There have been a few comments regarding the neighborhood forum scheduled for tomorrow night. One poster asked "Why bother?" another poster seemed excited about going and mentioned that the "Silent Majority" will not remain silent.
To answer the question of why bother?, Why NOT BOTHER. Maybe there is some apathy, or a lot of apathy here in town but we need to stop just talking among ourselves and tell the people who run this city how we feel and what needs to be done. The Mayor and City Council are elected officials and they know we can "talk" with our votes.
I liked the comment from the poster talking about the Silent Majority and how they will not remain so. We need someone to jump start this town and wake up our sleeping citizens.
I was jealous when I read the article about Jeffersonville and all of the improvements they have made. New Albany is a prettier town after all, at least I think so. We have to quit being the sleepy little river town and liven up. And no I don't mean that we need more strip bars either. We need to encourage new businesses and support the businesses which are already established. We can't sit around and wait for the President to drop a few crumbs from his table. There are too many other towns with their hands out and some are even worse off than us, Elkhart for instance.
Please attend this forum if at all possible and attend as many council meetings as you can.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS
Mayor England gave his "State of the City" address last night at the City Council meeting. Although many people seemed to be pleased with his take on our local government, as for me, not so much.
He expressed disappointment that the LOIT tax was not passed. He said the police and fire department employees need the additional funds to hire additional workers. I think we need additional workers also. There are a lot of people who need these jobs, but in my opinion we did not need the LOIT tax. Even though this would have been a relatively small deduction, it was still another deduction to an already shrinking paycheck for many people.
One major problem that I had was the remark he made concerning the police and fire department salary increases. He said the City workers were still working at their 2007 salaries. Though I agree with him on that matter, concerning the people working in the City/County Building I disagree when it comes to our police officers and fire fighters.
I did a little research and pulled a Tribune article dated 10/24/08 in which it stated that the 2009 budget would be cut by $600,000. The council voted to use rainy day funds to cover the shortfall. It went on to say, "The amount would still be nearly $210,000 short because of retroactive pay increases. Mayor Doug England signed a contract this week that gives the police and fire department a three percent raise for 2008."
Even though he was probably just talking about the above mentioned City/County employees regarding the salary freeze, I consider the police and fire employees to be employed by the city of New Albany just as the others. Nothing against these people but I believe that other city employees work hard also and are just as loyal. Everyone deserves to be treated equally whether they are making arrests, fighting fires or answering 911 calls or helping citizens with their tax bills or utility bills.
Times are hard for all of us and it will probably get worse before it gets better. Everyone needs to sacrifice.
He expressed disappointment that the LOIT tax was not passed. He said the police and fire department employees need the additional funds to hire additional workers. I think we need additional workers also. There are a lot of people who need these jobs, but in my opinion we did not need the LOIT tax. Even though this would have been a relatively small deduction, it was still another deduction to an already shrinking paycheck for many people.
One major problem that I had was the remark he made concerning the police and fire department salary increases. He said the City workers were still working at their 2007 salaries. Though I agree with him on that matter, concerning the people working in the City/County Building I disagree when it comes to our police officers and fire fighters.
I did a little research and pulled a Tribune article dated 10/24/08 in which it stated that the 2009 budget would be cut by $600,000. The council voted to use rainy day funds to cover the shortfall. It went on to say, "The amount would still be nearly $210,000 short because of retroactive pay increases. Mayor Doug England signed a contract this week that gives the police and fire department a three percent raise for 2008."
Even though he was probably just talking about the above mentioned City/County employees regarding the salary freeze, I consider the police and fire employees to be employed by the city of New Albany just as the others. Nothing against these people but I believe that other city employees work hard also and are just as loyal. Everyone deserves to be treated equally whether they are making arrests, fighting fires or answering 911 calls or helping citizens with their tax bills or utility bills.
Times are hard for all of us and it will probably get worse before it gets better. Everyone needs to sacrifice.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
"QUICK FACTS ON HR676" (OR HR676 FOR DUMMIES)
This is the most comprehensive, easy to understand definition of HR676 that I have seen.
The "United States National Health Insurance Act"
("Expanded & Improved Medicare For All Bill")
*Introduced by Rep. John Conyers (D-MI)
Brief Summary of Legislation: The United States National Health Insurance Act (USNHI) establishes a unique American national universal health insurance program. It creates a publicly financed, privately delivered system of health care modeled on the Medicare program, by expanding and improving it to cover all U.S. residents and residents of U.S. territories. The goal is to ensure that all Americans have access, guaranteed by law, to the highest quality and most cost effective health services regardless of their employment, income, or health status.
Who is Eligible? Every person living or visiting in the United States and the U.S. Territories would receive a United States National Health Insurance Card and ID number once they enroll at the appropriate location.
Health Services Covered: The program will cover all medically necessary services, including primary care, inpatient care, emergency care, prescription drugs, durable medical equipment, long term care, mental health services, dentistry, eye care, chiropractic and substance abuse treatment. Patients have their choice of physicians, providers, hospitals, clinics and practices. No co-pays or deductibles are permissible.
