Tuesday, May 08, 2012

WHY VOTE? BECAUSE IT GIVES YOU A VOICE...

Citizens of New Albany can participate in their state and local government. This process insures that power will always remain where it belongs - with the people.

The most important right citizens have is the right to vote. By voting, the people have a voice in state and local government. The people decide who will represent them in government.

Before voting in an, election, each citizen should be well informed about the issues and candidates.

Why We Should Vote

* To speak your mind:


Your vote is your choice. It tells the candidates and elected officials how you feel about important issues.

* To make them listen:


Your vote is your voice, too. When we turn out to vote, you can bet that the politicians know it - and you can be sure, when we all crank up that voice, they'll pay attention to what we say.

* For our community:

Do you ever wonder why one certain area seems to get it all? One big reason is voting. When we vote, we get results.

* For our children:

Our children can't vote-so we have to do it for them. That's how we make our views known about safety, schools, borrowing, debt, and the environment and other issues that will affect our childrens future in Floyd County.

* To control our future:

Elected officials make decisions that affect our daily lives. The individuals we vote for will make decisions about our quality of life.

* To stop something:

Voting let's you stop complaining about things going on in our community. It puts you the voter in the driver's seat instead of under the bus!

* To win:
In every election year, some races are decided by just a handful of votes. Those who vote demand respect. When we vote, we win.

The right of the people to vote is invaluable in the creation of local and state government that is bound to the will of "ALL" the people.

Freedom Of Speech would like to say:
We are urging each of you to take the time to do your part and
Vote today Tuesday May 8th...

Friday, May 04, 2012

OFF TO THE OAKS.....

We're just everyday people who love the racing game.

The field for the 138th Kentucky Oaks will be limited to 14 horses with preference given to the horses with the most graded stakes earnings.

Here are the 2012 Kentucky Oaks horses and post positions:
1.   On Fire Baby
2.   Grace Hall
3.   Summer Applause
4.   Eden's Moon
5.   Hard Not to Like
6.   Broadway's Alibi
7.   Sacristy
8.   Jemima's Pearl
9.   Believe You Can
10. And Why Not
11. Karlovy Vary
12. Colonial Empress
13. Amie's Dini
14. Yara
AE  Oaks Lilly

The $1,000,000 Kentucky Oaks is run by three-year-old fillies. 

Our picks:
Win: On Fire Baby
Place: Hard Not to Like
Show: Yara

Post time is scheduled for 5:45 hope to see you all there.

Wednesday, May 02, 2012

WE WANT LESS BOARDS NOT MORE....

Why is the City Council so in favor of setting up more Boards and Commissions? Each new Board is a financial cost burden on the  backs of taxpayers.

Each New Board needs:
 * supplies
* computers
* a paid attorney
* mileage costs
* paid consultants

Why doesn't the City Council concentrate on projects that will, "Put the shovel in the Ground."

And:
* cleanup trash and unsafe houses
* stop stormwater flooding
* enforce the laws now in the Code Book

OK - "City Council" and "Mayor Gahan", get your heads out of the clouds and see the "Real work" THAT needs to be done in New Albany!

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

2012 PRIMARY ENDORSEMENTS...

Everyone that is connected with Freedom Of Speech lives in Floyd County. We are a diverse group of ethnicity, gender, age, education and politics. All of our children  and grand children attend or attended private/or public school.


We spend our days, for better or worse, commenting on and studying the issues that affect and shape our Country, Indiana, Floyd County and the City of New Albany.

We are taxpayers and city employees who are not insulated from bad decisions, mismanagement and the wasteful spending of our hard earned tax dollars that does affect our daily lives in a very negative way.


We care about the many issues facing our country, state, county and city.


The point is, our issues are your issues!


We consider ourselves fairly informed observers, so why not tell our readers who WE think is most qualified to tackle those issues.

Some are incumbents, unopposed or first time candidates for that office.

Our 2012 Freedom Of Speech Primary~Endorsements goes to the following candidates:


President:
No Endorsement


Governor:
* Mike Pence (R)


Senator:
* Joe Donnelley (D)


Congress, 9th District:
* Todd Young (R)


State Rep, District 72:
* Ed Clere (R)


State Rep. District 70:
No Endorsement


County Commissioner District 2:
* Bill Fender (R)


County Commissioner District 3:
* Dennis Roudenbush (D)


School Board District At Large:
* Rebecca Gardenour


County Council At Large:
* Larry Clemons (D)
* Carol Shope (D)
* Brad Striegel (D)


County Recorder:
* Lois Endris (R)


County Treasurer:
* Linda Berger (R)


County Surveyor:
No Endorsement


County Coroner:
No Endorsement

We wish you all the best of possible outcomes in your campaigns.

Freedom Of Speech Staff Members

Friday, April 20, 2012

IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN....

Hundreds of thousands of locals and folks from all over make plans to attend this years Thunder Over Louisville.

Who's ready for da party?

If you haven't made a hotel reservation. It's to late!

The best place to see the fireworks on the Indiana side is:

* Kingfish
* Buckhead's
* Rocky's

Pack your rain gear and your warm hoodies it's suppose to be cool and wet.

Have a great weekend from all of our staff here at Freedom Of Speech.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

WHAT A CROCK....

Have you read your local  News & Tribune today?
We have never read such crap in our lives. Just in case you haven't gone to your mailbox yet, check this out:


 City Wrap

* "When I ran for this office, I made a promise to the people of New Albany to make our city physically cleaner, financially stronger and fundamentally better," Gahan said in a news release. "I am doing everything that I can to live up to that promise."

Oh really, Jeff?


How about all the other campaign promises you lied to us voters about?


Would you like for us to list them all?


* "City Controller Mary Ann Prestigiacomo said she's been working closely with department heads to ensure spending stays on track. We want to be responsible stewards of our taxpayers' dollars, she said."

Mrs. Prestigiacomo, don't you feel it's more important as controller for you to work closely with our council president and the eight other council members to have the financials so that they can appropriate monies for certain request?


BTW, great news folks, Mrs. Kay Garry returned yesterday part-time in the controllers office. We guess she found out it cost way more to carry Plan B Healthcare in the real world.


