By now the news that the remonstrance petition organized by current State Representative and mayoral candidate Ed Clere (requesting that the City revisit its $12.5M+ plans to build a new Police Station funded through a $1M annual expense from Sewer fees) failed to gather the required 500 signatures.  Time was working against this effort as, once published, there was just over a week to meet the deadline.

I was anticipating a response from the current regime, however a hand-addressed letter on official city letterhead with city taxpayers paying the postage was nowhere on my radar.

The targeting of a class of individuals with alternate political views by the chief of police is nothing less than intimidation. It also speaks volumes to the cowardice of the current mayor since the communication did not come directly from him or his campaign.

Chief Bailey claimed that the letter was sent to “clarify some untruths,” however it did nothing of the sort.

Here Are The Facts:  

The entire project was approved without publicly sharing any alternatives or reasons for or against the project. There was one option and one option only presented, and the mayor’s party members on the city council passed it. It may very well be that this project is the best option, but due to the aversion to clearly list and compare it to any alternatives, I have my doubts.

Let's take a look at the remonstrance process in Indiana and the purpose of the “stealthy” petition.

The process is defined in Indiana 6-1.1-20. There is a very informative flow chart located HERE.

To summarize, if the Common Council adopts a resolution or ordinance to issue bonds or enter a lease agreement to fund a project not exceeding $16,727,070 the remonstrance process may be used.

If the required number of signatures of registered voters or property owners is gathered (500 in this case) within 30 days of the passing of the ordinance, the issue goes to the public to decide.

At that point each side will make their case and the voters may decide.

This is the key aspect, and the reason I signed it. Lay your cards on the table and let everyone read your hand.

To say that looking at alternatives to a brand-new office building is against public safety is disingenuous. Hiring the correct number of officers, paying them a competitive and commensurate salary, providing top of the line training and equipment and promoting community relationships far outweighs a brand-new building with respect to its effect on public safety.

The Chief of Police and the Mayor owe the citizens of New Albany, and particularly the petition signers, a heartfelt apology and should personally reimburse the City fund for the taxpayer funds used to send out this piece of political intimidation propaganda.

I believe in Transparency, Accountability & Integrity and when elected, pledge to meet high standards in each area. The current administration continues to fall woefully short of these marks. It’s why you should be “All-In for WHALEN!”