Hello Friends,
I have not written a new post about the budget shortfalls because I did not know where to begin. This is certainly a mess as everyone knows.
The worst thing we can to now is point fingers at each other. We all need to work together, the Mayor and his entire administration, the city council and every citizen of New Albany. It will take sacrifices on all of our parts may it be higher taxes or fees or forgoing a salary increase, maybe even a salary cut for the higher paid employees as they did in Louisville.
I certainly don't know the answers and I don't know who does. All I know is this "I told you so" which is going back and forth is not helping anyone.
The council will have an emergency budget meeting soon, I wish them all of the luck in the world.
As citizens we can give them our support and quit complaining.
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363 comments:
1 – 200 of 363 Newer› Newest»If only all(me included)could be as reasonable. Thanks for the dose of reality, Shirley.
Thanks Mark
I don't happen to agree. I believe there should be accountability.
How about some accountability from anonymous? Show us your $10,000,000 budget. We're still waiting to see the numbers on the Price/Denhart/FOS/Fake Professor budget. Don't you own a calculator. Go down the budget line for line and tell us what you'd cut and how much it will save.
Meanwhile, I'll be shopping for my big ol' dog.
If our police and fire are cut in half, get ready for our insurance rates to go through the roof a year or two later.
Good work, sane thoughts. Now watch as the anonymous assassins tear them to ribbons.
Should I have made the comments I did on the other thread, perhaps not in the way they were made. BUt I stand behind those comments.
But the reality is that we can not expect to at least maintain our current levels of service, which are lacking as is, with out increasing revenues to at least keep pace with the reasonable expectation of the costs of those services.
We are now having to ante up and pay the piper for years of neglect, and demands to cut our fees for this or that.
The state is broke, the feds are broke, the local government is broke.
And in the most basic terms we have of Government of the people, by the people, for the people, and as such it is the people who must pay for that.
The State is NOT broke, but our City is. Why?
Because the city does not collect enough revenue.
Because the city has never invested in its future.
Because Coffey spent legal fees fighting EMC and chasing away developers who increase assessments.
And legal fees on redistricting. Because the Council didn't follow the law.
It now appears that the state of Indiana made a "small" error. Instead of almost $5,000,000 in budget cut, it's something a little over $800,000. Right in line with what most people thought it might be.
Daniel Suddeath of the Tribune has an article up on line.
Denhart is a fool! Now she will have to eat her words. HAHAHA
YEAH! We don't have to fire animal control. Packs of wild dogs won't overtake New Albany!
I'm happy our budget will be more than 10 million, but I was looking forward to seeing teh Coffey/Price/Denhart budget. I'm curious what they really are for, if anything. What was important enough not to cut?
FOS 2010 City Budget:
One police officer.
Pens.
One fire fighter?
Pencils.
Salaries for council members.
Paperclips.
Attorneys fees to fight redistricting.
Toiletpaper.
We need at least one police officer. How else are we going to eject Baylor from meetings?
WHOSE A FOOL? SHE GOT THE SAME INFORMATION GARRY GOT. $800,000 IS STILL A LOT OF NICKELS AND DIMES. ENGLAND WAS LUCKY THIS TIME. AS THEY SAY IT AIN'T OVER UNTIL IT'S OVER.
Anon 6:01
And now what Drake said makes even more sense.
Had the citizenry of New Albany decided NOT to fight every few dollar increase, this would have perhaps only felt like a slight pinch. Or could it be that your Mayor paid off the State Controller to change that figure to public embarrass the No crowd?
Words of Wisdom now from the anon-a-gang?
I have not done a bit of research on this, but I would bet that 90+% of the budgets "returned" by the state would have cuts in them. AND, all "sides" here in NA pretty much knew that there would be a cut and in the range of 800k. This is not a surprise to anyone. Or, at least, it should not be a surprise.
So, who is really telling the truth?
Denhart won't eat her words. She's never been weighed down by the facts.
Vicki Denhart was not the only person talking about the $4.8million. Let's give her a break for a minute, OK? As for me, I'm just glad that they found their error, whoever made it.
I'd be willing to bet there is one more unemployed person in Indy. That's a shame but someone had to be the fall guy.
The council has a much easier job tonight and you can bet they are relieved.
If it is an open forum someone please ask them to speak up for the non-bargaining employees who need one more reading to pass before they get their much needed bonuses. I have other obligations and will not ge able to attend.
THERE ARE SO MANY UNANSWERED QUESTIONS:
WHICH TIF FUND DID THEY BORROW FROM?
WHAT WAS THE REASON TO BORROW FROM TIF?
WHAT DATE DID THEY BORROW AND WHAT DATE DID THEY PAY BACK THE LOAN?
TIF RECORDS ARE USUALLY IN THE REDEVELOPMENT OFFICE. DID REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION APPROVE THE TIF LOAN?
DID THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE THIS LOAN?
Yes, ANONYMOUS above. There are too
many unanswered questions.
If the City of New Albany borrowed this money from TIF, did they borrow it for the General Fund or for
other funds in the city budget?
EXIT INTERVIEW MEETING ON 2008 BUDGET.
The Tuesday meeting was held to tell the city officials about the results of the State Board of Accounts review of the 2008 Budget.
All we have heard is talk about the
2009 cuts ordered.
Why are they so quiet about the 2008 budget discussion?
It's called cash flow, folks. Democrats do it. Republicans do it. Businesses do it. Birds do it. Bees do it...
It's called a "cash flow" problem, call it like it is Mark.
Your right Shirley, if it's in print it's suppose to be fact. My understanding of a budget if you spend more than a set budget it is called over expenditures.
England states in todays paper there were some bookeeping errors, and Coffey says he over spent.
What's England hiding?
Okay, cash flow problem. So?
We can help the council make the
necessary cuts required by the state. Cut out some salaries.
It was reported sometime ago that some city employees have taken a short 30 day retirement and then....
came back to work on the city payroll drawing the retirement check and the city payroll check at the same time.
Let's cut those city salaries and
let them be retired full time.
GREAT IDEA ANON 10:50
ALSO... CUT THE INSURANCE BENEFIT FOR CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS. THIS IS A COSTLY ITEM THAT HAS NEVER BEEN PAID
OUT FOR THESE PART TIME EMPLOYEES.
THIS IS A TOUGH TIME FOR N.A.
LETS BITE THE BULLET AND GET DOWN TO BRASS TACKS.
cuts need to be all the way around.
city council needs to cut its salary too.
Will CFA be calling for pay cuts from council members?
I am with you 10:54, cut
Malysz position,Rosenbarger position, all Council insurance, Garry (she makes way to many mistakes)and get a real CPA in there.
We have bicycle lanes, put our cops on foot patrol and bike patrol.
Cancel new police cars, and new recruits.
One office holder, 1 full time and one part-time employee.
Have a higher deductiable on medical insurance.
Oh hell, just put Price in charge of our monies.
Oops we forgot the Mayor, get rid of his croonies and make him earn a paycheck like the rest of us.
What was it he said at Studio's? Oh yell, I'm 64 years old and I'm the Mayor and I can do anything I want without the Council's approval.
