TWENTY MILLION $$$$$ LIE.....

We were NOT surprised at today's disclosure and announcement about the City Controllers job. The sad part, right there in print was another Gahan Twenty Million $$$$ Lie.

Check this out:

Gahan's statement: "I think Linda Moeller is the perfect person for the controller's office," Gahan said "She has had quite a few years of municipal experience dealing with the DLGF (Department of Local Government). I think she will be an excellent fit for New Albany."

Moeller's statement: "It's going to be a new challenge for me, "Moeller said from her office on Thursday," I think it will help me grow professionally, I will be doing things I have NEVER done before and tackling new projects."

Damn Jeff, she was the County Clerk. She knows nothing about City government nor has she ever really dealt with DLGF. Yes, she has worked with the State Board of Accounts and her County Budget, for her own office but that's it..

Our question to Mr. Gahan is this: Why has it taken over a year to publish the 2012 Year End Financial statements - one of the most essential and basic task of any mayor - a clear indication of inept management.

The city is supposed to maintain infrastructure, safety, trash pick up, not "on the job training" for a new controller.. That's not what we pay taxes for.

We need a Controller with a financial background to help this City not a former County Clerk who yearns to stay in the public eye because she is running for Auditor in 2014 and it's our opinion, Moeller isn't qualified for that job either. 

Our final thoughts:

Freedom Of Speech would love to know who will train Mrs. Moeller?  Kay Garry or Shane Gibson?

Mrs. Moeller you are in "way over your head", who is dumb enough to take this job after all the playing with the numbers and moving of tax payers money.  Anyone who puts party politics over us taxpayers should NOT be appointed, or in office.

No wonder our city is on the verge of municipal bankruptcy.


God help us all....

IS IT TRUE?

Is it true County Clerk Linda Moeller will be the NEW City Controller?

"God Help Us All!"

SO LET'S HAVE THAT CONVERSATION.....

When it comes to race - one cannot dismiss the most disquieting and pressing reality facing the black community: Black on black crime.

Now, we know this issue is taboo among many - but the facts are just to blantant and chilling to ignore.

Here are the real facts most won't discuss: According to national law enforcement statistics, over 95% of all blacks murdered in the United States are murdered by other blacks. Most of these murders take place in inner cities such as Detroit and Chicago by young black thugs who enjoy preying on children, the elderly and other highly vulnerable individuals.

We firmly believe that racial politics is the last refuge of cowards. It is the very place where spineless bastards and shameless vermin retreat to when the debate is lost.

As they say: you can't argue with the facts and these are the facts.

A SPECIAL SONG JUST FOR JEFF GAHAN.....

This is sung to Taylor Swift's song, "We are never, ever getting back together"

I remember when you first become the Mayor
saying: "I will put an end to Doug England."
 Closing off the riverfront and all culture,
Hoping we won't mind. What?!

And then you come around again and say,
"City, I need you so I can pay my maid!
Please....I'll use the extra money for my cruise."
We say, "No way, Jose!"

Shame on youuu!
You destroyed the Parks Department.
If, you think that we'll elect you again,
You...are crazy, crazy, crazy.
In a bad way.

Youuu are 
destroying our city.

Please, Jeff Gahan, stop this nonsense,
Make our city home.
'Cause youuuu
Aren't welcome on our ballots....
Next election! (or ever).

HC Concern Taxpayer

Freedom Of Speech would like to thank this creative artist for taking the time to write this song and sharing it with us and our readers.

Keep those emails coming....

A QUESTION FOR MR. GAHAN.....

Mr. Gahan, why have you ordered Horseshoe Casino signs to be taken down?


* YMCA
* Brandon's House
* Greenway 
* Rauch Inc.
* Cancer Care Center

* Business Loans
* New Albany Police Fire Department
* NAFC School System
* NAFC Parks Department
* Howard Steamboat Museum Inc.
* Floyd County VFW
* Floyd County Community Corrections
* Friends of the Culbertson Mansion Inc.
* Animal Shelter
* IUS
* St. Marks
* Community Park 
* Floyd County Head Start 
* Division Street School
* Scholarships
* Carnegie Center 
* St. John's Lodge

The above list is just a few of the hundreds of grants handed out in Southern Indiana.

Also, "Mr.BULLY," Roger A. Baylor received a $50,000 HFFC Small Business Loan too. 

We at Freedom of Speech are confused. Why is Mr. Gahan doing this?  Is it the bylaws that state: that a democrat and a republican must be allowed to sit on the Horseshoe Foundation Board? 

Or, is it because the Horseshoe Foundation refused to give him $$$$ for "HIS" Water Park and Sports Complex? 

Freedom Of Speech would like to say:

The consequences of what could happen as the casino has the freedom to purchase huge billboards to replace any inconsequential signs Gahan might remove. And they can work with local businesses in the city to have space on their properties to erect signs there.

Our final thoughts:

How petty, juvenile and ungracious you have become, Mr. Gahan.  It is not a forward thinking plan as it would be a smack in the casino's face. and burning bridges that should NOT be burned. This is cutting off your nose to spite your face and if we were you, I'd think twice about doing something so incredibly shallow and stupid.

Considering the history of this current administration, such behavior is really only icing on the cake of a series of ridiculously destructive typical short sighted maneuvers....

Shame on you  Mr. Gahan!

The gifts of the Horseshoe Foundation will continue to shape our community.

 

GAHAN SCREWS UP AGAIN.....

It was recently reported: but NOT very publicly, that Rural/Metro Ambulance service missed the interest payment that was due last Monday on a 2013 bond issue.

This follows an industry report from Moody's Investor's Service on May 30 when they downgraded Rural/Metro's credit rating to junk status.

Moody's also increased their probability of default.

Gahan SCREWS up again.....

THE GREAT DIVIDER....

Barrack H. Obama while giving his race-baiting speech on Friday said: "He was profiled 35 years ago at stores, because4 he was black."

How does he know it wasn't his white half that was being profiled?

Just a reminder: Al Sharpton & Jesse Jackson: Two poverty PIMPS who got RICH from perpetuating RACISM.

20 MILLION $$$$$$ QUESTION?

How long will it take Mayor Gahan to ask Kay Garry to return as Controller for the City of New Albany?

Answer: Secret meeting between Jeff and Kay Garry next Tuesday July 16, 2013,  in the Mayors office....

How about a NEW qualified CPA?

WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHY...

We are deeply sadden to hear about the death of our friend Randy Hubbard. 

He was a good man and a GREAT husband, father and grandfather. 

We often sat in Randy's office discussing politics, the democrat and the republican party, and what should and could be done to help US taxpayers. In our eyes Randy was a problem solver. He often told us: Floyd County had given him so much he just want to give back to the people.

Former Sheriff Hubbard sure loved his family, he took pride in his grand kids and cared deeply about the city and county residence.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Hubbard family. Floyd County has lost a great public servant....

Freedom Of Speech Staff

IT'S YOUR DAY DAD...

Our dad's are amazing men. They are humble, loving when you do not feel you deserve it, willing to take on any challenge that our family's bring, loved by many and taught us each unconditional love.

They're all amazing dad's in our book!

"Any man can father a child, but it takes a real man to be a dad!"

Happy Father's Day,
Freedom Of Speech Staff

LOOK AT WHAT ARROGANCE GOT YOU....

It was NOT that long ago that character and accountability was NOT the exception but rather the RULE among local leaders. It was understood that our former mayor was to lead the charge of a team effort, and there is NO, and never has been an "I" in local government.

Former New Albany mayor responds after audit show laws broken!

There is NO way for former Mayor Douglas B. England to pull a Robin Hood scenario out of this one:

England wrote an executive order to continue providing health insurance for three months after firefighter Nicholas W. Shavers was terminated by the city in 2011.

Former Mayor Douglas B. England "DID NOT" have the authority to authorize the continuation and payment of $5,200.40 of Nicholas W. Shavers insurance benefits and he knew it.

