November 03, 2008 11:25 am
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Reader endorses Baron Hill
Just last week, the Indiana State Fraternal Order of Police endorsed Congressman Baron Hill in his re-election bid. What this tells me, loud and clear, is that the former sheriff who wrote such a disingenuous letter is way out of touch with the majority of his colleagues and the people of the 9th District.
I, for one, am very impressed with Baron Hill’s endorsement from folks who put their lives on the line day in and day out to protect our communities. They back Baron Hill as their candidate to represent us in Congress, and I am going to do the same.
— Jerry Griffith, Jeffersonville
Reader surprised by Marble letter
Response to letter from Dean Marble published Oct. 16, “Former sheriff supports Sodrel.”
It really surprised me to read The Evening News where you bashed Baron Hill and you asked the people of Clark County to vote for Republican Mike Sodrel.
If I remember correctly, you made a living being a good Democrat and you were elected as a Democrat sheriff.
Baron has done a lot to help the people of Southern Indiana.
I have talked to people who cannot believe you asked Democrats to vote for Republican Mike Sodrel.
— Harry Sullivan, Henryville
Spence: Top 10 reasons for Baron Hill
The top 10 reasons to re-elect Baron Hill to Congress:
10. Baron Hill is a Blue Dog Democrat. The Blue Dogs have a simple belief: Government should live within its means. Increased spending should be offset by cuts in other areas. In other words, no deficit spending. Baron Hill is the fiscal conservative the GOP claims to be.
9. Baron Hill voted against the bailout.
8. Baron Hill thinks oil companies should use it or lose it. Millions of acres of federal land are open, permitted and leased for drilling — enough to double U.S. oil production, yet they do not drill but continue to import. When making record profits, why bother with the infrastructure expenses? Baron says drill the land, or lose your lease to oil companies that will drill, baby, drill!
7. Baron Hill voted against the bailout.
6. Baron Hill thinks the oil companies should drill where drilling is already allowed. Vast areas of our coastline are already available to be leased for drilling. Yet our record profit-making oil companies say that would be too expensive. Oil companies think it is easier to pass up the “too expensive” domestic oil for foreign imports. Haven’t you noticed the savings while filling up your tank?
5. Baron Hill voted against the bailout.
4. Baron Hill supports reregulating energy commodity trading. In 2000, these markets were deregulated — leading to excessive speculation in our energy futures markets. Remember Enron? An early exploiter of these newly deregulated markets, Enron quickly expanded, made millions in paper profits, then imploded. Speculation is fueling our high energy prices even today.
3. Baron Hill voted against the bailout.
2. Baron Hill sponsored legislation that will save millions of Americans and Hoosiers tax dollars. This legislation allows home owners to deduct property taxes from their federal taxes even if they do not itemize. This act alone will save millions of Americans billions of dollars.
1. Baron Hill voted against the Wall Street money grab for their failed decisions and greedy exploitation of deregulated markets. Baron Hill is a responsible steward of our tax dollars and voted against using our tax dollars to bailout excessive Wall Street irresponsibility.
On Nov. 4, re-elect Baron Hill to Congress.
— Derek Spence, Jeffersonville
Reader: Gibson for Floyd County surveyor
Voters in Floyd County will soon choose their county surveyor. In Floyd County, the county surveyor serves primarily as an advisor to the public and local officials on such matters as the interpretation of deeds, the location of flood zones as determined by FEMA, the location of section and grant boundaries and the proper management of county drainage. As a member of the planning commission, the surveyor has an opportunity not only to advise but to vote on issues of land use. Frequently, when other county offices fail to resolve an issue or answer a citizen’s query, the county surveyor serves as “the office of last resort.” Private citizens and public employees rely on his expertise.
The best man to offer his expertise for Floyd County is Bill Gibson, the current county surveyor who is seeking his second term this year.
In the interest of full disclosure, I worked for Bill last summer — both in his private work and in the county surveyor’s office. This acquainted me with his character as a professional and a politician. On the basis of my experience, I will now list some good reasons Bill Gibson deserves to continue in office.
Bill brings a fresh perspective to the courthouse. He hasn’t been in politics his whole life. He knows what the real world is like. Behind him is an established career as an engineer and surveyor, including 25-plus years of running his own practice. Bill meets the definition of a citizen politician, the sort of leader George Washington and Thomas Jefferson (both surveyors) would have approved.
