I will be so glad when November 6 is over.
David Matthews has another letter in the Tribune slamming Doug England. As they say "desperate times call for desperate measures". Obviously Mr. Matthews is desperate.
The funny thing is that I keep hearing how Randy Hubbard is not even interested in being the Mayor of New Albany. If this is true, why did he even enter the race?
I believe the voters need to give Mr. England another chance. He is not afraid to admit that he made mistakes in the past. In my opinion that shows more character than all of Mr. Matthews' rhetoric about his candidate. I also believe the majority of voters feel the same way as I do and Doug England WILL be our next Mayor.
Of course Shirley Baird's endorsement does not carry 1/1000th as much weight as Baron Hill's endorsement but I just had to have my say anyway.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
OBSERVATIONS
During my absence from posting the last few weeks I have been reading various blogs as well as the Tribune. Obviously there has been a lot going on lately. Some issues seem to stand out.
First of all I want to express my deepest sympathy to the Stewart family. Dick was a great guy and he will be missed. I regret that I did not visit him during his illness.
Now on to the redistricting problem. Please, Council, decide on a plan. And please, plaintiffs, try to work the the council. No plan will be perfect so try to compromise and let's put this thing behind us.
The mayor's race is getting ugly. Why is Hubbard even running? Even some Republican people have told me that all he wants to do is retire to his condo in Florida. I cannot understand why a person would put himself out there for all of this criticism for a job he doesn't even want. And according to the on line forum on the Tribune Special Agent Capehart is going to submit an article concerning his termination when he was called up to serve in the military.
Welcome NA Shadow Council blog. The articles have been interesting so far. Just one question though. Why does Shadow5 not allow anonymous comments when he/she chooses to remain anonymous?
There has been a lot of discussion about the beer walk during Harvest Homecoming. Since I have never participated I can't say a lot. But if it benefits the various bars which are local businesses, it does help the community. Someone mentioned on "New Albany Confidential" that people were walking around with drinks in their hands Saturday evening. I thought this was just a Friday night event. Maybe it should be restricted to Friday night so Saturday can be more of a family day. As a side note, I don't claim to be a beer expert but I am sure a person can get just as drunk and obnoxious on imported "quality" beer as they can on Bud Lite.
It is a shame the Bistro had to close. Even though I only went there a time or two it was a neat place and the atmosphere was welcoming. We need more places like that in New Albany.
First of all I want to express my deepest sympathy to the Stewart family. Dick was a great guy and he will be missed. I regret that I did not visit him during his illness.
Now on to the redistricting problem. Please, Council, decide on a plan. And please, plaintiffs, try to work the the council. No plan will be perfect so try to compromise and let's put this thing behind us.
The mayor's race is getting ugly. Why is Hubbard even running? Even some Republican people have told me that all he wants to do is retire to his condo in Florida. I cannot understand why a person would put himself out there for all of this criticism for a job he doesn't even want. And according to the on line forum on the Tribune Special Agent Capehart is going to submit an article concerning his termination when he was called up to serve in the military.
Welcome NA Shadow Council blog. The articles have been interesting so far. Just one question though. Why does Shadow5 not allow anonymous comments when he/she chooses to remain anonymous?
There has been a lot of discussion about the beer walk during Harvest Homecoming. Since I have never participated I can't say a lot. But if it benefits the various bars which are local businesses, it does help the community. Someone mentioned on "New Albany Confidential" that people were walking around with drinks in their hands Saturday evening. I thought this was just a Friday night event. Maybe it should be restricted to Friday night so Saturday can be more of a family day. As a side note, I don't claim to be a beer expert but I am sure a person can get just as drunk and obnoxious on imported "quality" beer as they can on Bud Lite.
It is a shame the Bistro had to close. Even though I only went there a time or two it was a neat place and the atmosphere was welcoming. We need more places like that in New Albany.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
NEW WEBSITE
There is a new website on the New Albany scene. It features cities and towns in the U.S.
Our City Clerk, Marcey Wisman, was notified about this website and she added information about our fair city. She has even included a video and listings of upcoming events.
The address of the website is: www.americantowns.com/in/newalbany
Great work Marcey.
Our City Clerk, Marcey Wisman, was notified about this website and she added information about our fair city. She has even included a video and listings of upcoming events.
The address of the website is: www.americantowns.com/in/newalbany
Great work Marcey.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
The Tribune reported today that the mayor vetoed the resolution to challenge the Sewer Board and Stormwater contracts with EMC.
I mentioned Monday night at the council meeting that I was confused because certain council members were opposed to the bid process and signed contracts with EMC. As you readers know, the Sewer Board still had six months left with it's previous contract.
With all of this intrigue, I feel like I'm living in a soap opera.
Why are Mr. Kochert and Mr. Zurschmeide so adamant that we continue to do business with EMC?
Why did the mayor veto the resolution? Yes, he is the president of the Sewer Board but he was not part of the contract negotiations as far as I know. Is this just a power struggle? He was quoted in the Tribune as saying, "We don't believe they have the authority to make us bid service contracts". He was speaking of the council, of course.
Is this just a case of "You can't tell me what to do!" "You're not the boss of me!" If that is the case all I can say is gentlemen, please act like adults.
I mentioned Monday night at the council meeting that I was confused because certain council members were opposed to the bid process and signed contracts with EMC. As you readers know, the Sewer Board still had six months left with it's previous contract.
With all of this intrigue, I feel like I'm living in a soap opera.
Why are Mr. Kochert and Mr. Zurschmeide so adamant that we continue to do business with EMC?
Why did the mayor veto the resolution? Yes, he is the president of the Sewer Board but he was not part of the contract negotiations as far as I know. Is this just a power struggle? He was quoted in the Tribune as saying, "We don't believe they have the authority to make us bid service contracts". He was speaking of the council, of course.
