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December 01, 2007 10:24 pm
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City leader disputes Coffey quotes
I would like to respond to New Albany councilman Dan Coffey’s opinions submission of Nov. 18, 2007. The letter to The Tribune referred to a ”drug raid at the Beechwood Housing Complex” and “a half million dollars seized in that raid along with large amounts of crack cocaine and other drugs.”
The truth is that the arrests were made in Clark County, not on New Albany Housing Authority property. No drugs or money were found on any NAHA property. None of those arrested were NAHA residents, although the driver was a former resident who had been closely monitored by several law enforcement agencies during her residency with NAHA.
The New Albany Housing Authority works very closely will all local, state and federal agencies to ensure a safe environment for all our residents. Compliance with all NAHA residency requirements is strictly enforced. Criminal activity results in quick eviction from our properties. Despite the urban myths, over the last several years, the data shows that crime and drugs are problems that affect all areas of our community. Drug dealers and other criminals are not contained to low income areas but are quite possibly in your very own neighborhood.
— Bob Lane, Executive Director, New Albany Housing Authority
Animal control needs bite
Stray and dangerous dogs don’t keep hours. I called the police department on Nov. 26 about a pit bull that was running loose at St. Anthony School. This dog ran after a little girl and I had to honk to get it to run away. I was told by the person who answered the phone that she would try to get someone out, but they were closed and didn’t know if anyone could take care of it today.
Last year, I called animal control in the afternoon because there were three dogs in my yard. The answering service told me they were closed, but if the dogs attacked me I could call the police. Otherwise I would have to wait until 6 the next morning.
Something needs to be done. People shouldn’t have to be attacked before they can get help.
— Candice M. Grimes, Clarksville
Matthews: Voters should vote on taxes
The only major tax rate that does not require a vote for an increase is the property tax. If there is an increase in sales or income tax rates, the politicians have to vote and be held accountable. Even with the hated wheel tax there had to be a vote to increase it. Not so with property taxes. The amount the local government decides it wants to spend is divided by the property values in the taxing jurisdiction. A tax rate is determined and it can go up significantly as, we all know, without a single vote required by any of our elected officials. Wonder why the politicians love this tax? Because it is hard to hold them accountable for an increase in a tax rate that they never directly voted to increase. We must rid ourselves of this unfair tax. Let the people vote to repeal property taxes.
— Kim Matthews, Jeffersonville
Cheers to downtown Jeff holiday
My sister and I grew up in Jeffersonville and I want to say it is such a joy to come back to the Spring Street Holiday Gala every year. It is so beautiful and festive and we always see people we knew. Such fun. Such nostalgia.
Hope it continues for years to come. Thanks.
— Opal Burkhart Lynch, Sellersburg
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