He sure was lucky this time, maybe if we had a real CPA controller he'd be in ORANGE by now.
Something sure smells awful fishy, Doug had eight years to figure out how to not get caught.
maybe if we had a real CPA controller
like denhart/price/coffey would pay for a CPA. hahahahahaha!
we have a low bid city. cheap services for cheap people.
penny wise and pound foolish!
i see how it is.
denhart's all for cutting costs EXCEPT when it comes out of the pocket of her crush steve price.
Recent slop from FOS:
Freedom Of Speech tried to tell you on August 2, 2009 that the City General Fund spending was over budget.
First things first. Congratulations Mayor England. You are the first Mayor in the history of our GREAT City of New Albany, to have put our entire General Fund in the RED!
Secondly, on February 2, 2009 Mayor Douglas B. England said and we quote: "Despite the fiscal turbulence of 2008, the City's operating budgets for 2008 ended the year in the black."
Will someone get Denhart an accounting dictionary? Please, she's incorrectly using accounting jargon.
Doesn’t she know there’s a difference between being “in the red” and being “over budget”?
Just because spending was over budget does NOT meant that we’re running a deficit. Is it not possible that the budgeted numbers were artificially low to begin with?
mr. coffey, yelling at people does not equal leadership.
It is amazing that someone can post on here, some one else read it, reply wth a few sentences of their own(patting previous poster on back) all within four minutes.
Quite intriquing.
YOU KNOW YOU ARE RIGHT. THAT IS AMAZING. THERE ARE OTHER PATERNS TOO.
I THINK THEY SHOULD INVESTIGATE THAT!
Hey Youse wiseguys! How is life treating youse? Well I hope all is going awwright for everyone.
Yor dirtbagmayor has been busy as of late.
He returned to the brewhouse to take care of a little family business.
He also runs a concrete patio firm, on bank, with my cousin Carl Vinni and John Luigi.
I just picked up my local fishwrap and I see New Albany has a problem.
Hey Chris, we still carry cement shoes around here right? Good! Badda bing badda boom, England needs straighten out here.
I will be hav'n some barbecue bologna, white castles and Bud-lite at his house tonight.
Anyone who disagrees with ur dirtbagmayor may be sleeping with the fishes too.
Just ask Johnny boy.
You know ur dirtbagmayor it's hard on him to keep track of all the things he's got his hands in. Badda bing badda boom.
I love the Ohio River. It has lots of deep water and open areas. That way no one can hearing screaming on it's banks, this is an excellent work and play area.
It's down by the green bar way.
Now let me see my next order of business.
Hey, Mario, get Roger on the horn and schedule an interview with me. Tell him I am about to make him an offer he can't refuse.
The last thing I need is Roger trying to mussel in on my turf.
Badda Bing Badda Boom
I prefere him to be a fish oil salesman, insteady of selling that pi**y beer he sells.
I could go on and on.
Yoa better be careful, ur dirtbagmayor might have you sleep'n with the fishes anonymous.
Am I good or what????
Just like Dominoes Pizza, I always deliver.
i'm glad new albany's italian mafia has a sense of humor.
"Hey Chris, we still carry cement shoes around here right? Good! Badda bing badda boom"
Badda bing! Badda boom?
Concrete shoes huh? It doesnt matter much if I am fitted with concrete shoes or not, our river is too choked with garbage floating down from Cinci to find an open place to have a guy be bunkmates with the fishes.
Now theres some spicy capicola for your Italian pallet to chew on!
no me interesso un cazzo! :)
coffey will never let you take his health insurance. the little people have a fight on their hands!
"I'd be willing to bet there is one more unemployed person in Indy. That's a shame but someone had to be the fall guy."
Shirley,
Why do you think there is one more unemployed person in Indy? The state ordered the budget cut based on the figures provided to them by the City. The City provided inaccurate figures to the state. The administration was looking to find a way to blame the Garner and/or Overton administration, when in fact it was the current administration that provided the wrong numbers and created the fiasco.
I'm like you though, I'm glad the mistake was found. I just hope the City provided accurate numbers to the State this time so it doesn't come back at us again.
if coffey didn't do everything in his power to cut the city's revenue, moving money around wouldn't be required.
Ignorance is bliss. There are only two council members who have insurance benefits. Diane McCartin B. and Kevin Zurschmiede. Her insurance alone cost tax payers about $20,000 a year. Never in the history of our city has parttime people obtained ins. benefits.
still waiting to see those tapes.
still waiting to see the proposed FOS budget?
still waiting to learn where Eric teaches.
still waiting to see the debate between Eric and Roger.
still waiting for denhart to apologize for being a liar.
still waiting for coffey to apologize for everything.
still waiting on proof the FBI is investigating.
still waiting to hear what denhart meant when she said she's been warning the administration for months that we in trouble but no one would listen.
still waiting to see where CFA has their headquarters.
still waiting on my CFA membership card.
still waiting for denhart to admit to running FOS.
still waiting and waiting...
oh, what is this? someone critisizing denhart? anonymously? and it's not roger because roger's at the council meeting where denhart can see him? oh, was she wrong?
IS SHE EVER RIGHT?
Latest ignorant, backwards, uneducated post from F.O.S.:
They need medical malpractice reform, with caps on all damages, so that they can practice without the fear of needless and unwarranted lawsuits that only benefit attorneys.
Now, who's corrupt? Sounds like Denhart/Eric is taking bribes from the insurance industry, the only industry that benefits from tort reform.
Taxpayer paid for Denhart's driveway to her house. I have the documents. Price slipped it into one of the budgets. Price and Denhart, partners in crime.
It is amazing how so many people on here are so obsessed with this Denhart person. To think they have nothing better to do than to consume so much of there time focussed on her. Is there a real place to go where people are more interested and sincere in making this city a better place instead of just bashing people in this city?
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the people on this blog is all New Albany has now you know why New Albany is the way it is.
What is even more funny is how Roger is trying to convince us that he doesn't blog anonymously the last post was great how can I be posting when I am at the council meeting oh wait I have a incoming call on the phone I'm using to post anonymously sorry
ding ding
"They need medical malpractice reform, with caps on all damages, so that they can practice without the fear of needless and unwarranted lawsuits that only benefit attorneys"
Actually, I completely agree with this statement.
Unless you work in a medical facility, and in medical administration, you have no idea how the fear of a lawsuit can cripple a practice.
According to an article in Business Week(hardly a liberal periodical), malpractice caps would save, maybe, 2%. Wow!
Still, 2% would be a savings. Great, when a true malpractice event happens to ANOTHER person. Not so great when it happens to YOU. Don't forget, that there are real mistakes and malpractice occurrences. What's the worth of having the wrong leg amputated? It does happen.
Mark,
Yes it does happen, and unfortunately it happens more than we would care to admit.
But what also happens is patients suing caregivers for diagnosing a common cold when they really had bronchitis.
Another fine example would be a facility being sued for "misdiagnosing" gall stones, when the patient did NOT show up for 5 appointments in a row for upper stomach pain and nausea. By the time they decided to show up for an appointment the Gall bladder had ruptured, a trip to the ER, then to surgery, and a lengthy recovery.
