tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84307664379063725912012-02-16T03:55:48.258-05:00Holding New Albany's council members to accountShadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.comBlogger1341100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-16268983822528204102008-08-23T02:54:00.002-04:002008-08-23T03:10:02.525-04:00

Maybe you don't care. So be it. But if you do...We were present at the premier campaign event of the 2007 mayoral campaign, the serial debate between the mayoral candidates of each primary party. Other witnesses will attest in affirmation that our current mayor voluntarily expressed his intention to make two-way streets in the downtown area his No. 1 priority.We take campaign promises seriously

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-26280562762576156522008-08-22T23:54:00.004-04:002008-08-23T01:38:52.345-04:00

We're not fans of the NCLB Act so rigidly administered by our anti-education President, but in the spirit of the Bush era and in honor of the start of the new school year, let's evaluate the performance of District 5's self-declared Democrat Diane McCartin-Benedetti, perhaps the only person remaining in the 21st Century who still bears a grudge against Muhammad Ali, for her first 8 months of

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-72227936560085862192008-08-22T17:03:00.001-04:002008-08-22T17:05:18.678-04:00

Apparently, Roger's temerity in challenging the gavel of Jeff Gahan has generated a groundswell of netroots support in less than 24 hours. View this news report.

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-15157089846408974592008-08-21T01:16:00.004-04:002008-08-21T02:34:27.554-04:00

Hard to believe it has been more than two weeks since we posted here. In some respects, the laxity was generated by statements confided in us that we determined were not fodder for blogging. Although these confidences inform our understanding, we believe it would be imprudent to relate them here.We told a gathering today that we believed that the end of the world was a provable fact...and that

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-881827601334378092008-08-05T02:20:00.003-04:002008-08-05T02:30:20.939-04:00

Monday's City Council meeting was remarkable. For the record, the early work session saw a promising rollout of the city's plans for a comprehensive remake of ordinance enforcement, with a focus on rental housing inspections.It seems clear that the council as a whole has adopted the progressive mantra that rental properties are BUSINESSES and should be appropriately registered and regulated.But

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-43056532573569699332008-07-30T22:19:00.003-04:002008-07-30T23:07:51.984-04:00

The debate is put into sharp contrast in Wednesday's editions of The Tribune, and we encourage you to read the entire piece by Daniel Suddeath, the rookie reporter charged by his editors with covering the city government and political affairs. You can read it here.There is much to be astonished by in the necessarily cursory coverage of three hours of preliminary budget wrangling. We are

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-6412196974022042592008-07-22T15:04:00.002-04:002008-07-22T15:07:53.579-04:00

The following was provided to NA Shadow Council by a supporter of the lawless, rogue city council headed up by Jeff Gahan. We don't know why.But is there any doubt that the council majority has put their jobs in jeopardy by refusing or neglecting to perform the official duties pertaining to [their] office[s]?The way we read the statute below, there are only a few requirements to achieve a proper

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-1975999068430330972008-07-21T22:40:00.003-04:002008-07-21T22:56:21.444-04:00

While the public mostly ignores redistricting, politicians know in the marrowof their bones how much redistricting matters. - Behind Closed Doors: The Recurring Plague of Redistricting and the Politics of Geography, Steven Hill....and that's the truth. How the lines are drawn is critical, and political. Which makes it all the more peculiar that Jeff Gahan and his colleagues in the majority

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-52975147762105263992008-07-21T11:12:00.005-04:002008-07-21T11:25:50.881-04:00

Cuddle up a little closer, oh lovely mineCuddle up and be my little clinging vineLike to feel your cheeks so rosyLike to make you comfy cozyCuz I love from head to toesyLovely mine.What a lovefest! Over the weekend I had an opportunity to listen to the last city council meeting. Looks like council has circled the wagons to protect each other instead of the people's equal rights.It's hard to

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-71145128975056630092008-07-20T02:57:00.002-04:002008-07-20T03:00:17.585-04:00

May we refer you onward to the new blog associated with New Albany Now, at newalbanynow.blogspot.com?We had the privilege of listening (at our leisure) to the complete coverage of last Thursday's meeting of the New Albany City Council. After hearing it, we share the outrage of the blogger.

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-84676307877538762882008-07-18T00:40:00.006-04:002008-07-18T10:48:47.645-04:00

Someone ought to step up and defend you against the slanders. And it ought to be someone who knows you well. Good luck on finding that defender. Guess you're on your own. We know what that's like. Kind of tough to be defending yourself for trying to uphold the law. Even when you disavow it. Kind of like Mission Impossible.D5 seemed to enjoy herself at Thursday's meeting, giggling and grinning

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-71320977301498258782008-07-18T00:21:00.003-04:002008-07-18T00:23:13.435-04:00

Sorry I said "Don't Miss This," because I did miss it. The Thursday night New Albany Now show never happened. But I'm told it will run on Friday evening, with callers invited. I think I'll call in. How about you?

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-41950060503947078822008-07-18T00:16:00.002-04:002008-07-18T00:19:00.711-04:00

I'm calling you out, coward. I suggest the middle lane of East Spring Street, halfway between your place and mine.Your handicaps, your phobias, your manias, your financial straits are no reason you can't face the music.You are a lying coward. You pick the time.Wonder how many will show up?

