Published: October 19, 2009 08:42 pm      

EVENING NEWS LETTERS: OCT. 20

Councilman responds to Keith’s letter



Ms. Linda Keith, you specifically named me as someone who said or implied that your husband, Jim Keith, had done something illegal or improper within his duties as director of the tourism bureau.

I want to set the record straight that I have said or implied no such thing.

The job of the tourism board is to manage and use its resources to increase tourism and convention activity within Clark and Floyd counties. The reason that I support the board considering a change of leadership is not personal, political and is not because of alleged illegal activity. It’s because there seems to be a lack of enthusiasm for a number of Jeffersonville projects pitched to Jim Keith, and because, after almost 30 years of the same leadership, I believe new blood and energy will likely increase tourism and economic activity in Clark and Floyd counties.

I understand that the change I support is something you and your husband don’t want to consider and such a change might hinder your lifestyle. I can also understand how your family and friends might take my opinion or other similar opinions personally and out of context.

I apologize that my opinion and comments may be hurtful to you, but I want to be clear that I believe the tourism board should consider a change in leadership — not as punishment for past improper or illegal activity, but rather — as a means to increase future tourism activity.

— Ed Zastawny, Jeffersonville city councilman District 2



Reader says data key regarding taxes



Local Columnist Debbie Harbeson has a great point in increasing the tax revenue, or as cities argue, to increase economic development.

If the government rules are lagging in allowing a product to be licensed and sold, depriving cities, counties and state of taxes, especially in a time of economic hardship, then government ought to open the door wide on alcohol sales. Let the booze flow, and the tax revenue, and new restaurants, even old established restaurants increase their business.

Let’s not stop there though. What about other good regulated, even prohibited by government, which could increase tax revenues for cities, states and counties?

I propose our government start licensing drug dealers and taxing their sales. Think of the tax money that would be brought in by the sale of crank, crack, ecstasy, weed and whatever new drug comes along.

But maybe there’s a reason drugs of a type are not taxed. Maybe there’s a reason why alcohol sales are limited. There more alcohol outlets, the more drinking, equals more sales, thus more taxes coming in, correct?

There’s a flip side to the above equation. The higher court costs, more police runs, more people jailed, another new jail, all those are taxes being spent. Then there’s the cost of drunken drivers in hospitalizations and lost loved ones.

Nope, I do not have the data on increased cost per alcohol license. The data is out there in the offices of the police, sheriffs and judges. No, since police chiefs, sheriffs and judges are all political offices, I doubt they would feel free to divulge information on the equation of tax revenues from sales of alcohol and the tax cost to the public from abuse of alcohol.

Before we jump on the alcohol bandwagon, one way or another, let’s see if we can determine in our real profit, or cost, from increased sales of alcohol. Part of government’s mandate is to not only regulate commerce, but to protect all citizens. Anyone out there have any data to share?

— Steven Fetter, Jeffersonville



Congress should mandate voting restraint



On multiple occasions during this legislative session, Congress has passed legislation without an informed vote.

Recently, the Senate Finance Committee waited until 2 o’clock in the morning to strike two amendments which had been adopted earlier. What’s more, the sponsors of the amendments were at home, asleep, unaware of the fact that on Capitol Hill their committee colleagues were scrapping their hard work.

Also recently, the Senate Finance Committee returned to its old tricks, passing legislation to the Senate floor which had not yet been written. In a rapid and reckless response to criticism of the Baucus Bill, a majority of the committee raised their hand in support of a concept, the details of which were supposed to be worked out later.

This is irresponsible governing and I believe that Congress should pass the resolution requiring that Congress wait three days before voting on the final health care bill. This resolution, which has growing bipartisan support, will guard against fast-tracked, middle-of-the-night legislating and protect the American people from reckless governing.

— Charlie Schladand, Jeffersonville