Tuesday, October 02, 2007

IGNORANCE...NO EXCUSES FOR ANY OF IT, ACCORDING TO ME.

Perusing other blogs to see "what's up" in our fair City, me thinks I need to set the record straight about something posted that is simply untrue (and no, I'm not going to argue point for the point if this person disagrees). Facts are so simple to obtain; it simply must be who is obtaining the facts for whom, huh?

Here goes, and I quote (I admit) only partially what is posted "The City originally set it up so that bond payments for the State Street garage, which is now paid off in full, were funded 2/3 by EDIT funds and 1/3 by TIF funds...etc., etc., etc.,".

This statement is about as "nonfactual" as you can get. Unfortunately, the City does owe the money back to EDIT because it was "borrowed" from EDIT because the "TIF" and the PARKING GARAGE, which was going to save downtown, didn't have enough monies to cover bond payments. Thus, the monies were borrowed by EDIT, are pledged elsewhere -- including for infrastructure; and this Council can and would get into A LOT OF TROUBLE if monies were not paid back. THAT'S THE FACTS, AND JUST THE FACTS.

For those of you offended, as I was, by the link provided making fun of the Jesus statute, please allow me to give you some you may enjoy better:

The Church's web site for the King of Kings statute is:
http://www.solidrockchurch.org/king_ofkings.php

Another:

http://www.roadsideamerica.com/attract/OHMONjesus.html


As we have discontinued our Tribune, we are only hearing about the missiles being fired for the Mayoral race. As I understand it, the Republicans printed facts that were printed in the Tribune; and another person is standing up for the Democrats.

As I do have an opinion as to who I want as Mayor and caring about their integrity, etc., as a Democrat -- what am I to think? A self-described Atheist, Pagans and a Hedonist endorsing "his" Democrat candidates, or whomever, and writing such words character assassinating some who have done nothing but good for this fair City of New Albany...well, it's a problem -- at least, with me.

There just isn't enough room to write all the things the dictionary says about people who have this type of "belief" system, so I'll make it short and brief:

Paganism - Since the later 20th century, the words "pagan" or "paganism" have become wide and openly used as a self-designation of adherents of polytheistic reconstructionism and neo-paganism.

Hedonism - The philosophy that PLEASURE is the most important pursuit of mankind. The name derives from the Greek word for "PLEASURE".

Atheist - Atheism, as a philosophical view, is the position that either affirms the non-existence of God(s), or reject theism.

These are my opinions and my blog, but how in the hey do you crawl into bed with someone with these viewpoints and then expect Democrats to support that Candidate?

A lot of people are leery of organized religion; but the majority of Americans (85%) are still of some type of Christian faith.

And you think this will help any one's campaign? Is it just me? I'm very much aware it could be!

As far as the redistricting meeting today, I heard Mr. Smith read some law books and the meeting was adjourned with "someone" saying there needed to be two more meetings and that Linda Moeller's input about not being able to split the precincts up right now was said to be -- what were the words used? You think? Do you really believe we, me, the rest of us, are going to let you cost us that kind of monies? How come you didn't present a plan today at the Committee? Where's it at?

Thank you Mr. Blevin's, for doing the right thing, even though there are some that will always disagree.

Thank you for letting me share my thoughts and opinions. Believe me, I know there will be disagreements...but let's keep it civil, shall we? Thanks.

Peace, New Albany.

46 comments:

Iamhoosier said...

I know this post is not directed at me but that has not stopped me before. Just two brief comments for now.

I remember being chided by you and others about not being at Sewer Board meetings. The point being, that I could not possibly know exactly what was said, how it was said, etc. While "being there" is not the end all, it does have some validity. I don't remember seeing you there last night or at the last Council meeting. That's a fact.

You call this post civil? Yeah, I know, it is in your opinion.

Anonymous said...

Thank you, for being brave enough to stand up for the Christians in our community.

We shudder to think of the atheists
taking control of our city.

Anonymous said...

To see the ‘King of Kings’ sculpture appear, as you drive along I-75, is truly awesome and thought provoking! Seeing the cross and Christ reaching out, while looking up to His Father, reminds us what Christ did. When we first saw it, it was truly a jaw dropping moment. Now we watch for it, when we drive to Dayton, and say “HI JESUS!” as we slow down to enjoy his presence.

