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 forum is scheduled, I urge you to make the time for it.
There was nothing condescending or shallow about the presentation. There were no tips for foiling burglars, no reminders to support the neighborhood crime watch. This was a critical diagnosis of the state of law enforcement in New Albany and a studied exposition of some of the means and methods at our disposal to correct the problems.
That's right. Problems. The politic way to discuss such things is to first euphemize them. Problems become "concerns." Challenges become "opportunities."
Your local police officers have lifted the veil and decided that perhaps "we" don't know all the things "they" know. A few citizens have taken the time to find these things out, but as a general rule, the public (and their representatives) have remained ignorant of what can only be called an existential crisis for our city.
If you care about it, if you believe you should know about it, watch for other such opportunities. I'm sure there will be others.
Interestingly, not one member of the city council was able to attend the forum. But those who did will surely be asking their representatives two questions: Do you know about this? and What are you going to do about it?
Friday, January 11, 2008
Respect
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 with his constituents.
Much as a civil libertarian feels a shiver up his spine when he hears of extra-legal means of law enforcement, this observer couldn't avoid an eye-squint at certain moments of the mayoral address.
Mr. England promised an open door policy - with the proviso that he be treated with respect. Offering with one hand to treat all comers with respect, he unintentionally (?) signaled that anyone unwilling to treat him with respect might face not only a closed, but a locked door.
It was subtle. But it sounded like a warning more than an invitation. Should a mayor seeking to rehabilitate a prior image as an officeholder who rewarded friends and punished foes be quite so blunt about stating whom he will serve. Whether a petitioner did, or ever will vote for England shouldn't be a prerequisite for receiving constituent service from the mayor's office.
It marred an otherwise flawless presentation that got the mayor's tenure off to a great start. Perhaps His Honor would have been better served by asking for "civility" rather than respect. I'm sure that's what he meant.
It's just that respect should be commanded, not demanded. That is a subtlety, granted, but an important one. It is by this mayor's initiatives that he can command respect. Demanding respect is something altogether different.
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 with his constituents.
Much as a civil libertarian feels a shiver up his spine when he hears of extra-legal means of law enforcement, this observer couldn't avoid an eye-squint at certain moments of the mayoral address.
Mr. England promised an open door policy - with the proviso that he be treated with respect. Offering with one hand to treat all comers with respect, he unintentionally (?) signaled that anyone unwilling to treat him with respect might face not only a closed, but a locked door.
It was subtle. But it sounded like a warning more than an invitation. Should a mayor seeking to rehabilitate a prior image as an officeholder who rewarded friends and punished foes be quite so blunt about stating whom he will serve. Whether a petitioner did, or ever will vote for England shouldn't be a prerequisite for receiving constituent service from the mayor's office.
It marred an otherwise flawless presentation that got the mayor's tenure off to a great start. Perhaps His Honor would have been better served by asking for "civility" rather than respect. I'm sure that's what he meant.
It's just that respect should be commanded, not demanded. That is a subtlety, granted, but an important one. It is by this mayor's initiatives that he can command respect. Demanding respect is something altogether different.
On the other hand...
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Head Games
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 presided over by the senior at-large council member, I could never quite trust the head counts I overheard. Messer was clearly the best choice, and Jack was determined to lead the council in a focused and deliberate manner, independent of but collaborative with the incoming administration. In fact, more than one of the new council members had sought him out and encouraged him to run for president. Weeks prior to being sworn in, all the council members had the opportunity to meet and discuss goals for the next four years. Messer expected to win and was looking forward to the challenge. He was willing to step back from the debate and preside impartially. So what happened to prevent that?
McLaughlin, following the established pattern for New Albany Democrats, ran a careful, if not timid, campaign. He, on the advice of his counselors, decided to take no stands, support no positions, and promise nothing to anyone. His platform was nonexistent. Even if Pat didn't know where the middle of the road was, he was determined to find that middle and plant himself there. This seems to have carried over into his term.
Pat likes (and is liked by) practically everyone. If you've read this blog before you know I don't consider that to be a pre-eminent qualification for leadership - a person who tries to keep everybody happy ultimately satisfies no one.
Having staked out that position, Pat was supremely vulnerable to being persuaded to seek what I am sure he understands to be a compromise. It was a given that Dan Coffey and Steve Price would have cut off their hands before voting for Messer. Let's call it a violent opposition to having Jack in the chair. Three or four other council members would have gagged before voting to support Coffey. But Coffey wasn't running, at least not after he read the tea leaves.
How then, could Coffey prevent Messer's election? He couldn't run and beat him. The solution was simple, however. During the past year since Jeff Gahan stepped down from the chair and began to engage more fiercely in the debate, Coffey occasionally supported Gahan, resulting in an alliance that grew more solid during the insane attempt to give away the municipal sewer utility to an unaccountable board. Both Coffey and Gahan saw that as a way to handcuff elected officials. That it would have removed accountability to the voters was a price they were both willing to pay if it would rein in what they believed to be a secretive and corrupt operation.
