Speak Out Loud NA

Thursday, August 25, 2005

Ordinance Enforcement & Sanitation Losses

Well, well...looks like we have finally acquired a Code Enforcement Officer, Pam Badger of the New Albany Police Department. However, as I understand it, she is not a sworn officer. She is the officer behind the wheel of the car that follows the street sweeper around town. Gee, wonder where they got that idea?
This action has been proposed here many times as an interim measure, until a full time enforcement officer could be appointed. Since we already had an officer driving the streets at 5 mph, why couldn't that officer enforce blatant code violations as well until a code enforcement person was hired? Apparently, this option has become the final appointment.
As much as I am delighted to have a person to turn to for code enforcement in our distressed neighborhoods, I am somewhat suspicious of the route taken for the final appointment of the full term officer. That responsibility was supposed to fall to the City Council for final approval.
The process that was written into the record, and signed by the Mayor, for approval and assignment of a person to fill this position, was that the Board of Works would make a recommendation, and the City Council would make final approval, then the Mayor would sign off on it.
This process was circumvented by allowing Chief Harl to make the appointment directly.
It appears that, once again, the Mayor is changing the rules as he goes along, more or less letting the council know that their authority and duties are only utilized at his discretion.
Well, the City Council is the body that is supposed to provide the checks and balances that protect the public from autonomous power. In other words, a govenrment of one.
Perhaps if Mayor Garner would govern a little more democratically, he might just get a little more cooperation from the Council, and it wouldn't take so long to get something like a code enforcement officer in position without all the political power struggles stalling it.
Instead, Garner wants to dictate the governmental decisions that need to be made for New Albany. There are no discussions, no compromises, no mutual decisions when it comes to deciding what is best for the city.
Since the Council didn't approve Messer, as recommended by Garner, he gave the decision over to the Police Chief, disregarding the approved protocol.
Like the Mayor's autonomous decision to yank the Sanitation department and privatize it. Nothing was discussed prior to his decision, and there were no meetings between the Mayor and the Council to take a hard look at the numbers. It was simply announced.
Perhaps because if one looks at the numbers, it becomes clear that something is not quite right.
After the 1998 sanitation fund coming in at $26K+ in the black, the 1999 fund came in at almost $200K in the red. In 2000, the fund reflected a $300K deficit, and by 2002 it was $428K in the red. The deficit doubled in 2003, coming in at -$892K, and by 2004 it was -$929K.
Probing further into what may have created such substantial losses, we have to consider that sanitation fees were handed over to Indiana American Water Corp. just as the sewer fees were.
I discovered that when a sewage bill was forgiven, as were many, the sanitation portion of the bill was never addressed, or collected. Furthermore, since 2002 as dilenquent bills were collected for sewage and/or water, none of the money recovered was distributed to the sanitation department. This could very well account for a part of the depth of the sanitation deficit.
Privatization should not be considered until the books and accounting records are reviewed and the losses accounted for. To date, the State says it is impossible to audit the sanitation and sewer funds because the books are impossible to deconstruct.
I hate to keep harping on the sanitation department, but it just seems so unfair to delete a city service when it is not known why or how the department deficit happened.
The sewage fund was used too often as a stop-gap measure, and now we are in the position of having to get our ducks in order due to scrutiny from the EPA.
Look folks, all I'm saying is, if it doesn't make sense, it's probably not true. I think we truly deserve an official and full audit to explain how we got where we are before any changes are undertaken.
As for the Ordinance Enforcement Officer, I am very glad to have someone in place. and I hope the process of complaints and enforcement are established quickly, and that we will start seeing a difference in the city soon. Even though I don't agree with the way Garner did it.
We have waited way too long.
So, welcome Pam Badger, I hope you have your running shoes on! You're going to be very busy! As for James Garner, shame on you again, for flying in the face of procedure and behaving like a spoiled child who has to get his way. Your track record of appointments and decisions speaks for itself. It does not speak well of your abilities, and it has cost you any credibility.

108 Comments:

  • I am "Very Concerned" about the process used to place this person in position of "CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER!"

    THE MAYOR AND CHIEF HARL MADE UP THEIR OWN LAWS TO MAKE THIS APPOINTMENT.

    I say to each and every Citizen and Taxpayer of New Albany. "How many other laws" are they breaking or not just flat following?

    THESE ARE THE FACTS "IN BLACK AND WHITE."

