$2.9 COUNTY SHORTFALL....

Councilman Jim Wathan said after the budget was passed that all the council did Tuesday "was kick the can down the road."

Source: News & Tribune

If you want to fix the budget shortfall:

* Lay off the last 50 people who were employed in 2011-2012

* Cut benefits on all County employees

* Park all take home cars

* Put all County employees on the Obamacare Exchanges

Our final thoughts:

It's time Floyd County and the City of New Albany knows how the rest of us live. We live on a budget and stop the spending.....

FUZZY MATH....

Gahan's Fuzzy Math:

$1.7 million for Non Union employee's salary
$5.6 million Bond payments
$3.6 million Humana healthcare
84 cents of every dollar in our General Fund goes to Union employees (Police & Fire)
_________________________________
$20 million - General Fund in 2013:

Do the math and you will draw the same conclusions we do.

More Fuzzy Math

NEWS FLASH.....

Contact the following County Council members and tell them "NO" you don't want a new LOIT Tax.

John Schellenberger - President
812-923-9057

Lana Aebersold
812-944-9823

Steve Burks
812-945-7727

Jim Wathen
502-657-8312

Brad Striegel
502-301-9923

Dana Fendley - Vice President
812-949-7001

Tom Pickett
812-207-6529

GOVERNMENT SHUT DOWN....

As a registered Democrat, have been for over 20 years. Since Obama and the Democratic party will not negotiate with Congress. The U.S. needs to get a hold of all entitlement programs, cancel all Obama phones, stop cutting deals and make everyone on the same playing field, instead of giving exemptions to ANYONE.

We think the democrats were wrong to bring "Obamacare" to the American people. It is NOTHING but a "Ponzi Scheme" brought to you by the democrats.

Remember these famous words:

"We had to pass the bill in order to know what was in it." So what is in it:  "We the People DON'T WANT IT!"

We here at Freedom of Speech support the Republicans and the shut down of the Federal Government.

WE THE PEOPLE WORKS....

Bravo to the GOP for standing up to Obama on Obamacare. Now, it's time to take out every Democrat in the Senate in 2014 who voted for it

Let the 800,000 federal employees know how the rest of us feel.

We the People Works....

BRAVO SENATOR CRUZ.....

Wow! There are still a couple of Senators that vote their conscience and are willing to stand up for the people like Jefferson and Adams. Those who mock them are usually liberals and the GOP machine.

Senator Ted Cruz has the guts to stand up to those 'bastards' it's a shame we don't have more like him in Washington.

Looks like 2014 will be a year of trying to take out those on both sides who voted for Obamacare.

We wonder what it will take to wake up the generation of Facebook profile and texting career than the hijacking of their futures.

Wake up people, Obamacare will totally destroy our country. If you don't believe us read the bill...then make a call to Senator Coats.

A BADGE OF HONOR....

This blog posting is the first of our personal opinions examining the impact of bullying on everyday people.

Bullying is different from constructive criticism or conflict, bullying is persistent, it focuses on a person rather than a real issue.

We consider an attack from a certain blogger as a "Badge of Honor." 

On Freedom Of Speech we discuss the issues that affect each and everyone of us on a daily bases, in our wallets and pocketbooks, while the local "bully blogger" makes everything personal. 

It's his way or the highway.

He's like a schoolyard bully who wants to exert their size and show that they are powerful enough to make others do what he wants and uses fear tactics.

If he has nothing to gain, and by that we mean $$$$$, it means nothing to him. Believe us if we hear his "buy local BS again" I think we will vomit.

He lives by a double standard. 

It is a well know fact, if you do NOT purchase his beer, you are discussed all over town. 

If a council member, an elected or appointed official doesn't kiss his ass, or others don't agree with him, votes for what he wants, or whatever the issue might be, he humiliates them the next day and continues for days, weeks or months.

Big mistake! 

Why cut your nose off to spite your face. We recommend for his reading pleasure: How to Win Friends and Influence People the RIGHT way..

But, what he won't accept or understand is that everyone doesn't like his beer. Some businesses refuses to carry his brands.

If you want to buy a pint or a bottle of Bud or even Miller Light that's your right.

Cyber bullying occurs everyday with his social media updates on (Twitter, Facebook and Blogger) are used to threaten or humiliate someone and can be just as serious as the effects of bullying until he is confronted in person. 

Is this why he lost the last election?

Absolutely!

Our final thoughts:

The next time your photo or name appears on his Twitter, Facebook or Blogger page consider it a Badge of Honor!

Have a great weekend....

INQUIRING MINDS WANT TO KNOW.....

