smith..............$27,764.........1.4..............$200.00...........$221.30

FIRE (CIVILIAN)
..............S.Decker..............$23,554.........2.2..............$400.00.............$442.60

GRAND TOTAL OF ADDITIONAL COSTS IN GENERAL FUND $18,699.65

PARKING N-R
........................S.Barger.......$23,238........5.5...............$700.00.............$774.55

Cost to non-reverting Parking Fund $774.55

STREET DEPARTMENT
...................R.Hampton.......$33,619.........3..................$400.00.............$442.60
....................V.Macon..........$21,846.........3..................$400.00.............$442.60
....................C.Simon...........$33,619........new.....................0...........................0....

Cost to Street Department $885.20

SEWER FUND
....................J.Brewer............$23,554.......18.................$1200.00...........$1137.20
....................P.Byerley............$23,554.......12.8..............$1000.00...........$1106.50
..................T.Haley................$32,161.........5.10................$700.00.........$774.55
..................A.Dickey...............$23,554..........4.3..................$400.00........$442.60
.............M.Sarkisian...............$23,155..........3.....................$400.00........$442.60
............T.Hammond...............$21,857...........6.....................$700.00........$774.55
....................K.Welsh.............$33,800..........2.5..................$400.00........$442.60

Cost to sewer fund $5,311.20

MEDICAL/DRUG
.................P.Isom................$39,010.......3....................$400.00..............$442.60

Cost to Medical/Drug $442.60

REDEVELOPEMENT FUND

........................C.Krauss....$36,295.....9.8....................$700.00..............$774.55
.......................S.Holmes....$30,168.......4.....................$400.00..............$442.60

Cost to Redevelopement Fund $1,217.15

ECONOMIC DEVELOPEMENT
.....................P.Wheatley.....$37,451........2....................$400.00..............$442.60


Cost to EDIT $442.60

PARKS DEPARTMENT
...............B.Koehler............$48,842........5.6.................$700.00...............$774.55
...............L.Hutchinson......$29,220........3mos................0...........................0.....
...............D.Voyles..............$41,560.......18..................$1200.00..............$1327.80
...............G.Mills................$33,497.........3...................$400.00...............$442.60
...............K.Wilkerson........$45,533........34.................$1400.00.............$1549.10
................R.Eiler...............$32,403........18..................$1200.00.............$1327.80
................B.Harrison.........$32,249..........8...................$700.00..............$774.55
................S.Stroud.............$31,419..........5.6................$700.00.............$774.55
................G.Caufield..........$33,193.........4.3.................$400.00.............$442.60
..................K.Craig.............$28,044........2.9..................$400.00..............$442.60
................J.Dewitt..............$28,044......12.4.................$1000.00............$1106.50
................B.Fouts..............$28,044........8.3...................$700.00.............$774.55
................J.Larson.............$28,044........5.3...................$700.00.............$774.55
................K.Laswell...........$28,044........2.7...................$400.00.............$442.60
.................S.Stroud...........$28,044........2.4...................$400.00............$442.60

Total to Parks Department $11,395.95


Freedom Of Speech would like to say, longetivity would be great if the State approved the City budget. Can we afford to pay longetivity?

We also question how can Atty. Shane Gibson qualify for longevity when he is part time?

AMENDED SALARY ORDINANCE

September 12, 2005

To: Council Members

From: Kay Garry

Cc: Mayor Garner


Enclosed please find the amended salary ordinance. All position have been taken back to the 2005 salary status for each employee. This should be the ordinance approved by the council at the September 22, 2005 meeting. This ordinance has to be approved by September 30 for Second Class Cities. Although the salary and benfit line items show an increase of 2.5%, those appropriations can be lowered after the approval of budgets.

I have tried to think of an incentive for people who will not get any increase in 2006. The county has a longevity program which exempts part-time and elected officials. The County Council approves the longevity each year, although the following figures have been used since Steve Sharp was on the County Council. The schedule follows:

Step O...Less than 1 year....-O-
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

The longevity is paid the 2nd pay in Feburary and an employee has to have a 1 year anniversary 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.) Of course, this is just a suggestion, and you may want to make these payouts lower, or you may not want to do it at all.


