Published: November 21, 2008 09:29 pm            

LETTERS: Nov. 22, 2008

Stewart offers perspective on sewer vote



I read with interest Dennis Roudenbush’s and Steve Bush’s Nov. 14 letter to the editor. First of all, I respect both Mr. Roudenbush and Mr. Bush. I believe either one would have been a good choice for county commissioner.

No one asked me but I would like to set the record straight. The Town of Georgetown and Floyd County have been in negotiations, in regards to the sewer plant site, for several months. After approximately 19 revisions, both parties were ready to present the proposed settlement agreement for a vote. Mr. Bush wanted the proposed settlement agreement to be voted on at the County Commissioners regular meeting of Nov. 18. Georgetown did not. We felt that the proposed settlement agreement was too important to wait on after the elections, and as such, we did not want to leave this up to chance.

Georgetown asked Mr. Bush to schedule a special meeting of the County Commissioners and County Council before the general elections. Mr. Bush was gracious enough to honor our request. I am proud of the fact that everyone involved understood how important this settlement agreement was, and as such, voted unanimously for it.

In regards to the election, the number one issue for the County Commissioner District 3 race was Georgetown’s sewer issues. Mr. Bush views on the matter were known. Mr. Roudenbush’s views were not as he did not want to “politicize” the issue. Did this cause Mr. Roudenbush to lose the election?

Who knows, but it might have contributed to it.

As a Democratic-elected official, I support my local party and candidates. But it is time to set the election behind us and work together. We must see past a person’s political party and strive to come together for the better good. Our citizens deserve as much.

— Billy Stewart, Town Council President, Town of Georgetown



Reader: Thanks to Ricke, LaRocca

My wife and I toured the Grand Opening of the Scribner Place YMCA of Southern Indiana and New Albany-Floyd County Aquatic Center building.

Mr. LaRocca, your staff was wonderful in explaining all the amenities and equipment.

Wow! What a beautiful and functional facility. There were several hundred people with families, young adults and senior citizens like us, who were overwhelmed by how spacious everything is. There is something for everyone of all ages.

I applaud Mike Ricke and Joe LaRocca of the YMCA, who back in 2001 approached Mayor Regina Overton with the concept of a YMCA Aquatic Center. I understand she said, “What can I do to help?” She became the cheerleader in city government to prepare the necessary documents.

Thanks to three city administrations, councils and county government to put aside political wrangling to finally approve the necessary contracts to make the project a reality.

Again, thanks to Mike Ricke, who chaired a capital campaign of private money for the YMCA partnership in the building and thanks to Horseshoe Foundation of New Albany for contributing $20 million.

Our city can now promote “a healthier community.” Let’s continue to support and use this wonderful facility.

— J. Paul (and Virginia) Lipps, retired New Albany business owner



Reader: Solution needed for alleged sex crimes

Below is a listing of alleged sex crimes which have appeared in stories and police reports published in The Tribune. They have been committed in our community in the past six months. Without a doubt, readers will find the number and types of crimes appalling. The following is the question that remains: As a community, how are we willing to help to find a solution?

• May 1: Former Boy Scout leader, 53, charged with eight counts of child molestation and incest in Clark and Scott counties, dating back to the early 1980s. Accepted plea deal in Scott County. Will next answer charges in Clark County.

• May 15: 61-year-old Georgetown man charged with child molestation of a 9-year-old at a local church was released on $25,000 bond.

• May 20: Man held for alleged sex with 19-year-old and 12-year-old.

• May 21: New Albany Police searching for suspect in the May 11 rape of a 15-year-old.

• May 29: New Albany-based lawyer to be tried for an April 2007 sexual assault of a 16-year-old after plea agreement withdrawn by prosecutor.

• May 30: Three men arrested for rape of a 25-year-old woman at University Woods Apartments. Trial set for October.

• May 30: DNA results lead to arrest of New Albany man for October 2007 rape.

• May 31: Alleged rape, beating and robbery (Dec. 14, 2007) of a 16-year-old on a playground outside Parkwood Elementary School.

• June 4: Police look into alleged rape of a 24-year-old Clarksville woman by four suspects.

• June 13: Former Clark County Republican Party leader faces two-year jail sentence for performing unwanted oral sex.

• June 27: A 42-year-old man faces 12 years in prison after sexually abusing a 9-year-old family member.

• June 29: Still no arrests in pair of alleged gang rapes of a 47-year-old woman on May 24 and a 24-year-old woman on May 30.

• July 5: Former Floyd County jailer is arrested by Clark County Sheriff’s Department, faces two charges of child pornography.

• July 8: Police believe a 28-year-old volunteer at a Sellersburg church sexually molested two teens multiple times. The suspect, a registered sex offender, is on probation and cannot be found.

• July 10: Illegal alien charged with raping a 14-year-old. Faces 20 years in prison if convicted. Next court appearance is Aug. 19.

• July 23: Ex-policeman to serve less than one year for molesting foster children. Children’s rights advocates very concerned with sentence.

• July 25: Guilty plea set aside for former Clarksville policeman accused of molestation. It was reported that the court had a weak case, although the victim passed a polygraph test supporting her claims. Decision late next week about whether to re-file charges.

• July 31: Alleged five-count molester of two mentally challenged males, ages 9 and 13, has turned himself in. If convicted, could face 250 years in prison.

• Aug. 6: A 43-year-old alleged child molester confessed to molesting a 6-year-old and has been arrested.

• Aug. 10: A female corrections officer admitted having sex with an inmate. Next court appearance is Aug. 11.

• Aug. 21: A 35-year-old convicted sex offender, who served six months in Floyd County Jail last year for sexual misconduct with a 14-year-old girl, now faces 13 counts of child molesting in Clark County.

• Aug. 29: a 61-year-old accused molester agreed to plea with no jail time. Judge reluctantly agreed to the plea bargain, since other victims have recently come forth.

• Sept. 5: According to police, a 71-year-old man, admitted fondling three girls, ages 8, 14 and 12.

• Sept. 11: A 36-year-old Jeffersonville man faces rape charge. Will serve six to 20 years if convicted.

• Sept. 25: A 39-year-old man, is sentenced to one year for sexual battery after a Harrison County Judge accused him of “trying to manipulate the system.”

• Oct. 10: 28-year-old Clarksville man charged with molesting a 12-year-old child.

• Oct. 14: Community Correction Officers allegedly raped two female college students Sept. 13.

— Nikki A. Stein, New Albany

        

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