TERESA PERKINS: PRESS RELEASE ON CANAL PROJECT
MAYOR TAKES CANAL REFERENDUM AWAY FROM VOTERS
On Friday, April 15, Tom Galligan announced the EPA and officials of
the Indiana Department of Environmental management presented him with
letters accepting his plan to comply with the EPA mandate by digging a
canal. His office issued a press release, touting the acceptance of
the canal project by these two agencies, and appearing to put a
stamp of finality on the course he has set for Jeffersonville.
I disagree.
As mayor, I would not accept the proposed $143 million sewage system
improvement /drainage plan for the taxpayers of Jeffersonville. It is
a mistake.
The projections for the final total costs of Mr. Gilligan’s plan are
too low and the projections for attendant economic development are far
to "pie-in-the sky" high. Not a single private business or company
has committed to locating 'on the canal' or, as far as I am aware,
even expressed interest.
As your mayor, alternative, less extensive and less costly plans will
be examined, considered and a solution implemented. The economic
growth Mr. Galligan dreams of is more likely to come to Jeff if
businesses see a reasonable tax and lower sewer rates for themselves
and their prospective employees instead of the huge burdens that would
be shouldered by implementation of the current plan.
Frugality, government efficiencies and low taxes are better,
proven, means of attracting business and economic growth than...water
features.
As a candidate, I must question the timing of this event and the
Mayor's apparent attempt to finalize HIS plan as THE plan that the
city will have to follow regardless of WHO wins the mayor’s race now or
in November.
At our debate on the IUS campus a few weeks ago, the moderators asked
whether or not this election was a referendum on the Galligan
Administration's canal plan. I was proud of Tom Galligan that day
because he completely embraced that idea. He said that he hoped that
it was a judgment on his administration. But his deeds last Friday
do not match the courage of his words.
What he has done is to try and take this issue away from the hands of
the voters of Jeffersonville.
Well, I am here, now, to tell you that as your Mayor candidate,
Mayor elect or Mayor...I will not let that decision be taken away from
you by Mr. Galligan.
The citizens will be allowed to make the decision without forcing
through the final agreement two weeks before the election.
I have spoken with engineers and planners that tell me of other
solutions that are more in line with what Jeffersonville can afford,
and that would be also approved by the EPA.
If we start this huge project and we can then not reach the
unreasonable and massive goals that Tom Galligan has forced upon us,
the result could be an unfinished project and bankruptcy for the City
of Jeffersonville. That would be a disaster. We all know that, often,
massive public works projects cost far more than originally intended
and provide far less real benefit than projected.
It is not a wise decision to take such a huge gamble.
Bruno Pigott, assistant commissioner of water quality for IDEM has
himself even admitted “This is a huge commitment by the city,”
We should re-examine and find a better way.
So, Today, I am announcing that because I feel we should not have
gone forward with the implementation of the proposed agreement and
due to the fact that it has been forced upon Jeffersonville without
adequately examining additional alternatives, and without allowing the
citizens of Jeffersonville to vote and thereby express, by democratic
process, their own views on the matter, If I am the democratic
candidate for Mayor when the sun comes up on May 4 I will intervene
in the regulatory process and, if necessary will be taking legal
action to block the implementation of the project as it now stands.
Because Tom Galligan and the EPA/IDEM made the decision to finalize
this mandated agreement, if necessary, I will be asking a court to
forestall the implementation, the bid taking process, and the
initiation of construction until we have had a chance as a community
to fully analyze and pursue better alternatives.
On Friday, April 15, Tom Galligan announced the EPA and officials of
the Indiana Department of Environmental management presented him with
letters accepting his plan to comply with the EPA mandate by digging a
canal. His office issued a press release, touting the acceptance of
the canal project by these two agencies, and appearing to put a
stamp of finality on the course he has set for Jeffersonville.
I disagree.
As mayor, I would not accept the proposed $143 million sewage system
improvement /drainage plan for the taxpayers of Jeffersonville. It is
a mistake.
