Speak Out Loud NA

Saturday, March 18, 2006

Hell No, We Won't Pay!!!

This posting is going to show how money from different funds was shifted around, mis-spent, or just plain went missing (as the Audit states: We should demand an investigation), and the mistakes made by the Administration that have brought New Albany to its knees financially.
Too many mistakes, one after another, and too much greed is what has gotten us into this predicament, and we the rate-payers, refuse to be hit up for more money in rate increases. If they try, they can be certain the citizens will respond accordingly.
We will lay out the sequence of events, the funds, and the Council resolutions that appropriated certain funds for certain operations, but were ignored. Particularly in the Sewage Department, but it doesn't stop there.
We suggest that folks also take a look at Freedom of Speech for more interesting information. They have provided an opportunity for CM Schmidt to address the false accusations that have been made against him relating to the distribution of the State Audit.
We would like to make it perfectly clear that we hold the utmost respect for CM Schmidt whose integrity is sterling, and whose honesty is uncompromised. He and Mrs. Schmidt are the most hard working public servants New Albany has been fortunate enough to have in our community. They both have nothing but the best interest of the citizenry at heart at all times. We offer our thanks to the folks at FOS for making it possible for CM Schmidt to set the record straight.
They also have a very good second article that relates to the thread of conversation that is taking place here at Speak Out Loud NA.

posted by East Ender at 1:51 AM

68 Comments:

  • My sign will say:

    "HELL NO"...
    "GARNER'S GOT TO GO!"....

    The citizens of New Albany have had enough....

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 6:21 AM, March 18, 2006  

  • "HELL NO"
    "WE WON'T PAY"
    "GARNER'S GOT TO GO!"

    A Hard workin
    Property Taxpayer

    SCRIBNER VS SEWER BILLS

    It's time to make a stand!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 6:36 AM, March 18, 2006  

  • THE CITY WANTS TO TAKE THE MONEY OUT OF OUR POCKETS AND DUMP IT OVER THE RIVERBANK IN THAT SCRIBNER PLACE THING.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9:47 AM, March 18, 2006  

  • How can the Mayor raise our Sewer Rates when the City is spending our money like this?

    CITY EXPENDITURES

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10:09 AM, March 18, 2006  

  • Cos they have NO CLUE as to what they are doing!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10:17 AM, March 18, 2006  

  • How can the Mayor raise our Sewer Rates when the City is spending our
    money like this?

    CITY EXPENDITURES

    MESSENGERS FOR CHRIST..$600.00
    NA LIONS CLUB.......... 100.00
    GRAND LLC...............500.00
    REDMEN CLUB.............689.00
    DERBY DINNER PLAYHOUSE..308.00
    SANDY'S CUSTOM CAKES.....55.00

    NANCE FLORIST.......... 675.50
    CRUSADE FOR CHILDREN... 605.62
    COMMONWEALTH BRASS BAND. 500.00

    You can see the entire list at a blog site called Freedom of Speech
    article on February 21, 2006

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10:25 AM, March 18, 2006  

  • Are these City Expenditures necessary?

    CITY EXPENDITURES

    JAZZERCISE..........$120.00

    STATE OF FLORIDA..$2,722.OO

    MOUNTAIN SPRING WATER... $359.00

    If these expenditures were controlled, the Mayor would not have to raise our SEWER RATES.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10:33 AM, March 18, 2006  

  • noticed that the city has enought money to put up 2 new signs in front of the spring st bookstore limiting parking for customers only. can the city desinate a public street to benifit a private business. it must be payback for being the mayors lap dog.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10:41 AM, March 18, 2006  

  • woof, woof, woof .... or is it slurp, slurp, slurp?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10:59 AM, March 18, 2006  

  • Greetings from the ‘burbs……….

    Before we get too deep into the meat of the matter, let’s look at how the mayor will respond to the audit. “All these problems were caused by prior administrations, and won’t be fixed for years [until I’m gone].” This response does not require any reading of the mayor’s mind; he gave it but a few days ago!

    But let’s be clairvoyant for a minute, and predict what his sycophant supporters will say, when you get through the meat and nearer to the bone.

    First, expect yet another combination ‘support the mayor & attack the little people’ BLOGASM from the dusty site.

    Some of their responses?

    These issues are all the little people’s fault, and you’re being (pick one or more) divisive, regressive, political, mean, stupid, smelly – all simply for bringing the public audit results to light on how OUR money is spent!

    Or, you little people will do anything to stop progress!

    Or, the mayor speaks well when being challenged; looks a bit like Tony Blair (not kidding, some lobotomy patient already posted it on another no-traffic blog.)

    Or, the mayor looks good and dresses well.

    Or, the mayor has nice hair.

