Dear KT,
There is something I'd like to discuss now that "Republican" asked the question.
Why is it that our Democratic Party has come from its noble history to arrive at mayhem? Our party is fractured and disgruntled like never before. My father says he doesn't even recognize the party, especially locally, but nationally too. Why? What are we becoming? You have many people on here and I would say that most are Democrats yet even they constantly bicker and fight and call each other names.
The Republicans who get on here don't seem to know what's going on because our party has dominated things locally since the beginning of time as I remember (I'm 68). I don't much care what the Republicans know or understand. Their leader seems like a pretty nice but dimwitted character. No surprise that they'd exhibit ignorance. The only smart one they have in office, seems to me, is Ed Clere, and we love to hate him precisely because he knows what he's doing and we don't like it.
But what about talking about just the Democrats? Let's focus on us. We're a big part of the problem here. Why? Because over the past, oh, thirty years or so, we've let some real crooks take over. We've let things become "thug politics" in Floyd County, especially in the city of New Albany.
Oh, they've got their front men (and women) who then line up to take the fall whenever things go awry, but why do we allow this? Our friend, "Republican" asked why the Reps and the Demos don't get along. Heck, we don't get along with ourselves! Somehow, we've allowed the Central Committee to consist of that group known as "the inner circle" and they control everything, from who's going to run for what, to how many paid boards we can appoint weak-kneed yes-men to, to who's going to take the fall for what, to how we're going to use those on the outside, specifically the so-called "progressives" in town, to get us what we want, to making sure backs are turned on the cheating we ALL KNOW is going on (for example, city council district 1).
We say things like, "Gosh, we hate Dan Coffey" and that we don't support him, yet we pretty much sit around and allow this to go on. We even seem to support it! I am one who pushed Jeff Gahan as the man to vote for this past election. I wish I hadn't. He's got the same thugs (yes, THUGS) in office as before. Just switched around. We wonder why we can't make changes happen, then cry and bitch about it not happening. And we complain bitterly about the people in power. YET WE DO NOTHING TO STOP THEM! So, let's stop talking about how stupid the Republicans are and talk about US, the Floyd County Democratic Party.
Although I can't vote in the city elections and live near the Harrison County line, I watch and read everything about the city where I grew up. I would like to see us progress toward some change for the better. Also, I would prefer my name not be used and appreciate your offer of space on your blog to get some things said.
Thanks.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
"A Letter From A Reader"
Hello Kitchen Table!
I would like to discuss how we get an atmosphere in this city where we all work together and stop talking about being Democrats and Republicans.
As a Republican, I can't understand why every single issue becomes a big fight to wrest any credit or attention away from the people who do the real work. It's always about grandstanding and making sure the right person swipes the credit.
I know Doug England is out of office, but for some reason, his name is mentioned in the Tribune just about every day. Why? I want to know, is England planting this? Or is the Tribune just struggling to fill space? And if the latter is the case, why on earth did they do away with Ed Clere's column?
Right now, we could stand to have some first hand information on the right - to - work bill they're all talking about and that the unions seem so up in arms about. But I don't have enough information to go on.
Back to the city of New Albany, I wonder why more people don't help Jeff Gahan, since he's making so many mistakes. Why are we just sitting here letting him make the mistakes? He must be listening to someone, right? I also wonder if we're going to continue to see city streets and sidewalks torn up. Why the selective sidewalk projects? In some of the areas, I didn't see any great need for a new sidewalk. In other areas, someone had the great idea to put all those bump - outs. What for? I find it all very confusing.
I would like to discuss how we get an atmosphere in this city where we all work together and stop talking about being Democrats and Republicans.
As a Republican, I can't understand why every single issue becomes a big fight to wrest any credit or attention away from the people who do the real work. It's always about grandstanding and making sure the right person swipes the credit.
I know Doug England is out of office, but for some reason, his name is mentioned in the Tribune just about every day. Why? I want to know, is England planting this? Or is the Tribune just struggling to fill space? And if the latter is the case, why on earth did they do away with Ed Clere's column?
Right now, we could stand to have some first hand information on the right - to - work bill they're all talking about and that the unions seem so up in arms about. But I don't have enough information to go on.
Back to the city of New Albany, I wonder why more people don't help Jeff Gahan, since he's making so many mistakes. Why are we just sitting here letting him make the mistakes? He must be listening to someone, right? I also wonder if we're going to continue to see city streets and sidewalks torn up. Why the selective sidewalk projects? In some of the areas, I didn't see any great need for a new sidewalk. In other areas, someone had the great idea to put all those bump - outs. What for? I find it all very confusing.
Friday, January 6, 2012
YOUR OPINIONS MATTER
What would you, as a reader, like to discuss this time around?
What were your expectations with the last City election? Were your expectations met?
Any subject you wish to discuss?
Let us know at kitchentableissues@gmail.com. Type an article up and submit it.
Everyone always has an opinion, whether we agree or disagree. Simply try to keep it "nice".
Okay, it's your turn!!!
What were your expectations with the last City election? Were your expectations met?
Any subject you wish to discuss?
Let us know at kitchentableissues@gmail.com. Type an article up and submit it.
Everyone always has an opinion, whether we agree or disagree. Simply try to keep it "nice".
Okay, it's your turn!!!
Friday, December 30, 2011
Monday, December 26, 2011
NEW ALBANY GETS "FORKED" IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT!
Yes, you read it correctly. The title says "forked", as in forks, knives and spoons.