Gahan and Coffey rarely came into conflict in 2007 and by the end of the term were voting in lockstep most of the time. The "reasonable" Gahan respected Coffey's legitimacy and Coffey returned that respect. That made Gahan the perfect tool to accomplish Coffey's objective of keeping Messer out of the chair.
With a candidate in place to oppose Messer, Coffey needed only to pick up one more vote (Gahan and Coffey, of course; Price, obviously; and it appears that Benedetti is determined to learn at Master Coffey's institution of "higher" learning).
Imagine, then, this confidential gathering, in twos and threes.
Jack "can't get along" with Price and Coffey (a reason to endorse, to my way of thinking, but I digress). That duo, inalterably opposed to Messer, put that forward as evidence that Jack can't "bring the council together." Well, duh! Gahan, on the other hand, hasn't opposed the dumb ideas put forward by D1 and D2. During his terms in the chair he permitted Coffey to ramble on with his "expert" opinions, his "legal expertise," his sophistry, and his demagoguery - something Messer could be counted on to put a limit on. So Price and Coffey "could" support Gahan.
Hey, Pat. You don't want to start out your term with a situation where the president doesn't have the support of the whole council, do you? Then Gahan's your man. You know him, you like him, he's pretty smart. And he's experienced. He has even been president of the council before.
So, in essence, Pat McLaughlin, hewing to the center line, fell for the oldest trick in the book.
Here's another translation: We despise Jack because he doesn't fall for our schtick. Jeff at least pretends to. So, because Jack would resist our idiocies, we should have a veto. We should be able to stop his election. You, Pat, are our patsy. With your vote, we can veto Jack. Everybody wins, because we wind up with Gahan as the compromise, and you like compromise, don't you? Why can't we all just get along?
Analyzing why Benedetti would throw away her incumbency by becoming a disciple of the Wizard of Westendia would take too long. Let's just assume she has thrown it away and start planning for 2011.
Oh yeah. John Gonder. Let no one forget that Gonder, too, cast his vote for Gahan. I have my thoughts on that one, too. But since it's raining so hard, I think I'll keep my powder dry for the time being and let John explain his vote in his own good time. Tick, tock.
While I had looked forward to a council presided over by the senior at-large council member, I could never quite trust the head counts I overheard. Messer was clearly the best choice, and Jack was determined to lead the council in a focused and deliberate manner, independent of but collaborative with the incoming administration. In fact, more than one of the new council members had sought him out and encouraged him to run for president. Weeks prior to being sworn in, all the council members had the opportunity to meet and discuss goals for the next four years. Messer expected to win and was looking forward to the challenge. He was willing to step back from the debate and preside impartially. So what happened to prevent that?
McLaughlin, following the established pattern for New Albany Democrats, ran a careful, if not timid, campaign. He, on the advice of his counselors, decided to take no stands, support no positions, and promise nothing to anyone. His platform was nonexistent. Even if Pat didn't know where the middle of the road was, he was determined to find that middle and plant himself there. This seems to have carried over into his term.
Pat likes (and is liked by) practically everyone. If you've read this blog before you know I don't consider that to be a pre-eminent qualification for leadership - a person who tries to keep everybody happy ultimately satisfies no one.
Having staked out that position, Pat was supremely vulnerable to being persuaded to seek what I am sure he understands to be a compromise. It was a given that Dan Coffey and Steve Price would have cut off their hands before voting for Messer. Let's call it a violent opposition to having Jack in the chair. Three or four other council members would have gagged before voting to support Coffey. But Coffey wasn't running, at least not after he read the tea leaves.
How then, could Coffey prevent Messer's election? He couldn't run and beat him. The solution was simple, however. During the past year since Jeff Gahan stepped down from the chair and began to engage more fiercely in the debate, Coffey occasionally supported Gahan, resulting in an alliance that grew more solid during the insane attempt to give away the municipal sewer utility to an unaccountable board. Both Coffey and Gahan saw that as a way to handcuff elected officials. That it would have removed accountability to the voters was a price they were both willing to pay if it would rein in what they believed to be a secretive and corrupt operation.
Gahan and Coffey rarely came into conflict in 2007 and by the end of the term were voting in lockstep most of the time. The "reasonable" Gahan respected Coffey's legitimacy and Coffey returned that respect. That made Gahan the perfect tool to accomplish Coffey's objective of keeping Messer out of the chair.
With a candidate in place to oppose Messer, Coffey needed only to pick up one more vote (Gahan and Coffey, of course; Price, obviously; and it appears that Benedetti is determined to learn at Master Coffey's institution of "higher" learning).
Imagine, then, this confidential gathering, in twos and threes.
Jack "can't get along" with Price and Coffey (a reason to endorse, to my way of thinking, but I digress). That duo, inalterably opposed to Messer, put that forward as evidence that Jack can't "bring the council together." Well, duh! Gahan, on the other hand, hasn't opposed the dumb ideas put forward by D1 and D2. During his terms in the chair he permitted Coffey to ramble on with his "expert" opinions, his "legal expertise," his sophistry, and his demagoguery - something Messer could be counted on to put a limit on. So Price and Coffey "could" support Gahan.