    This is the Law now on the books for New Albany.
    ___________________________________
    dated: January 20,2005

    ORDINANCE NO. G-05-01

    AN ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH THE POSITION OF ORDINANCE OFFICER 150.132 HIRING PROCESS FOR CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

    The Ordinance Enforcement Officer shall be selected as follows.
    The Board of Public Works and Safety shall nominate the candidates for Ordinance Enforcement Officer.
    The Common Council shall approve the officer and the Mayor shall appoint he/she after he/she has received Council approval.

    This ordiance was approved by the Council and Mayor Garner signed it on January 20, 2005.

    What outrages me more than anything.
    Is at last thursday Common Council Meeting: On the Agenda Mayor Garner wanted: AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. G-05-01.SECTION 1 That Chapter 150 be amended by adding the following new section:

    Chapter 150.132 Hiring Process and Qualifications for Code Enforcement Officer

    (A) The New Albany Chief of Police shall appoint a sworn officer of the New Albany Police Force who he deems to be qualified and knowledgeable of the ordinances of the Civil City of New Albany as the Ordinance Enforcement Officer.

    SECTION 2. That "SECTION 150.133 Qualifications" be amended by deleting the entire current text.

    This Amending Ordinance was "NOT APPROVED" and "WAS TABLED."

    I say to each and every citizen of New Albany. It is up to each and every person to contact your City Council member and request a full Investigation on Chief Harl and Mayor James Garner Actions.

    They need to realize:

    "NO ONE IN THIS CITY IS ABOVE THE LAW!"


    signed: CONCERN TAXPAYER

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9:10 AM, August 25, 2005  

  • "Concern taxpayer" is right - We should have a full investigation into why "concern taxpayer" is so scared to use his own name.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9:13 AM, August 25, 2005  

  • stonecipher

    I earner my name "stonecipher." If you and the others gave a "Damn about this City." You would be outraged at the waste and corruption in this City! Investigate me. When you can figure who I am.


    CONCERN TAXPAYER

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9:26 AM, August 25, 2005  

  • When the council had the chance to say yes or no to the Mayor's choice for OEO, they wouldn't even vote on it.

    By Blogger Jeff Gillenwater, at 9:59 AM, August 25, 2005  

  • Chief Harl has always had the authority to assign someone to code enforcement duties.

    Regardless of what CT says, no laws were made up.

    By Blogger Jeff Gillenwater, at 10:01 AM, August 25, 2005  

  • bluegill

    Your boys have been busted!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10:07 AM, August 25, 2005  

  • Great Job Concern Taxpayer! Guess the Progressives don't know how to read either?
    Sounds like these facts speak for themself. It sure doesn't take a PHD. TO READ THE LAW! Garner needs thrown out of office on his ass for all the illegal crap he does.
    Do us all a favor James and Resign!

    By Blogger One voice, at 10:14 AM, August 25, 2005  

  • And so it begins, the complaining, the whining, and the accusations. The little people cannot rest. You people complain when you don't get something, then you complain when you do get it. If it wasn't the process, it'd be the salary, and if not the salary, it'd be the gender, and if not the gender, it'd be the lack of experience. You "little people" are never satisfied. You don't want solutions, and you are not part of the solution. You just want something else to complain about......

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10:27 AM, August 25, 2005  

  • The law only pertains to the position if the $30K approved by the council comes into play to create a new position. In this case, it doesn't.

    The result is that, since the council refused to act on the BPW's recommendation as they agreed to do, the police chief had to use his pre-existing authority to reassign an employee who normally performs other duties.

    The only thing the Gang of Four's little stunt gained us was one less person patrolling the streets in a city that already falls below federal guidelines for such.

    I'm sorry you feel threatened by those with PhDs. Perhaps if you'd taken the time to focus more on your own education that wouldn't be the case. There are a lot of non-traditional students currently pursuing advanced education in area programs.

    If you like, New Albany Resident, I could send you some information about what's available.

    By Blogger Jeff Gillenwater, at 10:45 AM, August 25, 2005  

  • CONGRATULATIONS PAMIE!

    For those that don't know. Pam Badger worked at the Sellersburg State Police office for several years. Before getting on at the New Albany Police Dept. And is currently working also part time in Brenda Egge's Assessor's Office for the last 6 Years. I have personally known Pam for over 10 Years. She is a very hard worker! And she will truly do an excellent job for the Citizens of New Albany.


