Speak Out Loud NA

Sunday, March 19, 2006

Citizen's Advocate Sets Record Straight

We have received a request by citizen Valla Ann Bolovschak to print an account of the events that transpired prior to her presentation at last Thursday's City Council meeting. We are granting her request in the spirit of cooperation and truthfulness, as well as the appreciation we have for her as one who truly had the best interests of the citizens of New Albany at heart with her actions.
As most folks already know, and for those who don't, Ms. Bolovschak spent her own time and her own money, out of her own fortitude, to obtain a copy of the recently released 2004 State Audit of the City's finances.
She spoke at the meeting about several points of concern contained in the audit, and subsequently supplied a copy to every Council Member present.
Since the meeting, and even a bit during the meeting, false accusations have been made about certain members of the Council working in tandem with Ms. Bolovschak in an effort to embarrass or humiliate the Mayor by producing the Audit.
The key words here are FALSE ACCUSATIONS.
We provided a link to Freedom of Speech where CM Schmidt submitted a written response to the allegations against him. We encourage everyone to read CM Schmidt's letter, and to consider why a particular group of citizens constantly slander and attack select Council Members that they commonly refer to as "the gang of four".
If there are "agendas" to be found in the actions and words of anyone, those agendas are becoming clearer by the day, and they are being advanced by the progressives who are laying the groundwork to discredit the "gang of four" CM's they want to see unseated in the next election.
Yet, it is these same Council Members, along with a handfull of concerned citizens who have done a great job trying to protect the citizens of New Albany from a dreadfully incompetent Mayor who weasels his way out of every bad situation he creates by blaming everybody and everything but the phases of the moon for any negative outcomes.
I expect soon we'll even hear that as well because he's running out of folks who are willing to take the hit for him.
Because of the increasing severity of the ramifications of Mayor Garner's incompetence, I am more than happy to help in the efforts to "set the record straight", so folks can recognize the likely potential that, left unchallenged, our current Mayor will take this town apart at the seams and leave us all swimming in sewage muck while he runs off with pockets full of our money.
Therefore, what follows is the series of events that led to Ms. Bolovschak's actions at last Thursday's City Council session, as well as other instances that were adulterated with political spin which led to misunderstandings, mis-information, and flat out misrepresentations of the facts and truths of the matters:

Laura
As you know, I am not a blogger, but appreciate you printing this as I am disgusted to see the never ending blame game being played out again, accusing others of being behind my actions.
I returned a phone call to Mark Seabrook late Thursday afternoon about the “State Street Live” item on the agenda, and asked him if he’d seen the 2004 audit and he said he hadn’t. I also ran into Dan Coffey that afternoon downtown, passing on Main Street, heading in opposite directions in our cars, and asked him if he’d seen it and he told me that he had heard it was not pretty. That is the complete extent to which I “discussed” what I had. I didn’t. I acted on my own with regard to the audit presentation and I trust the council was honest in their response to my question, Have you seen it? Nobody said they had and they all appeared to be as shocked as I was when I read it. I have no reason to think otherwise since the mayor claimed not to have seen a copy either. Why would he think that any of them would have been able to get a copy of it before he did and why does he forever blame an elderly person or weaker person with health problems for his errors and/or my doings? I expected this reaction from him because he uses this cowardly method to deflect attention away from himself consistently.
The following examples I have on tape:
--I wrote the “Good Grief” e-mail he blamed on Anna Schmidt and I spoke up and took responsibility for it. The person that sent it to Tony Toran knows that it came from me and me alone and so did the mayor and Tony Toran because Tony Toran called me about it that same day. Knowing full well the e-mail came from me, he blamed it on Anna Schmidt anyway, like the coward he is.
--When I brought up the matter of malfeasance and misappropriations it was directed at the mayor and he turned that into some grand attack on Mrs. Garry who was NOT the object of my discontent. The mayor was the reason I asked for an audit, and the 2004 audit certainly supports the dire need for one. However, acting in his normal cowardly fashion, he shoved the burden of this condemnation onto Kay. Any man that would allow those people, with enough problems of their own, who are doing what they are told, and force them to shoulder the burden of his problems is a real chump. You don’t throw your soldiers out in the path of an oncoming bulldozer. You should be man enough and skilled enough, to stop it yourself, because that is what noble, successful leaders do. Watching Mrs. Gary’s husband and daughter standing up to speak for her was one of the most depressing experiences I have had at council and it speaks volumes as to the sort of character he has.
--Rather than face the fact that the people’s finances are a complete train wreck, he once again chooses some innocent soul and pushes the matter off on him. Had the audit come from Mrs. Crump or Jeff Gahan, perhaps out of fear for upsetting their leader, that might have even made a little sense, but blaming it on Mr. Schmidt, when it is already known he wants an audit, why wouldn’t he just make copies and hand them out himself? I didn’t get it from Mr. Schmidt nor have I had any conversations with him about it other than the gracious “Thank you” he extended the other night and my response that he was welcome. It’s a sad state of affairs when a person is targeted as guilty for something because he acts respectful and grateful to a citizen.
But this has nothing to do with logic or reality. It’s about never accepting the blame for anything. It’s about a severe lack of courage, lack of skill, lack of compassion for people and a whole lot of other ugly dynamics that some blogs are focusing on exposing.
Valla Ann

97 Comments:

  • There is no greater breach of the public trust then knowingly misleading the citizens of New Albany.