So how about our readers reading what our local "Tribune Newspaper" refuses to print:

Douglas B. England former Mayor:

Douglas B. England
Michelle England

$1,320.00  (Total Health Benefits Paid for Jan. & Feb. of 2012)

Patricia Linck, former Public Safety Clerk

Patricia Linck
William Linck
$1,320.00  (Total Health Benefits Paid for Jan. & Feb. of 2012)

Kathlyn M. Garry, former Controller/Treasurer: Sewer Board


Kathlyn M. Garry
$660.00 (Total Health Benefits Paid for Jan. & Feb. of 2012)

Guess who came back to work for the City after the 1st Executive Order was rescinded? 

The State Board of Accounts is requesting reimbursement 'jointly and severally' from former Mayor Douglas B. England and from each former employee who received these benefits of: $3,300.00.

Net cost of Insurance Benefits Paid by City for Nicholas W. Shavers was: $5,200.40. 

Former Mayor, Douglas B. England, DID NOT have the authority to authorize the continuation  and payment of insurance benefits for three months following termination. Payments made by the City for these benefits are considered personal expenses. Both former Mayor England and Nicholas W. Shavers, former Firefighter, to be "jointly and severally responsible for cost incurred" by the City and request reimbursement in the amount of: $5,200.40.

Can you believe former Mayor England states and we quote: "I have not done anything immoral." then how about criminal, Mr. England?

Look at what arrogance got you.

 "You, Mr. England, ARE NOT above the State Laws of Indiana." 

So pay back our money.

Source: State Board of Accounts,  and News And Tribune

OUR THOUGHTS THIS MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND:

" On this solemn weekend we remember the fallen, and we reflect on all they have given us. Their selfish acts of sacrifice have given freedom another day to live. It is our duty to preserve and promote freedom and liberty, to bring light to the darkest corners of the world, where others hunger for the rights we now hold!"

Hillary Rodham Clinton

It is Memorial Day weekend, that lazy three day weekend that hearlds the approach of summer.

But before you light that grill or pop open a cold one, let's consider...

Freedom of religion is not because of any church. Freedom of the press is not the work of any reporter. Trial by jury of your peers was not won by some attorney. The right to speak your mind and assemble is not to the speech of any politician.

The freedom we enjoy were hard fought and paid for by those willing to say, not on my watch.

As we write this, young men and women stand in harms way just as millions of others did before them.

We don't know about you, but we are not planing on spending our Memorial Day weekend dodging "oncoming rockets" or looking for IED's. We don't sleep on a dirt mattress or use a helmet for a pillow.

To all our men and women who serve, thank you!

We hope each of you have a safe and enjoyable weekend.

God Bless America and all that fought for her.

Freedom Of Speech Staff

POLITICAL ASSASSINATION....

After reading today's News & Tribune. We decided to put our two cents worth in on the issue: New Albany councilwoman subject of conflict-of-interest review.

After reading the comment by Councilman Dan Coffey: "First off, I hope it's NOT true, what they did put the city in a lot of jeopardy as far as future grants."

What a crock of BS....Dan.

We are NOT big fans of Mrs. Benedetti and don't always agree with her.

But, before Mr. David Duggins or Councilman Dan Coffey attacks someone the News & Tribune needs to print all the facts NOT part of the facts.

This is nothing but "Character Assassination!"

If you have ever attended a council meeting it resembles bad open mic nights. Mr. Coffey is always the expert on every issue. And we all know who's pocked he's in. Councilman Coffey you are just a first class suck up aren't you. You have your head so far up Mayor Gahan behind it's hard to tell where he begins and you end. 

Real class like your opinion is meaningful.

Grow up, stop kissing the mayors ass and get a real job!

We have yet to see any documentation with you as sole councilman or title of Deputy Mayor of the City of New Albany.

A final message to Councilman Coffey and Mr. David Duggins: Contact us when you're truly ready to discuss real "Conflict of Interest issues."

HIRED, FIRED AND REHIRED....

Congratulations to Mayor Gahan for rehiring Dennis Smith as our NEW City Code Enforcement Officer. First you fire him, he threatens to sue and then you rehire him.

Sad but true.

Public outcry should be loud and clear. 

The thought of having Smith head Code Enforcement sends "chills" down our spines.

Ok Jeffrey, just pretend it never happen....

Maybe you need to inquire what all happen when he tend bar at the Redmans Club on Main Street.

RIP Mr. Teives,  you did one hell of a job for us taxpayers!

A SAD DAY IN OKLAHOMA....

To our friends and citizens of Moore, Oklahoma: 

Please know we are think of you at this very sorrowful time. Our prayers are with you and your family. May God comfort you in your losses and bless all those that are dear to you!

YOUR INVITED:

 The Legacy of the Bayh Family

When: Friday, May 17, 2013

Tine: 2:00 P.M. Dedication

Where: Auditorium

Reception to follow in Auditorium

Indiana State University is forever a part of the Bayh family commitment to Education and Public Service.

MOTHER'S DAY...

Our mothers have instilled in us a strong value of virtues of:
* patience
* compassion
* worth
* common sense, being practical and
* the virtue of prayer


Moms, thank you for taking the time to teach us and instill values, even when we thought we was right and you were wrong! You all are our inspiration to do right and to lift up and help others.


Thank you for walking this life with us and having faith in us to excel above what we only believed possible.

And for our male readers, don't forget to call your mom. It wouldn't be Mother's Day for them without at least hearing your voice.

Happy Mother's Day to all Freedom Of Speech readers and thank you for choosing to make us part of your day.


Happy Mother's Day
Freedom Of Speech Staff

BENEDETTI VERSE COFFEY.....

Wrong decision: "Coffey favored footing a paving campaign with a $5 million bond."

Smells like a "kick back" to Diaper Dan to us....

Right decision:  "Benedetti told Coffey another legislator can't control what information she receives. "I can ask for the information I want!"

And...

"The whole point of the conversation was, if I ask for something as a legislator, I should be able to get that information."

Great point Mrs. Benedetti.

Question to our readers: Who works for Mayor Gahan? 

Answer: Dan Coffey and  Street Department Commissioner Mickey Thompson.

Freedom Of Speech would like to say: Bravo Mrs. Benedetti! 

How about next time asking Diaper Dan who made him Deputy Mayor? 

Footnote: Source: The Gahan - News & Tribune

80 BILLION DOLLAR RELIEF FUND....

Six months after Super-storm Sandy devastated the Jersey shore and New York City and pounded coastal areas of New England.  There are thousands of homeless residents.

Here we are six months after Sandy hit and despite Obama's pledge "to cut through the red tape" there are thousands of families in New York and New Jersey waiting to hear from FEMA.

Our question is this: what does FEMA have to do with your flood or home insurance?

You know what we love, when you buy insurance they tell you that your completely covered then you find out they lied!

Sound familiar?

And remember folks, the Senate passed the 80 Billion dollar relief for these folks. 

Where's the $$$$?

This should NOT be happening in the United States of America....

ARE YOU READY FOR THUNDER?

What a sad week for our country.

Now it's time to enjoy "Thunder." See you all at the Buckhead Mountain Grill this afternoon, for our annual Thunder Party.

Have a GREAT weekend!

A SAD DAY IN AMERICA....

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected by the explosions in Boston on Monday. What happened was a true disaster and tragedy. We will continue to pray for healing, recovery, and wisdom in the next few days and weeks - and we ask you to join us.

To the many first responders who ran toward danger without a thought for their own safety, to bystanders and neighbors who dropped everything to help, tearing off clothing to make tourniquets, and to the exhausted marathoners who just kept running straight to the hospital to donate blood in the immediate aftermath of the Boston bombings, you remind us how we are PROUD to be an American.

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT...

Did anyone notice (one term-er) Mayor Gahan was missing from the State House photo?