    Or, any other answer that attempts to negate the true validity of your questions and divert attention from the underlying facts (audit, sewers, etc). Also, as you are very well aware, be prepared for personal attacks on your literacy, income, professions, etc.

    The only issue blocking true progress in New Albany is the mayor. His reckless spending (yes, he is accountable for it, wherever it occurred) which has removed any discretionary spending capability outside of increased taxation/fees, coupled with a complete lack of vision, has left the grand old city of New Albany solidly in NEUTRAL. [One solitary project, Scribner Place, is not a “vision” – and keep in mind, it was not his idea in the first place, and Garner voted AGAINST both this project and the sewer issue before he was mayor.] Boy, he plays you progressives like a prostituted fiddle, but I digress!

    If the audit does indeed call for an investigation, turn it over to the prosecutors ASAP. Any time in the interim will be spent by the administration trying to rewrite history.

    And remember…. Vote for Garner in 2007!

    By Blogger blogtastic, at 11:08 AM, March 18, 2006  

  • Gotta give credit where it's due: Blogtastic is immensely entertaining.

    Our opinion, thanks, etc.

    By Blogger The New Albanian, at 11:31 AM, March 18, 2006  

  • THE MAYOR'S CITY EXPENDITURES LIST SHOWS:

    MESSENGERS OF CHRIST.... $600.00

    WHERE IS THAT CHURCH?
    WHO IS THE PASTOR OF THAT CHURCH?
    WHO APPROVED THIS EXPENDITURE?

    HOW IS THIS ALLOWED UNDER THE RULES OF SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE ?

    IS THIS THE MAYOR'S CHURCH?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12:13 PM, March 18, 2006  

  • Three guesses as to which Church, and the first two don't count! Ha! What a joke.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12:16 PM, March 18, 2006  

  • NO KIDDING---- IF YOU KNOW WHOSE CHURCH IT IS, PLEASE TELL US.

    THANKS.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12:21 PM, March 18, 2006  

  • WOW--- I WILL BET THAT THE ATHIESTS WILL SLAP THE MAYOR ON THE HAND FOR
    SPENDING THIS CITY MONEY ON A CHURCH.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12:25 PM, March 18, 2006  

  • Isn't it in the phone book?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12:47 PM, March 18, 2006  

  • I received a copy of the audit from a dear friend this morning, and had a chance to do an initial read (after we enjoyed some most excellent freshly ground coffee she brought over from Heine Bros. in Louisville.)

    The church issue, while important from a variety of political and constitutional-legal angles, is interesting yet financially insignificant. (But if you want the answer, just follow the money -- to whomever it leads in the mayor's cadre of companions.) Ditto for the relatively small disbursements for flowers, playhouse tickets, cakes and facility rentals. While the city is (apparently) broke, and we may have problems with such expenses, they would all be deemed ordinary and reasonable, given the size of the city budget. Don't get lost in the weeds!

    The most damning part of the audit refers to the overdrawn balances. It shows what is apparently well over $3M in overdrawn accounts! I had to do a second and third read to ensure what I was reading was indeed correct, given the amount of monies involved.

    From the audit itself --

    'The cash balance of any fund may not be reduced below zero. Routinely overdrawn funds could be an indicator of serious financial problems which should be investigated by the governmental unit (Accounting and Uniform Compliance Guidelines Manual for Cities and Towns, Chapter 7)'

    Note: SERIOUS FINANCIAL PROBLEMS WHICH SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED.

    The GOVERNMENTAL UNIT mentioned is the City of New Albany itself.

    Do you think the mayor will initiate a self-investigation?

    There were also big problems with expenditures in excess of appropriated amounts (the mayor cannot get past this one either; it was HIS budget and HIS expenditures), and believe-it-or-not -- WASTEWATER ACCOUNTS!

    As stated earlier, this matter needs to be referred to the proper local prosecutorial authorities for an investigation. It may well require the appointment of a special prosecutor, given the state of local politics.

    This is indeed a very, very serious matter.

    Vote for Garner in 2007!

    By Blogger blogtastic, at 1:30 PM, March 18, 2006  

  • We agree. Citizens and Council members should ask for a Special Prosecutor for an investigation. The Citizens of this town deserve better and it is way past time the truth should be known! After how many millions upon millions? Our family will be happy to be some of the citizens to go in on the official complaint form within the Prosecutor's office, and I'm sure some of Council will, too. Stand strong, New Albany. We've been waiting on these issues to boil over for a long time. It's simply too bad some of the elected officials couldn't or wouldn't listen to their elder statesmen and the public about what IS AND WAS GOING ON in this fair City.
    Let's roll.