After the ambulance chaser lawyer was done, it some how became the doctors fault because it was not diagnosed soon enough. (remember the patient missed 5 appointments in a row over a period of a month).
We need caps on FRIVOLOUS lawsuits for malpractice, the ones like I dont like the scar the stitches left when I gashed my head open after I crashed when I was driving drunk. Or you didnt give me the pain killer I wanted for the backpain I say I am feeling though all imaging studies show nothing at all....
Christopher,
Actually, I didn't see your comment until I posted mine.
I think that I understand both sides of this. We basically agree. My real point is, that some of the naysayers to overall health care reform seem to think that capping malpractice awards will magically lower the cost of health care. It won't. It's a smokescreen.
What is even more funny is how Roger is trying to convince us that he doesn't blog anonymously the last post was great how can I be posting when I am at the council meeting oh wait I have a incoming call on the phone I'm using to post anonymously sorry
Very clever, JB. But facts are facts, even when inconvenient, and the fact is, I don't post anonymously. Now run along to your fascist advocacy group and let the rest of us accomplish something.
Mark,
It all good!
The need for tort reform is only a very small piece of the puzzle that we need to solve this issue.
And its not going to be a one or the other thing that can fix it, all of the bits and pieces will have to come together. A process that will be impossible since its married to politics now.
Chris,
Correct.
swinging from left field
Actually, Swinging from the trenches fighting for those who do not have coverage and are providing the care to them that they need.
Who's JB?
Junior Brown? Man that guy can play a mean steel guitar.
Seriously I don't know who that is.
Roge, you're getting too paranoid with this anonymous thing. You haven't bought a gun or anything like that have you?
Try and pretend that you are an anonymous person blogging about New Albany, and you receive constant entertainment from teasing a well known business owner for just being anonymous.
Think outside the box, or in your case the hugeness that is you figuratively and literally.
I'm not that anonymous, you know me. I live in New Albany, work in at a hospital, enjoy what is happening to downtown, and long walks on the beach, wait this is staring to sound like a personal ad.
What else is it you would like to know? I'm blushing from all this attention.
By the way, why are you anti-Harvest Homecoming? Seriously? I understand the booths are kind of gaudy, but you of all people should of been to a Belgium homecoming which is very similar. Also, the Harvest Homecoming is the biggest event in New Albany which brings a lot of attention, and now is a good time to bring attention to downtown business. You're a downtown business. You're very confusing Rogain.
I'm not anti-Harvest Homecoming, FF. You might be inadvertently confusing me with Bob Augustus Caesar.
I rather like beaches, too.
here, everyone is no one and a no one can be someone.
Now I'm even more confused. What was your whole spiel on NA confidential about Fringe, and how diffirent it is from the harvest homecoming and how it is not affiliated with it?
I work a booth at hh and have seen Roger downtown plenty. His disclaimer about not be affiliated was probably more for the harvest homecomings benefit.
To be a sponsered event I assume they want a lot of control and also a piece of the action. He would be required to follow their rules including a ridiculously early closing time.
Has everyone forgotten what the hell happen on this town before?
Let me remind you, England put our city into the depths of financial ruin.
FF - what the preceding said. It's a disclaimer clarifying that Fringe Fest is not a Harvest Homecoming event.
It would be nice if the NA brew house was open later, I've said that before.
People have to get up early in the morning to travel far distance to the humble community of Floyds Knobs where the premium produce is growing and needs to be harvested for the brew house's menu.
Does anyone else want to go see the new Michael Moore film?
Capitalism a Love Story
I just thought of a new slogan for the Brew House: We have red star appeal with bourgeoisie prices!
The list of contradictions goes on.
"Let me remind you, England put our city into the depths of financial ruin."
And let me remind you this is a false statement. Show me the numbers. Oh, and before you do, let me remind you that even fake Professor Erik does not claim a fake accounting degree. Don't confuse being over a projected budget with being in the red. Those are two unrelated subjects.
Google "citizens for accountability floyd county," "citizens for accountability denhart" or anything similar.
i like how the first site to appear is CITIZENS FAUX ACCOUNTABILITY.
maybe the real CFA's 20,000 members are mad about this. however, their site would appear first if they had:
- a real office
- an address
- a phone number
- a WEB SITE
- ANYTHING.
Personally, I like how Shane Gibson has an "Accounting Background"! That is a hoot! Did it come hand in hand with his Law Degree?
Where were Carl, Kaye and Doug at this last meeting?
The meeting with the Department Heads ought to be a hoot. How much are they raising the fines in New Albany and which fines? Street Sweeper? Speeding? Parking? DUI's? Need more info.
Thanks, Shirley, for your space!
Shane Gibson received an accounting degree from Valparaiso University before entering law school.
What accounting background does Anonymous have?
I wish Price, Coffey, Denhart and the other budget critics knew how to read a balance sheet.
anon 3:58 what do you mean street sweeper fines and speeding fines?
anon 5:16 I am quite sure they know how.
My question, how can England justify his over spending?
Sorry I forgot, England stated; he's the mayor and can do anything he wants.
YES . . .
. . . to Coffey and Price learning how the budget works instead of just making up stuff and yelling at the Mayor when they think he spends too much.
Coffey and Denhart really embarrassed themselves in the Courier. I bet they wish they knew more about budgets and account.
We will see whose embarrassed when the 2008 audit comes out.
At 3:00 after the parade Democrat chairman, John Wilcox was spotted enjoying a beer at the Bank Street Bar. Did he have the democrat party there? Does the Bank Street Bar give democrats free beer? Thats enough of a reason to vote Republican in 2010 & 2011.
Nothing like kissing the enemies ass, huh Doug and John.
Nice patio Mr. B.
Anonymous Wrote:
We will see whose embarrassed when the 2008 audit comes out.
It's who's, not whose.
Anonymous Wrote:
Nothing like kissing the enemies ass, huh Doug and John.
It's enemy's ass or enemies' asses.
We'll see who is embarrassed when they audit your grammar.
It's funny how anonymous claims to be so knowledgeable on complicated accounting and legal matters, yet can't answer simple questions and can't use simple grammar.
Some people are too stupid to realize how stupid they are.
So now is it illegal for a person over the age of 21 to drink an alcoholic beverage in a licensed bar?
If a person is in a "public" position, are they supposed to do nothing but shake hands kiss babies and quote scripture?
The politicalization of the every action of cetain persons and businesses in this community has become an embarrassment.
At least have the rectitude to denigrate these people and businesses on situations that are at least somewhat noteworthy.
Not who was drinking a beer where.
FOS’s polling firm is in the news.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/03/us/03survey.html?scp=1&sq=poll%20fox%20republican&st=cse
"At 3:00 after the parade Democrat chairman, John Wilcox was spotted enjoying a beer at the Bank Street Bar."
Roger, looks like you had a stalker.
"Does the Bank Street Bar give democrats free beer?"
Actually, we give progressive Democrats free beer.
Which is to say ... nope. No free beer for area Democrats.
Nice patio Mr. B.
