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EXTRA, EXTRA, READ ALL ABOUT IT....
In this article, I am going to refer to Mr. Tony Toran as "Commander" as that is what he screamed at the citizens at the last Council meeting.
Well, "Commander Buzzed Lightyear", you are not allowed to create Ordinances; I would have thought King James made that clear last night when he yelled at Zurschmiede that Council was the Legislative body and HE was the Executive body.
WAVE 3 and the newspapers, etc., have already picked up on what happened at the Board of Works meetings -- and it isn't looking good for "Commander Buzzed Lightyear", nor King James.
Here is the law for all -- and if you two haven't violated it -- I will eat my hat. Though, to the Firefighters -- I'm sorry -- but he cooked your goose this morning.
Here goes Mayor, seeing you voted for the current ordinance, and if it is as you maintain that what you voted on wasn't worded correctly -- you should have had the ordinance changed before YOU VOTED FOR IT.
CITY EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE POWERS
Part of IC 36-4-4-3 states in part "The common council exercises the city legislative authority (IC 36-4-4-4), makes the laws that govern the city and appropriates the city's monies.
As the city's legislative body, however, the council exercises many of the powers given cities through the passage of ordinances and appropriation of monies (IC 36-4-6-18).
FOR THE MAYOR:
The mayor's powers and duties include:
Enforcing the ordinances of the city and the statutes of the state;
Providing a statement of finances and general condition of the city to the common council at least once a year.
Providing any information regarding city affairs that the common council requests;
Recommending, in writing, to the common council actions that he or she considers proper. (IC-3-1-8-26) AND (IC 36-4-5-2).
On May 1, 2003, Garner voted YES for this Ordinance; Coffey abstained; Schmidt voted YES; and Kochert voted YES.
On May 15, 2003, Garner voted NO for this Ordinance, Coffey abstained; Schmidt voted YES; and Kochert voted YES.
On June 2, 2003, the vote was 8 to 0, with Coffey Abstaining. If, as you are now telling the press that what you voted on was not correctly worded, maybe you should have asked the verbiage to be changed (but that's really not the truthers, is it)?
Commander Buzzed Lightyear -- you do not own this City's right-of-ways, the citizens do. You are not allowed to create Ordinances, only Council can.
You have broken the law; but you have broken it before. The only problem you have now is there is no one to cover it up and only you know if you will have another alias now so citizens will not know your past history (though you got to know we all do).
This is my opinion, and my opinion only, but I sincerely hope that the Council dissolves the Board of Works -- and guess what? They can do that thing. You, Commander Buzzed Lightyear, only have a few weeks to go and I feel you will never work in this town again.
The disrespect shown to Council and to the Citizens by the Mayor and his Administration can no longer be tolerated -- at least not by me. Something tells me there is more than one person feeling this way.
5:00 - WAVE TV and the CJ and the Tribune will have it all tomorrow.
Peace, NA.
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45 comments:
"Buzzed Lightyear" I like it. He and King James are on their way out, they just don't realize it yet.
Someone told Bush that he is the President of the U.S., not the King of the U.S. Somebody needs to tell "Jimmy" that he's not the King of New Albany and Tony that he's not the Crowned Prince.
Great work Yvonne. If you ever want to come out of retirement you have a future as an investigative reporter. no joke.
And thank you for the kind words.
The story on WAVE didn't air until 7:00 tonight; so I am told they will air more of it at 11:00 pm tonight. Arrogance at it's mightiest, to say the least.
To the public, the following link is being provided to you and you can look the following chapters/sections up to see what legally use to stand (though I hear the word "Injunction" and "lawsuits" floating around...
http://www.amlegal.com
32.80 is the TITLE ABOUT FIREFIGHTERS
32.81 concerns the Agility Test
32.82 concerns the Written Test
Ya know, I've read a lot of "stuff" out there in Blog land about my silence about the last City Council meeting.
I literally couldn't begin to speak to it without totally losing my self-control; and give me a break -- it was my friggin' b-day.
