John Gonder was absent from both the work session and the council meeting.
The work session on TIFs prior to the council meeting proved to be very helpful to both council members and interested citizens in attendance. Here is just a very brief overview of some highlight points.
The maximum life of a TIF is 30yrs. The only reason I could see to want to end one before maturity would be if there is no more redevelopement to take place in the TIF area.
TIF will free EDIT funds to be used on other projects in the city instead of having to be used within that TIF area.
TIF funds do not have to be invested intirely within the TIF borders. Funds can be used like a spider wed to reach out or, reach in if you will, to the TIF area. TIF funds can be used to fund projects that greatly effect or directly influence the TIF area. However there is an approval process to go through for this to happen.
There were a few questions about TIF area growth maybe outgrowing the capability of the New Albany police and fire services. Now that may be a matter of some concern but, I say the real reason for the no vote on TIF’s is plain and simple, POWER & CONTROL.
Redevelopement has control over TIF spending. When certain council members see the size of funds available from TIFs and see they will not have control over it, that’s just not acceptable.
Speaking of the NO vote could someone smart (since you put it in public record Randy Smith) tell me how CM Price who read info to promote TIFs, and what was important for the council to hear on how great TIFs worked for another city, then follow that up with the only NO vote cast? Unlike Mr. Smith I would never claim in a public forum or on public record that I consider myself a smart person. At the same time I would not consider myself dumb or stupid. I remember years ago stating to my mother that I was smart enough to make my own decisions. Shortly there after my girl friend was pregnant and 3 months after that I was married. No sir, you won’t hear me say I am a smart person. Besides the smartest (book smarts, and formally educated) people I know have also been blessed with the common sense of a turnip. (comment not directed at Mr. Smith) I will take my discernment and common sense over smarts any day.
I digress, Statement of benefits for Rite-Way Industries was tabled and will not be on Mondays agenda.
Enlargement of State Street/Green Valley economic development area passed with one NO vote, CM Price.
Creating a TIF for pretty much that same area passed with one NO vote, CM Price.
Economic development plan concerning the Monon development area passed with one NO vote, CM Price.
OK, I am sorry but I can’t help myself, here you go..... http://www.geocities.com/~jbenz/against.wav
Both Appropriations resolutions passed with all Yes votes. Are you kidding me??
There will be no State of the City Address from Mayor England at Mondays meeting.
Finally, something I may try to do for all council meetings. I award CM Caesar with the “CM of the Meeting Award” for asking a couple of very good questions during the evening. The runner up is President Gahan with another well run meeting and getting us out of the work session in time for restroom breaks and stretching.
Past my bed time or I would elaborate more on those Caesar questions.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Friday, February 22, 2008
Oscar Predictions
Maybe it is just me but, where is the excitement this year? There just doesn't seem to be much talk this year. Maybe I can stir up some conversation with my predictions.
BEST PICTURE-Atonement gets my nod as the best picture. Another film I really enjoyed watching was Juno. This could go to either film.
BEST ACTOR-Johnny Depp is my choice. Watched this performance with eyes wide open!
Look for Daniel Day-Lewis to get the award though.
BEST ACTRESS-Ellen Page was an absolute trip in Juno and is my favorite here. Look for the academy to give Cate Blanchette a close look though. Great role and performance but, in a movie no one liked. When was the last time that an actress won best and supporting roles? Hey, it could happen this year!
SUPPORTING ACTOR-Javier Barden is my hands down selection. I didn't see anyone even close. The academy however is in love with Hal Holbrook. This one could actually anger me slightly!
SUPPORTING ACTRESS-Again for me an easy selection here and it is Amy Ryan. And again here it is Cate Blanchette who had a great performance in a dud film. The academy could very well feel sorry enough for Cate's two great roles in bad movies that she gets both nods.
ANIMATED FEATURE FILM- Ratatouille, any film that can hold my grandson's attention at a drive in for "almost" the entire film gets my vote. By the way he will be 10 mos. soon and has seen 6 films with me. In case your interested the one he liked the least was Cloverfield.
ART DIRECTION-I like the Golden Compass in this category. I think the academy will go with Sweeney Todd.
CINEMATOGRAPHY-“The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford” is my choice. The academy I think may go with “No Country for Old Men.” Both are deserving. I did not see The Diving Bell and the Butterfly.
