SANITATION NUMBERS - FUZZY MATH

***********NEVER MIND -- TRIBUNE MADE A PRINTING ERROR ON SANITATION. THE EIGHT SHOULD BE A FIVE... PSHEW...PUT THAT MISTAKE IN THAT COLUMN!*******


FUZZY MATH = SANITATION (NO, WAIT A MINUTE; WE PRIVATIZED SANITATION; OH, THOSE MUST BE LEASE PAYMENTS, BUT WHAT THE HEY AM I PAYING OUT TWO MILLION FOR IF I PRIVATIZED, BUT...)

SANITATION CASH BALANCE JAN 1 = -$8,417,812.78
RECEIPTS FOR '06 = $2,202,867.91
DISBURSEMENTS FOR '06 = $2,252,795.40
CASH BALANCE DECEMBER 31 = -$5,467,740.27

I DO NOT THINK SO. THIS FIGURE SHOULD BE (IF THE ABOVE RECEIPTS & DISBURSEMENTS ARE CORRECT) NEGATIVE (-) $8,367,885.29 NOT $5,467,740.27. THAT IS NEGATIVE EIGHT MILLION, THREE HUNDRED SIXTY SEVEN THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED EIGHT FIVE DOLLARS AND 29 CENTS.

**********THESE QUESTIONS STILL STAND FOR SANITATION **************


THE RECEIPTS OF '06 - ARE THOSE THE LEASE PAYMENTS THAT ARE BEING FED TO THE SPEAKOUTLOUDNA BLOG SPOT ABOUT THAT WE SHOULD BE FOLLOWING UP ON, AS TAXPAYERS, FOR PAYMENTS UPON OUR EQUIPMENT, BUILDING AND UTILITIES?

IF SO, WHY DID WE DISBURSE OVER TWO MILLION AND WHAT FOR?

HAVING TOOK IT UPON MYSELF AS A CITIZEN TO SPEAK WITH THE STATE GOVERNMENT TODAY ABOUT BUDGETS AND THIS YEAR-END RETURN, I HAVE FOUND OUT OUR ASSESSED VALUE (AV) HAS NOT BEEN CERTIFIED AS OF YET. DUE TO NO ONE'S FAULT IN GENERAL; UNTIL THIS IS PUBLISHED LOCALLY IN THE PAPERS, (OUR CERTIFIED AV), OUR BUDGET FOR THIS YEAR CAN NOT BE APPROVED.

THIS MUST BE WHY THE CONTROLLER ASKED COUNCIL TO STOP EXPENDITURES UNTIL THE BUDGET FOR THIS YEAR IS APPROVED. THE STATE INFORMED ME TODAY IT MAY BE AT LEAST, AT LEAST, 6 OR 7 MONTHS UNTIL OUR BUDGET IS APPROVED (WHICH SHOULD PUT US RIGHT AT THE TIME WHEN WE NEED TO APPROVE NEXT YEARS, OH BOY).

SO, TO GET THIS ALL STRAIGHT, THE SPENDING DOWNTOWN IS GOING ON WITHOUT ANY BUDGET IN PLACE AND WITH A NEGATIVE BALANCE IN OUR GENERAL FUND OF $ONE MILLION, SIX HUNDRED NINETY FIVE THOUSAND TWELVE DOLLARS AND FORTY CENTS?

HOW CAN ANY UNION NEGOTIATIONS GO ON IN GOOD FAITH? HOW CAN CITIZENS TRUST SOME OF THESE NUMBERS (AND CERTAIN OFFICIALS), ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY JUMP OUT AS BEING SO OBVIOUSLY WRONG?

DON'T WORRY. THE LAST THING I EXPECT ARE ANY ANSWERS TO ANY QUESTIONS, ONLY HARASSMENT FOR EVEN "WORRYING MY LITTLE HEAD" ABOUT SUCH THINGS. BUSINESS AS USUAL -- EXCEPT THIS TIME, THERE ARE NEW INFORMATION OUTLETS IN NEW ALBANY. EVEN IF THE LOCAL NEWSPAPERS DO NOT PRINT THE NUMBERS AND OBVIOUS MISTAKES, AT LEAST I CAN REST ASSURED SOMEONE WILL.

INDIANA CITIES AND TOWNS WERE CORRECT WHEN THEY NOTIFIED ALL LEGISLATORS "BLOGS" WERE GOING TO IMPACT ELECTIONS; PROBABLY IN SUCH A WAY/MANNER AS NO OTHER THING HAS IN A LONG TIME.

TO THE HECKLERS -- YES, I KNOW MY "CAPS" ARE ON.................

YEAR-END FINANCIALS

No comment is even necessary -- action only! Here are some of this year's year-end financials from the City compared with LAST YEARS... Really, I am only listing a few, just to get us started...but you have to know DOWNTOWN, this is utterly ridiculous.

IF WE HAVE SAID IT ONCE, WE HAVE SAID IT TOO MANY TO COUNT TIMES, NO FUND IS ALLOWED TO BE IN THE RED.

December 31, 2005 December 31, 2006

GENERAL FUND $( 640,832.64) $( 1,595.512.40)
MOTOR VEHICLE HWY $( 473,374.34) $( 473,374.34) ????????
LOCAL ROAD & ST $ 197,828.48 $ 376,329.58
PARKS & REC $ 155,889.88 $ 180,582.64
LAW ENF CONT EDUC $( 633.30) $ 11,884.39
RIVERBOAT FUND $ 805,108.93 $ 1,276.938.35
RAINY DAY FUND $ 140,235.67 $ 25,354.19
DONATION $ 57,568.72 $ 82,710.67


I'll do more numbers later...but get this. Without a budget, and I'm printing some other minutes to reflect what is going on...we took in $867,196.02 with our NEW STORM WATER FEES and WITHOUT A BUDGET OR APPROPRIATIONS, we spent $725,627.99, leaving a grand balance of $141,568.03. (They are calling this Storm Water & Drainage.) Sorry, folks, that's just the way it is......

According to January Sewer Board minutes, the new Storm Water "billing office" will EAT 1/3 (ONE-THIRD) of all collected monies for ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS. Somehow, I just don't see this as even close to the mark as to what, where and why this Board was necessary. I am just positive the EPA did not plan on this City SPENDING ONE-THIRD OF THE MONIES COLLECTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.... More to come later.