Conversion to a Non-Profit Health System: Private health insurers would be prohibited from selling coverage that duplicates the benefits of the USNHI program, but could insure uncovered care, such as cosmetic surgery. Those who are displaced as the result of the transition to a non-profit health care system are the first to be hired and retained under this act.
Cost Containment Provisions/Reimbursement: The USNHI program will set reimbursement rates annually for physicians, allow for global budgets (annual lump sums for operating expenses) for health care providers; and negotiate prescription drug prices. A "Medicare For All Trust Fund" will be established to ensure a dedicated stream of funding, as well as an annual appropriation to ensure optimal levels of funding for the program.
H.R.676 Would Reduce Overall Health Care Costs - Families Pay Almost 80% Less: In 2007 the average annual premium for families covered under an employee health plan is roughly $11,000 according to the National Coalition on Health Care. A study by leading national economist Dr. Dean Baker of the Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR) concluded that under H.R.676 a family of three making $40,000 per year would spend approximately $1900 per year for health coverage, representing a savings of 80%.
*For more information on H.R.676, please contact:
Joel Segal or Alexia Smokler in the office of Rep. John Conyers (D-MI), at 202 225-5126.
The "United States National Health Insurance Act"
("Expanded & Improved Medicare For All Bill")
*Introduced by Rep. John Conyers (D-MI)
Brief Summary of Legislation: The United States National Health Insurance Act (USNHI) establishes a unique American national universal health insurance program. It creates a publicly financed, privately delivered system of health care modeled on the Medicare program, by expanding and improving it to cover all U.S. residents and residents of U.S. territories. The goal is to ensure that all Americans have access, guaranteed by law, to the highest quality and most cost effective health services regardless of their employment, income, or health status.
Who is Eligible? Every person living or visiting in the United States and the U.S. Territories would receive a United States National Health Insurance Card and ID number once they enroll at the appropriate location.
Health Services Covered: The program will cover all medically necessary services, including primary care, inpatient care, emergency care, prescription drugs, durable medical equipment, long term care, mental health services, dentistry, eye care, chiropractic and substance abuse treatment. Patients have their choice of physicians, providers, hospitals, clinics and practices. No co-pays or deductibles are permissible.
Conversion to a Non-Profit Health System: Private health insurers would be prohibited from selling coverage that duplicates the benefits of the USNHI program, but could insure uncovered care, such as cosmetic surgery. Those who are displaced as the result of the transition to a non-profit health care system are the first to be hired and retained under this act.
Cost Containment Provisions/Reimbursement: The USNHI program will set reimbursement rates annually for physicians, allow for global budgets (annual lump sums for operating expenses) for health care providers; and negotiate prescription drug prices. A "Medicare For All Trust Fund" will be established to ensure a dedicated stream of funding, as well as an annual appropriation to ensure optimal levels of funding for the program.
H.R.676 Would Reduce Overall Health Care Costs - Families Pay Almost 80% Less: In 2007 the average annual premium for families covered under an employee health plan is roughly $11,000 according to the National Coalition on Health Care. A study by leading national economist Dr. Dean Baker of the Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR) concluded that under H.R.676 a family of three making $40,000 per year would spend approximately $1900 per year for health coverage, representing a savings of 80%.
*For more information on H.R.676, please contact:
Joel Segal or Alexia Smokler in the office of Rep. John Conyers (D-MI), at 202 225-5126.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
A NEW DAY
By all accounts yesterday was a great day in America. Everyone seemed to be in a better mood and more energized. We all watched the Inauguration on line here at work (even the Republicans).
Last night I joined a few people at Studios for an evening of celebration. We watched a tape of the Inauguration and clapped and cheered and had a champagne toast after the President's speech.
For the first time in eight years I feel good about my country.
Readers: What are your thoughts?
Last night I joined a few people at Studios for an evening of celebration. We watched a tape of the Inauguration and clapped and cheered and had a champagne toast after the President's speech.
For the first time in eight years I feel good about my country.
Readers: What are your thoughts?
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
IMPORTANT EVENT
This Thursday 1/15/09 Dr. Rob Stone of Hoosiers for a Commonsense Health Plan will make a presentation on single payer health care during the City Council's work session at 6:00PM.
Councilman John Gonder will introduce a resolution endorsing HR676 during the regular meeting. Health care is such an important issue especially now since so many people are losing their jobs and therefore their health insurance also.
Even if a company offers COBRA coverage, it is so expensive that most people cannot afford it.
Also, Mayor England will be giving his State of the City address, so it promises to be a very interesting evening.
Please make an effort to attend this work session and meeting.
Update: Mayor England has postponed his State of the City address until the first council meeting in February. His recovery is taking longer than he expected. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
Councilman John Gonder will introduce a resolution endorsing HR676 during the regular meeting. Health care is such an important issue especially now since so many people are losing their jobs and therefore their health insurance also.
Even if a company offers COBRA coverage, it is so expensive that most people cannot afford it.
Also, Mayor England will be giving his State of the City address, so it promises to be a very interesting evening.