    By Anonymous IT'S OUR MONIES, NOT THEIRS, & TIME THEY KNOW IT!, at 1:48 PM, March 18, 2006  

  • blogtastic,

    You are right on the money about the audit and anticipated responses. You were also spot on about the BLOGASM, and I laughed my a__ off after looking at your profile web site. I showed it to my wife and she was howling too. The Mayor is a dapper looking guy. Put us down for a preorder of two progressive condoms. Are they reuseable?

    All you guys and gals in New Albany please keep up the good work. It is well past time that we all hold our elected officials accountable. We have been trying to do the same in the county for the past few years. I know firsthand it gets tiring and expensive, but it is well worth the effort. Those people who try to make true fundamental changes and hold elected and appointed officials accountable for achieving it are the real progressives.

    I also understand that besides the audit there was a new letter from the EPA just Friday about the sewers, and it is not what the city leadership wanted to hear. I do not have a copy of it yet, but a friend from the city is going to fax it to me Monday. The sewer issue now affects us in the county since a line has been run up to Highlander Point. There are plans to put a lot of development on that line. Maybe if someone has the letter they can post it to this site?

    Thanks again for the laughs.

    Valla Ann,

    Thanks for all you have done and are doing. I am sure you have heard this before. When a person gets viciously attacked while pursuing the answers as you have been, you know then that you are near the truth. Been there, done that. I look forward to one day meeting you. You are a real trouper.

    zip
    Greenville

    By Anonymous zip, at 2:39 PM, March 18, 2006  

  • And the sad thing he says valla ann was playing politics? She was kind enough to ask the council if they had seen the audit. She used her money and her time to print it. Then he tries to blame a councilman for releasing the info!

    He will continue to play the political card as long as he can? I also have a copy of the audit. And it does say State Board of Accounts on it. Why does Mayor Garner act like this is all a shock to him? It states he was present for the "exit conference."Why can't he be a man and admit he is a screw-up and stop blaming Overton for all this when she was mayor? His mother does not have enough money to cover the city diaster he has created.

    Anyone in blog land remember when private citizens bought "Shame on you Regina T-Shirts" and the citizens had a protest against her. Police & Fire. And if my memory has not left me James Garner was there?

    Did the citizens of New Albany not learn a big lesson on 2 sets of books. Say all you other progressive want to say. But this time we are not going to lay down and take it. So let's take it to the people and to the streets. Let's sent a message to Mayor Garner..

    Remember all them campaign promises? Not going to put all our eggs in one basket? Well how about I will put all the money I can in my pockets! You would think his lap dogs R&R would make him aware.

    We are not giving another dime of tax dollars for his $750.00 floor mats for his truck nor paying for some employee of the city to talk to his girlfriend and talk sweet nothings in her ear on a city cell phone. Kay knows better she worked for Douggie and did not allow this shit to happen before!

    And newalbanian don't even go there with the B/S on class of people. Cause you are not a damn bit better than no one. So roger get yourself a copy of the "AUDIT" and read it and then come back to SOLNA and prove to us all were wrong!


    I will vote Republican like all my democrat friends are planning to do. To keep James Garner from getting elected!

    And that is a "PROMISE" I plan to keep!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 3:21 PM, March 18, 2006  

  • What good do you people think you are accomplishing? For one The EPA is fully aware of the SSO events and are reported by the sewer board and EMC as per the consent decree, so keep taking your pictures and stirring it up , it only serves to work against the city and ultimately the rate payers because it makes the EPA less likely to release sewer credits, so nice job Potty Patrol. Second regarding the audit, as The Mayor clearly stated at the council meeting after the obvious political theater of your imaginary future mayor, the audit was not good but certainly has shown improvements from the Overton administration and the City Controller, Kay Garry, whom of course your hero Valla nearly slandered last year has a plan to rectify the State's concerns and issues, so what's your problem or should I ask what is your real agenda ?

    Thanks for entertaining us though, cheap laughs are hard to come by these days, what are your antics for the next council meeting?

    By Blogger Tim Deatrick, at 3:23 PM, March 18, 2006  

  • TIM DEATRICK

    YOU ARE A SINNER! lOOKING FOR A JOB ON THE NEW BOARD TIMMY? JUST MONTH'S AGO YOU WERE ATTACKING HIM AND OTHERS AND NOW YOUR PLAYING KISS THE MAYORS ASS! WELL I CAN SAY ONE THING AT LEAST GARNER CAN COUNT ON YOUR VOTE! BUT MY VOTE AGAINST GARNER WILL CANCEL YOUR VOTE OUT. WE WATCH YOU DO TRICKS ALMOST EVERY COUNCIL MEETING. IT'S CALLED JUMP THRU GARNER HOOPS!

    VALLA ANN 07

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 3:38 PM, March 18, 2006  

  • Mayor James Garner you have a right to remain silent, You have a right to an attorney. And we have a right to read the friggin Audit!

