Saturday, October 31, 2009

THE WORSE AUDIT WE'VE EVER SEEN...PART 1

"...Next on Fox--"Did Mayor Douglas B. England really commit malfeasance!" Hannity and Glenn Beck will return in 90 seconds.

*click*

"...It's time for the latest immunity challenge here on "Survivors--Audit." The remaining twenty seven members of the three tribes-- the "England" administration, the nine City "Council members" and the "Controller's Office and her staff" --have been selected for this immunity challenge.

Contestants, here is your task:

Before you is 14 bank account reconciliation. You are to review the reconciliations and supporting data, providing an opinion on the adequacy of the reconciliations. If discrepancies are found, these are to be itemized and described on the supporting schedule. Each supporting schedule must have an accompanying subschedule that helps isolate the breakdown in controls that may be allowed the discrepancy to occur.

All workpapers must be appropriately cross-referenced. The first tribe to give the correct opinion, including all discrepancies, cannot be voted off tonight.

Go!

There is a long pause in the tape here. Only the sounds of pencils, paper and computer keys. "It is now five hours into the immunity challenge. Apparently all the three tribes are thrown by the fact that there is...

*click*

"...The categories are: Audits Throughout Indiana, Famous Audits, Potential Audits, Control Yourself, Checks and Balances, and Rhymes With "Got It."

"Carl, you get to select first."

"Thanks, Alex. I'll go with Rhymes with "Got It" for $200."

*click*

"...Welcome back to "American Audit." First, lets here from Paula."

"You made a wonderful effort. I can tell you are sincere about your desire to be a controller and, even if you don't win today, I think you will have a future in the public sector.

"Now let's hear from Simon"

"I am doing the City of New Albany a favor by telling you this. You are not a controller. You will never be a controller. You couldn't balance fourteen bank accounts or your way out of a paper trail, and your work papers look like something my dog slept on.

Do us all a favor and retire!"

*click*

(Music on the background) "Bad boys, bad boys. What you gonna do when they audit you. Bad boys, bad boys, what you gonna do when they come for you..."

Nothing like some Saturday morning humor!?!

News travels quickly in a small town, but unfortunately that news often gets warped as it moves from person to person and blog to blog.

The purpose of this posting is to give "clear facts" to rumors and half-truths that will appear in Sundays Tribune. We can see the headlines now:

"State Board of Accounts says main problem with city record keeping due to an outdated system. Problem is, it could be expensive to replace."

Gosh, did we really read that BS on twitter?


How about the real facts now that we know how England is having our Tribune spin it his way!

The implication that our mayor (cough) and his so called Professional Staff (cough) of the City are not "open and honest with us citizens on the decisions and choices they make and we face is an affront to everyone with whom they serve."

The State Board of accounts has released the City of New Albany's 2008 Financial audit.

The State Audit Reviews the financial activity to determine if New Albany is handling our Public Funds according to State and Federal Law.

Nope, England sure loves breaking the law: IC 36-1-10.5-5

Purchase Of Real Property:

On March 13, 2008, the City purchased, at Sheriff's Auction, the land and structure located at 318 E. 4th Street at a cost of $98,000. The city FAILED to follow the REQUIRED PROCEDURES for PURCHASING the property. Prior to entering into a purchase agreement, the City should have first PASSED a resolution indicating their interest in purchasing the land. Additionally, two appraisals should have been obtained prior to making AN OFFER or entering into the PURCHASE AGREEMENT in order to determine the fair market value and determine an ALLOWABLE purchasing price.

The bad news keeps getting worse!

Overdrawn Cash Balances:

The cash balances of the following funds were overdrawn in 2008.

General Fund....................$4,108,598

Motor Vehicle Highway.....$114,951

Park and Recreation.........$208,008

TIF Park East Industrial...$861,623

Redevelopment BAN

Charlestown Road............$1,230

Fire Pension.....................$596,125

____________________________________

Total overdrawn..............$5,890,535

The cash balance of any fund MAY NOT be reduced below zero.

*Routinely overdrawn funds could be an indicator "of serious financial problems "which should be INVESTIGATED by the government unit.

Breakfast at the Brickyard:

During 2008, the City paid expenses in the amount of $5,834 from the General Fund for flowers, membership and sponsorship fees, scholarships, meals, awards, lodging for "Breakfast at the Brickyard," and Christmas cards.

The City considered these expenses to be promotional and economic development purposes. These expenses were paid from the following General Fund departments and appropriations:

Mayor - Economic development - $2,727.00
Mayor - Miscellaneous supplies - $59.00
Mayor - Travel......................... - $335.00
City Clerk - Misc. Office
Supplies ................................. - $102.00
City Council - Misc. supplies.....- $150.00
Board of Works - .................... - $2,461.00
________________________________
Total ....................................... $5,834.00

During 2008 the City did not have an ordinance that allows for these type of purchases and not all of the expenses noted were paid from the budgeted "Economic Development Expenses" appropriation.