BEST COSTUME-In consideration of the other choices which I didn't think really merit the nominations I will go with Sweeney Todd. The academy has always liked the style in Elizabeth.
BEST DIRECTOR-“Michael Clayton” (Warner Bros.) Tony Gilroy with a very good and well directed film. I can't see the academy shutting out There will be Blood. This category and editing may be there only shots.
DOCUMENTARY FEATURE-OK call me weird here but I like “Taxi to the Dark Side." The academy I am sure will go with Sicko, which I rate as one of the worst I have seen.
DOCUMENTARY SHORT SUBJECT-You got me there! I have not seen any of these. I have however heard good things about "Sari’s Mother.”
FILM EDITING- I like “No Country for Old Men” here but, if "There will be Blood" has not scored by now give it to them.
FOREIGN FILM-"Counterfeiters" I love the moral issues and the drama they bring forth in this film. It makes me think! However I don't think the academy can pass up a well done film in which Israel gets whoooped. Look for "Beaufort" to get the trophy in this tough category. The only one that could get my gander up would be "Mongol." This was very well acted if not the best acted in all this years nominations. But, just the thinking that Genghis Khan was an inspiring and visionary leader makes this serious drama almost an accidental laugh. Come on now!! I have heard a lot about rewriting history lately and here is a great example.
MAKE-UP-Could yet another bad movie win an award "Norbit." No way Pirates takes this one in a landslide.
MUSIC-ORIGINAL SCORE-You got me, this is a sentimental pick because much to the surprise of my daughters I really liked the score in Juno. Since Juno is not nominated my pick is the best film not nominated for best film, “The Kite Runner.”
MUSIC-ORIGINAL SONG-I have to go with how the song actually works within the movie. For that reason alone I choose “That’s How You Know” from “Enchanted.”
VISUAL EFFECTS-Yet again not a very good film but I must go with “The Golden Compass.”
After writing this I may understand the lack of excitement. I don't remember the last time so many "bad" films were nominated for so many awards. Don't get me wrong the awards them selves can be justified (Maybe) within a bad film.
BEST PICTURE-Atonement gets my nod as the best picture. Another film I really enjoyed watching was Juno. This could go to either film.
BEST ACTOR-Johnny Depp is my choice. Watched this performance with eyes wide open!
Look for Daniel Day-Lewis to get the award though.
BEST ACTRESS-Ellen Page was an absolute trip in Juno and is my favorite here. Look for the academy to give Cate Blanchette a close look though. Great role and performance but, in a movie no one liked. When was the last time that an actress won best and supporting roles? Hey, it could happen this year!
SUPPORTING ACTOR-Javier Barden is my hands down selection. I didn't see anyone even close. The academy however is in love with Hal Holbrook. This one could actually anger me slightly!
SUPPORTING ACTRESS-Again for me an easy selection here and it is Amy Ryan. And again here it is Cate Blanchette who had a great performance in a dud film. The academy could very well feel sorry enough for Cate's two great roles in bad movies that she gets both nods.
ANIMATED FEATURE FILM- Ratatouille, any film that can hold my grandson's attention at a drive in for "almost" the entire film gets my vote. By the way he will be 10 mos. soon and has seen 6 films with me. In case your interested the one he liked the least was Cloverfield.
ART DIRECTION-I like the Golden Compass in this category. I think the academy will go with Sweeney Todd.
CINEMATOGRAPHY-“The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford” is my choice. The academy I think may go with “No Country for Old Men.” Both are deserving. I did not see The Diving Bell and the Butterfly.
BEST COSTUME-In consideration of the other choices which I didn't think really merit the nominations I will go with Sweeney Todd. The academy has always liked the style in Elizabeth.
BEST DIRECTOR-“Michael Clayton” (Warner Bros.) Tony Gilroy with a very good and well directed film. I can't see the academy shutting out There will be Blood. This category and editing may be there only shots.
DOCUMENTARY FEATURE-OK call me weird here but I like “Taxi to the Dark Side." The academy I am sure will go with Sicko, which I rate as one of the worst I have seen.
DOCUMENTARY SHORT SUBJECT-You got me there! I have not seen any of these. I have however heard good things about "Sari’s Mother.”
FILM EDITING- I like “No Country for Old Men” here but, if "There will be Blood" has not scored by now give it to them.
