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."

2008 ELECTIONS

I WANT TO CONGRATULATE EVERYONE WHO RAN FOR OFFICE IN 2008.

IN MY OPINION YOU ARE ALL WINNERS!

CAROL SHOPE FOR COUNTY COUNCIL AT LARGE

I have had the pleasure of working with Carol Shope on her campaign this year. Although Carol and I have been acquainted for some time the past several months have given me the opportunity to really get to know her.

Carol is running for re-election for her position on the county council. During her first term she has proven to be a fair and honest public servant.

She has been a strong supporter of the county youth shelter because she genuinely cares for these children. As a former teacher she has devoted her life to helping children. She has served as a past president of the Floyd County Youth Shelter, and as a Vice Chair on the Silvercrest Child Development Center Foundation.

Additionally she has been involved with many community organizations such as the Business and Professional Women, Southern Indiana Chamber of Commerce, American Legion Auxiliary, and the Democrat Women's Club among others.

Carol wants to continue to serve our community, please vote for Carol Shope on Nov. 4.

MARIA GRANGER FOR JUDGE SUPERIOR COURT 3

Maria Granger wrote an excellent letter to Freedom of Speech explaining her experience and her ideals so I don't need to expand on that.

All I can add is that while working with her on her campaign this past year has made me admire her even more than before. Maria is the real thing. She truly has the integrity and she treats everyone she meets with respect. These traits a are part of her and I know she will treat every person who comes into her court the same way and will handle each and every case with fairness.

Please vote for Maria Granger on Nov. 4.

thanks,

Shirley

PLEASE VOTE NO!!

There have been several articles and columns in the Tribune lately about the referendum to combine the offices township assessors with county assessors. I want to urge our readers to vote NO.



Governor Daniels has been "streamlining" our state government for the past four years, some of it may have been successful and much of it was not successful.



One example that comes to mind is the welfare system. People used to have social workers who knew their circumstances but now they must call an automated system if they have a problem, even if their check is late. We all know how inefficient that system has become.



I just cannot understand how combining two offices in each county will save taxpayers any money. Are the staff of the county supposed to take on this extra work without increasing the number of employees? Are they allowed to work overtime? As Assessor Sillings said to the "Tribune" there will still be the same amount of parcels to assess.



As far as this being an antiquated system, New Albany Township assesses property according to market value. The system has been changed three times since 1816. The General Assembly wanted all property to be valued uniformly, that is a good idea but how can an understaffed, overworked county assessors office make sure this happens?



Sometimes we can go too far with combining offices to save money. I think this is one of those times.

MANY THANKS

Thanks to everyone who made our neighborhood cleanup such a success.

We want to especially thank

Matt Denison

Mickey Thompson and the Street Department

and the Padgett Company



Friends and Families of the West End

Becky Roy

Pat Salisbury

Shirley Baird

NEIGHBORHOOD CLEANUP

DESPITE THE RAIN THE FRIENDS AND FAMILIES OF THE WEST END WILL STILL DO THE NEIGHBORHOOD CLEANUP TOMORROW 10/25/08.



THERE WILL BE DUMPSTERS AT THE CORNER OF WEST 7TH AND MARKET AND THE PARKING LOT ACROSS THE STREET FROM PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH ON CORYDON PIKE.



ANY HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.

THANKS,



SHIRLEY