What a crock!

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

IT'S TAX DAY....

Tax Day is normally April 15th, but because the 15th was Sunday April 17th becomes the day we all dread.

Yeah, we get that the government needs some serious cash so the GSA can go back to Hawaii or Vegas for some ribbon cuttings and all, but it still smarts having to write that tax check today April 17th.

Fear not, we have a plan to take the sting out of yours and ours Tax Day.

First, we were originally going to offer to pay every ones taxes, but we never received our "bail out money" Obama promised.

We sure are glad the Senate voted down Buffett's Law. We still can't understand how "Mr. Buffett" has still not paid the $300,000 million he owed in back taxes from 2010."

But then again we're NOT friends of Obama either.

So, we would like to invite all of our friends to Pastimes Bar & Grill on Market Street today for free beer starting at 4:30pm. Tell Grant (the owner) that Freedom Of Speech gave him a special plug on this Tax Day and remind him that you/we support his lawsuit against the Historical Association!

Freedom Of Speech Staff

Saturday, April 14, 2012

WAR ON STAY AT HOME MOMS....

Republicans and Democrats have been bickering for days about which side is actually waging a war on women in the run up to the election.

Bushfire's like the one Rosen set off are the sort of things that will convince "women" who make up the other third of America that the "war on women" they've been hearing so much about is actually on the traditional gender roles they believe in.

Sorry, there's nothing faux about this mean-spirited attack the whole dilemma is all to real for every mother in the United States Of America.

And that is NOT good for Barack Obama!

Btw, Mr. Axelrod which political playbook did you pull that one out of?

Thursday, April 12, 2012

PLAYING CATCH UP....FLORIDA

What happen in Florida was a tragedy and that is something every American can understand.

The emotions at play are understandable on all sides. But what we must remember is that our nation depends on a system of law in order to function.

So what Obama should have said was this:

I ask all Americans to remain patient while this matter is handled by the courts in Florida and that those who are so inclined pray that those investigating and adjudicating this matter be empowered to find justice. They will. And as Americans it is important that we accept that outcome whatever it may be.

He could have said something like that and appeared Presidential.

Instead, he gives us a bizarre discourse of "if I had a son he'd look like Treyvon" the rhetorical equivalent of splashing gasoline near glowing hot coals.

The death of anyone, particularly a young man, is tragic.

The sad part in all of this is the president has a bad habit of wading uninformed into local controversies.

The President only tends to wade in when the press is screaming about a perceived injustice to a black person (remember Professor Gates?).

Did Obama make one peep about that poor 13 year old white boy in Kansas City who was chased by two black youths, doused with gasoline and set on fire? They were screaming, "This is what you deserve. You get what you deserve, white boy."

The boy suffered from first degree burns on his face. He did not know the perpetrators.

Did Obama go on television and say anything? You bet he didn't. Why? Because it serves NO political purpose for him to do so. His goal is to divide the country - pit the haves against the have nots, reignite racial division, etc. It's the only way he stands at re-election - getting his base all riled up.

All we can say to the President for his silence on this more obvious racially motivated hate crime - Shame On You!

You are supposed to be President for ALL Americans.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

DO THE MATH.....

What the City of New Albany needs is jobs. Jobs generate revenue, revenue increases our yearly General Fund.

Over the next few weeks Freedom Of Speech will show you what is wrong with the City of New Albany and how to fix it.

Question Number 1: Do Tax Abatements help or hurt New Albany?

Tax Abatement:

The deduction is 100% in the first year and declines by a specified percentage every year thereafter. Tax Abatement is available for a one to ten year for real property, new manufacturing equipment, new research, new development equipment and JOBS!

We at Freedom Of Speech wonder why it's necessary for New Albany council members to approve so many tax abatements and do they produce as many jobs as they claim.

Thanks to our friends working in the City County Building we have something interesting to share with our readers.

The following company's re-applied for their 10 year Tax Abatements and look at what we found.

Number of Jobs created after the first year:

Kotter Development, Inc........N/A
Kotter Development, Inc........N/A
Kotter Development, Inc.........-40 Jobs

Lee Supply Corporation...........-2 Jobs

Sunnyview LLC........................-19 Jobs

Hitachi Cable Automotive.........-147 Jobs
Hitachi Cable Automotive.........-147 Jobs
Hitachi Cable Automotive.........-137 Jobs
Hitachi Cable Automotive.........-137 Jobs

L & D Mail Masters, Inc..............-9 Jobs

M & V Investments, Inc...............0 Jobs

Lumley Enterprises, Inc.............-2 Jobs

Rite-Way Industries, Inc............-24 Jobs

Samtec, Inc................................-78 Jobs

Ideal Door Division.....................0 Jobs

Uhl Properties,LLC.....................0 Jobs

The Grand..................................0 Jobs
Larry & Brenda Sharlow

St. Edwards Court, LP................0 Jobs

United Investment Group/
Insulated Roofing Contractors...N/A

Retailers Supply Co. Inc.............0 Jobs

Source: Carl Malysz

Freedom Of Speech would like to say:

Tax Abatements reduce the amount that should go into our General Fund that supports our city. If they don't pay their fair share of taxes, then we the taxpayers have to make up the difference out of our pockets.

If the County Council only gives 1 Tax Abatement a year why did the City of New Albany give the above list abatements?

Our final thoughts: After having a lengthily conversation last week with the head of the State Board of Accounts this is the answer he gave us:

"What is killing our City General Fund is Tax Abatements, TIF's, Police and Fire salaries and their contracts. When the City of New Albany goes into bankruptcy this will be why."

Source: Charlie Pride, State Board of Accounts @ 317-232-2521

Saturday, April 07, 2012

HAPPY EASTER...

As we gather with family and friends to enjoy this Easter weekend.

Easter should be a feeling in our hearts of hope, faith and trust.
it is a day of miracles;
a day when our dreams seem a little closer;
a time of retrospection
for what has been an anticipation of all that will be.

Easter is a time of faith, and hope.
It is a time when we say a quiet thanks
for all that we have and for all that
the future holds.