    CONCERN TAXPAYER

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10:58 AM, August 25, 2005  

  • bluegill-- You still can't read. And refuse to believe the truth if it jumped up and smacked you in the face. There are procedures that must be followed. This is no longer the Wild... Wild... West!
    So what's your stupid point!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 11:03 AM, August 25, 2005  

  • Sorry, but if Messer had been apointed to the job, would that not have been the samething?

    Is this lady a temporary fill until qualified canidates can be interviewed. But then again, at one of the council meetings the mayor said he had a list of qualified canidates he was waiting on the council to fund the position.

    I to am confused about this appointment and I am not one of the littel people, in fact I am one of the progressives.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 11:15 AM, August 25, 2005  

  • My point is that proper procedures were followed.

    Everybody did what they were supposed to do except the council. They were given an opportunity to vote on the BPW's recommendation as outlined by the ordinance. Instead of voting yes or no, they chose to impede the process of creating a new position.

    You'll note that the ordinance is titled:

    ORDINANCE NO. G-05-01

    AN ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH THE POSITION OF ORDINANCE OFFICER 150.132 HIRING PROCESS FOR CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

    No new position was established in this case. Chief Harl simply gave new duties to an already existing employee.

    No new money is being spent. It's no different than if the Chief had assigned someone to write parking tickets, direct traffic, check out meth labs, etc.

    There was no new position created. No one new was hired.

    By Blogger Jeff Gillenwater, at 11:19 AM, August 25, 2005  

  • I must agree with Concern Taxpayer. Procedures were not followed correctly.

    A new position WAS created and an existing employee was transferred to that new position.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 1:24 PM, August 25, 2005  

  • Nothing is illegal until you get caught!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 1:29 PM, August 25, 2005  

  • "Concern Taxpayer"

    I'm not a little person or a "progressive" (I still don't know why you would get mad at someone who is progressive, but oh well), just someone who reads this blog. I have one question:

    WHY DON'T YOU PUT AN "ED" on THE END OF "CONCERN!" It's "Concerned" Taxpayer.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 2:58 PM, August 25, 2005  

  • I'm more concerned about the number of DUIs driving down Grantline Rd.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 3:11 PM, August 25, 2005  

  • Ceece,

    You may want to check out this list from Creative Tampa Bay. It's a good start to better understanding where some of the people who've been indentified as progressive are coming from. A friend forwarded it along recently.

    Principles For The Cultivation of Our Economy

    By Blogger Jeff Gillenwater, at 3:26 PM, August 25, 2005  

  • We all should be concerned about DUI's, no matter which road they're driving down.

    You know what's funny? Roger isn't here, but you keep attacking him anyway.

    Let's just say that it offends my sense of fairness.

    Any of you opened a nationally recognized business lately?

    No?

    Didn't think so. That's because you don't know how to build - only how to demolish.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 3:29 PM, August 25, 2005  

  • You don't take a joke very well, do you?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 3:50 PM, August 25, 2005  

  • Who cares how concern taxpayer signs things. The whole point is the City is so corrupt. Council makes laws and this so called mayor does what ever the hell he wants.
    I wish the hell he'd quit!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 5:04 PM, August 25, 2005  

  • The progressive will do anything to distract us. This mayor has no credibility . He needs to stop lying and give it up!...Were mad as hell. And he better start pacing.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 6:53 PM, August 25, 2005  

  • Is there any way to remove a mayor from office?

    By the way!

    "I am not a crook!"

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 8:54 PM, August 25, 2005  

  • INSTEAD OF GIVING JAMES GARNER

    THE KEYS TO OUR CITY,

    IT MIGHT BE BETTER TO

    CHANGE THE LOCKS!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9:12 PM, August 25, 2005  

  • Hell hath no fury like a Mayor Scorned!

    We put you in office and we can take you out of office Mr. Mayor.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9:15 PM, August 25, 2005  

  • Mr. Mayor:

    You have forgotten, that the most important Political Office in New Albany "Is that of the Private Citizens."
    We our the people of New Albany. And you need to work for a living like the rest of us.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9:26 PM, August 25, 2005  

  • Saying your "mad as hell" over and over just makes you sound ridiculous. No one cares if you are red faced and "mad as hell." Jumping and screaming about how mad you are doesn't do anyone a darn bit of good. Geez people.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9:50 PM, August 25, 2005  

  • Politics in New Albany it seems to me for years, or all too long, has been concerned with right or left.
    Instead of Right or Wrong.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10:39 PM, August 25, 2005  

  • Mr. Mayor:

    Effective leadership is putting First things First.