Since the Tribune won't print the whole story. We will do it for them...

Ed Clere offered a resolution on the floor of the Indiana House of Representatives "House  Concurrent Resolution 40." This Resolution honored New Albany's Bicentennial celebrations, and made special note of our city's deep and rich history. Several people from New Albany were in attendance, including people from the Bicentennial Committee.

A little birdie (snitch) on the third floor heard our illustrious mayor SCREAM at someone (We don't think it was Ed Clere) that if he (Mayor Gahan) didn't get a copy of that Resolution sent to him immediately, he would NOT GO to the reading on the House floor. He yelled and yelled we were told.

Apparently, to cover his ass with the Bicentennial Committee and several Citizens of New Albany Mayor Gahan has said and we quote: "that he was only told about the Resolution just before it was to be given", but the little birdie knows that is an outright "LIE" because of Jeff's yelling into the phone just a couple of weeks ago.

Is this what we're paying $85,000+ salary a year for, Mr. & Mrs. taxpayers? 

This is one phony LIAR we have running OUR City.

(Sorry about that, we just couldn't hold back the truth on one - term-er Gahan.)

Representative Clere hosted our New Albany contingent very nicely at the Stateho8use and it was reported they all had a wonderful visit there. Also, the people in the House of Representatives seemed to enjoy the group as well as the information they gave when the Resolution was presented.

The group went over to the Senate Chamber so Senator Grooms could also present the Resolution and acknowledge them.

Everyone who went had a great day! 

At neither Resolution reading was Gahan present. He apparently DID boycott the Resolution because he meant what he SCREAMED into the phone. He "would not show up unless" he "could approve the wording of the Resolution."

First of all, Freedom of Speech would like to Thank State Rep. Clere for being a professional and doing his job unlike Mayor Gahan. 

Mayor Gahan you need to put your big boy pants on and admit you lied. 

It's our job: To Expose and Set the Record Straight!

THE TRUE MEANING OF EASTER

Jerusalem Obituaries 33 AD

Calvary-Jesus Christ 33, on Nazareth, died Friday on Mount Calvary, also known as Golgotha, the place of the skull betrayed by the apostle Judas.

Jesus was crucified by the Romans, by order of the Ruler Pontius Pilate.

The cause of death were crucifixion, extreme exhaustion, severe torture, and loss of blood.

Jesus Christ, a descendant of Abraham was a member of the House of David. He was the son of the late Joseph, a carpenter of Nazareth and Mary, his devoted mother. Jesus was born in a stable in the City of Bethlehem, Judea. He is survived by his mother, Mary, his faithful Apostles, numerous disciples, and many other followers.

Jesus was self educated and spent most of his adult life working as a Teacher. Jesus also occasionally worked as a Medical Doctor and it is reported that he healed many patients. Up until the time of his death, Jesus was teaching and sharing the Good News, healing the sick, touching the lonely, feeding the hungry and helping the poor.

Jesus was most noted for telling parables about His Father's Kingdom and performing miracles, such as feeding over 5,000 people with only five loafs of bread and two fish and healing a man who was born blind. On the day before his death, he held a last supper celebrating the Passover Feast, at which he foretold his death.
The body was quickly buried in a stone grave, which was donated by Joseph of Arimathea, a Loyal Friend of the family. By order of Pontius Pilate, a boulder was rolled in front of the tomb. Roman soldiers were put on guard.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that everyone try to live as Jesus did.
Donations may be sent to anyone in need.
Martha




Freedom Of Speech is wishing you a Happy and Blessed Easter! May we all remember the sacrifice of Jesus that was so freely given so that we may find the true meaning of Easter...

IS THIS A CONFLICT OF INTEREST?

Is it true the City of New Albany purchased Gary Brinkworth's family property for $130,000?

Isn't this a Conflict of Interest by the Gahan Administration?

Our understanding the City Board of Works APPROVED the purchase of the Brinkworth property on Tuesday for $130,000.

Doesn't Mr. Brinkworth serve on the Sewer and Stormwater Board?

We're beginning to wonder if Doug England is back in office. This only sounds like something Dougie would pull....

Another question:

If the reasoning behind this $7 - $9 million Water Park is for the lower income children of New Albany, how can their family's afford a $10.00 per child entrance fee or a $200 yearly membership fee?

More of Gahan's Lies and Bull-Shit...

OUR OPINION...

The purpose of the  Second Amendment is to arm people in order to prevent future tyranny. They need the tools to do this.

The term "Well Regulated" in the Second Amendment meant "Well Manned and Equipped" in 1791 as was determined in 1939 United States v. Miller case after referencing the autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. The concept of Government Regulation, as we understand it today, did not exist at the time.

United States v. Miller also determined that the term "Arms" refers to "Ordinary Military Weapons" (not crew operated). American Citizens have the right to Keep and Bear, which means Own and Carry, any weapon that is legal.

The 2008 Heller v. Washington DC decision reaffirmed that the right to Bear Arms was an individual right. The 2010 McDonald v. Chicago decision reaffirmed it yet again and made it clean that it applies to every state, every city and every town in the United States.

To limit the Second Amendment would be equivalent of limiting the First Amendment to writings in quill pens.

Liberty is worth the risk of death.

We will continue to cling to our "Bibles, guns and OUR Faith in GOD not government."

NEWS FLASH....

City of New Albany HAS won court case against the County for the Two-mile fringe area.

What will the New Albany Little League do now?

GAHAN'S FUZZY MATH....

Basic Theory of TIF:

1. Freeze property assessments at pre-development level in a designated area (an allocation area").

2. Issue municipal bonds to finance portions of redevelopment.

3. As property value (and assessments) in areas increase, use increment in tax revenues to meet debt service on issued bonds.

4. All public bodies benefiting from redevelopment share the costs of public improvements associated with the redevelopment. When the redevelopment cost have been paid, the tax allocation is discontinued and all public bodies enjoy the benefits of increased property tax value.

You would think as long as Councilman Coffey, McLaughlin, Caesar and Gonder have been SITTING on the council they would understand TIFS.

So, let's do some homework and see what we come up with:

First, Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is an area with designated boundaries (like circles) drawn on a city map and labeled as a TIF area. The taxes in the TIF area are FROZEN at the time the TIF area is approved.

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.

NOT salaries!

Mayor Gahan says: we have plenty of TIF Fund Revenue to make bond payments on a $19.7 million dollar bond. What Mayor Gahan forget to tell the council members that we have $23,000,000 + additional bonds to be paid off by 2038.

Do you know and wonder why we don't have revenue?


2013 - TIF DISTRICT  PROJECTED TAXES

TIF Districts...............AMOUNT Projected

Grantline Road ...........$703,004
Charlestown Road .....$844,689
Park East ....................$1,121,596
State Street ................$618,279
State Street Garage...$197,231
Old Monon Corridor..$342,883
Loop Island ................$11,000
____________________________
Total Projected Taxes...$3,838,482

Source:Exhibit A

The above $3,838,482 Taxes stays in the above TIF areas and DOES NOT go into the General Fund.

Freedom Of Speech repeats: when the TIF Bond costs are paid off, the TIF area is discontinued (rescinded) so that the tax money can help the General Fund!

Why can't Gahan and Coffey look the citizens in the eye, tell them TIF'S affect property taxes and our General Fund.

footnote: "At this time the Downtown TIF has NOT repaid the $3,613,698 back to the EDIT Fund." We now understand why our city is on the verge of bankruptcy.

Councilman Coffey, did Freedom Of Speech answer your questions? Isn't this why you six council members are backing this $19.7 million BOND up with out Property Taxes?

See what happens Danny boy, when you know how to read TIF Spread Sheets!

COFFEY VS DICKEY....

At this quadrennial reorganizing meeting of the Floyd Democrats, they will choose a new Central Committee. Precinct committee-persons and vices will vote to elect new party officers for the next four years.