When Tony Toran asked the citizens sitting in the audience that night "who owned the City's right-of-ways, and we responded we do" and then he screamed, literally, "no, HE DID. HE'S THE COMMANDER." Well, I don't think so. We, the citizens, own this town. You, and the Mayor, work for US.
The arrogance showed by the Mayor, after Mr. Kochert spoke on TV tonight, sort of made you come away with the feeling Kochert was right -- he does think he's the KING. At least, that was my take.
More tonight at 11:00. Someone asked me how much damage this Mayor could do before he left office and I sort of blew it off. Not anymore!!!!!
ouch.....
Ouch for us citizens who will be footing all these legal bills, i.e., injunctions, firefighter lawsuits, etc...
Ouch is right. My writing may have been strong; it is my opinion and interpretation of the law -- especially after contacting my own as to what this means for taxpayers. Ouch.
Thanks.
As we've all seen, this administration has been in meltdown mode for some time now.
King James can't even keep a dry cleaning business afloat without being hauled into court, how on earth can we be expected to think he is apab;e of running this city?
As for Buzzed Lightyear, he has been a waste of money from the get-go.
He's the "commander"??? Of what!?!
No department in the city is functioning properly or with an approved budget.
What are we supposed to think about the money that has been wasted on his position?
It's FAR past time for some strong words and stronger actions from the people of New Albany.
This is OUR City, we payed for it and always will.
You keep up the good work Yvonne. We need to get the truth out there so people can understand what has actually been happening to them.
Thanks, and I concur.
In case you missed the seven o'clock news and some was cut out at 11:00, you may go to the following to see the interview:
http://wave3.com/
Click on New Albany Mayor and Firefighters; Takes a few minutes to download.
Check it out, Gladys, they're molting ...
Yvonne,
I was at the same meeting that the statement about right of ways was made. While your account is basically accurate, you have left out the context, which is extremely important in this instance.
Mr. Toran was responding to a charge of not following the chain of command, which I believe was made by MR. STEWART(council hopefull). Technically, the BOW does own the right of ways and that was his answer to the "chain" charge. There is a big difference when you consider the context. I do believe his tone could have been much, much better but that aside, he was answering a charge.
Of course, the above is my opinion of that night and instance. We all sometimes see and hear things differently. Such as you not "hearing" Mr. Blevins twice make the statement that the sewers were the biggest cash cow we ever had. Of course that is the same Mr. Blevins that introduced "your" resolution to turn the sanitation contract over to the prosecutor for investigation. I am sure that is just coincidence but I could be wrong about that too.
Mark
To the great citizens of New Albany, this is truly a sad day for you and this once great department that I currently serve on. I want you all to understand that the views expressed by our, and city leadership, is not the views of most all firefighters.
We were under the understanding that city officials (i.e. the "Commander") and our union leadership were working together to strengthen requirements, not cast them out the window.
We "did" have a process in place that included agility and aptitude testing, an interview, and once established on an eligibility list, the city leadership and fire officials would choose new hires from the top 25 of that list. All in accordance with city ordinances. These procedures are not unlike ones currently being used across this country. I guess NA is on the cutting edge!!
I want you all to rest assure that be it; a fire, medical emergency, or any other problem you may encounter we are still going to show up and take care to the problem to the best of our abilities. Please keep this once great city, and fire department, in your prayers and in your minds come May 8th. Lets all send a message to all our politicians that our city deserves better that all of this. God bless this country.
To New Albanian, have your fun. Everyone is aware of your "feelings" about certain Council people.
To IAMHOOSIER, Mr. Toran may have been answering charges about taking certain signs out of right of ways, but not all signs out of the right of way...and you are right -- he sure could have used a different tone and different words.
No, I didn't hear Mr. Blevins say that particular night the sewers were a cash cow.
How you can come up with the Resolution Mr. Blevins introduced about Sanitation was "my" resolution -- you're wrong. No harm, no foul. Probably everyone is in shock that the Council is trying to investigate the sanitation contract. I did admit to finding the trucks, taking the pix, posting same on a blog; and I did 3 separate times go to Council and ask for the investigation.
If you want to call it "my" resolution -- guess you're entitled.