And it is a time for remembering and appreciation
the people in our lives who make a difference...

Happy Easter,
~Freedom Of Speech Staff

Friday, April 06, 2012

WHEN IS ENOUGH....ENOUGH?

Parents at a Massachusetts elementary school are furious after educators first removed the word "God" from the popular Lee Greenwood song, "God Bless the U.S.A." and then pulled the song all together from an upcoming concert.

Greenwood release this statement:

"The most important word in the whole piece of music is the word God, which is also in the title "God Bless the U.S.A." maybe the school should have asked the parents their thoughts before changing the lyrics to the song. They could have ask me since I am the writer of the song, which of course, I would have said you CAN'T change the lyrics at all or any part of the song!"

Are you believing that school?

Here we go again, more war on Christianity. You can remove God all you want, but the good news there is still a loving God and He lives.

This is one of the reasons our country is going to hell in a hand basket. Is it us, or has anyone else noticed that the more we take GOD out of things, the worse off our country gets. OUR country was founded on GOD.


When we hear the song "God Bless the U.S.A." We hear faith, pride and love for our great country.

Our final thoughts:

First, maybe Lee Greenwood should sue the school board for ruining his song. What is wrong with this country, do they HATE God?

When we were in grade school several years ago, we sang songs like "God Bless America" and "God Bless the USA" and how did we turn out? We're all far from perfect but we'd like to believe that we are responsible, kind, and compassionate.

It seems ever since the liberals and the atheists have been stripping God from everything, how are the kids turning out now a days? Violence has gone up in the public school system, teenage pregnancy has gone up, grades have dropped drastically, so is their plan working?

Kids are NOT getting a MORAL education, which IS a part of the education process.

This is Holy Week, the week that changed the world. If you choose not to believe in God, that is your choice. But don't force the majority who do believe in God, to remove his name or stop speaking his name just to please you.

Funny thing is, one day, God won't be ignored.


May God Bless America...

Tuesday, April 03, 2012

THE BIG BLUE NATION.....

Congratulations to Coach Calipari and the UK WILDCATS on a fantastic season. You are the NEW NCAA Champions.

We just love March Madness!

Friday, March 30, 2012

OUR OPINION....

With both the Obama administration and its challengers at various points contradicting themselves and making arguments they can't possibly believe. There is plenty of blame to go around: You can blame the lawyers and politicians on both sides of the Obamacare issue.

Consider the question that the court took up on the first day of oral arguments: Should the justices decide the case or wait until April 2015, when the first penalties for refusing to buy health insurance are due? In order to decide this question, the Court has to determine whether the penalty associated with the individual mandate is or isn't a tax.

As Justice Samuel Alito told the solicitor general on the first day of oral arguments: General Verrilli, today you are arguing that the penalty is not a tax. Tomorrow you are going to be back and you will be arguing that the penalty is a tax.

Tuesday's oral argument at the Supreme Court was not the finest hour for health care reform, or for Solicitor General Don Verrilli or even for Obama. The two issues that either one can kill the bill is the mandate and the no existing severability clause. That's the question of whether, by invalidating one part of the law, the court must invalidate the whole thing. Normally, laws include a 'severability' clause, stipulating that the statute can survive even if the court throws out one part. The Affordable Care Act lacks such a prevision.

Who do we blame?

The Democrats and Obama!

Back in 2008 the democrats had a majority House and Senate. Obama and the democrats decided to shut out the republicans. Do you remember this one: "Hey, John, remember, I won and now we begin to drain the swamp" it set such a poisonous tone for the healthcare debate.

What we all wanted from healthcare 1) health care should be available to all and 2) that it should be affordable and 3) nobody should lose their house due to a severe illness. There was actually a ton of common ground there.

The crime here is that democrats took all this common ground and tossed it away, and immediately went back to their normal "Them damn republicans want to kill Grandma" that has been their go to for the last 50 years.

And now they (democrats) are paying the price for flaunting their ignorance. What an enormous waste of time, tax dollars and energy.

As long as we live we will never forget the "Louisiana Purchase and the Cornhusker Kickbacks!"

America is not for sale and we the owners are mad as hell. The left, the Right, and the Center are witnessing the collapse of the Obama Presidency.

Monday, March 26, 2012

WE'RE OFF TO WASHINGTON, DC

Here you all thought the "Tea Party" was dead and gone. LOL!

It'll feel like a reunion of the tea party protests of 2009 and 2010. We're alive, and well, and were going back to Washington, DC for:

Hands Off My Healthcare Rally

When: Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Time: 1:00 PM (ET)

Where: Corner of Constitution Ave. and Delaware Ave. NE Washington, DC.

It's a fight worth fighting! A fight we must win if we are going to kill Obamacare, and replace it with a healthcare plan that will not raise our taxes, will keep you in charge of your family's medical decisions and will preserve the freedoms guaranteed to each of us in the Constitution.

With its big government mandates, Obamacare is nothing short of a direct assault on our Constitution, and an insult to every freedom loving American.

Freedom Of Speech has prided itself on defending the Constitution, and Obamacare is an attempt by a leftist Congress and Executive Branch to fundamentally and unconstitutionally alter our founding documents. America has not seen such an assault on and blatant disregard for our Constitution since September 17th, 1787 when it was adopted and ratified.

Whether the Supreme Court strikes down the mandate and throws Obamacare out in its entirety, or the Congress repeals it, "Obamacare must NOT stand!"

God Bless the United States of America and our Constitution

Friday, March 23, 2012

OBAMA THE CON MAN...

Headline from the Associated Press: "Obama Defends Handling of Keystone as He Puts Another Oil Pipeline on Fast Track."

Another! Another? When was the first one?

What he did today was nothing but a con job on the American people. The lower pipe line was already in place, it was already happening, this particular portion of the pipeline!

One year ago Bill Clinton was out there saying we've gotta get these permits up and we've gotta start drilling for oil because it will affect the gas price.

Ever since then, Obama has been saying, "There's NO magic bullet! There's NO silver bullet! You can't go out and drill for oil.