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-72423450281252217982008-07-17T11:19:00.003-04:002008-07-17T11:27:17.914-04:00

New Albany Now will have coverage of the New Albany City Council Thursday (7/17/08) at 11 p.m. We won't be able to attend the meeting, so we look forward to listening to the show and being one of the first to find out what happened. Here's a link to the show site (We hope it works. We got it from the site). And we subscribe to the show bloghttp://newalbanynow.blogspot.com/.

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-34350054095502180222008-07-14T22:45:00.001-04:002008-07-14T22:47:43.224-04:00

The Tribune reports tonight that Floyd County Democratic Party Chairman and Floyd County Councilman Randy Stumler has resigned both posts to take an overseas employment opportunity.Read the story at http://www.newsandtribune.com/local/local_story_196171221.html.Best wishes to all the Stumlers in The Azores. No, really, it's not a joke.

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-10604776029185354582008-07-10T16:24:00.001-04:002008-07-10T16:42:49.315-04:00

This thought is not original to the shadow, but it is the legitimate question of the day.If someone works to ensure that an election is illegal and is then "voted" into "government" as a result of that illegal election, are they actually empowered to wield authority?That gem came through the keyboard of the always precise bluegill, one of the geniuses at NA Confidential. Not one, but two city

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-77337915457302059972008-07-10T16:10:00.000-04:002008-07-10T16:39:14.578-04:00

Bush Tours America To Survey Damage Caused By His Disastrous PresidencyAnd Shirley Baird still includes Dan Coffey in her inventory of "beloveds" without a hint of irony? Shirl, we ha(d) such hopes for you.

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-69541336873483150012008-07-10T13:58:00.003-04:002008-07-10T14:24:37.654-04:00

Disingenuous - [dis-in-jen-yoo-uhs] Adjective.1. Not straightforward or candid; insincere or calculating: "an ambitious, disingenuous, philistine, and hypocritical operator, who ... exemplified ... the most disagreeable traits of his time" (David Cannadine).2. Pretending to be unaware or unsophisticated; faux-naïf.3. Usage Problem Unaware or uninformed; naive. credit American Heritage Dictionary,

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-43240624451966109772008-06-30T22:14:00.001-04:002008-06-30T22:14:53.217-04:00

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-27271316618989592482008-06-29T23:50:00.004-04:002008-06-30T00:10:47.021-04:00

We received news late tonight that New Albany is going to be served by an online public affairs radio show called New Albany Now. Starting tonight (we don't know the regularity of their schedule), the online radio show begins its schedule of Webcasts.It's apparently a call-in show instead of just a podcasted blog. If you're on the Web, you can click a button to join the conversation. If you're

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-81843702292449800202008-06-27T01:21:00.004-04:002008-06-27T01:43:58.217-04:00

Sometimes you have to count the votes. If you can find a way to count the votes before the deadline, you can plan accordingly.It's always interesting to hear dueling propaganda machines in contest. Mugabe and Tsvangirai duke it out in Zimbabwe, but "The Robert" has already counted the votes. The bulls and the bears contend on Wall Street, but a 380-point drop in the market is sure to drive more

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-15591384699412076922008-06-27T00:53:00.006-04:002008-06-27T10:39:20.425-04:00

Our favorite books blog posted this today and we thought we’d share it with you.(partial) Quote of the day:…Ayn Rand, who is to traditionally female attributes like empathy and interpersonal relationships what Grover Norquist is to functioning government…Salon Magazine(Rand was the author of Atlas Shrugged, The Fountainhead, Anthem, We the Living, and The Virtues of Selfishness. Her philosophy of

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-2755657279310252672008-06-20T01:58:00.005-04:002008-06-20T02:50:50.330-04:00

As measured by end results, Thursday's last meeting of June went, frankly, swimmingly.The Divine Mr. Mac and his sprawltastic C'Town Road strip mall, last-gasp at legitimacy, pump-and-dump development went down to ignominious defeat. Even sibling D5, D. M-B, could not find the intestinal fortitude to be the sole remaining promoter of this unpopular PUDD request, which has been rejected by city

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-11327010030147102662008-06-19T17:03:00.007-04:002008-06-19T17:34:48.369-04:00

This came in over the transom. We're not sure what to make of it, but we'll share it with you and let you draw your own conclusions.Noted city revitalization specialist and budget guru Harold Hill has offered the City of New Albany a novel idea for keeping its sewer rates lower than would otherwise be required.During a closed-door meeting with selected members of the city's legislative body, Hill

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-38752651108233890902008-06-19T01:14:00.005-04:002008-06-19T01:52:41.144-04:00

Your host here at NA Shadow Council will admit to having a deep sense of foreboding about impending public policy decisions in New Albany. By the time you read this, you will undoubtedly have heard about how the "English Restoration" is in full retreat with the barbarians hot on their heels. Nothing less than the future solvency of the city is at stake this month. This city's ability to grab onto

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-24091572100602501002008-06-18T00:52:00.004-04:002008-06-18T01:07:10.047-04:00