    Effective management is Discipline, and carrying it out.

    And Sir, you have neither leadership nor Discipline'

    CONCERN TAXPAYER

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 11:48 PM, August 25, 2005  

  • new name for the mayor: lame duck

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 11:52 PM, August 25, 2005  

  • Garners Informed Decision-making on Sanitation comes from a long tradition of guessing and then.
    Blaming others for his Inadequate Results!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 11:58 PM, August 25, 2005  

  • new name for garner: Job hunter in '07

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12:06 AM, August 26, 2005  

  • James Garner will go down in History of New Albany. As the Excuse DO Nothing Mayor. Cause he has an Excuse for Everything he Says
    or Does!

    Forget about credibility.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12:25 AM, August 26, 2005  

  • Anonymous-- He'll be looking for a job before 2007!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12:26 AM, August 26, 2005  

  • Politicians are not above the law. And neither is this so called Mayor of New Albany. An Investigation is long over do.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12:33 AM, August 26, 2005  

  • Concern Taxpayer,

    You go, Buddy, I don't care what your name is. You speak the TRUTH and that's all that matters.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 7:38 AM, August 26, 2005  

  • Gee, look at all the virtuous people cursing here.

    Laura's gonna get ya.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 7:47 AM, August 26, 2005  

  • FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE TROUBLE UNDERSTANDING LAWS MAYBE THIS WILL HELP YOU.

    150.132 Hiring Process for Code Enforcement Officer.
    (A) The Ordinance Enforcement Officer shall be selected as follows. The Board of Public Works and Safety shall nominate the candiates for Ordinance
    Enforcement Officer. The Common Council shall approve the officers and the Mayor shall appoint he/she after he/she has recieved Council approval.

    What part of Council Approval does Mayor Garner not understand!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9:49 AM, August 26, 2005  

  • The new ordinance enforcement officer attended the ESSNA meeting last night and talked about the steps she'll take to commence cleanup in the city.

    What a shame that some members of the council continue acting like children.

    Some people never learn.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9:57 AM, August 26, 2005  

  • file a civil suit, class action that states the mayor has trampled upon our rights as citizens by violating the civil code of the city of new albany.

    Of course it may be hard to prove he has done that, but a civil suit only requires a preponderance of evidence, not the beyond a reasonable doubt test

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9:59 AM, August 26, 2005  

  • Ceece, you're new to this.

    Look around you, and don't make the mistake of thinking that the people screaming here are representative of the public.

    They're not. They're malcontents with personal grievances, and no forward thinking of their own. They're looking for a witch to burn to assuage their own impotence.

    Consider the collected wit and wisdom of the mayor's chief critics (it'd fit on a matchbook cover), and consider who's really the threat to the future.

    It ain't the mayor.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10:00 AM, August 26, 2005  

  • Ceece

    Remember and read the Tampa links posted by bluegill. If you find yourself in agreement, then compare the initiatives of the mayor and those (if any) of his critics, and see which fit more comfortably in the slot.

    Try to imagine Dan Coffey or Steve Price READING them, much less being able to comment intelligibly about them.

    That's my point.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10:39 AM, August 26, 2005  

  • ceese

    Don't listen to bayard stroud. Go and do your own research. Their is alot of information out there. Especially in the City County Building. Look for your own answers. You will be as shock as alot of us are. Look at the voting records on issues for the last several years. Ask questions and seperate fact from fiction.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 11:08 AM, August 26, 2005  

  • right Bluegill or should I say largemouth

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 1:50 PM, August 26, 2005  

  • So does that mean you're unemployed?

    By Blogger Jeff Gillenwater, at 1:54 PM, August 26, 2005  

  • no it means I am off today

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 2:44 PM, August 26, 2005  

  • Sorry to hear that. I have off days, too.

    Don't worry, though. It can only get better.

