HEY BUDDY, CAN YOU SPARE $100,000?

I arrived late at the City Council meeting last night.  Sheriff Mills was at the podium talking about the plan for metal detectors  for the City-County Bldg.

The Council did approve a non-binding Resolution which basically says they agree that they are needed.  CM Coffey abstained because he did not see a need for the Resolution since an Ordinance will be ready for voting at the next meeting.

The doors facing Hauss Sq. would be open to the public and where we will have to pass through the detectors.  The employees will be given cards so they can scan them to enter the other doors.

I have been very vocal about my support for this measure and applaud Sheriff Mills for taking the initiative and securing all of the equipment.  The $100,000 will be used for salaries for four additional security officers for this year.  After that the Building Authority will add this cost to the rent.  My husband suggested  that the city and county ask for donations from the Floyd County residents to help pay the cost.  Not a bad idea in my opinion.

Daniel Suddeath has an excellent article in today's "Tribune" with more details.

TOASTING LETTY

I had the honor and priviledge to be in attendance for the Toast for Letty Walter this evening at the Culbertson West. 

It was part of the Business and Professional Women's annual scholarship fundraiser.  And it was the  best event I have witnessed in my five or so years as a member of BPW.  Some of my sister members who have been in BPW far longer also said it was the best event we have ever held. 

Culbertson West was filled to capacity with 250 or so of Letty's closest friends and relatives.  Suellen Wilkerson and Rosalee Dowell (who flew home from Florida) were the chairpersons of our committee, and they did a fantastic job, as did our President, Sarah Ring and all of the other committee members.  The Hon. J. Terrence Cody was the emcee with several of New Albany's civic leaders speaking in tribute.  Mayor England declared today "Letty Walter Day" and Commissioner Mark Seabrook read a resolution making January 24 "Letty Walter Day" in Floyd County from now on.

Carl Holliday and Steve Goodman were excellent hosts, as usual and provided a beautiful dinner.

I have not know Letty for as long as many other guests.  But to know Letty is to love her, and she makes everyone feel that they are lifelong friends. 

HOUSE BILL 1022

Rep. Tom Saunders R-District 54 has introduced a bill which would ban employees from serving in two capacities in the city or county.  In other words, Councilmen Jack Messer and Ted Heavrin would not be able to retain their positions as police officers and run for public office.  I think this is a bill that should have been passed a hundred years ago.

Now readers, before you get all upset, let me explain that I was only using CM's Messer and Heavrin as examples.  I have nothing against either of these men personally but they are city and county police officers and currently serve on the city and county councils respectively.

As you probably know, any Federal employee cannot serve as an elected public servant.  If a postal worker cannot be an elected official why should a police officer, or a city sanitation worker, or street department employee?  I have always thought this was unfair.  To me it seems like a conflict  of interest.  I know the above mentioned council members always abstain from voting on matters such as salary, but they are still drawing two paychecks from the same local government, which I have heard many people refer to as "double dipping".

So, I want to say that I am thankful to Rep. Saunders for introducing this bill and Rep. Ed Clere for his support.

THE DOWNTOWN PLAZA

I am still trying to get my head around the idea of the city having to foot the 12 million dollar expense for a parking garage on the riverfront.

The idea of a plaza with condos, stores, and other businesses right in the middle of our downtown is certainly exciting.  It will create a lot of jobs and boost our local economy, no argument on that.  It will also be a huge money maker for Jack Bobo and other realtors and developers. 

We all know there will be large tax incentives for everyone involved also. 

So would someone please explain to me why Mr. Bobo insists that he cannot make all of this come true without the help of the city (read New Albany taxpayers)?  Yes, the city will receive tax dollars over a 20 year period but Mr. Bobo and friends will make huge profits all along.  He said that he would not ask the city to contribute more than it would gain.  Would he make an investment in someone said to him, "Jack, I'm not asking you do contribute more than you would gain".  He would probably tell them thanks but no thanks, since the plan would call for him to break even.  He did not get where he is by only breaking even.