You are so correct with the facts about the State Street Garage. You forgot to add the State Street Garage couldn’t pay its way…like the utility payments. Of course we speculated that the garage was built for the bank and eventually it would take it over, absorbing the losses. It was rumored that Caesar’s or their business friends (attorneys, financial, etc.) were going to move into the 4th floor. Wonder if that penthouse is still empty. Should we go pull all the old newspaper articles? When you don’t learn from your mistakes, you tend to repeat them over and over. However, some don’t care. They just have a job to get done. Besides it’s not their money – unless they are the attorneys, financial wizards, etc., who get paid if the job gets done. What was the latest on Scribner Place?

A Democrat in Floyd County said...

IAMHOOSIER: With good Council rapport with different Council members, including my own -- I've been at enough of them I know what happens as soon as they leave the building. I keep up on events on that agenda, and I was invited to speak last night about having to pay that EDIT money back...but I respectfully declined.

As you said, this is my blog and my opinion -- civil -- whatever you think, I'm not going to argue with you.

A Democrat in Floyd County said...

Dear Anon: Yes, I left out a lot of facts about that durn parking garage. Toooo many bad memories. Does the elevator even still work since the Mayor's secretary got stuck in it?

Does anyone care or know that this Bank really did think Ceasar's people were moving in and thus the need for same?

Does anyone really care how much maintenance WE ARE STILL PAYING for nothing? Except City employees; maybe some County employees, pay a fee; Harvest Homecoming they might pick up a few bucks.

The only thing I heard about Scribner was two elderly women coming in from Sellersburg gushing how great this project would be. No financials, no plans, just costs. If we don't want it the threat was they will take it back to Sellersburg and do something else with it.

The Bond amount needed was mentioned...but with the State doing what they're doing and us circumventing that 2% constitutional debt limit - let's see it.

The State is going to scale back "capital" projects; control local government spending more, etc.

Thanks for writing. Do you remember the Tribune article about the parking garage and who was the Momma and who was the Poppa? My daughter and I passed one of them on the street one day and she asked which one was the Momma and which one was the Poppa. I told her to flip a coin as far as I was concerned.

No, we do not seem to learn from our past mistakes...thus experience in leadership and knowledge of this fair City is where I'm headed...I feel sorry for the people that were involved in the mess we are in, and in which citizens are blamed...though we are every where on record talking with "those that be".

Iamhoosier said...

So you get to play by different rules? I have to be there and hear for myself, and you depend on hearsay? I'm beginning to understand the ground rules of your ballpark.

Anyway, thanks for allowing and posting my comments. Seriously, I know that you don't have to.

Anonymous said...

If the City of New Albany has been paying the electric and utility bills and maintenance on the State Street Parking Garage all these years, then, WHO IS APPROVING THE PAYMENT OF THOSE PARKING GARAGE BILLS AND WHAT FUND ARE THEY PAID OUT OF ????

Is the Redevelopment Commission approving those bills to be paid?

Is the City Council approving these
bills to be paid ?

WE CAN NOT AFFORD THE UPKEEP OF ANOTHER PARKING GARAGE IF THIS ONE
ALREADY CAN NOT EVEN PAY FOR IT'S UPKEEP.

Anonymous said...

HOW DOES THE REDEVELOPMENT BOARD HAVE SO MUCH POWER TO ISSUE BONDS AND DO
ALL OF THIS SPENDING?

IS THIS THE REDEVELOPMENT BOARD THAT
COUNCIL CANDIDATE CAESAR SERVES ON ?

A Democrat in Floyd County said...

IAMHOOSIER: Sorry you feel this way. I'd like to think I've attended ENOUGH City Council meetings over the past X amount of years and have X amount of minutes stacked in two rooms that I may share the luxury (somewhat) of being able to miss some meetings, yet still be aware of what is going on. It's in the minutes, for goodness sake!

Post Away -- Peace.

A Democrat in Floyd County said...

To the Two Anon's Questions:

Answers, anyone? Facts, as you may say...

Christopher D said...