    We simply cannot tolerate the incompetence, mismanagement,
    insufficient figures, inaccurate facts and the abuse of this trust by this Adminstration.

    Freedom Of Speech

    By Blogger One voice, at 6:32 AM, March 20, 2006  

  • Why anyone would complain about a New Albany taxpayer coming before the city council during the public comments portion of the Council's regular meeting to discuss and comment on the results of that City's financial audit, especially since the council is the body who oversees the budget, and it is a legally obtained document available to the public under Indiana Open Access laws?

    It's not like she posted a previously undisclosed sanitation contract on a private blog or anything inappropriate like that.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 6:58 AM, March 20, 2006  

  • You got our family's support Valla Ann.

    Thanks for helping the citizens of New Albany

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 7:08 AM, March 20, 2006  

  • I am appalled that the Mayor would blame Mr. Schmidt for obtaining the findings of the 2004 audit and passing them off to Valla Ann Bolovschak.

    Like Valla Ann stated in her letter, Mr. Schmidt would have copied and distributed the audit himself if he had the information first. He is not a cowardly man, unlike the Mayor.

    I am so sick of him blaming everyone from Mrs. Overton to his own Controller for his mistakes and lack of knowledge.

    It is time for him to either step up and take responsibility for his own actions or step down and let someone else do the job.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 7:51 AM, March 20, 2006  

  • I also commend Ms. Bolovschak for not only providing the citizenary of New Albany with the results of the audit, but for standing up and taking the heat for doing so.

    She is a very courageous person in my opinion.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 1:10 PM, March 20, 2006  

  • Isn't everyone very defensive about something that never happened. Seems like there is something to hide.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 1:16 PM, March 20, 2006  

  • What ever happened to Concern Taxpayer? I miss his straightforward and down to earth commentary.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 1:53 PM, March 20, 2006  

  • Hitting the campaign trail already?.....everyone with their little agendas......my how the ants march.......

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 2:26 PM, March 20, 2006  

  • Where and when did the mayor or the newspaper blame Schmidt?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 2:41 PM, March 20, 2006  

  • How do catapillars march??? In a circle, all activity and no accomplishments. Coward and Chump?????? I think you had better retract this letter.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 2:55 PM, March 20, 2006  

  • In our humble opinion, this is simply another case for the Mayor of the "tail wagging the dog". Unfounded criticism of the Mayor? Hardly. Unfounded criticism of the Assistant Mayor? Hardly. The curtains have simply been opened and the windows are stuck -- but we will get them "unstuck".

    Can you even imagine, in your wildest dreams, the fresh air that will pour into the City-County Building? The ventilation system doesn't work that hot in the 3rd floor Assembly room, anyways!

    We must be doing something right to warrant the attacks that are underway!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 3:22 PM, March 20, 2006  

  • Again, where & when did the mayor and/or Tribune say that Schmidt did it?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 3:37 PM, March 20, 2006  

  • Come over to SOLNA Mr. Baylor we got some questions for you. Let's see who is a coward! Lets see if you got the guts to answer our questions. You can sit over at NAC with your progressive bud's. And harrass us. You attack the little people of New Albany. You attach anyone who says or stands against the Mayor. You are quick to claim you know everyone who writes on this blog or has anyother blog. You seem to forget just maybe we know more about you then you "assume" you know about others. So let's just see who is standing when the smoke clears. Since we all know you are nothing but smoke and mirrors anyway. You refuse to admit your wrong. And you do not know the facts.

    My message to you Mr. Baylor is this:

    You may fool all the people some of the time, you can even fool some of the people all of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time.

    Since you have such mystic knowledge and you have such great solid sources of information.

    Guess Who...

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 4:07 PM, March 20, 2006  

  • I don't think chump & coward are libelous, besides truh is alway a defense.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 4:08 PM, March 20, 2006  

  • Seems like again Mr. NAC does not have all his information correct. Mr. NAC we suggest you make a phone call to President Gayhan about his conversation about Councilman Schmidt?

    Mr. NAC you really need to get better lines of info. Because your opinion does not hold water in this town. We really hope you decide to run for office next year.