Folks, this part of the pipeline from Oklahoma to Texas was already in the works, it's already done, it's already approved. Obama is doing nothing but showing up and claiming credit when he had nothing to do with it. He's trying to convince you and everybody else that he just today authorized the Keystone pipeline.

This is the same guy throwing our money away on wind , solar and electric cars!

There is NO Keystone pipeline, folks! You can't fast track Keystone by denying it's application.

Our final thoughts: Mr. President, your problem is we are paying attention, and we know how you're making all this up. The President's attempt to satisfy those upset about high gas prices while catering to his special interest groups isn't going to cut it.

You Mr. President, are nothing but a con man....

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

DID YOU KNOW....

Did you know that every time "Diesel Fuel hits $4.00 a gallon" our Sanitation Bill goes up? I suggest you get a copy of the contract hidden some where on the third floor of the City County Building.

You will be surprise at what the current Gahan administration doesn't want you the taxpayer to know.

So much for change and transparency!

Thursday, March 15, 2012

IT'S JUST THAT SIMPLE....

After months of discussion, several work sessions, and all the paper work. This is what it's all about:

$6 millon Dollar Bond = Bond Commission = Stormwater Increase

It's just that simple...

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

SO YOU THINK IT'S BUSH'S FAULT?

There is an awful lot of Kool-Aid being drunk by Liberals. This election Obama has a record and let's just look at the facts:

Obama inherited from Bush:
AAA Credit Rating
7.8% Unemployment
$1.81/ Gallon Gas
$10 Trillion Debt
2 Wars
26 Weeks of Unemployment Benefits
An Annual Budget

What we have NOW under Obama:
AA Credit Rating
8.3% (Really 11.0-15.0) Unemployment
$3.89/ Gallon Gas
$16 Trillion Debt
3 Wars

99 Weeks of Unemployment Benefits
NO Annual Budget in three years

Hmmm sounds like he's made a mess of things, not inherited one.

See, Obama has been whining for 3.2 years. How funny the Obama administration blames Bush for everything but now Obama is taking credit for more drilling when it's Bush's fault that there is more drilling on private land!

Americans just saw through the charade he and Pelosi tried to play on the American people with the staged FRAUD Sandra Fluke and the feigned contraception distraction.

What Obama has accomplished:

Obama is the best "blame-r in chief" that has ever held the office of "President of these United States" and he has has done more to divide the people of our great country than any president in our history. He refuses to take blame for anything he has done, instead pushing it onto anyone and everyone he can, even when the FACTS are there and easy to find!

So how's that Hope and Change workin' for ya?

Friday, March 09, 2012

TIF BALANCES FOR 2012

These amounts are the balance in each TIF account as of 1/1/12:

Grantline Road TIF - $2,414,892.31
Park East
Industrial Park - $1,826,854.60
State Street/ Green
Valley Road/West
Street Vicinity - $1,702,572.98
State Street
Parking Garage - $350,387.96
Charlestown Road - $3,042,783.57
Old Monon
Corridor.............. - $891.387.97
Loop Island/
Tannery District.. - $5,128.74
___________________________
Total .................. $10,234,008.13

The question downtown should be: To TIF, or not to TIF or if you borrow from TIF's you pay them back.

You have to have some people that know how money works. Unfortunately the City of New Albany doesn't. That's the key - people who know that if you're going to make this investment, that you have a great chance of recouping it, not just doing a project for political reasons.
Just think how much more money our General Fund would have if Carl would stop adding or expanding TIF areas.

We can only wish...right?

Sunday, March 04, 2012

HENRYVILLE NEEDS OUR HELP....

We are asking all of our readers to join us in supporting the families and businesses impacted by the violent storms that claimed lives and destroyed homes in Henryville.

You can drop off blankets, toys, clothes and other items at the following locations.

Henryville Disaster Relief Drop off locations:

* 600 E. Main Street - 812- 981-8000
* PC Builders on Cherry Street -502-533-4107

Valla Ann and Bob at PC Builders will deliver all items.

We ask for your prayers and your generosity it will make a difference in the lives of all those affected in Henryville. Let's open our hearts and our wallets it could have been the City of New Albany instead of Henryville.

We thank you in advance for your support for those affected by this tragedy!

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

BUFFETT'S RULE...

This morning we filled up the gas tank, and our wallets thought it was hooked up to a 100 horsepower electric cow milker, but it's good to know that the extra pain isn't standing in the of Obama's economic recovery. At least not according to Warren Buffett.

Remember though, sometimes even Buffett's predictions are off base. It's just that most people don't have the luxury of his margin of error!

As for us, we've stopped cleaning the fish tank so as to have a head start on a fuel stockpile for whenever the new "algae powered cars" come out.
Passing thought: How about a "Buffett Rule" for gas?

The idea would be that people like Warren Buffett pay substantially more at the pump so the rest of us can pay less, or even nothing at all. As it stands right now, somebody who makes $50 million a year pays about $4 a gallon, and somebody who makes $12,000 a year also pays about $4 a gallon.

That's just NOT fair to Buffett's secretary!

To make it fair, the former should be paying about $8,500 a gallon for gas, and the latter nothing.

Whaddaya say, Mr. Buffett?

Either Buffett is off his meds or senile dementia is catching up with him.

How can rising gas prices, or anything else for that matter, derail a recovery that's not happening?

Seriously, who writes this crap for the Dimbeciles?

We give it a week, or at least a month and the next thing out of Obama's mouth will be: "Gas prices are the sole fault of George W Bush."

Our real concern right now is how soon before Algae is listed on the Chicago Mercantile? Watch out porkbellies you've had your day in the sun!

Our good friends in Washington have told us about Obama's new plan for this gas crisis:

1.) Properly Inflated Tires
2.) Eat your Peas

Then he'll trot out some new refundable tax credit to help out the working families which is just another way to redistribute income.
----

BTW - has Warren Buffett paid the $1Billion in taxes that he (Berkshire Hathaway) owes? You know he says he doesn't pay enough taxes, and of course he is right.
----

Obama is deliberately overlooking the fact that $4+ gas prices triggered the '07/08 recession in the first place.

As they say at the White House: You never let a good crisis go to waste!

