a href=" title="external link"> Why We're Here (again)

I hate feeling as though we've lost ground on the purposes we had in mind in creating this blog. But, apparently, there are still some folks out there who just cannot find it within themselves to believe in, or respect, those purposes.
So, I suppose we'll spend some time reiterating our purpose, and restating our goals. We will also throw in a few topics that are of particular concern, and ask some questions for folks to consider as they go about their lives, and work, here in New Albany.
Foremost in our minds, as we tackle issue after issue, and defend ourselves from unrelenting sophmoric attacks, is the fact that EVERYONE in New Albany deserves to know what is going on in the business of the City, the spending of their tax dollars, and the representation they recieve by their Council member elect.
It is our intent to provide information on issues relevant to the citizens of this town, and to provide as much insight, detail, and background circumstances on these issues as we can. This will continue despite any intimidation tactics that may, or may not, be applied by certain political factions.
Everyone also has a right to Speak Out Loud, about the things that concern them, the issues that confuse them, the problems that worry them, and the information that burdens them. We will continue to provide the forum for these discussions, despite the ire it generates from 'intellectuals' who find it more entertaining to ridicule grammer and spelling skills than to engage in useful discourse. Too bad.
People have these rights by virture of the fact that they are a citizen of New Albany. These citizens are also allowed to have differing opinions and alternate viewpoints, than other citizens might have. We will not belittle, bash, insult or otherwise be disrespectful to these citizens viewpoints. Slinging mud serves no purpose, and I mean this in respect to EVERY commentor.
Everyone also has the right to NOT put themselves, their jobs, or their families, in any kind of harms way, due to their viewpoint or opinions on issues discussed.
We will continue to allow anonymity, with all its inherent difficulties, because we are dedicated to giving EVERYONE a voice. We have made this policy clear from the get-go, and we will maintain this policy despite the hostility and frustration it generates from other bloggers. Names don't matter, opinions do.
Our goal is to empower the people with knowledge about what is happening to their Town. They have the right to know. We hope to encourage more citizens to get involved, to pay attention, to be concerned. As it has become so very obvious that what we are told, and what actually happens, often turn out to be two distinctly different episodes. We must hold people accountable to the jobs they are supposed to be doing.
From Redevelopment to Code Enforcement, to the Building Commissioner, to the Planning Commission. The Board of Works, the Sewer Board, the Drainage Committee, the new Stormwater plan(?), Downtown revitalization efforts, zoning and enforcement.
Issues that concern us, and by all reasoning, concern everyone in New Albany.
The bleak financial situation of the City, and the fiscal decisions that are made, often in spite of these financial difficulties.
The infrastructure in the City is literally crumbling. Buildings, gone too many years without care, are beginning to topple and destroy one major assest of our community, our architecture.
The sidewalks, in some parts of town virtually non-existant, in others, brand new. Who chooses?
The sewers. They still don't work. After $41 million in "repairs"? No. After $41 million in "expansion". The inner city sewer lines are a disaster. We can only hope the Federal agencies will step in and help us. This has become a health issue.
The multi-million dollar Scribner place. Proposed to be paid for with borrowed bond money, backed by property taxes, of a citizenry who doesn't even want the damn thing, and the City Attorney will pocket a cool $300 thousand. It belongs on a ballot, just like the Boat, and boy, did we ever miss the boat on that one.
Losing City services like Sanitation. Privatization is a sure road to escalating costs, and loss of control.
Rate hikes and new fees that most folks won't even know about until it hits their bills. Once again hitting New Albanian's where they can least take it, in the wallet.
I could go on and on, but I'm afraid I'll get carried away and say something I shouldn't. So, let's leave this where it is, and let's all get back to the one biggest mission of all... A Better New Albany.
There's enough to talk about without dragging Politics into it. 'Nuf said?

Now, in the interest of others who may wish to approach things in a different way, there is a new blog in town. The link is up on this front page to Freedom of Speech.
Check it out, but I don't think they are allowing comments.
I welcome new bloggers, and wish them success. We may even discuss some of the issues here that are posted on Freedom of Speech.
However, I must submit a disclaimer that the content of the postings on other blogs are the sole sentiments of the administrators that created it, and are not necessarily representative of the Speak Out Loud NA blog, as we will continue to assert our distaste for political campaigning or politically motivated content.
Best wishes to you all, and we welcome you to the wonderful world of blogging!