Freedom Of Speech would like to ask how convenient this is. That the "Longvity Ordinance" comes back out again right before an election year!

Longvity pay is considered a perk!

ARE FUTURE HOMEOWNERS BEING DECEIVED?

Would you spend $93,000-$115,000 For this home?


CHDO again has left the Citizens of New Albany with more questions than answers. Is this project a waste of public money? We think so. But now we have even more questions after taking a ride over on Linden Meadows.

Freedom Of Speech would like to ask:

1. Why is CHDO and the City continuing to work on houses in Linden Meadows with two lawsuits pending?

2. Where are they getting the money to pave the road? Who did the paving? Who did the concrete curbs? Who received the lowest bid to work on these houses? Doesn't the public have a right to know since it is taxpayers money...city, state or federal?

3. Why hasn't anyone been upset when Adam Dickey and John Miller didn't tell the truth at the Sewer Board back in February when they said that the case had not been appealed? When in fact, it was in the process of being done?

4. Why hasn't the Sewer Board, the Planning Commission, or City Council put a stop to spending taxpayers money on Linden Meadows until the lawsuit is completed?

5. Why are the Linden Meadows houses listed on the Multiple Listing Site when John Miller stated various times publicly that there were "250 people on a waiting list" to buy these houses? Where did these 250 families go? Was John not telling the truth?

6. Who stated that these houses are not in a flood plan? Is it not an arm of the city that makes that determination? Sounds like conflict of interest, wouldn't you say?

7. By law, how can these houses be advertised for sale and CHDO not inform potential buyers that there is a lawsuit pending? Are local banks being made aware of this? National City Bank stated to us that they would NOT give anyone a loan under those circumstances. If the city and CHDO are so concerned about low income home buyers, wouldn't you think they would be concerned enough to inform potential homebuyers about the lawsuits?

Freedom Of Speech thinks how hypocritical that CHDO list the Linden Meadows houses as being next to a "Community Park"! There is no park. Yet, the folks in and around the area were chided for stating that they enjoyed having a park in the area and it increased home values. Obviously stating that the homes are near a (non existent) park is an attempt to make the houses more desirable. Gosh, imagine that!!!The hypocrisy is deafening.

We also highly recommend that Mr. Baylor, Mr. Wimp and Mr. Ted Fullmore purchase one of these properties since you all feel it is such a great investment.

Find us a low income family and show them how easy it is to buy one of these homes.

With all the homes for sale in New Albany would you be "dumb enough" to purchase this home at this price?

So now you have to ask yourself what's in it for John Miller?

IT'S ABOUT TIME...

AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SEWER BOARD

WHEREAS, this Common Council of the City of New Albany, Indiana, has previously adopted a policy to commit Economic Development Income Tax Funds to preserve the financial viability of the Sewer Utility; and,

WHEREAS, This Common Council of the City of New Albany, Indiana has approved the sale of millions of dollars in bonds for the renovation, construction, and operation of the sewage collection and treatment facilities in accordance with the provisions of IC 36-9-23 ("Act");

WHEREAS, This Common Council of the City of New Albany, Indiana, financed various improvement projects to keep its sewage works in compliance with the rules and regulations established by the Indiana Department of Enviromental Management, and the City has issued sewage works revenue bonds (collectively, "Bonds") to finance said projects; and

WHEREAS, the legislative power of a city is vested in its legislative body. All powers and duties of a city that are legislative in nature shall be exercised or performed by its legislative body.

WHEREAS, the fiscal body of New Albany has found it nexessary to provide broader oversight and implement additional controls to this entity of which commands extraordinary appropriations of money and financing:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL OF NEW ALBANY, INDIANA, AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1. Pursuant to authority granted by IC 36-4-6-18 the New Albany Sewer board will submit an annual itemized budget for review to the ommon Council of New Albany no later than July 15th of each calendar year. All operational and project expenses will be included in presented budget.

