WHAT WILL GOVERNMENT REFORM MEAN TO US?

The Indiana Commission on Local Government Reform released the results of their report today on streamlining local government.

Members of the commission included former Governor Joe Kernan and Justice Randall Shepard, each of whom were co-chairs.

Governor Daniels formed the committee in July, 2007 to "recommend ways to restructure local government to increase efficiency and reduce the financial burden on Indiana taxpayers"

This sounds good but which offices will be eliminated? How many government workers will find themselves out of a job at the end of the officer's term?

"If enacted, the recommendations would reduce the number of local government units from 3,086 to 1,931--a 37% cut, and the number of elected officials from 11,012 to as few as 5,171--a reduction of more than half."

If you read the recommendations you will notice that the offices they are discussing eliminating are mainly city and township offices. Is this a prelude to a merger between cities and counties? If some of the offices are eliminated, how much access will citizens have to their councilpersons and other office holders? Saving money is always a good idea but at who's expense?

Following are quotes from the press release sent out today:

"We have lots of good people serving in local government in Indiana, but their ability to deliver great public service is limited by an antiquated system" "said Kernan"

"Among the commissions recommendations:

• County governments would be led by a single, elected county executive and a stronger county council, to which professionally qualified administrators should report and be accountable.
• The services performed by township personnel should be transferred to the county governments.
• All local public safety services should be coordinated countywide and regionally where appropriate. Emergency dispatch must be centralized, at least countywide, using the compatible 800 MHz system.
• Only elected officials should have the power to levy taxes.
• Indiana's school districts should be be large enough to gather sufficient resources to educate our children for 21st century life.
• All spending, including school spending should be subject to more rigorous examination by elected officials.
• A statewide office should be designated to provide technical assistance to help local governments make recommended changes."

If you wish to read the entire report the website is: http://indianalocalgovreform.iu.edu/.

LOVE NEW ALBANY

I heard about a Courier Journal article the other day that sounded good for New Albany also. It said that Louisville was planning a day called "Love Louisville" where people did random good deeds for others. Most of these ideas were very simple and required little time and no money. They included taking out a neighbor's trash, giving a bottle of water to a runner in the park, doing yard work for a neighbor, hosting a free "yard sale", just to name a few.

This sounds like a wonderful idea to me. Maybe we can stop fighting for a minute and work together as a community. I know many organizations do a lot of community service and they are to be commended for that. But this is for everyone and does not require meeting at a designated area. All we have to do is one simple deed for someone else. New Albany, let's think about this please.

CONGRATULATIONS

I want to offer my sincere congratulations to our new Mayor, City Clerk and City Council.



Best Wishes to all:



Mayor Doug England



City Clerk Marcey Wisman



First District CM Dan Coffey



Second District CM Bob Caesar



Third District CM Steve Price



Fourth District CM Pat McLaughlin



Fifth District CM Diane Benedetti



Sixth District CM Jeff Gahan



At Large CM's John Gonder, Jack Messer and Kevin Zurschmeide



Please try to continue to get along with one another, and work for the benefit of New Albany. We citizens are counting on you.

ENOUGH ALREADY!

I will be so glad when November 6 is over.



David Matthews has another letter in the Tribune slamming Doug England. As they say "desperate times call for desperate measures". Obviously Mr. Matthews is desperate.



The funny thing is that I keep hearing how Randy Hubbard is not even interested in being the Mayor of New Albany. If this is true, why did he even enter the race?



I believe the voters need to give Mr. England another chance. He is not afraid to admit that he made mistakes in the past. In my opinion that shows more character than all of Mr. Matthews' rhetoric about his candidate. I also believe the majority of voters feel the same way as I do and Doug England WILL be our next Mayor.



Of course Shirley Baird's endorsement does not carry 1/1000th as much weight as Baron Hill's endorsement but I just had to have my say anyway.

OBSERVATIONS

During my absence from posting the last few weeks I have been reading various blogs as well as the Tribune. Obviously there has been a lot going on lately. Some issues seem to stand out.

First of all I want to express my deepest sympathy to the Stewart family. Dick was a great guy and he will be missed. I regret that I did not visit him during his illness.

Now on to the redistricting problem. Please, Council, decide on a plan. And please, plaintiffs, try to work the the council. No plan will be perfect so try to compromise and let's put this thing behind us.

The mayor's race is getting ugly. Why is Hubbard even running? Even some Republican people have told me that all he wants to do is retire to his condo in Florida. I cannot understand why a person would put himself out there for all of this criticism for a job he doesn't even want. And according to the on line forum on the Tribune Special Agent Capehart is going to submit an article concerning his termination when he was called up to serve in the military.

Welcome NA Shadow Council blog. The articles have been interesting so far. Just one question though. Why does Shadow5 not allow anonymous comments when he/she chooses to remain anonymous?