New Albany, the municipality, receives about $18 million each year in revenues (maybe more, maybe less) in property tax receipts and income tax receipts.By all logical interpretation, the current regime (administrative or legislative) desires to use at least a portion of those revenues to prop up the sewer utility.Why not, then, go all the way?Let's divert 100% of taxes to keeping sewer rates

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-81253165864287929942008-06-18T00:03:00.002-04:002008-06-18T00:51:56.344-04:00

There is a rational solution to making our sewer utility permanently viable.But demagoguery is blocking it. By appealing to the least common denominator in the populace, the regrettably naive and ignorant (ignorant=unknowledgeable, which is not to say that they are stupid, just gullible and susceptible to the machinations of politicians who prosper at their expense), the entrenched regressive

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-15149571503243460422008-06-17T23:21:00.003-04:002008-06-17T23:57:00.797-04:00

Almost no one will take notice of it, but the June and July convocations (canonical prayer and religious pledge included) of the Common Council for the City of New Albany are destined to be determinative ones.Tomorrow, we hope to bring you our very best arguments for a progressive future (and one that seems doomed, based on today's report by Daniel Suddeath in The Tribune).But today, we want to

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-36546754389002311702008-06-11T23:23:00.007-04:002008-06-12T17:19:50.033-04:00

Al and Benny were twins. Al, the firstborn, was, as are all eldest children, driven to achieve. Benny...not so much.Their parents encouraged the boys to be "successful."Benny whose goal was to achieve nothing, succeeded, and thus earned the approval of his parents.Al sought to achieve something, so he had the harder task. But he knew that if he kept on trying, his parents would approve of what Al

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-37405143499182809172008-06-11T22:56:00.004-04:002008-06-11T23:23:54.573-04:00

If you read nothing else this week, please chow down on this story by John Gilderbloom and Matt Hanka in the May issue of Louisville magazine.Reinventing Louisville. Please know that this link ONLY takes you to the main page. Click on past issues and seek out page 48-49 and zoom UP to be able to read it. (Could the interface BE any more difficult?) Bet it was free!Among other inspiring snippets

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-73309664013998274682008-06-10T19:14:00.004-04:002008-06-10T19:21:44.894-04:00

Allow us to use this space to offer high praise and commendation to the staff of NA Confidential, New Albany's preeminent blog.250,000 visitors is a major accomplishment for a blog so locally specific. Former and future residents from around the country read NA Confidential to keep up with the atmosphere. Some even use it to help them decide to come and join us in the struggle for progress.Roger

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-62513969194847315612008-06-10T18:19:00.004-04:002008-06-10T19:13:35.507-04:00

One local blogger coined the appelation of "Open Air Museum of Superstition and Ignorance" for our fair city. It couldn't be more appropriate, then, that Friday the 13th approaches, a day when triskadekaphobia (fear of the number 13) reaches its pinnacle.For once, the progressive movement in New Albany needs to cultivate, foster, and nurture a fear of the number 13. But unlike the forces of

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-2321084766670443362008-06-10T12:13:00.004-04:002008-06-10T13:15:06.941-04:00

The ideological struggle for the future of New Albany continues unabated. On one side are advocates for a better New Albany who believe change is in order. On the other side are people who believe everything is just fine the way it is and who fear change.Change can be a good thing. When change involves risk, a certain level of concern is justified. But when failing to change is dead-certain to

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-54978786253542968492008-06-03T01:50:00.003-04:002008-06-03T02:04:59.272-04:00

Hey, that would make a great book title. And it did. Edward Bellamy's utopian vision resides on most "must-read" lists, even though it was written in Victorian times.Our point, however, is that the posts on this page were written in "reverse impression." The duty part of the reporting comes first on the page (date/time stamp), but came last in the writing.Here is the legislation that moved Monday

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-53166389947066217322008-06-03T01:23:00.002-04:002008-06-03T01:50:19.050-04:00

Because of excused absences, D5 Diane McCartin-Benedetti's ordinance "providing for restrictions on novelty lighters" reached the ultimate level of passage and, pending the signature of the Honorable Douglas B. England, becomes law within the next ten days.What, you may ask, is a novelty lighter, and why is it the signal accomplishment of the incumbent city council? An otherwise nondescript

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-23208664404044229922008-06-03T00:51:00.004-04:002008-06-03T01:23:22.578-04:00

We can dream, can't we?The work sessions of the New Albany City Council are predictably scripted affairs, and although the public is grudgingly allowed to attend, this council has no interest in the participation of the public, despite the fact that at any given time, more members of the audience are up to speed on the issue at hand than are sitting among the knights of the squared tables. Want

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-15944683756964195522008-06-03T00:34:00.002-04:002008-06-03T00:51:30.873-04:00

In New Albany's current longest-running melodrama, Gary "The Gary" McCartin returned once again to plead with the city council to overturn the recommendation of the Plan Commission and permit him to leverage a dime or two out of a piece of land on Charlestown Road across from the Kroger grocery and the Old Mill shopping complex.By his own testimony, "The Gary" has taken ten bites of the apple on

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-8287182951470494172008-06-03T00:06:00.002-04:002008-06-03T00:34:44.802-04:00