Section 2. Pursuant to same the New Albany Sewer board will prepare and present detailed plans and preparations to the New Albany City Council for all Sewer project work to be initiated and completed inside the County of Floyd thirty days before starting up. Contractor selection and finalized construction cost will be included in report.

Section 3. Pursuant to IC 36-4-6-21 the New Albany Sewer board will provide bi-annual documentated progress reports to the New Albany City Council regarding agreements with the Enviromental Protection Agency (EPA) and all amended "Consent Decree" regulation. These reports will be presented to the Common Council on July 15th and Dec 15th respectively.

SO ORDAINED BY THIS COMMON COUNCIL THIS_______DAY OF _____________,2006.


_____________________
JEFF GAHAN, President
New Albany Common Council

Attest:_________________________
Marcey Wisman, City Clerk


CERTIFICATE OF PRESENTATION TO THE MAYOR
The undersigned hereby certifies that the ordinance set forth hereinabove was presented by me as the duly elected New Albany City Clerk to the Mayor of the City of New Albany this ________day of_____________,2006.

APPROVAL BY MAYOR
The Ordinance set forth hereinabvove was accepted and approved by me as Mayor of the City of New Albany, Indiana, this __________day of ________________2006.


______________________
JAMES E. GARNER, MAYOR
City of New Albany, Indiana


Attest: _________________________
Marcey Wisman, City Clerk



Freedom Of Speech feels this Ordinance is the beginning of finding out the truth connected to our sewer dilemma.

Let's have some accountability!

A MEMO FROM KAY GARRY...

09-07-2006

Non-Union Salary Ordinance

The Sewer Board proposed raising the Sewer Office Manager's Salary to $1300 - bi- weekly. This is a 33.5% raise. Again I have heard from the multitudes so please find the sheets submitted in one of your budget hearings with all the non-union employees listed, with their length of service and their income. I'm just the messenger so don't assume my feelings on this sisution.

Also attached, please find the elected officials' salaries presented at one of your budget hearings. You did not respond when I indicted this had to be advertised for passage in September. Again, you have until December 31 to pass this ordiance. I would have to advertise and publish these salaries thirty (30) days before your last meeting in December which is long before December 31. Of course, you can do it in October or November.

Just remember I have to publish 30 days before the date you adopt.

Kay Garry



Street Department

Street Commissioner..........$1293.04
Administrative Assistant.....$840.25
Garage Supervisor..............$1293.04

Parking Fund

Parking Violation Officer....$893.77

Redevelopment

Director, Part-time....................$200.00
Rehab Services..........................$1395.57
Financial/Compliance Manager..$1395.97
Public Services/Facilities Specialist...$1160.32
Administrative Assistant-Neighborhood Services...$950.00
Clerk/Typist/Receptionist..........$890.59

Sewer Utility
Sewer Board

Mayor and 2 appts. or 3 Mayor appts.......................$625.00/month
City Clerk.................$522.35/month
Administrative Asst. to Sewer Board.....$1236.96

Sewer Office

Sewage Office Manager..........$1300.00
Bookeeper (3)........................$905.94
Data Entry Clerk....................$840.66
Treasurer, Sewer Utility.........$565.20

The Mayor directs that part-time employees may be paid up to $10.00 per hour unless otherwise specified in this Ordinance.

Fringe Benfits



Freedom Of Speech would like to ask;

* How can you raise our "sewer bills" and now give raises?

* Who are these people?

* Why is Kelly worth 33.5% and everybody else is only worth 3% pay increase?

* How is Kelly doing her job when delinquents are not being "actually" sought after?

* Silver Creek & Borden Tri County pay only sewer to New Albany at a higher rate than city.

* What determines a raise? Going above and beyond your required duties, being proactive instead of reactive. Kelly has not done her job in an efficent manner. Look at the billing errors and lack of customer service.