Source: State Board of Accounts

Freedom Of Speech would like to say:

First, let's see how Mayor England has our local Tribune spin his outrageous spending.

Who will be the first democrat member of the Council to have the integrity to call for his resignation and to call for a special prosecutor will receive the max contributions from many people who feel betrayed by England and company.

Who didn't question the spending. There is more questions that need to be answered, and everyone needs to be held accountable!

In addition to England's spending being "an embarrassment" it's also a crime.

It's called malfeasance!

There is NO way to sugar coat these findings.

The State Board of Accounts 2008 audit documents a lack of oversight during the England administration's watch and widespread waste of public funds!

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

IT WILL BE A COLD DAY "IN HELL" BEFORE...

Did you receive this invitation?

Please join Shane L. Gibson at a reception to announce his candidacy for State Representative.

Where:

Culbertson West
904 E. Main Street
New Albany, Indiana

Date:

Thurs., Oct. 29, 2009

Time:

5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Paid for by the Committee to Elect Shane Gibson
-----

Freedom Of Speech has a lot of questions:

What happen to Mayor England's "big run" for State Representative?

He bragged everywhere that his survey results were GREAT in support of him as a candidate for State Representative.

Does Gibson intend to keep on drawing his $150,000 salary from our city while he is out campaigning?

We can't figure out statements made in the New Albany Tribune:

Quote: April 7, 2009

"He continued that his $150,000 annual salary did not bring an additional amount from the general fund and the remainder came from various departments he represents, including the Stormwater and Sewer Utilities.

Garry said by hiring Gibson full-time, the city was able to cut out three of the four previous attorneys representing the stormwater and sewer departments."

Quote: Oct. 2, 2009.

"Lee Buchanan, the Sewer Board's attorney, said funds are running low..."

How many attorneys is the sewer board paying?

Is THIS the reason for a sewer rate increase?

What qualifies him to run for State Representative?

Our final thoughts:

We as Democrats "can not" and "will not" support Shane L. Gibson for State Representative. We will all cross party lines and support a qualified candidate Ed Clere, like many other local democrats.

It is our opinion:

"Hell will freeze over, before Shane L. Gibson, gets any of our VOTES!"


Freedom Of Speech Staff proudly Supports Ed Clere for State Representative in 2010.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

CITY ADMINISTRATION NEEDS TO BE ACCOUNTABLE...

Linden Meadows project is a good example that our City Administration has NO accountability!

State Inspectors found:

* Destruction all around
* Moldy floor boards
* Basements filled with water
* Basement leaks
*They never put in any insulation in a house that was sold
* Substandard work on roofs, siding and grading
* There are NO records of City Permit fees
* The Permit Fees were NOT collected by the Building Commission
* NO inspections performed on the houses

What do you all have to say for yourself Mr. Rosenbarger, Mayor England and illegal Deputy Mayor Malysz?

It was also reported in C/J, that the permit fees were waived by the city.

These uncollected fees have an impact on our city budget. Our City Council is now struggling to find enough money to run our city!

So - NOW what?

The Mayor plans to reorganized the Building Commission Department.

Did the Mayor and illegal Deputy Mayor Malysz even think of the danger of small children living in those dangerous houses with mold and asbestos?

Source: Courier Journal 10-22-09

The City is paying:

* Building Commissioner
* 2 Inspectors
* Administrative Assistant
* 2 or 3 Code Enforcement Officers

How can the City justify paying these salaries as Linden Meadows ends up in such a mess?

How dare you all "blame a lawsuit brought by neighbors" who opposed the project for this failure!

Where did all that HUD and Redevelopment money go?

"Betcha we know where it all went!"

Is the CHDO Board GUILTY of looking the other way?

We agree with you Mrs. Gardenour, "we would love to see the land returned to the Fawcett family and to be used for a ball park!"

Thursday, October 22, 2009

OBAMA WON'T BEAT FOX NEWS...

Helen Thomas warns the White House "Don't kill the messenger," Mr. Obama is moving to control the media and Freedom Of Speech.

MoveOn. org has a petition to blacklist FOX News.

MSNBC had confetti and hats!

Instead of answering questions Mr. Obama is attacking the questions.

Have you heard the news?

They inherited the worst economy since the Great Depression, or the economy turned out to be worse than they thought.

Which is it? It can't be both -- unless your brain is completely addled by the Obama charisma.

Another indicator was a "Saturday Night Live" skit lampooning Obama for the major accomplishments of his administration -- "jack and squat."

If the honeymoon is ending with the American voters, it isn't for obsequious elements of the mainstream media.

The large scheme is to imply Obama critics are racists.

That's the backdrop to the story of Rush Limbaugh getting booted from a group bidding to buy the St. Louis Rams.

