Friday, September 24, 2010

I'll take WHAT'S ON PEOPLE'S MIND for $200, Alex

This week in MY FRIDAY COLUMN I tackled a few different topics that are on the minds of concerned citizens these days:


MY FRIDAY COLUMN: A Little Dried, Mixed Flower Petals

Jeffersonville and Bridge tolls:

...If I wanted to be a State Senator, whose job would begin on January 1st, I think I would start reading up on the subject.  The legislature will be asked to sign off on any plan that the Bi-State Authority comes up with.


New Albany City Council Needs to balance budget:


...More than one council members have said that when they leave office there will be no deficit, but so far they have done nothing to correct the problem.


Mayor England Announces He is Running for Re-election:


This city has a pretty consistent recorded of throwing mayor’s out after only one term so I have some doubts about his chances...Without anyone else officially announcing their intentions, I would assume he would be the front runner.


Some pretty hot topics in the news these days and as elections get closer, I am sure things will only get hotter.  I look forward to hearing what you think and, as always...Thanks for reading!





Monday, September 20, 2010

The Bridges Debate

The Jeffersonville City Council got into the debate on Monday night after first refusing to even vote on it at their last meeting.  Councilman Keith Fetz introduced the ordinance and then was the only one who voted in favor of denouncing the tolls.

Indiana State Senate candidate Ron Grooms reportedly said he would not make decisions for something he knew nothing about.  I would expect someone who wants to be a leader in Southern Indiana to familiarize themselves with the largest project this region will ever see.

I have devoted a lot of column space to the fight against the possible plan to use tolls as a way to fund the Ohio River Bridges Project.

After I held a meeting with the "SAY NO TO TOLLS" group, and then attended a "Bridges Authority"  meeting I felt it was important for everyone to stand up against the tolls.
YOUR VOICE NEEDS TO BE HEARD

The New Albany City Council took a huge step by being the first government body to stand up to the "Bridges Authority" by introducing and approving a resolution against tolling on bridges to pay for the project.  Since that time the Louisville Metro Council has also taken steps to vote on a similar resolution.
CITY COUNCIL CAN SEND CLEAR MESSAGE

I cannot understand why anyone would think that tolls are a good idea.  It is hard enough to get people to come to New Albany without charging them and Hoosiers shouldn't have to pay to work in Kentucky.
WE MUST SAY NO TO TOLLS

It is one of the most important decisions that will be made and have the largest effect on our region in my lifetime.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Annexation

The Tribune editorial board took up the question of annexation today:
Annexation Plan Makes Sense

I have attended the annexation meetings that have been held and I agree with the plan.  I have written a couple of columns on the subject.

A Closer Look at Annexation September 3, 2010
The city council has a duty to its citizens to do what is best for them. For many years they have been struggling balance the budget and now the administration has given them an opportunity to increase its tax base without raising taxes on its citizens, and some on the council are dragging their heals.


Standing in the way of Annexation July 2,  2010
Mayor Doug England and his administration have come up with a plan to add nearly $700,000 to the city coffers by annexing 219 acres which consist of mostly commercial property near the Interstate 265 interchange on Charlestown Road. Why in the world would anyone stand in the way of this?

I think that the editorial board is right, the city needs this.  This plan has been in the works for years but the business owners want you to think that they are just finding out.  

On September 30th the City Council will take the final vote to decide whether or not annexation will take place this year.

Friday, September 17, 2010

My Friday Column in Cyberspace

Thank you for taking the time to read my column each week.


I look forward to this new endeavor and hope you enjoy it too. I will strive to update as often as possible so you will not have to wait until Friday to check out my blog. Remember this will only work with people who are willing to continue the discussion. I look forward to hearing all of your comments and concerns.



Thursday, September 16, 2010

Welcome

Thank you for taking the time to check out my new adventure. Each week my column will be linked to this Blog for more interactive discussion.  I will also include extras, things that I couldn't fit into the column or links to things that I have discussed.  I will also try to include pictures and video of things I see and write about.  I hope you enjoy reading each week.

Thanks,

Matthew Nash