FOREIGN FILM-"Counterfeiters" I love the moral issues and the drama they bring forth in this film. It makes me think! However I don't think the academy can pass up a well done film in which Israel gets whoooped. Look for "Beaufort" to get the trophy in this tough category. The only one that could get my gander up would be "Mongol." This was very well acted if not the best acted in all this years nominations. But, just the thinking that Genghis Khan was an inspiring and visionary leader makes this serious drama almost an accidental laugh. Come on now!! I have heard a lot about rewriting history lately and here is a great example.
MAKE-UP-Could yet another bad movie win an award "Norbit." No way Pirates takes this one in a landslide.
MUSIC-ORIGINAL SCORE-You got me, this is a sentimental pick because much to the surprise of my daughters I really liked the score in Juno. Since Juno is not nominated my pick is the best film not nominated for best film, “The Kite Runner.”
MUSIC-ORIGINAL SONG-I have to go with how the song actually works within the movie. For that reason alone I choose “That’s How You Know” from “Enchanted.”
VISUAL EFFECTS-Yet again not a very good film but I must go with “The Golden Compass.”
After writing this I may understand the lack of excitement. I don't remember the last time so many "bad" films were nominated for so many awards. Don't get me wrong the awards them selves can be justified (Maybe) within a bad film.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Yvonne Kersey Arrest
NA Confidential is correct in assuming that this process of prosecution of possession with intent to sell of the “Giggle Weed” will not be simple. Maybe they were just waiting for delivery of a vending machine. Weed: Marijuana Vending Machines Opening For Business in LA
There are lots of reasons one would have “Jolly Green” growing or stored in your home.
For instance one excuse might be that if the “sugar weed” tests to actually be “Indiana ditchweed” maybe they were going to replace their carpet with astro turf.
All kidding aside, (yeh right) as in most cases like this, I am quite sure there were warning signs. For instance if you ever heard the couple in question use any of the following phrases….
Frosted- doesn’t mean you’re cold or angry.
Fat Pappy- has nothing to do with any ones father.
To Blast a Roach-will not eliminate an insect.
Burning Logs-will not keep your house warm.
A Chocolate Thai-cannot be purchased at Starbucks
To Mow The Grass-will not improve the appearance of your landscape.
Sweet Grass-is not a grass you mow. Well, on the other hand, see above.
Queen Ann’s Lace-has nothing to do with sewing or clothes.
Tightening Someone’s Wig-will not require Rodolfo Valentin
….you should have seen this coming!!
Find more slang and fun at http://www.marijuanadictionary.com/
Peace New Albany
There are lots of reasons one would have “Jolly Green” growing or stored in your home.
For instance one excuse might be that if the “sugar weed” tests to actually be “Indiana ditchweed” maybe they were going to replace their carpet with astro turf.
All kidding aside, (yeh right) as in most cases like this, I am quite sure there were warning signs. For instance if you ever heard the couple in question use any of the following phrases….
Frosted- doesn’t mean you’re cold or angry.
Fat Pappy- has nothing to do with any ones father.
To Blast a Roach-will not eliminate an insect.
Burning Logs-will not keep your house warm.
A Chocolate Thai-cannot be purchased at Starbucks
To Mow The Grass-will not improve the appearance of your landscape.
Sweet Grass-is not a grass you mow. Well, on the other hand, see above.
Queen Ann’s Lace-has nothing to do with sewing or clothes.
Tightening Someone’s Wig-will not require Rodolfo Valentin
….you should have seen this coming!!
Find more slang and fun at http://www.marijuanadictionary.com/
Peace New Albany
Monday, February 4, 2008
N/A Council
I will not be able to make the meeting tonight unless strange things happen at work today. Lot of stuff to get done with a deadline at the end of the week.
Boy Oh Boy do I have my own take on taxes!! YUCK!!!!
If you want real tax reform, stop taking takes out of paychecks or adding them into mortgage payments.
Everyone should have to write a check for the taxes they pay every year! Some people actualy think when they get a refund they didn't pay any taxes!! You think there is a lot of people on board for tax reform now? Let them write a check to feds, state and local at the end of the year and watch the revolt!!
Boy Oh Boy do I have my own take on taxes!! YUCK!!!!
If you want real tax reform, stop taking takes out of paychecks or adding them into mortgage payments.
Everyone should have to write a check for the taxes they pay every year! Some people actualy think when they get a refund they didn't pay any taxes!! You think there is a lot of people on board for tax reform now? Let them write a check to feds, state and local at the end of the year and watch the revolt!!
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