Deal near for new districts in New Albany

From the New Albany News Tribune
By ERIC SCOTT CAMPBELL
Eric.Campbell@newsandtribune.com

A tentative settlement hammered out in federal court Friday evening directs the New Albany City Council to redraw the boundaries of its six voting districts by Nov. 22.

The accord cancels a Dec. 3 trial in the lawsuit brought by 20 city residents in May 2006, alleging unequal representation. It hinges on the council paying undisclosed court costs, something that would need to be approved at an upcoming meeting.

U.S. Magistrate Judge William Hussman met both sides in his chambers at 3 p.m. Friday. It soon became apparent that he would detain them until a settlement was in place. Plaintiffs Jeff Gillenwater and Randy Smith accompanied attorney Stephen Beardsley; president Larry Kochert and attorney Jerry Ulrich represented the City Council.

Beardsley’s plaintiffs proposed weeks ago that the council redistrict by August 2008, after it hears advice from a five-member study group appointed by both sides. Those five people would be paid $50 a day and Beardsley paid a flat fee of $5,000, all out of city coffers.

Friday afternoon, the council countered with a proposal reached at a closed meeting Tuesday. The council would draw the boundaries and vote on the issue, but by November of this year and without an advisory committee.

Read more at the Newsandtribune.com

Congressman to host Economic Forum

From the New Albany Tribune
By DAVID MANN
David.Mann@newsandtribune.com

Rep. Baron Hill, D-Ind., is organizing a forum on energy, health care and economic issues. The event is 9 a.m. to noon Friday at the Ogle Center on the campus of IU Southeast in New Albany. It’s open to the public.

Panelists from across the region will discuss economic matters at IU Southeast on Friday.

The Southern Indiana Economic Forum, organized by Rep. Baron Hill’s office, will feature experts from several areas, including health care, energy and the Southern Indiana economy. The forum will be from 9 a.m. until noon Friday at the Ogle Center on the New Albany campus. The public is invited to attend and question and answer sessions will follow each of the panel discussions.

Michael Dalby, executive director of One Southern Indiana, an economic development agency, will moderate the first panel discussion, which will be an outlook on the Southern Indiana economy. Dalby could not be reached for comment on the matter Monday afternoon.
Panelists in that discussion will include representatives from Indiana University’s Business Research Center, the River Hills Economic Development District, the Indiana Economic Development Corp. and the Southern Indiana Minority Enterprise Initiative.
The second panel discussion will be on health care and will feature representatives from Hoosiers for a Commonsense Health Plan and the Indiana AFL-CIO. Lastly, the discussion will turn to energy independence. That discussion will feature an IU physics professor, a city of Bloomington council member and corporate representatives from Duke Energy and General Motors.

According to Hill’s office, the forum is designed to highlight the attributes, challenges and opportunities that exist for the economy in Southern Indiana, while bringing the two policy issues — health care and energy independence — to the discussion. The goal is to increase awareness of the issues and provide feedback for Hill as the issues are debated in the Congress.
Katie Moreau, a spokesperson for Hill, said in an interview Monday that “he’s done forums in the past, though not really as extensive as this one.”

She said he was encouraged to do the forum by the Democratic caucus because “Democrats are not typically associated with economic issues.” She said it was an opportunity to discuss the political issues without partisan debate.

New Albany's Bicknell Park is reborn

From the New Albany News Tribune
By ERIC SCOTT CAMPBELL
Eric.Campbell@newsandtribune.com

NEW ALBANY — Nine-year-old Michael ran plays with his third- and fourth-grade New Albany football team; three-year-old KaDynze trotted around the grass on the other side of the field. Few mothers were getting more use out of Bicknell Park Tuesday evening than Ketra Taylor.

“I like it. Lots of space for kids to run around and play,” Taylor said of the park, renovated by local authorities this year for about $160,000. “I think it could be fenced in [to be safer], but that’s anywhere with little kids.”

Taylor used to play basketball here years ago. There’s still a court, but much has changed in the square between Silver, Jay, Division and Rear Market streets in the city’s east end.

A softball field in the southwest corner and old tennis courts on the east side were removed to make room for, among other things, an 8-foot-wide, quarter-mile-long paved path. The tennis courts are now a parking lot, and light poles, benches and playground equipment have been installed. Dozens of newly planted young deciduous trees are about human height.

Though the path was finished in May, light poles were installed only recently. The park’s benefactors from city government and the city-county parks department gathered for a brief ribbon cutting Tuesday evening, before a meeting at which officials were expected to push forward in pursuing a successor to Bill Koehler after the parks director’s abrupt departure.