Monday, February 27, 2012

MAIL CALL: IS THIS COUNCILMAN FOR REAL?

"Lent Day 4: Boldly sign the ash cross on the stars & stripes of the flag, for repentance of the sins of the nation. For arrogant ethnocentrism; for extreme patriotism, for militarism and illegal wars, for the Patriot Act, for scape-goating immigrants, for fencing our borders, for our divisive political polarization, for placing politics above finding solutions; for social policies that benefit the powerful st the expense of the poor; for making the flag an idol of devotion while ignoring the Constitution. May we come to see ourselves as part of a larger global community and use our wealth and power in more humanitarian & compassionate ways."

"Lent Day 3: Boldly sign the ash cross on the pages of the Bible. Grind the ash on the thin pages for the repentance of the sins committed by scripture. Racism & Slavery; Patriarchy & Sexism; Heterosexism & Homophobia; Ant-Semitism & Religious intolerance; Prejudice & Discrimination; Biblical literalism; Using the bible to justify personal prejudice. Worshiping the Bible is a form of idolatry rather than prompting love, inclusion, justice and peace. May our minds be opened to spiritual truths from a variety of sources: Science, Philosophy, Philosophy, the Arts, Literature, nature and one another."

Source: Greg Phipps at http://ghp-htsm.blogspot.com/

Freedom Of Speech would like to say:

Well Mr. Phipps, The Constitution of the United States gives you the right to say how you feel.

As Christians we find this highly offensive. We've never met missionaries who forced Christianity on other cultures and believe us we know several. We would hate to think many military men and women have died in vain so you have the right to print this crap on your blog.

If you hate the good ole USA have you considered leaving?


If you don't believe in God, or heaven or hell, that's your right. We just hope you don't use your radical points of view or thinking when making decisions on how to spend our tax dollars.


Our final thought: Will you be a part of our solution or part of the continued problems we are having in the City of New Albany?

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

WHERE IS OUR MONEY?

Mayor (cough) Gahan has not done what is in the best interest of the taxpayers so far. While campaigning, Gahan made A LOT of promises he knew he wouldn't keep. I guess that puts him at the head of the current "Liars Club of New Albany."

Gahan still claims he hates England and we all know that's another lie, he's been in bed with England, Malysz and Gibson from the get go!

Last week Gahan stated he didn't make any promise to voters. Just like he denies, the promise of getting rid of Gibson, Malysz, Rosenbarger and Thompson too.

Well you did Mr. Gahan, to about 98% of your base and those who elected you mayor.

But one campaign promise you MADE will happen, we are holding you 'accountable, Mr. Gahan', to that promise of a forensic AUDIT.

So what we are asking our readers to do is send this posting to 10 of your family, friends and co-workers who live in New Albany and ask them to contact each and every council member and voice your opinion.

Council members Names, Emails and Phone Numbers:

Shirley Baird - 812-725-7527
Email: sbaird@cityofnewalbany.com

John Gonder - 812-944-3125
Email: jgonder@cityofnewalbany.com

Kevin Zurschmiede - 812-945-7827
Email: kzurschmiede@cityofnewalbany.com

Dan Coffey - 812-949-1262
Email: dcoffey@cityofnewalbany.com

Robert Caesar - 812-945-8744
Email: bcaesar@cityofnewalbany.com

Greg Phipps - 812-949-8317
Email: gphipps@cityofnewalbany.com

Pat McLaughlin - 812-949-9140
Email: pmclaughlin@cityofnewalbany.com

Diane Benedetti - 812-945-6240
Email: dbenedetti@cityofnewalbany.com

Scott Blair - 812-697-0128
Email: sblair@cityofnewalbany.com

Tell them if they can pay Carl Malysz's salary out of our EDIT and if Mayor Gahan has "nothing to hide" he will audit the books of the General Fund, Stormwater Fund, Sewer Fund, TIF's and all Grants too.

The city says we have been underfunded for four years. The Indiana State Board of Accounts said the city mismanaged our funds and they should be investigated.

Why are you Mr. Gahan sitting on the facts?

"You just keep your so called change Mr. Gahan, we want an Audit!"

Saturday, February 18, 2012

1963 - 2012...

The bible teaches us; "A good name is better than precious ointment and the day of death, than the day of birth." (Ecclesiastes 7:1)

On this day, as the world mourns and says goodbye to Whitney Houston, this wisdom reminds us that we grieve death, we grieve our own loss.

Ms. Houston has passed from time into eternity, from this veil of tears to a place where there is no more pain, and no more tears, where the only relevent judgement is the judgement of God Almighty.

Gone To Soon....

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

US BUDGET 2013....

The White House's Budget for fiscal 2013 begins with a broken promise, add some phony policy assumptions, throw in a few rosy forecasts and omits all kind of painful decisions.

Even then, the proposal would add $1 trillion more to the national debt that Obama contemplated a few months ago-and it is a non-starter on Capitol Hill, where even Democrats have no plans to take it up.

It is, in other words, exactly what it was supposed to be: a campaign document...

This budget is the same stupid budget he tried to push through Congress last year which was vetoed. It is just another spending spree that will never get through Congress, he simply doesn't know how to make the necessary cuts to try to rein in our huge deficit which he caused.

Obama is totally incompetent and needs to step aside to give SOMEONE else a chance to save our country before it's too late. Even the USA Today Editorial folks know this one smells funny: "Editorial : Obama's budget plan leaves debt bomb ticking."

And if you don't believe us just ask Greece how they are doing today, Burn baby burn!

So how's that hope and change working out for you?

Sunday, February 12, 2012

URGENT! CALL TO ACTION....

After reading yesterday's C/J article: "Floyd school chief raise urged, proposal spurs controversy," we decided to put the facts out to our readers and ask you to weigh in on this issue.

As reported in the C/J: "Hibbard is in the third year of a contract that pays him a base salary of $142,000 per year plus $13,000 in annual deferred compensation and a $500-per-month car allowance."

Are you folks believing this employment package?

Freedom Of Speech would like to share with you the other side of the coin, our point of view.

