Reader thinks people cannot keep paying more



Well, let me ask some questions that need to be answered:

How much of the sewer money goes for the sewers? How much goes to salaries? How much goes for the financial analysis? How much is actually needed for the sewers only — no frills?

I guess we can all give up cable and lots more, right? Is there anybody who will answer truthfully in office? Is there anyone that puts the people first in office? Who?

We will see by who answers these questions in plain language — no runarounds.

People cannot keep paying more. The pattern of solving problems by raising rates, not cutting waste, needs to stop. People cannot afford anymore!

P.S. I am a senior on a fixed income, and I have never had a $10 sewer bill. And I don’t know any other senior that has.

— Geraldine Seewer, New Albany



Help preserve history, artifacts



With future developments, we need to be reminded there is help if a property owner accidentally discovers an artifact, burial object or human remains on their land. Whether that discovery comes about because of the proposed Duke Energy pipeline that may come through Harrison County into Floyd County along the river or any other environmental changes, we need to keep a constant watch. If such things are found, it is up to the individual to report it, as well as anyone who is contracted to conduct studies prior to a development, etc. A trust fund for archeological finds in Indianapolis was published in the paper on June 13, 2009. Just so our Floyd County community can be informed, this trust fund will help us comply with state-approved plans for excavating each site, or protecting artifacts from further disturbance. The state’s Department of Natural Resources will create the fund with gifts and grants, etc.

It’s our heritage — protect it.

— James R. Hardin, New Albany



‘DetermiNation’ athlete encourages others to join cause

I run. That’s my passion. Yours may be another endeavor that stretches the limits of your endurance. Or, yours may simply be knowing that your encouragement helps others to achieve things they never thought possible, and that your financial support makes you both part of something truly amazing.

The American Cancer Society has launched a shore-to-shore endurance event program, “DetermiNation,” that is bringing together a nation of athletes of all abilities in their personal pursuits of physical endurance, while raising funds to fight cancer. I’ve been an athlete all my life, and I’ve learned the satisfaction of going all out to achieve something that might have once seemed beyond my grasp. Through my involvement with DetermiNation here in Kentuckiana, I and those who support me, my training and my event competition with their generous contributions to the American Cancer Society, are helping to eliminate cancer as a major health problem.

Through the funds I and my DetermiNation teammates raise on behalf of our athletic dreams, we are all doing our part to see that the American Cancer Society helps people stay well, get well, find cures and fight back.

For anyone interested in participating for the first time in an endurance event or in expanding your physical endurance bandwidth, or for anyone interested in helping to make an athletes miles more meaningful, I encourage you to learn about how DetermiNation can help you realize your dreams and become a part of helping more people celebrate more birthdays, free from cancer. Visit acsDetermiNation.org to learn more.

— Allison Smith, DetermiNation Athlete, Georgetown



C’Town resident says police building needs help



I frequent the downtown area of Charlestown and have been connected with law enforcement in one way or another most of my adult life. I guess this is why I notice things involving a situation I am going to point out in this letter.

If I didn’t known where the police department was located, I would have a hard time finding it, as would anyone else not familiar with the area. Even though it is located one block from a main intersection, and two blocks from a fine-looking City Hall and nestled among the fabulous park area, decorated with beautiful lights, you would probably pass it up.

The police department is located at the corner of Main and Walnut streets. It sports a faded-out sign on the outdated 1947 building, decorated with ivy on one side with a sheet of plywood covering a window, held in place with a wooden pole.

I understand that they were promised a new building some time ago, but this has never happened and may not, since a new roof was put on a few years ago. It does not take a genius to figure that the cost of a new roof is not going to warrant a new building in the near future.

An article published in the Charlestown Newsletter on Nov. 23 stated that the budget is down 21 percent from 2008. Mayor Bob Hall stated that, “We are operating in a budget $409,000 less than the previous year, and that we are getting a lot more done for a lot less money.”

If they have realigned their priorities to give back to the community, why then can’t they do something to help the police department? The officers that go out each and every day, risking their lives to protect the very people that make these decisions, deserve to have a place to walk into each day that they can be proud of instead of the embarrassing appearance of the building they work in. I am sure the inside is just as bad. They deserve better.

I have no objection to the beautiful park, it is something that all families can use, admire and be proud of. I feel the mayor and his staff and volunteers have done a great job. There certainly seems to have been enough funds to erect a new concession stand, bridges and electric bills for holiday lights. Why, then, can’t we find enough funds to help the police department?

I have not discussed this with anyone. It is not politically motivated, nor do I intend to stir the pot. It is my observation and my feelings about the situation.

My intention is attempting to create some interest in sprucing up an important area of our community.

— Don Adams, Charlestown



Reader congratulates JHS girls’ coach

It gives me great pleasure and it is a distinct honor to further mention the success of Coach Chad Gilbert of the Jeffersonville High School Lady Red Devils. Chad recently set the school record for victories.

I have only talked to Chad by phone, but we are well aware of each other because of some athletic connections. These connections go as follows: I was the head coach of the Silver Creek High School Dragons in 1966 when we took our team up to Paoli one evening and Chad’s father shot the lights out of the basket and scored 52 points against the Rams.

Gary Holland, star of the Rams, later played for the Louisville Cardinals and returned home to coach nearby Springs Valley with Larry Bird being one of his star pupils. Chad’s father, Ernie Gilbert, is presently the Greater Clark County Schools board president. I can only say that Ernie was a star player and had sensational touch at long range and above all, a cooperative player to coach, and his talent speaks for itself. No wonder that Chad can coach, he is a chip off the old block. I feel very proud of his exploits.

I am now semi-retired and live in Indianapolis.

— Dr. Joseph A. Pezzullo, Indianapolis



Reader says governments need to look at pipes



As the infrastructure that delivers water to your home begins to deteriorate, governments at all levels need to take steps to ensure they’re not flushing taxpayer dollars down the drain when replacing pipes, according to an issue brief published by the National Taxpayers Union (NTU).

“By opening municipal procurement and ensuring that more competitive bidding is tied to federal funds for underground infrastructure, the U.S. will save hundreds of billions of dollars in the short term,” wrote Bruce Hollands, executive director of the Uni-Bell PVC Pipe Association and the author of the brief. “This would also pave the way to an economy that wastes less energy, utilities that are more efficient and pipe networks with much longer life cycles.”

NTU Issue Brief No. 176, “The Underground Infrastructure Crisis: Rebuilding Water and Sewer Systems without a Flood of Red Ink,” reports: “Infrastructure for water, electricity, sewer and transportation services is all deteriorating at a rate that will cause all four to need replacement at the same time. At a minimum, this will cost $6.5 trillion in the next 25 years.”

Corrosion of pipes costs water and sewer systems $50.7 billion annually, and 17 percent of all water pumped in the United States is lost to leakage from corroded pipes, the brief says.

Federal policy over the past 50 years has encouraged the use of plastic and PVC piping that reduces corrosion and minimizes transportation, maintenance and construction costs to municipalities.

Pending legislation to address infrastructure renewal does not address corrosion problems or encourage use of more sustainable materials.

“Before simply pouring more dollars into infrastructure, U.S. policymakers must examine how to better spend the money already set aside for municipal water and wastewater initiatives,” Hollands concluded. “Trillions of dollars could be saved on future underground infrastructure renewal.”

— Charlie Schladand, Jeffersonville