    Have a pint on us!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 4:31 PM, March 20, 2006  

  • Again, when and where did the mayor and the Tribune accuse Schmit?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 4:35 PM, March 20, 2006  

  • It was the butler in the bedroom with the candlestick!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 4:58 PM, March 20, 2006  

  • The New Albany Potty Police have examined American Legal and found out ordinances and we need to compare the page 32 on the tap-in fees (3rd line down) using the '97 ordinance, check 51.102 under our ordinances on American Legal.

    Page 23, the last paragraph, makes absolutely no sense to us. If anyone can decipher what that means regarding the sanitation, drainage, etc. stories, please explain.

    Hope we can make that sewer board tomorrow at 3:30, just not sure. Hope some of the public can cover it, it really ought to be important; but we can't be everywhere at everytime.

    BTW, we double checked that raised manhole lid over in Joe Kraft Park, across the creek and the lid was still UP, enabling someone to fall IN (much less rain). We reported this issue to the City last Monday. Big liability issue here, government officials...whomever.

    Thanks for the space EastEnder.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10:01 PM, March 20, 2006  

  • P.S. Correction to that sentence which should have read "found OUR ordinances". Thanks.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10:15 PM, March 20, 2006  

  • Valla Ann,

    You're making a difference in the lives of all women in New Albany.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10:43 PM, March 20, 2006  

  • Notice how all the useless smart-aleck comments are coming in under the dreaded "anonymous" heading?
    I guess that means Garner's supporters are too ashamed to let people know who they really are.
    After all, what on earth could they possibly be afraid of?

    By Blogger East Ender, at 12:18 AM, March 21, 2006  

  • Again, exactly where and when did the mayor and the newspaper acuse Schmitt?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 7:48 AM, March 21, 2006  

  • anon like a child keeps asking "Again, exactly where and when did the mayor and the newspaper acuse Schmitt?"

    You guys prove blogtastics point exactly.

    Why do you care about where the aduit came from? Because you are afraid to talk about the crappy results in it!!!!!!!!!!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 8:06 AM, March 21, 2006  

  • Valla Ann is saying the mayor blamed Schmitt for leaking the audit. Read the front page of this blog. Read Freedom of Speech.

    Again, exactly where and when did the mayor blame Schmitt?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 8:56 AM, March 21, 2006  

  • Someone keeps asking when the Mayor blamed Mr. Schmidt for the distribution of the 2004 audit. Someone must have told Baylor Mr. Schmidt was to blame because he made this comment on NAC, "...she was then officially congratulated...by the presumed Deep Throat leak monger and ex council president himself...".

    Doesn't seem to me that Mr. Schmidt is being paranoid. Besides, who knows what the Mayor said to him privately? Who knows what other city officials might have said also?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9:09 AM, March 21, 2006  

  • The "anonymous heading" you spout off about is the exact tool by which your ingorant, self aggrandizing minions, otherwise known as the "little people" use to spread lies, mistrust and fear.....McCarthyism all over again....

    You idiots probably don't even know who McCarthy is......how sad...

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10:07 AM, March 21, 2006  

  • An anonymous blogger complains about anonymous bloggers. How funny is that?

    I know who McCarthy is. Charlie McCarthy was a no brain, stupid wooden puppet who did whatever his master made him do. Kind of like you people who do whatever Garner tells you to do, like mosquito man, book bozo and beer blowhard. Am I right?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10:28 AM, March 21, 2006  

  • Has anybody ever answered this one, or are they trying to avoid it by asking about Mr. Schmidt?

    What has the mayor done in the past two+ years, or plans to do in the next year, which is or was his idea or that of his administration, and against which he did not vote while on the Council, that has or will bring substantive, positive change to the City of New Albany?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 11:16 AM, March 21, 2006  

  • Now that Anon at 9:09 put the ball right back in to the court it bounced out of, will someone please answer our questions?

    (Though, as a person who has been asking questions for a long time now, I truly don't think taxpayers are going to get any answers...just excuses.) Keep asking, though!

    Thanks EastEnder, for your work in letting citizens communicate and network with and for each other. The strength in numbers theory works. The pro, uh, unprofessional progressives, oh, whoever they are, number so few (Garner's supporters). Keep up the GOOD fight. Thanks.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 11:28 AM, March 21, 2006  

  • Again, exactly where and when did the mayor blame Schmitt?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 11:49 AM, March 21, 2006  

  • "...This is an electronic community bulliten board.
    People can put anything up here in comments that they have a question about. ANYTHING. ..." East Ender 3-10-06

    Again, exactly when and where did the mayor accuse Schmitt?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 2:31 PM, March 21, 2006  

  • Audit Results for City of New Albany: pg.39
    "The City's capital asset ledger has not been updated to account for adjustments reported in these accounts during prior audits.
    Deletions or disposals of capital assets were not recorded.
    The City's capital asset records for City owned capital assets include $3,223,644 more in capital asset records than reported in the notes to the financial statements."
    It gets worse from here, because it goes on to speak about more than $18 million in descrepencies reported for the Wastewater Utility.
    For right now, we want to know how the Sanitation trucks and cans figure into this mess of Capital Assets?
    Have we collected any type of compensation from the new Sanitation Company for the use of OUR (taxpayers) facilities, and equipment usage?
    Garner told CM Kochert last month that he was getting a settlement for the allowed usage of public owned capital assets.
    Where is the accounting of that settlement?