I seem to have gotten ill simply looking at just the General Fund...we went from $640.832.64 in the hole to $1,695,512.40 in the hole? This is something I don't even think I am physically or mentally able to challenge this Administration on. Some of us have worked soooo hard to get these books straight...it's sickening.

Now how much money do the candidates think we have they are so anxious to get their hands on? And the Chamber of Commerce wants $90 some thousand a year for the next few years...? WE DON'T HAVE IT.

More on the numbers later. I'm ill looking at them, realizing what they mean, and not knowing what we can do.

Misc. Info We All Need To Be Aware Of

As I am updating my blog, I wanted to throw out some pertinent information affecting all of Floyd County.

A big issue within the County, of course, is "sewers". There is an effort underway at the State level to add provisions, or to keep certain developers, from declaring "eminent domain" in order to use your property to run laterals for their development.

Greenville Concerned Citizens are a wonderful group of citizen activists, working in conjunction with the Save The Knobs citizenry, and some in the City; to help stop Developers from suddenly forming companies which are"Sewage Package Treatment Plant Businesses" in order to develop.

So, for those interested -- and I know there are more than a few, here are some interesting links and foretelling of things to come, which affect us, all of us. I wish to thank these groups of people for all of their hard work and efforts to preserve and keep what they have. We can only appreciate as we have worked so hard to try and preserve the "mother" portion of New Albany.

There were about three meetings held around this City (video-taped & all); good mixture of citizens from City and County -- City residents wanted to keep the County "country and green"; County residents wanted to keep the County "country and green". Why we participated in those meetings years ago and what happened afterwards shows WE (the citizens' opinions) just didn't matter. Those meetings were only held for "looks"; now they are looking "pretty shabby". No citizen won on any of the issues and questionnaires we all filled out.

Anyways, I do digress. Here ya go:

http://www.news-tribune.net/local/local_story_053111027.html

I like the quote "With the way we could grow, New Albany's sewer rates could go through the roof if we don't do something." Somehow I have a feeling I really don't need to explain my thoughts about this issue...

Another issue is the Wymberly Sanitation v. Tom Cairns has been continued until April 2, 2007 at 9:00 AM. This is the action in conjunction with running sewer lines to Developer Bob Lynn's proposed new subdivision. The hearing should be scheduled to occur once again in Floyd Circuit Court; Judge Whitis from Harrison County will Preside.

Another issue is the following: A letter was received from Mike Gillenwater. An Order Setting Hearing has been issued in the matter of GCC, et al v. Floyd County Plan Commission (regarding the latter's approval of Developer Bob Lynn's subdivision). As an intervenor in the matter, Mr. Lynn will no doubt be represented by Counsel at the hearing as well. The hearing has been scheduled for March 23, 2007 at 1:30 PM in the Floyd Circuit Court, Judge Cody presiding.

Mike stated in pertinent part in his letter "note that I believe that there will be nothing contested presented at that hearing, but that the hearing will only be used for scheduling future trial dates...Therefore I recommend that you need not attend, unless you want to." Of course, the hearing is open to the public.

Would someone please communicate this with the Cairns?

This is all relevant to all of us as citizens. Some people in this town I have noticed really don't care much about the County. We live in the County; I do not hesitate to call the County Council members or Commissioners if I have a problem. Same thing with the State -- Bill Cochran and Connie Sipes. Same thing with the Federal level -- Evan Bayh and Baron Hill, call 'em up...I do.

PRIMARIES

Let's see...Mr. Castile isn't registered to vote, according to the Central Committee; thus I guess they will be asking him to step aside. His wife is registered; but no voter's registration found for him. We'll have to exclude him from the "Mayoral" race.

As Larry Kochert isn't running, Pat McGloughlin, whom I really like, will have his hands full with the Republican candidate, Lana Aebersole's husband. Larry, thank you for your years of service. These past four years have been hell...but ignorance is bliss on some people's part! Now, let's see who they can make the "villain" now for all of our problemos.

Glad to see Diana McCartin Petronelli(?) running in the 6th. Me and mine nor a lot of people in that District DO NOT WANT Mr. Bliss back in office (sorry, Mr. Bliss).

Several candidates have filed for 3rd District (OURS), but my family's support will go with Mr. Price. Nothing personal against any other candidate; we just love someone who has worked with us, has asked for an education about anything we may know and cares about ALL OF US.

Seeing I only have one Democrat mayoral candidate "courting" me and mine; I have to tell you, I have come FULL CIRCLE in my political life here in New Albany.

Haven't seen the current listing for today, but the mysterious e-mail I got yesterday made me cringe. Please, oh please, tell me one our biggest nightmares did not file for at-large, oh please tell me it ain't true. Can't tell yet according to the updating at the County Clerk's office. I hear it won't be updated until around 2:00; but all of the media ARE DOWN THERE. Cut-off was noon...so I guess everyone now knows who is running, except for the people being recruited to run as Independent.

The race is on...hopefully, may the best people that can lead and are knowledgeable succeed in their efforts.

Heat was on me to run for City Clerk; but I respectfully declined. As much as I try to make a graceful exit out of the "political" scene (because I sure couldn't tell I was making a dent), there seems to be more of a push to get me out there. This isn't the year! The 3-year old is looking forward toooo much to MeeMaw taking him fishing, camping and boating this summer and I realized -- HEY, I am too!

If anyone needs any information from Susan or I to bring you up to snuff on some of the issues...you know where we are (well, maybe not Susan -- but we'll find her)!

Take care New Albany, peace.

An Oh So Appropriate Comment for Right Now!

This quote came to me today, courtesy of the 8664.org people and I would like to thank them. It seems so appropriate at this momento in time!

"All truth passes three stages: First, it is ridiculed. Second, it's violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident."

-- Arthur Schopenhauer

Surely describes what some of us have been through as taxpayer advocates! Maybe now, in this very town, what I have always told Susan has come true...I can only hope.
Remember the book "The Hundreth Monkey" by Ken Kesey (?) from Kentucky? Susan and I always said until we had 100 people that would listen, then and only then could we effect change.

Hmmmm. I feel a ground swell coming on. Good.

P.S. Had a gut feeling I typed the wrong name in for the book we were talking about. His name is Ken Keyes -- The Hundreth Monkey. Such a library, I find I am a person that can not stand to get rid of any type of book; with me mainly collecting hardbook covers; but have paperbacks every which where. My hang up, but I like to think it may be a good one. My feelings are you simply can not have too many books; and I would really like to have a full library one day. Such my love for reading.