The Grammy Awards honor the most outstanding music. The Emmy Awards spotlight the best in television. And Oscar stands proudly holding his sword when it comes time to recognize the best in movies.The Razzies take another tack. They poke fun at the "worst" movies and performers, even if they are easy targets. The Darwin Awards honor those imbeciles who, through their actions, benefit humanity by

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-58010073565015836092008-06-02T23:39:00.003-04:002008-06-03T00:06:19.005-04:00

Monday Night at the Circus. This tears it.What is the plural of doofus? Doofi? Doofae? Doofuses?And who qualifies for that label? The buffoons parading their ignorance in the guise of democratic (and Democratic) government? Or the otherwise intelligent people who subject themselves to this farcical display?Though we have ongoing differences with the Deputy Mayor, we have to say that he is earning

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-55425389995969528452008-06-02T23:33:00.002-04:002008-06-02T23:38:59.629-04:00

The remarkably literate James Fallows turns a nice phrase in the June Atlantic. Context, of course, is everything, but for those few who visit us, here are a few words of encouragement....we continually face a basic choice. Either we decide we can't stand the conditions, in which case we should leave...Or we decide that the openness, possibility, and importance of [this place] justify these and

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-31146205319908636292008-06-02T15:48:00.002-04:002008-06-02T16:20:56.530-04:00

It ought to be a rollicking affair tonight with grandstanding galore.We won't address the substance of two pieces of legislation before the council tonight, but we invite you to explore how inartfully they are drawn.First up is Mr. Coffey's "resolution" to declare the blocks around his house as a permanent reserve for homeowners. Self-styled West Enders have held out gallantly ever since the

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-49083586587945993782008-06-02T14:11:00.004-04:002008-12-10T16:03:38.292-05:00

This blog was scolded for sharing thoughts earlier in the year. We were taken to task for purportedly jumping to conclusions and for not seeing the forest for the trees.The occasion was a January posting labeled "A Parade of Ignorance," in which we projected that any progressive agenda would be dead on arrival because of a bloc of ignorance.We trusted our instincts then in reading the tea leaves.

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-32355609124554458152008-05-21T13:17:00.003-04:002008-05-21T13:56:08.970-04:00

Three recent news items spark a few thoughts. Each is related. Each are perfect diagnostic indicators of government entities that refuse to consider new ways of thinking.John Gonder, New Albany council member at-large, is the kind of person who, when presented with a problem, seeks solutions. And Gonder doesn't limit himself to rigid prescriptions. Nor will he accept "we've always done it that

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-39229748283720026502008-05-16T13:54:00.002-04:002008-05-16T13:59:38.272-04:00

Doing a daily blog, or even a semi-regular posting, is not for everyone. But original thinking is inherent in most of us. This blog is pleased to present another view of the most recent city council meeting, offered this afternoon by netizen iamhoosier. Thanks, Mark.Praise, burial, comedy, masquerading. All happened last night at the Common Council meeting.First, there was a “comedy” as I read

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-28466420541619320962008-05-15T23:15:00.007-04:002008-05-16T02:40:36.402-04:00

Our spouse contends it's inappropriate to call him "Mayor 54," especially when you have no idea what number he is (do you?), but then the boomer pop-cultural reference doesn't play as well when you title your blog post "Mayor 36 where are you?"Regardless, the point is made. It is time for the Hon. Douglas B. England to shed his imperial mayoralty once and for all.During his current term, England

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-76662718219367062742008-05-07T00:35:00.006-04:002008-05-07T02:12:21.536-04:00

The better half, somewhat sleep-deprived, rose from the conjugal bed to ask whether I was hammered. I was not.She wondered if I might be intentionally killing a few brain cells on behalf of a dear friend who is undoubtedly licking undeserved wounds tonight. Nope.If I were to be utilizing Lynchburg, Tennessee's finest export to effect this evening, it would be for a stranger, the senator from

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-46485157976323392392008-04-20T13:53:00.006-04:002008-04-20T22:59:29.498-04:00

...and that makes it the place where WE live. So why is it that WE are unable to work together to find solutions?I truly don't think that it is a decision that we have made, most of us, that individual action is the only virtuous action. I do not believe that anything but a fractional minority of us have decided that the best course of action would be to abolish government, disband or prohibit

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-68103794675429964362008-04-17T21:29:00.005-04:002008-04-17T23:30:21.423-04:00

It didn't compare to the days of yesteryear, but the City Council put on one of its better shows to date on Thursday night.In one instance, a divided council failed to settle a zoning matter of some importance, with the excuse given that the deadline for action remains more than 30 days off.In another, the council declined to take up a $5,000 tax abatement for a regional company that is currently

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-8224653579905454052008-04-08T00:09:00.002-04:002008-04-08T00:55:33.340-04:00

Ah, lads and lassies, 'tis been a long time since we've filled these pixels with a report from the City Council chambers.The far more professional and admittedly better-paid Metro Council that serves our big brother across the waters may weigh in on many more progressive matters, given that their commitment to an ongoing program of street-paving, community cleanup, and economic development

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-51687104952916092262008-04-04T19:03:00.002-04:002008-04-04T19:07:53.810-04:00

Where Indiana Ranks on Various Measures of Child Well-Being(Click on the Measure to See Where All States Rank) Rank Measure % Higher v. Best StateDeaths of infants per 1,000 live births #37 8.0 (700 Total) 77.8%Deaths per 100,000 Children Aged 1-14 #32 24 (293 Total) 118.2%Deaths per 100,000 Teens

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-17887472343239117932008-03-24T18:32:00.003-04:002008-03-24T18:34:59.961-04:00

We refer you again to a previous posting, Building Community With Available Tools. If you have made an investment in real or personal property in 2007 and it is located in the Urban Enterprise Zone, please tell your accountant to check out the benefits available to you.