To the fire department employee, the citizens know what's going on with Ron Toran and Tony Toran, aka Tony Brown, aka "Commander Buzzed Lightyear".
I heard two different business owners (probably none you all know) that own businesses downtown that are ashamed they live here after the article in the paper today.
What is, is.... It isn't over, not by a long shot.
Peace, NA.
I will never understand how Council can put something into Committee, and the Mayor bypass that Committe and do his own legislating...
I do know the union, the council, and all others were scheduled to meet.
This Mayor and Mr. Toran, aka Mr. Brown, aka "Commander Buzzed Lightyear" have lied to me and my husband face to face in a meeting in the Mayor's office about enforcing the variance requirements that are being snubbed on Main Street.
I am beginning to believe everytime their lips move, just more lies.
I say bring on May 8th, too. And -- more importantly -- let's bring on the people to vote.
though I do not fully agree with how this was done, I do feel glad to see something was done.
Why is it that so many important, urgent matters are always tabled, sent to committee, brought back, tabled, sent back to committee, sometimes for years on end.
I hold the majority of our council in respect, all save one, whom my flagrant disrespect is based on being cussed out over the phone by him when I dared to question his agenda.
As far as the fire fighter hiring process, to be honest, I want us to have the best candidates for the job, we need physically strong and agile persons, we need quick thinkers, we need those who have a good clean back ground, and we need those who are able to effectively communicate. Which is why I feel it is so important for the physical tests, written tests, interviews, and background checks to all play an equal role in the hiring process.
And lets face it, our firefighters are not getting any younger, and we need to get things lined out for a smooth hiring process to replace the ones who have given 20, 25, 30 years to our community.
We could keep tabling and sending to committee, tabling again for years to come, and look up and find that during that time we are a dozen or more fire fighters down from what we need to effectively protect our community.
There are just some areas of government provided services where political agendas need to just be kept out of the mix.
The history of my commentaries clearly spell out that I am not the greatest fan of the current Mayoral administration, but this was definately a gutsy move to justify the means to an end of a problem that has been simmering for years.
Yvonne,
How did I reach that conclusion? You answered it yourself:
"I did admit to finding the trucks, taking the pix, posting same on a blog; and I did 3 separate times go to Council and ask for the investigation."
As for as "everyone" being in shock that the Council is trying to investigate the sanitation contract, it sure was pulled pretty quick and watching the reaction of Council members when Mr. Blevins read his resolution, most seemed to drop their heads in embarassment.
To the fire department employee, the citizens know what's going on with Ron Toran and Tony Toran, aka Tony Brown, aka "Commander Buzzed Lightyear".
Hey, no "fun" intended.
I recall when Tony Toran was being slimed by the trognonymous denizens of the SOLNA board to the effect that he isn't a "real" Christian (an interesting concept, I guess).
In all sincerity, while you're free to come up with "buzzed" nicknames (I've done it, too - Wizard of Westside, et al), what's the meaning behind the renewed focus on "aka Tony Brown"? That's another one we used to see mentioned on SOLNA by the brave anonymous folk.
If it weren't intended as a slur, you'd not be bothering, so please explain. Thank you. Inquiring minds, etc.
To CSD619,
All of us want, and only want, qualified firefighters.
This particular issue HAS NOT BEEN GOING on for years. Councilman Garner voted 1st reading Yes, 2nd reading No, and the third reading it was unanimous (I made a mistake on the original posting that Coffey abastained). This ordinance, passed a little over four years ago, sailed through Council 9 - 0.
As for other matters staying in Committee for years (like tax abatements), only the Committee Chairperson knows for sure...
Take care...
Dear IAMHOOSIER,
Now I understand why you call the Sanitation investigation "my Resolution". If I am not mistaken, as I always sit front row and center so I can hear, there was an adjournment, wasn't there?
Did you go out into the hallway as I did? Do you know how the matter was resolved, as I do? No, you are not privy to that information; and I will not give anyone the agreement reached amongst all the Councilmembers.
Sorry.
New Albanian,
Seeing this is common knowledge amongst a lot of folks, and can be attested to, a Mr. Tony Brown use to work at Krogers as either a stock or bag boy (sorry, can't remember all the particulars).