    A Very Unhappy Taxpayer

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 3:42 PM, March 18, 2006  

  • Well lets see anon. The Republicans have a primary and I dont think Valla is running against Garner in a Republican primary, unless of course the mayor changes his political party, also when you vote are you signing your name on the precinct list as anonymous?

    By Blogger Tim Deatrick, at 3:49 PM, March 18, 2006  

  • Tim Deatrick I'm going to sign your name and vote for Valla Ann!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 4:07 PM, March 18, 2006  

  • Oh so you admit that you intend to attempt election fraud, gee is that indicative of how her campaign will operate?

    By Blogger Tim Deatrick, at 4:10 PM, March 18, 2006  

  • Anonymous

    All you have to do is vote absentee under Tim Deatrick's name and he can't vote! It happens all the time.

    Oooops.......

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 4:10 PM, March 18, 2006  

  • timmy

    She doesn't need your vote. Your out of her league. Maybe James will let you run his cleaners when he gets beat. But you better remind him to get a business license first.

    one of the little people

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 4:15 PM, March 18, 2006  

  • Sounds like the mayor learned "fuzzy math" from regina.
    Maybe he will have IU students come and work for free to straighten out our books?

    Officials and employees are required to use State Board of Accounts prescribed or approved forms in the manner prescribed? Have you read the audit Mr. Deatrick? Please give us your spin?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 4:21 PM, March 18, 2006  

  • Better ask The Republican precinct committeemen and the republican rank and file if she needs their votes, dont even think she can count on the republican womens club to be out in full force for her, they just dont seem to dig white chili

    By Blogger Tim Deatrick, at 4:34 PM, March 18, 2006  

  • Lots of very good, and well articulated, opinions out here (with the exception of 'lil tim), and we feel very confident that pertinent information has finally found its way past the veiled curtain of political spin and progressive hammering, thanks to the unselfish work of citizens who care about this City.
    We have an unfortunate situation on our hands, in-so-far-as James has no intentions of doing anything different than he's been doing, and refuses to be held accountable for his poor performance.
    It is indeed time to call out for an investigation of the matters found in the Audit, and we intend to make a stand in this regard.
    The talk of another Sewer rate increase falls within the same category.
    The Sewer fund must have an independent audit that is able to untangle the mess they made by using it as the City slush fund.
    Until they can produce a valid accounting that seperates Sewers from Drainage, Sanitation, loans to other departments, secretaries, and other non-related expenditures, how can they possibly determine, or argue, that a rate increase is warranted?
    Lousy bookkeeping and overspending are not qualifiers for rate increases to rectify their mistakes. How pathetic.
    WE WILL STAND AGAINST ANY REQUEST FOR SEWAGE RATE INCREASES!!!
    Thanks to Blogtastic and everyone else who are SMART enough to not be blinded by excuses and lame blaming past administrations for everything that's wrong with our City.
    We will continue in our mission to provide a forum for Concerned Citizens. You folks are making a difference, and together, we are making real progress.

    By Blogger East Ender, at 5:01 PM, March 18, 2006  

  • All the homeowners in New Albany need to not pay April's Sewer Bill for a month? And maybe we can take up a collection and have a copy of the AUDIT printed for Mayor Garner? Any donations bloggers.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 5:23 PM, March 18, 2006  

  • timmy we did not know you belonged to the Republican's Womens Club? I go and have never met you? Let me check with Mrs. Offinger and ask if you are a member?

    Yell your the Valla Ann person who writes all that nasty stuff on the other blog. Now I remember you.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 5:30 PM, March 18, 2006  

  • Just because you go to their chili supper doesnt mean you aspire to membership in the Republican womens club I think Mark Seabrook, who is a regular at those events would hardly seek membership in that particular club.

    By Blogger Tim Deatrick, at 6:07 PM, March 18, 2006  

  • Tim,

    THANK YOU!

    You're the first sycophant out, and you have ably proved my earlier points – just like the other pro-progressives, you present NO facts; you just simply remain on your knees in front of the mayor. In fact, you are so transparent that this is like shooting fish in a barrel. I can only surmise that you don’t give a hoot about your personal credibility.

    And those “facts” you attempt to present are readily disproved.
    .
    First, nothing that anyone in the community has done would cause the EPA to be reticent about issuing additional credits, until the sewers are fixed as the MAYOR COMMITTED. Are you advocating that even more sewage should be dumped into the system before it is fixed, only to overflow in or near parks and in peoples’ basements? I thought you cared about the environment? I thought you cared about that pesky little bug called the West Nile virus, exacerbated by standing, polluted water? Guess not if it doing so would potentially interfere with your pocketbook.

