Reader is disappointed with Greater Clark board



I agree wholeheartedly with Rod Daily, a parent of two students at Greater Clark County Schools, who was quoted by The Evening News that the interviewing process for the Greater Clark County Schools new superintendent was a sham and the decision was already made to hire Dr. Stephen Daeschner.

As far as I know, Dr. Daeschner has a decent track record, except for a few blank spots, and if allowed any semblance of autonomy by this board, he just might be able to pull this system out of the doldrums.

But, observing this board’s past mode of operation, this is not going to happen. When you have three of four obstructionists, out of seven board members — who are more interested in promoting their personal agendas, with a “what’s in it for me” attitude and are willing to usurp the superintendent’s control to further their own interests — his hands will be tied as has been demonstrated in the past.

Greater Clark is well-endowed with great teachers, administrators and staff and has great potential, but for one thing, this board is the most dysfunctional governing body that probably this county has ever produced. Now, there are a few members that are fighting an uphill battle in trying to do the right thing, but they seem to be outnumbered.

This group already ran the last two superintendents off because they were unwilling to work with them. They are an absolute embarrassment to this school system.

If I am sounding like an alarmist, don’t take my word for it — just ask any of the rank-and-file of the teachers, administrators or anyone connected with the school. I am very skeptical of the future of our school system until we have a shake-up of this board. It is my opinion, as well as many others, that we would be better served by going back to an appointed board because no one could ever get this far off base.

I could go into detail about the ethics of these people and their abuse of power and the abuse of many employees and so many of their infractions, but I don’t think I’ll go there at this time. I would tell those who are interested to visit newsandtribune.com, but I don’t put much credence in those who withhold their names.

— Charles Gregory, Jeffersonville







Reader continues defense of Barbara Anderson



I’m writing again after reading the feedback from my recent letter. I really didn’t mean people should stop paying their taxes. I did mean that I’ve seldom met a more loving person than Barbara Anderson. Becoming more loving, accepting and being an advocate are the ways I encourage others to be like her.

If you remember the Disney movie, “Bambi,” Thumper the rabbit’s mother said, “If you can’t say something good about somebody, then don’t say anything at all.” Can you imagine facing the criticism Mrs. Anderson has to face every time she reads the paper or check stories online. It would take an extremely virtuous and brave person to be able to face those attacking remarks. It makes me feel real sad.

It’s easy to find fault with a person or be critical, but if you aren’t actively working for a solution, it’s not fair to negatively assess another’s hard work. Don’t add to her problems. Mrs. Anderson is involved with helping homeless people to make a positive difference. I visited the shelter and believe you me, it’s not a glamorous place to work.

Also getting a cup of coffee at Perfection isn’t my idea of living the high life. Come on now. Can you imagine keeping all she has to keep going continuing on a daily basis? It’s hard enough for me to keep my little family financially solvent.

The loss of the grant is the source of her problem. Before the money dried up, I imagine Barbara was a heroine to everyone in your area. Please don’t turn on her like a pack of wolves.

Also, she may be wanting to resolve the tax burden herself, which I believe is already half paid. She’s not running away, but facing this issue head on. She’s not a quitter and has a sense of responsibility to those she serves and to her community. I still see her as quite unique, very caring, intelligent and a person I’m proud to call my friend.

Please only post positive feedback. This is nothing against free speech, but negativity only makes things worse.

Respectfully to all readers,

— Judy Powlen, Batesville



Floyd Co. GOP chair living bad dream



Like many of my friends, I used a computer tax program this year to help me do my taxes. You put all your pertinent data into the program and it computes your taxes, adds lots more taxes that you wouldn't have thought of yourself and then prints out all your forms. I was completing this process slightly before April 15th and decided to view the helpful review comments at the end, recommended by the designers of the program. I was kind of astonished by the first comment on my income which stated, “Your lower income actually has a few advantages. For one, your overall taxes will be lower. In addition, you may have some new benefits and write-offs that could save you a ton of money.”

And to think that all these years, I was actually trying to increase my income so I could enjoy providing for my family better! How could I have been so silly?

The ludicrous nature of these comments seems to be ringing everywhere I look right now! I watched a commercial for Chevy trucks recently which told me it was time for an “American Comeback” and encouraged me to buy a Chevy truck. Somehow the promise of reliable customer support from a company preparing to go into bankruptcy didn't inspire me with a lot of confidence. But the no-interest loan certainly tempted me to just forget those days of senseless, personal deficit spending so I could have a new Chevy truck.

Right after the truck commercial came two goofballs pretending their Wendy's hamburger was George Washington discussing “Three-conomics” and wondering what George would recommend for how to get us out of this recession. Somehow, I don't think buying a hamburger would probably have been high on his list.

Somewhere between the product commercial for Slim Clip, a new invention designed so you don't need a billfold (again, totally non-essential) and a savagely, insensitive attack on Christianity by a well-known comedian, I realized something. Some day soon, we're all going to wake up and realize this has all either been a dream or just a real big joke.

Millions of Americans voted last November for “change.” Well, you got your change! We now have an American President who goes around the world and apologizes to foreign nations for America. I doubt you could find any president who would ever have demeaned the office by bowing to a foreign dignitary, much less one representing the radical faith responsible for the terrorist attacks of 9/11. We criticized the previous administration for doubling the national debt, but this guy has tripled that in just the first 100 days.

And not even Bill Clinton decided the National Prayer Day that has been in existence for 30 years was not worth his time! And how about his own reference to his “deity” in the recent White House Correspondents “roast?” I must be dreaming!

Look, we tried to warn you that this man was the most liberal, socialist-minded member of the Senate and that he would bring his opinions to bear upon the Presidency if elected. We warned you that he would lead the way with a “tax-and-spend” philosophy that would likely bankrupt the economy and tax our children, grandchildren and all their progeny for decades to come. Wait until he unveils his plan for universal health care! With little to no resistance from any branch of the federal government, we better all hope these four years go quickly. Of course, it could just be a bad dream. Or maybe a comedy routine gone awry! It does, however, make me kind of afraid to ultimately hear the punch line.

— Dave Matthews, chairman of the Floyd County Republican Party



Reader: What about youth of New Albany?



There are a lot of new projects in the planning stages for New Albany: the Lopp project in the west end, the new City-County Building, the New Horizons project downtown, the expansion of the Greenway, etc.

Although this is very exciting, I think we are forgetting a very important part of New Albany’s demographic — our youth. The Youth Shelter along Grant Line Road is still falling down and most people seem to have forgotten about it.

All we hear about are these shining new buildings and how they will increase our property values and make New Albany more viable. But what about our children who continue to live in an unsafe building?

The Floyd County Commissioners and Floyd County Council need to stop and refocus for a minute and help these children before they grow up to become adult offenders, and we need another expansion to the jail.

— Shirley Baird, New Albany