He was smeared on CNN and MSNBC with false accusations of making two racist comments. He is an abrasive critic of Obama, so he must be racist or so goes the left-wing story line.

You all simply do not get it!

The opposition to this administration is not Republican verses Democrat. It is not even liberal verses conservative. It is all about Freedom! It is all about Tyranny! It is all about the individual not the collective.

If you think only 20% think like we do, you are sadly mistaken!

A big part of his "hope and change" message was: We're going to talk to everyone."

Fox News has been getting the Limbaugh treatment - on steroids.

We find FOX News to be elevating, Fair and Balanced. We think Obama is just used to the "Barack" treatment, i.e., everything he says is great and everything he does is great coming from other "news" organizations.

On FOX News, commentators were even more critical of Obama's plan to criticize Fox News. "Folks, if you weren't scared before, you should be now," commentator Glen Beck remarked in his show. "Oh sure, the liberal media wants you to believe that ALL presidents run for re-election. What Obama really has in mind is nothing less than a Stalinist, Marxist, Leninist, Nazist, and Czarist plot to install himself as President for Life."

We need to stand up for our Freedom's folks!

This is simply the most unseemly, classless, clueless, arrogant, untruthful and ineffective administration of the last 100 years. Obama is destroying his own party to the majority of reasonable Americans and we are loving it!

As they say: the Democrats put you in, and the Democrats take you out!

The Great Uniter, the fresh new post partisan, post racial bill of goods the country bought this past November is nothing more than an angry, resentful, immature, inexperience, and a political hack.

See, what all that "voter fraud" put in the White House!?!

Our country elected a very inexperienced man who had never really accomplished or lead anything significant in his entire life. Obama simply does not have the experience, leadership or accomplishment skills to be an effective president.

As more time passes, this will become evident to more and more Americans.

And the rest of the party is strolling down the path with him.


He owns Congress and he STILL can't get anything done. Then he blames everyone insight, sets out to destroy them, and in the process we get a sneak peek behind the Obama (savior) curtain.

The White House trying to dictate who's a news organization. Democrats out to gut a business group. Obama media allies damning Americans as racist, unpatriotic, and treasonous.

The Obama administration is stating publicly that peope who watch FOX News "are not smart enough to know they are NOT watching real news" us people who watch FOX News should be outraged at the insult.

Mr. Obama you were selected, not elected! What about those 13 of 14 caucus full of voter fraud?

Is this the America Obama promised when he campaigned to end cynical and divisive politics of the past?

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

OBAMA DECLARES WAR ON FOX NEWS

When candidate Barack Obama said during the presidential debates that he would sit down with any world leader without precondition, it was a rookie blunder.

But at the risk of seeming merely mortal and being someone with the gift of "never being wrong" he made the abjectly idiotic stance part of his platform.

Yet now it turns out there is one "enemy" Obama won't sit down with, and that's the FOX News Channel.

A few weekends ago, White House communications director Anita Dunn declared war on Fox News!

And who is Mrs. Dunn's boss?

You got it, none other than Barrack Hussein himself!

One mistake, mis-judgement, partial truth and hollow promise after another.

Yet, none of this is the Obama administrations fault, someone or something else is always to blame.

Especially, all of us racists who watch Fox News and who Marched on Washington!

So FOX is a wing of the Republican party?

What are NBC, MSNBC, CBS, and ABC wings of? The Green Party?

This criticism shows the profound weakness of Obama's administration style, so very similar to a dictator.

Obama should be ashamed of getting all the ass-kissing reporting that he's getting from NBC, MSNBC, CBS, and ABC. Never do they utter a discouraging word about Obama or the current administration.

They routinely even hide information such as Van Jones being a communist AND that he made this crazy video claiming that only WHITES shoot up schools, a sure sign of derangement if there ever was one.

What about ACORN?

Many of us have learned long ago to abandon MSNBC and seek alternatives for any semblance if unadulterated truth in the news of the day. Fox News has proven to be a valued and trustworthy source, and we find it insulting and unacceptable that the current president refuses to deal with Fox News.

If "NO" balls Peace Prize Winner Obama had his way, our only news source would be the state-run media.

Just like our local newspaper who refuses to print and tell the truth about Douglas B. England!

[That's a whole different posting down the road.]

All the more reason to stick with Fox News, Sean, Greta, Laura Ingram, Bill O'Reilly and our buddy Glen Beck!

What's Obama scared of?

How many times has Hillary and Senator Bayh been interviewed on FOX?

Campaigning is easier than governing, and in the Obama Administration's case, far easier than explaining why the governing you've done for the past 10 months has been such a miserable failure!

[Who does that sound like? Sometimes we truly believe Douglas B. England took pages right out of Obama's playbook. Again, that's in a future post here on Freedom Of Speech.]