    Second, how has the audit under this mayor improved over that of the prior administration? Give us some FACTS! I don’t recall over $3M unaccounted for, and an investigation strongly recommended under the prior administration. If so, the Dems and the Trib would have been all over it. But even if it was ‘bad’ under the prior administration as you contend, what point are you trying to make? Just let the damned incompetence and potential illegalities continue? Real progressive outlook!

    Third, please don’t speak for the ‘Pubs or their views of Valla Ann. Brenda O. is a friend of the family. My wife is a past member of the ‘Pubs Womens Club, and she says your full of that stuff overflowing from the sewers.

    Lastly, please stop speaking of Valla Ann’s “agenda”. If she does indeed plan to run for mayor, and PROVING the ineptitude of the present empty suit facilitates that goal, it is not an agenda. She couldn’t make the mayor look bad unless he was helping… get the point?

    Running for office is not an agenda, but a little pesky thing called a Constitutional right. An agenda is something like the following…. Blaming all your screw ups on someone else; or, rabidly backing a person, after they’ve proven their incompetence, by attacking others personally.

    But once again, thanks for so ably representing the pro-progressives. I guess you ho’s are gonna’ need to find a new pimp after the mayor is gone. I caught a photo of one of you guys working the street in front of the City County Building: PRO-PROGRESSIVE


    PLEASE, PLEASE work hard to put the current mayor on the ballot for reelection.

    Garner in 2007!

    By Blogger blogtastic, at 6:37 PM, March 18, 2006  

  • zip,

    Thanks for the kinds words.

    The progressive condom as designed is a full 20 mil thick, and can be hosed off. But since we cannot anticipate the intensity of any given pro-progressive BLOGASM, I cannot guarantee its reuse. It may get broken by excessive hystronics or personal attacks spewed forth by the pro-progressives. And remember, as with any condom it is not guaranteed to be 100% effective.

    I personally do not have a copy of the EPA letter. I didn't even know one had come out, but now I'm looking.

    blogtastic

    By Blogger blogtastic, at 6:47 PM, March 18, 2006  

  • blogtastic,

    That sure is a great upclose and personal picture of Roger the progressive. Have you found one on Randy Dandy the progressive? Could not agree with you more. Valla Ann has no agenda. And the way she handle the council on thursday speaks volumes of her ability. But I guess if she was a man it would have played out differently.

    Of course tiny tim has nothing to say but praise for James. But again he is only looking out for a position on the new board. Lord we have so much unexperience people in this adminstration.

    What is your position blogtastic on solving the real problems in New Albany? Think alot of the regulars here would like to hear your point of view! Have a feeling several here need some real solid answes in solving our problems? Who do you think is qualified to clean this mess up and how and what would you do?

    One of the qualified little people

    By Anonymous LITTLE PEOPLE SPEAKS, at 9:27 PM, March 18, 2006  

  • when it comes to hate, you guyz work some serious overtime. you make Klansman look like john denver

    here's a suggestion from another suburbanite who lives out in the county like blogtastic -- dude, try some zoloft or pot

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 11:53 PM, March 18, 2006  

  • All I can think of after reading that last comment was that whoever wrote it must be the one on drugs, or be a member of some Hate Faction (progressives?).
    If they picked up any sort of "hate" message out of what was said by 'blogtastic', they have a very twisted outlook on reality.
    Is telling the truth HATEFUL?
    Is talking about facts HATEFUL?
    Is putting things in perspective HATEFUL?
    Just calling 'em as they see 'em, and without the demeaning "satire" so often wielded like a weapon from Baylor.
    The truth is sometimes a bitter pill to swallow, but resorting to ugly tactics in an effort to hide from the truth is like swimming in mud. You're just not going to get anywhere no matter how hard you try.
    As for 'blogtastic', you're my hero! Thanks for your input and please continue to visit.
    The truth, so masterfully told, is like cleaning out the cobwebs and letting the light shine in on a long unused room where honesty and accountability reside.
    Let's open up the windows and let the light shine in on what's been hidden away from the citizens of New Albany.

    By Blogger East Ender, at 1:26 AM, March 19, 2006  

  • Our family agrees with FOS.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 7:05 AM, March 19, 2006  

  • R&R use the typical bullying tactics, I've noticed. Name-calling, taunting, etc.

    They also are very sexist. Can't seem to handle an assertive woman. All the comments about her cooking, grooming, etc., show that chauvinistic attitude.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 8:16 AM, March 19, 2006  

  • I have to admit that this is the most entertaining thread I have read in a long time. Tim, you truly are New Albany's last bulldog. Unfortunately, this bunch doesn't understand the magnitude of the sewer infrastructure and the billion that's going to be required to really fix it.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9:11 AM, March 19, 2006  

  • "Just calling 'em as they see 'em, and without the demeaning "satire" so often wielded like a weapon from Baylor."

    At least be fair to blogtastic: Cartoons equating the mayor with prostitution certainly qualify as satire, don't they?