Date: Saturday, March 2. 2013
Where: Knights Of Columbus
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Our money is on Adam Dickey for Democrat Chairman.

NEWS FLASH....

What does the Pope and Carl Malysz have in common?

Their both looking for  a job!

DON'T RAISE OUR PROPERTY TAXES....

If you are against backing a $19.6 Bond for an aquatic center, baseball park and soccer field with our Property Taxes.  We here at Freedom of Speech ask you "the taxpayers to contact" the following council members and voice your opinion:

At-Large - Shirley Baird @ (812)  725-7527 or email her @ sbaird@cityofnewalbany.com
At-Large - John Gonder @ (812) 944-3121 or email him @ jgonder@cityofnewalbany.com or contact his cell (502) 500-3333
At-Large - Kevin Zurschmiede @ (812) 945-7827 or email him @ kzurschmiede@cityofnewalbany.com
1st District - Dan Coffey @  (812) 949-1262 or his cell (502) 797-8347
2nd District - Robert Caesar  @  (812) or email him @ rcaesar@cityofnewalbany.com 
3rd District - Greg Phipps (812) 949-8317 or email him @ gphipps@cityofnewalbany.com
4th District - Pat McLaughlin (812) 949-9140 or email him @ pmclaughlin@cityofnewalbany.com  or contact his cell @ (812) 987-5218
5th District - Diane Benedetti @ (812) 945-6240 or email her @dbenedetti@cityofnewalbany.com
6th District - Scott Blair @ (812) 697-0128 or email him @ sblair@cityofnewalbany.com

You have a RIGHT as a taxpayer to know your property taxes WILL GO UP if they pass this Bond.

POLITICAL CORRECT?

Boys and girls at a Massachusetts elementary school have been banned from bringing Valentine's Day candy or cards over cultural equality issues and federal guidelines regulating candy.

David DeRuosi, superintendent defended the principal's decision - explaining that with new residents and new mandates "certain traditions we have to modify and adapt." No candy, no cards, no cupcakes, the superintendent said.

Freedom Of Speech would like to say:

It's disgusting that all this political correctness is basically not allowing children to be children. To be an American child today is to be bound and gagged by the culture of the immigrant. American traditions, the very things that drew these people to our country, are cast aside in order to not to offend. If being American is so offensive to the immigrant, let the immigrant go back to where they came from.

And....

If they don't speak English, maybe they should! After all they are in the United States of America. When we travel to foreign countries, we don't expect them to change their language just for us.

Adults need to stay out of child's play.

GUN CONTROL......

We believe in the Second Amendment for two main reasons. Those reasons are probably VERY similar to many of yours reading this. One, we believe in the United States Constitution and the Second Amendment allows us to bear arms and to protect our family's from a tyrannical government.

Yep. That's one.

Two, we believe in protecting our family's from criminals. And despite what liberals would like you to believe crime and evil  will exist in this world no matter what. They will CONTINUE to exist - and be armed - even if and when the bleeding heart liberals decide to try to implement legislation that tries to somehow cancel out that thing called reality.

Regarding Obama's use of children to announce his Executive Order Gun Registration:

This is a pathetic exploitation of children as a human shield to generate an emotional response to promote his COMMUNIST agenda. This act demonstrates a level of desperation passed by any former President.

Obama resorts to grasping at human emotions because the FACTS do not support his unconstitutional, anti-gun agenda.

Obama says he will protect our children from guns but he does nothing to protect their future. From the economics our unsustainable national debt will cause them....

MAYOR GAHAN'S NEW YEARS THOUGHTS & RESOLUTIONS...

SUBMIT A RESUME IF YOUR RELATED TO JEFF GAHAN

START A RUMOR THAT THERE ARE GIANT ALLIGATORS IN THE SEWERS, AND GEORGE LUCAS WILL MAKE A MOVIE AND WE'LL FINALLY GET NEW SEWERS

ORDER 36,000 T-SHIRTS PRINTED WITH "I AM A ONE TERM MAYOR"

 SUPER GLUE ALL OF THE OLD POLICE CARS BACK TOGETHER AND SALE THEM "AS IS" TO JEFFERSONVILLE

ENTER SEVERAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING TAPES TO "AMERICA'S FUNNIEST VIDEO'S" (JUST MAYBE WE'LL WIN THE $100,000 PRIZE)

 LIST/SALE THE CITY OF NEW ALBANY ON EBAY

MAKE "BUD LITE" THE OFFICIAL BEER OF NEW ALBANY

DECLARE THE BANK STREET BREW HOUSE AN ARCHEOLOGICAL DIG. AND IT WILL CREATE TOURISM AND GROWTH DOWNTOWN. AND NEW ALBANY WILL FINALLY BE ON THE DISCOVERY CHANNEL.

MAKE "BARBECUED BOLOGNA AND WHITE CHILI" THE OFFICIAL ENTREES OF THE 2013 HARVEST HOMECOMING FESTIVAL

BUY YOUR OWN PERSONAL "POT HOLE" FOR $5.00 A MONTH AND "WATCH IT GROW."

CHANGE THE WELCOME TO NEW ALBANY'S SIGN TO: "DON'T MOVE HERE, YOU CAN'T AFFORD ALL THE EXTRA FEES."

ORDER "DON'T BLAME ME,  ENGLAND DID IT" PRINTED ON ALL OFFICIAL CITY STATIONERY.

TO HELP RAISE MUCH NEEDED FUNDS FOR NEW ALBANY. PLEASE SUPPORT OUR NEW "BUY A DOWNTOWN BAR PROGRAM" FOR 2013. APPLY TODAY!

HAPPY NEW YEARS
Freedom  of Speech Staff

SANTA OBAMA IS COMING TO TOWN....

Oh  you better not work.
You better NOT earn.
I'm telling you why.
Obama Claus is coming to town.

He'll give you a free cell phone.
Say Obamacare is great.
He'll tell you being a success
is something you should hate.

Oh you better NOT work.
You better NOT try.
You better NOT earn.

I'm telling you why.
Obama Claus is coming toooo town.

Merry Christmas

DEAR FREEDOM OF SPEECH....

Mr. Obama,

Bring me some toys.
Just like you've given the other girls and boys
I need a bailout from my head to my toes
Just like the other guys with the brown noises!
Obama, I feel kinda sick 
Just need a pick me up from good Ole' St. Nick
Just want my healthcare to be free and 
let the government take care of me.

Season Greetings

DO YOU KNOW A GRINCH?

Every family and/or circle of friends has at least one person who hates the holidays.

This person starts to get cranky right after Halloween and doesn't stop moaning until after New Years. It's a too-cool-for-family-celebrations or the too-good-for-a-mainstream-holiday intellectual.

This person hates the lights, the mistletoe, the eggnog and even the presents. But most of all, they hate that sappy holiday cheer.

Bah, humbug, indeed.

But don't let "I hate holidays" types get you down, especially when you're tasked with buying them gifts.


We say: get over yourself Grinch, you give gifts because you want to, not because you have to!

Merry Christmas Grinch

TOP 10 COMMENTS.....

Top 10 Comments made By The Reindeer During Their Xmas Flight...

10. "Sheesh! What's he been eating this year? ROCKS?"

9. "He shouts all our names all the time, sure, but do you really think he knows which one is which?"

8. "I never knew Donner had a tattoo THERE..."

7. "Sure...His seat is a flotation device. What about us?"

6. "Tried those new lite oats? You really should."

5. "Man, I hope we pause on a rooftop soon. I'm beat..."

4. "Hey! Watch the antlers there, buddy!"

3. "Did you hear you-know-who got a nose job?"

2. "You know, after a few hundred miles, these jingling bells really get on my nerves!"

And Finally...

1. "So, you want to go someplace afterwards for some reindeer games?"

Merry Christmas

CHRISTMAS HUMOR -THINGS NOT TO SAY...