The facts are:

When we have closed four schools, laid off teachers, stopped insurance for special ed aids, outsourced, cut field trips, cut art, p.e. and music (as we knew it) given an administrator a raise and created more administrative positions, it is unfathomable why we would give our superintendent a raise. We are still 2.8 million in debt and will need to make more cuts.

It is our opinion if anyone deserves a raise, it is the frontline teachers and staff doing all the work with our children.

As to comparing our superintendent's salary to other "comparable" school corporations, those school corporations are located in Indianapolis where the rate of pay IS higher.

This is like comparing apples to oranges.

If you compare our superintendent's salary to Monroe or Bartholomew County, the pay is pretty much the same.

Please attend Mondays meeting Feb. 13 at 6pm or email our School Board members at:

Mark Boone - mboone@nafcs.k12.in.us
Lee Cotner - lcotner@nafcs.k12.in.us
DJ Hines - djhines@nafcs.k12.in.us
Jan Anderson - janderson@nafcs,k12.in.us
Becky Gardenour - bgardenour@nafcs,k12.in.us
Neal Smith - nsmith@nafcs.k12.in.us
Roger Whaley - rewhaley@nafcs.k12.in.us

Voice your opinion and forward this to all your family and friends. Do we need more school closings or more teachers to be laid off?

Our final thoughts:

We are not sure what Superintendent Hibbard does that is worth this kind of salary. We believe it's time for Bruce Hibbard to man up, step up to the plate and take a pay freeze. Sometimes, leadership involves shared sacrifice, NOT greed.

We think it's way past time for a Public Hearing!

Wednesday, February 08, 2012

OUR OPINION IS THIS....

When someone and a few others is offended by it, (The Lords Prayer). In this case, Mr. ____ who believes it violates his and their right to freedom of irreligion when said at the beginning of council meetings.

Mr. ____ seems to think he has been called to a vocation of sustained whining, so, to help him overcome this affliction, maybe the council should be asked to read an entire chapter of the New Testament.

It is our opinion a prayer before a meeting of lawmakers should never be offensive to anyone. If it is, they should look within themselves to acertain the reason they are offended.

Bring Back the Lord's Prayer, Council president Benedetti!

Sunday, February 05, 2012

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?

Best seat in the house: the couch

A line for the bathroom: never gonna happen

People blocking our view by standing: only if that cat gets in our face

Money spent on Nachos, Bud Light, Coors and other amenities: about $300

Time spent commuting and money to park: Zero


Super Bowl 46 will be watched by millions of people on Sunday. It seems everybody has a prediction on the game, so we decided to give you our prediction.


New England Patriots - 28 -- New York Giants - 14

Let the game begin...Go Patriots!!!

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

BILL WATCH...

Nepotism is inherently harmful to the taxpayer in the fact that no one can be sure who is actually running the department.

As far as Mr. Gahan is concerned and although his decision to appoint Mary Ann Prestigiacomo as the City Controller may have been legal it was certainly, in our opinion, unethical.

It's still legal in Indiana to hire anybody for a local job, no matter how closely they might be related to the boss.

We ask our readers to contact our Representative Ed Clere @ 1 - (800) 382-9841 to vote YES for the Taxpayer Friendly Conflict Of Interest and Nepotism provisions in Indiana House Bill 1005.

Friday, January 27, 2012

"NO BAILOUTS, NO HANDOUTS, AND NO COP-OUTS"

Did you notice something missing from Obama's State of the Union speech on Tuesday?

Obama forgot to mention his biggest "accomplishments": sticking the American people with liberal policies, like Obamacare and the $814 billion dollar Stimulus, that destroyed jobs, pile up debt, burden our small businesses with runaway regulations, and focus on redistributing wealth rather than make our entire economy stronger.

However, after 3 years as President, he has also embarked on a path of bailing out company after company, giving hands outs to his friends like Warren Buffet and George Soros through crony capitalism, and blaming everyone but himself for the horrendous state of our economy.

There are no twisting words here - Obama has not only failed at showing any leadership, but has done so while blatantly deceiving hardworking Americans with empty promises!

So, how's that hope and change working for you?

Are you VOTERS still buying Obama's BS?

Monday, January 23, 2012

GINGRICH VS OBAMA?

Anyone could beat Obama.

Obama stands reasonably accused of sacrificing American lives with Fast and Furious to shoe-horn a Gun Control issue into the "2012 election cycle!" And Obama will lose.

Gingrich will confront Obama about stonewalling the Fast and Furious subpoenas, Holder lying to Congress and an Asst. US Attorney taking the fifth.

When the moderator breaks in to stop Gingrich from confronting Obama, Newt will cut the poor liberal flack off at the knees (metaphorical) speaking. At that point Obama may very well start crying, and WE want to see that!

Fast and Furious, Europe's welfare economies going up in flames before our very eyes. Solyndra, the Muslim Brotherhood winning the Egyptian parliament, the Keystone pipeline, the NLRB in SC, Obama is a target rich environment for any candidate who can cut through the MSM/Obama campaign template.

Can Newt win?

Heck yes, in a landslide!

Sunday, January 08, 2012

HOUSE BILL 1001

Indiana House Bill 1001 makes it a Class A misdemeanor (the maxium fine for a Class A misdemeanor is $5,000), to require an individual as a condition of employment or continuation of employment to:

1. become or remain a member of a labor organization

2. pay dues, fees, or other charges to a labor organization

3. pay to a charity or another third party an amount that represents dues, fees, or other charges required of members of a labor organization. HB 1001 does not apply to federal employees subject to certain federal laws, certain employees over whom the federal government has jurisdiction, state employees, and employees of a political subdivision.

It is our opinion Right To Work would have almost NO impact on job growth because employer conclusions regarding Indiana workforce education and ease of customer access will continue to be much more important than the minor question of whether or not a union contract requires employees to be dues paying members.

The great majority of any new businesses that move to Indiana will choose to not have a union shop in the first place.

Freedom Of Speech supports Right To Work!

Thursday, January 05, 2012

AN OPEN LETTER.....

The election is over. You've been sworn into office.