    And you're all applauding blogtastic's satire, correct?

    Be happy -- finally you have some one with a wit somewhat above that of the spitwad. Relish it.

    Too bad he's GOP, though.

    By Blogger The New Albanian, at 10:21 AM, March 19, 2006  

  • Tim Deatrick
    --9 years City of New Albany Wastewater Utility
    --USDA Emerald Ashborer Infestation Investigator, 2005
    --IUS West Nile virus monitoring, 2002-2005
    --The President's Volunteer Service Award Gold Medal Winner, 2006
    --Author of Publications
    --Author of Newspaper Articles
    --Jennings County Stream Assessment, Health Department, 2005
    --Stormwater Advisory Committee, 2005-2006
    --Laboratory Instructor, 2005
    --Chamber of Commerce, VP
    --Environmental Coursework--Env. Geology, Env. Biology, Hydrology, Geomorphology, Ecology
    --MBA Indiana University
    --BS from Kelly School of Business, Bloomington

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10:38 AM, March 19, 2006  

  • By the way that prior posting was not me it was from a supporter of mine who chooses to remain anonymous, after all you champion the right to be anonymous on here.

    Have a nice day and please feel free to continue to question my credentials.

    By Blogger Tim Deatrick, at 10:42 AM, March 19, 2006  

  • People asking why you still support Garner with his poor management of the city and our money is not questioning your credentials.

    They are questioning your motives, or dare I say agenda.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12:28 PM, March 19, 2006  

  • equating your bullies to the satire that Roger writes still doesn't make it right. No one likes to have their feelings hurt and it's not even neccesary.

    Also I don't think that accusing the mayor or others in the city of frequenting prostitutes counts as satire, more like libel and slander.

    By Blogger ceece, at 1:01 PM, March 19, 2006  

  • The Mayor has admitted he has made mistakes and even has said so at council meetings but to continue to attack him and pull antics like last Thursday's council meeting where a certain B&B owner chose to discuss the state audit and cast disparaging remarks at the mayor as if some warm up for a political campaign only serves to further divide the community, the election is next year not now, so I question your agenda Solna. Did Valla Ann bother to talk with or provide the Mayor with her advanced copy of the audit?

    I for one have decided that we have too many issues that need to be addressed and have voluntarily provided my knowledge, and ability to pull together resources to help this city and yes the current Mayor in meeting an unfunded Storm water mandate.

    So my suggestion, instead of continously trying to tear down and play politics why not get off your conspiracy theories and offer solutions instead of attacks?

    By Blogger Tim Deatrick, at 2:13 PM, March 19, 2006  

  • I must first apologize. I was contacted by some self-identified progressives who do not align themselves with those who claim to be progressives and post on this blog and others. For that I am truly sorry….. I had no intention of prejudicing an entire group by the words and actions of a lesser number. I thought my references were clearly limited to the pro-progressives, but obviously they did not come across in that fashion.

    Now for a little (hopefully) humorous weekend entertainment…..

    Last night while cruising through town, I spotted the mayor in an alley serenading someone unknown to me through an open window. He was enticing them with the following ballad (sung to the tune of Tiptoe Through the Tulips, made popular by Tiny Tim)

    Tiptoe to the window,
    By the window that is where I'll be
    Come tiptoe through the sewage with me!

    Oh, tiptoe to the Hampton
    By the garden of the willow tree
    And tiptoe through the sewage with me

    Knee deep in pee-pee we’ll stray,
    We'll keep the Fed-boys away.
    And if I kiss you in the puddles, in the moonlight,
    Will you pardon me?
    And tiptoe through the sewage with me!

    The mayor jams on the ukulele!

    new alb: Thanks for admiring my satire, but speaking of labeling someone!!! You toss that GOP reference around in the usual, thinly veiled pejorative manner so popular today (and as you well intended.) Kind of like “Christian.” Can’t get away without a parting shot, eh? Yes, I am registered GOP, a conservative, and zealously support a variety of GOP candidates and elected officials. But I vote for the person – not the party. Here’s one for you: Stumler (a big “D”) for County Commissioner. Here’s another: If the Dems put up a qualified, visionary candidate for mayor, and IF Mayor Garner or some long-term “D” insider is on the primary ticket as well, and IF the ‘Pubs don’t have anyone otherwise qualified and challenged on their primary ticket, I will vote in the Dem primary to support the most qualified “D” candidate making it through to the general election, and vote for them there as well. As a final insight to my political predispositions, I am also a big supporter of Sen. Sipes; voted for her before and most likely will again. If you were to check the results from the last general election in Floyd County, you would see that there is distinct evidence that more “R’s” cross the line, and vote for the person, than that which occurs with the mostly party-line “D’s.” Appears we “R’s” are much more progressive in how we vote. You see, I personally do not hitch my wagon irrevocably to any political party or specific ideology, and know when to unhitch it from someone who is no longer qualified to lead.

