There was a letter in Sunday's Tribune from David B. Patterson, IN-9 Director for Fair Tax, New Albany. The letter interested me because I was unsure of what the term fair tax actually meant.
Mr. Patterson questioned why Baron Hill would not admit that this tax would help save our Social Security system and reduce our debt. On the surface this proposal sounded intriguing. He went on to urge everyone to read the 133 pages of HR25.
However, Mr. Patterson left out an important part of this resolution. Since there would no longer be an income tax, the replacement would be a 23% sales tax. This tax would be levied on every purchase, even food. So a $1.00 loaf of bread would cost $1.23 and a $2.29 gallon of milk would cost $2.77. Now who do you think would be most hurt by this tax? A person making over $500,000 a year or a person making under $30,000 a year? Maybe the person with the higher salary would purchase more big ticket items (or maybe not) but the person on the lower end of the scale must purchase food, gasoline, cleaning products, etc.
If Baron Hill is hesitant to support this tax I don't blame him. And I am glad that he is not in support of such a rip off on the middle class and working class people.
Personally, to be fair, I think that no one making under $30,000 a year should have to pay any income tax. And the people making more would only pay tax on the amount over $30,000. That is what I call a fair tax.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Saturday, September 11, 2010
THIS 'N THAT
Well, I have a new computer and am back on line. In trying to write my first article in several weeks I could not decide on a subject so I will discuss several different ones.
The Tolls: Maybe you are tired of reading all of the newspapers and blogs about this subject but it is important and we need to keep letting the Bridges Coalition or whoever know we mean business and will not allow these tolls to be shoved down our throats. If anyone wants to organize a protest please let me know and I'll be there.
Sewer Bills: Today's Tribune had an article about liens being placed on properties where the sewer bill is over 90 days past due and foreclosures are forthcoming. Although I agree in the idea, I think each case should be judged individually. If a homeowner is actually trying to keep up with their obligations and cannot help from being past due, maybe we should not rush to foreclose if they have a good reason, loss of job for instance. But the homeowner should take the initiative and contact the Sewer Dept. and explain their circumstances, not just sit back and do nothing.
The Home Tour: I had purchased a ticket but unable to make it. But the weather seemed to have cooperated and the Farmers Market looked pretty crowded this afternoon so it looked like it was a success. Thanks to all of the homeowners who allowed strangers to come in an tour your lovely homes, see you next year.
Men of Distinction: This was the reason I was not able to participate in the Home Tour. I had purchased tickets for both events without realizing they were taking place at the same time. A couple of friends told me that they would disown me if I did not attend so the choice was made for me. But it was a wonderful event with Dawne Gee as the emcee and the men who certainly deserved the honor.
The Democrat Picnic: The annual Floyd County Democrat picnic takes place tomorrow at Garry E. Cavan Park aka Edwardsville Park in Georgetown tomorrow. Please come if you can. It will be a great time with good food and good fellowshop. And a big thank you to our hosts, Sheriff Darrell Mills and Linda Moeller.
Please tell them how much you appreciate their hard work when you see them tomorrow.
The Tolls: Maybe you are tired of reading all of the newspapers and blogs about this subject but it is important and we need to keep letting the Bridges Coalition or whoever know we mean business and will not allow these tolls to be shoved down our throats. If anyone wants to organize a protest please let me know and I'll be there.
Sewer Bills: Today's Tribune had an article about liens being placed on properties where the sewer bill is over 90 days past due and foreclosures are forthcoming. Although I agree in the idea, I think each case should be judged individually. If a homeowner is actually trying to keep up with their obligations and cannot help from being past due, maybe we should not rush to foreclose if they have a good reason, loss of job for instance. But the homeowner should take the initiative and contact the Sewer Dept. and explain their circumstances, not just sit back and do nothing.
The Home Tour: I had purchased a ticket but unable to make it. But the weather seemed to have cooperated and the Farmers Market looked pretty crowded this afternoon so it looked like it was a success. Thanks to all of the homeowners who allowed strangers to come in an tour your lovely homes, see you next year.
Men of Distinction: This was the reason I was not able to participate in the Home Tour. I had purchased tickets for both events without realizing they were taking place at the same time. A couple of friends told me that they would disown me if I did not attend so the choice was made for me. But it was a wonderful event with Dawne Gee as the emcee and the men who certainly deserved the honor.