ELECTIONS

This election I hope to personally make an argument to those running who have not attended ONE MEETING DOWNTOWN and simply believe the newspapers, there are several of us who will make this an issue.

Some of us have spent tooo long as citizens tracking issues, spent tooo much monies as citizens tracking issues, tooo much of a learning curve (which might take you about ten years to cut through what you really need to cut through), and tooo much time not knowing who did attend and who didn't.

You can not possibly know all of the issues. You may be an expert on one or the other, but not all. It takes a while. There may be some good people running this year; but I'm sorry folks. If you didn't have the time to attend meetings in the past, why the hey do I need you up there trying to figure it out when we need desperate, swift action on a lot of issues.

Oh, I know there are a couple who can say they may have attended one or two, but weren't they just to take from the City by getting tax abatements and taking advantage of the UEZ zone while putting Mansion Row (one of your highest real estate) into an area that had to be an "impoverished" area?

I always told the City they could have simply taken Water Road and came up 6th St. Meanwhile, because of certain individuals, (which I won't name at this time) who are running for office, benefit from this little plan.

Certainly, this would only be my opinionated self speaking here. There's a lot of weary taxpayers. But, gee... That's what happened with Mayor Garner. He didn't attend meetings before he became Councilman; then only had 4 years under his belt before becoming Mayor.

I guess it's a lot to ask of someone, but I'm setting a high bar this election for all of the candidates. Are you all as tired as I am of all this whatever you want to call it?

QUANTITY VERSUS QUALITY, DRAINAGE & STORMWATER

Okay, we have the new storm water (water quality from storm drainage (run-off))fees, and then we have drainage fees having been collected since 1998. The Storm Water Advisory Committee and the City Council were told we HAD to get this Storm water Board up and running and definitely get those five (5) whomever DRAINAGE employees OUT OF THE SEWER UTILITY FINANCIALS.

So, to the people who went and inquired to the Controller and then to the City Planning Commissioner about where OUR drainage monies are and they said they didn't know, they may be correct.

As I chatted with some of you and realized there was information you couldn't obtain, a light bulb went off and I went and looked at EMC's monthly Wastewater Treatment Report. As you know, we have outsourced that "accounting" portion of the Controller's job to Melhiser Endres Tucker, CPA's, P.C. So, I pulled the December 2006 EMC report and looked for the financial report from Melhiser Endres Tucker, CPA's, P.C. (which, after studying State statute, I still don't understand how you can outsource our financials).

Lo and behold, we have the following information -- DRAINAGE never came out of sewers. It's still lumped in there and you can't really tell what is happening, but the most pertinent information should be somewhere else; it shows the Sewer Board getting Income Statements and Cash Flow Statements, etc. Here goes:

Invoice #: 154233
Date: 11/13/2006
Date Due: 12/13/2006
Client ID: A0191

WASTEWATER UTILITY - CITY OF NEW ALBANY

38 W 10th Street
Attn: Brian
New Albany, IN 47150 and it has a place to pay by Visa or Mastercard

For Professional Services Rendered as Follows:

WASTEWATER UTILITY - CITY OF NEW ALBANY

Progression of Accounting Records from January - September, 2006

posting of receipts and disbursements.

Reconciliation of Cash Balance.

Other Schedules for meeting.

Attendance at City Council Budget meetings.

Income Statements and Cash Flow Statements for the Sewer Sanitation Department, AND DRAINAGE.

Officer 10.7 hours x $155.00 = $1,658.00
Staff Accountant 33.8 hours x $ 65.00 = $2,797.00

Current Charges: $3,855.00

See, it doesn't say amounts...it only says attached schedules. The Sewer Board should have the attachments showing the DRAINAGE monies, or someone...maybe check with the City Clerk for the attachments of the Income Statements and Cash Flow Statements for the Sewers and DRAINAGE, because they sure aren't telling the public.

No problemo looking all of this up...just hope it helps.

Yes, there is a difference between the storm water and drainage. Drainage is going to be the quantity of water and that fee is suppose to be collected by the Planning Commission before the Building Commissioner can issue a Building Permit.

Storm water, well, they're collecting that one on the water bills, though SWAC wanted it on the property tax bills so EVERYONE GETS BILLED. We also wanted to put Storm water under the Planning Commission (rather than reinvent the wheel), but John and Scott didn't want it. Storm water is relevant to the quality of the drainage (run-off), and drainage would be the quantity. I sure hope all of this makes sense. LOL

Peace, NA.

The Good and Bad Updates on MeeMaw's Grandbabies

Well, Austin is doing a lot better after the surgery on his ankle to take out the bone broken off 2 1/2 years ago. His foot that was misdiagnosed also, is doing better; though we suspect a fractured foot for that long may take a little bit of healing. His wound was bleeding for awhile (badly), but the Dr. said that was normal. I wasn't too sure about that for awhile, but he's doing a lot better now.

Aiden got sick before he could have those tonsils taken out this past Friday, so surgery for him has been cancelled again. "Meemaw's Angel" needs to get well enough so we can yank those things out seeing that's what's keeping him down - that, and everything going around daycare. We're thinking about bubble wrapping him; I dunno.

My son-in-law has the reallllly bad flu with all the symptoms from the upper respiratory infections, to throwing up to the lower extremities, too. He's never sick and my daughter is working so many hours for Boy's Haven, so pinch hitters (grandma and grandpa) are stepping in.

I am so thankful I made the decision to give up my career and stop traveling and come back here when I started having grandbabies. We all know from having our own how hard it can be, but when your grandbaby is ailing, it's like twice as hard on the grandparents, cos your baby is hurting and her baby is hurting. You get a double hit when it happens.

All will be fine, I'm sure. At 52, I'm simply thankful I'm able to help my kids out and sincerely glad I had my kids by 20 and 22 so I can be a somewhat "youngish" (hah hah) grandma. If I were any older, I don't think I could keep up with them. Such big grandsons from such petite daughters. Surely have been blessed with them...they have added an entirely different facet to my life, and so much love and joy. And those kisses...while they still let you!

The 3 year old tried to wipe my kisses off the other day, but MeeMaw told him her kisses are like glue and they can't come off, and then I just kissed him up one side and down the other. He sure is getting smart - "MeeMaw, get off of me". But, he still smiles when I call him "MeeMaw's Angel". That smile is worth a million bucks.

TO MAURY GOLDBERG

Your words seem to speak two ways to me. It could help some to reel the TIF areas in, but not enough...is that what you are saying?