Read more on the Park and its rebirth at http://www.news-tribune.net/local/local_story_241122216.html

Announcements from the Party

From the Floyd County Democratic Party

In connection with Nancy Palmquist with the Clark County Democratic Party, the Floyd County Democratic Party would like to announce the following events and information:

• The Clarksville Democratic Picnic is Friday Sept. 28. More details later, but save the date now.
• The Floyd Co. Democratic Party will hold a golf scramble on Sept. 21st. More details at http://www.floyddems.org/ or contact Adam Dickey - 812-948-2438 or Diane Benedetti – 812-989-7179.
• Democratic candidate for Governor JIm Schellinger has a full web site now JimSchellinger.com.
• Nancy Palmquist has requested that individuals please send her any friends or family connections who are serving in Iraq or Afganistan. She will be adding a page to the Clark County Democratic Website about those serving in the war. She can be contacted at snpalmquist@insightbb.com
• Keep encouraging those Young Dems to get together...try the link http://www.floyddems.org/young-democrats.html for info about the Southern Indiana FCYD. You can also contact Joe Schindler, Heather Edrington, Andrew Homan or Adam Dickey.

Floyd County Council frustrated with state's control

From the New Albany Tribune
By CHRIS MORRIS - Chris.Morris@newsandtribune.com

Larry McAllister got plenty of exercise Thursday afternoon.

The president of the Floyd County Council passed out letters to every county office holder in the City-County Building stating that no additional appropriations will be given in 2007. The council was also told by the State Board of Accounts that the 2008 budget can not go over the 2007 level — which is $13.1 million.

It’s like a bad rerun, according to council members.

“It seems like more and more we have no control over our county. The state has all the control,” Councilwoman Dana Fendley said. “We get blamed, and get voted out of office, but the state legislature is doing this.”

From frozen budgets, to budget cuts, to a new trending formula to calculate property taxes. The council, and residents of Floyd County, have seen plenty of changes in the past two years. And many say the changes have not been for the better.

For example, McAllister said despite all the property tax revenue generated by Floyd County residents, the county receives a little more than $250,000 back from the state. The state keeps the rest.

“Some people think we get to keep all the property tax revenue and we don’t,” McAllister said. “It’s pitiful. You call up there (Indianapolis) and get no answers.”

Read more on the frustration of the County Council at the Newsandtibune.com

Georgetown Candidates commit to bring positive change

From the Floyd County Democratic Party

On August 7th, 2007, Democrats in Georgetown, Indiana, met in caucus to select their candidates for town office in the 2007 General Election.

This caucus was an important event and unlike many other similar elections in years past. Held at the Georgetown Optimist Club, the parking lot overflowed into neighboring properties. Inside, Town Convention Chairwoman Anna Frederick struggled to be heard as the crowd swelled around convention candidates as they discussed their ideas and platforms. Other Democratic town members hurried in and out as they went to vote.

In short, voters where there to be heard and to make their choice for the next town board. Frustrated by an out-of-touch town hall lead by Republicans, town members were determined to make sure the next board responded to their needs and represented their interests.

In the end, the town members selected a strong slate of candidates. Lead by Clerk - Treasurer Doug Cook, the candidates bring a wealth of experience ranging from previous public service to strong business backgrounds. The complete list of candidates includes:

Clerk-Treasurer: Douglas Cook

At Large Board: Mike Mills

At Large Board: Karla Perkins

District #1 Board: Aaron Striegel

District #2 Board: Everett Pullen

District #3 Board: Billy Stewart

While the fall election maybe over two months away, Georgetown Democrats are certainly not taking this election for granted.

Governor needs to be real leader

Friday, August 17, 2007
From the Indiana Democratic Party

It's been more than a month since Hoosiers across the state started receiving the sky-high property tax bills that resulted from this year's statewide, court-ordered reassessment.

In the weeks that have passed since the bills began arriving, Mitch Daniels has been scrambling to look like he's doing something to help after doing absolutely nothing for three straight legislative sessions. He hastily assembled a blue ribbon commission to study the issue and return suggestions to him later this year, but it could take years to implement their recommendations. He started randomly ordering reassessments in certain counties -- starting with Marion County -- while ignoring pleas from other areas of the state. And he's been spinning like crazy to deflect blame away from his 2005 budget, which capped property tax relief for homeowners, flat-lined state education spending, mandated corporate tax abatements and shoved off state costs for juvenile justice and child welfare onto the counties.

The bottom line? Mitch Daniels has no idea what to do because he's spent most of his time in office signing privatization contracts, outsourcing vital state services and sending billions of dollars to non-Indiana companies. The rest of the time, he was fiddling with our clocks and cleaning up the ethical messes his hand-picked appointees made. The hard-working Hoosiers who now face record tax bills now look to Daniels for solutions and find that he has nothing to offer them because he hasn't really given the issue much thought.

