We and Our Shadows...

It's February 1. The New Albany city council has met three times and taken some rather far-reaching actions already. Some of these are encouraging. Some are disturbing.

So where are the shadows we need to adequately monitor the performance of our elected representatives?

Now is the time to begin consistently monitoring how your representatives are voting. Now, when the sheer volume of votes on ordinances and resolutions is low. Now, when the news reports are fresh. Now, when the issues are at their hottest.

The cause of good and accountable government is ill-served by a retrospective look at the issues in the months preceding the next city election. It is in the context of the time that a member's votes must be evaluated.

We've been asked if the purpose of this blog is to fuel a 2011 campaign. Well, yes and no. No one would be happier than this blogger to be able to report after four years that the member representing the old district 5 had been visionary, capable, and accountable. But should she and her colleagues fail to deliver, 2011 will be critical, and this blog will serve as a record of performance.

It would be foolish to think that Diane McCartin-Benedetti will run unopposed in 2011. The geography of the new council districts might create two "incumbents." The opposing party will surely offer an alternative. Another Democrat may step up to challenge D5...or even an independent, a third-party, or a write-in candidate.

Those identities are irrelevant to the purpose of this blog. Whoever challenges the incumbent will need to know the record. And Mrs. Benedetti should welcome the scrutiny. She will undoubtedly be proud to defend her record of performance. She may not welcome the analysis, but the record itself is not one she will run away from. I don't think.

The key question today is this: who will step up to monitor, record, and analyze the performance of the other eight council members? We've previously invited like-minded watchdogs to join NA Shadow Council. We have eight members who need watching.

Who will step up?

Send an e-mail to "shadowna5(at)gmail(dot)com" and we can create direct posting privileges for you. Why don't you become shadow3? or shadow6?

For the record (cut and paste this for future reference), here are the nine individuals serving on the 2008-2012 council:

District 1 - Dan Coffey (third term) Democrat
District 2 - Bob Caesar (first) Democrat
District 3 - Steve Price (second) Democrat
District 4 - Pat McLaughlin (first) Democrat
District 5 - Diane McCartin-Benedetti (first) Democrat
District 6 - Jeff Gahan (second) Democrat
At-Large - Jack Messer (second) Democrat
At-Large - John Gonder (first) Democrat
At-Large - Kevin Zurschmiede (second) Republican

You need not reside in the district to be a shadow. As of the moment, no one knows who lives in what 2011 district. But you will be performing an invaluable service to your community while educating yourself on the issues. Come on and "stroll" down the avenue with us.