But, Maury, rather than try to come up with ANYTHING (like tax abatements that you kept in Committee for ten (10) years and getting that in hand), you seem to be taking up for Mr. Coffey.

Mr. Coffey offended me by saying "Yvonne, wouldn't you rather have a big, old, strong guy rescue you during a fire?" If that isn't a sexist statement to a female, I'm not sure what is.

If you want to make the firemen more "brawnier", isn't that discrimination against the women? We only have two as it is that can pass the physical portion of the test.

And, Maury, why isn't any one talking about discrimination against other races or genders on the police department? There is definitely disparity in numbers there, but, I guess we don't want to go there.

This City has to get spending under control, and I suppose you are condoning the Fire and Mayor spending the Fire Department monies without appropriate appropriation from the Council. It was on the Agenda for 7:15, but alas, someone spent it before Council could even approve the expenditure, much less whether the bids were needed. A taxpayer would still have to ask the question as to why the Controller ran the legals (2), if they didn't intend to follow the law? How come you, of all ones, didn't follow up on that or mention it on your blog?

Sunday's Tribune ought to make for interesting reading on one of these subjects at least, with Mr. Kochert and Mr. Coffey disagreeing on some issues. We'll see, won't we?

You do disappoint me in feeling some type of need to discredit me. I'm not running for office. Is it because I support the very man you got to run for office? We supported you, and you gave your seat to Mr. Price. We appreciate Mr. Price attempting to learn as he goes, and listening to taxpayers needs, rather than just one particular area of town you always concentrated on.

I guess the heat is on! Are you going to the fundraiser down at Culbertson West, or are you still in Garner's camp? Sure is going to be an interesting race, isn't it?

Already have my predictions picked though...you know how Frankie likes to bet those horses!

Take care, and peace to you and yours. Sorry, but we will have to beg to disagree, civilly, I hope.

Another Subject That Hit Council Last Night

Having listened and read so much harping on "revitalizing" downtown and helping downtown businesses and wanting business in New Albany, why then did we break the law (again) and not let the Dive Shop on State Street make any bids on the equipment the fire department bought?

Indiana Law clearly states, under Public Purchasing, IC 5-22 the following paragraph:

For purchases of supplies between $25,000 and $75,000, the purchasing agent MUST mail a request for bids to at least three vendors at least seven days before the time fixed for receiving quotes. For purchases of supplies over $75,000, a more elaborate bidding procedure is used, including publication in the newspaper two times.

Well, the publication in the newspaper occurred two times, once on February 4, 2007 and again on February 11, 2007. The legal read the hearing would be at the City Council meeting at 7:15 last night about the appropriation of the monies being used for such expenditures.

By February 9, 2007, a press conference was held showing and listing what all we bought for that $187,000.00 and pictures appeared in the Tribune with Mayor Garner in the middle of same.

So, not only did they not put out RFP's or bids, they mis-appropriated the money by not going before Council first.

The Seaweed Dive Shop didn't even have a chance. What happened to all the clamor I've been reading, hearing and talking about supporting New Albany business? Help New Albany rebuild business?

Two separate laws broken on this occasion, but hey, I guess they are ALL above the law. Do you think they just "forget" it is OUR money? Or, do you think they just DON'T CARE? Or do we, as citizens and taxpayers, just not care?

IS IT TRUE????????

Is it true?

Is it true, Mr. Mayor, the incident with Broadus and the Building Commission fiasco cost us, the citizens, $500,000.00?

Is it true, Mr. Mayor, you gave our garbage trucks away?

Is it true, Mr. Mayor, the Prosecutor and Sheriff came to see you yesterday about you collecting payroll taxes on your employees at the your "cleaners" and didn't turn them over to the State or Federal government?

Is It True?????

The Whole Durn Town Ought To Turn Out!!!!!!

Thank you for the info on your blog, Eastender. We can't make it to Council tomorrow evening, but sending word with our Council member on our feelings about the "whole" "situation". Even the head of the State Auditing "thang", Mr. Charlie Pride, (heads up auditing of sewer utilities' finances, and other issues at the State level), told the citizenry and the Administration this "COULD NOT HAPPEN TO OUR EQUIPMENT". The Mayor feels he legally usurped the law by "leasing" our equipment to this company, but besides these photos, there are a lot more unanswered questions.

1. No one can find the "signed Contract" anywhere in the City-County building. ALL contracts are to be legally filed in the County Recorder's office, and I think her name is Anne Berger (nice lady).

2. We would like to see the lease payments made to the City (some type of record and/or receipt of same monies).

3. We want to know why this company is using our building, our utilities, our equipment, and who is paying for the insurance. With the red truck having been wrecked on McDonald Lane by Eco-Tech (who?), who paid the claims, if any? Now what happens to the truck?

4. This situation smelled as rotten when it appeared before Council as it smelled when Overton bought the "big red monsters". The biggest joke I think was this one analogy they used to purchase the trucks (which wouldn't fit down the alleys and served no good purpose especially with regards to recycling) was this...remember, there is a law on the books (hah, hah) the City doesn't HAVE TO pick up your garbage if your garbage is not in a container WITH A LID. Remember how they would squeeze and compact the trucks and liquid would come out, right? No, my fellow citizens...that supposedly didn't happen and according to the BS at Council that night, there were so much LIQUIDS within our trash it was costing us a fortune at the dumps, and of course, the LIQUIDS were rain (had to, no ifs, ands, or buts). I sat in that meeting thinking about the green bean juice I may have thrown into my garbage; leftover soup; old leftovers with liquids of some type and then I'd remember how they would compact that truck and I kept thinking, "are they nuts?, or am I"?

Now, Garner made that a promise - - "he was going to do something about these trucks". I don't believe anyone thought he would do what he did, and there is still a lot to find out about exactly what he did do. The question is, Mayor Garner, (and having sat there and looked out at the "political army" that got people into office before, trust me -- pshew, 500 or more) is who's backs are you going to ride in on now? The police and the fire? Most of the gentlemen who worked for sanitation and the street department are the "bee workers" and yes, they still live in the City of New Albany, and they still vote. You didn't keep your promise to them, and they're not looking very kindly at you as a candidate this time around.

If anyone does attend the Council meeting tomorrow evening and wishes to speak to this issue, which me and mine can't attend due to other obligations, please remember to sign the "Non-Agenda" sheet of paper. If you sign the "Agenda" one, they will not let you speak, because it's not on the Agenda...yet.