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-65984215566039791932008-03-20T23:33:00.002-04:002008-03-21T00:00:04.514-04:00

The seventh meeting of the New Albany City Council, 2008-2011 edition, was geeky and clunky, but altogether satisfying. The crowd draw was the long-awaited "State of the City" address by Mayor England, but those who sat through "tax abatement school" at an earlier council work session did not go unrewarded.For the most part, this council is taking its job very seriously, which is making some of

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-41263223482878872752008-03-02T23:33:00.002-05:002008-03-02T23:50:12.522-05:00

People I honor, people I respect, have given their provisional allegiance to the New Albany power that is.Shadow5 has, with great consideration, tried to maintain an independence from that power. We continue to be skeptical that the current administration is to be invested in.However, it is irrational to lay down a series of markers to which one might seek adherence, watch an individual adhere to

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-37353040121003841872008-02-29T20:20:00.004-05:002008-02-29T20:34:10.383-05:00

Among the strongest tools for targeted reinvestment in the community are those wielded by the Urban Enterprise Association. The UEA administers the incentives attached to businesses within the Urban Enterprise Zone. All downtown businesses and many commercial properties along Spring, Market, and Vincennes streets are within the Zone.It's important for you to know if you are in the Zone. Check out

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-17958545695709063732008-02-28T12:54:00.002-05:002008-02-28T13:06:04.626-05:00

The Common Council for the City of New Albany will have an uncommon meeting this evening, beginning at 6 p.m. for an educational session on TIF districts. Then, at 7:30, the meeting postponed after last Thursday's snow shower/ice coating will convene.R-08-08 is a resolution regarding the expansion of the State Street/GreenValley Road/West Street Vicinity Economic Development Area, a TIF district

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-81750205993514894582008-02-24T20:36:00.002-05:002008-02-24T21:13:08.930-05:00

Let's call this an open letter to Mayor England, and by extension, his lieutenants.First, let us point out that we have never been rigid opponents of the use of tax increment financing (TIF) districts. Their novelty may have worn off, but their utility is not questioned by this blog. Especially in the current anti-social and anti-democratic environment fostered by a few idealogues, TIFs may be

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-67660452936542010172008-02-24T20:05:00.005-05:002008-02-27T11:29:14.577-05:00

We're willing to be proved wrong, honestly. But as these things go, shadow5 tends to be pretty well clued in. So please, council, tell me I'm wrong. Via the City Clerk, Marcey Wisman, they did.I learned this past week that the New Albany City Council held a full, formal educational meeting, purportedly of all nine members, without ever posting a public notice. Ms. Wisman has provided us with a

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-53288090390832571382008-02-18T13:40:00.005-05:002008-02-18T14:25:20.154-05:00

The next time you run into one of the "repeal the property tax" loons, maybe this blog post will come to mind.We've previously discussed the lunacy of exempting accumulated wealth from taxation. But that is a philosophical question best debated elsewhere.Today's post will try to lay out facts, not philosophy. The squealing pigs who have been evading their fair share of the tax burden for the last

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-66429456921986596482008-02-17T23:15:00.003-05:002008-02-17T23:33:54.210-05:00

OK, no messing around. This is the week of the long-touted "State of the City" address, which against all hopes is destined to be, in most respects, an S.O.S. Which, unfortunately, is Standard Operating Procedure.Mayor England would surely have hoped to make this much more than a cry for help, but frankly, things are looking grim. With the possible exceptions of our local legislators, both of

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-87142084544930535742008-02-15T23:08:00.005-05:002008-02-15T23:32:35.217-05:00

I just heard about a planned leadership training program that's destined to begin soon in New Albany, and I couldn't be more excited after hearing what I'll call "Principle One" of the program.Permit me to "crib" directly from the training manual.Working with people to build a grassroots organization is different from making friends. You are in the public arena. But when you are listening to

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-26539999816606292972008-02-13T10:38:00.003-05:002008-02-13T10:48:22.781-05:00

I've previously advocated for city government to relocate from its current premises on Hauss Square. Some in positions to do something it share that inclination.Such a move would make room for the growing space needs of the Floyd County government. Why Floyd County government is growing while New Albany's is shrinking is a question for another day, but we do know that the justice system is crying

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-2256447005486772802008-02-11T21:12:00.000-05:002008-02-11T21:17:35.679-05:00

I was reminded of this by a wise, mature woman whose knowledge of New Albany and its politics goes way back.It sounds as if it could be a double entendre, and I'm sure it created a grin or two from January 2000 to December 2003.But in case you haven't heard it before, it reflects this fact: A mayor's first big snow is his (or her) first big test. The mayor is measured by the number of inches