Yes, nice patio Mr. B. I enjoyed a hoptimus or two there the other night. I'm glad the property owner decided to make that investment in New Albany.
P.S. I just LOOOOVE how the other anonymous thinks that posting anonymous comments is soooo difficult, and that thinking Denhart, Price and Coffey are ridicolous is sooooo unique, that only Roger could post critical anonymous posts here. Talk about a failure of imagination.
FOS! Guess what! 99%+ of Americans didn't bother to attend your "Million Patriot March."
By the way, I find it insulting that you're trying to monopolize the word "patriot." It's just silly name calling of you to imply that I'm unpatriotic because I don't agree with your policy objectives.
You're right Anonymous. Roger does have a rockin' patio. Fringe Fest is the best thing to happen to Harvest Homecoming in decades. Keep up the good work, Mr. B!
I don't even like the guy (Baylor...no offense) but I appreciate all of the things he has done for downtown. His new brewery and the Fringe Fest are great. How can you guys criticize a man that invests so much money into the city? This is EXACTLY what we need downtown.
How much money has Baylor's critic's invested in NA?
How many people are employed by Baylor's critics?
I don't know Anon 10:17.
FOS employs a staff of hundreds. I hear. At least that's what the CIA said.
I mean, FOS staff publishes page long blog post at least two, sometimes even three times a week.
Surely Professor Erik needs hundreds of researchers, copy editors, attorneys and assistants to type two of three pages a week.
Baylor's multiple blogs, multiple newspaper and magazine articles, and two breweries can't hold a match to FOS's "staff."
tee hee hee
If I were the owner / operators of NABC, I would file a big fat lawsuit against FOS if they post another defaming statement against the company.
under court orders, AOL and Blogspot will have no choice but to release who the site and the AOL email address is registered to.
The truth will be out then.
Of course the WAVE3 trouble shooter seems to be having slow times right now, it would interesting to for her to dig into the registries on CFA to see if they truly are a registered legal PAC or a pack of liars.
FOS/Denhart/CFA, while funny, is a trifle.
At the end of the day, the fake professors, the "Secret Tapes," the "No" signs, the council rants, the "patio conspiracy," all of it together doesn't add up to a hill of bean. Maybe 1% of New Albany citizens listen to FOS/Denhart/CFA, and that 1% is such an insignificant group, it hardly matters one bit.
Price and Coffey are the real problems.
The problem comes in when that 1% is the most vocal.
1% of bikers are hard core killers, yet when you see a line of Harleys thundering down the road, with grundgy looking, leather clad, bearded bikers, do you still feel threatened? Thats the way the elected will think when it comes to these CFA "members".
"Yes, nice patio Mr. B. I enjoyed a hoptimus or two there the other night. I'm glad the property owner decided to make that investment in New Albany."
"You're right Anonymous. Roger does have a rockin' patio. Fringe Fest is the best thing to happen to Harvest Homecoming in decades.
Keep up the good work, Mr. B!"
"I don't even like the guy (Baylor...no offense) but I appreciate all of the things he has done for downtown. His new brewery and the Fringe Fest are great. How can you guys criticize a man that invests so much money into the city? This is EXACTLY what we need downtown."
Man three plugs for Roger’s bar that is clever Roger I do find it funny how D S is always complaining about you not advertising in the Local paper. Why should you? You get free advertising in the column you write. It is not to shameless to post anonymously for your bar and then manipulate the paper by writing column/plugs for your business.
Did Randy pay Nash for his last free advertisement/column?
And to think only if our column writers wrote about the actual problems of New Albany instead of shamelessly putting themselves first.
hypocrites
Anonymous 8:42
Perhpas it is Baylor posting anonymously, perhaps it is not.
Perhaps it is me posting positive things above BSB, perhaps it is not.
But it is readily proven that your hypocrisy knows no bounds, when you post anonymously, then brnd them hypocrites for your assumption they are doing the same.
Perhaps you are the only posting against them, and answering yourself.
This is petty and juvenile for adults to behave this way. Shame on you.
Randy has never given me anything but friendship and kindness. The Library gave me this special plastic card and anytime I want I can go down pick out any book and take it home with me.
I have written ten columns for the Tribune. Seven have been about local government and its problems or things I would like to see. Two have been personal in nature and this past week was what I thought and interesting way to get people excited about reading.
If there is something else you think should be written, type it up and Email it to:
steve.kozarovich@newsandtribune.com
The only thing he insist on is that you put your name on it.
And a darn fine writer you are, Matt.
BRAVO MATT!!
And to think only if our column writers wrote about the actual problems....
They do write about actual problems. Or did you miss the 10 articles where Baylor and Nash wrote about Coffey and Price?
Coffey and Price New Albany's problem no not really
Progressive who think they are are more of the problem
Take away any progressive column that mentions Coffey and Price you are left with nothing but Roger's shameless plugging of his business because he is too cheap to support the local paper.
"because he is too cheap to support the local paper."
Pray tell, anonymous, what is your background in advertising and marketing?
Please, please: Enlighten us. Perhaps I'm missing something, and you can help me see the light.
I'll even give you a clue: How useful is any advertising medium in reaching the target demographic -- and how does one make that determination?
Thanks.
Don't mention your business and there would be nothing to point out but you shamelessly do so I am able
Don't talk about spending your money locally and then not support your local paper that is a little hypocritical
Atta boy. Way to dodge the question, anon.
Boy Please do not insult me I am a hermaphrodite
Look like you are making excuess for being a hypocrite
Now, Now, Now, isn't it time we come to accept that our anon poster is a master at everything, yet unable to answer anything.
The sooner we accept this better we all will be.
Why should I answer anything? Because I am not the one being accused of being a hypocrite
I just pointing out the facts that you all don’t except because you all are perfect. Blameless
Once you realize that the progressives are the problem the better we will be
Hey everyone, it's time for the council meeting! Let's all get on our bikes and ride together on our AWESOME new bike path. Then, we can go get a beer at BSB and talk about Coffey, Denhart, and Price. After some conversation and brew we can paint rainbows and skip merrily down Bank Street singing: "Que Sera, Sera,
Whatever will be, will be
The future's not ours, to see
Que Sera, Sera
What will be, will be."
There should be a column in the Tribune about hypocrisy in New Albany, problem is only 10 people will understand it.
It is humorous to see people accusing other people of avoiding the question. Does anyone remember when this whole anonymity monster started, and Rodger mentioned the founding fathers put there name on the Declaration of Independence, and how brave it was of them? Why didn't anyone give a rebuttal when I mentioned the Federalist Papers? James Madison is not a founding father? He used a pen name, just go look at the previous post so I don't have to explain it again.
I thought that was really funny how you compared public opinion (situation in New Albany), not a declaration of war ( War of Independence).
I think posting anonymously makes your job of rebutting easier, when can't think of a way to answer a question you just simple hit the a button, down with anonymity!
I promise if I open a business downtown I'll let you all know who I am.
The pleasure continues to sink in, thank you.
Hey FF who is J B? I don’t know either… maybe Roger is making accusations that he can’t back up with facts.
What is funny is that he accuses other people of doing it, but when he does it its ok. A tad hypocritical, don’t you think?