Too many questions and a very good time to ask them though, I must admit. There are some people who would like to be elected out there about right now and you can certainly get a lot accomplished, simply by trying. "Trust Me!" Happy Valentine's Day New Albany, and more about sewers in the next posting.

Again, thanks to those who did the homework on this issue so we can finally find out what the hey is going on with OUR PUBLIC EQUIPMENT.

The link is speakoutloudna.blogspot.com for pictures of our equipment somewhere out on Dixie Highway.

SOME KIND OF PLAN

This post is dedicated to you, IAMHOOSIER. Susan will probably be weighing in with some more thoughts later, but I'll present the first step of the plan we have in mind.

1. We would correct the faulty data that has been supplied to the EPA, IDEM, the Engineers, and the public. Some of the faulty data we have been able to get corrected, but others they insist on falsifying the information, to this day.

Now, for the examples of what we are talking about (which still exists inside the Federal Court House for public viewing):

We want to do this in installments, because we think this is too much info for the lay person...wish I could say that. Anyways, here goes. A lot of the overflows are misrepresented in a monthly book EMC publishes for the City Council and for the Mayor. They are misrepresented by the name they refer to them as. For example, there is an overflow on Charlestown Road where the Social Security Office is located now. It is listed in the monthly books as being by Walgreens. EMC, until recently, have been going to the new Walgreens out Charlestown Road to investigate, not realizing they meant the "old" Walgreens where Social Security is now located. The book, as of December of this past year, still depicts Walgreens.

Another example of falsified data (all of this is located, (thanks to the EPA for doing this for any citizens interested) in the library downtown each month in the Reference Section) would be they are "locked out" of WATCO Storage. This is not a true statement. Not only have they been given two different combination numbers, there is an access road and they have followed customers in just to get to the locations. Susan and I were able to talk with the past Sheriff Leland Watkins, went and observed all we needed, took pictures...they still say they are locked out. They're not.

Another example of falsified data would be the Parks Department on Corydon Pike. The Parks Department got tired of their manhole blowing, so they put a huge mound of dirt on it to keep it from blowing but that simply puts it somewhere else "up" the line. Plus, they always report there are no overflows? They can't get in there after 5:00, maybe even 4:00. The gates are locked and this location is not observable from the road.

Another example is all of the overflows in the Daisy Lane area. You have an overflow at 300 E Daisy in someone's front yard, but it is listed in the monthly book as Daisy & Zurschmeide, not 300 E Daisy Lane. The residents there are not fighting all development -- just the sewage the developer and this City is dumping more on.

If you have the time, you may wish to get a phone book out and by marking the streets, you may be able to tell where we really needed to concentrate the monies, rather than concentrating them for the County for the Developers and the lawyer representing them, which happens to be our Sewer Board Attorney.

If you have that phone book out -- here goes:

Floyd Street
Budd Road
Brokers Lane
Parks Dept/ Corydon Pike
Four behind the Hampton Inn; along with two siphons which equals six
Cherry Valley - 3, and another in an alley (not identified), which totals 4
Anderson has four
Put four more down for Cherry Valley
State St @ Arnie's
Watco has 2 - where they say they're "locked out"
Country Club - put them down for two
Elmwood has 1
Scott Drive has 3
Brook St has
Korb has 2
Sanderson has 1
McLean Lift Station (may have been sealed causing other problems)
Zurschmeide has 1
Linda Drive has two
Diasy and Zurschmeide has two
Janie Lane has 1
Aub Easement has 1
Roanoke has 1
Roselawn has 1
Social Security has 1
Roselawn has 1
Charlestown Road in front of McDonalds has one
Bottom of hill at Old Ford has 1
Star Haven 1
Off of Miller has 1
Mt. Tabor and Mt. Tabor W have 2
Prosser Lift has 1
Prosser School has 3
Charlestown Road @ 265 has 1
and Meiers did have some -- but they're not in this month's book; even though they should be.

We'll post more later. Thanks for asking. We do hope you know what can of worms you are opening. Because all of the monies were spent bring the County in and the inner-City wasn't fixed -- get ready for the words "WE ARE GOING TO RAISE YOUR RATES". They had the money to lay the new line out in the fringe, but now don't have the money to fix the City, as promised per the EPA. More to come, though. First installment. How's your arm?

15TH Street and New Updates

Having read different posts, and having Maury Goldberg ask me specifically what "I" would do about 15th St (like I or Susan have ever had any good advice), this would be the latest and greatest, according to the Sewer Board meeting last week:

The company is starting the geo-technical exploration by performing 12 borings into the ground. Several will be on Vincennes and 13th and around 15th; Spring & Beeler were also mentioned. As we had stated, 13th has the same problems as 15th, so we are glad to see they agree the stormwater pipe needs to be dealt with the same time the sewer line is moved.

There seems to be great concern that our groundwater is contaminated. EMC stated they had checked downstream 15th to Beeler to Clark, etc. The company doing the work asked them to go "upstream" instead.

The railroad is being notified by fax there is a problem in the area. There will need to be a new lift station for this area; they were going to make it a temporary lift, but for a few thousand more it can become permanent. They are looking at the permanent option.

Three quotes on an expedited basis is being done. Specs should be ready in two weeks. March 6th is the new sewer board meeting; they are having one before then, but it is some type of "workshop".

One-third of the cost projected is for the stormwater line running parallel to the sewer line. The cost for that portion was $40 - $50 thousand. Insofar as Mr. Zurschmeide served on the Stormwater Board with me, both of us sat up and took special notice of this info. The decision was made the Stormwater Board would have to be notified about this situation, and they will have to "prioritize" it.

It will be at least April before the bids can go out. IDEM (Indiana Department of Environmental Management) is requiring notification and must give approval before any of the works are done. IDEM does not care if it is an emergency situation (we've had so many of them, I don't doubt that fact).

At the new lift station, there will be a bypassing place and they want to bury the lines 50' down because of traffic.

All interesting news. Besides a derailment, we felt there was another issue more critical and finding out there could be groundwater contamination would be the more critical issue with the EPA.

More on March 6th...

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HUGHIE!

Happiest of birthdays, Hugh! Sixty years you and yours have been in business...what a party there will be tonight!

Forty years + with you running your establishment! Sure hope the fiddle player shows up to help all of us celebrate YOUR BIRTHDAY!

As Hughie says "his place is the original 4th Place Live"! The last honky tonk around... Play on, Hughie. We love ya.

THIS MAN DOES NOT SPEAK FOR ME OR MINE, OR SEVERAL DOZENS OTHERS I KNOW!!!!!!!