Is this just a case of "You can't tell me what to do!" "You're not the boss of me!" If that is the case all I can say is gentlemen, please act like adults.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
EMC CONTRACTS
Friday, August 3, I was one of the few people who attended the committee meeting regarding the new contracts with EMC.
The committee was chaired by Councilman Gahan and included Councilmen Coffey and Schmidt.
Several questions were asked among the three members which do make one wonder. Here are a few samples:
Why was the Sewer Board contract signed with EMC when there is still six months remaining on the present contract?
Why did the current Sewer Board members sign this contract before the election? (Especially with the knowledge that three of the current council members will not be returning.)
If the contract with EMC was for management only, why are they using the city's trucks?
How could the Stormwater Board operate for 18 months without a budget?
Why did they also sign a contract with EMC?
I want to urge everyone to attend the council meeting tomorrow night and see if we can find answers to these questions.
Remember these people are elected officials and are accountable to US the citizens of New Albany.
See you tomorrow night.
The committee was chaired by Councilman Gahan and included Councilmen Coffey and Schmidt.
Several questions were asked among the three members which do make one wonder. Here are a few samples:
Why was the Sewer Board contract signed with EMC when there is still six months remaining on the present contract?
Why did the current Sewer Board members sign this contract before the election? (Especially with the knowledge that three of the current council members will not be returning.)
If the contract with EMC was for management only, why are they using the city's trucks?
How could the Stormwater Board operate for 18 months without a budget?
Why did they also sign a contract with EMC?
I want to urge everyone to attend the council meeting tomorrow night and see if we can find answers to these questions.
Remember these people are elected officials and are accountable to US the citizens of New Albany.
See you tomorrow night.
Monday, July 23, 2007
FUNDRAISER AT THE SPEAKEASY
Officer Dannie Price will host a fundraiser this Thursday night at the Speakeasy from 6:00 to 10:00PM. This fundraiser will benefit the families of officers Denzinger and White. What a great idea!
Brad Tharp, owner of the Speakeasy will donate his net profits from the event also.
Checker Cab will even donate rides for the patrons so no one has to worry about finding a designated driver.
I know there are a lot of things wrong in New Albany, but when I read about things like this it makes me glad to be a citizen of New Albany.
Thank you Office Price, thank you Mr. Tharp and thank you Checker Cab employees. And thank you Chris Morris and the Tribune for reporting this great story.
Brad Tharp, owner of the Speakeasy will donate his net profits from the event also.
Checker Cab will even donate rides for the patrons so no one has to worry about finding a designated driver.
I know there are a lot of things wrong in New Albany, but when I read about things like this it makes me glad to be a citizen of New Albany.
Thank you Office Price, thank you Mr. Tharp and thank you Checker Cab employees. And thank you Chris Morris and the Tribune for reporting this great story.
Monday, July 16, 2007
SO MANY HOMES, SO FEW PEOPLE
According to Saturday's Tribune three developers are looking to expand NewAlbany.
Gary McCartin wants two restaurants, a bank and a coffee shop on Charlestown Rd. near Kohls. I'm sure the people who live in this area would appreciate another bank and restaurants. But he also wants to build an apartment complex with 180 apartments. This area will be called Lafayette Square.
On the other end of town, Riverman LLC wants to build what looks like a small town on Hwy. 111 and Two Mile Lane. They want 200 apartments, 68 homes and 92,000 feet of commercial space.
And not too far from there Brent Schroeder plans to build seven small industrial sites near Eagles Lane. I guess he wants to build businesses for the people in "Two Lane Town" to have a place to work.
Now don't get me wrong, I am all for development but I must wonder where will the people come from to live in these homes? Seriously, we are talking 380 apartments and 68 single homes! The real estate market in New Albany has been rather flat lately. I'm not a realtor but I can see the "for sale" signs all over town in front of the same homes for weeks and even months on end.
Personally, I would rather see the old buildings downtown converted to living space. This would create very cool apartments or lofts and rehab the old buildings at the same time. Maybe if we had something different we could attract more buyers.
But then again, maybe I don't know what I am talking about. Naaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh I may not be a developer but I'm not blind.
Please, Mr. McCartin, Mr. Schroeder and Riverman LLC group, consider investing your dollars in the areas of New Albany which desperately need your help before taking a chance on the "fringe areas".
Gary McCartin wants two restaurants, a bank and a coffee shop on Charlestown Rd. near Kohls. I'm sure the people who live in this area would appreciate another bank and restaurants. But he also wants to build an apartment complex with 180 apartments. This area will be called Lafayette Square.
On the other end of town, Riverman LLC wants to build what looks like a small town on Hwy. 111 and Two Mile Lane. They want 200 apartments, 68 homes and 92,000 feet of commercial space.
And not too far from there Brent Schroeder plans to build seven small industrial sites near Eagles Lane. I guess he wants to build businesses for the people in "Two Lane Town" to have a place to work.
Now don't get me wrong, I am all for development but I must wonder where will the people come from to live in these homes? Seriously, we are talking 380 apartments and 68 single homes! The real estate market in New Albany has been rather flat lately. I'm not a realtor but I can see the "for sale" signs all over town in front of the same homes for weeks and even months on end.
Personally, I would rather see the old buildings downtown converted to living space. This would create very cool apartments or lofts and rehab the old buildings at the same time. Maybe if we had something different we could attract more buyers.
But then again, maybe I don't know what I am talking about. Naaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh I may not be a developer but I'm not blind.
Please, Mr. McCartin, Mr. Schroeder and Riverman LLC group, consider investing your dollars in the areas of New Albany which desperately need your help before taking a chance on the "fringe areas".
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