See, it's easier to stay in campaign mode and attack FOX News than admit that what you've done so far hasn't exactly gone according to plan.
And from a 2010 standpoint, the White House and Democrats in general need something to fire up their voters, who aren't likely to be rushing to the polls based on the positive things Obama's done, Nobel or no Nobel!

Have you heard about the NEW government scam of Obama's?

Cash for Kids!

Cash for clunkers was such a rousing success [cough] the governments wants to try something that has already been tried in the UK -- cash for kids.

Yes, the government wants to open up savings accounts and dump $500 into it for every baby born.

Free money!

What could possibly be wrong with this idea?

We think Glen Beck can handle that issue.

This administration can not take tough questions. Time and time again the Obama administration has acted contrary to the best interests of the USA, both domestically and abroad. Look at the people who advise Obama - and look at the decisions he's made.


Fox is the favorite of the majority of Americans.

If Obama really wants to get his message out to the public, he needs to go on Fox News first. If he continues attacking them, he only looks as if he is doing one more thing to manipulate the media.

The problem with ABC, NBC, CBC, MSNBC,CNN and the rest of the news makers have become lap dogs to Obama instead of "Watch Dogs!"

They forget their responsibility to the public by bidding for Obama's acceptance.


While many focus on the fact that he is the first African-American President, it is more obvious he is the front man and promoter for the shared idelogy of a bunch of leftist "White folks!" Rahm Emanuel, David Axelrod, Larry Sommers, Harry Reid and Fancy Nancy Pelosi provide both influence and their own personal agendas, while Obama is the affable spokes-person for these thugs, traitors and crooks!

No wonder the Taliban, North Korea, Iran, Hamas and Hugo Chavez have been so enboldened as of late. These candy-asses in the White House can't even handle being scrutinized by one simple news outlet!


This Fox News war is just the beginning of this White House trying to control what the meaning of "free speech" is...

Our final thoughts:

Special thanks to Fox News for being the ONLY network to present the facts about ACORN, Apollo, the SEIU, the Soviet style Czar Van Jones (et. al.), and other corrupt organizations of the far left.

Hey Beck and Hannity, if you guys think Chicago is corrupt, you need to pay the City of New Albany a visit!

Sunday, October 18, 2009

CAUCUS VS VIOLATION OF OPEN DOOR LAW:

After last Thursday's council meeting, we decided to give our readers the real story about the SO called Caucus Meeting, October 10, 2009, at Democrat Headquarters.

We are going to first give you what Indiana Law says:

Caucus and Violation of the Open Door Law:

Facts

Indiana Code:

IC 5-14-1.5-2

Sec. 2 (h)

(h) "Caucus" means a gathering of members of a political party or coalition which is held for the purposes of planning political strategy holding discussions designed to prepare the members for

IC 5-14-1.5-2

Sec. 2

(b) Governing Body

(c) Meetings

(d) Official action

On Saturday at 10:00am at the Democrat Headquarters there was a meeting held and the following council members attended:

Jeff Gahan
Pat McLaughlin
John Gonder
Bob Caesar
Steve Price
Diane Benedetti
Jack Messer

Non council members in attendance were: Controller Kay Garry and City Attorney Shane Gibson.

Council President Dan Coffey refused to attend and Council Attorney Stan Robinson was on vacation.

As reported in the Oct. 16, 2009 Tribune, Councilman Kevin Zurschmiede was the lone member unable to attend the caucus, as he is the only Republican on the council.

The first thing you have to determine is: was this a Caucus or a violation of "Open Door Law."

We heard what Mrs. Benedetti stated at Thursday's council meeting, but as they say: there are always two sides to an issue or in this case maybe 5 or 6 sides.

Freedom Of Speech is putting the pieces of this puzzle together!

Coffey's statement:

Council President Coffey on Friday told us by (email) that Kay Garry, Bob Caesar and Diane Benedetti made a trip to Indianapolis to meet with DLGF. Mr. Coffey stated he was contacted by Council Attorney Robinson before Stan left on vacation that Controller Garry, wanted to have a meeting to discuss with the other council members what she found out at DLGF. Mr. Coffey stated that he and City Attorney Robinson agreed to have this meeting on Wednesday Oct. 14, 2009, the day before the regular Thursday council meeting.

Benedetti's statement No. 1:

"Benedetti maintained she contacted Stan Robinson, the Council attorney, before the meeting with DLGF to ask of she could set up a caucus. She said she was given the go ahead by Robinson."

Benedetti's statement No. 2:

"Councilwoman Diane McCartin-Benedetti had attended a meeting last week with DLGF, Councilman Bob Caesar and City Controller Kay Garry concerning the appeal, and said she called a Democrat caucus meeting Saturday to inform the council of the appeal before "it hit the papers Sunday."

