Published: November 05, 2009 02:01 pm      

THE TRIBUNE: Cheers & Jeers - Nov. 4, 2009

CHEERS

... to the New Albany City Council for passing a downtown Master Plan that is a blueprint for potential improvements in one of the city’s most potential-filled areas. It stands as an example of New Albany’s commitment to progress.

— Tribune Publisher Steve Kozarovich



... to state Rep. Ed Clere and Floyd County Planner Don Lopp for helping to secure a $3.5 million federal stimulus grant for Georgetown to construct a wastewater treatment plant. The grant is from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 — federal stimulus money that’s allocated through the Indiana State Revolving Fund.

Georgetown’s sewer problems have been going on too long and it’s time for the town to move forward by constructing its own plant. New Albany and Georgetown officials need to negotiate a fair rate until the sewer plant is constructed which should be within the next three years.

— Region Editor Chris Morris



... to Georgetown Town President Billy Stewart for being a leader. I wasn’t there every step of the way but despite inheriting a massive problem and devastating consequences, Stewart has kept his cool and worked through the process. He asked for help, he listened, and he’s involved in finding a solution. To me it’s noteworthy to see such leadership during a difficult time.

— Tribune Publisher Steve Kozarovich



... to Padgett Inc. and B L Curry & Sons Inc. for providing machinery free of charge to the city of New Albany to remove tons of debris from Falling Run Creek. Without the help of these two New Albany companies, the expense to complete the job would have provided a burden on the city’s budget. But the community spirit shown by both benefitted several homeowners who have been hampered by heavy rains this year.

— Region Editor Chris Morris



JEERS

... to New Albany City Councilman Steve Price for his lone abstention from voting on the city’s master plan. Maybe if the next election proves to be another difficult decision, he can abstain from that as well.

— Tribune Publisher Steve Kozarovich



... to the politicking beginning already. Right after the announcement of the grant to Georgetown to help fund construction of a wastewater plan, New Albany Deputy Mayor Carl Malyz told The Tribune that the decision wouldn’t “have a significant benefit for the city.” I respectfully disagree and I think this was purely a “dig” — as my wife would call it — against the announcement made by Ed Clere, who is the legislative opponent of Malyz’s co-worker and city attorney, Shane Gibson. Besides the city having research about this will indeed benefit the city, we can’t deny that a neighboring town in such financial disarray would be bad for all of Floyd County. New Albany needs Georgetown and the rest of the county to thrive.

— Tribune Publisher Steve Kozarovich





Do you have someone or something to cheer or jeer? Submissions should be sent to Publisher Steve Kozarovich at steve.kozarovich@newsandtribune.com or by mail at 303 Scribner Drive, New Albany, IN 47150.