Perhaps as never before, the challenges for local government are great, and the taxpayers are looking to you and your fellow elected officials for results; it's time to get to work!

Understanding the complex relationships that already exist and getting along in your particular role is important to the city. If you are unable to get along with your elected colleagues, at least to a reasonable degree, your meeting may become combative and nonproductive.

Is that what we elected you for?

Even agreeing to disagree in a polite or sensitive manner is possible, if everyone works at it. If you are able to do so, us taxpayers may have greater respect for you to set aside personal differences and work for the taxpayers good.

As council members, you're a member of the policy-making body of our city. While you may only have one vote, the council as a whole plays a crucial role in the city operations.You as council member adopts the budget, approves contracts and expenditures, develops personnel policies, passes public safety ordinances to help safeguard our community, and undertakes a multitude of other tasks essential to the city operation.

Your constituents elected you to provide that leadership, and we expect you to keep those of us who voted for you informed.

An important point to remember is that while the fire, police and parks programs may be the more prominent to the public eye, there's a lot more to local government.

Turn on a tap. You expect clean water. Or, flush a toilet or empty a sink. We drive on streets built and maintained by our city. As an elected official, you can't let these issues become invisible. It's a big job and, in tough economic times, a very difficult one.

Open government is on the minds of us taxpayers, and violations of the law or any law, can help destroy the public's perception. You must be impartial when it comes to fairness.

It's time to roll up your sleeves and get to work.

Remember:

I, ____ do solemnly swear or affirm that I will support the constitution of the United States of America and will support the constitution of the State of Indiana, and that I will faithfully, impartially and dutifully discharge the duties of_____ in New Albany, Indiana, according to law and to the best of my ability.

Good luck and much success!

Will be watching every vote you make.

Freedom Of Speech Staff

Saturday, December 31, 2011

ARE WE READY FOR 2012?

As we approach 2012 we here at Freedom of Speech have been pondering about what the new year will bring. Here are some of the questions we need to ask ourselves.

Have we the citizens of New Albany had enough yet?



Will we finally have accountability from the new Mayor?

Will there be an end to the mismanagement?

Will there finally be an audit?

Will there be an end to the conflict of interest?


Does it exist? You bet it does.

Will there be an end to the same people sitting on multi-boards and collecting a salary from each?

Will we have qualified people making the right decisions with our money?

Will we be able to drive down our streets without having to worry about potholes?

Will our sewers finally be repaired?

Will our new City Council President be able to stand up to the Mayor?

These are just a few of the questions and issues for 2012.

As we close 2011 we need to become focused on the future of New Albany. Next year will be very interesting. We need to come together and stand up and be counted, things won't change if all we do is sit and talk about it.


All of us here at Freedom of Speech want to wish each of you a Happy and safe New Year.


ACCOUNTABILITY, CREDIBILITY AND INTEGRITY IN NEW ALBANY GOVERNMENT... WHERE IS IT?

Political credibility is probably the single most important variable defining the success or failure of any given local government.

Our local government's credibility is a tangible and measurable asset.

Local governments are credible if they are able to deliver services such as keeping the city clean and public utilities working efficiently.

Local government is increasingly responsible for raising own source revenues. As such, if a local government is to be financially viable it must confront its constituency with the cost of providing services.

In the current measure the constituents "do not trust" our local government.

Discretionary power does not refer to the right to make decisions but rather deriving personal gain from choices made.

Accountability is the underlying element with which corruption can be addressed. As long as there is personal gain overshadowing the accountability there will always be an opportunity for corruption in local government.

The formula for failure of local government:

Corruption = Power + Discretion - Accountability

The challenge is where common sense political leaders and administrators are motivated to serve the public without private gain.

And their own personal agendas.

Furthermore, it is necessary to fully capture the manner in which our local government interacts with its constituents.

What we need to do is:

* Making public information public

* Increasing public participation and

* Establishing administrative structures that promotes transparency and reduce discretionary power as well as the "propensity" to be corrupt

* Allowing bad local government to fail

* Accountability, credibility and integrity should always be in local government

Our elected mayor and local council members should have a stake in our community. At its most basic level our local government is required to simply collect revenue and apply local ordinances.

Citizens deserve accountability.


Our current Administration has failed to establish a working relationship with its citizens.

Mayor England had the choice to:

* Increase the publics confidence level in our local governmental operations

* Increase department head accountability for financial reporting and all information disclosed to the public

* Develop a stronger, more independent audit system

* Stringent purchasing policies, tighten spending, and timely reporting is necessary to adhere to budgetary constraints under which local government operates

* Looking out for the best interest of all the citizens of New Albany

And Mayor England has failed miserably!

Accountability is the essence of our democratic form of local government.


It is the liability assumed by all those who exercise authority to account for the manner in which they have filled responsibilities entrusted to them.

They must be accountable to the people.

Freedom Of Speech would like to know who will bring Accountability, Credibility and Integrity back to the City of New Albany?


So we say to you, Douglas B. England, your the worse Mayor the City of New Albany has ever had. Leave the keys with security on the first floor and don't let the door hit you in the ass on your way out.

Good riddance!

Thursday, December 29, 2011

A HAPPY NEW YEAR GREETINGS FROM KATIE

From : Katie Dept. Manager
To: All 3rd Floor Staff
Subject: Ethics Classes
Date: Dec. 29, 2011

Dear Staff:

As you've probably heard, we've had a teensy glitch in the document leaks department; A certain new Mayor, who shall remain nameless, has been naughty lately, and the blogs are all over him for lying.

Now we'd usually just ignore this sort of thing, but our new Mayor has even been sworn in yet! So we clearly have to send out a "we care about ethics" message, to get the taxpayers off our new mayor's back.

Here's what we're gonna do.


I'll be holding ethics classes the first two weeks in January, and you all have to come. Booooring!!! - yes, I know. But I promise my class will be really short.

As an extra inducement, I'll devote 95% of each session to a talk which I like to call "keeping the council members and taxpayers in the dark."

The following topics will be discussed:

* No more paid 3 hour lunches.

* All offices facing Hauss Square be on the look out for taxpayers and/or Council Members heading to the 3rd floor.