Every time I ride by Bank Street I weal up with pride when I read "paid for by citizens against anonymity"
It's like a video game on the computer has come to life!
Who wants to get drunk! It's Monday night!
No, I don't want to spend $17 to get drunk on hopie beer. What are you a capitalist? That place is already closed anyways.
J.B. ? Didn't he play for the Cardinals basketball team back in 1988? Or, wasn't he married to Cher at one time?
True, but they do have a nice patio!
Maybe J.B. is a girl...like Justine Bateman. I always loved Mallory Keaton from Family Ties. She was hot!
No, the best part is how Roger's blood pressure rises when he doesn't have control over something, when he's being under minded.
Why else would he call a blog New Albany Confidential and ask for your name? That makes absolutely no sense.
Roger I think you should keep in mind that you have a public blog called Confidential, and yet have a sign that says "citizens against anonymity" can you explain this please?
Someone is having a seizure.
I saw this crazy movie with Justine Bateman on the sundance channel at my parents house. Justine Bateman fronted an all girl rock group, it was kind of like a musical but more horrible yet interesting at the same time.
You need to watch "Let the Right one in" you can rent it at family video.
Best vampire movie ever!
And it's Swedish, Rodger will be able to relate to that.
Clearly Contradicting. Hmmm...he should name a beer that. Sounds like a Beer ad to me:
Crip, clean, refreshing...Clearly Contradicting. Because "What happens at BSB, stays at BSB. Its "confidential"... just make sure to write your name down and put it in the comments box before you leave....Just want to see who was here that's all. But, its confidential. I won't tell....
Wait...an ad? Roger wouldn't do that! He can advertise in the local paper instead!
"Randy has never given me anything but friendship and kindness"
Did Randy pay you to say that too, Matt?
Is the problem with NA the mayor or the council?
What's the deal with all the Coffey/Price bashing constantly? What started the hatred toward them anyway? Did they vote "No" to straw hats, beards, and bookstores?
The problem is not Coffey or Price. They are only 2 council members out of 9. Last time I checked you have to have a majority to pass anything. 2 of 9 is not a majority.
Maybe the problem is that the Mayor doesn’t work well with the council because he is an idiot who takes care of his trash can and others don’t.
The Mayor’s administration might have been able to have done a good job, but the progressives have pushed him to make bad choices so Coffey and Price aren’t the problem.
The Mayor might not be the problem, the progressives who yell at women for having different opinions other than their own are the problem. They have poisoned the well and now no one can drink from it.
"Why should I answer anything? Because I am not the one being accused of being a hypocrite
I just pointing out the facts that you all don’t except because you all are perfect. Blameless
Once you realize that the progressives are the problem the better we will be"
I dont recall EVER claiming to be perfect.
I do recall doing my very best to answer any questions asked of me.
I do recall apologizing when my temper gets the best of me and I make posts that are out of line.
And I do, above all else, recall putting my name to every post I make.
Now to touch on a related topic. If you are to blame a person of hypocrisy, any person, and a person asks questions as to why you feel that way, or what proof there is, should you not answer that?
Simple yes or no question
C.D., no one said you did "claim to be perfect," we know your not. Its the pedestal you and your friends try to sit on that people think you act like you are perfect.
you all make it an issue to post with your name not me
if I said don't post anon like Roger and then I posted anon like Roger it would be hypocritical like Roger
hypocrisy is when someone tells other people not to do things and then does it themselves
it is not a no or yes response to hypocrisy
Boy, the anon who keeps calling Roger a hypocrite is extraordinarily good at name calling? Not so good with the facts. Not so good with analysis. But name calling, yes, s/he is persistent and good.
Now, for the sake of our city, I wish that anon could accomplish something else, anything else.
If I could be good at just one thing, insults would be rather low on my list.
I read this post today on another blog. The blogger was asking about the best and worst qualities of Midwestern culture. How can one not think of New Albany when reading this?
As you and some other commentators have pointed out, Midwesterners are quick to blame external forces for the demise of their cities, which is entirely consistent with a core conviction that we in the Midwest secretly feel ourselves JUST FINE -- maybe not quite as smart or modern as the coastal folks. But certainly better than average. Yes, we have our problems, always have, always will. But don't focus on the negative. We never claimed to be PERFECT -- just above-average. Whatever our problems, we're better off than most, and, when you come right down to it, things are, basically JUST FINE. We get Gentlemen's C-pluses.
Which, when you think about it, is all anybody should want, because if you get too big for your britches or think TOO BIG, you're sure to get a comeuppance. Pigs get fat; hogs get slaughtered. Pride goeth. Etc. We're not show-offy, always drawing attention to ourselves like the over-achievers. The quarterbacks, prom queens and class valedictorians all must have "something to prove." They've got to be over-compensating for something we have that they're missing. Only logical explanation. They're the type who gets all worked up about things instead of appreciating what's right under their noses. They're belly-achers with Bad Attitudes who won't ever accomplish anything because they don't respect how Things Get Done Here. Why, they can barely hide their scorn for their neighbors, the rest of us. With such a superior attitude, their subscriptions to the New York Times (don't think we don't know) and their worrying about things going on in places that don't affect us at all, who's going to vote for them? Who do they think they are, anyway? Or, they're day dreamers who come up with Big Schemes rather than do what everybody else does, which is Work Hard -- Work Hard and Save. The ones who sing "Over the Rainbow" instead of feeding the hogs. You know what they lack? COMMON SENSE. They don't understand that if this new idea of theirs was any good, somebody would've already figured it out and put it in place. They just don't get it, that, in this town, IF YOU BUILD IT, PEOPLE WON'T COME; They'll stay away to make a point -- or maybe show up once, just for a good laugh. And you know what? The prom queens and valedictorians, the know-it-alls with the superior attitudes who want to change things just for the sake of being different -- they usually come to a bad end. They're never satisfied, they get divorced, they lose their business, their kids get dangerous ideas and end up on drugs or pregnant. Or they move away (another form of coming to a Bad End), which is fine with us. They never really did belong here. Probably best for all if they do move somewhere else.
http://theurbanophile.blogspot.com/
thanks Roger
the thanks Roger was for 11:04 post
11:04 Roger, insults are rather low on your list???
Hmmmm...calling people pigs, cowards, juvenile, a lying b****, facist, countless insults toward council members...on and on and on.
What came first? The anon insults or Roger's insults?
Are anon insults a product of what Roger has created with his personal attacks on others? You say insults are low on your list, yet you seem to dish them out all the time, but when someone insults you, you can't take it!
I LOVE this!:
8:04 Roger I think you should keep in mind that you have a public blog called Confidential, and yet have a sign that says "citizens against anonymity" can you explain this please?
What's your response Roger?
Anon 11:29
Let's ASSUME everything you wrote is true.
If so, you're saying:
(1) Two wrongs make a rights, and
(2) You're not going to be an adult and rise above it.
Who cares if Roger called you a name. That doesn't make it right for you to do the same.