Anon #1....
"Thanks for standing up for the Christians in this community..."
Did I miss something, or have a horde of muslim invaders, or worse yet those pesky satanic beserkers move into town and start decapitating Christians?
The Christians of this town are not oppressed, belittled, chided, or in any other form held back.
Just my two cents worth.

A Democrat in Floyd County said...

Good to hear from you, csd619. Appreciate your thoughts but I do not feel "muslims" are who/what we are speaking to. Matter of fact, I know I wasn't.

You may feel some Christians of this town are not oppressed, belittled, chided, or in any other form held back. In your heart you may truly feel that; in mine I know it not to be true with certain local citizenry -- but what the hey does it matter what town they live in?

Better study the original web site a little bit harder to see why simply I, and others, found it to be offensive.

Just my 2 cents worth, 2. Peace.

Anonymous said...

We Christians need to stand up and be
counted. When the atheists are showing Jesus Christ in a HULA GRASS
skirt and laughing about the scene, it sure shows that SATAN is working to destroy New Albany.

CHRISTIANS, STAND UP AND BE COUNTED.
WE ARE NOT ASHAMED THAT WE ARE BELIEVERS IN JESUS CHRIST.

A Democrat in Floyd County said...

No one should be ashamed to stand up for whatever they may believe in and be counted.

Certain things, I think, show a sincere lack of respect for human beings and principles of right and wrong. Tolerance has long been the word I've been yearning to hear.

Christopher D said...

In my humble opinion, a likeness of Christ..IE a statue, is just that a likeness of Christ, it is not Christ.
IF your faith is strong enough, another persons alteration of a imagery of the likeness of Christ would not be offensive.
In fact, with proper Christian teachings, and belief structures, you should be more inclined to respect, though not agree, with a persons theological/political statements.
The Christian community in this city IS rather well catered to. In fact, as evidence to this, how many other civic groups in this city get the special rights to have a state highway shut down, traffic lights overridden, police present, all in the name of them having an easier time getting in and out of their services.
Call me a pagan, call me an athiest, or what ever, but I personally feel relegion has NO part in politics what so ever, period, in no way shape or form should be it be used a campaign platform, reference, etc, on way or another.
(ps muslim was just a grab in the air, I guess given the current political situations I should have chosen Hindu's or Taoists.)

The New Albanian said...

It's good of you to undertake public definitions of paganism, hedonism and atheism, even verbatim reprints of dictionary definitions is something we'd expect to see from Ms Denhart, and not you.

But what the "hey."

Whenever you get around to determining why such beliefs disqualify such people from participation in the civic arena, please let us know.

Piece.

A Democrat in Floyd County said...

Me thinks your word "piece" may say it all. A "piece" of the pie; an agenda all your own; skewering whomever you like whenever you like.

Sorry to disappoint you...but I believe if you talk the talk, then walk the walk...

Maybe you don't know what I am "implying". "PEACE" yourself.

Iamhoosier said...

As a reminder, I am certainly aware of the amount of time that you have put in. I have even complimented you on that.

It's not that you missed a couple of meetings(life does indeed happen and get in the way), it's that you are commenting on hearsay, which you have judged unacceptable for others. You, yourself, have used the phrase, "I don't remember seeing you there".

An example. "Two elderly ladies".
Not sure what is considered elderly but I am 54 and the ladies in question certainly appeared younger than me. Also, the minutes from this past Monday's meeting would not have been available before you posted.

The New Albanian said...

Please tell me then: What is the nature of this "piece of the pie", this "agenda" that you and others are so fond of referencing?

I've advocated rationality in human affairs, and sought to lead a discussion as to how the pie might become bigger for all, not just some. I can't help it if concepts like satire and irony are absent from the New Albany gene pool, and I'll nver apologize on questions of style, because style makes the world go 'round.

I've said "yes we can," and been hooted at by people who wish to believe "we can't and never will," and if those people would have been around 200 years ago, there wouldn't be a city here.

So, please, elaborate.

PEZ (dispenser)

Anonymous said...

If the city could not make the bond payments on the State Street Parking Garage, then, how do they think that they can ask the taxpayers to bond and build a $ 6 MILLION DOLLAR
PARKING GARAGE DOWNTOWN ?