Mr. Brown was charged with criminal offenses, his record was sealed by then sitting Prosecuting Attorney Stan Faith, and he went to work for Stan, after changing his name to his father's name, Ron Toran. His brother is Ron Brown, whom they recently made "Captain" within the fire department.
He, if you figure up the time allotment, Ron Brown, aka Ron Toran, aka Commander Buzzed Lightyear had no time to go to Seminary School (as my brother did and is getting ready to retire after 30+ years); guarantee you it's a mail/internet "minister" license...prove me wrong. I forget the sight name, but I bet you I could find it.
Troglydite, my ***. My words are true. No one can undo the knowledge in my head; take all of the durn meetings from my head; nor name call me for any of my citizen advocacy work (simply because they don't agree with your agenda).
The truth may lay in what I seem to be observing. Has your "gang of four" morphed into the "gang of seven)?
Not to you New Albanian, but if any of you feel I'm not calling out facts, take your marbles and go home. Marbles are a great game aren't they? Especially when you have "steelies"!
Peace, NA. Had enough for one day.
Excuse me...I mean Tony Toran, aka Tony Brown, aka Commander Buzzed Lightyear got criminal charges brought by Krogers. Sorry -- the names just seem to run together in my head, and I'm tired of talking about the motley crew.
And all of the "unqualified, political patronage" personnel we have been through, under this Mayor...David White as Controller; Eddie Hancock as Building Commissioner; Tony Toran (aka Tony Brown) as Assistant Mayor; and, there's more...just not today my friends.
Yvonne,
I love it. You basically "deny" that it is your resolution, then you admit being "in" with the guys in the hall. And you aren't talking--again. For someone who knows so much, you often say very little--or just enough to help your side. I will give you credit, you are good at it.
You tell us that you are just a private citizen trying to help NA. But you have been a party official and frequently write about different members of the party still consulting you. Anybody that has been around political parties knows that there is plenty of scratching of backs. Whose back are you scratching? and why?
Just saw your post about the patronage. I don't know enough to comment about Mr. Toran but I will have to agree with you on the other two. The Mayor made some pretty bad personnel decisions early on.
Just a quick note, most firefighters are in agreement that we need to hire new recruits and like yesterday. But what we are worried about is getting qualified people, not a political favor, or a met quota(the old system mostly toke care of this by insuring they could only pick from the top 25). Most FF/EMT's assigned to the 2 ambulances(for now) have been there for aleast 6-7yrs with one there almost 20yrs. We need people with these qualifications for relief. The mayor says he is goig to look for those qualifications. Are you holding your breath too??Thank you for allowing me to vent our frustrations on this blog. God Bless.
I asked for the Council to come up with a Resolution, IAMHOOSIER. It came up. "In" with the guys in the hallway (make that guys & gals); and then I won't talk. No, I'm not going to talk about something the Council is in the process of investigating. Sorry. There are a lot of other people out there besides me that want to know what is going on with OUR garbage trucks. I will not apologize for asking for same.
"I use to be a party official". Oh, really? That must be the Precinct seat I was asked to take on. The only "official" thing I had to do, besides being responsible for the polling place and being a piece of real estate to put signs, is if there was a vacancy amongst elected officials, I could have voted. We never had one...so if you want to put down the ten years I spent opening a poll up at 4:30 AM and keeping it open and clean and not coming home on election nights until 8 - go ahead...bash away. I can hold my head up because I did a good job and worked my tail feathers off, by not being loyal to other side and trying to protect the integrity of the vote, ALL VOTES. Why, you are right sir, damn me for that one.
Please, talk with the candidates running, or any now elected party official. You may be surprised they will ALL TELL YOU "NONE". That's not my game, nor my style. So what if politicians call me. And...what? They aren't calling you? What the hey.
Anyone who knows me, which sure isn't the Baylor group, knows what kind of person I am, a person who shoots straight and probably has deadly aim because of all the schooling, business and government finance experience.
Nobody's back, no scratching. Sorry to disappoint ya all, I'm just me. If ya don't like me, I know I'm going to lose sleep over it!