Have you noticed? We have forks painted in both lanes of Market in various locations.
Who got forked, you ask? There are forks painted on Market street in both lanes between the Mexican restaurant and Little Chef; there is a fork in front of Hugh E. Bir's; there is a fork on down from there in front of nothing; and there is a fork in front of Vic's.
We say, hm mm. We can see some logic so far as maybe those forks are designating places to eat, but the logic fails when it gets to Hugh's. Logic fails when you drive down two or three more blocks and see one. Logic fails when it comes to Vic's because you would actually have to want to go to Vic's and know about Vic's in order to find this fork.
Also, be aware, you may drive over the forks before you realize they are there.
There has been no news about our "forks" except maybe a word or two on Twitter. Is this DNA's work?
What is the purpose? Which group authorized and paid for this? Or, heaven forbid, did someone simply run out of things to do?
We guess there is nothing like getting "forked" in the middle of the night and no one being aware. At least it made for a good laugh among some.
So, if someone asks if you know about the "forks" - now you do.
Have you noticed? We have forks painted in both lanes of Market in various locations.
Who got forked, you ask? There are forks painted on Market street in both lanes between the Mexican restaurant and Little Chef; there is a fork in front of Hugh E. Bir's; there is a fork on down from there in front of nothing; and there is a fork in front of Vic's.
We say, hm mm. We can see some logic so far as maybe those forks are designating places to eat, but the logic fails when it gets to Hugh's. Logic fails when you drive down two or three more blocks and see one. Logic fails when it comes to Vic's because you would actually have to want to go to Vic's and know about Vic's in order to find this fork.
Also, be aware, you may drive over the forks before you realize they are there.
There has been no news about our "forks" except maybe a word or two on Twitter. Is this DNA's work?
What is the purpose? Which group authorized and paid for this? Or, heaven forbid, did someone simply run out of things to do?
We guess there is nothing like getting "forked" in the middle of the night and no one being aware. At least it made for a good laugh among some.
So, if someone asks if you know about the "forks" - now you do.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Monday, December 5, 2011
DNA, OR NEW ALBANY FIRST, OR NONE OF THE ABOVE? EXTRA PAY OR NO?
There are some pretty strong feelings out there about DNA and whether we even need another group such as New Albany First helping businesses downtown grow, advertise, etc.
Some, SOME, downtown businesses feel DNA hasn't done their job,- whether DNA agrees or not. DNA wanting to automatically state businesses would, WOULD, give 20% discount tickets for their food, etc., without asking the business owners' permission was wrong, simply wrong. Some businesses would tell you the 20% is their profit margin. Why take their profit margin? How is that promoting downtown business? Legally, how can that be proposed?
Philosophy is flawed and business owners feel they need the City's hands out of this particular business. It took too long for the City to even come up with a slogan, much less the pitiful one they presented to the business owners (we're not talking about the Board).
There is good fodder for arguments to be made on both sides, but we don't think all of our attention is deserved.
If the rumor mill is true, congratulations to Keith Whitlow and Matt Juliott. (If we misspelled Matt's name we apologize.)
The payments this City wishes to make to the round of outgoing employees located on the third floor is ridiculous.
To us, one of the most infuriating attitudes this Administration has always shown, is the illusion the money downtown is THEIRS and there is PLENTY OF IT. Balderdash! Downright stupidity being displayed during our current economic barometers. This bill shows the lack of certain COUNCIL members awareness for their constituents' needs. Maybe it shows their lack of caring. Ignorance?
We are here to state if any person feels/thinks they are not making enough money and deserve this extra pay to step aside. There are probably 600 more people ready, willing and able to take the positions and perform the duties required by law.
We can't talk about these subjects at the dining room table because of the indigestion which forms.
Our feelings are hurt, also, from some Council members showing their true colors in thinking we, the taxpayers, are ignorant.
**!-*&*
Some, SOME, downtown businesses feel DNA hasn't done their job,- whether DNA agrees or not. DNA wanting to automatically state businesses would, WOULD, give 20% discount tickets for their food, etc., without asking the business owners' permission was wrong, simply wrong. Some businesses would tell you the 20% is their profit margin. Why take their profit margin? How is that promoting downtown business? Legally, how can that be proposed?
Philosophy is flawed and business owners feel they need the City's hands out of this particular business. It took too long for the City to even come up with a slogan, much less the pitiful one they presented to the business owners (we're not talking about the Board).
There is good fodder for arguments to be made on both sides, but we don't think all of our attention is deserved.
If the rumor mill is true, congratulations to Keith Whitlow and Matt Juliott. (If we misspelled Matt's name we apologize.)
The payments this City wishes to make to the round of outgoing employees located on the third floor is ridiculous.
To us, one of the most infuriating attitudes this Administration has always shown, is the illusion the money downtown is THEIRS and there is PLENTY OF IT. Balderdash! Downright stupidity being displayed during our current economic barometers. This bill shows the lack of certain COUNCIL members awareness for their constituents' needs. Maybe it shows their lack of caring. Ignorance?
We are here to state if any person feels/thinks they are not making enough money and deserve this extra pay to step aside. There are probably 600 more people ready, willing and able to take the positions and perform the duties required by law.
We can't talk about these subjects at the dining room table because of the indigestion which forms.
Our feelings are hurt, also, from some Council members showing their true colors in thinking we, the taxpayers, are ignorant.
**!-*&*
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