    By Blogger East Ender, at 3:10 PM, March 21, 2006  

  • WHY WON'T SOMEONE EXPLAIN WHY THE CITY
    OF NEW ALBANY PAID THE "MESSENGERS OF
    CHRIST" $ 600.00 IN 2005 ????

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 3:19 PM, March 21, 2006  

  • Why did the City pay the State of Florida the amount of $ 2,722.

    Who went to Florida or what did Florida sell to New Albany in 2005?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 3:29 PM, March 21, 2006  

  • Golf. Every year. Big tournament. See what you can find regarding St. Louis; something smelly on that end, too. We're digging.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 3:47 PM, March 21, 2006  

  • 3:29 They went to Disney World!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 3:49 PM, March 21, 2006  

  • They won't and can't answer the questions. All they can do is lob their spin against anyone who stands up for the citizens, that's all. In this manner, they figure they can distract you from the issues. We're just going to ignore them and let the chips fall where they may.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 3:50 PM, March 21, 2006  

  • This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 4:27 PM, March 21, 2006  

  • HAS THIS GOT ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE INCOMPTANCE OF MAYOR GARNER.IT SEEMS LIKE THE USUAL"MUDDIE THE WATER" THE LIBERALS USE TO CHANGE THE SUBJECT INSTEAD OF ANSWERING THE MOST IMPORTANT ONE. WHERE IS THE MONEY MAYOR?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 4:48 PM, March 21, 2006  

  • Mr. Stewert: This is how the baylorites play. They know we have all the info on James. So this is the game they play. We totally agree with you. Were is the money?

    These garner supporters will not stoop at anything to insult others. But that is ok. They never have their facts right anyway. Anyone who stands up for truth and the taxpayers of New Albany can expect this. But the funny thing is. This will not fly. Because we will put her creditability up against anyone. So let's continue with dealing with the real facts. If they want to sling some dirt on people we can sure throw it back at them.

    Someone told me along time ago boys talk trash and real men keep their mouth shut!

    Especially when they don't know all the facts.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 5:11 PM, March 21, 2006  

  • How low can they go???
    How can someone be so vile, so evil, and so hateful as to attack individuals, and in such a viscious way?
    It's all just because they don't like the fact that we are putting up the truth of the matters when it comes to the dismal job Jimmy is doing with TRYING to run this town.
    GROW UP!!!

    Now, let's get back to business.
    What else does the audit reveal?

    By Blogger East Ender, at 5:38 PM, March 21, 2006  

  • This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 6:23 PM, March 21, 2006  

  • speaking of the audit and the city finances did anyone make it to the sewer board mtg today? did they discuss anything important?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 6:28 PM, March 21, 2006  

  • Again, when and where did the mayor accuse Schmitt?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 6:41 PM, March 21, 2006  

  • QUESTION IS STILL UNANSWERED........

    WHY DID THE CITY OF NEW ALBANY PAY

    $2,722. TO THE STATE OF FLORIDA?

    WHY WON'T THEY TELL US?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 6:44 PM, March 21, 2006  

  • There is a survey going around the State of Indiana today asking how many
    cities and towns pay their city oficials extra money to sit on other
    city boards.

    How many city officials and staff get extra pay to sit on city boards in New Albany?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 6:47 PM, March 21, 2006  

  • So much in New Albany is under the cover,or behind the curtain, it seems.

    Did anyone ever find out who the backers and investors are in the new
    Sanitation Company that the Mayor hired? That should be public info.

    Why won't they tell who it is?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 6:53 PM, March 21, 2006  

  • This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    By Blogger One voice, at 6:56 PM, March 21, 2006  

  • I BELIEVE ANON 6:23 IS A PERSON WHO MUST SET IN THE BACK OF THE ROOM,REFUSES TO TALK TO PEOPLE FACE TO FACE ABOUT IMPORTANT ISSUES,AND DOES NOT HAVE ANY CONVICTION ABOUT HIS BELIEFS. HE THEREFORE HAS TO ATTACK A PERSONS PRIVATE LIFE INSTEAD OF THE ISSUES. THE ONLY ISSUE I SEE DISCUSSED HERE IS "WHERE IS THE MONEY MAYOR GARNER"

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 6:56 PM, March 21, 2006  

  • The question keeps coming up that the
    Mayor accused Councilman Schmitt.

