> SOUTHERN INDIANA — C’Town man says Hall should give thanks

In a recent article in the News and Tribune, the director of New Albany’s Housing Authority thanked President Barack Obama for the stimulus money that was used to build 24 new handicap-accessible units in the Parkview-Broadmeade housing complex.

Charlestown also received some stimulus money, which was used for some sidewalks and a sewer project in the Highview and Lakeview subdivisions. But instead of giving credit where credit was due, Mayor Bob Hall thanked himself for getting the money. What Bob Hall lacks in modesty he makes up for in arrogance.

— Bruce Bottorff, Charlestown



Reader urges vote for Curran

This letter is directed to the voters in District 1 of the city of Jeffersonville. Being a former resident, small business owner and current property owner in downtown Jeffersonville, I want to express my warmest regards for our community. In short, I love downtown Jeffersonville. I loved living there. I loved working there. What I do not like are some of the problems, and long to see solutions for them.

Recently, Kelley Curran, candidate for city council in the first district, contacted me — even though I no longer vote in the first district — to get my thoughts on not only living downtown, but also operating a small business downtown. Kelley took the time to seek out my opinions on what is good and what is not.

How different from my experiences in the past. Always before, it was the neighbors and I who had to take the initiative to find solutions for problems. Never had I or anyone I know been asked for our opinions. How refreshing! How encouraging!

Voters of the first district of Jeffersonville, Kelley cares not only about the infrastructure of her district, but also about you, the people who live and work there. But don’t take my word for it. If you have not had the opportunity to speak with Kelley, you can contact her at kelleyforcouncil@gmail.com  or at 812-207-3416.

I believe you have a winner with Kelley. If I were still living in the first district, she would get my vote, and I hope she gets yours too.

— Lynn Rhodea, Jeffersonville

 

Union head lists endorsements

My name is David Dunn. I’m the president of the Communications Workers of America local 4703, New Albany.

We would like for it to be known that we are in support of and endorse the following Democratic Party candidates for election or re-election: Jeff Gahan, John Gonder, Dan Coffey and Pat McLaughlin.

— David Dunn, President CWA Local 4703, New Albany



Reader has questions for candidates

I attended both Jeffersonville mayoral debates, and though I appreciated the organizations that held these events and the spaces that hosted them, there were some questions I had that weren’t asked.

What is the city’s current policy on soliciting bids on goods and services, and what will each of the candidates do to make sure all local vendors have a fair shot at doing business with the city? An awful lot of  work seems to go to Walnut Ridge and Excel, and, while these are local firms, other companies also need to know what they can do to increase their chances of getting this work.

I’d also like to know just how much the city taxpayers have had to spend to pay fines and lawsuits during Tom Galligan’s administration and what each candidate will do to avoid incurring costs from fines and lawsuits in the future. It seems every time I open the paper, there has been a report of a lawsuit or some projects for which the city didn’t have permits.

It’s hard for the average voter to keep track of the grand total. It is hoped that whoever becomes mayor does a better job in the future complying with state regulations and honoring contracts. I’d like to know that Mike Moore will do differently, and I like to give Tom Galligan the opportunity to convince me he’s learned his lesson.

— Garland Grant Oakes IIII, Jeffersonville



Show me the money

Jeffersonville mayoral candidate Tom Galligan asserts that his opponent has busted the country by overspending, and county’s credit rating has been downgraded. Judges and the sheriff are suing for more money. The county is going broke and Mr. Opponent oversees a failing county government.

Last time I looked, Mike Moore is just a commissioner and limited in authority. He is at this time, along with Bob Isgrigg, running for mayor of Jeffersonville.

I for one, would like an accounting of where the city’s $5 million dollars came from, as noted in a recent mailer, and how long we have had this money and where its actual repository is?

It’s time for transparency in all governments starting with Jeffersonville. Citizens of Jeffersonville, demand honesty; it is our right and duty.

— Betty Robertson, Jeffersonville