Hey, Pat. You don't want to start out your term with a situation where the president doesn't have the support of the whole council, do you? Then Gahan's your man. You know him, you like him, he's pretty smart. And he's experienced. He has even been president of the council before.
So, in essence, Pat McLaughlin, hewing to the center line, fell for the oldest trick in the book.
Here's another translation: We despise Jack because he doesn't fall for our schtick. Jeff at least pretends to. So, because Jack would resist our idiocies, we should have a veto. We should be able to stop his election. You, Pat, are our patsy. With your vote, we can veto Jack. Everybody wins, because we wind up with Gahan as the compromise, and you like compromise, don't you? Why can't we all just get along?
Analyzing why Benedetti would throw away her incumbency by becoming a disciple of the Wizard of Westendia would take too long. Let's just assume she has thrown it away and start planning for 2011.
Oh yeah. John Gonder. Let no one forget that Gonder, too, cast his vote for Gahan. I have my thoughts on that one, too. But since it's raining so hard, I think I'll keep my powder dry for the time being and let John explain his vote in his own good time. Tick, tock.
Jan. 7 - How Shadow5 Would Have Voted
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 officers
S5 - Messer for president; D5 - Gahan for president.
S5 - Messer for vice president; D5 - Coffey for vice president.
Gahan's election was a jarring development. All who allied themselves with Mr. Coffey should be ashamed of themselves. The very best face that can be put on it is that Gahan was a compromise candidate, but that compromise was with Coffey and his protege. Mr. McLaughlin's vote was a severe disappointment. That D5 took her lead from Coffey was not totally unexpected. Mrs. Benedetti did not distinguish herself. She did not serve her district's interests.
R-08-01
Transfer of funds from various departments to pay for new "concentrated code enforcement" officer, deputy director of operations, two deputy mayors, and creation of new post of public works coordinator.
S5 - Aye; D5 - Aye.
S5 actually believed that the Garner administration needed at least one more professional on the mayoral staff and this realignment of salaries fits that bill for the England regime. We've previously commented on the sleight-of-hand and rhetorical flourish in the way it was presented and would have made sure that the record reflected that the council was not fooled by the attempted prestidigitation. Nonetheless, our vote would have been aye.
A-08-01
Salary appropriations for city administration
S5 - Aye; D5 - Aye.
Z-08-01
Approval of a zoning change for a parcel on the east side of Grant Line Road, north of the Lee Hamilton Highway (presumed to be a drive-through coffee shop and mini-storage warehouses)
S5 - Aye; D5 - Aye.
Not my idea of progress, but a perfectly lawful use for the land, no matter how unappealing. Building "out" should bear a higher cost than investment in the city's core, however that might be designated.
Z-07-22
Approval of a zoning change (PUDD) for a plot on Charlestown Road opposite the Kroger store. McCartin development would include two restaurants, a bank, a coffee shop, and a sandwich shop on the C-Town Rd. frontage, backed by 87 patio homes and apartments. This was approved by the Plan Commission with 27 conditions.
S5 - Aye; D5 - Nay, along with all members.
While we can reliably be counted on to resist what "The Gary" believes constitutes responsible development, the planning staff made a good case that this particular development constituted building "in" relative to many other proposals, and that such should be encouraged. A close call, but S5 would have acceded to the recommendation of the Plan Commission while laying the groundwork for a council policy statement that would impose impact fees on developments outside the urban enterprise zone. D5 has drawn criticism for even voting on her brother's submission. We believe Benedetti should have recused herself, although a scenario can be constructed whereby even a recusal could have been a conflict of interest. Brandon Smith's suggestion that she absent herself from the room seems to be the best compromise on this one for the incumbent.
Election of officers
S5 - Messer for president; D5 - Gahan for president.
S5 - Messer for vice president; D5 - Coffey for vice president.
Gahan's election was a jarring development. All who allied themselves with Mr. Coffey should be ashamed of themselves. The very best face that can be put on it is that Gahan was a compromise candidate, but that compromise was with Coffey and his protege. Mr. McLaughlin's vote was a severe disappointment. That D5 took her lead from Coffey was not totally unexpected. Mrs. Benedetti did not distinguish herself. She did not serve her district's interests.
R-08-01
Transfer of funds from various departments to pay for new "concentrated code enforcement" officer, deputy director of operations, two deputy mayors, and creation of new post of public works coordinator.
S5 - Aye; D5 - Aye.
S5 actually believed that the Garner administration needed at least one more professional on the mayoral staff and this realignment of salaries fits that bill for the England regime. We've previously commented on the sleight-of-hand and rhetorical flourish in the way it was presented and would have made sure that the record reflected that the council was not fooled by the attempted prestidigitation. Nonetheless, our vote would have been aye.
A-08-01
Salary appropriations for city administration
S5 - Aye; D5 - Aye.