Benedetti statement No. 3:

'In a phone interview after the meeting, Benedetti said she went ahead with the meeting because of the sensitive time frame of the appeal issue. She conceded she had really wanted to hold the caucus for other issues when she informed Robinson on her intentions and said the appeal was too pressing to ignore. "I didn't want it to hit the council in the face," she said of the news of the appeal."

Benedetti's statement No. 4

"Benedetti maintained she called Robinson several times this week to inform him of what transpired at the caucus, but he did not return those calls.

Council Attorney Stan Robinson's statement:

"Robinson told Benedetti that she'd done enough to damage this council already."

Freedom Of Speech maintains there are several pieces of this puzzle that are NOT making sense!

Our understanding is that under Indiana State Law the only person who can call a caucus is the Floyd County Democrat Chairman.

* Since WE taxpayers are paying City Attorney Shane Gibson $150,000 salary, why did he NOT do his job and go to Indianapolis with Controller Garry to meet with DLGF?

* Why did City Attorney Shane Gibson at Democrat Headquarters tell those Council members when they questioned him about this meeting violating the "Open Door Law" he said it was a CAUCUS not a meeting?

It is our opinion and it is obvious that 1. he doesn't know the Open Door Law and 2. they must have thought because it was Harvest Homecoming this would NOT get OUT and 3. each of you who reads this has to remember City Attorney Gibson and Controller Kay Garry works
for Mayor England.

It appears that based on Indiana State Law, City Attorney Gibson, Councilwoman Benedetti, Councilman Caesar and Controller Garry, YOU FOUR violated IC 5-14-1.5-2 Public Meetings (Open Door Law):

Our opinion is based on IC 5-14-1.5-2:

IC 5-14-1.5-2 (b) "Governing body" means two (2) or more individual who are:

IC 5-14-1.5-2 (c) "Meeting" means a gathering of a majority of the governing body of a public agency for the purpose of taking official action.

IC 5-14-1.5-2 (d) "Official action" means to:

(1) receive information;

(2) deliberate;

(3) making recommendation;

After reviewing Indiana Code of Laws, we, the citizens of New Albany believe that you four have violated the Law. We also feel you have violated our rights as citizens to attend these meetings since all of you WORK for US and WE pay YOUR salaries!

Freedom Of Speech would like to say to Council Vice President Benedetti:

First regardless of your differences with Council President Coffey, you had NO right to not follow the chain of command and procedure. You took it upon yourself to bypass Coffey and knew City Attorney Robinson was out of town on vacation.

For what ever reason and (we think we know) if it is the fact that Coffey, Gahan, Ceasar and you attended the "exit conference" and you know what is coming out in the 2008 audit, your lack of experience, and lack of knowledge, YOU are NOT fit to sit on this Council.

You NOT only need to apologize to the attending council members but to the citizens of New Albany!

When you made the statement at your so called CAUCUS meeting: You said, I want a "consensus" before we leave, put the final nail in your coffin!

Prove us WRONG - Mrs. Benedetti and City Attorney Gibson!!!!!!

"Stop playing politics!"

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Friday, October 16, 2009

LET'S RUMBLEEEEE!!!!!

Audit? Accountability? Where have we heard that before?

You are RIGHT Councilman Price:

"We put a budget out there and they don't follow it," Price said. "We're just spending and spending the money right now, and one day it's not going to be there."

Mrs. Benedetti you are totally WRONG! You need to do your homework and we plan to expose the MALFEASANCE of this administration!

We here at Freedom Of Speech are sure glad you elected officials are bonded...

Stay tune, this is going to get really interesting!

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

OBAMA'S SNAKE OIL...

The success of those selling Snake Oil Elixir from a wagon depended in their ability to stay on the move and prey on new, unwitting customers every week.

In the days of no mass communication this worked for many years.

Today however you can only pull off such a mass scam for as long as it takes for the word to get around.

Well, the word is out and people aren't buying it anymore!

When you tell people we can insure everyone and reduce cost, they don't buy it.

When you tell everyone we're only going to raise taxes on those evil rich people to pay off these trillions in new debt, they don't buy it.

When you tell people you're going to create or save 3 million jobs and the jobs losses climb every month, they don't buy it.

When you tell people we're going to cut $500 billion from Medicare expenses without cutting service, they don't buy it.

A con man's worst enemy is the truth coming to light.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

BAYH VS. OBAMA TODAY...

President Barack Obama is set to meet with Senator Evan Bayh today one-on-one in the Oval Office.

Bayh, who is the member of the Senate Armed Services and Selective Intelligence Committee, is a key lawmaker on the topic of Afghanistan.

We were told: The president and his national security team are in the midst of a strategic review of the military's fight against the Taliban and al-Qaeda in Afghanistan.

The second-term senator has called on commanding General Stanley McChrystal, who recently requested more troops be sent to Afghanistan, to speak before the Senate.

"Giv'em hell Evan!"

Monday, October 12, 2009

HEALTHCARE VOTE TOMORROW...