Please make an effort to attend this work session and meeting.
Update: Mayor England has postponed his State of the City address until the first council meeting in February. His recovery is taking longer than he expected. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
Monday, January 12, 2009
A MESSAGE OF HOPE
Rep. Baron Hill had another ceremonial inauguration Saturday, January 10. I attended again as I had in 2007 and was happy and proud to be able to attend.
His speech in 2007 was a little more about himself and the 9th District. He promised to listen to his constituents and carry out his promises.
This time his speech was a little more about the country as a whole. He discussed the bailout of the lending institutions which he rightfully opposed. He talked about how people came up to him as he marched in last year's Harvest Homecoming Parade and thanked him for listening to their concerns. He also touched on our new president-elect. He defended his decision to endorse Mr. Obama even though the majority of the people in Southern Indiana love Hillary. He also loves Hillary, whom he said will be a great Secretary of State, but he endorsed the person who he thought was best fitted to be the leader of the free world. He talked about how many other members of other countries are pleasantly surprised at our choice of a president.
I have always been a Hillary Clinton supporter but I did vote for Barack Obama in the general election. He promised a better life for people like myself and my family and I believed him and still do. After hearing Baron talk along the same lines I felt very uplifted. It was so good to hear a positive message after the last eight years.
After the meeting the crowd gathered around Baron to congratulate him and wish him well. The other members of Hoosiers for a Commonsense Healthcare Plan were there and we surrounded him and asked him to keep healthcare on the "front burner". He promised that he would. That made us all happy and hopeful again.
Baron Hill is a man of integrity who does keep his promises. Thank you Baron.
His speech in 2007 was a little more about himself and the 9th District. He promised to listen to his constituents and carry out his promises.
This time his speech was a little more about the country as a whole. He discussed the bailout of the lending institutions which he rightfully opposed. He talked about how people came up to him as he marched in last year's Harvest Homecoming Parade and thanked him for listening to their concerns. He also touched on our new president-elect. He defended his decision to endorse Mr. Obama even though the majority of the people in Southern Indiana love Hillary. He also loves Hillary, whom he said will be a great Secretary of State, but he endorsed the person who he thought was best fitted to be the leader of the free world. He talked about how many other members of other countries are pleasantly surprised at our choice of a president.
I have always been a Hillary Clinton supporter but I did vote for Barack Obama in the general election. He promised a better life for people like myself and my family and I believed him and still do. After hearing Baron talk along the same lines I felt very uplifted. It was so good to hear a positive message after the last eight years.
After the meeting the crowd gathered around Baron to congratulate him and wish him well. The other members of Hoosiers for a Commonsense Healthcare Plan were there and we surrounded him and asked him to keep healthcare on the "front burner". He promised that he would. That made us all happy and hopeful again.
Baron Hill is a man of integrity who does keep his promises. Thank you Baron.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
COUNCIL MEETING 1/5/09
Last night's council meeting was short but interesting. Of course, Dan Coffey was named the new council president as predicted.
John Gonder relayed a tragic incident where two toddler girls were killed in a fire caused by a cigarette lighter. He asked for stronger enforcement of the novelty lighter ordinance.
President Coffey indicated that the budget would be a top priority for 2009. He wants work to start on the budget immediately. He also asked for an itemized list of the expenses from the damages caused by Hurricane Ike.
Carl Malysz gave a lengthy talk on a variety of issues:
John Gonder relayed a tragic incident where two toddler girls were killed in a fire caused by a cigarette lighter. He asked for stronger enforcement of the novelty lighter ordinance.
President Coffey indicated that the budget would be a top priority for 2009. He wants work to start on the budget immediately. He also asked for an itemized list of the expenses from the damages caused by Hurricane Ike.
Carl Malysz gave a lengthy talk on a variety of issues:
- He gave an update on Mayor England's progress. He is back to work but still undergoing physical therapy.
- He said the Administration was still working on hiring another Code Enforcement Officer as soon as we receive approval from H.U.D. He added that the next 30 days will be quite busy.
1) The Concentrated Code Enforcement position will be filled.
2) A code enforcement hot line will be installed.
3) There will be code enforcement "sweeps" through neighborhoods.
- Indiana will receive 80 Million Dollars in Neighborhood Stabilization Funding. This money will be used to do neighborhood inspections looking for abandoned properties or properties in disrepair with code violations.
- An ordinance for registration of rental properties was proposed effective 2/09. Fees would be waived for a period of time. John Gonder will call another meeting with the code enforcement committee.
I talked to Mr. Malysz after the meeting about the neighborhood sweeps and the 80 mil. He said the smaller cities such as New Albany had a good chance to receive part of these funds since other funding was appropriated for the larger cities. As he said he wants to work with the neighborhood associations. He added that he was interested in helping homeowners who were not able to make needed repairs on their property. This seems like a great idea. Many areas of town have elderly residents on fixed incomes. I strongly recommend representatives from each of the neighborhood associations attend the next council meeting.
On another note. I also want to invite anyone interested in the health care crisis to attend a work session at 6:00 before the next council meeting. More on that later.
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