You do know what assume means Mrs. Garry? Never assume the taxpayer's will sit lightly with raising our sewer bills and handing out a raise to anyone employed in the Sewer Department.


footnote: These dollar amounts listed are bi-weekly pay.

SHAME ON YOU JIMMY... ANOTHER 11TH HOUR DEBAUCLE !

What we are facing is the very real possibility that a $2.4 million dollar "Riverfront Upgrade" could be lost to the City of New Albany due to the sheer ineptitude and negligence of our City Adminstration in doing their jobs to fill out the proper paper work to insure acquisition of Federal and State Funding we have already been awarded.

In 1999 a TE Grant was awarded the city and it is a portion of those funds $1.2 million, that Greenway Commission Member Ms. Valla Ann Bolovschak is currently in Indianapolis scrambling to find a way to get this funding transfered by this Wednesday, Sept. 20th deadline or very conceivably lose the Federal Match of $1.2 million.

Greenway Commission Members having been told by Mr. Scott Wood, that the paper work was in order. Thursday phoned INDOT during their last Steering Committee Meeting. In that call they discovered that the New Albany City Administration had apparently not been in touch with Indot for a month. And Sept. 20 is the deadline, end of the fiscal year for the Corp. of Engineers deadline looming ominously around the corner.

Once again we are facing another "City Administration" debaucle, of a 7 figure magnitude "WE CAN NOT STOMACH"...

If someone I know was in charge downtown right now, she wouldn't be able to fire you, Scott Wood, because she would have already done so!

INDIANA CONSTITUTION: ARTICLE 13...

Indebtedness

Section 1. No political or municipal corporation in this State shall ever become indebted. in any manner or for any purpose to an amount, in the aggregate, exceeding two per centum on the value of the taxable property within such corporation, to be ascertained by the last assessment for State and county taxes, previous to the incurring of such indebtness; and all bonds or obligations, in excess of such amount, given by such corporations, shall be void: Provided, That in time of war, foreign invasion, or other great public calamity on petition of a majority of the property owners in number and value, within the limits of such corporation, the public authorities, in their disecretion, may incur obligations necessary for the public protection and defense to such amount as may be requested in such petition.

Freedom Of Speech would like to ask:

* Has Mr. Mayor been truthful with the taxpayers and City Council members concerning Scribner Place?

* Has Mr. Mayor mislead the Council again by witholding vital information?

* Has Mr. Mayor set the taxpayers up to foot the bill for Scribner Place?

* Has Mr. Mayor broken his campaign pledge: I will not put all of our eggs in one basket when it comes to Scribner Place?

* Has Mr. Mayor left the citizens with too many questions and not enough answers by not doing a feasibility study?

A true leader of New Albany would come out and say:

I have this great idea But...It bypasses the State Debt to Income Law. It is a risk but...Can the taxpayers and city benefit from this risk?

We truly need to ask ourselves is the "risk greater" than the need for Scribner Place?

NEW ALBANY GOVERNMENT 101...

Government! You can't live with it! You can't live without it! It is like a "common cold" that everyone dreads.

Given the sometimes-surreal nature and melodramatic tone of New Albany's municipal mess. We only wish the City Council understood the sentiment behind the line.

Judging from a few of the members' initial reaction Tuesday morning to a long-awaited analysis of who-did-what-wrong at the last City Council meeting, they still don't get it.

They continue to be responsible for rubberstamping a scheme for the mayor to get the $5 million dollar bond for the YMCA.

Is this the only way the YMCA can pay their part?

Has the Mayor provided accurate financial information to the council for this project?

Why is the City backing this bond, especially when it is the YMCA problem?

How much commission is Jimmy and Attorney Gibson going to make off this deal?

Counciman Price at this meeting was the only one who recognizes that there is something wrong with this entire deal with Scribner Place.

If it's such a great deal, then, why didn't the banks back the YMCA?

Freedom Of Speech also feels "there is no more important function for all of local government but to define the rights of it's citizens." We do believe it is called checks and balances!