And please, let's not forget the whole farce of Garner's campaign in the first place...
Successful businessman (his business had to be going down the tubes before he even ran with the kind of debt he racked up).
We feel his whole campaign was a farce...it's been proven...and it's not over yet (his personal problems with monies). He did it to himself...not me.
ALL4WORD,
You worry about Toran and his name changes and why and how he got his mailorder minister license.
I've decided I have too much religion in my background to even want to make an argument with you about anything.
That's part of my problem with this mess with Toran -- right Baylor -- mixing politics and religion? Isn't that a NO, NO...?
It is in my book.
Hey, I get mentioned even when I don't post. Why do I get singled out for the surname treatment?
Wait -- could have sworn I did post a couple hours ago, especially since you answer All4Word, who didn't write anything curently on this page, as though you were answering my questions. c'mon, you don't think I'm him, do you?
Hmm, maybe we're the ones molting.
No, and I apologize if I came across that way...No way. Thanks for letting me clarify...if that is even possible at this moment in time.
Here is the 100 million dollar question...why did Garner vote for the new firefighting ordinance and at the nth hour, decide he could hire whomever he pleased? Has the question crossed your minds as to who he is "trying to hire"?
It sure has mine....Peace, New Albanian... Yvonne.
Gosh, some people sure don’t understand, even though they think they know it all. You weren’t a party official you were a workhorse. You can sure tell they never had a hands on thing to do with political parties (especially local). Guess they don’t know about your trial. Appears they think you should not be talking to any Democrat. How do they think an elected official is supposed to know how a constituent wants them to vote…oh, I forget, they wouldn’t ask, because if they were an official their ideas are the only ones that would count. They can’t see asking anyone else what they think or know (guess that is why they are against putting ordinances in committee until it is right). Wonder how many times some of these people have even voted. Wonder how many years some of these people have been going to Council meetings. Seems they know it all about the history of New Albany and how bad it is. Trouble is, some people do think New Albany is good now, but are very worried about its monetary condition. Why put all this debt onto the next generation? We’ve watched taxes and rates go up and services go down. Guess these people aren’t senior citizens. What do we need??? I say Gray power get out the vote!!!
Yes, how could Councilman Garner vote for an Ordinance, and Mayor Garner want to change that same Ordinance? I agree, we definitely need QUALIFIED people as FF/EMTs! Listen to the FIREFIGHTERS. How can anybody ignore the issue with the Garbage Trucks? It is the Council’s responsibility to look after our money. Trucks and contracts are about money….Follow the Money!!! Just my view!!!
"...especially since you answer All4Word who didn't write curently on this page, as though you were anwering my questions. c'mon,..."
How many spelling and grammatical errors do any of you count? I counted three. Ole Rodge must be having "Erika" do his posting.
Yvonne,
First, it has nothing to do with liking you or not liking you. Trust me, I am not that shallow.
I thought later about the "guys" and realized it may be a problem. Please note that my wife and I, both, refer to all groups as "guys", even our two cats--brother and sister. Kind of like using Ms instead Mrs or Miss.
I think most people would call a Precinct committee person an official. My only point was to show an insider status when you were claiming to not have ANY idea how I could come up with "YOUR" resolution. I applaud people who work with the process. If you remember, I have posted admiration for you and Susan attending all those meetings.
Last question(for now anyway), you are aware that other people also have "schooling" and " business experience", aren't you? Some of the rest of us are also straight shooters--without the political baggage.
And, I have no political baggage. As I tried to help get this town on track, the right track, by running for Mayor...simply tried to do what we are all trying to do.
No offense meant and none taken. Have a good day. My 3 year old grandbaby wants me to go to a dot com...Have a good day.
Yes, I did forget I was hauled up for a Democrat trial. They simply couldn't try me because of the false allegations leveled against me...but I did vote that time, didn't I? That would be something I am still trying to forget, though I still have that white t-shirt with the "crimson" D on it as I was so embarrassed to be a Democrat that day. Oh well.
Question for the group here...
Is there a limit on how much text you can post here???