    Rumors have it that Pres. Gahan made
    those accusations about Schmitt.

    What was Gahan basing his accusations on when he accused Schmitt?

    I thought schmitt said that he did not
    have a copy of the audit until he got one at the meeting. Why would you not believe him?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 6:58 PM, March 21, 2006  

  • This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 7:10 PM, March 21, 2006  

  • TO ANON 7:10 GENDER DON T EXCUSE YOUR VILE ATTACK ON A PERSONS PRIVATE LIFE. MAYBE YOU STAY ANONYMOUS BECAUSE YOU HAVE A PRIVATE LIFE YOU ARE ASHAMED OF. GET BACK ON THE SUBJECT "WHERE IS THE MONEY MAYOR GARNER"

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 7:24 PM, March 21, 2006  

  • I sure feel sorry for the residents on
    Captian Frank and on Linden Street who
    have to look at all those houses on those blocks.

    If you remember, the Mayor and his
    appointed Redevelopment Director David White tried to put those houses on Valley View Court. Can you imagine what a mess that would be for Valley View Court people to look at that mess?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 7:43 PM, March 21, 2006  

  • There was an old lady
    who lived in a shoe.

    She went to Amsterdam
    and didn't know
    what to do.

    Should I take
    the high road
    and dash?

    Or gamble,
    be stupid,
    and smoke hash?

    And later I'll claim,
    WHO KNEW?!!!!!!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 7:51 PM, March 21, 2006  

  • I see all of the questions and comments about city expenditures.

    Is it true that the Board of Works with Mr. Toran as chairman approves these expenditures by number like number 100 to number 200 and they don't even take the time to look them over before they approve them at the Board of Works meetings?

    How do they know what they are spending our money for?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 8:11 PM, March 21, 2006  

  • This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 8:23 PM, March 21, 2006  

  • Everyone keep in mind that the people who are stooping so low are Garner's supporters.
    What does this tell us about Garner?
    All these jerks are proving to us is what kind of DIRTY, UGLY Politics are played to try to protect their boy.
    Trotting out details of any private citizen's life is a major distress signal.
    It's also very telling of the type of characters that would support such a sad excuse for a leader.
    They've only increased our resolve.

    By Blogger East Ender, at 9:30 PM, March 21, 2006  

  • I see all these concerns about Mr. Schmitt giving someone a copy of the 2004 New Albany City Audit.

    THE AUDIT IS A PUBLIC DOCUMENT.
    WHAT WOULD BE THE PROBLEM IF HE
    HANDED OUT TEN COPIES ON A STREET CORNER?

    WHAT IS THE CITY ADMINISTRATION TRYING TO HIDE AND WHY THEY ARE SO AFRAID THAT THE PUBLIC WILL SEE THIS AUDIT?

    WHAT IS IN THIS AUDIT THAT IS SO
    SCARY?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9:35 PM, March 21, 2006  

  • Daggone, so many questions, not many answers, and definitely not enough time nor space to address ALL of this mess,

    But, to those of you who would like a sewer board update, I can only report what I heard from a Sewer Board member, because I called them and asked because there are issues unresolved with the New Albany Potty Police, the City and the EPA about certain conditions.

    As reported on here before, we are closing watching the 300 block of E Main Street, and I received an update on that issue. No, can't say I was happy with what I heard. This particular sewer board member has "hearsay"; and we have documentation. I worry for them.

    It was reported they did not sign the "amended amended Consent Decree"; they are sending a letter up with modifications and should receive notice from EPA w/in 24 hours. As they were not hollering the 24 hours is up and EPA did not hold up THEIR end; only figuring the letter with the modifications may have not gone out yet. Who knows?

    Even though I was assured the manhole in Joe Kraft Park had been fixed, we noticed the one we reported hadn't. This was brought up before the board, and EMC said they had sent someone down there and there was simply a bolt missing. EMC is personally going back in to check things out.

    Let's see...there was six inches of sewage dumped into some houses on Edgemont (one residence has lived there 39 YEARS w/out ANY PROBLEMS, until our 1.7 inches of rain last week). The residents were attempting to obtain an incident report on one of the addresses. The City had only faxed one incident report on one house to the Councilman requesting same. The residents need the incident reports for insurance purposes, but I guess that would be obvious, huh? The City still maintained there is only one because the other neighbor simply walked over to his neighbors house, so they don't NEED TO FILL OUT ANOTHER INCIDENT REPORT. Daggone.

    Again, let me reiterate. This is what I was told by a Sewer Board Rep, because I TELEPHONED THEM to find out.