TO HONOR & IN REMEMBRANCE 9/11...

ONE

As the soot and dirt and ash rained down,
We became one color.

As we carried each other down the stairs
of a burning building,
We became one class.

As we lit candles of waiting and hope,
We became one generation.

As the firefighters and police officers
Fought their way into the inferno,
We became one gender.

As we fell to our knees
in prayer for strength,
We became one faith.

As we whispered or shouted
words of encouragement,
We spoke one language.

As we gave our blood
in lines a mile long,
We became one body.

As we mourned together the great loss,
We became one family.

As we cried tears of grief and loss,
We became one soul.

As we retell with pride
the sacrifice of heroes,
We became one people.

"We Are"
One color
One class
One generation
One gender
One faith
One language
One body
One family
One soul
One people

We are the Power of One
We are America...

Sept. 11, 2006

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. We here at Freedom of Speech happen to disagree.

Here are just a few of they reasons why:

The Thieneman Group (Don & Steve Thieneman) wanted to run a sewer pipe from the proposed Heritage Springs sewer treatment plant to Jersey Park Creek. This pipe would have run through several adjoining properties. The citizens settled with the Thieneman group after a three year battle. (source New Albany Tribune 3/10/06)

The Lafayette Landing Subdivision planned by developer Bob Lynn ran into problems with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission concerning drainage and erosion control plans as well as sewer related problems. The project was eventually tabled. (source New Albany Tribune 4/18/06)

The Daisy Lane Developers lost in their effort to build the Bridgewater Village condos. Many residents of the area had problems with this development. (source New Albany Tribune 5/19/06)

What do all of these developers have in common? They were all represented by Greg Fifer. How can he actually say that he does not see a conflict of interest?

There are several other projects that he may be involved with also.

Brookstone Subdivision, phase 3,4,5 104 homes - developer David Ruckman

Copperfield Subdivision, phase 3,4,5, 90 homes - developer Roger Harbison

Autumm Cove Subdivision, 59 homes - developer David Schuler

Rainelle Woods Subdivision, 52 homes - developer David Ruckman

Crimson Creek Subdivision, 25 homes - developer David Ruckman

Slate Creek Estates, 41 homes - developer Robert Lynn (subdivision tabled)

Lafayette Ridge, 227 homes - Developer Robert Lynn Co. (subdivision tabled)


With all of the sewer problems New Albany and Floyd County are having already, how can OUR Sewer Board Attorney represent the best interest of the citizens who sign his paycheck and represent the very developers we are fighting on many issues?

How many other "pies" does Mr. Fifer have his hands in?

Mr. Fifer was over heard saying that "I have to make a living". This was said to a private citizen when asked about the conflict of interest issue.

We have no problem with an individual making a living but we do have a problem with an attorney who represents both sides of an issue. Freedom of Speech questions the reasoning of the Sewer Board members when they hired this attorney.

It makes one want to ask, "Are you guys nuts?"

Our dear Mr. Fifer was in charge of placing liens on properties with uncollected sewer bills. This goes back to the Overton Administration. Yes, he was the Sewer Board Attorney then too.

There have been no sewer liens filed from November of 2005 until now. This was not even discovered until Ms. Valla Ann Bolovschak private citizen brought this up a year and half ago citing the lack of enforcement of the state statutes. Everyone should pay their fair share.

Mr. Fifer was very angry with members of the City Council who argued against raising the sewer bills for New Albany citizens. Why?

Of course he appears at most of the City Council meetings and speaks for several minutes per meeting. He is on a contractual contract, meaning he gets paid hourly. A guy has to make a living somehow.

Last but certainly not least is the Georgetown sewer treatment plant issue. There was a recent settlement of $800,000. Were we misled by articles in the New Albany Tribune that the New Albany taxpayers were owed $3,000,000 then $1,000,000?