Good New York Times article today. One part reads:
Researchers have long known that people cling to their personal biases more tightly when feeling threatened. After thinking about their own inevitable death, they become more patriotic, more religious and less tolerant of outsiders, studies find. When insulted, they profess more loyalty to friends — and when told they’ve done poorly on a trivia test, they even identify more strongly with their school’s winning teams.
Can we think of anyone in NA who might feel threatened of outsiders?
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/06/health/06mind.html?_r=1&8dpc
8:04 Roger I think you should keep in mind that you have a public blog called Confidential, and yet have a sign that says "citizens against anonymity" can you explain this please?
Come on. Is that really the best you can do? Have you not seen the movie LA Confidential? Even though "Confidential" is in the title, it's not like Roger hides his views there.
Petty.
Petty.
Petty.
Petty.
Do I expect anonymous to admit that there's no contradiction between having a blog titled "Confidential" and having an "Against Anonymity" sign? No. I think someone just hates Roger, and will make up some other pointless reason to try and "get" him.
Dear Anon 11:29,
There's one more point you're missing.
Roger didn't print up the signs the read "Citizens Against Anonymity."
There were at least four different donors to the effort. Roger merely posted a satirical "sign" on his blog. After Roger's post on NAC, other people raised the money to print "Yes" signs and it was other people who decided upon the final design. Roger did NOT decide to include "Citizens Against Anonymity" on the physical signs, nor did he contribute majority of the funds to print the signs.
Dear Lone, Vocal, Anonymous Name Caller,
You seem to think Roger is the only Progressive in town.
Drive by Bank Street some time.
Is Roger the only one there?
No, New Albany citizens are voting with their dollars six nights a week. A few hundred people enjoy that sidewalk and patio every day.
If you're not a fan of Roger's beer, and there's no requirement that you be a fan, you can try one of the many other new downtown spots.
Eat a pancake at Toast on Market, drive wine at the Winery, have eggs at the Downtown Dinner, a sandwich at the Market Street Fish House. Soon you can add to the list a pizza at Wicks and a taco at La Rosita.
Those places don't stay in business because Roger blogs about them. They don't stay in business because of one or two people. Those places stay in business because hundreds of people every day pay their own hard earned money to come downtown and have a good time.
It's hardly just Roger. It's many, many people.
Latest FOS Slope asks if Coffey was "set up."
Sorry folks, it's Coffey's job to know the city budget rules.
If he made a lot of claims before having all the facts, that's his own damn fault.
Even though he has outwitted the CIA and FBI for years, England can't open Coffey's mouth for him.
Roger has a sign...sorry two signs in the small patch of grass in front of his business. I don't care if Vicki payed for those signs, he's stating what he believes, which changes according to the circumstances.
And you all talk about honor, and your word. What good is your word when it constantly changes?
Anon 11:08, That blog post perfectly describes Coffey, Price, Denhart and friends.
And you all talk about honor, and your word. What good is your word when it constantly changes?
Must be talking about Coffey, no doubt?
Many Many people who have no idea why there are signs in the front of NA brew house, or what they really mean.
And you all talk about honor, and your word. What good is your word when it constantly changes?
What good is your word when you lie about being a college professor, lie about the city paying for Roger's patio, lie about having secret tapes and knowing about FBI investigations?
Many Many people who have no idea why there are signs in the front of NA brew house, or what they really mean.
I agree. I think most people have no idea what the "yes" signs mean and have no idea what the "no" signs mean. Most don't care, even though the issues do affect them.
Okay, Coffee is not New Albany, and neither are you.
You forget there is a council, and on top of there is a Mayor that you payed for.
You seem to think that council members are exclusive from the whole of New Albany's gov. they are not exclusive, nor do they wield as much power as the mayor.
Why are you never critical of the mayor?
You should go watch the t.v. program that was on PBS tonight about the LA Times.
FF, the authors of the federalist papers risked hanging by the British.
What, might I ask, does an Anonymous poster here have to fear? Does Mayor England have henchmen who break your kneecaps?
I'll give up my anonymity if everyone else does too.
Okay, Coffee is not New Albany, and neither are you.
I don't think you know who I am. How do you know I'm never critical of the Mayor?
Don't attack me for not attaching the Mayor. Coffey, Price and Denhart say a lot of stupid stuff and are unwilling to defend it.
I have my beefs with the Mayor. There are times when I have a question and I get an unsatisfactory explanation. However, with the administration, there's hardly the complete disregard for facts, logic and the law that you see from some council members.
The federalist papers were written between 1788-1789, the revolution ended in 1783. Get your history straight, or just don't talk about things you don't understand.
Just go to wikipedia and brush up on your history, or if you want I can give you the text book I had.
Maybe if you give more money to the next candidate you won't have any beef perhaps just chicken that is healthier, and we all need that.
Oooh, way to dodge the real question, FF. Instead of answering the question of what Anonymous bloggers in NA have to fear, you go on a pedantic, Wikipedia fueled rant on early American history. We all know this is a blog on constitutional issues and not New Albany politics. Glad you filled me in.
Someone asked the Anon critic how many people s/he employed in New Albany.
What reponse did we hear? A critic of Roger's signs?
I guess the answer is "I employ zero people in New Albany."
That's OK. I don't employ anyone either. Nor am I an elected official of city employee. I don't hold myself out to the public as being President of a PAC either.
However, there are elected officials in NA who say stupid stuff, who ignore laws, and who ignore facts.
Those people need to be held to account.
As a point of clarification, FF, I wouldn't say the Federalists (or Anti-Federalists) didn't need to fear the British at all. Remember the War of 1812? For decades after the revolution, there was fear that the British would come back an exact revenge, as they did, including burning of the White House in 1814.
Roger, unlike Price of Coffey, is not an elected official. I don't know about Roger's contradictions and I'll let others point those out.
However, if Roger questions a public action by a public official, the best respond (for the interest of civil discourse) is not to attack Roger. The best response is for the public official to explain and defend his or her actions.
Why do "the little people" so want to believe that Roger is the only one who can post anonymously here.
I know why. The little people really want to believe that Roger is the only person in New Albany who wants progress. If anonymous believes that only Roger wants progress, then they can ignore the thousands of people who shop, live, work and dine downtown every week and who tell themselves when downtown, "Wow, this place would be really nice if they just cleaned it up a little bit."
Anonymous 12:08am - "henchmen who break your kneecaps?" heard those stories have you? Yes, isn't that why they call New Albany - Little Chicago?
Yes, and we still fear the British for their slick accent, and horrible looking teeth. We can just attack Canada again to let them know we mean business.
It's well know that we were afraid of Britain after the war of independence right?
Sometimes it is best to admit you are wrong or you do not know better instead of trying to defend a comeback that turns into a plane crash.
For you to post anon is no longer fun because we all know who you are it's so obvious.
Thousands of people who shop and eat in New Albany? Who's glass pipe are you smoking from?
I would love to see thousands of people living,eating,and drinking in New Albany. I never said I wanted to see businesses fail in New Albany, no ones. I only do this for the pure enjoyment of pissing you off with your super sized ego that will never let anything go.
I have nothing at stake if New Albany fails or makes it. You however should appease me the customer to come to your establishment more often, so that New Albany has more of a chance. Your lack of knowledge on American history does not help New Albany.