LET THOSE DOWNTOWN PEOPLE FOOT THE
$6 MILLION DOLLAR COST FOR THEIR
DOWNTOWN PARKING GARAGE.

Anonymous said...

If the city could not make the bond payments on the State Street Parking Garage, then, how do they think that they can ask the taxpayers to bond and build a $ 6 MILLION DOLLAR
PARKING GARAGE DOWNTOWN ?

LET THOSE DOWNTOWN PEOPLE FOOT THE
$6 MILLION DOLLAR COST FOR THEIR
DOWNTOWN PARKING GARAGE.

IF IT SO IMPORTANT TO THEM--- LET THEM PAY FOR IT. IT IS TIME THAT THE DOWNTOWN PEOPLE PUT THEIR DOLLARS IN THE COLLECTION BASKET.

Anonymous said...

If we joined hands and held a prayer vigil around the City-County Building, do you think the atheists would throw stones at us ?????

Iamhoosier said...

I generally stay out of these religous "fights". I believe religous belief, or non belief, is strictly a personal matter. Whether I believe or not is not relevant. Judge me and others on actions.

I would ask those who "shudder" at the thought of the atheists taking control of the city to consider this. Since about 99% of the candidates list their church membership as a qualification for office, how do you balance your complaints of favoritism, graft, and general neglect against these office holders and their religous preference? Just think about it.

A Democrat in Floyd County said...

Ask around about certain "candidates" and if they really do have affiliation with same; or simply claiming such so as to "appear" trustworthy. There is a story, though, ...

To anyone who cares, the special meetings were posted today. One is Oct 9th, the other Oct 10th at 4:30 PM. The 9th meeting will be held on the 2nd floor in the Commissioners' room.

It is my opinion, and mine probably alone, the following proposition:

As State Law dictates the Legislative Body HAS TO do this "redistricting thing"; I feel if a couple of them want a committe set up and abdicate their responsibilities; give up your seats to the "needier" and pay that $50.00 bucks out of your pockets -- not ours...how's that sound?

For the unprintable comments, thank you for your thoughts. To the person who chose to leave some kind of thought out there...this one's for you -- "What is a mouse when it spins"?

It's officially my daughter's 33rd B-Day, and somehow it's feels like it's 1/2 my b-day -- I mean I did help get her here. Happy B-Day Melissa.

The New Albanian said...

Hmm, I see that (as usual) you've failed to answer any of the questions I asked, i.e., how does being a pagan disqualify a person from participation, and what is the nature of this mysterious agenda you mention?

Take your time. You will, anyway.

Iamhoosier said...

"Ask around about certain "candidates" and if they really do have affiliation with same; or simply claiming such so as to "appear" trustworthy."

Exactly my point, thank you. How many of that 85% mentioned in your original post also fall under the same? It goes back to actions and not what you say you are.

On the $50 deal, I do agree with you. It was stupid and I told some of them exactly that. I still disagree with you about how the plan has to come about. Of course if Mr. Kochert, Mr. Price and the other members had done their job in the first place, we would not be having this disagreement.

Anonymous said...

what is this I hear about Jeff Gahan trying to push for a retirement plan for councilmen with 8 years of service or more? Another way for Gahan to try and screw the taxpayers

A Democrat in Floyd County said...

Dear New Albanian, don't believe I mentioned you being a pagan disqualified you as a "Plaintiff".

Mysterious Agenda? Why don't you tell me (all of us)?

In order to get what the Plaintiff's demands are, we will have to create a new line item for the budget. If this isn't your list of demands, I am positive you will let me know. 1. Reimbursement of $200.00 any expenses. 2. Office Materials 3. Material Expenses 4. Funds to hire an "expert" 5. Professional Assistant 6. Allowance for the Public Commission 7. Per Diem Expenses of $50.00 and last but not least, monies to establish a "website".

Why is Jack Messer threatening the Council that "if he loses, he will join the Plaintiffs in their lawsuit"? He represents the entire City -- what's up with that?

We, me, the citizens of New Albany, have already paid one Council for this effort, back in '02. We are now paying for it again. We don't need any more stupid Council people on there, I'll give you that -- but this, I feel, is not the way to go about doing things.