I have alot I would like to say regarding the firefighter hiring and the management of the fire department in general...
Just would like to know before I start typing! Ha.
Thanks.
Not knowing Blogger's limits, I dunno. Type away; maybe I can help edit your writing for you.
People relate it flows a lot better when you keep it short, simple and to the point. Numbering things for readers help, too.
As it's naptime for MeeMaw's Angel, it'll be a little bit before I can check back in.
Hey, while we're on the subject of name changes how about Valla Ann, I mean Mindy Dawson?
No knowledge on the subject...complete ignorance actually.
Channel 32 TV was at the City-County Building approximately 6:30 PM. Guess we all will find out at 11:00 PM; surprised whom all was called in for it. Some were mostly for show. Guess the press has been too bad lately.
Wasn't nothing on at 11, guess we'll have to watch tomorrows. Oh yea.
Chief Toran's recent statement in the Tribune regarding the current hiring ordinance- "The one on the books didn't make no sense", certainly makes for a good argument over having a test or not, wouldn't you agree?
I have always got a kick out of listening to his "public rants" and futile attempts to speak the English language properly, at the council meetings.
While listening and watching these "city government" side shows they call meetings, I was asking myself- "Does this guy reflect the competency levels of the majority of the firefightes I pay for?"
IS THIS THE BEST WE'VE GOT???
Sad.
So I ask you, is any further comment or debate needed on having a written apptitude/literacy test for new hires in the fire department?
Is this the quality of "leadership" or management we should expect in ANY city government job or department head?
One just has to chuckle at ALL of these IMBECILES preaching to us taxpayers, that "da test ain'ts fair, and it don't make no sense".
Do away with all of the testing, and hire more individuals of this caliber and put them in TOP positions!! All of us can use the humor at least twice a month!
What a total farce and waste of my money.
Let's clean house on election day fellow citizens...
While listening and watching these "city government" side shows they call meetings, I was asking myself- "Does this guy reflect the competency levels of the majority of the firefightes I pay for?"
I ask myself the same question when my 3rd district CM begins spouting nonsense. A housecleaning definitely is in order.
Sorry New Albanian, I still feel he is a honest man trying to do the best he can, for all...not a few.
He may not have the best speaking traits; but that takes some training.
The part where the Administration has done nothing but hire incompetent people does bother me.
Has it not crossed your mind, because there's more than a few minds it has crossed, as to why Bonet's DNA was not reported by the past County Prosecutor, and whom happened to be past friends with same? Why would anyone do an incomplete investigation?
I'm not going to swallow that "Commander Buzzed Lightyear" is qualified for the position he holds. And, if he wants to insist upon being called the Reverend Tony Toran, the walk sure don't match the talk...if you know what I mean.
Isn't there a song that says "sometimes I think that preacher man's been doing a little walking, too..."
Peace, New Albanian
-- Last day for MeeMaw's Angel's recuperation. His throat is doing nicely. He's eating me out of house and home, though.
You know I realize that being fire chief requires a certain level of communication skills, but do we really need to stoop to such levels where we are attcking Chief Toran on his speaking skills?
We have a damn fine Fire Department, professional, capable, and dependable.
I would rather have a fire chief that uses a double negative in speaking but knows how to put out a fire, organize and execute a rescue, than one who is publicly speaking acceptable who is only OK at doing the job.
No one I know says we don't have some good firefighters; distinctly remember walking protests with the police officers and the firefighters.
The point may be, if I remember correctly, when the Ordinance came out of Committee -- Mayor Garner and Jack Messer got into one heck of a word fight over what the Council's Committee reported.
Seems like some firefighters were wanting to vote on even whether they have confidence in their fire chief; and lest we all forget Garner's campaign not to hire that particular firechief.
Words are cheap. As I have been wondering who in the hey do they want to hire to cause all of the hullaballu, it seems the gossip on the street is the Mayor's nephew.
Gee, wouldn't have suspected that in a million years....
Thanks for your opinion; but we have ours (that would be me and my family). To each his own, I always say.....
To your nasty comments you tried to post Anonymously today on this article -- we'll see, won't we?
Got your number....
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