As my friends e-mailed me this story, gotta admit, I was shocked.

To all politicians running for office, if you sign this document (or pledge as he calls it), I will definitely work as hard as I can against your re-election or election, whichever it may be.

#15 really cracks me up. Just be aware, this man does not speak for me or mine or most human beings in this town. It only shows how full of crap this Administration is for using a private business man (or is he) to print this garbage.

Please publish the results, Tribune. You ran the questions, now publish how any candidates actually were stupid enough to sign this. Thank you.

This is my opinion. Swing away....just when you think you have seen all types of tyranny, fear mongering, blah, and this comes along! My opinion only, but you may be a few bricks shy of a full load!

Here are some of the questions -- please forgive the lengthiness, but until you read it you may think you are in another chapter of BAD history, and please excuse me while I disagree with some of his logic!

SMITH: Walk this plank, candidates -- NO
BY RANDY SMITH Local Guest Columnist

— The opening bell for the 2007 city elections sounded recently and over the next several weeks we’ll be treated to speculation from the chattering classes and dozens of ill-informed rumors from a class that chooses to remain anonymous. It is my hope that any man or woman who gets the party nod for city council will have earned it. By earning it, I mean that they will have campaigned on a platform of ideas. I believe that any candidate who does will benefit from a sharp increase in turnout that this city has seldom seen. While no candidate will embrace all of these proposals (in fact, they’d probably be crazy to do so) (AMEN), I offer them up as a menu for action, free of charge, to any candidate bold enough to articulate them further. Some are tougher than others. Some will be controversial. But I believe in them all.The editors have chosen to publish this as a series, and you can look forward to future installments. (God, help us all!) So, Mr./Ms./Miss/Mrs. Candidate, grab a plank and start wielding it. (Noooooooo)