Things Not To Say When Hanging The Lights On The Christmas Tree...

Did you know that hanging lights on a Christmas tree is one of the three most stressful situations in an on-going relationship?

Psychiatrists claim the other two danger zones are teaching your mate to drive and wallpapering. They are rarely wrong on these things.

"You've got two red lights right next to each other, dummy. Your supposed to go yellow, green, red, blue, not yellow, red, red, green, blue..."

"Up a little higher. You can reach it. Go on, try."

"What the hell do you do to these lights when you put them away every year? Tie them in knot?"

"Come away from that aluminum ladder, kids. I'm going to fry that dad of yours."

"If you're not going to do it right, don't do it at all. Don't just throw them on, like you do the icicles. You're worse than your father."

"Give me that!"

"I don't care if you have found another two strings, I'm done!"

"Have you been drinking?"

"Where's the cat?"

Merry Christmas

SIGNS YOUR KIDS...

Sign Your Kids Don't Like Their Christmas Presents...

Spelled out in Legos on the front lawn are the words "YOU'RE CHEAP!!!".

Moments after they unwrap gifts, you see them for sale on E-Bay.

You wake up and find the head of Elmo in your bed.

Your son simply refuses to understand why you couldn't get him two hours alone with Shania Twain.

They ask, "Where did you buy this stuff -- Crap 'R' Us?"

Season Greeting!

CHRISTMAS HUMOR...FREEDOM OF SPEECH HOLIDAY E-MAILS!

We have received many humorous Christmas emails and decided to share with our many readers. We like many of you are busy with Christmas wrapping , decorating and working on other postings. So enjoy...

Holiday Office Memo

To: All City Employees
From: City Operation Manager
Subject: Office conduct during Christmas season

Effective immediately, city employees should keep in mind the following guidelines in compliance with FROLIC (the Federal Revelry Office and Leisure Industry Council).

1. Running aluminum foil through the Mayor's paper shredder to make tinsel is discouraged.

2. Playing Jingle Bells on the push-button phone is forbidden (it runs up an incredible long distance bill) and you know how the blogs are tearing us up over taxpayers paying high phone bills. We highly recommend that you use your Department Heads' Cell Phone.

3. Work requests are not to be filed under "Bah humbug." It confuses the Mayor.

4. Police cars are not to be used to go over the river and through the woods to Grandma's house.

5. All fruitcakes is to be eaten BEFORE July 25. (This was part of the contract package.)

6. Egg Nog will NOT be dispensed in the mayor's water cooler this year.

In spite of all this, the staff is encouraged to have a Happy Holiday.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS
FROM CITY ADMINISTRATION

Freedom of Speech would like to thank the employees who submitted this from the City County Building.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday to all of you.

TAKE A MINUTE ~ MAKE THIS CALL....

Call your representative & ask them to COSPONSOR HR 824 the Wolf Resolution to create a House Select Committee on the terrorist attack in Benghazi.

Call: 202-225-3121

PACK A PARACHUTE....

Geithner Proposal

* Increase top marginal rates, capital gains & dividends - $960 Billion

* Additional tax increases - $600 Billion

* 2009-level estate tax

* Multi -year stimulus at least $80 billion in FY 2013

* Extend Unemployment Benefits

* Permanent increase in debit limit

Freedom Of Speech would like to say:

Folks, there is NOT a tax problem in our country but there is a "spending" problem! The Obama Liberals can whine until MySpace comes back in style. This "Fiscal Cliff" is nothing more than an Obama's scare tactic. 

We say let the fiscal cliff happen.

Some negotiator Geithner is. This man failed to pay his own taxes for years and he has the "balls"

to want to raise taxes on others how so Democrat of him....

We would suggest people "pack a parachute" unless Obama blinks.

LEGACY PROGRAM OF JEFF GAHAN....

$6 million - Aquatic Center Bond
$6 million - Baseball Complex Bond
$4 million - Paving Bond

Boy, will the City of New Albany have a lot of RICH attorneys.

FUEL FOR THOUGHT....

If only more people showed as much concern for the national debt as Twinkies, our country may not be as screwed as it is....

GOOD EVENING - IT'S BLACK THURSDAY...

You couldn't pay us a million dollars to do Black Thursday this year. What happen to Black Friday?

Black Thursday is our idea of consumer hell. 

We did it once, regrettably. We shot out of bed at 3 in the morning on Black Friday to stand in a long line to get INTO the store, and an even longer line to pay.

In the end, we saved about $75.

The main problems we have:

1) the mindset that comes with the day. You are geared to go out and spend, spend, spend. It's certainly every shopaholics dream to shop until you drop.

2) the deals are generally no better than what you find at random times during the year.

We made our Holiday gift list months in advance.

We completed all of our Christmas shopping back in May. We probably found better deals than anyone out there in that madness this morning.

So, this Black Thursday we will be enjoying a leisure drink or two, and really saving money by not blowing an entire evening spending it!

The only thing we have yet to do: is wrap all those special presents...

Happy Black Thursday to all!

OUR CONDOLENCE...

A personal message to Matt Denison,

When you loose such a special person in your life, time seems to stop. Please accept our deepest condolence to you and your family in the loss of your uncle, Chief Larry Denison. We will never be able to forget your uncle, as he will always hold a place in our hearts and what he did for the citizens and the City of New Albany.

You have our deepest sympathy,

Freedom Of Speech Staff

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING CANDIDATES...

Governor: Mike Pence
Attorney General: Greg Zoeller
U.S. Rep. IN. Congress Dist. 9: Todd Young
State Representative Dist. 72: Ed Clere
County Recorder: Lois Endres
County Treasurer: Linda Berger
County Commissioner Dist. 2: Chuck Freiberger
County Council Member: Brad Striegel
School Board Member At-Large: Jessica Knable
School Board Member District 4: Rebecca Gardenour

Freedom Of Speech has a lot to say:

First of all it is OUR opinion Candidate Steve Burke is "unfit to sit" on the County Council. We hope he attends more County Council meetings than he did Advisory Board meetings which he was elected to do. Just going in to pick up a pay check doesn't pass the smell test.

A message to the Ed Clere haters over on NAC  It is our opinion that Mr. Clere continues to do the job WE taxpayers pay him to do regardless of party. The petty trash talking over on NAC makes you all look SMALL and JEALOUS. Bullying doesn't cut it here in the City and County. Freedom Of Speech was proud to endorse this great candidate.

A message to Commissioner Steve Bush: Our understanding is you plan to run for Sheriff in the next election. Taking donations from Democrats with the promise of jobs cost Carol Evans the election. Don't get us wrong we didn't support her because citizens are tired of the deal cutting.

Welcome to the newest School Board member Jessica Knable. She might be small but she's a true spitfire person when it comes to kids. We know Mrs. Knable will do "a great job" as a School Board member. She will base her decisions on facts and what is best for the students of NAFC Schools.

As they say: you always save the best for last.

A message to newly elected three term School Board member, Rebecca Gardenour: You are truly a real Watchdog for the taxpayers of Floyd County. From Linden Meadows, to being a CASA case worker (and everything else in between) and a advocate for children you rate high on our list. You not only talk the talk but walk the walk and Mrs. Gardenour DOES put her money where her mouth is. She lives in the real world. She knows what kids go through. (Unlike US here at Freedom Of Speech, other blogs seems to make every attack against Mrs. Gardenour and Ed Clere personal). Do we always agree with Mrs. Gardenour? No, but we do agree to disagree unlike some others. Mrs. Gardenour will ALWAYS be a voice for the Floyd County students and the taxpayers regardless of party. Her common sense approach, knowledge of budgets, and the school system makes her the best advocate for children.

Bottom line here folks: Gardenour was the BEST candidate. 

Hmmm, could she be "our choice as a future candidate" for mayor. That has to be a great thought and a great idea...what do you our readers think?