    Thanks for asking, whomever asked. We think a Council member may have attended, and there will be minutes, later.

    Dick, you know you're right; we all are. Can you imagine how slow their businesses must be for them to have this kind of time to attack people personally? Sad state of affairs. We hope some people realize this is what happens when you rear your head and try to do the RIGHT THING for NA. Keep the faith and take care, NA.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10:10 PM, March 21, 2006  

  • Received another meeting report on the City Planning Commission. Even though Wolfe Trace residents and Daisy Lane residents and Schell Lane residents were against this development, represented by Fifer, our sewer Board Attorney, 162 Patio Homes and 2 buildings 3 or 4 stories high. 300 E Daisy lane attested to the fact the manhole in their yard shot high in the air and the waste is still all over their yard, but Fifer maintained he knew nothing about the sewers and Hublar's problem.
    Ugly. It is truly unreal what is going down in this town. Where is the Indiana Supreme Court, the Discplinary department when you need them? It is so illegal and such a conflict of interest for Greg Fifer to represent all these developers and keep hurting homeowners taking sewage into their houses, yards, streets, and public parks. Disgraceful, and deliberate, and unforgivable in my books. BUT, that's JUST ME and my opinions.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 11:21 PM, March 21, 2006  

  • It's a simple question. The accusation has been made. Where is the beef(proof).

    Again, when and where did the mayor accuse Schmitt?

    Why is there no answer?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 5:21 AM, March 22, 2006  

  • Maury,

    For someone who sat on ther council as long as you have. You also knowhow the game is played. You chose to pick the side of the mayor regardless what is best for the citizens of New Albany. Are you now the new spokes person for Mayor Garner? You have seem to taken our controllers word as gospel? And I am here to tell you you have made one very serious mistake! You Sir do not have all the facts right. Because you have been rejected by the democrat party and you have now been and is a "has-been" you think you can just throw out all kind of crap as truth. You sir are about to get a real dose of truth.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 7:18 AM, March 22, 2006  

  • So, is it true that someone went to Disney world on the taxpayer's dime or should I say the taxpayers' $2722.00?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9:25 AM, March 22, 2006  

  • So now we are calling Kay Gerry a liar?

    I swear, I think if you all had been at the beginning of creation you would have found something to bitch at God about.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9:54 AM, March 22, 2006  

  • We wish Maury had explained the Florida issue, not the minor ones we could figure out.

    Doesn't look like he is going to, either.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10:20 AM, March 22, 2006  

  • Who called Kay Garry a liar?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10:24 AM, March 22, 2006  

  • Who said the mayor blamed Bill Schmidt for distributing the 2004 audit?

    I re-read the Schmidt letter on FOS and I saw no specific mention of the mayor.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10:45 AM, March 22, 2006  

  • Anon 7:18 AM said "You have seem to taken our controllers word as gospel? And I am here to tell you you have made one very serious mistake!"

    You don't think the above statement indicates she is has been accused of lying?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 11:25 AM, March 22, 2006  

  • Could someone from the city be attending a seminar or similar function?

    I have attended many seminars in Orlando over the years; have yet to visit the land of the mouse!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 11:29 AM, March 22, 2006  

  • Looks like the little poeple's savior, Queen Valla, has quite a few skeletons in her own overiszed, walk-in closet.....you know what they say about people in glass bead and breakfasts......

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 11:43 AM, March 22, 2006  

  • To anon at 9:54, you are so right. There must be many empty rooms at the Inn to have so much time to spread vile. Poor little rich girl. Just proves, money does not equate class.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 11:50 AM, March 22, 2006  

  • The sound of those skeletons tumbling out of the closet will be heard as far as the Knobs. But don't dare question her. She will defend by calling you a Mayor supporter. Is there anyway this little cover girl could run as a Dem? We Republicans would like to bequeath her. Distance is what we want at this point. Thanks but no thanks! She was amusing to a point but has worn out her welcome!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12:22 PM, March 22, 2006  

  • A person's true character and class is revealed by what they do when they are not on center stage and think no one is looking. Character in all aspects of a person's life is important when they wish to be a leader. A leader with character does not call someone a liar in public, nor accuse others of things they did not do to make their point or satisfy their need to always be in control. True character does not engage in vandlism. Is there something in this that even the most simple person can't understand. If things are catching up with VA, maybe this is a situation of her own making.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 2:06 PM, March 22, 2006  

  • You got the "little peoples support VALLA ANN". You had the guts to stand up and question the Council.

    Thanks for standingup for us and with us.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 2:47 PM, March 22, 2006  

  • Let me reiterate...
    THIS IS NOT A POLITICAL CAMPAIGN FORUM!!!

    The letter we posted for Valla Ann was strictly for the purpose of telling how the Audit was retrieved and distributed.
    No CM had anything to do with the process of obtaining, or the speaking out about, the audit at the Council meeting.