The projections for the final total costs of Mr. Gilligan’s plan are
too low and the projections for attendant economic development are far
to "pie-in-the sky" high. Not a single private business or company
has committed to locating 'on the canal' or, as far as I am aware,
even expressed interest.
As your mayor, alternative, less extensive and less costly plans will
be examined, considered and a solution implemented. The economic
growth Mr. Galligan dreams of is more likely to come to Jeff if
businesses see a reasonable tax and lower sewer rates for themselves
and their prospective employees instead of the huge burdens that would
be shouldered by implementation of the current plan.
Frugality, government efficiencies and low taxes are better,
proven, means of attracting business and economic growth than...water
features.
As a candidate, I must question the timing of this event and the
Mayor's apparent attempt to finalize HIS plan as THE plan that the
city will have to follow regardless of WHO wins the mayor’s race now or
in November.
At our debate on the IUS campus a few weeks ago, the moderators asked
whether or not this election was a referendum on the Galligan
Administration's canal plan. I was proud of Tom Galligan that day
because he completely embraced that idea. He said that he hoped that
it was a judgment on his administration. But his deeds last Friday
do not match the courage of his words.
What he has done is to try and take this issue away from the hands of
the voters of Jeffersonville.
Well, I am here, now, to tell you that as your Mayor candidate,
Mayor elect or Mayor...I will not let that decision be taken away from
you by Mr. Galligan.
The citizens will be allowed to make the decision without forcing
through the final agreement two weeks before the election.
I have spoken with engineers and planners that tell me of other
solutions that are more in line with what Jeffersonville can afford,
and that would be also approved by the EPA.
If we start this huge project and we can then not reach the
unreasonable and massive goals that Tom Galligan has forced upon us,
the result could be an unfinished project and bankruptcy for the City
of Jeffersonville. That would be a disaster. We all know that, often,
massive public works projects cost far more than originally intended
and provide far less real benefit than projected.
It is not a wise decision to take such a huge gamble.
Bruno Pigott, assistant commissioner of water quality for IDEM has
himself even admitted “This is a huge commitment by the city,”
We should re-examine and find a better way.
So, Today, I am announcing that because I feel we should not have
gone forward with the implementation of the proposed agreement and
due to the fact that it has been forced upon Jeffersonville without
adequately examining additional alternatives, and without allowing the
citizens of Jeffersonville to vote and thereby express, by democratic
process, their own views on the matter, If I am the democratic
candidate for Mayor when the sun comes up on May 4 I will intervene
in the regulatory process and, if necessary will be taking legal
action to block the implementation of the project as it now stands.
Because Tom Galligan and the EPA/IDEM made the decision to finalize
this mandated agreement, if necessary, I will be asking a court to
forestall the implementation, the bid taking process, and the
initiation of construction until we have had a chance as a community
to fully analyze and pursue better alternatives.
Comments
forced upon the residents of the City of Jeffersonville concerning an ordered new sewage plant and stromwater drainage solution, was announced by the EPA and IDEM.
Is this plan a good idea or a WILD boondoggle that could bankrupt the city?
Will it be an economic success or a huge and REALLY expensive failure?
Do you think that the EPA, IDEM, and the Galligan Administration should be allowed to enter into an agreement that many feel is unwise and could become a huge financial disaster?
Why the sudden"Rush to Judgement" by the current administration and the mandating State/Federal bureaucrats with this announcement at this time?
We were told that "the election would be a mandate on the sewer/drainage solutions", but now we are suddenly told that the decision has already been made for us behind closed doors!
A secret deal between the administartion and State and Federal government bureaucrats when other solutuons should have been examined?
Why two weeks BEFORE the election is the "decision made for us", openly defying the voters before they have a chance to voice their opinion a fair and open election.
Synonymous II
We are currently told that they will now take an additional $143,000,000.
If past practice is an indication, the eventual total cost of a huge public works project like this, could well be significantly higher.
Supporters of the project are counting on "significant economic growth with large commercial development" that would assist in paying the bills to support the project.