Our final thoughts: as they say in local politics: "the democrats put you in and the democrats take you out." Now, it's truly time to clean up our city politics. This is the "WORSE Mayor and City Council" we have EVER seen.

Mission Accomplished...

BE SURE AND VOTE ON NOV. 6, 2012.....

With the upcoming general election right around the corner.

Our readers do not need a sermon on the fact that voting is one of the best privileges that we have in a democracy!

George Jean Nathan once said, "Bad officials are elected by good citizens who do not vote."

This is the most important election this country and county has ever had.
You might ask, what do we mean by making this statement.

If the candidate has a bad voting record you as a voter need to consider: "do you really want them" back in office?

We like many citizens are tired of the rhetoric, deal cutting, conflict of interest and mismanagement of our tax dollars and the blatant lies told by several candidates and you know who you are!

Incumbent or not. Democrat or Republican it does not matter.

We will vote for candidates whose views on issues support our family first and our community second.

Incumbents or candidates who blindly and cowardly simply follow their parties dictated direction will NOT get our VOTE!

The deal cutting and blatant lies has affected many citizens and has affected their quality of life here in Floyd County and our Country.

It is time, our time, to clean this County and Country up and get rid of the Good Old Boys.

But we cannot do it without each and everyone of you!

So, Drum Roll...Please!

Freedom Of Speech will list our Endorsements for the upcoming 2012 General Election:

President:

Mitt Romney (R)

Indiana United States Senator:

Joe Donnelley (D)

Indiana Governor:

Mike Pence (R)

Indiana Attorney General:

Greg Zoeller (R)

State Superintendent:

Tony Bennett (R)

United States Representative 9th Congressional District:

Todd Young (R)

State Representative District 70:

Rhonda Rhoads (R)

State Representative District 72:

Ed Clere (R)

County Recorder:

Lois Endris (R)

County Treasurer:

Linda Berger (R)

County Coroner:

Lesalie E. Knable (D)

County Commissioner District 2:

Chuck Freiburger (D)

County Commissioner District 3:

Dennis Roundenbush (D)

County Council At-Large:

Larry Clemons (D)
Carol Shope (D)
Brad Striegel (D)

School Board:

Becky Gardenour
Jessica Knable (At-Large)

We wish all these candidates all the best and hope that you are prepared to make the hard decisions COME 2013!

Freedom Of Speech Staff

MAIL CALL....

Hey There,

What up? Phew, it's been quite a month. Quite a month, Man...

Oh, sorry about that, just got lost in thought about the terrible things Mitt Romney wants to do to women. Wait--that sounded weird. You know what I mean.

Anyway, you can probably guess why I'm writing. I don't want to lose this election. Not, you know, because of, like, how it would affect me. This isn't about me. I'll be totes alright. I mean, think about it: Even if I lose, I'd be a former president, so, like, people would still definitely want to hang with me and play b-ball (even if I do always win). I mean seriously, how sweet would it be to hang with s former pres? Tell me you wouldn't be excited for that. I would. I definitely would.

And also I'd have a lot more time to, like, do stuff. I'm waaay behind on movies. I mean, Harvey still won't get off my back about seeing The Artist, so that could be cool. Plus, I could get my turntables out of storage and start spinning again. And I've always wanted to take a road trip and see America. I mean, I've seen "America," I guess, but I wanna see, like, the cool parts of America-Portland, Austin, I heard Charleston is cool. Not, you know, Ohio.'

Hey, maybe I'll even get a real job or something. Part-time, or maybe even full-time. Oh, like a full professorship! I never got to do that before. Maybe Senator-elect Warren could hook me up, Hmm...

Oh, uh-but seriously, I really don't want to lose this thing. For reals. We're entering the home stretch here and I could really, really use your support. So, I guess donate $5 or-oh, wait, great idea: If you live in Portland or Austin or somewhere cool and you've got space for me to crash, send me your digits. I'll text you or something. Sweet.

Later,

Barack

DONATE TO THE REDCROSS...

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the citizens affected by Hurricane Sandy.

Support The Sandy Relief Effort
Text REDCROSS at: 90999

THE ART OF THE DEAL....

Now the world will see if Obama REALLY cares about charity. Donald Trump is willing to give 5 million dollars to a charity of Obama's choice (including Inner City Children of Chicago), if Obama will just release his college and passport records. From what we know, Trump is not asking for anything more that what other presidents have shown.

This is a very interesting challenge to see how much Obama wants to keep his college and passport records a secret. And it should cause people who support him to ask "why," if he rejects the challenge. That's a lot of money that could do a lot of good.

Check out the Liberal media.

Not one of them seems to realize that Trump just finagled himself $25 million in anti-Obama press for nothing...

That folks is called "The Art of the Deal."

SHAME ON YOU MR. GAHAN....

Our city is comprised of a poor, middle and upper class and it seems that several on council believe they only represent the mayor along with those with special desires, which leaves the rest of us footing the bill and suffering in our own personal pocketbooks.

By separating the parks it will cost us the taxpayers more.

We, the taxpayers, need a council and a mayor who are willing to make the tough decisions, based on need verses want in this continued economic times.

We need to cut spending, based on the strictest need.

Our mayor, city council, and employees are suppose to save us money, when and where they can. Not put the taxpayers in a bind because the mayor wants a 'water park downtown.'

You are each affecting our quality of life.

We view serving on City Council as a great privilege. It is NOT a position for residual income, but a position that requires time and energy, as well as the interest for all those impacted by each decision made, because we do believe "what we do today impacts tomorrow!"

Gahan seems to think he knows best but again he is wrong.

Shame on you Mr. Gahan, you have just cost yourself another chance to do the right thing.

We applaud the following council members: Kevin, Bob, Diane and Mrs. Baird for have the guts to stand up to Mr. Gahan on behalf of the many taxpayers  of our city.

WHY WE SUPPORT ED CLERE...

In a local race, interviews with the candidates can be helpful. For a incumbent, a look at their voting records on issues that affect you and your family can tell you the candidate positions:

2012 General Assembly Voting Record:

Voted YES on House Bill 1003, which is Taxpayer Friendly because (1) public access to government meetings and records is improved and (2) it is less likely that public agencies will intentionally violate the Public Access Laws.

Voted YES on House Bill 1005, which contains six Taxpayer Friendly local government Conflict of interest provisions and sixteen Taxpayer friendly local government Nepotism provisions.

2011 General Assembly Voting Record:

Voted YES on House Bill 1001, which includes 16 Taxpayer Friendly state budget provisions NO tax increases and an operating surplus in both the 2012 and 2013 fiscal years with a excellent reserve balance on June 30, 2013.

Voted YES on House Bill 1002, which is Taxpayer Friendly because (1) charter schools have the potential to help increase the academic growth of lower social economic students, (2) the number of Indiana nonprofit private colleges and universities authorized to create charter schools is limited, (3) the Indianapolis mayor is the only Indiana mayor who may authorize charter schools, (4) conversion from a public school to a charter school is sufficiently stringent, and (5) property taxes are NOT  improperly used to support charter schools.

Voted YES on House Bill 1022, which is Taxpayer Friendly local government related to officeholders.

Voted YES on House Bill 1074, which provides that school board members selected by election must be elected at November general elections and is Taxpayer Friendly because the greater voter turnout in general elections will make it more difficult for local vested interests to unduly influence school board elections.

Voted YES on House Bill 1583, which passed as part of House Bill 1004 and is Taxpayer Friendly because the 1% homeowner property tax cap and ten homeowner property tax deductions are allowed in the year of a property transfer if the property is determined to be exempt in the year following the transfer year.

2010 General Assembly Voting Record:

Voted YES on House Bill 1001, which contains 21 Taxpayer Friendly government ethics reform provisions.

Voted YES on House Joint Resolution 1, which gives voters statewide the opportunity to amend the Indiana Constitution to (1) make the 1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (2) protect homestead property tax deductions from legal challenge and this is Taxpayer Friendly Joint Resolution.