THIS IS INSANE!!

The cost are underestimated and every Senator and Congressman knows it.

The present administration set out on the first day after Obama was inaugurated to set this in motion knowing full well that it would bankrupt this country.

Don't they or haven't they listened to the majority of citizens who are against this?

Haven't they seen the polls?

They are hell bent on passing anything whether it is better that what we have or not. We all know that we will have inferior health care under any of the bills that have been floated but what do they care, they will continue to have what they have now.

A bill could be written to cover 30-40 million people and leave the rest of us alone.

We heard that there would be 25 million who still won't be covered so what's the use?

As usual, they'll pass some convoluted piece of garbage that even they can't understand and "to hell with those of us" who'll be paying for it...in more ways than one.

Do you really think Obamacare is going to help you?

We were told: Several members of the Senate Finance committee will have to make leaps of faith if the panel is to approve a healthcare reform bill tomorrow.

We weren't aware of the fact, we voted to be represented by senators voting on "leap of faith" our impression , they were to vote on concrete facts, read the bill, and follow the constitution.

The entire purpose for healthcare reform was:

* Universal care - the bill does not achieve this.

* Cost containment - this bill does not achieve this.

* Not raise deficit - again, this bill does not achieve this.

The reserve status of the dollar is at stake with our current deficit. The jobless numbers are rising, Credit hasn't loosen up. People are trying to survive and our federal government wants to raise our healthcare cost and our energy cost.

Questions:

What is the reason for Obama trying to ram thru the ObamaCare bill? Why is he so desperate to pass this and not allow adequate time to read it, and make changes? Why is the bill so complicated and practically unreadable? Does he really want you and us to read it? Why is he changing numbers in describing the bill? What is his ulterior motive to get this to pass in Congress and the Senate?

So the facts are:

Government invents Medicare and Medicaid but stiffs everyone for the bill, shifting cost to the private sector. States legislatures mandate who, what and how insurance is to be sold, including who can be denied coverage and when and for what reasons. These regs create a disparity of annual health insurance cost of $1,100 to $8,800 per users depending on which state you're in.

Same government group now says insurers are dispassionate and cost are out of control.

And now the people responsible for the mess they're the good guys who can fix it?

We, the American people, do not want to lose our freedoms for some cheap health insurance policy.

If the democrats go against their constituents, they will lose their seats to someone who will vote as a representative of the people who sent him/her to Washington in the first place!

November 2010 can't come soon enough to suit us!

Thursday, October 08, 2009

WHAT MAYOR ENGLAND & CONTROLLER GARRY "DID NOT" TELL OUR COUNCIL MEMBERS:

We have looked at the requests made by New Albany and the amount approved by the state for Fire Pension, Police Pension, L.R.S. and Parks & Recreation. We have compared the 2009 Request, to the 2009 Approved.

It appears that the "cuts listed" must be made on these Funds for 2009.

2009 Budget

.....2009 REQUEST.2009 APPROVED..2009 CUT

Fire
Pension..$3,423,165...$1,784,392........$1,638,773

Police
Pension..$2,837,570..$1,751,447.........$1,086,123

L.R.S......$555,000....$508,358...........$46,642

Parks &
Rec........$1,203,202..$878,024..........$352,178
________________________________________
Cuts to be made from Funds Listed...-$3,123,716.

Source: Department of Local Government

How could this have happen?

Read below and you will have your answer:

State Of Indiana

MEMORANDUM

Date: December 2007

To: All Fiscal Officers of Political Subdivisions

From: Cheryl A. Musgrave, Commissioner

Re: 2008 Expenses and Obligations

All units should consider their 2007 budgeted amounts are in effect until the 2008 budget is certified by the Department of Local Government Finance per IC 6-1.1-17. As a reminder, any remaining 2007 appropriations may carry forward into 2008 only with purchase orders or contracts. All unencumbered appropriations lapse at year end.

Commissioner
Cheryl A. Musgrave

Freedom Of Speech would like to say:

We, the citizens, do not see competence in your administration. Yet you continue to dismiss your critics as misguided and/or pessimistic.

It is our opinion that your decisions have been based on political paybacks and you have given our council members inaccurate facts, and unrealistic reasoning.

We the public and citizens of New Albany NO longer have confidence in your decisions and feel that you, Mayor Douglas B. England should resign!

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

MAIL CALL

Top ten indicators that you are under Obama's new health care plan:

(10) Your annual breast exam is done by a medical panel consisting of customers at Hooters.

(9) Directions to your doctor's office include "Take a left when you enter the trailer park."

(8) The tongue depressors taste faintly of Fudgesicles.

(7) The only proctologist in the plan is "Gus" from Roto-Rooter.

(6) The only item listed under Preventive Care Coverage is "an apple a day..."

(5) Your primary care physician is wearing the pants you gave to Goodwill last month.