The Democrat Picnic: The annual Floyd County Democrat picnic takes place tomorrow at Garry E. Cavan Park aka Edwardsville Park in Georgetown tomorrow. Please come if you can. It will be a great time with good food and good fellowshop. And a big thank you to our hosts, Sheriff Darrell Mills and Linda Moeller.
Please tell them how much you appreciate their hard work when you see them tomorrow.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
ANNEXATION MEETING 6/29/10
The council approved the Resolution to proceed with the process of annexation.
There were several issues but the summary is this:
There were several issues but the summary is this:
- The 219 acres contain mainly commercial property and very few residents. This makes it easier to annex since there is no need for an annexation committee to oversee the funds received.
- CM Messer said the police will not be overburdened since the "crime" will mainly consist of parking violations and speeders, and a few shoplifters.
- The Grantline Rd. firestation will be the main source of fire protection with the Twin Oaks station being the backup.
- Northside Christian Church was not annexed because churches are tax exempt and will generate limited revenue plus there was concern about the number of people who would be included in the annexation.
- The $700,000 gained by the city will not be a loss to the county because the property taxes are based on value. The taxes are layered in such a way that the county will still receive it's share and the city will receive the rest.
Monday, June 28, 2010
MORE QUESTIONS CONCERNING ANNEXATION
After posting the previous topic about annexation I have read your comments and talked to a few people.
The previous article was written in haste without a lot of thought about the ramifications of annexation. Several questions have come to mind which I would like to share at this time. As always your comments and concerns are welcome. All I ask is that everyone keep on topic and do not result to name calling.
The previous article was written in haste without a lot of thought about the ramifications of annexation. Several questions have come to mind which I would like to share at this time. As always your comments and concerns are welcome. All I ask is that everyone keep on topic and do not result to name calling.
- If the city will gain approx. $700,000 from the annexation, will the county lose by that amount?
- Since the city will lose $40,000 in sewer revenue will our rates go up? Remember the meeting where Mr. Skomp was asked about that and Mr. Fifer said there would have to be a re-negotiation?
- What about property tax rates? Aren't they different for the city and the county?
- Will this area be incorporated into an existing district? Or will it become District 7? If so how will it be represented?
- How can an area be annexed but property inside this area be excluded ie. Northside Christian Church?
- Since our police and fire departments are already stretched to the limit, how will the new area of the city be protected? Will a new fire station be needed? If so, how will this be funded?
As I said after careful consideration and reading every one's comments on the previous article, and talking with people who are not on the councils, or hold political offices, these questions came to mind. So far I have not heard clear answers. I know the special council meeting Tuesday is to get the ball rolling but I think we citizens need to ask these questions and I'm sure more that I have not thought of. After all it is our money that will be used. When I wrote the previous article I wanted to start a dialogue. I know I came out in favor of the annexation but now I am having doubts and I think my doubts are justified.
Friday, June 25, 2010
ANNEXATION: YES OR NO?
Happy Friday everyone.
Since my sinus infection still persists, I was not able to attend the special council meeting last night. Thanks to the "Tribune" though I was able to read the results. As you probably know, the annexation vote was defeated by one vote.
Again according to the "Tribune" annexing part of the Charlestown Rd. area will net the city $700,000 a year, sounds good to me. Since there will be another special meeting Tuesday I hope it does pass, providing all of the council members take the time to read the 21 page report and show up for the meeting.
Personally, I believe that if people are elected to an office they should show up for "work" and do their homework. Even if they do not support the item(s) on the agenda they should do their job. I'm not a speed reader but I think I can read 21 pages in less than 48 hours even with a full time job. This is why we voters elect people to office, not to skip meetings or complain about the lack of time to do research. If the council members think annexation will be good for the city they should vote yes, if they don't then they should explain why they voted no. I don't believe in voting no as a protest. If a person wants to protest about the lack of transparency they should do so in other ways, such as telling the administration members directly.
Since my sinus infection still persists, I was not able to attend the special council meeting last night. Thanks to the "Tribune" though I was able to read the results. As you probably know, the annexation vote was defeated by one vote.