    By Blogger Jeff Gillenwater, at 3:12 PM, August 26, 2005  

  • Ceece-
    You seem to have a level headed view of things. It shouldn't matter what party affiliation, or what "label" people are putting themselves or others under. What matters here is that everyone is very concerned about the state of affairs in New Albany. What is best, or what is not best for our city.
    I don't care about the beer drinkers or the progressives or the label of little people. All this does is divide us and create an atmosphere for arguments and name calling. It's childish and will get us nowhere.
    For those who do feel that an investigation of this administration is indeed needed, the proper person to go to is the County Prosecutor.
    This was requested by a citizen at a Council meeting not long ago. It got a motion and a second for an investigation to be initiated. However, CM President Gahan refused to allow a full vote on the motion.

    By Blogger East Ender, at 5:59 PM, August 26, 2005  

  • The resolution to CHANGE the Ordinance Enforcement Officer's appointing process was presented to the City Council by the Mayor and Chief Harl.

    However, that ordinance was NOT
    APPROVED.

    The original ordinance states that the BBOARD OF WORKS shall nominate to the Council for
    approval and then,the Mayor shall
    appoint.

    BOARD OF WORKS-- WHERE ARE YOU???

    IF THE POLICE CHIEF DOES NOT ABIDE BY THIS LAW--- THEN, WHAT OTHER LAWS DOES HE NOT FOLLOW?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 6:30 PM, August 26, 2005  

  • In the State of Indiana, we are governed by the Legislative and the
    Administrative .

    LEGISLATIVE means to make the laws.
    The Council is the Legislative body.

    ADMINISTATIVE section should follow the laws.

    The MAYOR and his staff are the
    Administrative bodyand they should follow the laws.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 6:35 PM, August 26, 2005  

  • Very well said. This should be a very simple concept to understand. It is the way things are supposed to be done. Period.
    If this is not the way things are being done (and it is not indeed) then we have a problem.
    To those who continue to lash out at those of us who protest, I can only ask why.
    Why do you find it permissable for the administration to act outside of the law?

    By Blogger East Ender, at 7:05 PM, August 26, 2005  

  • as The warden said in The Longest yard, Historeeee, Garner is Historeeeee

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9:11 PM, August 26, 2005  

  • I think James the Cleaner is going to be getting a visit from the Dept of Revenue soon. If he hasn't already.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9:37 PM, August 26, 2005  

  • PRIVATIZE GARNER! AND THAT GOES FOR TONY TOO.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 6:28 AM, August 27, 2005  

  • Dummies for Garner- (unelected Edition)

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 6:37 AM, August 27, 2005  

  • For Sale

    Not By Owners


    (CITY OF NEW ALBANY)


    The people of N/A has suffered enough!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 7:23 AM, August 27, 2005  

  • The Official Bird of New Albany

    Jail Bird - Mayor!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 7:26 AM, August 27, 2005  

  • Badman-Robbin = Jimmy/Tony



    Send them Packin!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 7:28 AM, August 27, 2005  

  • New Albany Politics

    Astrife of interests masguerading as a contest of principals. The true conduct of public affairs for "Private Advantage"

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 7:34 AM, August 27, 2005  

  • Ceece -

    East Ender is right. Don't concern yourself with these petty (but highly entertaining) squabbles between the labels. The underlying theme here is that all are and should be concern(ed) with the future of the city.

    We all have the opportunity to make positive change by getting involved. Pick your cause and go with it. Preservation, Neighborhood Associations, DNA,..and more - are all avenues for involvement. I'm sure you are already involved in someway and making a difference - even as a brand new resident.

    We can all assess the current state of affairs and demand change. Either on election day or by making the changes happen ourselves.

    Welcome to the neighborhood and enjoy the ride.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9:40 AM, August 27, 2005  

  • hey you stupid little people the mayor can sign the contract to privatize sanitation, read the courier today.

    we are going to celebrate with our $8.00 a pint beer and toast the end of the overrated, overpaid garbage collectors in this town tonight.