Why does newly appointed Controller Linda Moeller have a take home car?

Why does our current administration thinks they know what's best for Mt. Tabor residence?

Why did our current administration sell our ladder truck for $2,500?

"Spending is up, not down; and our debt is up, not down."

Freedom Of Speech would like to say:

It's time taxpayers understand the reality their elected officials have created!

We have often said that we don't care what the answer is, just tell us taxpayers the truth.

OPEN HOUSE

Where: Jeffersonville Office Open House

Date: Saturday, September 14th, 2013

Time: 12:00 PM-1:30PM

Address: 720 North Shore Drive, Suite LL-101

We hope to see you tomorrow with U.S.Senator Joe Donnelly.

Have a great weekend!

IN MEMORY OF 9/11

This article is remembrance of the 3,030 people who lost their lives after United Airlines Flight 175 flew into the World Trade Center South Tower, American Airlines Flight 11 hit the North Tower, American Airlines Flight 77 was flown in to the Pentagon, and the heroic efforts of the people who lost their lives when United Flight 93 was crashing landed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

A look back on that day:

While sitting at my desk listening to a Shania Twain CD. Less than an hour later I was seeing images of smoke and flames pouring from the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, and hearing reports of a plane crashing into the Pentagon and another crashing into a field in Pennsylvania.

We watched in disbelief!

The attacks began with the hijacking of four commercial airlines departing from East Coast airports, fueled for flights to California.
With jet fuel capacities of nearly 24,000 gallons, each aircraft effectively became an incendiary, guided missile.
"We watched in total disbelief, this could ever happen in America!"
The terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, changed us forever. "For many people, the events of 9/11 became a barometer for what they were grateful for and what was missing in their lives.
"That day became a catalyst for people to take the steps they were frightened of and to live a life that was truer to themselves, because they realized that life could change in the blink of an eye."

"What have we learned?"
We've learned we are neither rich nor wealthy financially, but rich in the way we live our lives and in our relationships.

"We DO also know that we are "damn proud" to be an American!"
Freedom does not come free.

It didn't come free for Washington, Jefferson, Margret Mead, and New Albany's very own Mildred Wilson.

"Everything comes at a price."

But, Sept. 11 did happen. And the best tribute we can give those who died is never forget them and the many heroes of 9.11.01

Please pray for the friends and family who lost their loved ones on 9/11.

Also...

Take a moment today to think of the people you care about, to think of the beautiful things in this world and how you can affect them and it for the better.

We will attend a 911 Memorial Ceremony from 8:45am (when the first tower was hit) to 10:30 (when the last tower fell). This Ceremony is intended to honor all those who lost their lives for freedom on 9/11, those who have given their lives to defend freedom, and all those who dedicated their lives to the preservation of freedom.

"We still remember, and we will never forget!"


God Bless America!
Freedom of Speech Staff

WE'RE OFF TO WASHINGTON, DC......

Exempt America from Obamacare Rally

WHEN: Tuesday, September 10, 2013

WHERE: West Lawn of the US Capitol

TIME:  12pm to 2pm

Democrats will stop at nothing to protect the Liar-In-Chief's signature legislation, and to many Republicans don't have the balls and are spineless cowards to fight for "We The People."

This is NOT a battle for the weak at heart and spineless politicians of both parties. This is a battle to save America from the Obamacare "train wreck!" 

The administration has already admitted that Obamacare isn't ready by unilateral (and unlawfully) delaying the employer mandate for a year, effectively protecting Big Business. 
Big Labor Unions, who largely supported this Liar-In-Chief  and supported Obamacare are NOW seeking special exemptions.

Freedom Of Speech would like to say:

Obamacare isn't good enough for Small Businesses, Big Business, Big Labor, or Big GOVERNMENT, then it's isn't good enough for the
American People.....

We're off to Washington, DC to let them know we will VOTE everyone out who supports or supported  Obamacare in the upcoming 2014 election regardless of party....

QUESTIONS.....

Should the Council approve $435,000 for the Street Department?

Why isn't each Department required to do a yearly inventor of equipment?

How many tree stump removers does one city need?

If our mind has NOT failed us, Mr. Gahan says "we have plenty of $$$$$."

Freedom of Speech would like to say:

How come our city can't live on it's $20 million Budget. Unlike us taxpayers we live on a budget, and Mr. Gahan continues to spend like a drunken sailor.....

The sooner we get this SOB out of office the better.

QUESTION.....

Is it true Councilman Dan Coffey will be running for Commissioner in 2014?

Could the City of New Albany be that lucky?

"Run Dan Run!"

OBAMACARE....