Z-08-01
Approval of a zoning change for a parcel on the east side of Grant Line Road, north of the Lee Hamilton Highway (presumed to be a drive-through coffee shop and mini-storage warehouses)
S5 - Aye; D5 - Aye.
Not my idea of progress, but a perfectly lawful use for the land, no matter how unappealing. Building "out" should bear a higher cost than investment in the city's core, however that might be designated.
Z-07-22
Approval of a zoning change (PUDD) for a plot on Charlestown Road opposite the Kroger store. McCartin development would include two restaurants, a bank, a coffee shop, and a sandwich shop on the C-Town Rd. frontage, backed by 87 patio homes and apartments. This was approved by the Plan Commission with 27 conditions.
S5 - Aye; D5 - Nay, along with all members.
While we can reliably be counted on to resist what "The Gary" believes constitutes responsible development, the planning staff made a good case that this particular development constituted building "in" relative to many other proposals, and that such should be encouraged. A close call, but S5 would have acceded to the recommendation of the Plan Commission while laying the groundwork for a council policy statement that would impose impact fees on developments outside the urban enterprise zone. D5 has drawn criticism for even voting on her brother's submission. We believe Benedetti should have recused herself, although a scenario can be constructed whereby even a recusal could have been a conflict of interest. Brandon Smith's suggestion that she absent herself from the room seems to be the best compromise on this one for the incumbent.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Wouldn't It Have Been Cool If...
...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?
Footprints in the Sand
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
- Caffeynated Four Years?
- Shallower and Shallower
- He-Earned-It, But-How, Precisely?
- Denison Making Mark
People of all stripes, knowing my interest, have asked me if the "new" council will be an improvement. I've hedged, but had been cautiously optimistic. Two "removals" and one "addition" would dictate that things must improve. The optimist in me said the other new council members would join, ultimately, if not immediately, with the Democratic wing of the Democratic Party, and the progressive element on the council. That, to my frequent surprise, includes the lone Republican, who can probably be relied on to support his own party members in electoral matters, but on civic matters usually chooses to engage his brain.
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
- Caffeynated Four Years?
- Shallower and Shallower
- He-Earned-It, But-How, Precisely?
- Denison Making Mark
People of all stripes, knowing my interest, have asked me if the "new" council will be an improvement. I've hedged, but had been cautiously optimistic. Two "removals" and one "addition" would dictate that things must improve. The optimist in me said the other new council members would join, ultimately, if not immediately, with the Democratic wing of the Democratic Party, and the progressive element on the council. That, to my frequent surprise, includes the lone Republican, who can probably be relied on to support his own party members in electoral matters, but on civic matters usually chooses to engage his brain.
Imagine my chagrin after attending Monday's first meeting of the New Albany City Council. Replacing the "Gang of Four" is a new, perhaps more perilous "Gahang of Five."
Dios mio!
For the time being, Shadow5 will look to the mayor, not the council, for leadership of a progressive stripe. Who'd a thunk it?
Shinin' and Snubbin'
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 firing on all cylinders Monday night, missing not a beat in his optimistic and velvet-gloved peroration to the crowd (oops, I mean to the council).
England promised his State of the City address next month, but his agenda became more transparent Monday. He still continues to espouse progressive ideals.
As a semi-professional skeptic, Shadow5 still wonders whether Doug England is being genuinely responsive to the undercurrent of the city - or whether he is adroitly co-opting the most vocal and intelligent segments of the city. In some respects, either analysis leads to progress. If England can bring progressives on board with his program, the average acceleration toward a brighter day will increase.
The alternative is horrible. Let's assume for just a moment that England is not a natural progressive. Just assume it, for the sake of argument. Yet, he responds viscerally to progressive ideas. He sees the progressives as natural allies to be courted. By harnessing their creative energies, he can only improve the prospects for his four-year term. Like iron sharpens iron, perhaps.
But...what if the progressives seek and ask and demand, but give nothing in return? England is too shrewd to cater to an element that will, in the end, treat his power as a free spigot to be turned on and off on a whim.
We don't suggest a "corrupt bargain." But surely wisdom lies in recognizing and utilizing the skills, talents, ideas, and abilities of an energized electorate still silly enough to hope for something better. And surely wisdom dictates that if an administration champions "your" ideas, you really can't ask for much more.
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 firing on all cylinders Monday night, missing not a beat in his optimistic and velvet-gloved peroration to the crowd (oops, I mean to the council).
England promised his State of the City address next month, but his agenda became more transparent Monday. He still continues to espouse progressive ideals.
As a semi-professional skeptic, Shadow5 still wonders whether Doug England is being genuinely responsive to the undercurrent of the city - or whether he is adroitly co-opting the most vocal and intelligent segments of the city. In some respects, either analysis leads to progress. If England can bring progressives on board with his program, the average acceleration toward a brighter day will increase.
The alternative is horrible. Let's assume for just a moment that England is not a natural progressive. Just assume it, for the sake of argument. Yet, he responds viscerally to progressive ideas. He sees the progressives as natural allies to be courted. By harnessing their creative energies, he can only improve the prospects for his four-year term. Like iron sharpens iron, perhaps.