Sorry you have not been able to get your meetings scheduled yet (no, I'm not being sarcastic); but I do still stand by the legality the Council CANNOT abdicate their authority and let the public do the work... If they don't want to, have them step aside and let them pay the expenses of same.

To IAMHOOSIER - at least we agree :)

To Anon: Haven't heard about that deal...do hear he and Messer are really wanting this redistricting issue put off until NEXT COUNCIL (so we all as taxpayers can pay and pay.....what else is new)?

Peace, NA

A Democrat in Floyd County said...

And now, least among least, Garner has called a meeting for the "Plaintiffs" the same nite as Council's special meeting.

What is up with that? He is in no way the "legislative body" -- so what does that mean to all of us taxpayers?

Ball is in your court...Whom ever court it is in... NEXT????

Anonymous said...

the plaintiffs are what Kochert said a bunch of wanna be's and greedy to boot, we can thank Gahan and Messer for this one, both wanna be mayors.

Gahan was so close to England on the parade float today you were think they were joined at the hip

A Democrat in Floyd County said...

As I saw it, it was extremely hard to see much of the Democrat candidates as so many office holders were on it. Maybe they needed another trailer.

The "Luncheon" ought to be a hoot this year. But, you know how hard tickets are to that "thang"!

Happy Harvest Homecoming...the kick-off of the real "politics"!

The New Albanian said...

Yawn.

A Democrat in Floyd County said...

Yes, I'd be yawning, too. Yes, Mayor Garner has called a special meeting...but did not the Judge dictate the meetings had to be "PUBLIC"?

Garner is not the legislative body; for some reason...they get confused...executive versus legislative.

Who knows why? Yeah, I'm tired, too. Yawwwnnn...

Anonymous said...

FIRST OF ALL... I AM NOT USED TO THIS BLOG BUSINESS. HOWEVER, I FEEL IT IS NECESSARY TO RESPOND TO COMMENTS MADE ON ANOTHER BLOG SITE.

THOSE COMMENTS WERE:

"MY FIRST AND HOPEFULLY LAST HARVEST HOMECOMING PARADE.... BORING, SORRY, BUT THAT WAS THE WORST PARADE I'VE EVER SEEN IN MY LIFE. MAYBE IT'S JUST ME. BUT THE WHOLE SHEBANG FELT LIKE A THROW-BACK TO 1969."
___________________________________
___________________________________
MY RESPONSE TO THOSE SAD COMMENTS:

WE ARE PROUD OF OUR H.H. PARADE.

H.H. PARADE IS PART OF NA HISTORY.

THE PARADE IS A SIGN TO OUR CHILDREN THAT NA CARES AND APPRECIATES THEM.

THE PARADE IS A SIGN THAT NA APPRECIATES THE CHURCHES WHO TAKE
TIME AND EFFORT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PARADE.

THE PARADE IS A SIGN THAT NA APPRECIATES THE HUMAN SERVICE GROUPS WHO PARTICIPATE IN THE PARADE.

THE PARADE IS A JOY AND FUN TIME FOR ALL AGE GROUPS.

THE PARADE IS A FAMILY TIME AS THE
FAMILIES COME TO THE HH PARADE TO SEE THE PARADE.

FAMILIES HAVE TRADITIONS OF BRINGING THEIR BLANKETS AND CHAIRS ALONG WITH THE BABY STROLLERS TO SEE THE HH PARADE.

NA APPRECIATES THE H.H. BOARD OF DIRECTORS WHO HAVE DONATED MANY HOURS OF WORK TO MAKE THE H.H. PARADE POSSIBLE.

SUMMARY:

THE H.H.PARADE IS A GOOD SIGN OF OUR VALUES IN NEW ALBANY.
........OUR CHILDREN
........HUMAN SERVICE GROUPS
........OUR CHURCHES
.......FAMILY TRADITIONS
....... GOOD CLEAN FUN
....... CLEAN BUSINESSES
.......PUBLIC SERVICE EMPLOYEES.
__________________________________

IT IS SAD THAT THE PROGRESSIVE GROUP CAN NOT APPRECIATE OUR NA TRADITIONS AND HISTORIC VALUES.