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-86722001360700132622008-02-10T20:28:00.000-05:002008-02-10T21:23:54.956-05:00

A group of us thought it was downright silly to be discussing the propriety of the New Albany deciding to sue the sewer and stormwater boards without learning the particulars.You will recall that the "old" council authorized its attorney, Jerry Ulrich, to sue after those boards signed management contracts with EMC. EMC had been managing the sewer department under the stewardship of the "old"

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-64739835306300218872008-02-07T00:50:00.001-05:002008-02-07T01:00:27.240-05:00

So much of what we seek in a candidate (whether for President or for at-large council member, mayor or governor) is unattainable. Men or women for whom we have given "all" in support would be from bizarro-world if they gave us exactly the votes and policy prescriptions we prefer.All we can hope for is that the character of "our" candidate is sufficient to produce the results we seek.Which brings

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-45570100037231066492008-02-06T21:44:00.000-05:002008-02-06T22:22:18.139-05:00

The story of my political history is not particularly boring. But, in most respects, it is of interest only to me and to those who love me. Still, I've shared some of my story before. Some readers have heard parts of it.It is that history that informs my writing today.As a much younger man, in a time when 18-year-olds had just been given the right to vote (and to drink, coincidentally, although I

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-6298014543988708212008-02-05T23:07:00.000-05:002008-02-06T00:14:24.164-05:00

Yes, New Albanians, the city council is once again obsessed with excrement.Less than a month after the council showed wisdom in bringing to an end two pieces of litigation it was sure to lose, it officially reversed itself on one of them and thumbed its nose to the court and the opposing parties on the other.The official reversal was the most serious of the Feb. 4 actions/inactions.I've consulted

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-23448587318997306572008-02-05T22:49:00.000-05:002008-02-05T23:07:31.411-05:00

The excuse first offered by D5 Diane McCartin-Benedetti of "I was confused" may well be growing epidemic.D4 Pat McLaughlin tabled or deferred consideration Monday night on a tax abatement measure intended to give incentives to L&D Mail Masters for investment in a new property.Deputy Mayor Carl Malysz, clearly in favor of the incentive, but not situated to insist on its consideration, offered to "

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-87993345619260838482008-02-05T22:23:00.000-05:002008-02-05T22:49:37.725-05:00

Several items from Monday's New Albany city council meeting deserve analysis. Yes, it was a short and relatively uncontroversial agenda (with one exception) and yes, it's still early in this council's tenure.But it is becoming apparent that the paranoid style in American politics is taking its toll on the council. It's being used as a cudgel by the most experienced member, and it's swaying the

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-72498103396085532342008-02-01T15:56:00.000-05:002008-02-01T16:22:37.162-05:00

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

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-66966047982022550062008-01-31T15:22:00.001-05:002008-01-31T15:42:56.075-05:00

In his second stint (and third year) as council president, we hear that Mr. Gahan intends to lock in the council agendas five business days prior to the meetings. That might make it easier for members and watchdogs to prepare. It might just make it easier for members.It does create a situation where evolving issues will be shut out from discussion. One such issue where the city council could lend

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-49431807936177946952008-01-31T13:03:00.001-05:002008-02-06T00:55:54.005-05:00

Over the past two weeks we've heard a number of complaints about Diane McCartin-Benedetti's rocky start as the rookie council member representing the old 5th District. Around here we call her "D5" to differentiate her (and to avoid the temptation to coin a new label).Today, we'd like to take a few moments to look on the bright side of her month-old term of office and offer a lawyer's defense of

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-16999361920201925632008-01-31T11:12:00.000-05:002008-01-31T13:02:52.745-05:00

And now work begins on the other Larry's legacy...A long-awaited and much-appreciated move by the new sewer board (created without the input of Diane McCartin-Benedetti, council member for D5) earns the top spot in Friday's editions of The Tribune.Many have advocated for the city to use its financial and regulatory muscle to encourage preferred development. One of the most immediate ways for the

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-65508992353417923272008-01-20T23:59:00.001-05:002008-01-21T00:01:03.989-05:00

Kudos to Jeff Gahan and Steve Price for your perspicacity on Sunday evening. We will not question your sincerity, and applaud the symbolism of your gesture.

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-73155077549518169982008-01-18T22:20:00.000-05:002008-01-19T00:13:03.314-05:00

Well, I got my friendsAnd I don't need more friends.I can count my friends on both hands.Came an evil man, cut off one hand.Now I count my friends on the other hand. - SAMMY HAGAR

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-30503017038725885212008-01-18T01:34:00.000-05:002008-01-19T10:46:17.656-05:00

The original post has been corrected by the editor.As promised, here is how this shadow (S5) would have voted. Included, to the best of our recollection, is the corresponding vote by Diane McCartin-Benedetti (D5).A-08-02 to eliminate the $30,00 line item for a superintendent for the Fairview Cemetery.S5 - Aye; D5 - AyeA-08-03 to create two deputy mayor positions, an assistant director of

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-36222136796960183022008-01-17T23:52:00.000-05:002008-01-18T02:07:04.754-05:00

Tiny nuggets of observation from Thursday's New Albany City Council meeting.ITEM: Mayor Doug England seems determined to establish a clear delineation between the executive and legislative branches of government. Pleading more important obligations, His Honor sent his professional staff to the meeting, but promised to again visit with the council on Feb. 20 to deliver his State of the City