To be sure, Bill’s opponent Tom Boofter is also qualified and experienced as an engineer and surveyor, but Mr. Boofter already served as county surveyor for over 20 years before Bill was first elected. A healthy government body cycles its officers in and out from time to time. The courthouse needs the voice of a political outsider who is a competent professional. Bill qualifies.
Bill performs quality work. His record as an engineer and surveyor is impeccable, so impeccable that the Clark County commissioners requested his advice last summer regarding a drainage disaster in a Clark County subdivision. He has built a reputation as an expert on drainage.
Bill isn’t political. He is not eager to regulate or impose himself on his fellow citizens. His chief interest is to do good work. He views his membership on the local planning commission as a public duty to be performed, not as a platform for him to promote his personal agenda.
As one of the few Republican officeholders in Floyd County, Bill was pressured to give out patronage jobs to Republicans, but he refused. His first deputy is an unabashed liberal Democrat, and his summer help (me) is a rascally libertarian.
As America’s infrastructure ages and natural disasters (floods, tornadoes, earthquakes) threaten, it is very important to elect trusted public servants who will attend to the details but otherwise leave us to go about our business. Bill Gibson is that kind of a public servant, and Floyd County voters should re-elect him as county surveyor.
— Ben Carmack, New Albany
Floyd coroner candidate responds to letter
The following is Leslie Knable’s response to Sandlin letter published Oct. 21, 2008.
Dear Phyllis, I am writing in response to your concerns about blogs referencing your sister, the late Rebecca Davis Balmer's involvement in narcotic diversion (stealing) and dependency. You have my complete sympathy. Unfortunately blogs can not be checked for complete accuracy, much like the letters to the editor in the Tribune's mailbag. The added problem with blogs of course, is that you can not even verify who wrote them.
Unfortunately, someone who steals and takes narcotics, especially a nurse or coroner, impugns their own integrity and tarnishes their own legacy. Although the majority of nurses and coroners carry out their trusted duties with honesty and integrity, there are always a few that succumb to the temptations inherent in their profession. The sad reality is that every time a nurse diverts a controlled substance such as a narcotic to satisfy their own addiction a patient is deprived of the medication ordered by a doctor to relieve their pain and suffering when they are sick or comfort the dying. I think that most readers would agree that a nurse or a coroner should not be addicted to narcotics due to their impaired judgment.
I never had the privilege of meeting Rebecca Davis Balmer, she sounds like a person who truly wanted to help the community but could have benefited from professional help. I agree with your statement that readers should give much thought to the candidate they elect as County Coroner. This year the community has two outstanding candidates to choose from. May God bless.
— Dr. Leslie Knable
Reader: Steve Bush has ‘thick skin’ needed for office
It takes a special person to throw their hat into the political arena — whether that is locally or nationally. You have to have a thick skin and a real desire to serve the public.
My friend, Steve Bush, ran for a seat on the Board of Floyd County Commissioners a few years ago and was successful. He ran because he wanted to serve his community, much the way he serves the community as a New Albany police officer.
Steve didn’t seek public office to feed an ego or for any other ulterior reason. He simply wants to serve and enhance the county in which he lives. He has worked hard during his time on the board, and he’s currently its president. Steve is seeking re-election to the board so that he can continue his work.
For those voters who aren’t very familiar with the candidates in Floyd County, I’ll let you know that you will not find a more honest and more moral person than Steve Bush. (That’s not to take anything away from any other candidate.) The man goes above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to his role on the board of commissioners, as an officer and as a husband and father.
There are many reasons that I admire Steve — one reason in particular is how he does not make decisions based on political affiliation. He looks at every issue brought before him, takes everything into consideration and makes a decision. Some decisions aren’t always popular, but Steve isn’t in the game to be popular. He simply wants to better the community. The state of politics would be in far better condition if there were more “Steve Bushes” in the world.
Come Election Day, I hope you vote for my friend Steve Bush to be re-elected to the Board of Floyd County Commissioners.
— Amany Ali, New Albany
Reader: We must elect Matthews
I would like to endorse Dave Matthews for county commissioner of Floyd County.