    ceece: You’re missing the ho’ reference completely. The ho’s are (some of) the self-identified progressives who rabidly defend the mayor, regardless of what he does or doesn’t do. So you see, they prostitute themselves to the mayor, no solicitation necessary. That’s prostitute in the manner of the second, lesser used definition: To sell (oneself or one's talent, for example) for an unworthy purpose. No one is implying or stating that the mayor patronizes prostitutes. That would be indicative of the type of attack leveled by (some of) the pro-progressives against the “little people,” when the pro-progressives cannot support their mayoral defenses with facts.

    But ceece, you honestly did make me think. Sometimes when we men pin someone down on the mat, and get focused on a few (yet very serious) matters, it is hard to let the person up for a breath. So to get off the topic of sewers, the audit, etc. and focus instead on leadership, and with apologies to the blogmaster, I just pose one simple, non-agenda driven question to everyone (and please no smart aleck responses from any corner).

    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?

    It just has to be his idea, and it doesn’t even need to be completed yet. I’m not looking to debate the issue, I just want to know. In fact, I’m getting away for a few days with the wife, and taking no technology other than a cell phone with me. I’m spending too much time on the ‘net anyway.

    By Blogger blogtastic, at 2:29 PM, March 19, 2006  

  • This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    By Blogger blogtastic, at 2:43 PM, March 19, 2006  

  • new albanian
    Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. It just happens that your opinion is wrong.

    GOP 07

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 2:48 PM, March 19, 2006  

  • Tim,

    An independent audit of the city's finances, with horrible results, is not a conspiracy theory.

    Sewers that do not function as promised to the EPA and after spending $40 M+ of our money, is not a conspiracy theory.

    A full investigation of the city's finances is a most necessary step in the solution to solve the mess and reign in spending.

    Fixing the sewers, to avoid excessive pollution, and damage to the citizens' property, health and welfare, without raising rates is a solution.

    Electing a new mayor, unless this one does a 180 very soon, is a solution,

    And quite honestly, I thought we had beaten the actual ‘audit document availability issue’ to death. It is a public document, readily available to the mayor and others, as it was to Valla Ann. At a minimum, his not having a copy was either an attempt to put off the matter longer to allow for a little damage control, or perhaps indicative of his lack of management expertise. He has a full-time (I believe) controller, and perhaps other finance people, who deal with the state daily. If they did not keep the mayor apprised of the audit and its availability, as they should have, he should fire them for exposing him to a politically embarrassing situation. Period.

    By Blogger blogtastic, at 2:55 PM, March 19, 2006  

  • I am a Republican, a black, dyed in the wool Republican, I never intend to belong to any other party.
    You got my vote Valla Ann

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 3:15 PM, March 19, 2006  

  • Oh, for the sake of all that's sacred in this world, who believes timmy didn't put up his own "resume'"?
    Who would know such tedious details other than tiny tim himself, and how obvious that he commented a whole 4 minutes after some mystery "fan" of his put the info up?
    Just stop trying so hard to prove yourself 'lil tim and you just might get a little more respect. Antics like this just don't help.
    I can't help but agree with 'blogtastic' that anyone with such an interest in the enviroment would, even should, be more concerned with getting the sewer system corrected due to the health risks and the pollution.
    How can one be so adamant about meeting Federal mandates of Stormwater containment, yet blow off the EPA mandated repairs of the sanitary wastewater system and compliance with the Clean Water Act? timmy should, by all reasoning, be as upset about the sewage prolems as most of us are.
    Makes no sense unless you figure the pro-prostitution element into the equation.

    By Blogger East Ender, at 3:25 PM, March 19, 2006  

  • valla ann --

    Have you been able to look at the audit in detail yet? I have a question about the garbage service and its accounts. I was wondering if it was really as bad as Garner made it sound when he decided to ax all the city employees and outsource it, or was this some area where the money was really not accounted for or spent somewhere else.

    thank you

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 4:09 PM, March 19, 2006  

  • All this is very intersteing to follow. However, most of you seeom to be missing the point. If this were to happen in any other place their would be a criminal investigation by the States Attorney General and State Auditor. It seems to me that a criminial investigation is in order. That would fix your current sitution. And, why is the media not covering this? If this were happing across the river the media coverage would be intense.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 5:10 PM, March 19, 2006  

  • Tim,
    I have one question for you, how sweet is the mayors ass? you have been his most loyal ass kisser..

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 6:18 PM, March 19, 2006  

  • anonymous 5:10pm
    what makes you think something isnt already in the works?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 6:22 PM, March 19, 2006  

  • THESE ARE THE FACTS CITIZENS OF NEW ALBANY....