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-34040480136493782842008-01-17T23:44:00.000-05:002008-01-17T23:52:06.027-05:00

In the unlikely event that you came here first, please mouse-click on the following link to the premier blog for news and commentary:Where'd the Council Go?Thanks to The New Albanian, who demurred on the fellowship following Thursday night's city council meeting in favor of doing his job. Seriously, we're grateful for the rapid response and we hope the publican rests easy overnight. Selfishly,

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-59449046725835527922008-01-17T15:48:00.000-05:002008-01-17T15:59:39.901-05:00

It is with no small amount of selfish regret that we bid a fond farewell to Eric Scott Campbell, late of The Tribune.Within weeks of his arrival, we knew Eric would not be long for our town. And we also knew we would regret it when he was gone.Through a series of coincidences, Campbell drifted into our town just as the new crew were rebuilding the tattered reputation of the newspaper. We are told

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-47727034298247788492008-01-17T15:34:00.000-05:002008-01-17T15:48:49.265-05:00

On such "beautiful lies" are dreams built - Carlo Petrini, founder of Slow FoodCorby Kimmer reported those words in the Jan/Feb issue of The Atlantic and it engaged the old brainpan.The post title refers to those, like Petrini, who express a somewhat wild and improbable hope (say, the Rockies will win the National League pennant) through the use of "beautiful lies."Saying that New Albany's

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-5060889517483441222008-01-15T02:23:00.000-05:002008-01-15T03:40:47.388-05:00

By intention, I deferred discussion of the single largest component of the crime wave in New Albany in paragraph 15 of the previous posting.You'll recall that P15 addressed the major categories contained in official reports to the U.S. Department of Justice or the F.B.I. that qualify as the annual crime reports for jurisdictions across America.We've previously speculated about why Gary, Indiana's

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-55877813104726610742008-01-14T23:22:00.000-05:002008-01-15T00:25:07.183-05:00

Last Thursday I was privileged to attend what turned out to be a tremendously enlightening forum on the future of our city. In particular, the forum addressed the current state of law enforcement in New Albany and some potential solutions to the accelerating decline in public safety that we face.In the aftermath, I've conferred with a number of others who attended the forum and we've agreed on

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-91463798261487134502008-01-14T22:42:00.000-05:002008-01-14T23:21:54.164-05:00

You will most likely see a recurrence of that theme here over the next four years. One City. One Destiny.Whether you like it or not, the fate of your neighbors is the fate of the neighborhood, the larger community, and New Albany as a whole. When the city progresses, we all share in that progress. When it falters, we all suffer.New Albany is infamous for its grudges, its personality politics. And

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-71466784029252550162008-01-11T01:18:00.001-05:002008-12-10T16:03:38.947-05:00

We will be joining like thinkers across America today in wearing orange to protest torture and indefinite detention and symbolizing our sadness and disgust with the national shame that is Guantanamo Bay's Camp X-Ray. It has been nearly six years since the first detainees arrived there.After hundreds of detentions and two Supreme Court decisions rejecting the administration's detention policies at

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-8777862405263435852008-01-11T00:15:00.000-05:002008-01-15T00:31:46.494-05:00

It was an illuminating evening for those of us who were able to make it to the FOP forum at Destinations on Thursday. It's regrettable that more New Albanians weren't able to attend.I learned more in 3 1/2 hours (edited from the original 2 1/2 hours) with our city cops than at any other public event I've attended in this town. There was simply too much information to relate here, but if another

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-43280131030621180132008-01-11T00:02:00.000-05:002008-01-11T00:15:36.177-05:00

Left unsaid until the end of the week is this thought from Monday's City Council meeting. Learning from frequent contributor iamhoosier, shadow5 decided to see if the initial impression lingered for more than a day or two...you know, "on the other hand."Mayor England, who has promised his State of the City address for next month, waxed eloquently about the relationship he seeks with council and

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-80434375654001294012008-01-10T13:44:00.000-05:002008-01-10T15:22:58.045-05:00

We can't help it, but sometimes we simply have to speculate about what goes through the minds of our council members. The Lucy Van Pelt strategy used by, among others, Pat McLaughlin (D4), to yank the football from the tee just as Jack Messer prepared to kick off a new council year, positively begs for psychoanalysis. Here's my take, speculative as it is.While I had looked forward to a council

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-48880226420012743782008-01-10T13:05:00.000-05:002008-01-10T13:44:47.130-05:00

We'll try our best to report how we could have voted after each city council meeting. As more "shadows" join us, we'll see to it that those "votes" are recorded too. Until then, we'll "cast" our votes on each issue and compare it to the votes of the D5 incumbent, Diane Benedetti.Election of officersS5 - Messer for president; D5 - Gahan for president.S5 - Messer for vice president; D5 - Coffey for

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-59108624677643024572008-01-08T02:01:00.000-05:002008-01-08T02:02:26.624-05:00

...Pat McLaughlin and Diane Benedetti had attended a few council meetings over the past two years? Think they might have reconsidered giving their vote to Dan Coffey?