Dave is our county Republican Party chairman and I have watched him take a disorganized, unmotivated group of people and turn them into an excited team. He is a man of great integrity and honesty, as well as a very dear friend. He tirelessly takes on project after project, always producing successes that take our Party to higher levels of achievement. Dave has that way about him that brings out the best in everyone he meets. His attitude is infectiously positive and he seems to always have the right answer to every problem. We don’t want to lose him as our chairman, but our loss would be the commissioner and Floyd County’s gain. An exemplary Christian, a devoted father and husband, Dave is an example to everyone he meets.
If we want a person who is willing to put his self on the line without a consideration for his own personal gain, but just for the positive and forward moving of Floyd County, then Dave Matthews is our man. We absolutely must elect Dave Matthews to county commissioner.
— Tonye A. Rutherford, New Albany
An ode to Hancock
I wrote the following jingle to support one of our judges in Floyd County. I watched and listened to him when my grandchild had received a speeding ticket. While waiting, I heard a few cases and I was impressed by the way Judge Hancock talked and reasoned with many people. No one likes to go to court, but I do feel this man really relates to and makes judgments wisely. I feel he is well-educated with the law, while using good common sense to discipline for the many wrongs . . .
“Glenn Hancock for Judge”
Vote for Glenn Hancock
Judge for Superior Court II
He’ll govern the law for you.
Informing you of what to do
So vote for Glenn Hancock
He’ll make justice work for you
Trusting him is what I’d do
If you don’t know Glenn Hancock
He’s sensible with what to do
With excellence mostly for you
A friend to trust indeed that’s true
So vote for Glenn Hancock
Make the polls work for you
Put the man in that knows what to do.
Hope everyone votes Nov. 4. Your vote is very important and very much appreciated.
I trust this man’s decisions and how he performs. I have good thoughts of Glenn Hancock through his many years of experience as a lawyer in Floyd County. I know he tries very hard in being as open and honest in everything he does. I don’t trust too many people, but I have great appreciation for Glenn Hancock and for another fine, respectable man that worked in law with him for many years.
— Joy Chism, New Albany
Reader sides with Endris experience
Fellow citizens, Election Day 2008 is quickly approaching and this year seems to be shaping up much like 2000 and 2004 — in that it looks to be very close at the top of the ticket. Many folks will go to the polls and cast their vote and that’s a good thing. Unfortunately, more than just a few will not be very informed about the candidates down the ticket that they are voting for.
It’s not an easy thing to be informed because it takes more than just a passing glance. But since you are reading this letter, here’s just a little information which might help make one of your choices easier. I’m referring to the election of our next Floyd County recorder.
Both candidates are good people and if you have met either one you know what I mean. So personalities aside, experience then becomes the focusing factor in our decision for whom to vote. Comparing experience in this race makes this one easy.
One candidate has worked in the recorder’s office for five years and was the deputy recorder under the previous office holder. She knows the office well and can make it a smooth transition from day one. No on-the-job training is necessary for her. This office has been one of the most efficient and well-managed offices in county government. Credit must be given to Linda Berger for her tireless oversight and her choice of good people working under her.
The election of Lois Endris as our next recorder will ensure that this tradition continues without missing a beat. Her opponent, as I said, is well-liked as a person, but — beyond that — she brings very little to the office of recorder. Darlene McCoy would very much like to win this election because it would allow her four more years of vesting of her retirement plan. There’s nothing wrong with that but is that why we hire someone for a job?
All I ask is that Democrats, Republicans, and Independents give Lois Endris more than just a passing glance. If you do you will see that she is clearly the best choice we have for our next Floyd County recorder.
— Jim Wathen, Floyds Knobs
Reader: ‘Reward’ Berger with a vote
What if every four years you had a job performance review and you received an excellent job performance from all those you work for or with?
I believe that if a person does a good job, that person should be rewarded. Linda Berger is that person.
Linda managed the updating of the records in the Recorder’s Office and brought the office into the computer world. Every time I have had business in Linda’s office, I was welcomed and served in an efficient and professional manner.
Please reward Linda Berger with your vote for Treasurer of Floyd County.
— David Hellman, Georgetown
Reader believes Sodrel has answers
No one can debate that our country is heading into troubled times. We face serious crises with the economy and with energy. We need serious and well-thought out solutions. Frankly, I see none of these coming from the Democratic side of the aisle, including Baron Hill.