WERE THE PROGRESSIVES DRINKING TOO MUCH BEER AT THEIR PARADE BEER PARTY, AND COULD NOT SEE WHAT THE H.H. PARADE MEANS TO RESIDENTS IN NEW ALBANY ?

Anonymous said...

New Albany Code:

(Ord. 4600, passed 3-4-57; Am. Ord. G-88-103; passed 2-1-88; Am. Ord. G-92-135, passed 12-7-92)

(C) Special meetings of the Common Council shall be held upon the call of the Mayor or any five members of the Common Council . . .

A Democrat in Floyd County said...

In the "consent decree" they want the Council to sign it states no District can be no more than 100 people off...that is not how Indiana State Law says. It's almost like they're trying to re-write Indiana law... More to come -- specifics tomorrow!

Peace, Love

The New Albanian said...

I wouldn't go to the trouble of throwing a party during the parade if I didn't think it was a fun time.

Highwayman said...

Pardon me Anon 13:13, but one comment does not a group make.

Unless of course it is made anonymously, in which case, who can say?

Christopher D said...

Not posting comments that are a direct response to an anonymous post?
I'm sorry Dem, but that would appear to be rather FOS-ish?

A Democrat in Floyd County said...

To me, Anon made a statement, or should I say an "opinion", as to how they felt about whatever they read on another blog.

I feel no need to moderate other opinions on a subject that was not relevant to me.

In all actuality, I'd rather discuss that redistricting article in the newspaper today :)

Peace.

A Democrat in Floyd County said...

The Council stood (kind of strong) and their plan will be submited to the Judge; only the Legislative Body could do same and so it shall be.

Now, maybe I can post a new article...

I gotta say, I felt the wrong Council was being sued; it should have been the Council Garner sat as a member on...etc.

Peace, NA

Iamhoosier said...

... and Price...

Ceece said...

FC Dem, what has prevented this council from then doing the legal thing and updating the districts?

Any council who has been seated and not changed the districts when legally required to so is responsible for their actions, or lack thereof.

A Democrat in Floyd County said...

The Council was prevent in '02, when then City Attorney Keith Henderson told them they were acting too late. It got tabled.

The Council seated now was not approached publically at the podium, simply sued. I do not know why they didn't sue in '02; I do not know why they think the "new" redistricting worked out by Council, which will be presented at the next meeting, is not acceptable to the Plaintiffs. It could be they simply do not know what is in it.

I do know that Indiana Code does not state each District can only differ by 100 people. It simply says it has to be proportionate to population numbers; County's Districts are based on registered voters.

Others may say what they want, but legally it is the Council's job to redistrict -- not a Commission set up by the three-at-large Council members and public citizens. It also can't be done by the Executive Branch.

Yes, they should have in '02; I simply can't figure out why the Plaintiffs waited and sued this Council. My prediction is Council will win this one in Court; and, well, those Attorney fees -- we are already paying for Council's lawyer.

We'll all see, huh? I'm not defending anyone or against anyone; though insinuations are already dropping because a few didn't get what they wanted. I still say they are and shall, in Court, with the Council's proposal.

The Council simply went by Keith Henderson's advice to them to not to proceed; maybe someone should ask Mayor Garner and him why that happened. Garner was on the Council. But, usually, the Council does follow the City Attorney's advice (at least when Henderson was the Attorney).

Peace.

Same to you IAMHOOSIER. He followed Henderson's advice. Sue Henderson. Sue the last sitting Council which was in charge; but then it would be past the legal "suing time", huh? Let's just bash this one.

You always get more bees with honey than vinegar. Respect is a two way street, also. I hear both were missing from last night's meeting. What a shame with the lack of communication.

It'll all come out in the wash, though; with some good bleach.

Iamhoosier said...

The point, again, is that every sitting Council since 2002 has had the duty to correct what was not done. It should not have been up to private citizens, whether through lawsuits or "asking", to remind them of their LEGAL DUTY. Perhaps the Council should sue Henderson to recover their costs in this case, if his advice was wrong. They hired him. It is their responsibility. The buck stops with the Council in this instance.

However this ends, the plaintiffs win. The Council will redistrict, which is what this is all about. It's just a shame that it took private citizens to get them to do it.

Ceece said...

thanks for answering!