The People's Voices

Just a bit of information to help put this blog into perspective when it comes to how many people are concerned about what is happening in New Albany.
In this month alone, September 2005, there have been 372 comments posted here. Now, that's only the people who have actually taken the time to sit down and write about what they think.That doesn't include everyone who only reads it and doesn't comment. And September isn't even over yet. I expect that our numbers will continue to grow.
I think that number goes a long way in describing how serious the people are about tackling the issues facing our city. So, anybody who wants to try to trash this display of citizen involvement can just stew on that number for a while. It goes to show that New Albany citizens are hungry for information, and want a forum where their opinions can be heard and responded to.
Here's another number to ponder... since I began this blog in May, only 5 months ago, the total number of written comments is well over 2,000. That's an average of more than 400 comments per month. So, keep bringing it on folks, and know you are not alone. We are making a difference, and we do have their attention.
We are here to press for a better New Albany with more fiscally sound decision making.
There has been too much money spent on unnecessary "perks" ($4,700 for one month of city paid cell phones), and too much shuffling of funds between departments to cover shortfalls.
Thus, in 2005, the State mandated a $2.8 million budget cut. Cuts that were ordered by, "State financial officials [who] are making New Albany account for...repayment, along with other overspending in recent years".
This comes from an article in the Courier Journal dated April 29th, 2005, where City controller Kay Garry, "...said she doesn't expect the city to be able to give employee raises next year".
They are now telling us that in 2006 they intend to give 2.5% raises to City employees, as well as 1.5% raises to the Police, who are already the highest paid Police in the entire state.
Believe me, I respect the Police and the job they do, but at this crucial time in New Albany's existence, we must all sacrifice a little, and we must all tighten our collective belts. Especially if it means saving jobs and maintaining important city services.
It is this, and other important issues that drives the need for a citizens forum, where EVERYONE may SPEAK OUT LOUD with their viewpoints without being TOLD what they are supposed to think, CRITICIZED for imperfect grammar, or ASSAULTED for disagreeing with the administration's decisions. Let alone threatened with the possible loss of jobs.
So, even though we have scared some, and angered others, who like to suggest there are really only about 10 of us posting all these comments, and who keep trying to bash us with words of disrespect, I do think the numbers speak for themselves.
This is the people's blog, and it's not going away. We have arrived, we refuse to be intimidated, and we will stay the course. Concerned Citizens for Democracy is a force to be reckoned with.