Many feel that this "economic stimulus" will be woefully inadequate to fund the two projects, leaving the taxpayer holding the bag.
Synonymous II
As a concept, the Jefferonville Canal is a good idea.
It is a solution to flooding problems.
It also potentially allows for much greater economic development.
I initially supported the project. Then we learned of the insanely high cost of the "agreement"
being forced upon Jeffersonville by the Federal government via the EPA.
$143,000,000! I was stunned!
Federal bureaucrats demand we do something, but they then require us to solve the "alleged big problem" without financial support.
It is called an "UNFUNDED MANDATE".
"The Devil, is, as always, in the details."
I fear that we will not draw enought public economic support for the project and it will lag for years.
Sewer bills and real estate taxes and governemnt spending are out of control.
Where will be in five years if we keep spending like we are now? Scary.
The price tag is far too high as of now and the bill to already overburdened taxpayer will significantly increase.
Synonymous II
Does this agreement include the $35,000,000 just approved for sewer lines, lift stations, etc., for the new east end sewage treatment plant?
Wasn't $35 million in contracts just awarded to MAC Construction about three weeks ago?
Is the $35 mil part of the earlier discusse $177 mil ?
CCC?
Abbysnana?
ChatterChicks?
E-N's Shea and David?
Ben of the C-J?
Where are you?
Synonymous II
of income for funding the sewer plant and canal projects
come from tap in fees, sewer usage fees, and property taxes.
We have begun VERY high phased in sewer tap in fees. They can always also go even higher.
We are getting far fewer of these because of the severe economic downturn.
These high commercial tap in fees and new home tap in fees make potential developers re-think construction projects upon which this "plan" is counting.
They are regressive "impact fees" and cost the consumer.
Additionaly, we have been subjected to tripled (at last count and probably going higher) sewer usage fees for the projects.
We are "HOPING" for this big "ECONOMIC STIMULUS PLAN"
from the canal and growth generated by new home construction and new commercial and industrial businesses.
SYNONYMOUS II
Clark County government is essentially bankrupt
and the County Attorney,
Greg Fifer, Has warned us they will have to "close the doors by August 1 of this year".
Clark County government has had it's bond credit rating REDUCED
by the state due to poor fiscal management.
Indiana will see a statewide reassessment of real estate next year in 2012.
Jeffersonville city government is taking on the biggest government spending projects in Jeffersonville's history.
We are facing YET ANOTHE TAX INCREASE because of the pending re-assessment for 2012.
To say that we are in uncharted waters is an understatement.
Where will this government mismanagement and excess spending stop?
Question:
"In order to feed the beast, DO YOU THINK THAT THE GOVERNMENT'S NEXT ASSESSSMENT
OF YOUR PROPERTY IN 2012
WILL GO DOWN,
STAY THE SAME,
OR GO UP
TO HELP THEM KEEP SPENDING?
.
Where will this government mismanagement and excess spending stop?
SYNONYMOUS II
"I will intervene
in the regulatory process and, if necessary will be taking legal
action to block the implementation of the project as it now stands."
"I will be asking a court to
forestall the implementation, the bid taking process, and the
initiation of construction until we have had a chance as a community
to fully analyze and pursue better alternatives."
TERESA is offering
BOLD NEW LEADERSHIP
while our CURRENT "leaders" from both county government
and city government
dither and fight,
tax and spend
and spend some more.
"Would someone research what the "Big Dig" in Boston was to cost when it was originally proposed
and what it has actually cost to date?
Including repairs and maintenance?
Scary.
Again: Shea?
David?'
Ben?
AN?
ChatterChickies?
Synonymous II
This saving us from the "Canal/Drainage thing" has your name on it!
Is it currently $177 mil?
What was the original cost of the Boston buried road "Big Dig" and the total spent to date?
Let's see:
Cost of new construction.
Cost of eventually required new employees for salaries, cars, phones, retirement, medical-dental,offices, travel and seminars, CREDIT CARDS,etc.