On the big issues that matter, there has been a leadership void at the top of state government since Daniels took over, and that trend shows no signs of changing. House Democrats and Senate Republicans, along with citizens across the state, are working together to figure out ways to ease the tax burden. Mitch Daniels is still hiding under his desk.

Now that everyone can see what Daniels has been up to these last few years, it's clear that Indiana needs a Governor who isn't afraid to face our toughest problems and work across party lines to make a difference. It's time for a change in leadership so we can start moving our state back in the right direction.

Second Annual New Albany Historic Home Tour Announced

The following has been provided by the New Albany Historic Preservation Commission and Develop New Albany. For more information visit http://www.newalbanypreservation.com/

Editor's Note: This event does coincide with the date of the Floyd County Democratic Picnic, located at the New Albany Amphitheater & River Front beginning at 12:00 p.m. Start your day early, spend lunch with our Party, and finish the tour in the afternoon!

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Develop New Albany is proud to present this exciting tour which includes some of New Albany’s finest properties in our four local historic districts. Explore ten historic residences and commercial structures and see New Albany as you never have before.

*Click Here to See the List of Homes On Tour*

$15 Adult ~ $5 Children Under 15

To purchase your ticket visit:

The New Albany Farmers Market

Corner of Bank and Market Streets, New Albany

Saturdays August 4th to September 1st

Treet's Bakery & Cafe

133 E Market Street, New Albany, Indiana 47150

Martha’s Attic

222 Pearl Street New Albany, Indiana 47150

You may also mail your check, payable to Develop New Albany, to:

Historic Home Tour

2241 State Street, #175

New Albany, IN 47150

Please include a return address and allow 5 days for processing. A receipt and ticket purchase confirmation will follow via mail.

Please note that tour booklets will not be mailed or distributed in advance of the tour date – tour booklets must be picked up at the New Albany Farmers Market the day of the event (September 8th, 2007)

For More information email us at HomeTourNA@msn.com or call 812-941-0466

On Tour Day Your day will begin at the New Albany Farmers Market (Corner of Bank and Market Streets) where you will pick up your Tour Booklet and Driving Map and begin your self-guided tour of New Albany treasures. Tour Start – 10:00am Tour End – 5:00pm

*Tour proceeds to fund preservation activities in New Albany

Democrat Golf Scramble Announced

By the Floyd County Democratic Party

The Floyd County Democratic Party has announced that as part of the 2007 election cycle, it will hold a golf scramble in support of its party and to promote its 2007 municipal candidates. The event will be held at Valley View Golf Course beginning at 8:00 a.m. on September 21st. A flier outlining the event is attached and can be used to enter the competition.

Georgetown's Polly's Freeze celebrating 55th anniversary

Notes from the Party: Democrats wish to extend a warm congratulations to Polly's Freeze as a county staple for 55 years! May it continue to be a tradition for many more years to come.

By RICHARD GOOTEE newsroom@newsandtribune.com
The New Albany Tribune

Polly’s Freeze in Georgetown is celebrating its 55th anniversary with many special events this Thursday through Sunday. There will be two specials every day celebrating the event.

Thursday night is alumni night. People who have ever worked at the restaurant over the past 55 years can make their own ice cream cone that night.

Polly’s, 5242 Ind. 62, will be open until midnight on Friday, two hours longer than normal, and anyone wearing pajamas after 8 p.m. will receive a free small cone.

There will be live bands throughout the weekend, as well as karaoke on Friday. The public is invited to showcase their classic cars Saturday afternoon and evening.
On Saturday and Sunday, free popcorn and cotton candy will be available. Mascot Polly Parrot will make appearances throughout the weekend.

Read more on Polly's anniversary at the newsandtribune.com

Judge stalls New Albany drainage deal

By ERIC SCOTT CAMPBELL Eric.Campbell@newsandtribune.com
The New Albany Tribune

A Floyd Circuit Court judge’s temporary restraining order has postponed the privatization of New Albany’s stormwater drainage department, which would have been turned over to contractor Environmental Management Corp. today.

J. Terrence Cody’s order came at the petition of the drainage workers’ union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. It extends for 10 days, through an Aug. 10 hearing on the matter that will include Cody and lawyers for AFSCME and the defendant, the city government.

Cody didn’t elaborate on the terms of the order, only saying that it “preserves the status quo.”
The status quo is this: The city employs an office worker, a foreman and two field workers for drainage-maintenance projects identified by EMC, the management contractor. Under a contract the Stormwater Board signed with EMC July 20, those employees would be transferred to EMC’s payroll Aug. 1 and the city would pay an annual fee $5,000 above current costs.

Brian Dixon is EMC’s head of drainage operations. He didn’t comment extensively on the restraining order.

“We’ll just continue to do what we’ve been doing so far. We have a contract in place to manage the program,” Dixon said.

Read more online at the newsandtribune.com