Published: October 18, 2009 01:21 am      

LETTERS: Oct. 18, 2009

Attempted removal of Keith leaves stain on ‘sunnyside’

The recent attempt to remove Jim Keith as Executive Director of the Tourism Bureau is a stain on the “sunnyside.” I have known Mr. Keith for many years and have always been impressed with his professionalism and dedication to his mission, which is to promote tourism in southern Indiana.

Apparently, the politicians are confused as to his role, for example Jeffersonville City Councilman Keith Fetz erroneously stated that Keith should have bent over backwards to bring the Cooperstown project to fruition, an economic development project. Mr. Fetz, yes, this project has tourism impacts, but Mr. Keith is not a public official who can offer incentives or negotiate these kind of projects nor should he, that is a city’s role not a tourism bureau.

What is apparent from Fetz’s patronizing comments is that this was purely a political move to send Keith on his way and install a puppet director who would bow to the whims of Mayor’s Galligan and England.

Fetz, in his Galligan scripted comments that Keith has become complacent, shows his ignorance of Mr. Keith’s performance and reputation. Perhaps the real complacency resides in politicians such as Fetz, Galligan and England who are self-serving, because their recent attempt to sack Keith doesn’t serve the Sunnyside.

— Tim Deatrick, New Albany



Anyone can help NAFC parks

“Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid . . .” of our parks. I typed a similar line several times in typing class at Greensburg High School in Kentucky more than six decades ago. The excellent instructor was Fanola DeSpain, who recently gave me one of the typewriters that I practiced on. She is my cousin and still lives well in Greensburg.

The Oct. 9 Tribune article on the financial problem facing the New Albany-Floyd County Parks Department brought that ancient typing practice to mind.

A substantial amount of parks maintenance can be done by volunteers without putting anyone out of work. In this period of economic pause, our parks are more important than ever as an inexpensive, local entertainment and recreational resource.

Anyone with a lawnmower, carpenter tools, paint brush, weedeater, etc., can help our parks facilities expand its services, instead of letting it decline.

I haven’t met our current Parks Superintendent, but I suspect that he would gladly do the necessary scheduling and supervising in order to utilize the vast potential that volunteerism can offer in Floyd County.

Few people have enough lawn to fully utilize their lawnmowers, and many people have some free time on their hands.

Legal aspects of liability could certainly be addressed in a reasonable manner by volunteer professionals.

This can be a community project that numerous talents can contribute to.

Perhaps, The Tribune can publicize these possibilities. A positive and enthusiastic response would not surprise me.

— George Mouser, Floyds Knobs



Thank you Horseshoe Foundation

A generous $20,000 contribution from Horseshoe Foundation of Floyd County is a boost to the community initiative that focuses on connecting adults and youth in activities that build the 40 Assets. The Horseshoe Foundation grant helps further efforts at educating, empowering, and engaging community members in this work for our youth and our future. Children, youth and the community as a whole benefit when young people possess the attitudes, behaviors and experiences help them thrive and protect them from risk behavior.

Thank you Horseshoe Foundation from Youth Count volunteers and staff!

— Barbara Bridgwater, Community Youth Champion, Youth Count

  

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