Do you know every single person who walks through your door? No, because if you did I wouldn't be anonymous.
"(1) Two wrongs make a rights, and
(2) You're not going to be an adult and rise above it.
Who cares if Roger called you a name. That doesn't make it right for you to do the same."
Your missing the point Roger or you don't like it. If everyone wants to see a higher standard of discourse it needs to start with the guy who is the worst.
between having a blog titled "Confidential" and having an "Against Anonymity" sign? No. I think someone just hates Roger, and will make up some other pointless reason to try and "get" him.
Do I expect anonymous to admit that there's no contradiction
Do I expect you to see that it is a contradiction "yes" do you "no"
Roger you don't see that the hate you write out is the underliner for most of this
I think someone just hates Roger, and will make up some other pointless reason to try and "get" him
no, I like you Roger I just want you to be a better citizen then what you currently are. If I hated you I would not bother with trying to show you your contridictions and hypocracy.
Anyhow crying that you are hated is a sad attempt in dogging the point the you are a hypocrit
Petty.
Petty.
Petty.
Petty.
Fact
Fact
Fact
typing this way petty
11:04 Roger, insults are rather low on your list???
Hmmmm...calling people pigs, cowards, juvenile, a lying b****, facist, countless insults toward council members...on and on and on.
What came first? The anon insults or Roger's insults?
Are anon insults a product of what Roger has created with his personal attacks on others? You say insults are low on your list, yet you seem to dish them out all the time, but when someone insults you, you can't take it!
(1) Two wrongs make a rights, and
(2) You're not going to be an adult and rise above it.
Who cares if Roger called you a name. That doesn't make it right for you to do the same.
Please fallow your own advise
Please start with yourself
Please start with your columns
Please tell your friends to help you
Please start at your blog,twitter,facebook...etc
Wow, I'm a popular guy ... and one or two of you must have raw fingers.
Note again: Where you see something written with my log-in ID and pretty mug, that's me writing it. No log-in ID and pretty mug -- that isn't me.
It's so simple that even the little people have the capability, if not the intent, to grasp it.
anyone attend last nights council meeting?
Roger MUST be omnipotent and everywhere. I mean, Yvonne knew he hacked into her computer too.
"C.D., no one said you did "claim to be perfect," we know your not. Its the pedestal you and your friends try to sit on that people think you act like you are perfect."
Pedestal? What pedestal? Last I looked I had my feet firmly on the ground.
Acting like I am perfect? I dont do that either. I act in a manner that directly reflect who and what I am. Just an everyday work-a-holic Joe trying to make a living, and watching out for my interests.
If that makes me seem like I am trying to project that I think I am perfect, then it is YOUR point of view that is askewed, not my position.
"hypocrisy is when someone tells other people not to do things and then does it themselves
it is not a no or yes response to hypocrisy"
Either you are incapable of understanding the context of the question I posed, or you did a really good job at avoiding trying to answer something that you know you have no answer to support you stance.
Care to try again?
(not being argumentative, simply trying to actually engage in a meaningful debate with you)
"It's so simple that even the little people have the capability, if not the intent, to grasp it"
(1) Two wrongs make a rights, and
(2) You're not going to be an adult and rise above it.
Who cares if Roger called you a name. That doesn't make it right for you to do the same.
Please fallow your own advise
Please start with yourself
Please start with your columns
Please tell your friends to help you
Please start at your blog,twitter,facebook...etc
"It's so simple that even the little people have the capability, if not the intent, to grasp it"
(1) Two wrongs make a rights, and
(2) You're not going to be an adult and rise above it.
Who cares if Roger called you a name. That doesn't make it right for you to do the same.
Please fallow your own advise
Please start with yourself
Please start with your columns
Please tell your friends to help you
Please start at your blog,twitter,facebook...etc
11:04 Roger, insults are rather low on your list???
Hmmmm...calling people pigs, cowards, juvenile, a lying b****, facist, countless insults toward council members...on and on and on.
What came first? The anon insults or Roger's insults?
Are anon insults a product of what Roger has created with his personal attacks on others? You say insults are low on your list, yet you seem to dish them out all the time, but when someone insults you, you can't take it!
If you are to blame a person of hypocrisy, any person, and a person asks questions as to why you feel that way, or what proof there is, should you not answer that?
nobody arguing your point other then yourself no response needed
answering question and hypocrisy are not the same thing
I attended the city council meeting last night but I have not had a chance to write an article about it. Stay tuned please.
"nobody arguing your point other then yourself no response needed
answering question and hypocrisy are not the same thing"
So it is your contention that you do not need to answer simple questions, but yet are free to slander people and businesses, correct?
Does this not make you exactly what you are pointing out as others faults?
Are you going to answer that, or completely avoid the question again.
Refusal to answer even simple questions regarding your stance basically proves that what you have to say is empty, with no merit to back up what you say, you do realize that dont you?
What questions am I demanding to be answered I am not demanding anything I am pointing out hypocracy
Try reading a little before you react please.
I asked you a question, I did not say that you were demanding answers.
But thank you for helping me make my point by just being you.
9:06, We have read your many manuscripts with boundless attacks. As it is unthinkable we shall ever see it equal, we are, to our regret, compelled to return your divine compositions.
It's all bias and full of venom.
Latest FOS Slop:
"New Albany has some time to respond to the audit prepared by the State Board of Accounts before it becomes official, Gibson said. Therefore the initial report is still preliminary."
That is "bullshit" Mr. Gibson!
What does the England Administration have to hide?
Plenty, wait until you taxpayers see the 2008 Audit!!!!!
It's going to come out and NO amount of SPIN is going to "cover up" what this Administration did with tax payers money in 2008.
Come on Professor. We know you have ties to the FBI and CIA. We know you've followed the paper trail. I won't tell anyone, I promise. Tell me everything you know about the missing millions?
More hypocritical b s from NAC
Sing to the choir Gerbils
"Coffey cooed about providing funding to the same VFW for an Internet cafe to bring grandparents and grandchildren together, we can surmise that all of it was choreographed in advance without the necessity of a last-minute rotary dial cell phone call, but really, does this matter"
It matters if you accuse other people of making accusation without facts and then do it yourself
Hypocrite
except that in some way and at some level, all of them were in on the fix last night. You can't convince me that any of it was improvisational.
nice accusation where is the facts
Hypocrite
Council aids and abets Coffey in master plan debacle, then has a drink or two and says, "whatever."
“whatever” if anything in this thread is fact… just hypocritical opinion
sing to the choir Gerbils Hypocrite
Roger must support the Patriot Act because he has been listening in on Coffey's phone conversations with the VFW
Secret agent Roger
Hypocrite
why should we have a council or mayor Roger knows everything he should be king
long live the infallible hypocrite
why should we have a council or mayor Roger knows everything he should be king
long live the infallible hypocrite
unfortunately the anonymous who wrote this is too damn stupid, ignorant, uneducated, and blinded by hate to know true hypocracy when it sees it, such as when looking in the mirror.
u sooooo good at calling names.
what have you accomplished with your life other than being a hateful, confused victim?
