I received an email from Linda Moeller, today. She informed me that Governor Howard Dean has been confirmed as the featured speaker at the JJ Dinner November 12, 2009.
We don't have all of the information yet but Linda said plans are being made. I will post all information as soon as I receive it.
See you on November 12.
Shirley
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
SITTING ON THE FENCE
I find myself in an unusual position. I am unable to come to a logical opinion about an important matter.
Although I did not attend the City Council meeting on July 6, I have read several other peoples' opinions about the EDIT funds being used to increase the number of police officers.
On one side, we all know the city has a crime problem. The officers say their numbers are too low to adequately enforce the laws and capture the criminals. The Mayor, the Police Chief and some members of the council agree that using EDIT funds is the answer.
On the other side, many citizens and some council members believe that the city cannot afford to use the EDIT funds at this time to hire more officers.
I can see the value of both sides of the argument, hence my inability to make a decision.
When I heard the officers speaking at the last council meeting last month I was upset and disappointed that they talked of moving out of New Albany because our city was not a safe place to raise their families. Isn't that their job? Aren't they supposed to "protect and serve"? Are those just words? They said that if we had more officers on the job New Albany would be safer and our crime level would go way down. Would they move back here if the crime level was reduced? Would using EDIT funds solve the problems?
Then I read on another blog about how we have 1.8 police officers per 1,000. That is considered adequate for a city of this size. Is the problem not the number of officers but that our officers are not as well trained as those of another city? Is the problem "quality" not "quantity"? Personally I don't think this is the case. I have a lot of respect for Chief Crabtree and I think he is doing the best he can with the number of officers he has to work with.
I guess we just need to figure out how to come up with the money to hire new officers, pave our streets, fix our sewers, etc., etc, etc. Maybe we citizens should each pitch in a dollar and buy 37,000 lottery tickets in the name of New Albany.
Although I did not attend the City Council meeting on July 6, I have read several other peoples' opinions about the EDIT funds being used to increase the number of police officers.
On one side, we all know the city has a crime problem. The officers say their numbers are too low to adequately enforce the laws and capture the criminals. The Mayor, the Police Chief and some members of the council agree that using EDIT funds is the answer.
On the other side, many citizens and some council members believe that the city cannot afford to use the EDIT funds at this time to hire more officers.
I can see the value of both sides of the argument, hence my inability to make a decision.
When I heard the officers speaking at the last council meeting last month I was upset and disappointed that they talked of moving out of New Albany because our city was not a safe place to raise their families. Isn't that their job? Aren't they supposed to "protect and serve"? Are those just words? They said that if we had more officers on the job New Albany would be safer and our crime level would go way down. Would they move back here if the crime level was reduced? Would using EDIT funds solve the problems?
Then I read on another blog about how we have 1.8 police officers per 1,000. That is considered adequate for a city of this size. Is the problem not the number of officers but that our officers are not as well trained as those of another city? Is the problem "quality" not "quantity"? Personally I don't think this is the case. I have a lot of respect for Chief Crabtree and I think he is doing the best he can with the number of officers he has to work with.
I guess we just need to figure out how to come up with the money to hire new officers, pave our streets, fix our sewers, etc., etc, etc. Maybe we citizens should each pitch in a dollar and buy 37,000 lottery tickets in the name of New Albany.
Friday, June 26, 2009
HERE WE GO AGAIN
I usually only discuss issues having to do with New Albany but this really got to me. I just read in the "Tribune" that David Camm's conviction has been overturned by the Supreme Court (Indiana).
Unbelievable.
Unbelievable.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
POOLS, POOLS, AND MORE POOLS
I must admit to being a little confused. There was an article in the Tribune today about the need for a new swimming pool in the area of Community Park. Right below was a picture of the three pools at the YMCA which were barely occupied.
Would someone please explain to me what is wrong with these pools?
The article went on to say that the children who live in public housing are transported to the YMCA twice a week to swim for free. I think this is a wonderful idea and I commend the management of the YMCA for doing this service.