But...what if the progressives seek and ask and demand, but give nothing in return? England is too shrewd to cater to an element that will, in the end, treat his power as a free spigot to be turned on and off on a whim.
We don't suggest a "corrupt bargain." But surely wisdom lies in recognizing and utilizing the skills, talents, ideas, and abilities of an energized electorate still silly enough to hope for something better. And surely wisdom dictates that if an administration champions "your" ideas, you really can't ask for much more.
Sleight of Hand
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 "contractual" dollar, that legislative revision, another dollop of federal money there, the administration recreated city government in one swell foop.
We now have two deputy mayors. DM Carl Malysz heads up community development and executive functions. DM John Wilcox captains city operations. Matt Denison will be deputy director of operations. That's three men stepping into the shoes of the departed Anthony B. Toran, former city director of operations.
With Adam Dickey and Paul Wheatley long-departed to, respectively, federal and construction interest posts, that freed up a dollar or two. A nip into permissible CDBG funds created another new position, designated as a "concentrated codes enforcement officer."
But what was bemusing was the ease with which the controller and the taller of the two DM's translated John Rosenbarger's "new" post. Now permitted to use TIF money to pay salaries, the city will now fund the redevelopment public works coordinator with incremental tax funds outside the general fund.
But wait. The Malysz/Wilcox/Denison/CCEO-to-be-named quartet are the new positions. The newfound money wasn't found to pay John Rosenbarger. It was found in order to pay the two deputy mayors et al. Yet not a word of protest was heard. D5's Benedetti asked innocently who would fill this new post and whether it had a job description.
So John Rosenbarger, career city employee, is now the "new" hire. The England campaign team gets paid with John R's salary, while John R gets paid with "new" money.
Not that there's anything wrong with that. George and Aldous would have applauded.
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 "contractual" dollar, that legislative revision, another dollop of federal money there, the administration recreated city government in one swell foop.
We now have two deputy mayors. DM Carl Malysz heads up community development and executive functions. DM John Wilcox captains city operations. Matt Denison will be deputy director of operations. That's three men stepping into the shoes of the departed Anthony B. Toran, former city director of operations.
With Adam Dickey and Paul Wheatley long-departed to, respectively, federal and construction interest posts, that freed up a dollar or two. A nip into permissible CDBG funds created another new position, designated as a "concentrated codes enforcement officer."
But what was bemusing was the ease with which the controller and the taller of the two DM's translated John Rosenbarger's "new" post. Now permitted to use TIF money to pay salaries, the city will now fund the redevelopment public works coordinator with incremental tax funds outside the general fund.
But wait. The Malysz/Wilcox/Denison/CCEO-to-be-named quartet are the new positions. The newfound money wasn't found to pay John Rosenbarger. It was found in order to pay the two deputy mayors et al. Yet not a word of protest was heard. D5's Benedetti asked innocently who would fill this new post and whether it had a job description.
So John Rosenbarger, career city employee, is now the "new" hire. The England campaign team gets paid with John R's salary, while John R gets paid with "new" money.
Not that there's anything wrong with that. George and Aldous would have applauded.
A Parade of Ignorance
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 now must be called "The Gahang of Five." (Editor's note: We are not ignoring the 6 votes that put Mr. Gahan into office. But trust us, the gahang is a quintet.)
No, the parade of ignorance came to its conclusion with Monday night's organizational session. The parade started several years ago. It gathered steam as more and more New Albanians saw a reason for hope in a resurgent progressive movement that would not settle for government as usual.
My dad took great stock in differentiating ignorance and stupidity. To call someone ignorant was never, to his way of thinking, an insult. Rather, it was considered a compassionate, if not charitable way of explaining the inexplicable.
Well, the parade of progressives clearly didn't understand that politics is not an intramural sport. It turns out that politics in New Albany is, at worst, a semi-pro proposition, with high stakes and big rewards.
So what did the progressives do when it came to this past year's city elections? They voted. After all, isn't that all that's necessary?
The progressives, for the most part, eschewed the requirements of volunteering, canvassing, financing, and campaigning their asses off for candidates who would represent their interests. In their ignorance, they allowed yet another city election to be captured by the politicians who do the most to keep progress to a minimum.
The parade of ignorance didn't find itself on the losing side so much as it found itself on the outside of the new council. Sure, a minority of the council will take their phone calls. A few others will pretend to sympathize. But for the next four years, the council will be a dead end for progressives.
And if that's the situation four years from now, it won't be because of ignorance. It will be because of stupidity - knowing what to do but refusing to do it.
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 now must be called "The Gahang of Five." (Editor's note: We are not ignoring the 6 votes that put Mr. Gahan into office. But trust us, the gahang is a quintet.)
No, the parade of ignorance came to its conclusion with Monday night's organizational session. The parade started several years ago. It gathered steam as more and more New Albanians saw a reason for hope in a resurgent progressive movement that would not settle for government as usual.