    Cheers!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9:49 AM, August 27, 2005  

  • maybe we'll get lucky and all you snobby drunks will get picked up for DUI, oh that's right Garner's police wont bother you because you are his core political support

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9:54 AM, August 27, 2005  

  • Don't worry, the progressives blind support of the inept Mayor Garner will prove to be their downfall.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10:23 AM, August 27, 2005  

  • Shirley, I think the post in question is from someone on your side who's making fun of opponents by satitrizing their lack of concern for the working man.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 11:48 AM, August 27, 2005  

  • Shirley, you've consistently been reasonable on this forum. Two wrongs still don't make a right, and if the previous poster really was making fun of sanitation workers (I don't think so; he was making fun of progressives), to begin talking about silver spoons is to reduce this discussion to class warfare - which it is not.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12:23 PM, August 27, 2005  

  • i guess we are city bumpkins instead of country bumpkins, didnt he come from floyds knobs?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 1:07 PM, August 27, 2005  

  • The city welcomed home the 151st today from their patriotic service in Afghanistan, notably absent: The progressives leaders, Baylor and Randy Smith.

    Could it be that the Pledge of Allegiance was to much to endure?

    The LT. Governor proclaimed Smith a symbol of Hoosier Hospitality, wonder if he should give that award back.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 5:34 PM, August 27, 2005  

  • WHAT ABOUT ALL OF THE TRASH BEHIND SPORTSTIME PIZZA AND RICHOS, WILL THE OEO PRESS YOU THAT TO BE CLEANED UP OF WILL A FINE BE ASSESSED.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 5:42 PM, August 27, 2005  

  • Why? Why do you people (you know who you are) continue to assult and demean the commentors who are only asking for accountability from this administration?
    In all my life I have never come across anyone more mean spirited, nasty, and downright rude, than I have from the people who continue to harass this blog.
    What do you think this behavior will get you? Is this how you go about making our city a better place? By antagonizing others who don't happen to agree with your point of view?
    If you folks were truly the educated and upright citizens you claim to be, you would not engage in this sort of unruly behavior.
    Therefore, I must conclude that you are nothing more than egotistical maniacs.

    By Blogger East Ender, at 6:01 PM, August 27, 2005  

  • Shirley, thank you for standing in there and telling it like it is. I really don't understand how they profess to be so above us, yet they engage in behavior that is so beneath common decency.
    I am working on a way to end their ability to comment on this blog.
    Enough is enough.

    By Blogger East Ender, at 6:08 PM, August 27, 2005  

  • There are a number of questions per propriety in this quasi-public space: should Destinations Books have a business relationship with the Mayor (if only in the thinnest means of sponsorship)? It certainly stilts questions of objectivity.

    I thought that NAC's removal of the link to this blog was bad pool.
    I am not sure that this blog's administrator's ruminations on 'removing the interlopers' (my paraphrase) to be an improvement.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 6:58 PM, August 27, 2005  

  • As a New Albany resident, I have never took part in blog comments.

    HOWEVER, I AM SO EMBARRASSED BY THE CURRENT CITY ADMINISTRATION HEADED BY THE MAYOR.

    DO YOU REALIZE THAT WE ARE THE LAUGHING STOCK OF THE WHOLE STATE OF INDIANA?

    WE NEED TO CLEAN UP THIS MESS.
    I HOPE SOMEONE WHO HAS LEADERSHIP
    ABILITY WILL COME FORWARD.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9:14 PM, August 27, 2005  

  • Baylor's link to speakoutloudna with his new speakoutloutna may be a copyright infringement, might be worth looking into laura

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9:41 PM, August 27, 2005  

  • "DO YOU REALIZE THAT WE ARE THE LAUGHING STOCK OF THE WHOLE STATE OF INDIANA?"

    Forget about the state. We up here on top of the hill are thinking about seceding from Floyd County!

    In all seriousness, we just had dinner with some friends from Louisville at the Mount's annual picnic. Some of their acquaintances, also from Louisville, asked what the h#%* is going on over here in New Albany? It is pretty embarrassing, even for those of us who do not live within the city's boundaries.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10:29 PM, August 27, 2005  

  • Alas....

    In conversation with some fellow Hoosiers at the Mount's picnic tonight, we discovered that yet another New Albany business, the Blue Fox, will close its doors at the end of October.......

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10:39 PM, August 27, 2005  

  • ...and the plot thickens.
    You folks up on the hill, that's where I grew up, and I'm glad you found us here. (smile)
    Tell me, does anyone know if there is a will, or a way that the County will ever merge with the City?
    I think that may be the best thing that could happen, and the only way to save New Albany from complete ruin.