Cost of yearly maintenance.
Cost of sewer tap in fees to businesses.
Cost of sewer bills.
Cost of the payment for the INTEREST on the bonds?
Cost of repayment of the principal?
Increase costs of the demands upon the various departments:
police, fire, EMS, parks, sanitation, street, etc., expenses.
More employees WILL be needed.
Remember, that we will pay for the part of the cost by paying sewer bills that have exploded!
Synonymous II
They have their number !
Is there a "double cross" now of the person that was to be set to be double-crossed in the fall?
Do they now think RW has fallen from contention?
Southern Man and Pubilus are bravely exposing the "anything goes" mentality of trying to "Rig the Vote" to improperly manipulate the election!
Southern man said on the CCC ..."the political party change by the Moore campaign just raises way too many red flags. Coupled with the reason offered for the change.....things simply appear awfully fishy."
"Operation Rig The Vote" become
"Operation Desperate Grab"?
I was a Republican
before I was Democrat
before I was a Republican again.
Too much heat
so we "jackrabitted" into another party? Again?
Expediency?
Self serving interest?
We were FOR RW
to be SET UP
as the weakest candidate
that had a shot at winning in the Democrat primary.
But, hold on, now he has become too weak to win the primary, so we are now FOR TG to win the primary because he can be defeated more easily than the surging TBP can be in the general election?
"Operation Rig the Vote "
is starting to look like
"Operation Desperate Grab-At-Anything-To-Win".
posted on the CCC:
"I'm just get interested in poly ticks and I have 3 questions:
1. If I vote for MM will it be counted as a Dem. vote or Rep. vote?
IFin MM finds he doesn't like the party he is with now, will he be able to change before the fall election?
3. Is there any way he can stay unopposed in the fall, so he will be able to win?"
Ouch......
about TBP's press release on the canal:
"Excellent response!"
WOW! HSBHM, what's come over you?
Also, to Kelley Curran,
1st District City Council Republican candidate:
Will you publicly support Teresa going to court to obtain a stay
in order for the citizens of Jeffersonville to thoroughly examine alternatives
to the really expensive sewer/stormwater runoff "mandation agreement"?
Synonymous II
"Frugality, government efficiencies,
and low taxes are better,
proven, means of attracting business and economic growth than......water
features."
"I have spoken with engineers and planners that tell me of
other solutions
that are more in line with what Jeffersonville can afford,
and that would be also approved by the EPA."
.........."often,
massive public works projects cost far more than originally intended
and provide far less real benefit than projected.
It is not a wise decision to take such a huge gamble."
WOW!
Some real leadership and common sense!
Synonymous II
if Teresa files to stay the implementation of the sewer/drainage /canal "agreement", ALL H*** WILL BREAK LOOSE!!!!
Every candidate for mayor and the city council will have to stand tall!
RW was "against" the canal plan. He didn't try to stop it or propose an alternative.
He must now really scramble to get on board with any new action iniated by Teresa.
Ditto for brother Mike Moore. He has just generally been blandly been against "it" and of course been "against" TG, but he has done nothing concrete.
He must also scramble to get on board. The train is leaving the station!
TG must try to defend his outrageous spending plan at the top of his voice, every day.
It is going to be a REALLY TOUGH SALES JOB.
He can talk himself blue in the face trying.
KV has said boringly that he supports the canal, etc. Nobody cares but H-T, "Kevin in '11's "biggest fan.
( H-T, just kidding. I put that in to see of your are keeping up on your reading of the GCF!)
The various varities of would be city council critters are in a real quandry.
They have sent in their written detailed responses and positions to the Evening News.
Some are OK and can catch the train ( the issue).
But how many of them want to amend that little ditty about now?
The fir will be flying as they begin to comprehend what is occurring and start pontificating their thoughts.
heh....heh....heh....
Teresa has shown bold, strong LEADERSHIP!
She is doing what a great mayor , a great and effective office holder should do.