1. I promise to a) sponsor legislation immediately and secure passage within six months of taking office that will enable the creation of a municipal court and judgeship no later than 2012; b) propose an ordinance to fund one-fourth or more of the anticipated start up and first-year operating costs of the court in each of the next four budget years; and c) petition the legislature to allow or the governor to make appointment or direct the election of a municipal judge to take office sooner than 2012.2. (Sorry, Randy, we had a City Court and it couldn't pay for itself (went belly up)...you have some history to catch up on, real quick. I affirm that I have read at least one book in the last 12 months that addresses an issue of urban governance and that I learned something from it that I will apply to the duties of my office. What I learned is this (fill in this blank, Ms. Candidate)… Is this to promote the selling of books in your bookstore? Whoever heard of such a thing? 3. I will publish a mailing address, a phone number with voice-mail capabilities, and an e-mail address to be used by petitioners and residents wishing to contact me and that I will respond in a reasonable time to confirm receipt and to acknowledge the comment or request and that I will, to the best of my ability, answer all questions put to me in person, by phone, by letter, or by e-mail, and will follow up to determine whether the request has been satisfactorily resolved.4. I will support the appropriation of funds to create a fully functional Web site for the city to include down loadable documents, including applications and permits, and online payment processing for city fees, including fines stemming from city citations, and including servers to provide all city employees and elected officials with e-mail capabilities. Elected officials and department heads will be required to maintain and update a page or pages and provide a level of services online commensurate with other comparable cities. All city ordinances and resolutions and their supporting documents shall be made available online from the time they are submitted for consideration and shall be archived, available, and down loadable to all who may seek them. (They already are, for the most part! You have the rest of the money you would like to shell out of your pocket?) (Shouldn't that may be put in a future budget by the CITY CLERK, not YOU?) 5. I will sponsor an ordinance and appropriation to ensure that all meetings of official city government bodies be recorded by traditional written minutes, by audio record, and by video record, and that all will be made available online to all requests. Deposit copies of each will be stored with the city clerk, who will have the funds and capabilities to reproduce the records on request, and at the public library, for which the city shall provide the equipment and funding to make those records available for listening or viewing at the library. The library may, at its discretion, duplicate the records for historical storage and for public circulation to its subscribers. Such records shall be made available without charge to accredited media and any person or entity that will make the record publicly available for free. Offline requests of duplicates may be assessed a fee for duplication, subject to statutory limitations. (You are leaving out the law which states all tapes recording meetings must be held "off-site" in a "safe" retention center and must be maintained for at least FIVE years, before being able to be recycled. Even if meetings are taped, hard copies are still required.) 6. I will hold a minimum of two hours of scheduled open meetings each month at a publicly announced place and time to hear the comments and take the requests of constituents and petitioners of my office. (This one might tick me off if I was running. These people not only attend Council meetings, they sit on other Boards, and they do meet with their constituents. All answer the phone to me and mine -- why not you?) 7. I will introduce, within 30 days of taking office, an ordinance and appropriation authorizing a professional needs analysis for the conversion of downtown streets to two-way traffic. I will introduce, during my first year in office, the appropriate ordinances and appropriations to substantially restore traffic patterns on downtown streets to two-way traffic, with attention to the requirements of safety and commerce. One imperative will be improving the safety of residents, bicycle riders, and pedestrians in the residential zones of Elm and Market streets by diverting the majority of eastbound traffic to Spring Street, which is designed to accommodate through traffic. Appropriate traffic-control measures should be implemented, not excluding barriers and pedestrian-only zones, to effect this diversion of traffic. I believe that Pearl, Bank, and Third streets will experience a rebirth in commercial viability once the realignment of traffic patterns is achieved.8. I will propose that the offices of the city attorney, the economic development director, the redevelopment director, and the planning and zoning functions be doubled in staff and tripled in funding for the next budget year and will encourage such additional appropriations during my first year in office to achieve the same effect. In return, I will expect, respectively, a rigorous enforcement and prosecution program from the city attorney’s office; a vigorous assistance and promotion program from the office of the economic development director; an aggressive grant-seeking operation, including the possible retention of a Washington advocate, for federally funded programs, including mass transit, parks, sidewalks, etc.; and a year-long review of zoning policies to include monthly meetings for public input on an area-by-area basis; (BTW -- INDOT has all of the studies and originally wanted to make Spring Street two ways. You've got your own neighbor's opposition on this one, don't ya?) 9. By resolution, ordinance, appropriation, and all other permissible means, I will seek an expression of intent that the city shall prefer all new development requests to demonstrate that the renovation and occupancy of existing building stock within a designated district, such as the Urban Enterprise Zone or its like, has been examined and rejected by the applicant. Such preference shall be made clear by a two-tiered fee structure for permits and all other fees under the jurisdiction of the city, as permitted by statute. That is, development, particularly renovation and reuse of existing building stock, within established precincts, shall be subsidized and preferred with reduced fees and that development outside such designated districts shall be assessed an ongoing City Core Restoration fee until such time that the city may determine it is not longer needed as an incentive to preferred development. (With Mr. Cochran seeking new incentives against this very thing, you may have a slight problem.) 10. By resolution, ordinance, appropriation, and all other permissible means, I will seek an expression of intent that the city shall prefer that economic development and promotion of the city be managed by the office of the economic development director. Private economic development agents seeking the grant of municipal funds shall be required to demonstrate that the same funds, if expended by the office of the economic development director, would not achieve a greater benefit to the city and its residents. Nothing in this shall limit the ability of the executive and the economic development director to contract for services or to contribute to multi-jurisdictional efforts conducted by private economic development agents.11. I will, by vote and in debate, oppose permitting motorized vehicles, as defined by ordinance, to use the Greenway within the city limits of New Albany. In brief, I believe it should be the policy of the city to make the Greenway accessible, but limited to pedestrians and bicyclists, and that cars and trucks should not be permitted to use the Greenway except at designated access points, which presumably will be parking areas. The idea that the Greenway should be a riverfront highway, even at severely reduced speeds, is in conflict with my idea of what that resource should provide. Vehicular access up and down the river is adequate today and the Greenway should be preserved for economic, aesthetic, and environmental reasons. In addition, to the extent the city council can influence said decision, I will oppose the construction of a new bridge at the mouth of Silver Creek, preferring instead a Greenway route that skirts north of the Loop Island Wetlands and utilizes the existing infrastructure of the railway bridge. Given that, in New Albany, the Greenway will be a primarily pedestrian/bicycle path, there is no economic or environmental justification for an ecology-destroying new span.12. During my term in office I will encourage negotiation with the railroad companies to permit the K&I Bridge to be used as a pedestrian/bicycle span. I believe that connecting New Albany to the Louisville/Portland riverfront will create a recreational and economic incentive that is sensitive to the health and environmental needs of New Albanians, to regional residents, and to visitors. Coordinating such a program with the Greenway should be an imperative for this city.13. I would make it a priority of the city to immediately designate, pave, and stripe a network of bike paths in the city and to pass appropriate ordinances enforcing the primacy of bicyclists on such designated paths. Within four years, I would hope to have implemented more than 25 miles of such paths, all of which connect to the Greenway, and thereby, to adjoining cities. (Who in the hey do you think you are? This is our neighborhood, too. Do you even live downtown? BS.) 14. I believe it is imperative that we restore the enterprise functions of the city to a self-supporting basis. That means, first, that I will oppose the use of general fund tax money to subsidize the operations of the city’s sewer operations. The sewer operations were intended, and are indeed required, to be self-supporting from fees. If the city, through the city council, wishes to subsidize individuals because of need, or in the belief that their connection and service provide a community good, then the city should subsidize that individual or entity directly and openly. The continued subsidy that keeps sewer rates artificially low is a travesty of public responsibility. That is not to say that general fund tax monies can never be expended by transfer to the sewer utility, but such transfers should be justified under economic development or redevelopment criteria, not to keep rates artificially low. I believe that certain developments may be entitled to the waiver of, for example, sewer connection fees. The recent application of the Community Housing Development Organization is a case in point. I would propose that, instead of insisting that the sewer utility waive those fees, the city should pay those fees if it believes the CHODO project is a public good. (And, exactly what do you know about the past-dues Sewer bills; the free-flushers; the unfinished work and how downtown still isn't on, my oh my. Dig that hole deeper. ) 15. No matter what misgivings one might have had initially about the city contracting with a local company to provide its sanitation collection services, no person of good faith can now argue that it was a bad deal, either for the city or for those employees who chose to work for Southern Indiana Waste Systems. By all accounts, service levels are improved and morale among the employees is high. Dramatic rate increases have been avoided. I promise to watch very closely in the remaining years of this contract, but I must admit that it seems to have worked extremely well. I know that those in our city who are on fixed incomes appreciate the rate relief, and the general fund has been relieved of another of those hypocritical, if invisible subsidies. For the remaining term of the contract, we as a city will have more money available to fund our priorities. Really, then how come the State said we could not use public property for this garbage company and two of our trucks are sitting in Louisville right this moment, having been stripped? How do the think the Mayor is going to explain that one to the State Board of Accounts? And you really expect us to believe all this hooey? And it gets deeper...aargh 16. This next council will be the first to face an electorate fully aware of the fiscal demands of the Clean Water Act in regard to groundwater issues. For any council member to pretend that noncompliance is an option is for that council member to treat you as if you were an ignorant fool. The Storm water Board, though currently handcuffed (IS NOT), has a mandate that cannot be avoided. When you get that storm water bill, don’t come to me (something makes me think this person is really talking to their selves!). I will work with the board as much as possible to make sure they understand our priorities. I’d like nothing more than for the board to provide residents with ways to avoid the higher fees by adopting groundwater-friendly landscaping. Some very simple modifications to our yards (and driveways) can result in dramatic improvements. Through the fee system, the Storm water Board can encourage us to embrace such techniques.17. Although I possess the XY chromosome, I do have a wife, a sister, and a daughter. Accordingly, I would, if elected, call on my colleagues to institutionalize the designation of council member instead of the terms councilman and councilwoman. This and other newspapers, for various reasons, hang on to the gender-specific handle, but I’m growing tired of this. It is 2007, after all. (This is all you talking, not the voters, what a joke. We all try to be politically correct these days, do you actually think you are the first person to even think of this?) I’ll tell you what: when this newspaper begins to refer to Connie Sipes as Senatress, I’ll drop my objections. And on that point, though I might ask for your vote, I think it would be a great idea if the Common Council of the City of New Albany were comprised of a few more women. (Get your wife to run.) 18. I will never defend a program and then come back and blame the paid employees of this city for that program’s failure to work. Period. Be sure your candidate’s make that same pledge. (BS) 19. I will never fail to listen to an idea or opinion because of who is giving it to me…not because of their political party, nor because of personal unkindness. Likewise, if an ally, friend, colleague, or family member presents an idea, I will not support it solely for that reason. And in both cases, when it comes time to vote, I will announce the potential conflict and cast my vote. In that same vein, I ask you to hold me to account if I use the occasion of a vote to become a “drama queen” and issue forth with a Pontius Pilate-like praise for my own ambivalence and indecision.20. I will respect the appointees to the various boards, commissions, and study groups that help to manage this city. In most cases, these people work a thankless job, bringing a cross-section of community opinion into regulatory matters. I will thank them for their service and when they appear before the council, I will treat them with respect. (Really, like the time there were "PUBLIC BUDGET MEETINGS HELD" and you personally asked a Councilmember's wife, myself and the Courier-Journal to leave the room? Oh, so courteous was that episode. As Ben Hershberg said that night -- who are you, and my question is who in the hey do you think you are? A pugnacious Cheney, hee hee hee. My opinions of course, just like ALL OF YOURS HERE.) 21. At the first meeting of the council year, I will move to enshrine the public’s right to speak on any issue. Had I been on the current council, I would have moved to overturn the council president’s flat ruling that if an item is not on the agenda, members of the public may not address the issue. In the most recent case, the item was on the published agenda but subsequently removed. That’s a dangerous and undemocratic precedent that must be rejected by the next council.22. I will not thumb my nose at the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution like the current council has done. Twenty residents filed suit in Federal District Court seeking relief from the badly malapportioned city council districts. The districts, as they stand, clearly violate the Constitution, Indiana statutes, and city ordinances. The current council thumbed their noses at the facts and it will cost the city treasury. In fact, the elections of the six district council members will, in all likelihood, have to be held not only in 2007, but then again in 2008, since each will have been elected from unconstitutional districts. If elected, I will make a motion to settle the case immediately and correct this injustice, which values the votes of some residents over those of other districts.23. Council members have enough on their plates without taking on additional appointed duties. Where statute allows it, I would urge that no member of the council shall be appointed to boards and commissions, but rather, that “civilians” be appointed. Any council member is entitled to attend these meetings, but they should not be appointed members except where statute requires it.24. Whatever it takes, New Albany has to repair its roads and sidewalks. I will support the generous use of general fund monies to repair and repave our streets. An aggressive grant-writing department will be encouraged to seek every dime available to restore the safety and appearance of our streets.25. Whether the work is done by our streets department or by another entity, this city simply must clean up its streets. A study committee, working closely with state legislators, will be charged with finding a way to clear our streets and alleys of limbs, leaves, grass, litter, and other illegal dumping.26. I will insist that the council’s funds for training and cooperation with the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns be distributed equitably among council members. It is unacceptable that a single council member be the only one who participates in these multi-jurisdictional workshops and conferences. If only as a resource for solutions that have worked, broad participation by the council in IACT activities is essential. No longer will the entire budget be eaten up by meals and travel for one council member and spouse. (This is a flat out lie. None of the Council are interested in going up to Indy for the Indiana Cities and Towns meetings. Only one couple go, and they use coupons they get from their son who is a Regional Manager for the Southern Asian operations for their hotel rooms. It is not their fault the budget nor Council allows for any more. You truly do not know what you are talking about. For sure. Me and mine appreciate all of the information brought back from Indy so we may see which bills are pending that affect ALL OF US. If only one Councilmember shows interest, why is he being penalized? Because YOU do not like him? It is so obvious!)

