> SOUTHERN INDIANA — CHEERS

... Triple cheers and a little jump for joy to columnist Brian Howey for his column, “Cat and mouse with Pence on his moral agenda,” which appeared in the Monday, Sept. 24 edition of The News and Tribune.

I have been wondering when someone — anyone — would remind voters who Republican Indiana gubernatorial candidate Mike Pence is.

I certainly don’t blame Pence and his handlers for keeping the focus of his campaign on the economy and jobs in an effort to keep quiet on the candidate’s stance on social issues. Hoosiers who didn’t pay attention to Pence before he announced his run for the Governor’s Office might just fall for it.

But those who have been paying attention for the last decade know the Pence’s trademark is his far right stance on social issues. We’re not just talking about him tiptoeing into conservatism here, we’re talking an all-out assault on people who believe [and prefer] they have a right to make decisions for themselves when it comes to marriage, children and religion.

As Howey wrote, “In his 2011 campaign kickoff speech in Columbus, Pence said, ‘To restore our economy we must reaffirm our respect for the institutions and traditions that nurture the character of our people. As your governor, I will stand for the sanctity of life, traditional marriage and the importance of organized religion in everyday life. To build an even better Indiana, we must recognize every day that our present crisis is not just economic, but moral.’

When pressed by the Times of Northwest Indiana’s Dan Carden, Pence would only say, ‘I am who I am and I hold the views I hold, but if I have the privilege of being governor of the state of Indiana, we’re going to make job creation job one.’”

While I certainly can’t argue with making job creation job  one, the prospect of what job number two might be under a Pence governorship is horrifying.

Hopefully Hoosier voters will take the time to read up on Pence’s career as a lawmaker before they head to the polls in November to see what he’s really about.

— Amy Huffman-Branham,

Assistant Editor



READER CHEERS

... to Justin Endres and his group of volunteers who organized the New Albany Track Club to give elementary school kids a chance to participate in a sport since they are no longer offered in the elementary schools. To all the coaches and volunteers who are giving their time, talent, and often treasure to “help children build confidence and develop excellent exercise habits, which in turn has all kinds of life long benefits.” Nearly 400 children are participating. Outstanding work!

— Jerry Finn, New Albany



READER CHEERS

Cheers to all the police officers for their quick response to our 911 call.

My husband and I would like to thank each and every one of you, for rescuing us, from a burglar who was in the process of robbing our home. We are so grateful that no one was hurt and the robber was arrested. We appreciate the very professional way you handled this situation.  

Thank you.

— Linda and Julius Peffley





READER JEERS

... I am angered seeing cut grass being blown into our city streets. I wonder if some of these “mowers” are also complaining about streets and gutters being stopped up and basements flooding?

— Doris Holmes, New Albany