Again according to the "Tribune" annexing part of the Charlestown Rd. area will net the city $700,000 a year, sounds good to me. Since there will be another special meeting Tuesday I hope it does pass, providing all of the council members take the time to read the 21 page report and show up for the meeting.
Personally, I believe that if people are elected to an office they should show up for "work" and do their homework. Even if they do not support the item(s) on the agenda they should do their job. I'm not a speed reader but I think I can read 21 pages in less than 48 hours even with a full time job. This is why we voters elect people to office, not to skip meetings or complain about the lack of time to do research. If the council members think annexation will be good for the city they should vote yes, if they don't then they should explain why they voted no. I don't believe in voting no as a protest. If a person wants to protest about the lack of transparency they should do so in other ways, such as telling the administration members directly.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
TOWN HALL MEETING, ETC.
Hi everyone,
The Town Hall meeting is 6:30 to 8:00 in the library tonight. Hope to see a lot you there. Judging from the comments on this blog and the new "Kitchen Table Issues" blog people have a lot to say. I just hope they show up and ask the questions.
Tomorrow is the Exclusively New Albany event and I will be one of the volunteers, so of course cannot attend the city council meeting. Someone please post comments and tell us what happened.
So this posting will be open to anyone and everyone who wants to comment on tonight's meeting, the council meeting or Exclusively NA. Or any other topics of general interest.
later,
Shirley
The Town Hall meeting is 6:30 to 8:00 in the library tonight. Hope to see a lot you there. Judging from the comments on this blog and the new "Kitchen Table Issues" blog people have a lot to say. I just hope they show up and ask the questions.
Tomorrow is the Exclusively New Albany event and I will be one of the volunteers, so of course cannot attend the city council meeting. Someone please post comments and tell us what happened.
So this posting will be open to anyone and everyone who wants to comment on tonight's meeting, the council meeting or Exclusively NA. Or any other topics of general interest.
later,
Shirley
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
CITY COUNCIL MEETING 6/7/10
The first speaker was the Mayor who mentioned a couple of public forums. The first being at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on June 8. This will be to discuss the McDonald Lane Federal improvement project. The second will be at the library on 6/16. Both meetings will begin at 6:00PM.
He added that the funds are there to finish Daisy Lane from Green Valley Rd to the top of the hill due to stimulus funds. Mt. Tabor Rd. will be repaired with Federal Funds also. There will be a meeting at IUS to discuss this but there is no date set as yet.
As far as the rest of the paving, there are no funds available yet but he is hoping to use Riverboat and EDIT. He needs $5,000,000 for city wide paving but can make do with $500,000 from Riverboat and $500,000 from TIF.
Kay Garry was the next speaker. She asked that all department heads turn in their budgets for 2011. She added that representatives from DGLF will meet in her office on 6/15 @ 9:00AM and hopes to obtain the 1782 form for the 2010 budgets at that time. She also wants to meet with department heads on 6/21 to discuss budgets. The council decided to meet for 90 minutes for two days for budget discussions.
Shane Gibson was up next. He said that the yard waste and other trash pickup are not in the sanitation company's contract. The street dept. is now picking up these items when people call. The sanitation company wants to make a deal to include these pickups in their contract and lower their fees in order to extend their contract for another three years. Mr. Price and Mrs. Benedetti disagreed. They want more transparency for the citizens and therefore more open bids.
David Brewer (Building Commissioner) spoke about our problems with dilapidated homes and code enforcement. He hired an additional code enforcement officer, John Berger (sp). This department also has a "hot line" for complaint calls. In the last two months there have been 225 complaints on grass and weeds. Out of that they are unable to locate the owners of 95 homes. He is looking at re-doing the ordinances and added that the city needs a vacant housing ordinance.
Public comments:
David Shireman, VP of the Firefighters Union said that as of 1/1/11 the number of people off will go from 4 to 3. This will help cut back on overtime.
Jameson Bledsoe first thanked the Mayor for setting up the forums and went on to discuss the demolition of houses. He asked if there were standards set to replace these homes. Many times the newer structures seem to be sub standard and out of place with the rest of the neighborhood. He also noted that if there is a house with the siding falling off this is not against code unless there is a hole in the outside wall. He also asked for the city to consider setting up a commission to establish more strict guidelines. Mr. Coffey stated that the Building Commission and Planning Commission should be sufficient to handle these matters.