I am afraid that Hill’s solutions for our current economic crisis is to follow the lead of the most liberal factions of the House of Representatives. With the Federal Government essentially taking over the nation’s largest insurance company, AIG, purchasing stock in a number of banks and, of course, trending toward socialized medicine, the face of our government is decidedly turning left. In short, our government appears intent on returning to the failed era of big government and “tax and spend” policies.
Likewise, there is no energy policy advanced by Baron Hill. His purported solutions for our skyrocketed gas prices are no solutions at all. When we watch his campaign commercial, telling us that he will go after “speculators,” one has to wonder how this will do anything to reduce gas prices. Of course, it won’t. Likewise, “going after” oil companies will do nothing but cause them to pass on any additional expenses to consumers at the pump. Didn’t Baron Hill come to Congress two years ago, along with many other Democrats, on the promise that a Democratic majority would solve the gas price crisis?
Well, we’re still waiting. And, let’s not forget that when Baron Hill and the other Democrats took over the House of Representatives two years ago, gas prices were far less than they are now.
So, instead of cursing the darkness, let’s light a candle. A vote for Mike Sodrel is the first candle we can light. Mike is a successful businessman who understands what a catastrophe the Democrats’ planned “tax and spend” policies will have on Indiana companies and their employees. Mike also knows how to address problems with energy. His solution is simple; do everything possible, including drilling now for more of our oil. This is exactly what needs to be done and will bring down the cost of gasoline, while at the same time weaning us off dependence on foreign oil.
When you walk into the voting booth, ask yourself whether we’re better off than we were two years ago when Baron Hill and his Democratic colleagues took power. If not, light a candle and vote for Mike Sodrel.
— William B. Orberson, New Albany
Accident victim unhappy with Hancock
I’m angry, very angry. And residents of Floyd County need to be angry, too! On the evening of June 3, 2008, I was driving home from work on Interstate 64 West in New Albany when I was involved in a serious collision caused by an intoxicated driver. A woman in her mid 20s, driving recklessly at a high rate of speed, hit me causing my SUV to flip end over end and plunge down the embankment off of I-64. The driver had a BAC of .27 (over three times the legal limit!), had her two young children in her vehicle and attempted to leave the scene of the collision. Thankfully, the driver’s young children weren’t seriously injured in the collision, and the driver was prevented from leaving the scene. I, on the other hand, was trapped in my vehicle for over an hour and had to be STAT-flighted to University of Louisville Hospital where I spent 12 days recovering from serious injuries. Not that the collision and my resulting injuries aren’t enough reasons to be angry, what happened afterwards has forced me to speak out. Following the collision, the intoxicated driver was arrested and spent the night in jail, but Floyd County Court Judge Glenn Hancock unbelievably set bail at a mere $3,000 and chose not to suspend the driver’s license. Even though my life, the lives of her two young children and other drivers were placed at serious risk due to this woman’s behavior, Judge Hancock apparently didn’t consider the crimes committed serious enough to set an appropriate bail or temporarily suspend her driver’s license while the case is pending. After posting only $300 bail (10 percent of the total bail amount set), the driver was back out on the road again the very next day putting other people at risk, with little more than a slap on the hand. As a resident of Floyd County, I’m angry that Judge Glenn Hancock isn’t working to protect the people of Floyd County. Even though this case is pending, and my speaking out could potentially affect the outcome of the case, I feel compelled to make the voters of Floyd County aware of my story. Unfortunately, my experience is all too often shared by many others, and this is why it is so important for voters to be informed and hold judges accountable on Election Day. Floyd County residents deserve change ... we deserve a judge who’ll take drunk driving crimes seriously, set appropriate bail and sentencing to deter drunk driving and protect the residents of Floyd County. I urge everyone to keep this in mind on Nov. 4 when electing our next judge in Superior Court 2, because you or someone you love could easily be the next victim.
— Melinda Aschbacher, Floyds Knobs
Judge Hancock’s responds to letter
Although I understand Ms. Aschbacher’s anger, there are specific laws that control how these matters are determined.
I would like to explain the law. However, I am bound by the Code of Judicial Conduct and I am not allowed to comment on pending cases. A final judgment has not been rendered in this case.
— Glenn G. Hancock, New Albany
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