    By Blogger East Ender, at 10:50 PM, August 27, 2005  

  • The people of New Albany has sat back and taken this crap for years. And now many people are fed up. We were put in a total hole by Overton. She cooked the books. Even had 2 sets of books. Garner was aware of this and said "He would call for an audit" which he did not do! We did not like what went on then and we sure don't like what is going on now. My big question is why is everyone or most people supporting James Garner so afraid of an Investigation and an Audit? That should be a topic maybe Laura you need to ask about. What the cost of an audit is a very small price for finding out the truth. An investigation should be done... east ender my question to you is: "What do they have to hide?" That's my Big Question I want answered. Their are several people in this town who knows how things are done and ran. Can we as The People of New Albany afford to get hit left and right with all these additional fees. Why don't people have the guts to stand up to the Council members and say "Damn it we have had enough" This Adminstration and previous Adminstration needs to be held accountiable. So do your damn job-it's our taxdollars and the people of New Albany's money. Don't we deserve the answers! They have the authority to do an audit and call for an Investigation. Were all held accountiable for what we do but they are not! Why? Is their really people in New Albany that truly give a damn about our City. Who can come together for the good of the people. To have a better town to come forward and demand to be heard. And demand this council to give us these answers. I want answers not political B/S.

    By Blogger One voice, at 8:14 AM, August 28, 2005  

  • Is it possible to obtain an accurate audit if the "books are cooked"???????

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10:14 AM, August 28, 2005  

  • The State announced an audit was impossible to do for some funds because the bookkeeping was so distorted they could not make heads nor tails of them.
    I will find that article and post it again.
    Meanwhile, we need to start taking action. We should have a plan to move forward and insist on an investigation.
    I heard that in the parade that was just held, when the Mayor came trough in his car, the crown fell silent and some turned their backs to him.
    Great Protest!!!
    Knowledge is power.

    By Blogger East Ender, at 12:22 PM, August 28, 2005  

  • Did Baylor have Laura's permission to make a parody out of speakoutloudna? Doubt it, is it copyright infringement? Looks like it, get him laura!

    At the very least you may be able to file a complaint with the Blogger founders nad have his blog taken down

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 2:18 PM, August 28, 2005  

  • Baylor is just jealous that this is the New Newspaper of New Albany. Apparently the Managing Editor of the Tribune can only write about sports--according to Baylor (see editorial in today's Tribune).

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 3:24 PM, August 28, 2005  

  • Looks to me like Morris cleaned baylors clock today, he really is a capable editor.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 3:42 PM, August 28, 2005  

  • I intend to do everthing I can to punish Mr. Baylor for this mean spirited act.
    To boot.. here is something he's posted on his site:
    "Thanks for reading, and please consider becoming a part of the community here, one that is respectful of the prerequisites of civilized discourse."
    He is the most disrespectful man I have ever come across.

    By Blogger East Ender, at 5:03 PM, August 28, 2005  

  • east ender: I feel this is long over due to be written. And I feel that with the City's many diaster decisions we are facing. It is time to protect what is ours.

    U.S. Constitution: First Amendment

    Congress shall make no law reaspecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise therof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for rediness of grievances.

    First Amendment protects and fosters individual self expression as a worthy goal, it also and as important affords the public access to discussions,debate, and dissemination of information and ideas.

    What does and should this mean?

    "Congress shall make no law.. abridging the freedom of speech"

    As caring and responsible citizens of New Albany, especially good and decent citizens of a basically good and decent town, we are likely to want many results. And this Adminstration is not doing their job for the good of all of New Albany's citizens.

    We want security, we want freedom from fear, we want order, civility, and religious tolerance, we want the well-being and a future for our children. As well as a voice in the future of New Albany and to demand to be heard.

    We need to eliminate party labels such as Democrat" or "Republican."
    As these problems belong to all of us. It should be We The People Of New Albany.

    Freedom of speech is a core American belief.
    "Freedom to think as you will and to speak as you think are means indispensable to the discovery and spread of political truth."

    Free speech serves the individual's right, to stand up and be counted, to be an active voice with ideas, and not a passive spectator.

    Freedom of speech is a system of checks and balances, operating on any corruption and ineptitude of our current City/County Goverment.

    And I say to the "Little People" of New Albany. (To all of us.)

    Freedom of speech is thus bonded in special and unique ways to the human capacity to think, imagine and create.
    Conscience and consciousness are the sacred percincts of mind and soul.
    Freedom of speech is intimately linked to freedom of thought, to that central capacity to reason and wonder, hope and believe, that largely defines The Little People of New Albany.