On October 1st, millions of Americans will be required to enroll in Obamacare and could lose access to their doctors and be forced to pay higher taxes.

Republicans in Congress can stop Obamacare if they refuse to fund it.

It was reported yesterday under Obamacare, unknown governments agents will have the authority to force their way into your home unannounced,

Yes, you read that right!

Our federal government is already allocating hundreds of millions of dollars for state programs for "evidence-based home visits" at this very moment.

Is this what you as a citizen and a taxpayer want?

If the House of Representatives (democrats and republicans) submits a spending resolution to Obama and Harry Reid that defunds Obamacare, both will have a choice.

It is our opinion that the republicans were never serious about repealing healthcare, we think it has been lip service from the get-go.

We have some simple choices to make. Is independence more important than dependency or is dependency more important than independence? Is our safety more important than our freedom, or is our freedom more important than our safety. 

How you answer those two questions should determine if you support Obamacare or NOT.

BRAVO - MRS. GARDENOUR....

We are all familiar with our public schools. You might have attended one, or your children might go to one, or you might be familiar with the one down the street from you. But most of you are NOT familiar with what happens at School Board meetings.

Case in point: News & Tribune article: New Albany-Floyd County approves bonds, August 13, 2013.

Every governing body from top to bottom needs at least one member who will stand up for us taxpayers. The only one we see is School Board member Rebecca Gardenour period. 

What the hell is wrong with the rest of you?

Why are they wasting our tax dollars?

More money is spent on facilities construction and maintenance than is necessary and budgets are NOT based on what things actually cost.

Teachers feel disenpowered. Students feel apathetic. Parents feel frustrated. And many taxpayers 
\feel in the dark.

Our readers need to wake up and see where they are spending our hard earned tax dollars and besides next year is an election year for some school board members.

 Mrs. Gardenour and we quote "I have a problem with, three years ago in the expedditure reduction, it ask to close down Galena," then Gardenour said. "And yet now, we're going to pour more money into Galena. We were telling the community, the parents, the teachers, who were going to save this school, and now were going to turn around and spend $1 million on it."

She also stated: "though the $270,000 may get Galena's projected started, she thought the district would end up spending more than that."

In case your dementia is acting up this afternoon. In 2010, our local school board closed other schools including Galena as part of a cost-saving initiative. 

Freedom of Speech would like to say:

The idea that our deputy superintendent Brad Snyder and DJ Hines school board president would mislead  us taxpayers is truly appalling and sickening!

Mrs. Gardenour has this exactly right. Enough of the wasteful spending.

Our final thoughts: The following four members sitting on our school board deserve to be voted out of office in next years 2014 election. Remember these four names:

* DJ Hines
* Roger Whaley
* Mark Boone
* Jan Anderson.

The following four school board members are nothing but lap dogs for Brad Snyder. We ask our readers to become informed school board voters in 2014.  These four members "are not fit to sit on our school board" and they don't give a damn about We the Taxpayers.

Bravo, Mrs. Gardenour. 

We need five more citizens like Mrs. Gardenour sitting on our School Board!

 
 

ME TOO.....

Nearly all local government union contracts in the City Of New Albany have the "me-too" clause in them, in effect guaranteeing that any benefit negotiated by one union will be shared by others - without the corresponding concession that resulted in the first union gaining the benefit.

While we believe such clauses distort the negotiation process and are bad in a significant number of ways, today we have a prime example (an 'unintended consequence" effect) showing why they should be banned.

The NAPD had filed a grievance went to court and won and City Attorney Stan Robinson did not appeal and he should have. So now Mr. Gahan is throwing the NAPD a few crumbs to screw over the others involved into this me-too clause.

Well Mr. Gahan, they all met today and they are going back to court on August 20. They NOT only buy you BS of $3,000 and a 1% raise. The NAPD is going to WIN and you are going to cost us tax dollars $$$$ we don't have.

What Mr. Gahan doesn't get this is in the union contract and arbitrators and judges who decide such things are NOT bound by common sense - or even taxpayer interest. They are bound to examine Mr. Gahans contract with NAPD who can make a strong argument under the me-to clause.

Personally we are sick and tired of our elected officials giving away the farm to a very small minority of constituents and our tax dollars we pay. It seems to us once the man gets into office there is NO way to hold our "Mr. Gahan" accountable to any promises made prior to taking office.

Who in the hell would be dumb enough (other than Jeff Gahan and Stan Robinson) to allow a clause like that, anyway?

This will be another court hearing Mr. Gahan and City Attorney Stan Robinson won't win.....