(4) "The patient is responsible for 200% of out-of-network charges," is not a typographical error.

(3) The only expense covered 100% is embalming."

(2) Your Prozac comes in different colors with little M's on them.

And the number one sign you've joined an Obama FREE Health Care Plan:

(1) You ask for Viagra and they give you a Popsicle stick and Duct Tape!

Freedom Of Speech would like to thank the NAFD Paramedics, you guys are the best!

Monday, October 05, 2009

WAS ENGLAND AND CITY ATTORNEY GIBSON SETTING COFFEY UP?

First of all let us be perfectly HONEST with our readers, WE are NOT big supporters of Councilman Coffey.

But...

After attending last Wednesday's special council meeting on the budget and then reading Thursday's "Confusion over past loans, city financial obligations, something is NOT making sense."

But...

Something smells really fishy after reading this article.

First, we want to know:

Why weren't Deputy Mayor Malysz and Controller Garry present at that meeting?

England who recently had neck surgery, but has been spotted with Malysz and Council member Benedetti at Studio's Bar, and who is being chauffeured all over town by City Attorney Gibson.

Is that why Gibson is being paid $150,000 a year and is that in his job description?

Ok, lets get back to: Confusion mounts over past loans, city financial obligations, and why we feel Coffey is being set up.

What hits us really strange, was sitting there watching City Attorney Gibson pacing back and forth, then going in the hall but never spoke up at the Council meeting when the budget problems were being discussed.

After reading this article it seem like City Attorney Gibson had a lot to say, after the fact to the newspaper:

"City Attorney Shane Gibson said in a phone interview after the meeting there's nothing to cut beyond the $813,376 the council already know about."

* Oh really? That's NOT what Council President Coffey told us!

"the city's audit should not have been discussed by Coffey or other council members that attended the Tuesday meeting, Gibson and Mayor Doug England said."

* Why was England making these remarks about the discussion when he was not present at that meeting?

"New Albany has some time to respond to the audit prepared by the State Board of Accounts before it becomes official, Gibson said. Therefore the initial report is still preliminary."

That is "bullshit" Mr. Gibson!

What does the England Administration have to hide?

Plenty, wait until you taxpayers see the 2008 Audit!!!!!

It's going to come out and NO amount of SPIN is going to "cover up" what this Administration did with tax payers money in 2008.


We think the legal term is called "malfeasance!"

We decided to call Charlie Pride at the State Board of Accounts @ 317-232-2521. He stated this is not a complete AUDIT of the City of New Albany, and what they found will be public record when this audit is released. He had NO clue what City Attorney Gibson could be talking about.

He went on to explain: An exit review is for the purpose of a discussion with local officials about what the State Board of Accounts found in city records, payroll, spending, TIF's, departments and our accounting practices for a certain year.

They call in the Mayor, City Attorney, Council President, Controller and various others.

Our understanding that additional members of the council were there: Gahan, Caesar, Benedetti to hear the results.

Freedom Of Speech would like to say:

First IF Coffey or one of the other council members who attended the "exit review" said anything they shouldn't have, why didn't City Attorney Gibson speak up?

Several time during the discussions. Councilman Coffey stated we can't discuss it until the report comes out.

We realize the Mayor has his underwear in a wad over several comments made about him. But, we will give Coffey credit when credit is do, he hit the nail right on the head when he said: "This administration has overspent. They are out of hand."

* Praise the Lord, someone finally admitted it!

As far as the mayors statement goes, he wouldn't want Coffey in a fox hole with him and Coffey should apologize for his other comments."

We are with Dan, until HELL freezes over and when the donkey's fly, will he ever apologize!

Our final thoughts, to Mrs. Garry who said, she knew nothing until she read it in the C/J.

Freedom Of Speech under the FOIA was emailed the info from DLGF after the England Administration was notified. We sat on the information for two days to see what the England Administration would announce the state decision on the budget request.

Like we said you can SPIN this anyway you want to when this 2008 audit comes out the England Administration is going to need more than a bulldozer and a backhoe to dig his way out!

Just waiting for the next shoe to drop...

Round 2 tonight, with Department Heads starting at 5 pm.

"Give'em Hell Councilman Price!"

Sunday, October 04, 2009

OUR TRIP TO WASHINGTON

According to the media, members of the Democrat congress, Democrat spokesperson and former President Jimmy Carter, we are all racist.

Why?

Because we were proud members of the 9/12 March on Washington.

They play on words, have you noticed?


They are the Democrat Party now calling themselves the Democratic Party inferring we are not for democracy. They are now calling themselves Progressives, inferring we are not someone who wants to progress. You and we know that is political speaking for the same thing as Socialism not that they think it sounds better.

We do not agree with President Obama concerning healthcare, bailouts crap and tax, his many czars, and his actions concerning Israel!