    I would like to Thank Concern Taxpayer for inspiring me to write this.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10:59 AM, August 29, 2005  

  • ***** 5 STAR RATING-LEGAL BEAGLE

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 11:36 AM, August 29, 2005  

  • Very inspiring LB, lets get our flags and wave them as we march down Spring St. to the City County Bldg.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 11:44 AM, August 29, 2005  

  • WOW Legal Beagle! Concern Taxpayer inspires alot of us. Let's organize.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 11:50 AM, August 29, 2005  

  • We all thank you legal beagle... Very powerful words.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12:19 PM, August 29, 2005  

  • Great job Legal Beagle!
    Thank you for the added inspiration. People need to feel empowered by their constitutional rights.
    Don't forget people, e-mail me personally and I will provide you details of the plan we are working on to make our protest known.
    We WILL be heard, and the corruption will be exposed.

    By Blogger East Ender, at 5:18 PM, August 29, 2005  

  • leagal Beagle,
    I have read alot of articles on Speak Out Loud NA. And yours really touched a nerve in me. How it seems as citizens of New Albany our rights have been violated. And also who ever concern taxpayer is. They always seem to get my attention. And truly make me stop and think. I want all of you to know you are making a difference. And thank you for sharing your thoughts with me and my family.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 11:04 PM, August 29, 2005  

  • God Bless you legal beagle.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 11:13 PM, August 29, 2005  

  • We all have a voice. And thanks for expressing your thoughts. Really makes a person stop and think.

    By Blogger One voice, at 11:21 PM, August 29, 2005  

  • Thank you, Leagle beagle.

    Many of us are very sad at the way our current Mayor and his administration are treating human beings in New Albany.

    It is most shocking that Tony Toran, who is supposed to be a minister, is going along with the Mayor's plan that will hurt so many
    people in New Albany.

    It is a sad time in New Albany.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 11:38 PM, August 29, 2005  

  • Way to go legal beagle! Brillant minds think alike..uh! Glad your one of us little people.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 11:58 PM, August 29, 2005  

  • Where is concern taxpayer?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12:09 AM, August 30, 2005  

  • It's time we stand up to this Mayor. We need to march on the City County building. And have our voices be heard...
    Protest! Protest!


    Thank You Legal Beagle

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 7:45 AM, August 30, 2005  

  • Thank you for your inspiration Legal Beagle. You do come right to the point and more importantly write in plain English so that we can all understand. You make a great contribution to this blog

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 7:51 AM, August 30, 2005  

  • T H A N K Y O U .....


    Legal Beagle

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 8:09 AM, August 30, 2005  

  • BRAVO L/B.... What a powerful statement. Thanks !!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 11:21 AM, August 30, 2005  

  • I would like to meet Valla Ann Bolovschak, Concern Taxpayer, Legal Beagle, Laura. These people are real hero's of New Albany. Thank you all for informing us. And standing up for the little people of New Albany.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9:49 PM, August 30, 2005  

  • well 4 out of 5 isnt bad

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9:58 PM, August 30, 2005  

  • Go to the City Council on Sept.8th.
    More than likely you can meet all 4 people mentioned..

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12:00 AM, August 31, 2005  

  • Is it true that City Operations Director for Mayor Garner, "Tony Toran," is a Christian Minister?

    Wow! How can he agree with Garner's actions that hurt so many people, and at the same time stand up on the alter and say he is leading people to Jesus Christ???

    I am really puzzled as to how Tony Toran, the so-called, preacher, can work so well with the Progressives who are self-proclaimed aethiests.

    We in New Albany, should all be shouting, "LORD, HELP US ALL".

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10:13 AM, August 31, 2005  

  • Are you that Toran is a minister?

    Is that really true?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 8:40 PM, August 31, 2005  

  • Blevins is a minister too and look at his ethics, what a joke

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 6:53 PM, September 01, 2005  

  • Bleavins and Toran both claim to be preachers and Christians. Yet all that seems Holy to them is the Almighty dollar.
    It's just a tactic to get people to trust them. Otherwise, they could not stomach the shame and pain that this administration carries.

    By Blogger East Ender, at 6:59 PM, September 01, 2005  

  • Perhaps they are more accurately described as Pharisees?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10:24 PM, September 01, 2005  

  • so is valla

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 11:20 PM, September 01, 2005  

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