    The issue before us, and what we should be discussing is the finding of the Audit itself.

    By Blogger East Ender, at 2:51 PM, March 22, 2006  

  • Could the allegations against Mr. Schmidt come from the fact that he was the ONLY Council Person who was present at the audit exit meeting with the state? Or, could it come from the fact that Mr. Schmidt's name is printed on the bottom of the audit presented that night at the Council Meeting as being present at the exit interview? Another thing I don't really understand is how everyone thinks the Administration is trying to keep something from the people when all people at the exit meeting were told not to discuss any information from the meeting or the audit until the state makes it public? Which would include CM Schmidt?

    Could there be a relation between the fact that Freedom of Speech Blog had information posted about the audit after the exit meeting but before the information was officially public and the fact that Councilman Schmidt choose the same blog to send a letter to explain how he didn't turn over the information about the audit?

    I guess I'm just a little confused?

    confused taxpayer

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 3:26 PM, March 22, 2006  

  • Ground clutter, ground clutter, ground clutter. This "City" has every reason to attack any individual who stands up for issues; who asks questions about the monies; who wants to know what is going on with the EPA and our sewers; all of the Building Commissioners; etc., etc., etc.

    As a taxpayer, you may wish to compare the year-end financial statement for 2004 to the recently released PUBLIC AUDIT for 2004. Problems exist there in, and it's certified as is this audit. Hmmmmm.

    Get ready for more attacks. Mention the issues, and -- hey, you don't need me to tell you the strategy that has been adopted.

    Be safe New Albany! Everyone I know is working hard to achieve the same purpose of squaring the financials and fixing the infra-structure so we can have ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, and I think we all realize this. Those who don't agree, well, that's their problem isn't it?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 3:46 PM, March 22, 2006  

  • Financial Observer,
    You're absolutely right about one thing that should be on the minds of everyone in New Albany and that is Economic Development but everyone is happy with the status quo. This city needs to become more future or progressive thinking to get back on it's feet. Why the HELL are we not annexing all areas that are now connected to city sewers? The developers of the subdivisions in the fringe areas had to agree to "non-remonstration" clauses in their deeds. The taxes that these residents are paying SHOULD be paid to the City of New Albany! Some people say it is a bad "political" move to annex these areas but I hear the people in these areas would not be allowed to vote in a City election for 5 years. This should take politics out of the issue.

    If you ask me, this City and the citizens of New Albany need to become more friendly to development and progress or we will just continue to die on the vine. I can't tell you how many times I've heard developers say they'll just go do work in Jeffersonville and Clarksville because it's so much easier there. Let's look at the Planning and Zoning Department I believe they were in place before this Administration was. Status Quo = Status Quo.

    confused taxpayer

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 4:02 PM, March 22, 2006  

  • Confused taxpayer made some good points and asked some good questions. Why is this blown off and called "ground clutter"? Who really has something to hide here?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 4:03 PM, March 22, 2006  

  • Schmidt and Valla, the dynamic duo of deceipt, deception and disruption. to the bat cave Valla

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 4:39 PM, March 22, 2006  

  • Dear confused 3:26,

    Maybe this will help you understand what is really going on.

    Have you ever heard of the State Board of Accounts? Are you aware that any citizen can obtain any information except medical records and social security numbers? In the City County Bldg. any person can walk into any office and ask for information verbally or in writing. The only cost is for the printing. They cannot refuse you. There is a time limit for responding to verbal requests and a time limit for written requests.

    If for any reason a person does not receive the requested information in a timely manner they can contact the State Board of Accounts who in turn contact the Office Holder of the office in question and make sure the information is provided. This is Indiana State Law.

    Confused, it you read the Freedom of Speech article, you noticed that they contacted Mr. Schmidt, he did not contact them.

    Do you think it is possible that someone from Freedom of Speech may work in the City County Bldg? The employees of the City are privy to information before it is released to the general public.

    It seems like many of the people who are accusing Bill Schmidt, Valla Ann Bolovschak and others on this and other blogs are basing their accusations on speculation and innuendo rather than facts.

    The real issue is that a private citizen, Ms. Bolovschak, had a copy of the 2004 Audit before the last Council meeting. How do we know that the Mayor did not also have a copy?

    The other point is Mrs. Garry is an employee of the Mayor. There is an ordinance that protects the Controller from any liability pertaining to her position as Controller. Mrs. Garry is only doing what she has been instructed to do.

    Additionally you have a former Council member, Maury Goldberg, who also voted on the issues including the sewers for the last several years. Did he not recently have a confrontation with Ms. Bolovschak in the hallway of the City County Bldg? Did he not question the fact that the Mayor had to disclose financial information? Maybe we should look at his voting record. Let's be fair about this.