Voted YES on House Bill 1086, which contains 7 Taxpayer Friendly provisions including the HJR 1 Constitutional Amendment ballot language.

Voted YES on House Bill 1367, which contains 5 Taxpayer Friendly K-12 education provisions that preserve and protect instructional programs.

Voted YES on Senate Bill 396, which mandates an adjusted six-year average that eliminates the highest value to calculate the base rate for the assessment of agricultural land.

Voted YES on Senate Bill 23, which delays the scheduled increase in unemployment insurance premiums for one year until 2011.

2009 General Assembly Voting Record:

Voted YES  on House Bill 1001 SS, the 2009-2011 special session budget bill that (1) provides enough resources for good government AND (2) satisfactorily protects Hoosier working families from state and local tax increases this is Taxpayer Friendly.

Freedom Of Speech would like to say:

Representative Clere signed a Hoosier Property Tax Reform Alliance pledge to vote in 2009 for the exact same version of Senate Joint Resolution 1 that was passed in 2008 regarding Property Tax Caps.

Mr. Clere kept his word and Voted YES. It is RARE that an elective officials "keeps his word" but State Rep. Ed Clere did.  As you can tell in the above voting record, Candidate Clere deserves another four years representing US the taxpayers of the City of New Albany.

We ask all of our readers and supporters of Freedom Of Speech to VOTE for Rep. Ed Clere on November 6, 2012.

OBAMA VS MITT ....

Maher rips Obama's debate performance: "Looked like he took my million and spent it on Weed!"

A QUICK RECOVERY....

We wish State Rep. Ed Clere a speedy recovery from a terrible auto accident, in Indianapolis yesterday. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Vote for Ed Clere
November 6, 2012

THE TRUTH ABOUT LINDEN MEADOWS...

If you remember, the city went to residents of Valley View and allowed them to "vote" if they wanted the houses there. They voted NO.  The neighbors on Captain Frank Road. They had no notification at all until they read it in the Tribune paper.

As for eminent domain, the state did take the land. You would think that the state wanted a free and clear title to the land, but they paid Ms. Peters $1200 and let her do another revisionary deed. Why did the state let her do that? The court did not look at the revisionary clause at all they just looked at that she got "paid".

The ball park had just had a $100,000 upgrade by the school system from being a long time softball field for the girls to a baseball field for the NAHS 9th grade boys.

The homeowners on Captain Frank Road tried to work with CHDO and the city. It was their way or the highway. The City of New Albany and CHDO lied when residents asked why they were digging basements when they all agreed to put them on concrete slabs until the lawsuit was settled. John Rosenbarger told Mrs. Gardenour to her face that they "weren't basements"  It was just a way to "ease the houses on the lots!"

Our understanding that over the last few months  a man or several men was given access to some of the remaining houses to strip what is in it. One resident confronted one man who said one of the houses "use to be his"  and he was taking some of the stuff. However, it was all new kitchen cabinets he was stripping!

The police were called and the residents had found out the NAPD were the ones who let the guy in! Some man also took the oak doors off of one of the remaining houses. 

Some other neighbor called David Brewer to see if he could have one of the doors and he was told NO.

We still wonder who owns or drives that white truck!

One has to wonder the lot that Mickey Thompson built his house on was owned by the city. We wonder if he paid for the lot or did the city give it to him. Evidently, he also has city owned equipment such as a bulldozer on his property.

Interesting!

There is little cause to celebrate demolition of 16 homes in Linden Meadows. For eight years, residents surrounding Linden Meadows have endured the degradation of their neighborhood.

Some of those residents spent $30,000 to stop this development which has been described as "one of the biggest messes New Albany has ever had!"

Not counting the hundreds of thousands of our tax dollars wasted and you have to ask why.

City attorney charged $250,000 to divert residents lawsuit away from the central issue. Whether the park was illegally seized. CHDO went bankrupt and defaulted on a $1 million loan. Taxpayers paid to demolish Linden Meadows.

The demolition leaves open the question: What happens now? Restore the Park? Return the land to its rightful owner? There are NO winners here!  No one wins when our leaders in local government abuses their power. Those residents have severed eight years in a degraded neighborhood for a crime they DID NOT commit.

Is this their punishment for the crime of being citizens of the City of New Albany?

Freedom Of Speech would like to thank the following citizens:

Don and Edyth Jensen (granddaughter); Keith and Sharon Jensen (great grandson) Rebecca and Leonard Gardenour, Mary and Rick Hauber, Pete and Betty Cottenil, and Bill and Mary Reed.

It is citizens like you folks who stood up for what is right, this is why we expose the corruption and wasteful spending of our tax dollars in our town.

If Mrs. Fawcett was alive today she would be proud of each and everyone of you.

God Bless you all!
Freedom Of Speech Staff

REMEMBERING 9/11....

We remember 9/11 like it was yesterday.

We remember walking into our office and watching the beginning/end on a small TV screen and watching grown men cry.

We don't remember the conversations between us that day. What could we have said other than: Oh, my God!

We remember that this was the first time we'd ever seen Marines guarding the White House and the looks on their faces.

We remember watching an American President take the mound at Yankee Stadium. We cheered as loudly as the fans as he threw the perfect strike the country needed.

We remember thinking Toby Keith was the greatest living American songwriter for capturing the anger, fear and pride so many of us felt; even if Peter Jennings didn't like it.

We remember our first and only trip to Shanksville, Pennsylvania, we remember how lonely a place it was. We remember how many bits of shiny metal still remaining on the hollowed ground as we cried our eyes out.

May God bless the passengers and crew of Flight 93 for their courage and valour to defend to the end. Their act of bravery saved countless lives and we will never forget them.

Today we remember the men, women and children who lost their lives; those brave people who gave their lives. And the Heroes that responded to the emergency on 11 September, 2001.

We want to urge that in your September 11 reflections, you will remember the love, the strength, the hope that carried us through and also brings us together as a country.

God Bless America
Freedom Of Speech Staff

IT'S YOUR DAY....BRING ON THE HAMBURGERS, HOT DOGS & COORS BEER!

Ah, Labor Day-a time to relax, celebrate and have one last weekend of parties before summer turns into fall once again. We see this weekend as one last time to play, but Labor Day as a holiday has it's roots in the labor movement of the late 19th century.

All other holidays are in a more or less degree connected with conflict and battles of man's powers over man, of strife and discord for greed or power, of glories achieved by one nation over another.

Labor Day, is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers.

We will keep these labor organizers in mind as we raise a glass-of Coors beer.

It constitutes a tribute to the contributions the workers have made to the strength, prosperity and well - being of our country.

Happy Labor Day... to all the hard working "little people" of New Albany!

Many of you are off to work to earn double time pay to help pay their sewer bill increase, stormwater bill increase, garbage rate increase and any other increase this administration can get from US hardworking taxpayers!

Freedom Of Speech Staff

WERE OFF TO TAMPA, FLORIDA....

Tea Party Rally

Where: 3738 River Int'l Drive

When: August 26, 2012 - 7 PM

When the eyes of the world focus on Tampa during the Republican National Convention, let the first thing they see be the Tea Party steadfastly refusing to let ourselves be defined by anything but the agenda that the American people overwhelmingly supported in 2009 and continue to value today.

We will show the world we stand together as citizens and states, united behind fiscal responsibility, smaller government, and of constitutionally limited government, personal responsibility and the defeat of Barack Obama.

We are proud of the fact that the funding for our efforts comes from everyday Americans who understand that our system of government has been taken over by special interest groups spending millions of dollars to purchase the votes of corrupt politicians willing to do their bidding.

The Tea Party movement arose from the critical need for "We the People" to make our voices heard and take back control of a broken system. No longer are we willing to remain silent while these political puppets destroy the opportunity and liberty called "the American Dream".