Randy Smith is a New Albany resident and owner of Destinations Booksellers

Peace, NA. After all that, I need a Tylenol. Does he really think he represents you and I, and the rest of New Albany? Only a fool would go along with ideas which have not been researched in their entirety, have no funding for, and has no knowledge of history and how things really are. All I see is a wanna be "power-monger". I'm allowed my opinions, just as you are allowed to disagree with them! Isn't America a wonderful place?

GRANDBABIES

To those who've asked about the grand babies, we have actually received diagnosis 1 and 2; with # 1 being misdiagnosed.

Austin, the 12 year old misdiagnosed, is having surgery Wednesday on his ankle to remove the bone which broke off. The only thing the Doctor says he can do for his foot (which has been fractured for 2 1/2 years) is to put a tight tennis shoe on it and a brace.

Aiden, the 3 year old, was given one more chance not to get strep throat (4 times in one month), and, unfortunately the Doctor is saying he never really got over it. The Doctor does not want to perform a tonsillectomy on a 3 year old because of complications, but because he is a BIG little boy with BIG tonsils, he'll be operated on soon.

This is going to be one busy grandmother; one busy citizen advocate; one busy person working on "two" businesses in downtown trying to bring them back up to snuff... If I don't get to your comments soon enough, please allow me to apologize up front. Not that I don't care, time is short & sweet. Promise I'll check in every eve, at least.

Take care, New Albany. From what they have told me about my oldest grandson (the misdiagnosis), I have a new lease on life and can breathe. Thanks, again, to the friends and family who care. Take care.

The Race For Mayor of "little old" New Albany

The race for Mayor of our fair City has finally started heating up. We now have Garner and Scharlow filed on the Democratic ticket and now Randy Hubbard as the Republican candidate. Our family, and other Dem's in town, received a mailing from former Mayor Doug England announcing he is running on the Democratic ticket also and will announce at the Redman's Club.

All of this is not the reason why the Democrats are in a tizzy right this moment. It doesn't matter the agreement made between Garner, Scharlow and England didn't hold up (the one a polling company called and asked which one of the above would you vote for). A lot of D's I talked to (I didn't get a call) said "none of the above". A lot of D's I've talked to want England. A lot of D's (party officials) want Garner.

The real problem downtown, right this moment amongst the Democrats, is the person serving as Randy Hubbard's campaign manager. This is what downtown is all "abuzz" about today. His name is Larry Dennison (?) and he is a LIFELONG, WELL KNOWN, DEMOCRAT. This subject is of great debate in the City-County building! Democrats are questioning today how "they" are going to heal the party.

Here, I'm being bastardized that I dare even know this man; that I've been on other blogs talking about the man -- not as a politician, but as a human being... Didn't I tell you things were going to heat up at election time? Unfortunately, I don't kid about things like this, too interesting, important and the impact will be felt amongst all, no matter who pulls the rabbit out of the hat.

Now, I feel better (and thanks IAMHOOSIER, for your comments). Everyone can't agree on everything all the time; and you can not make everyone happy; so, hey, have a beer and make yourself happy and do what you can do for this fair City.

After running my flag up against England, Overton and Garner; after attending 12 years worth of meetings and my house being overrun with "legal" documents, there are a lot of people who want business done right. After all, it's not personal, it's just business......... My Business -- Your Business -- THEY work for US; but I certainly don't see it.