    We also have a Mayor who wants to blame the former Administration for all of New Albany's financial woes. Was he not a Council member himself during the Overton Administration? Maybe we should look a his voting record. Let's be fair about this.

    So many people are quick to judge others. Let's be fair and consider all sides before making hasty judgements.

    I am a Democratic elected official. Unless you have been elected to an office you have no idea what it is like.

    And just because a private citizen stood before the Mayor, the Council and the citizens everyone is quick to assume she has an agenda. Personally I do not know this lady but her motives seem to be sincere. If I had the information she had I would have done the same thing. I appreciate Ms. Bolovschak for having the courage to do what she did.

    An elected Democratic official.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 6:47 PM, March 22, 2006  

  • A voice of reason in the wilderness. Thank you.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 7:07 PM, March 22, 2006  

  • Good leadership consist in showing average people how to do the work of superior people.
    That's Valla Ann

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 6:21 AM, March 23, 2006  

  • So if I write or contact the State Board of Accounts and say I want a copy of the City Audit and the time limit for the Board to legally respond to me is up before the Audit is made public then they have to make it available to me? That doesn't sound right to me but, what do I know?

    I guess someone could work in the City County Building and also write Freedom of Speech but if the State Board of Accounts held the audit exit meeting and told the people in attendance not to discuss or share the information with anyone until it becomes public then they didn't do what they were supposed to do. Is this legal? Is this against the law? If it's not legal for the State Board of Accounts to release the information to me in a timely mannor then why is it not illegal if someone does what the State Board of Accounts instructs them to do?

    I'm not saying what Ms. B did was right or wrong but it sounds to me like it was a little bit of grandstanding. I am glad the information is out there but I just think it could have been handled differently.

    confused taxpayer

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 8:39 AM, March 23, 2006  

  • This is what happens when you adopt the "wholier than thou" attitude and go public with it.....skeletons, skeletons, everywhere.......

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9:08 AM, March 23, 2006  

  • Grandstanding does seem to be what this is about. At what price? So much time wasted on "much to do about nothing" because it was more important for someone to be center stage than let the process work as it should.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9:16 AM, March 23, 2006  

  • What would this community do without the "superior" people showing the average (little people) what to do and think. Break all the rules? Is that a way to have progress?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9:22 AM, March 23, 2006  

  • Seymour Tribune


    Readers Forum


    12/5/2005


    We are anxiously awaiting Baron Hill’s return as our representative. He can count on our support and volunteerism. As we told him before, we truly appreciate him and his efforts. We just love Baron Hill, literally. So proud that he was a Bluedog Democrat; so proud of all the work he did with seniors; and mostly proud of his integrity and reputation. We hope New Albany politics leave him alone this election. It’s bad here in town.


    Frank Lucchese and Yvonne Kersey


    New Albany


    Now there's a nice message to send to Baron Hill, thrashing new albany to our potential new congressman

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9:26 AM, March 23, 2006  

  • Gee, how long has it been since Baron Hill was in office...somebody is digging deep. That's okay, we still luv Baron Hill! Last time we checked, we were allowed to, and the politics were bad in NA at that time, too. Ask him.
    We are so glad you all have nothing better to do than to write on here and attack people.
    Can you imagine if these people actually did something with their lives? Wonder if they can read?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12:29 PM, March 23, 2006  

  • NAC IS THE ONLY GRANDSTANDER! yOU SAY SOMETHING WRONG ABOUT THE MAYOR AND HE THROWS YOU ON HIS BLOG. OR IF YOU DEFEND VALLA ANN FOR HAVING CLASS TO ASK THE HARD QUESTIONS. tHEN THEY ATTACK HER. CAN WE EVER MAKE NAC HAPPY?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 2:37 PM, March 23, 2006  

  • oh well gee the post is on Baron's campaign website and the statements were made in december 2005.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 2:59 PM, March 23, 2006  

  • This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 3:50 PM, March 23, 2006  

  • This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 3:55 PM, March 23, 2006  

  • This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9:45 PM, March 23, 2006  

  • What does it take to get people to behave like rational grown up adults who have SOME sense of civility?
    I just can't believe some of the things that some jack-asses have thrown out there.
    The Mayors PRIVATE life has NEVER been exploited on this blog.
    Only his incompetence as a leader and his own business failures.
    No one has every said anything that remotely equates to the low blows and lashing out that has occurred in this posting.
    Think its time to trace a few IP addresses and find out who is behind the nasty, dirty tactics.

    By Blogger East Ender, at 7:54 PM, March 24, 2006  

  • Valla Ann is just what NA needs! You rock great lady!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9:48 PM, April 01, 2006  

  • Valla Ann Bolovochek for Mayor

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 6:36 PM, April 03, 2006  

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