Published: August 23, 2009 12:04 am      

LETTERS: August 23, 2009

Jeff growth can’t be all about Veterans Parkway

In the other paper, across the Ohio River, there was an interesting article on “Grow Jeffersonville.” The article was an interview with Becky Hutchens, leader or head of Grow Jeffersonville. The only problem with the article was there were no specifics on the goals or aims of Grow Jeffersonville, so I called Becky.

Seems this group of business leaders, besides determining needs of the commercial and non-profit organizations, are looking primarily at growing Veterans Parkway. When pressed about locally-owned businesses in downtown Jeffersonville, she said they were “quaint,” then was too busy to carry on the conversation.

If Grow Jeffersonville does not include the preservation, and improvement of downtown Jeffersonville, it fails the inclusiveness test. Since 70 to 80 percent of all people are employed by private business; its imperative economically for Jeffersonville to enhance downtown Jeffersonville as well as develop new business outlets. So, my question is, will the big or small box businesses brought into the Veterans Parkway be in direct competition with the downtown businesses, or will they offer Jeffersonville diversity?

Let us not forget, at the start of our economic melt down, at least three major big name box stores closed in Clarksville. So, whatever Grow Jeffersonville does, it cannot isolate itself to Veterans Parkway.

In the long run, any city that puts all its eggs in one basket will be shooting itself in the foot. Any city that ignores its locally-owned businesses is like committing suicide. The big and little box stores will bring in revenue from sales tax and property tax. The income tax from the employees will be minimal. That’s because most big and little box stores pay minimum wages. What Jeffersonville needs least are more minimum wage jobs. If tax abatements and discounts for water and sewer hookups are offered, then wages need to be set at a minimum wage of $9 an hour for the inducements. Doing that would truly make Grow Jeffersonville inclusive, because it would benefit employees and residents, and that income would trickle down to local stores, restaurants and banks. Go Jeffersonville!

— Steven A. Fetter, Jeffersonville



Offering thanks to County Planner



I must publicly thank County Planner Don Lopp for his efforts regarding a youth shelter location. It may seem obvious to some, especially after he gave his endorsement to a new facility, why I want to express gratitude. However, it is the details that call for his appreciation.

Since the beginning of our work on the location of the facility, he has been a professional. He has been honest, as well as dedicated to the very important ideals we hold regarding the best care for children, and the principle that taxpayers should get the most bang for their bucks.

Also greatly appreciated is his understanding that half of the children served by our agency, officially “Floyd County Youth Services Bureau,” are not in the youth shelter. Rather, they are served in our numerous outreach programs. We try to reach children and families before the shelter is needed, so offices and instructional space are necessities.

Mr. Lopp has been enormously helpful in translating our mission and activities to the county officials charged with the task of solving the “North Annex Problem.” He and the current county officials have truly worked at creating the best, most practical, and most responsible solution to the dilapidated structure currently helping our most vulnerable children.

It is important, too, to thank Larry Timperman for his recent pro bono work, and his obvious determination. He has, since the beginning of this more than five years ago, always been most concerned with what is best for the children. He’s met many children we have served, and takes this work personally. I am excited to continue our work and to, finally, see the kind of facility that will clearly show Floyd County’s dedication to its youth.

— Leah Pezzarossi, Executive Director, Floyd County Youth Services Bureau, New Albany





Reader: Curran should check facts



This is in response to Kelley Curran’s column from Aug. 17.

Ms. Curran, you said the health care debate is making you sick. Well, I hope you have good health care and are able to keep it. If you lose your insurance through loss of employment would you be able to afford the COBRA payments?

I hope so for your sake. I also hope you would be able to find another job quickly before the COBRA runs out.

You said that people who don’t take care of themselves should pay more than those who do. Maybe they will. The bill has not yet been finalized. What I do know is there are 50 million people without health care. Many of them are unemployed or work for companies who do not provide coverage.

You said people should not run to the ER for minor illnesses. I must agree with that, but I believe the majority of people don’t use the ER as their primary care facility. Many people don’t see a doctor at all because they can’t afford to.

And as far as insurers lowering their costs because the market dictates that they do so. What companies are these?

Insurance rates are soaring. This is a necessity so the CEOs can live in the manner in which they have become accustomed.

You need to go back and check your research.

— Shirley Baird, New Albany