If we understand what we see in the newspapers and other media, our attendance at the 9/12 march and our rejection of lock step liberal policies makes us all racist and right wing extremists.

Well, to set the record straight, we are neither RACIST or an EXTREMISTS group.

We are NO longer Democrats, Republicans, or Independents.

We are ALL Americans first, last and always... before party affiliation!


March day, September 12th:

What a wonderful and inspiring experience! To be standing with well over 1 million other patriots who love their country enough to fight to try to save it.

Two things that moved us:

* When we all sang the National Anthem. Tears, goosebumps, and the true sense of peace and unity. We cried through out the song as we held our hand to our hearts and looked up to the flag waving high over our nations Capitol...

There is almost nothing much more spiritual than that.

* The second thing was how the weather held off the rain. There were several times it felt like the storm was going to hit. But, God saw fit to hold off the storm. How symbolic of the very reason for our attendance: to hold off the coming storm.


We have had over two weeks now to absorb the events of September 12th. We don't know of any amount of time will every be enough.

When we walked into the sunshine and got our first look at Pennsylvania Avenue, our eyes filled with tears. There were raucous chants of USA! USA! and even a chorus of God Bless America.

We made our way to the street.

It was the most massive crowd we had ever seen, anywhere, in our lives. In every direction, as far as the eye could see, were seas of people, waving flags, carrying signs, chanting, talking, and laughing.

The march was not scheduled to start for over an hour - we were supposed to be gathering a block to the east - but the crowds had long since overflowed the space allocated.

It was an en stoppable force of nature - a melding of kindred souls into one enormous, cohesive mass of humanity.

As we moved en mass towards the Capital, we talked with dozens of people, comparing notes on where we were from, how long it had taken them to get there, why it was so important to us.

Every person knew, with complete accuracy, the stories about the stimulus, TARP, ACORN, Obama's czars - they were well-informed on all the offenses of government since well before the beginning of Obama's term.

And we were all determined to get the message across to Congress and the world - NO MORE!

We all chanted, "Can you hear us now!"

There were babies and children, teens and seniors. Every size, shape and color of person imaginable. People with walkers and in wheelchairs, even a few on crutches. There were people who could not walk far enough to go to the Capital, but had travelled to get there, to sit on a bench on the sidewalk to cheer the rest of us on.

It felt like the biggest, most wonderful family reunion in history.

Throughout the rally, even during the unpleasant times, like waiting 30 minutes in line to use one of the port-a-potties, not one cross word.

There were so many people that it was impossible not to bump into each other, but each bump was followed by, "Oh, excuse me! I am so sorry!" and "No problem!"

We really enjoyed reading the hundreds of thousands of creative signs.


They were very cleaver and funny and powerful. One said "No matter what I put on this sign, I will be called a racist anyway."

So true...

The ugly ones even offended us and of course were the most shown on liberal media!

One of our favorites were the people each carrying portraits of the founding fathers with tears running down their faces, and the one of George Washington addressing Congress with his hands raised asking Pelosi, Reid and Obama "WTF are you all doing?"


The issues written on our signs suffice to get our points across.

We wish we could find the words to explain to those of you who could not attend, how it was an honor to be there and what an amazing experience it was.

You see it all depicted through the filter of the media - mostly left-leaning (or worse) and virtually all clueless. They have not stood among the protesters, listening to the conversations.

They, and you, if you haven't been there, simply don't understand.

Yes, the people who attend the 9/12 March on Washington are angry, no doubt.

But they are so much more.

We would, literally, trust these people to stand with us and fight. We have met thousands of people, talked with them, shared stories - they are all our brothers and sisters.

They all love their country, enough to die for it if necessary. They are all good, hard-working, respectful individuals who only want to be free.

They were friendly, kind and helpful.

These people who attended love God, their families, their fellow man, but most of all they love their country.

They believe, with every fiber of their being, in the sanctity of the United States Constitution as the supreme and unbreakable law of the land.

Like we said, the tears came often on that Saturday - tears of pride, tears of joy, tears of happiness, tears of overwhelming emotions as we absorb the fact that we was with a million or more people who shared our love of country and were as determined as to not let her go astray.

Then we thought of all of those at home [back in Indiana], who had been cheering us on and saying how much they wished they could go - there must have been at least 200 people that we were representing.

The realization while flying back brought a peace we have not felt for a very long time - with that many good people to defend her, American cannot fail.

Our country, your country, will come through this, and will emerge stronger that she has been in our lifetime.

Thank you to all of our fellow marchers, those who could go to D.C. and those who could not.

The spirit of the Founding Father's lives on in each and everyone of these wonderful people!

God Bless America!!!!!!!!

----

BTW, we spoke to a DC police officer who said in his 36 years experience, this was the largest crowd he ever saw, the most peaceful well-behave crowd, and the cleanest crowd.


Not even ONE arrest...

Would we March on Washington D.C. again?

Absolutely!