My dad took great stock in differentiating ignorance and stupidity. To call someone ignorant was never, to his way of thinking, an insult. Rather, it was considered a compassionate, if not charitable way of explaining the inexplicable.
Well, the parade of progressives clearly didn't understand that politics is not an intramural sport. It turns out that politics in New Albany is, at worst, a semi-pro proposition, with high stakes and big rewards.
So what did the progressives do when it came to this past year's city elections? They voted. After all, isn't that all that's necessary?
The progressives, for the most part, eschewed the requirements of volunteering, canvassing, financing, and campaigning their asses off for candidates who would represent their interests. In their ignorance, they allowed yet another city election to be captured by the politicians who do the most to keep progress to a minimum.
The parade of ignorance didn't find itself on the losing side so much as it found itself on the outside of the new council. Sure, a minority of the council will take their phone calls. A few others will pretend to sympathize. But for the next four years, the council will be a dead end for progressives.
And if that's the situation four years from now, it won't be because of ignorance. It will be because of stupidity - knowing what to do but refusing to do it.
A Caffeynated Four Years?
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 now we all get to live with the consequences.
Jack Messer (At Large), a reliable advocate for sound, responsive, accountable, and reasonable legislation, had presumably gained the confidence of enough of his colleagues to take the gavel at Monday's organizational meeting of the council. Jeff Gahan (D-6) had presumably decided a year ago that he could serve better as an active participant in debate. Messer had decided he could serve better by bringing discipline to the conduct of council.
Gahan's support proved to be critical to Messer's ambitions and it simply wasn't there. We'll never know why Gahan decided to again seek the presidency, but we have lots of guesses.
It was a given that council members Coffey and Price would never support Jack Messer. Yet, direct opposition as candidates would have been folly. Accordingly, the enfeebled Gang of Two (let's face it, Dan) began to court Gahan as their stalking horse. We can easily imagine the bonhomie and flattery (Save us, Obi-Wan Kenobe) that persuaded Gahan to join the "Stop Messer" movement.
Coffey, who comes from the "whispering campaign" wing of the Democratic Party - that's the one that withers and dies in the light of the sun - still needed more votes. What a Godsend, then, was the election of Coffey confidant Gary McCartin's sister in District Five.
Who then among the remaining new council members would be easiest to persuade? Not Bob Caesar. Not John Gonder.
How about Pat McLaughlin, the candidate who twice endeavored and once succeeded in driving Larry Kochert from public office. But how could anyone imagine that someone who presented himself as the anti-Kochert might give his vote to continue a Kochertian tradition?
Dan Coffey could imagine it. And it makes him not only kingmaker, but the temporary power behind the throne. A soft, yet powerful appointment for the spent Coffey ally Bill Schmidt was just the first of the perks dispensed by the new President. We hope that someone will compile a list of Monday night's council appointments. An educated reading of those lists will reinforce our conclusion that 2008 is the Year of Coffey.
Based on the way McLaughlin (D-4) campaigned, we shouldn't have been surprised. He, along with Benedetti, have clearly deposited their futures (and their constituents') in the First Bank of Coffey. The interest may be lean, but those "bank" fees are going to eat you up.
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 now we all get to live with the consequences.
Jack Messer (At Large), a reliable advocate for sound, responsive, accountable, and reasonable legislation, had presumably gained the confidence of enough of his colleagues to take the gavel at Monday's organizational meeting of the council. Jeff Gahan (D-6) had presumably decided a year ago that he could serve better as an active participant in debate. Messer had decided he could serve better by bringing discipline to the conduct of council.
Gahan's support proved to be critical to Messer's ambitions and it simply wasn't there. We'll never know why Gahan decided to again seek the presidency, but we have lots of guesses.
It was a given that council members Coffey and Price would never support Jack Messer. Yet, direct opposition as candidates would have been folly. Accordingly, the enfeebled Gang of Two (let's face it, Dan) began to court Gahan as their stalking horse. We can easily imagine the bonhomie and flattery (Save us, Obi-Wan Kenobe) that persuaded Gahan to join the "Stop Messer" movement.
Coffey, who comes from the "whispering campaign" wing of the Democratic Party - that's the one that withers and dies in the light of the sun - still needed more votes. What a Godsend, then, was the election of Coffey confidant Gary McCartin's sister in District Five.
Who then among the remaining new council members would be easiest to persuade? Not Bob Caesar. Not John Gonder.
How about Pat McLaughlin, the candidate who twice endeavored and once succeeded in driving Larry Kochert from public office. But how could anyone imagine that someone who presented himself as the anti-Kochert might give his vote to continue a Kochertian tradition?
Dan Coffey could imagine it. And it makes him not only kingmaker, but the temporary power behind the throne. A soft, yet powerful appointment for the spent Coffey ally Bill Schmidt was just the first of the perks dispensed by the new President. We hope that someone will compile a list of Monday night's council appointments. An educated reading of those lists will reinforce our conclusion that 2008 is the Year of Coffey.