Still, the administration sees a need for more swimming facilities. Can't the Camille Wright pool be rebuilt? I know it was expensive to repair but there is already a hole in the ground...
Just wondering.
Would someone please explain to me what is wrong with these pools?
The article went on to say that the children who live in public housing are transported to the YMCA twice a week to swim for free. I think this is a wonderful idea and I commend the management of the YMCA for doing this service.
Still, the administration sees a need for more swimming facilities. Can't the Camille Wright pool be rebuilt? I know it was expensive to repair but there is already a hole in the ground...
Just wondering.
Friday, June 12, 2009
COMMUNITY SERVICE IN NEW ALBANY
I called Mr. Don Harshey, the Floyd County Director of Community Corrections today and left a message on his voice mail. He returned my call very quickly and gave me a lot of information about community service.
As it turns out these people are kept quite busy. Following is a list of some of the projects these people perform:
- Upkeep on the Township cemeteries.
- Clean up the parking lot behind the old Schmitt Furniture building (city owned property).
- Pick up the driftwood and debris along the riverfront after a flood.
- Maintain the area near the exit ramps from the expressways.
- Upkeep along the Greenway.
- Clean the outdoor enclosures for the animals at the shelter.
- Work with the Code Enforcement Officer to clean out and board up abandoned houses.
- Help the Veterans organizations and other non-profits.
- Unload the trucks taking food to the Food Bank every Thursday.
He said this plan has been in effect for over twenty years. They do not go down Main St. and pick up candy wrappers because the prefer to have the workers do ongoing projects, especially for charitable organizations.
Mr. Harshey said that plans that work never get recognition but if there was a problem they would be all over the news, sad but true.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
HOW CAN WE REALLY CLEAN UP NEW ALBANY?
There was a lively blog discussion on another blog the other day about placing trash cans in different areas of the city. Some people liked the idea while others thought this would encourage more people to bring their trash to these areas and sometimes "miss" the trash cans resulting in
piles of trash on the ground.
Another thought was having the non-violent offenders at the Floyd County Jail pick up trash around town.
The idea of placing trash cans around town sounds good to me. Maybe people will get the hint and realize that people in this town want our town kept clean.
I also like the idea of offenders picking up trash. There was talk about the problem of liability and insurance. What if people were offered community service instead of jail time for minor, non-violent offences? This would help with our jail overcrowding and clean up our city at the same time.
Thoughts anyone?
piles of trash on the ground.
Another thought was having the non-violent offenders at the Floyd County Jail pick up trash around town.
The idea of placing trash cans around town sounds good to me. Maybe people will get the hint and realize that people in this town want our town kept clean.
I also like the idea of offenders picking up trash. There was talk about the problem of liability and insurance. What if people were offered community service instead of jail time for minor, non-violent offences? This would help with our jail overcrowding and clean up our city at the same time.
Thoughts anyone?
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
OTHER PEOPLE'S WORK
Hi Everybody,
I have not commented on Monday's City Council meeting because there is nothing more to add to the great reporting done by Daniel Suddeath of the Tribune. He explained how the ordinances were passed and the discussion that took place in a very easy to understand manner. Unfortunately, I do not know how to link the article, I am so computer illiterate. Therefore it will be necessary to check it out online if you wish to read it.
Another much more talented writer is John Gonder. I highly recommend that you check out his blog, Gonder for New Albany At-Large. He gives the best reasoning for single payer health care that I have seen in a long time.
So that's all I have for now, not out of laziness, I just know talent when I see it.
Shirley
I have not commented on Monday's City Council meeting because there is nothing more to add to the great reporting done by Daniel Suddeath of the Tribune. He explained how the ordinances were passed and the discussion that took place in a very easy to understand manner. Unfortunately, I do not know how to link the article, I am so computer illiterate. Therefore it will be necessary to check it out online if you wish to read it.
Another much more talented writer is John Gonder. I highly recommend that you check out his blog, Gonder for New Albany At-Large. He gives the best reasoning for single payer health care that I have seen in a long time.
So that's all I have for now, not out of laziness, I just know talent when I see it.
Shirley
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