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-87192059181701801642008-01-08T01:25:00.001-05:002008-01-08T01:46:40.203-05:00

I was born on a beach. I still have sand in my Shakas.So when I think of impressions, I recall the dawn of day on the Atlantic coast. The health-walkers, the shell-seekers, and yes, the transients, will have left their impressions on the sand.I took a long walk on New Albany Beach Monday night and came away with a few impressions.- Shinin and Snubbin- Sleight of Hand- Parade of Ignorance-

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-54727510658850658132008-01-08T01:05:00.000-05:002008-01-08T01:48:05.005-05:00

It became obvious who was "in" and who was "out" at Monday's council meeting. Those sufficiently loyal to the new mayor were greeted with effusions of praise and adoration. Anyone less than fully sold out to the England Restoration risked frostbite.England is fortunate to have a large professional staff, so while A can be aloof, B can be warm, and C can be conciliatory. And England himself was

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-37457134723216928702008-01-08T00:49:00.000-05:002008-01-08T01:48:26.664-05:00

I wouldn't go so far as to call it disturbing, but the England administration slid easily into the saddle Monday night with ease when the council approved a "transfer of funds" to accommodate Doug England's management objectives.Having turned out every change purse in the City-County Building (and a few outside it), England and his team created a new reality in New Albany.Converting this "

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-76578743353562767212008-01-08T00:32:00.001-05:002008-01-08T01:48:50.368-05:00

Bet you thought this was going to be a screed against a certain majority component of the New Albany City Council. Dintcha?Monday night was, instead, a triumph for the reactionary contingent. Oh, it wasn't obvious to the casual observer. The folks out Charlestown Road didn't have a clue that the council that gave them a 9-0 rejection of a Gary McCartin development had just been taken over by what

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-28884058519455734972008-01-08T00:06:00.000-05:002008-01-08T01:49:07.353-05:00

I'd guess more like four months, but that's more than enough to do immeasurable damage.Dan Coffey, who continues to set records for least electoral support among winning candidates, also continues to misrepresent the interests of the people of the First District. But his ability to work his will was on full display Monday night.Coffey outworked and outmaneuvered his opponents on the council and

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-74374155981490523022008-01-07T23:55:00.000-05:002008-01-08T01:49:24.711-05:00

District 3 council member Steve Price, beginning his second term as the Democratic representative of the most diverse district in the city, is the antithesis of "depth."We note NA Confidential's dialogue regarding Mr. Price's comments in The Tribune, wherein he referred to the council as "they."Our "Price-less Moment" for the January 7 meeting came when Mr. Price took the stage to declare his

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-6321699992763571062008-01-07T23:33:00.000-05:002008-01-08T01:49:46.948-05:00

Shadow5 admits to great disappointment at the return of Jeff Gahan as President of the 2008 City Council. After two years wielding the gavel, Gahan took a year off from presiding over the council's deliberations. We inferred that as he had grown into the job during his first term he had grown increasingly frustrated at being a mediator instead of an active participant in debate.Despite fits and

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-59387549915049290752008-01-07T22:59:00.000-05:002008-01-08T01:49:56.971-05:00

If you're not involved in politics of the nitty-gritty partisan variety, you've probably not met (nor heard of) Matt Denison.Get to know him now. Denison has assumed the office of Deputy Director of Operations. He'll bear special responsibility for New Albany's IT functions and, it is said, will likely chair the weekly meetings of the Board of Public Works & Safety. The BPWS is the place where

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-61009622303722444232008-01-01T02:08:00.000-05:002008-01-01T03:05:47.542-05:00

Not every issue that confronts the New Albany City Council is predictable. Mr. Coffey's traditional charm offensive, his "presenting" behavior in front of the incoming council members, is designed to disarm them, to present a disinformative view of his basic approach to his civic duties.Some have even suggested more-Machiavellian motives to the District 1 representative. D3 rep Steve Price was

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-58581721350450297912008-01-01T01:26:00.000-05:002008-01-01T02:08:43.387-05:00

Traditionally, the first Monday and the third Thursday are the designated days for the Common Council for the second class City of New Albany to meet. You should mark those days on your calendar. From time to time, usually around the holidays, those dates shift, but you owe it yourself and your children and your children's children to attend at least some of those gatherings.Next Monday, January

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-88567649189394141932008-01-01T01:16:00.000-05:002008-01-01T01:23:33.607-05:00

Granted, today is a holiday, a non-working day for city employees. But it is the same set of city employees who were on the payroll yesterday, a day on which they all were presumably required to work.So please explain to me why a felled "city" tree has continued to rest, unmolested, on the sidewalk of Spring Street east of Vincennes since before Christmas? That's Mickey Thompson's job, starting

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8430766437906372591.post-2337811753713795772008-01-01T00:56:00.000-05:002008-01-01T01:12:19.729-05:00

It's 2008 now from Chicago almost to Denver. The New Albany City Council has been in office for about an hour, and so far, they've done nothing!There is a contingent within the narrow confines of the six (unequal) districts of New Albany that consider that a plus. Shadow5 is at work. Why isn't the new mayor and council?Seriously, there is plenty that can be done in just the next 31 days to move

Shadow5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06212503957478302818noreply@blogger.com1