UP AND RUNNING

Hi everybody.

I have been absent from the blog for a while, mainly because we moved last week and it took forever to get my system set up again. Then I had an eye infection. The last week was pretty much a washout but things are looking better.

There is so much going on now that I don't know what to write about. The disgraceful way Barbara Sillings was treated at the council meeting, the death of the LOIT tax, (yea). But I will think of something soon.

Thanks,

Shirley

HAVE A LITTLE RESPECT

I am extremely upset over an article published in the Tribune 11/26/08 concerning our Township Assessor, Barbara Sillings. There was a special meeting of the Floyd County Council to determine Ms. Sillings future.

Since the majority of voters decided to eliminate her office she has been in limbo concerning her status. What bothered me about the article was the way she was portrayed as either a petulant child or a greedy politician. She is neither. Barbara Sillings is an honorable person who would not draw a paycheck for doing nothing.

Larry McAllister, the President of the council was quoted as saying, "I know she wants to work because she wants to run for office again." He went on to say, "I know she would not take a salary and not work, her political future would be in jeopardy." Please, Mr. McAllister, I don't think you meant that the way it sounded. That would imply that Ms. Sillings would draw a salary and not work if it were not her intention to run for office in the future.

Another disturbing part of the article was how Ms. Sillings and Ms. Egge were told to work things out. We are talking about two office holders here, not two kids on a playground. Ms. Sillings and Ms. Egge are adults, Mr. McAllister. They will be able to work together and get through these next two years with with a positive attitude.

I respect Ms. Sillings a great deal. She handled her loss election night with dignity and grace and will continue to act the same way during the rest of her term in office.

THANKSGIVING WISHES

I want to wish everyone a happy, healthy, joyous and blessed Thanksgiving.


Shirley

HIGH BILLS/LOW BANK BALANCE

As you probably know, the city council passed the budget. The Courier Journal and New Albany Confidential have all of the details so I won't repeat them.

As for myself, I'm just glad we have this behind us. Now that we know what we have, or don't have to work with, we can try to solve all of the rest or our fair city's problems.

Readers, what do you think?

IMPORTANT EVENT

Please come to hear Dr. Rob Stone speak about HR676, the John Conyers sponsored single payer health plan.


This event will take place at the IUS Library on the 2nd floor at 7:00 PM this Thursday 11/20.


Healthcare is such an important issue to all of us now with so many people losing their coverage.


Please see John Gonder's blog Gonder for New Albany at Large for more information.

SHE'LL VOTE NO

I saw Carol Shope tonight and she asked me to inform everyone I know that she will vote NO on the LOIT Tax at the December 9th County Council meeting.

Thank you Carol.

Shirley

BUDGET CUTS: WHAT DO YOU THINK?

I will not be able to attend the city council meeting Thursday 11/20 but I did speak out in support of the budget cuts for the police, fire and board of works departments at the last meeting. Everyone listened attentively and there were no negative comments. For that I was thankful.

I have reprinted my notes below. Will these cuts be enough? Are we asking too much of a sacrifice? Please add your opinion.

thanks,

Shirley

"I am here to speak about the ordinance which involves asking the police, fire department and board of works to cut expenses by $70,000 per year.

The police and fire departments budgets take up 84% of the general fund. While the other departments are asked to tighten their belts these two departments are given raises. Every department needs to trim expenses.

I know CM Price has advocated restrictions on the take home police cars and I agree with him on this issue. Fortunately gas prices have dropped by $2.00 a gallon, so the amount the police need to pay for the use of the cars after hours has been cut nearly in half.

Additionally overtime is another problem. We need to hire more police officers and fire fighters so the current employees can work their normal shifts. Maybe if these ideas are implemented we can come closer to meeting our budget for this year."