I don't claim to be an accountant or financial wizard but I just don't see why Mr. Bobo and friends can't build this building, complete with garage, without asking for the help from the city. 

AND WE'RE OFF!

Apparently most of the important business was settled in the 48 hours prior to tonight's meeting.  Jeff Gahan was the only nominee for Council President.  John Gonder took his gavel and name plate and resumed his previous spot between Diane Benedetti and Jack Messer.

After that there was a lot of discussion on which committee each member would serve.  It basically came out to about the same except that Diane Benedetti is off of  the Fire Dept. Committee and on the Police Dept. Committee.

A couple of contracts seem to be up for renewal, namely Mathew Lorch, the council attorney and Ed Wilkinson, the Stormwater Engineer.  It looks like both gentlemen will keep their jobs since they have done well and no one is eager to replace them.

Maybe our next meeting will have more on the agenda and thus be more entertaining.  There was a woman taping the meeting.  Unfortunately, I did not meet her or get her name but I was told that she is working on a documentary about local government and plans to tape the council meetings in the area.  Maybe next time we will give her a good show.

2010 OH, WHAT A YEAR IT WAS

As 2010 comes to a close I have been doing a little reminiscing.  It was a good year for some and a bad year for many.  Our economy is still in a mess, we are fighting two wars and may even be involved  in a third one soon if North Korea has it''s way.

And on the local scene we have had a tough year too.  I went back and checked out old articles and have listed the  topics in sort of a chronological order.  I'll keep my comments to a minimum but invite everyone to add their own.

• Flooding was a major problem for residents in several ares of town.  The sewers and storm drains were cleaned out and this seemed to have helped.
• Sewer rate increases:  We didn't want this to happen but it passed anyway.
• Delinquent sewer bills. Some progress has been made but we still have a long way to go.
• Annexation.  Put off another year.
• LOIT tax. Another unpopular topic.
• Historic Preservation, the commission was saved.  But we will always have controversy.
• Grant for the S. Ellen Jones/Midtown neighborhood.  Dilapidated homes are being repaired or torn down and more local residents are being employed to help.
• Combine the 911 city and county call centers. 
• P.O.P. more concentrated police presence in various areas of town.  Seems to be working, especially with the 20 arrests on the apartment complex on Green Valley Rd.
• Globe Mechanical expanding and adding 40 jobs.
• The election.
• Bridge tolls.  Why can't they just build the east end bridge and see what happens? 
• New Albany's Budget.

Here's hoping that 2011 finds everyone working and living in safe warm homes with plenty of food.  I know that is not possible but let's see how close we can come.

        HAPPY NEW YEAR
        NEW ALBANY !!!!!!

SEE YOU LATER, BARON

Baron Hill  is visiting every county in the 9th District, but not to say goodbye.  He started this morning in Salem, and is ending the day in Clarksville, visiting 10 cities in 48 hours.  He called it his "See You Later" tour.  

He stopped by the Floyd County Democratic Headquarters this evening to have a quick but meaningful visit with some of his constituents.  He was very frank and open, as always, and answered our questions. 

He is very concerned about Congress, as are many others.  He said the new Congress Members are mostly newly elected as are many other elected officials, including clerks.  The clerks, many which are untrained, will be in charge of the 2012 elections and there will be mistakes. (Thankfully the voters of Floyd County have re-elected Linda Moeller so we are in good shape.) The untrained Congress Membership is much more frightening.  It's going to be totally new territory for many. 

Baron is unsure about his own future but he has been talking to a lot of people and he is very hopeful. (He did say, however that Betty wants him to stay off the campaign trail for a little while). He promised to stay informed politically and keep us here in New Albany informed as well.  He was happy to say that his staff members are finding new positions, both locally and in Washington.  As he said, that just shows what a good reputation his employees enjoy.

I just want to wish Baron the best here on this blog as I did downtown. Hopefully soon we will have to opportunity to welcome him back into public service. (fingers crossed)