Published: June 05, 2007 04:59 pm      

LETTERS: June 6, 2007

Hill aims to clarify bills



I would like to offer some clarifications about the bills I introduced in Congress a few weeks ago to offer consumers real relief from exorbitant gas prices. I understand that not all will agree with this legislation, but the false statements about what these bills actually call for, and do, requires clarification.

First, the Gas Price Relief Act would repeal the federal gasoline tax, now 18 cents per gallon for consumers, once the average price of gasoline nationwide reaches $3 per gallon. The federal gasoline tax would remain suspended until the average price of gas falls below $3 for six consecutive months. The bill also includes an important offset so as not to tamper with our highway funds — to supplement this lost revenue, the federal government would suspend the tax incentives given to big oil companies.

Second, the Fuel Efficiency Encouragement Act would allow anyone who buys a hybrid vehicle to receive 100 percent of the tax credit. Currently, the tax credit is phased out according to the number of hybrid cars sold. In addition, this bill would create a tax incentive for hybrid car manufacturers, who make such cars on American soil. There is currently no tax incentive for car manufacturers to produce fuel-efficient cars. Encouraging people to buy, and companies to make, hybrid cars not only addresses fuel consumption but also the damage traditional cars do to our environment.

I believe these two bills make perfect sense: Easing the financial burden on consumers while gasoline prices continue to soar to more than $3 per gallon, and encouraging Americans to purchase cars that will reduce the cost to our environment and to our pocketbooks.

— Rep. Baron Hill (D-Ind.), U.S. Congress, 9th District





Harl: Sheriff keeps his promises



During Sheriff Mills’ run for the office of Sheriff he made several campaign promises. The one I remember the most was his promise to work with and assist other police agencies within Floyd County.

He has helped the New Albany Police Department in several ways. We are working together, training and planning events, something that has not happened for several years.

Sheriff Mills, knowing that New Albany Police officers needed police vehicles because most of our fleet consists of older vehicles with high mileage, offered to sell us two of the vehicles he was replacing, at a very low cost. He sold us a 2003 and a 2004 Crown Victoria at $2,500 per vehicle. Both vehicles were in good shape with low mileage.

Thanks Sheriff Darrell Mills for being a man true to your word and keeping your promises.

— M. A. Harl, Chief of Police, New Albany Police Department



Thanks to Baron Hill



For years I have run into one brick wall after another trying to get assistance for my totally disabled brother. Finally someone suggested I write my Congressman. I thought that was an old cliché; do Congressman really listen and help? I did write Congressman Baron Hill detailing the situation with my brother. Congressman Hill immediately got my letter to the right agency and into the right hands, something I was never able to do, and got immediate results. I was elated. I struggled for three years over this issue. Congressman Hill really does care about and fights for the people he represents. I give my heartfelt thanks to Congressman Hill.

— Linda Pastrick, Henryville



Red Cross to host fundraisers



First and foremost, I would like to clarify that yes, we are presenting the 10th Anniversary Bales’ Humanitarian Gala on June 14th at Kye’s. And, yes, we are hosting the 3rd Annual Bales’ golf Scramble for Disaster Relief on July 16th at the Elks’ Golf Course.

Because of recent miscommunications and editorial errors, our advertisements in The Evening News have been unclear and confusing. We hope these problems will in no way diminish the honor we will bestow on this year’s outstanding group of Humanitarians — Rev. Bruce Barkhauer, Dr. Lyle Havens, Roger Fisher, Marc Meyer and Marie Robertson.

The Bales’ Humanitarian Gala is a long-time fundraising event for our Chapter and we are blessed with so many wonderful people to honor. We hope members of our Clark County community will want to attend this year’s Gala to say “thank you” to the honorees. Tickets are still available for $60 each.

The Bales’ Scramble for Disaster Relief is one of our fundraising events that is a bit more casual, but every bit as important, in our efforts to raise the funds that we use in providing Disaster Relief to Clark County residents in times of need. We are currently seeking teams, individuals and corporate sponsors for this event.

Again, we hope this clarifies any confusion regarding two important events for our Chapter. We also would like to thank everybody who has already purchased tickets and provided sponsorship to both events. Please contact the Chapter at 812-283-8416 or ccrc.wilkinsp@insightbb.com for more details.

— Phyllis Wilkins, Executive Director, American Red Cross — Clark County Chapter