* Comp Time


* Take home cars at the malls

* Cell phone calls to out of state family members after the holidays

* Grocery shopping during working hours

Excuses to use before releasing any documents:

(a) Everyone has to fill out a form
(b) We're to busy
(c) Copy machine is broke
(d) The person that handles this is in a meeting

Do you get my drift...staff?


And needless to say, there won't be a test. Of course there will be a gazillion page questionnaire.

Just kidding! ROFLMAO


After all, a little birdie tells me many of you may be hiring criminal lawyers real soon...and those guys are PRICEY!!! So the time to sock some cash away is NOW - Big Time!

Just kidding! HA...HA...HA!

Please check the attached schedule to see which slot you've got, and stop throwing our new mayor under the bus.


He needs some New Year cheer, before the voters eat him up come Jan. 1, 2012!

Remember it's the taxpayers money we're spending!

Happy New Years
Katie Dept. Manager
New Albany
Document Department


PS...Do not leak this memo!


Source: Anonymous

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

YOUR INVITED....

In keeping with tradition, we would like to invite you to attend a brief Swearing In Ceremony:

When: Thursday, December 29th

Where: County Commissioner's Meeting Room on the second floor of the City County Building

Time: 4 pm

Keith Henderson, Floyd County Prosecutor will officiate the ceremony.

We'll have refreshments and you can cheer on the the new candidates for 2012.

Dave Matthews

Monday, December 19, 2011

TEN THINGS TO SAY...

Ten Things To Say About A Christmas Gift You Don't Like...

10. Hey! There's a gift!

9. Well, well, well...

8. Boy, if I had not recently shot up 4 sizes that would've fit.

7. This is perfect for wearing around the basement.

6. Gosh, I hope this never catches fire. It is fire season though.

5. If the dog buries it, I'll be furious!

4. Did you forget I am a Democrat mother?

3. I love it -- but I fear the jealous it will inspire.

2. Sadly, tomorrow I enter the Federal Witness Protection Program.

And the Number One Thing to say about a Christmas gift you don't like

1. "I really don't deserve this."


Merry Christmas!

Saturday, December 17, 2011

CHRISTMAS HUMOR...E-MAILS

3 Wise Women

Do you know what would have happened if it had been Three Wise Women instead of Three Wise Men?

They would have asked directions, arrived on time, helped deliver the baby, cleaned the stable, made a casserole and brought practical gifts.

Seasons Greetings,
Darlene

*************************

Overheard On The Wise Men's Journey To Bethlehem

Man, I'm starting to get a rush from this frankincense!

You guys ever eat camel meat? I hear it tastes like goat.

You know, I used to go to school with a girl name Beth Lehem.

Hey, do either of you know why "MYRRH" is spelled with a
"Y" instead of a "U"?

Okay, whose camel just spit?

All this staring at the star while riding a camel is making me woozy.

Happy Holidays,
Gerald

*******************

A Little Christmas Poem

The wife is shopping for Christmas gifts,
With purchases little and large;
She doesn't believe in Santa Claus...
But she believes in Master Charge!

Merry Christmas,
Jimmy Price Family

Monday, December 05, 2011

HERE WE GO AGAIN....

It's awful funny that the mayor "again tries" to slip something under the radar. Thank God, for employees who believe in exposing the soon to be X- mayor for his sneaky under handed ways!

Let us show you what Mr. Soon to be X- mayor is pulling over on you taxpayers:

Whereas, the City of New Albany has experienced budgetary freezes in the last four (4) years, including salaries.

Whereas, the Common Council and the Mayor acknowledge that the cost of living has increase over the past four (4) years.

Whereas, Bargaining Employees by contract (police and fire) have a 1% yearly longevity increase in their pay and the non-bargaining employees have no such yearly longevity increase.

Whereas, the Common Council and the Mayor deem it important to the functions of the City and the morale of employees, to NOW, THEREFORE, PAY A COST OF LIVING RECOGNITION PAYMENT AS FOLLOWS:

Employees with years of service:
1-8 years......$750.00
8+ years.......$1,000.00

For the purposes of determining those entitled to the payment and the calculating of years, September 30, 2011, shall be used to determine the employee's payment.

First of all this is bogus, another lie out of Dougy's mouth. In 2009 they received the same amount due to bad morale in the city including the third floor employees.

In 2010 all these employees also got raises!

Freedom Of Speech would like to say: 2012 will be the Year of the Great Reckoning -- the year when the bills come due. After England is out of office.

Remember, folks it is NOT ILLEGAL for city officials, politicians, and even council members to lie (in) most cases. So don't worry - nothing shady is going on, just England and Council woman Benedetti doing business as usual!

Isn't that why we voted that "SOB" England out of office and we ask Mayor Elect Gahan to remove his crooked cronies too?

This is an insult to all the senior citizens on fixed income, who have NOT received a cost of living raise in three years. We ask our readers to remember who votes to give these free loaders a "Christmas Bonus' or should we say "Severance Pay" for all the damage they have done to our city and all the kickbacks they are leaving office with.

Who has put Benedetti up to this? And, why?

As they say if the shoe fits wear it, and to Dougy, be sure to not let the door hit you in the ass on the way out on December 31, 2011.

You're all so done in this town, you can stick a fork in all of ya!

Thursday, December 01, 2011

WORLD AIDS DAY...

This year's theme of "Getting to Zero" by 2015 encourage us, as people of faith to reflect and work to promote human dignity and respect and protect the human rights of people living with or affected by HIV or those who are vulnerable to infection.

This theme encourages us to deepen understanding, develop partnerships and challenge discriminatory laws, policies and practices that stand in the way of access for all to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support.

Get Involved!

---

This day is dedicated to our special "little friend Joshua." See, Joshua contracted AIDS through a blood transfusion when he was only 3 months old. This special little boy died at the age of 9.

In his memory Freedom Of Speech staff members today, December 1, 2011, donate $1,000 to help fight AIDS.

We miss and love you Joshua. You will always hold a special place in each one of our hearts. There is not a day that passes that we don't miss your precious smile and determination.

Freedom Of Speech Staff