Based on the way McLaughlin (D-4) campaigned, we shouldn't have been surprised. He, along with Benedetti, have clearly deposited their futures (and their constituents') in the First Bank of Coffey. The interest may be lean, but those "bank" fees are going to eat you up.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Shallower and Shallower
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 undying support for whatever is the opposite of progress.
He stated (and I'll paraphrase) that his default position on all zoning and planning matters destined to come before the council would be to oppose any plan that draws opposition from the closest neighbors. One assumes that includes futile stances that will subject the city to great expense when the council rebuffs strictly legal proposals.
One observer noted that Mr. Price was a bold defender of the status quo for Monday night's Sixth District NIMBYs, and wondered why he wasn't equally bold in defending his own district against decay and infestation by a slumlord/crackhouse mentality.
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 undying support for whatever is the opposite of progress.
He stated (and I'll paraphrase) that his default position on all zoning and planning matters destined to come before the council would be to oppose any plan that draws opposition from the closest neighbors. One assumes that includes futile stances that will subject the city to great expense when the council rebuffs strictly legal proposals.
One observer noted that Mr. Price was a bold defender of the status quo for Monday night's Sixth District NIMBYs, and wondered why he wasn't equally bold in defending his own district against decay and infestation by a slumlord/crackhouse mentality.
He Earned It, But How, Precisely?
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 stumbles as the presiding officer, and a penchant for being unable to hide his anger, Gahan was demonstrably more capable in the chair than his unlamented successor.
We have too much respect for Mr. Gahan to believe he is a fool. Yet, he has for months begun to align himself with the bitter ignorance caucus on the council, previously known as the Gang of Four. By his stated expressions, it was clear that he felt that he was being disrespected by the administration, that he was being played. His reaction to same was to become mercurial and often unreasonable.
Gahan's most glaring deficiency was his blind resistance to addressing the Constitutional inequities of the city's legislative districts. Gahan, more than any single council member, has resisted all efforts to avoid costly litigation. Gahan, as a potential "peacemaker," first chose to dig in his and the council's heels and pretend there was no problem. Later, as a "mere" council member, Gahan, in our estimation, sold out in exchange for...
A mess of porridge is our guess.
The payback? Another year in the center chair.
Shadow5 has a rule when it comes to politicians. I don't have to like you, I don't have to agree with you. But don't lie to me. Don't "play" me. Jeff Gahan ought to know how that feels. A lot of people say Gahan is a "nice" guy, a "smart" guy, an "reasonable" guy.
I no longer trust him as a man of his word, and that's lamentable. The temptation to psychoanalyze the man is high, but it's not necessary. On objective evidence, he's sold out and begun a dangerous slide to the dark side.
Despite fits and stumbles as the presiding officer, and a penchant for being unable to hide his anger, Gahan was demonstrably more capable in the chair than his unlamented successor.
We have too much respect for Mr. Gahan to believe he is a fool. Yet, he has for months begun to align himself with the bitter ignorance caucus on the council, previously known as the Gang of Four. By his stated expressions, it was clear that he felt that he was being disrespected by the administration, that he was being played. His reaction to same was to become mercurial and often unreasonable.
Gahan's most glaring deficiency was his blind resistance to addressing the Constitutional inequities of the city's legislative districts. Gahan, more than any single council member, has resisted all efforts to avoid costly litigation. Gahan, as a potential "peacemaker," first chose to dig in his and the council's heels and pretend there was no problem. Later, as a "mere" council member, Gahan, in our estimation, sold out in exchange for...
A mess of porridge is our guess.
The payback? Another year in the center chair.
Shadow5 has a rule when it comes to politicians. I don't have to like you, I don't have to agree with you. But don't lie to me. Don't "play" me. Jeff Gahan ought to know how that feels. A lot of people say Gahan is a "nice" guy, a "smart" guy, an "reasonable" guy.
I no longer trust him as a man of his word, and that's lamentable. The temptation to psychoanalyze the man is high, but it's not necessary. On objective evidence, he's sold out and begun a dangerous slide to the dark side.
Denison Making a Mark
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 residents can seek city action. It is a powerful operation, with oversight of the streets department, the fire department, and the police department.
We've had numerous occasions to interact with the young man over the past four years, and with a few limited exceptions involving differences in who we support(ed) in the three election seasons that passed, we've found Matt to be sincere in his efforts to remember the "service" part of public service.
Denison has served as the No. 2 in the building commissioner's office under each of its occupants during the Garner administration. As the "inside" guy, he shepherded all the applications for local building permits and tried to make the process relatively painless.
We'll make three observations about Denison: His appointment is a sign of Mayor England's responsiveness to the need for a seamless communications/technology program; he is a hard-working, loyal, and political fellow; and he has shown sterling resolution in his personal life.
First, the IT Portfolio
Perhaps by default, Denison has become the city's information technology (read: computers deep read: IT) guy. Most cities our size would have one or more staffers completely dedicated to this function. New Albany has never made a serious commitment to a modern communication and administration regime that incorporates the advances of technology, so "call Matt" became the substitute.