After several discussions with the Georgetown City Operations Manager, and looking over the Georgetown Contract with New Albany, was Georgetown misled as well by Sewer Attorney Gref Fifer? Has it also cost the city by losing income from Georgetown? Also after reading several months' worth of Georgetown City Council meeting minutes, sewer board attorney Greg Fifer continued to state that Georgetown would receive sewer credits within the next few weeks.

Did he mislead them as well as us? Was he in this for financial gain? Again we ask, is this a conflict of interest? ABSOLUTELY!

Freedom of Speech would like to add that Mr. Fifer is not looking out for the best interest of the taxpayers of New Albany and the state of "crisis this city" finds itself in. We also agree with the statement that Ms. Bolovschak made at a recent City Council meeting. "It's what we don't know we need to worry about".

We think it is time for Mr. Fifer to resign.

The taxpayers of New Albany deserve a Sewer Board Attorney who is looking out for our best interest. And not his own best interest!


As it is written:

There is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success, than take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things.

Inscription from Machiavelli's tomb

FACING DOWN THE BULLDOZERS...

What is Eminent Domain

Eminent domain refers to the power possessed by the state over all property within the state, specifically its power to appropriate property for public use. Typically utilities, such that they can bring eminent domain actions to run telephone, power, water or gas and sewer lines.

Proceedings to take land under eminent domain are typically referred to as "condemnation" proceedings.

The Founding Fathers knew well the importance of private property in "securing the blessings of liberty." The Declaration of Independence asserts our unalienable rights to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

The Process of Eminent Domain

Eminent domain law and legal procedures vary, sometimes significantly, between jurisdictions. Usually, when a unit of government wishes to acquire privately held land, the following steps are followed:

* The government attempts to negotiate the purchase of the property for fair value.

* If the owner does not wish to sell, the government files, a court action to exercise eminent domain, and serves or publishes notice of the hearing as required by law.

* A hearing is scheduled, at which the government must demostrate that it engaged in good faith negotiations to purchase the property, but that no agreement was reached. The government must also demostrate that the taking of the property is for a public use, as defined by law. The property owner is given the opportunity to respond to the government's claims.

* If the government is successful in its petition, proceedings are held to establish the fair market value of the property. Any payment to the owner is first used to satisfy any mortgages, liens and encumbrances on the property, with any remaining balance paid to the owner. The government obtains title.

* If the government is not successful, or if the property owner is not satisfied with the outcome, either side may appeal the decision.

There are several types of takings which can occur through eminent domain:

* Complete taking
* Partial Taking
* Temporary Taking
* Easements and Rights of Way

Freedom Of Speech would like to say:

The reasons for forming government in the first place: "is to join in society with others...for the mutual preservation of their lives, liberties and estates, which we call by the general name, property."

Thomas Jefferson once wrote:

The true foundation of republican government is the equal right of every citizen in his person and property, and in their management. Try by this, as a tally, every provision of our Constitution, and see if it hangs directly on the will of the people!
July 12, 1816

Freedom Of Speech would like to thank Senator Connie Sipes for her continue fight for restrictions and to amend Eminent Domain.

Freedom Of Speech also agrees with her public stance that with out these restrictions of these amendments means that a private developer can still declare themselves a utility and seize private property through eminent domain. She also states we need to be addressing a problem that we are having in Floyd County. This is all about protecting the rights of property owners.

footnote: Senator Sipes, Thank you for your comments they are always welcome and appreciated.

$5.00 DELINQUENT SEWER SERVICE CHARGE

A $5.00 service fee is to be added by the proper City or Town official to each delinquent fee, penality, and recording fee and is included in the total amount of the lien to be recorded in the County Recorder's office. The statute pertaining to this particular subject is found in IC 36-9-23-33(c).

After any delinquent fees, penalities, recording fees and services fees have been certified to the County Auditor for placing the charges upon the tax duplicate for collection, the city or town "shall not" collect these charges but they will be collected only by the County Treasurer.

Freedom Of Speech would like to say:

It's time the City of New Albany starts following the proper procedure that the State Board of Accounts has set up in collecting Delinquent Sewer fees.