There has been a lot of discussion about the beer walk during Harvest Homecoming. Since I have never participated I can't say a lot. But if it benefits the various bars which are local businesses, it does help the community. Someone mentioned on "New Albany Confidential" that people were walking around with drinks in their hands Saturday evening. I thought this was just a Friday night event. Maybe it should be restricted to Friday night so Saturday can be more of a family day. As a side note, I don't claim to be a beer expert but I am sure a person can get just as drunk and obnoxious on imported "quality" beer as they can on Bud Lite.

It is a shame the Bistro had to close. Even though I only went there a time or two it was a neat place and the atmosphere was welcoming. We need more places like that in New Albany.

NEW WEBSITE

There is a new website on the New Albany scene. It features cities and towns in the U.S.

Our City Clerk, Marcey Wisman, was notified about this website and she added information about our fair city. She has even included a video and listings of upcoming events.

The address of the website is: www.americantowns.com/in/newalbany

Great work Marcey.

The Tribune reported today that the mayor vetoed the resolution to challenge the Sewer Board and Stormwater contracts with EMC.

I mentioned Monday night at the council meeting that I was confused because certain council members were opposed to the bid process and signed contracts with EMC. As you readers know, the Sewer Board still had six months left with it's previous contract.

With all of this intrigue, I feel like I'm living in a soap opera.

Why are Mr. Kochert and Mr. Zurschmeide so adamant that we continue to do business with EMC?

Why did the mayor veto the resolution? Yes, he is the president of the Sewer Board but he was not part of the contract negotiations as far as I know. Is this just a power struggle? He was quoted in the Tribune as saying, "We don't believe they have the authority to make us bid service contracts". He was speaking of the council, of course.

Is this just a case of "You can't tell me what to do!" "You're not the boss of me!" If that is the case all I can say is gentlemen, please act like adults.

EMC CONTRACTS

Friday, August 3, I was one of the few people who attended the committee meeting regarding the new contracts with EMC.



The committee was chaired by Councilman Gahan and included Councilmen Coffey and Schmidt.



Several questions were asked among the three members which do make one wonder. Here are a few samples:



Why was the Sewer Board contract signed with EMC when there is still six months remaining on the present contract?



Why did the current Sewer Board members sign this contract before the election? (Especially with the knowledge that three of the current council members will not be returning.)



If the contract with EMC was for management only, why are they using the city's trucks?



How could the Stormwater Board operate for 18 months without a budget?



Why did they also sign a contract with EMC?



I want to urge everyone to attend the council meeting tomorrow night and see if we can find answers to these questions.



Remember these people are elected officials and are accountable to US the citizens of New Albany.



See you tomorrow night.

FUNDRAISER AT THE SPEAKEASY

Officer Dannie Price will host a fundraiser this Thursday night at the Speakeasy from 6:00 to 10:00PM. This fundraiser will benefit the families of officers Denzinger and White. What a great idea!


Brad Tharp, owner of the Speakeasy will donate his net profits from the event also.


Checker Cab will even donate rides for the patrons so no one has to worry about finding a designated driver.


I know there are a lot of things wrong in New Albany, but when I read about things like this it makes me glad to be a citizen of New Albany.


Thank you Office Price, thank you Mr. Tharp and thank you Checker Cab employees. And thank you Chris Morris and the Tribune for reporting this great story.

SO MANY HOMES, SO FEW PEOPLE

According to Saturday's Tribune three developers are looking to expand NewAlbany.

Gary McCartin wants two restaurants, a bank and a coffee shop on Charlestown Rd. near Kohls. I'm sure the people who live in this area would appreciate another bank and restaurants. But he also wants to build an apartment complex with 180 apartments. This area will be called Lafayette Square.

On the other end of town, Riverman LLC wants to build what looks like a small town on Hwy. 111 and Two Mile Lane. They want 200 apartments, 68 homes and 92,000 feet of commercial space.

And not too far from there Brent Schroeder plans to build seven small industrial sites near Eagles Lane. I guess he wants to build businesses for the people in "Two Lane Town" to have a place to work.

Now don't get me wrong, I am all for development but I must wonder where will the people come from to live in these homes? Seriously, we are talking 380 apartments and 68 single homes! The real estate market in New Albany has been rather flat lately. I'm not a realtor but I can see the "for sale" signs all over town in front of the same homes for weeks and even months on end.

Personally, I would rather see the old buildings downtown converted to living space. This would create very cool apartments or lofts and rehab the old buildings at the same time. Maybe if we had something different we could attract more buyers.

But then again, maybe I don't know what I am talking about. Naaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh I may not be a developer but I'm not blind.

Please, Mr. McCartin, Mr. Schroeder and Riverman LLC group, consider investing your dollars in the areas of New Albany which desperately need your help before taking a chance on the "fringe areas".

NEW FIRE TRUCK

The Tribune published an article yesterday concerning the need for a new fire truck. One of the arial trucks is broken down with engine trouble and the repair cost would be more than the truck is worth. I know that feeling, having been told that about a few cars we have owned.