What the State of Indiana needs is a "Recall law" so we can throw these SOB out of office.



examine the terms of Mr. Gahan's CONTRACT before them and NAPD can make a strong argument under their me-too clause.   

DUMBEST NEWS & TRIBUNE QUOTES - PART 1

A compendium of idiotic and maniacal utterances by our current council members and Mr. Gahan:

"Whenever I would have any occasion to talk with her about anything, she was always helpful and patient because that's not my strong suit - dealing with Budget issues"  Councilman John Gonder 

"They make a huge profit." Councilman Dan Coffey

"I've got some real questions about how some money was spent." Councilman Dan Coffey

"But we've needed roads for the past 20 years". Councilman Dan Coffey 

"Camile Wright is a much better choice for a pool than it is a fire house." Mr. Gahan

"The city council, administration and redevelopment commission will be working together to determine which tool in the toolbox we're going to use to complete the work." Mr. Gahan

"The administration will continue to seek other sources of funding for the projects, including a Horseshoe Foundation grant." Mr. Gahan"

We don't have enough money to pay for infrastructure needed for the city, but there's enough in there for a parking garage." Councilman Dan Coffey

"That he would not vote for what the mayor wanted, or for even what his constituents desired, but for what he believed was the correct decision." Councilman Greg Phipps  

"I think it's inherently the structure isn't working for us." Councilman Scott Blair

"This is more of a redevelopment issue than a council issue." Councilman Dan Coffey

"This is NOT a problem with the road but a problem with the hill." Councilman Bob Caesar

"Really is a major artery, and it is used quite extensively by everybody on that side of the hill." Councilman Bob Caesar

  As our readers can tell Coffey has to comment on every issue and you can tell he has been fed a bunch of bullshit by ankle biter Gahan. Coffey doesn't make sense, his questions don't make sense and everyone who reads the News & Tribune knows he is Mr. Gahan's mouth piece and lap dog.  At council meeting his outburst lost IQ points just having to listen to his moronic "grandstanding" nonsense.

The shenanigans continue.....

CAN NEW ALBANY BECOME ANOTHER DETROIT?

All levels of our city government have an addiction to spending. However, at all levels of our local government, there is bloat. While we will be the first to point out there are some hard working people (a few) who work for the city government, there is a lot of fat.


Fact:1 in every 620 homes in the City of New Albany is in Foreclosure.

Fact: The NAFD and NAPD rank Number 5 AS highest paid employees in the State of Indiana.

City of New Albany Employees:

1. Charles L. Miller (police)............$141,440.09
2. Matthew M. Hunter (fire)...........$98,035.42
3. Christopher Rainbolt (fire)..........$96,062.57
4. Scott L. Carpenter (fire)..............$96,062.57
5. Keith Whitlow (police).................$88,312.62
6. Tim W. Kron (fire).......................$88,304.35
7. Dexter A. Parker (fire)...............$82,909.30
8. Richard L. Denny.......................$87,541.41
9. Greg Pennell (police).................$86,973.39
10. Matt E. Julot (fire)..................$86,839.73
11.Maurice A. Stubbins (fire).......$84,791.88
12.Mike Lawrence (police)..........$84,356.95
13. Jerry Banet (fire)...................$84,310.60
14. Albert E. Higdon (police).......$83,750.33
15. Sherry Knight (police)...........$83,564.08
16. Joel Baylor (fire)...................$82,875.26
17. Merle A. Hall (police)...........$81,692.28
18. Brian Gadd (fire)...................$81,039.74
19. David Sparks (fire)...............$80,805.59
20. Jeff Gahan (mayor)..............$83,368.87

Fact: Eighty four cents of every dollar in our ($20 million) General Fund goes to our local fire and police departments. Our question is how do they run the other departments on the sixteen cents left.

Here are three different mayors with three different salaries:
1. James Garner......$50,000 salary
2. Doug England......$75,000 salary
3. Jeff Gahan...........$83,368.87 plus he's also paid to sit on two different board. So his salary is now over $100,000 + a year.

Why? What has happen to Public Service in our City? 

Freedom Of Speech would like to say:

What is destroying our city: Salaries, Benefits, Bonds, TIF's, Tax Abatement's, Mismanagement, Greed and the good ole boys mentality. 

If GREED was a crime in the City of New Albany we would have to build 10 new jails. And to think, City Attorney Shane Gibson wants to run for Prosecutor. Must be nice living on the backs of us taxpayers drawing a billable hour paycheck and being paid additional $$$ to represent 5 different boards.

It's obvious that our city, like the federal government, has a spending problem, not a revenue problem and what Gahan is doing to the residents of New Albany is mismanagement and borders on malfeasance.

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!"