    From the State Board of Accounts

    Quote: The cash balance of any fund may not be reduced below zero. Routinely overdrawn funds could be an indicator of serious financial problems which should be investigated by the govermmental unit. Accounting and Uniform Compliance Guidelines Manual for Cities and Towns, Chapter 7)

    Page 40--City of New Albany Audit Results and comments.

    Freedom of Speech

    By Blogger One voice, at 7:12 PM, March 19, 2006  

  • GREAT JOB FREEDOM OF SPEECH

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 8:46 PM, March 19, 2006  

  • For those of you who do have a copy of the audit, or when you receive a copy, please make note of the following pages:
    23, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 52, 53, and 54.

    Page 32 bites all because the City is using 1997 Tap-in fee rates. If we are not mistaken, and we'd have to scour some records, but to our knowledge the tap-ins were raised in 1999, and again in 2001 when ratepayers got a rate hike. We remember the formula was either a certain percentage hike each year or $500.00 each year until this past year, when they raised the tap-ins again.

    This one is WAY OUT OF WHACK.

    There are a few millions here, Mayor. Think you could use 'em?
    What is the statute of limitations on this one - 2 years?

    Speechless on this issue; need to look back at 03's Audit, even though the State said they couldn't make heads or tails; some backtracking is needed really fast on this one!

    Tomorrow is another day, though. We've got our faith the people will prevail, and for right now, that's all we need.

    Thanks, EastEnder. Good job. Been out of town this weekend ourselves, and glad to see the thread that has evolved.

    Tell It Like It Is....

    By Anonymous An Audit Reader, Interesting Things, at 10:22 PM, March 19, 2006  

  • 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?

    . . . crickets chirping. Somewhere in the distance, a dog howls.

    By Anonymous well? we're waiting, at 11:35 PM, March 19, 2006  

  • The Woman I Want to Work for Me

    Please, Lord, if you can arrange it, put me into the path of Holly Ralston Oyler so she can perform her wonders for me.

    posted by All4Word

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12:16 AM, March 20, 2006  

  • All4Word, one of the Spring Street Sexists.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 6:14 AM, March 20, 2006  

  • blogtastic,

    Thank you for the most interesting and sensible comments I have read in a while.

    The audit suggested an investigation is needed. I hope that it is indeed in the works. I cannot understand why the State Board of Accounts is not more proactive in this matter. How can a city be overdrawn by 3 MILLION DOLLARS?

    We cannot sit back and let this slide.

    By Blogger shirley baird, at 10:30 AM, March 20, 2006  

  • I also question the State Board of Accounts lack of action.

    When will the investigation begin?

    By Anonymous legal beagle, at 1:05 PM, March 20, 2006  

  • Soon...very soon. I promise.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 3:35 PM, March 20, 2006  

  • Ah, a few relaxing days out of town does a soul some good.

    And once again thanks to the pro-progressives for supporting my viewpoints of their “poster boy progressive mayor.” (With apologies to those that are truly progressive thinkers in this town.)

    On early Sunday afternoon before departing, in response to a comment by a blogger as to the negative tone the comments on the mayor had taken, I posed a quite serious question open to all. My objective was to hopefully begin a meaningful dialogue on leadership and the future of NA. The question is:

    "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?"

    As I further explained,

    “It just has to be his idea, and it doesn’t even need to be completed yet. I’m not looking to debate the issue, I just want to know.”

    Given the mayor’s staunch support and defense by the pro-progressives, I fully expected this question to draw a myriad of responses as to how the mayor has generated an overflowing cup of progressive ideas, and initiate the type of discussion and community-wide visioning the pro-progressives proclaim to desire. I could not wait to get back home and check out the answers and discussion that had been posted over the past three-and-one-half days.

    Upon returning home, I went looking. An overview of this blog, the pro-progressive blogs and my email inbox reveals the following. Allowing for some degree of error to allow for the overlap in answers on the blog(s), and possible duplication in my emails as well, there were exactly

    ZERO ANSWERS TO MY QUESTION!

    Even the person who questioned the tenor of the comments on the mayor failed to respond! Imagine that?

    What gives?

    I thought the pro-progressives wanted to get back on the issue(s) of leadership and the future of NA? I thought, as the pro-progressives had professed, that the mayor was a veritable fountainhead of visionary progressive ideas - kind of like an Oracle at New Albany?

    Nope. Seems that the pro-progressive bloggers in this town are a bunch of political hacks, of which they accuse the “little people,” and are devoid of any truly progressive ideas.

    Please prove me wrong by answering the original question.

    Time for the hot tub and a real Cohiba!

    And …….. Garner in 2007!

    By Blogger blogtastic, at 7:35 PM, March 22, 2006  

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