The Ordinances and Resolutions:
G-10-14 Health Dept. inspection fees. Set up a standard annual fee for vendors at Farmers Markets instead of charging them for every time they set up. Passed 8-0. CM Caesar was absent.
G-10-15 Regulating the disposal of dead animals. Passed 8-0.
Z-10-02 Variance to change property on Grantline Rd. North of 265 from industrial to residential to accommodate the Struble family.
Passed 5 to 3. Mrs. Benedetti, Mr. Zurschmeide, and Mr. Gonder voted no.
A-10-06 Appropriation of $350,000 from paving funds from 2009 to establish handicap ramps. Passed 7-1 Mr. Price voted no.
R-10-15 Increase Housing Board by 2 seats.
Failed 2-6 All voted no except Mr. McLaughlin and Mr. Gonder.
R-10-16 Stormwater Master Plan
I did not stay for this vote but the "Tribune" article by Daniel Suddeath stated that it passed.
Sorry this was not posted sooner, blame Blogger.
He added that the funds are there to finish Daisy Lane from Green Valley Rd to the top of the hill due to stimulus funds. Mt. Tabor Rd. will be repaired with Federal Funds also. There will be a meeting at IUS to discuss this but there is no date set as yet.
As far as the rest of the paving, there are no funds available yet but he is hoping to use Riverboat and EDIT. He needs $5,000,000 for city wide paving but can make do with $500,000 from Riverboat and $500,000 from TIF.
Kay Garry was the next speaker. She asked that all department heads turn in their budgets for 2011. She added that representatives from DGLF will meet in her office on 6/15 @ 9:00AM and hopes to obtain the 1782 form for the 2010 budgets at that time. She also wants to meet with department heads on 6/21 to discuss budgets. The council decided to meet for 90 minutes for two days for budget discussions.
Shane Gibson was up next. He said that the yard waste and other trash pickup are not in the sanitation company's contract. The street dept. is now picking up these items when people call. The sanitation company wants to make a deal to include these pickups in their contract and lower their fees in order to extend their contract for another three years. Mr. Price and Mrs. Benedetti disagreed. They want more transparency for the citizens and therefore more open bids.
David Brewer (Building Commissioner) spoke about our problems with dilapidated homes and code enforcement. He hired an additional code enforcement officer, John Berger (sp). This department also has a "hot line" for complaint calls. In the last two months there have been 225 complaints on grass and weeds. Out of that they are unable to locate the owners of 95 homes. He is looking at re-doing the ordinances and added that the city needs a vacant housing ordinance.
Public comments:
David Shireman, VP of the Firefighters Union said that as of 1/1/11 the number of people off will go from 4 to 3. This will help cut back on overtime.
Jameson Bledsoe first thanked the Mayor for setting up the forums and went on to discuss the demolition of houses. He asked if there were standards set to replace these homes. Many times the newer structures seem to be sub standard and out of place with the rest of the neighborhood. He also noted that if there is a house with the siding falling off this is not against code unless there is a hole in the outside wall. He also asked for the city to consider setting up a commission to establish more strict guidelines. Mr. Coffey stated that the Building Commission and Planning Commission should be sufficient to handle these matters.
The Ordinances and Resolutions:
G-10-14 Health Dept. inspection fees. Set up a standard annual fee for vendors at Farmers Markets instead of charging them for every time they set up. Passed 8-0. CM Caesar was absent.
G-10-15 Regulating the disposal of dead animals. Passed 8-0.
Z-10-02 Variance to change property on Grantline Rd. North of 265 from industrial to residential to accommodate the Struble family.
Passed 5 to 3. Mrs. Benedetti, Mr. Zurschmeide, and Mr. Gonder voted no.
A-10-06 Appropriation of $350,000 from paving funds from 2009 to establish handicap ramps. Passed 7-1 Mr. Price voted no.
R-10-15 Increase Housing Board by 2 seats.
Failed 2-6 All voted no except Mr. McLaughlin and Mr. Gonder.
R-10-16 Stormwater Master Plan
I did not stay for this vote but the "Tribune" article by Daniel Suddeath stated that it passed.
Sorry this was not posted sooner, blame Blogger.
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