We do not want another four years where government will decide who wins and who loses. We don't want Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi and the DNC to pick our President. Every VOTE and state should decide who's best, not a certain few.

Our country's future is on the line this November.

We the People works...

"God Bless the United States of America"

TODD AKIN....

He has until 5:00 this evening to drop out so they can get another candidate. We hope and pray he makes the right decision. It was stupid and he's a moron. We can't afford those kinds of comments at this juncture in our country.

He should fall on his sword for the good of our country.

If he doesn't he is NO patriot, just another politician like Obama!

EIGHTY + DAYS AND COUNTING...

It seems the S.S. Obama is taking on water faster than his political machine can bail!

It is disturbing and disheartening to listen to Mr. Hope & Change these days. He hasn't governed in over a year, he is on the TV every single day, and Rome is BURNING.

If we hear "I'm Barack Obama, and I approve this message" one more time, We will shoot that flat screen right off the wall! What are you approving, Mr. Hope & Change? Ads filled with lies and innuendo? How come you are not approving a message that says you will fix what you and your Chicago buddies screwed up?

Last night, we heard him speaking to a group saying how he LOWERED taxes for the middle class.

We wonder why anyone should even pay taxes when the departments you are responsible for are sending guns to Mexico, hiring hookers in Columbia, and blowing $800K on Vegas parties? You think taxing millionaires will fix this corruption or make companies like Solyndra solvent?

The problem is, he doesn't care!

He just wants four more years on the country's dole. He wants four more years to finish what he started, which is to say, fundamentally change this country into Greece.

Bottom line; Mr. Hope and Change is running scared. Why else would he order a dream act for illegal aliens? Or take away work requirements for welfare, or advertise food stamps in Mexico?

He needs every vote he can get and the American people aren't as stupid as he thinks.

It's our hope we've finally reached a tipping point in this country. And that the majority of our citizens have come to the conclusion that individual actions and responsibility play more of a role in ones economic situation than ones race or creed.

DID YOU KNOW....

That the Department Homeland Security ordered 209,000 rounds of #00 buckshot -pellet bullets for 12 gauge guns and more than 2 million shot for a .357 Sig Caliber.

We have NO idea what they need all this ammo for.

Oh that's right the DNC Convention is in September. We sure are glad were going to Florida instead.

IT'S OFFICIAL....

Chicago (bully)Politics vs America's Comeback Team.

We can see it now: Mr. Hope & Change will be scaring the 'hell out' of our seniors over Mediscare.

If someone wants to scare the elderly, give them a copy of ObamaCare, which will scare not only the elderly but any sane person in America!

Don't you just love Politics?

TO MANY BOARDS AND COMMITTEES....

Indiana State law requires the City of New Albany to have a balance budget. For the last twelve years the city has had to "be bailed out" using every fund available.

Instead of wasting time on Human Rights an a Ethics Commission isn't that why we pay Council members and the City Attorney? Don't we have a County Prosecutor and a Police Department?

To our current council members we ask this question:

Are you all able and willing to define and evaluate issues without expressing a personal bias?

It is our opinion both Gonder and Phipps have a personal agenda on these two issues.

You both need to be worrying how your going to pay for (1) police and fire overtime and the recent three promotions and (2) Shane Gibson and his 5 boards and how he is charging billable hours and (3) Mickey Thompson on (taxpayers time and money) cleaning out the junk in his yard with a city vehicle and (4) Tim Teives (Code Enforcement Officer) yard sale shopping on Friday (taxpayers time and money) with a city vehicle on Beeler Street for tee shirts.

BTW, how dumb do you think taxpayers are Mickey and Tim?

What the hell are we paying you all for?

We as citizens, and taxpayers are sitting back watching this 'train wreck' that is going to force you all to make some tough decisions. What happen to being proactive?

Don't say we didn't warn you all!

THANK YOU...

Thanks to all of our readers and supporters who showed up at Chick-fil-A yesterday. You NOT only stood UP for YOUR rights but OUR rights of Freedom Of Speech.

When you attack freedom of speech of one group of Americans, you attack the freedom of speech of every American.

Thank You!

God Bless each and everyone of you.

WE SUPPORT CHICK-FIL-A....

We are outraged at the vitriolic assaults on the Chick-fil-A company it's a great American story that is being smeared by vicious hate speech and intolerant bigotry from the left and the local progressives!

Chick-fil-A is a business, family owned business at that not a "party" such as Democrat or Republican.

We feel that the ignorance of NAC shows through their post.

NAC is entitled to their opinion but NOT their made up facts.

It is a shame that people feel that what they want should tear the fabric of others beliefs. We have NO hate or dislike for homosexuals but we believe marriage is between "a man and wife."

NAC are the ones who "scream" buy local and support local businesses!

We support Chick-fil-A at least they take a stand for what they believe in.

We ask our readers and supporters of Freedom Of Speech to stop at Chick-fil-A on State Street Wednesday August 1st. Show your support for this local business and their right to own, open and to simply exercise his right to constitution-given free speech.

Living in America means that you're free to publicly hold an opinion and this country was founded on freedom of religion, not freedom from religion.

This Wednesday, August 1st, order a great chicken sandwich at Chick-fil-A and tell them you support them and their stand!

PELOSI UNLEASHED....

Pelosi states she's tried just about everything to get her democrat colleagues to open their wallets for Obama. In early June, House Minority Leader Nancy (Botox) Pelosi tried to shame her members into giving, distributing notes to each of them with a request for cash and asking them if they are part of "the team!"

Nancy Pelosi, the most HATED politician in America today, is RICH enough to kick in millions of her own money, how does that sound?

BTW, why won't Nancy (Botox) Pelosi release her tax records? What is she hiding? Maybe the money she scammed on the insider trading "MasterCard" deal.

Well look at the bright side Democrats you still have Obama's MSM Super Wolf Pac press pals in the tank for you providing millions $$$ of in-kind support.

The first indication of how a candidate or party is doing is it's ability to RAISE cash.

(Crickets chirping)

It looks like to us Obama likes running deficits, even within his own failing campaign.

Listen!

That splashing sound you hear in Congress is rats deserting the "Hope & Change" sinking ship...

A SAD DAY IN AMERICA....

First, our prayers and sympathy goes out to the citizens and Tea Party members of Aurora, Colorado.

Secondly, shame on you ABC's Brian Ross by linking Aurora theater shooter to Tea Party.

Tea Party-bashing begins anew:
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ABC "apologizes for incorrect" Tea Party lie:

"An earlier ABC News broadcast report suggested that a Jim Holmes of a Colorado Tea Party organization might be the suspect, but the report was incorrect. ABC News and Brian Ross apologize for the mistake, and for disseminating that information before it was properly vetted"

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We heard that report that ABC suggested it could be a "Tea Party" Member.

WTF is wrong with these news people?

The Tea Party is the most peaceful, caring Patriotic group on this planet! Anyone who vilifies the Tea Party is EVIL and SICK. They keep trying to perpetuate the myth that somehow, us caring people only want smaller government and lower taxes are violent people.

For a supposed NEWS group to even suggest in any way without ANY facts that this could be Tea Party member "is irresponsible and slanderous" to boot.

We are done with ABC News from this day forward. This massacre was a tragic act by one person, and your anchors and/or producers are rushing to report something to politicize this event? Find a tie to the Tea Party? What the hell?

Once again, the Obama lapdog media has demonstrated it's gleeful recklessness with the truth. Despite the fact we've come to expect this kind of behavior, we are nevertheless ceaselessly amazed by the lows which the media will stoop to push a failed agenda.

Journalism today is a joke, look how (NBC) lies for Obama day in and day out. An apology isn't enough. All those involved should be fired, their credibility in the news industry is ruined!

Despicable...

It's a sad day in America!

We are all "Proud Hoosier Tea Party" Members here at Freedom Of Speech.