Teresa has identified a serious mistake by the incumbent administration that has, quite frankly, shocked her.
She has taken a stand against the terrible mistake and is proposing greater research into alternatives that we can better afford.
She is implementing a decisive action on behalf of the citizens of Jeffersonville.
If the EPA-IDEM-TG axis wins and the mandated "agreement" stands as it is, Jefersonville looses terribly.
Everyone who pays a sewer bill or who pays real estate taxes in Jeffersonville has "skin in this game".
The stakes are VERY high.
I feel that the importance of this issue will really take center stage.
Synonymous II
"Has the council approved the project and the funding plan?
It is my understanding that some on the council questioned the project,
and wanted a second engineering firm to look at the situation."
MBHeights1, that is a very good point!
The next Jeffersonville City Council meeting tomorrow, Mondaythe 18th of April.
I think some people should sign up to speak at the meeting and show support to stay the implementation of the forced and very expessive "agreement".
Each councilperson can go on record at that time and there can be a great amount of public input.
This is BEFORE the primary and will create a lot of public interest and discussion.
Synonymous II
"I like the stand Teresa has taken, but she has not said she is 100% against the canal plan.
She has stated she is 100% against the canal plan being forced upon the residents by the signing of this agreement last Friday.
It all depends on the cost of the plan her engineering group comes up with and if the residents embrace that plan over the canal plan.
She mentions bid taking and construction initiation above and that she would take legal action to stop it."
Synonomous II
1st District City Council Republican candidate:
Will you publicly support Teresa going to court to obtain a stay
in order for the citizens of Jeffersonville to thoroughly examine alternatives
to the really expensive sewer/stormwater runoff "mandation agreement"?"
Ms. Curran supports the citizens having this opportunity, and if a court order is what it takes, she will be supportive of this effort. Whether she would put this as publicly supporting Teresa necessarily is less certain. She's wary of supporting a former educator who believes the canal project is "to pie-in-the-sky." She does however, commend Ms. Perkins and her supporters for figuring out how to walk the middle ground on the canal issue.
A few notes on council involvement: to date, the council has only approved a vague concept of a canal district with tentative boundaries and approved paying some claims associated with the project. They haven't voted to proceed with the canal specifically or anything particularly substantive. It is also unlikely that a few speakers at a city council meeting would force any of these mayor-enablers on record regarding the canal or its costs. The standard MO of our current council following public comments that are not supportive of the mayor or council is to pretend they didn't hear them and move on with the council meeting as if we're all one big happy city. Kids from Jeff High who spoke to the council on more than one occassion on the subject of Vissing Park found this MO very diheartening.
kay
"Ms. Curran supports the citizens having this opportunity, and if a court order is what it takes, she will be supportive of this effort.
"So, kay, let's see, is that a yes, too.....
Also, if Teresa files for the injunction on behalf of the citizens, you would "enable" her action by being "supportive of the effort" too? Cool.
a question:
"Who is 'kay'"?
Is she authorized to speak on behalf of "Ms. Curran"? How would we know this?
Is "kay" a medium through whom "Ms. Curran" is communicating with us?
Is "kay" a dissociative identity' of "Ms. Curran"?
Is "kay" an alter-ego?
Is "kay" really
"Ms. Curran"
writing to we plebs
under the nom de plume
"kay"?
"Alter-egos are used by numerous performing artists who use stage or screen personae both to entertain audiences and to explore new identities for themselves." Wikipedia
So, let's see, "kay" is
an alter ego
of "Ms. Curran", a superhero 'Toon enjoyng GAW's Toon Town?
Bluto
Ms. Curran?
Dissociative?
Roll play?
"Ms. Curran" and "kay"
are you composing narratives featuring a suspiciously autobiographical
"fictitious" character
who understands everything?"
So, then while "Kelley Curran" is a real person, "kay" is technically not a person per se?
"In order to refer to yourself in the third person, you must first think of yourself in the first person,
and then imagine someone else, exactly like you,
expressing that same thought - about you." Wikipedia
Draino!