Anon 11:47, Did Roger pay you to say that too?
Anon 11:47, Did Roger pay you to say that too?
Not only are you good at calling names, you're also good at avoiding REAL issues.
"unfortunately the anonymous who wrote this is too damn stupid, ignorant, uneducated, and blinded by hate to know true hypocracy when it sees it, such as when looking in the mirror."
sorry if I struck a cord Roger but I just point out your hypocracy on your blog
o x oo xx X x
it an issue to me
hypocrits suck
Okay, I do really hate to cast stones.
But those against Roger continually criticize him for cursing and such behavior at official procedings.
At the Tuesday night plan commission hearing regarding CCE, a particular person who is often cited as a "victim" of Roger was throwing the curse words around, calling people names, scoffing out loud, and generally throwing fits.
At one point another person who is also listed as being a victim of Roger actually had to go up to the person and verbally remind them to only read what was prepared for them, and to not "loose her cool and make a scene".
Folks, its time we get over all of this he said / she said poop.
This is OUR community, it belongs to ALL of us. We are not always going to agree, and thats fine.
But we have to ask ourselves, how much damage are we doing to our community by this in-fighting? We are allowing people like CCE to continue the damage they do to our community while we sit back and hack each other apart.
If Coffey and I can exchange kinds words and thank each other for support on a common issue, despite some of the very heated confrontastions we have had, then anything is possible.
WE all just need to make it happen.
Well said Chris. I wish you luck in spreading those words of wisdom, especially since wisdom is often so hated in New Albany.
I'm not sure if it's wisdom that's hated, or the wise who are hated. Oh course, the truly wise know truth, with time and persistence, is on their side.
I would live in New Albany if it had trendy shops and bars or not. I still like this town in whatever state it is in. I have no personal gain if affluent people come in and set up shop or not. I ran into my 2nd cousins who I haven't seen in a couple of months at Pastimes, and I liked it. The simple pleasures of walking or riding my bicycle around New Albany I hope will never change.
Undermining the average citizen of New Albany is not as great as some people would believe. Diversity isn't all that bad, Mr. Baylor should know that from all his traveling. If you badly want to be smug with upper middle class people who have read Kant, then go to Frankfort Ave. You can't force your Utopian idea of a city if it doesn't want to be.
It's like being George W. Bush, and trying to bomb democracy into Iraq.
If a business opens in New Albany to exploit it's charm for personal economic funds it will more then likely fail. The Hitching Post, Good Times, Shooters, and Pastimes have been around for awhile because the owners are not trying to make it big in New Albany. The Little Chef is still around because they ask for little money to serve you.
If you truly want to change New Albany around to become a hip Yuppie community with Volkswagons, and bicycles you should first start in the neighborhoods.
Instead of buying a building downtown and putting in a restaurant you should of bought blocks of undeveloped neighborhoods, and slum lord rentals on 8th street. Then, you could fix them up increase the value of the property, and drive out the unwanted average New Albanian, so your idea of what a New Albanian should be will be more likely to move there.
Or, Roger could start a school with his friends help, and lecture about Europe to the average New Albanian, and then their ideas of life will change and will be more likely to spend $20 for 2 beers and some fries. I could help out with this too, I can tell people how I got grouped by prostitutes in the city of Prague in the Czech Republic in 2006 while drinking a $1.00 Pilsner. Hey, maybe I should have my own guest column? I don't have any business to plug, so maybe it would be more sincere, and enjoyable for readers?
For progressive sake, how can we get ride of slum lords in New Albany? I think someone said that Coffey protects them, so we should get rid of Coffey on the council and that will solve the problem? No, we can't because one person does not make the majority. Any other ideas?
Improving the housing infrastructure in New Albany begins with us.
We have to let our elected officials know that we are tired of the blight. Then we have to keep the pressure on them to enforce the laws that are currently on the books and have been court tested.
Now, as a disclaimer, improving the housing infrastructure does not mean that I support or condone removal of impoverished peoples from our city.
Simply becuse a person is poor does not mean that they have to live in substandard, unsafe housing.
There are many landlords in this city how maintain decent housing at an affordable price, those houses are up to code, safe and not a detraction for the rest of the surrounding houses.
Do I think that any individual in particular in the hallowed halls of the government center are protecting any slumlords, no not one in particular.
But as a collective, our local government has largely ignored the slumlord mentality in our city, and by ignoring it, they are enabling it.
This is not a new problem here in town, and as such the buck stops with all of us, if we continue to re-elect officials who do not take swift and resolute action, we are by proxy also enabling that particular sect of landlords who skirt their responsibilities.
*second disclaimer, not all landlords are slumlords. Use the outlaw biker rule, only a small percentage of them are outlaws, but the publics perception is that most are the bad guys, when that is not the case.
If you badly want to be smug with upper middle class people who have read Kant, then go to Frankfort Ave. You can't force your Utopian idea of a city if it doesn't want to be.
Way to build up a straw man, paint with a broad brush, AND avoid the issue.
Improving NA in no way means making it into a carbon copy of Frankfort Ave. I don't know anyone or any organization who has that goal. Therefore, dismissing any attempt at improvement/code enforcement/rule of law as trying to be like "'em people" is off base.
Or, Roger could start a school with his friends help, and lecture about Europe to the average New Albanian, and then their ideas of life will change and will be more likely to spend $20 for 2 beers and some fries. I could help out with this too, I can tell people how I got grouped by prostitutes in the city of Prague in the Czech Republic in 2006 while drinking a $1.00 Pilsner. Hey, maybe I should have my own guest column? I don't have any business to plug, so maybe it would be more sincere, and enjoyable for readers?
I don't know what the point of this paragraph is. Roger has been clear that he does not drink Bud Lite. Roger, to the best of my knowledge, has not advocated banning Bud Lite distributors from New Albany. Yes, Past Times and Hitching Post are full. That's fine. But is Roger's brewery too high class, too "Frankfort Ave." for New Albany? If it were, it wouldn't be full every night.
New Albany's not too small for one type of beer or one type of person.
I'd be really interested in an explanation of what constitutes an "average" New Albanian, how that definition has or hasn't changed over time, and what, if any, responsibility the "average" have in attempting to make themselves or the city above average.
When I see people referring to Frankfort Ave. being full of yuppies it have to laugh.
Back, waaaaaaaaaaaaaay baaaaaaaack
when I was a kid, Frankfort Ave. was a working class neighborhood and the "snobs" lived in the Highlands or St. Matthews. My grandparents lived on Payne St. So I knew the area well.
I wish NA was a little more "Frankfort Ave.", that area has become quite an attraction due to the dedication of a lot of residents.
Okay, I guess I have to say it then for you to understand, just like the Highlands.
Anon, a Czech Pilsner taste nothing like an American Budweiser lager. Just ask Roger he will explain everything.
When I was in Prague you could buy a Czech Pilsner for $1.00 when you converted the $ to crowns. Here in the U.S. a Czech Pilsner cost around $4.
I should feel really silly for the times I have bought a community dark. I could of bought a superior beer for the same price.
When is the next election for the city council? I know the mayor is still going to be in office for a while right?
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