The city has been presented with three options. Two trucks which reach 75 feet and cost from $622,000 to $690,000, and one truck which reaches 105 feet and costs $685,000. The 75 ft. trucks would not be available for a year and the 105ft. truck will be available in three months.

To me this is a no brainer. I can't even imagine what the council would have to debate.

Mrs. Garry said the city has $200,000 for a down payment and can make payments of $100,000 per year. At this rate the truck will be paid off in 72 months or less. Some cars are financed for a longer term than that.

I urge the council to approve the purchase of the 105ft truck at the next scheduled meeting.

WHAT'S THE BUZZ?

I am going to play Andy Rooney for a minute and spout off about things that are on my mind. They are stated below in no particular order.

At Monday's City Council meeting Councilman Gahan questioned the Sewer Board's renewing the EMC contract without considering other bids. According to the Tribune, Steve Tolliver of Aqua Utility Services tried to present his company's proposals but was ignored.

I agree with Mr. Gahan, Mr. Price and Mr. Coffey. The Sewer Board should have considered other options before signing another contract with EMC. How do we know we got the best deal? I don't think a few people should decide on their own what is best for New Albany.

Chris, the editor of New Albany Eyesores Blog had a great idea. He wants to name a walking path along the river or part of the sportspark on Budd Rd. after Officer Frank Denzinger. He got the "run around" from City Hall but the idea is certainly worth considering.

Speaking of great ideas, Thornton's will be selling Tribute T shirts featuring the names of officers Denzinger and White. They are selling for a very reasonable $10.00 each with most of the proceeds going to the Denzinger and White families.

Today's Tribune featured an article concerning farmers and the stormwater fees. It seems the farmers will be assessed a fee for every square foot of impervious surfaces such as roofs and pavements. The farmers are crying foul, and rightfully so. Why should a small business owner such as a farmer be charged along the same lines as big box stores? I believe the Commissioners will be able to work out a deal that makes sense.

Mayoral Candidate England wants to build a new firehouse in the West End of New Albany. All I can say is that it's about time. We West End residents were robbed of our fire station when the waste treatment plant was expanded. Thank you, Mr. England for believing that our neighborhood is worth saving in case of a fire.

On another note, I could kick myself for not being more involved and attending the meeting when the location of the solid waste plant was chosen.

Scooter Libby may have to serve some time before his sentence can be suspended. George Bush thinks a few months in a low level security facility is too harsh for a person who puts some one's life in danger by revealing her name, but 10 years plus in prison is not too severe for border patrol agents who were trying to arrest a drug smuggler. Bush must be the most out of touch person in the entire universe.

And finally, Libertarian Thomas Keister is running against Steve Price and Brenda Scharlow in the 3rd District Council race. I read his blog but did not understand what he was trying to say. Maybe it's me. At any rate I don't think Steve Price needs to worry about being re-elected.

"LOFTY IDEAS" TOUR

Saturday, May 19, I had the pleasure to join Dave Bardsdale, New Albany Historian, Mike Kopp, realtor, and about fifty other people on a tour of historic buildings in downtown New Albany.



The idea was to promote the restoration of these wonderful buildings for residential and commercial use. There was a fine example of this with the Wilcox Block at 133-135 E. Market St. It was purchased in August 2006 by Matt and Jessica Bergman. They have done a magnificiant job of restoring the second and their floors for their home. They also have plans for a rooftop deck and garden on the backside of the building. Jessica said they wanted a funky place to live. Well, they have a dream home by anyone's standards.



We went on to tour the John Briggs Block at 123 E. Market St. which is now Louisille Stained Glass. The top two floors are yet to be restored but will soon be the residence of the owners.



The biggest surprise to me was the the Jacob Goodbub Bldg at 213-215 Pearl St. which was the former home of the Fashion Shop. Beneath that aluminum facade still remains the original limestone detailing. And the second floor was obviously a former residence and offices. There is a beautiful fireplace and fantastic woodwork throughout. Mr. Kopp explained that someone is already looking to purchase this building and renovate.



The tour continued with the Empire Flouring Mill at 146-148 E. Main St. ( the Reisz Furniture Warehouse) which may someday become a multi use building with stores of some sort on the first floor and condo's on the second and third floors. I must say the view of the river from the third floor is amazing.



The tour ended at the Monsch Hotel (The New Albany Inn) which may soon be transformed into an art studio on the third floor. The proprietors of the Bistro served a wonderful lunch for us in the courtyard.



All and all it was a great way to spend a couple of hours and dream of owning a cool loft for myself.

THANK YOU

I want to thank everyone who helped with my campaign and everyone who voted for me. It was an extremely close race and my first attempt as a candidate. So I have no regrets.

I have decided to "revive" this blog and hope that the word gets out and more people read and add their comments.

Shirley