When reactionists talk about waste in government, they rarely protest the sweetheart technology deals that municipalities routinely engage in. In the old days, it was pretty easy to drop 100 Gs for rudimentary computers. Nowadays, it's not the hardware, or even the software, but the Web design, operation, and hosting that offers opportunity to repay favors.
To whatever extent New Albany invests its resources in developing a vigorous in-house technology capability, it will be reducing government waste. That investment begins with a bestowal of confidence in the staff, followed by a vision to make the best use of what we'll call "online government."
A fossil like myself will undoubtedly become less and less interested in seeking out every new development (Facebook and MySpace, IM, the iPhone) - they simply seem frivolous. But our children and their children (those who are interested) will probably have subscriptions to government comm-blasts embedded in their outer- (or under-) wear.
The city simply can't wait until that day to adapt to modern communications. Denison's elevation is a sign that the mayor, who had graduated from college before the first personal computer was invented, knows that a lean government must govern smart.
Second: The Politician
Denison is paying his dues. He was, for the most part, loyal to the past administration. He pulled his weight (more about that later) in campaign after campaign, most notably in last year's county elections for New Albany Township Trustee and for Sheriff. Denison was highly visible in both campaigns and has steadily built up a lot of credibility within the Democratic Party, despite his relative youth.
This appointment is a logical next step for Denison. Having chosen public service, he has learned how to advance his career. We have no idea if Denison aspires to elective office, but he's doing all the right things to prosper as a government employee.
Third: The Guy With Discipline
It has been something of a trend among a few of the men who gravitate to the third floor to address oppressive weight problems. We can't help but admire Denison, who shed what appears to be about 70 pounds over the past two or three years. Unlike many of us who keep adding five-pound bags of sugar to our daily loads, Denison recognized a "growing" problem and made it go away. We're truly talking "Biggest Loser" territory here.
Congratulations to Matt Denison on climbing another rung on the ladder. We hope you'll remember that who writes the checks is different from who pays the bills.
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 residents can seek city action. It is a powerful operation, with oversight of the streets department, the fire department, and the police department.
We've had numerous occasions to interact with the young man over the past four years, and with a few limited exceptions involving differences in who we support(ed) in the three election seasons that passed, we've found Matt to be sincere in his efforts to remember the "service" part of public service.
Denison has served as the No. 2 in the building commissioner's office under each of its occupants during the Garner administration. As the "inside" guy, he shepherded all the applications for local building permits and tried to make the process relatively painless.
We'll make three observations about Denison: His appointment is a sign of Mayor England's responsiveness to the need for a seamless communications/technology program; he is a hard-working, loyal, and political fellow; and he has shown sterling resolution in his personal life.
First, the IT Portfolio
Perhaps by default, Denison has become the city's information technology (read: computers deep read: IT) guy. Most cities our size would have one or more staffers completely dedicated to this function. New Albany has never made a serious commitment to a modern communication and administration regime that incorporates the advances of technology, so "call Matt" became the substitute.
When reactionists talk about waste in government, they rarely protest the sweetheart technology deals that municipalities routinely engage in. In the old days, it was pretty easy to drop 100 Gs for rudimentary computers. Nowadays, it's not the hardware, or even the software, but the Web design, operation, and hosting that offers opportunity to repay favors.
To whatever extent New Albany invests its resources in developing a vigorous in-house technology capability, it will be reducing government waste. That investment begins with a bestowal of confidence in the staff, followed by a vision to make the best use of what we'll call "online government."
A fossil like myself will undoubtedly become less and less interested in seeking out every new development (Facebook and MySpace, IM, the iPhone) - they simply seem frivolous. But our children and their children (those who are interested) will probably have subscriptions to government comm-blasts embedded in their outer- (or under-) wear.
The city simply can't wait until that day to adapt to modern communications. Denison's elevation is a sign that the mayor, who had graduated from college before the first personal computer was invented, knows that a lean government must govern smart.
Second: The Politician
Denison is paying his dues. He was, for the most part, loyal to the past administration. He pulled his weight (more about that later) in campaign after campaign, most notably in last year's county elections for New Albany Township Trustee and for Sheriff. Denison was highly visible in both campaigns and has steadily built up a lot of credibility within the Democratic Party, despite his relative youth.
This appointment is a logical next step for Denison. Having chosen public service, he has learned how to advance his career. We have no idea if Denison aspires to elective office, but he's doing all the right things to prosper as a government employee.
Third: The Guy With Discipline
It has been something of a trend among a few of the men who gravitate to the third floor to address oppressive weight problems. We can't help but admire Denison, who shed what appears to be about 70 pounds over the past two or three years. Unlike many of us who keep adding five-pound bags of sugar to our daily loads, Denison recognized a "growing" problem and made it go away. We're truly talking "Biggest Loser" territory here.
Congratulations to Matt Denison on climbing another rung on the ladder. We hope you'll remember that who writes the checks is different from who pays the bills.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
White Hats
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 embarrassed to admit in a fall forum that his voting record tracked religiously to Mr. Coffey's, with Mr. Price voting in lockstep with Mr. Coffey more than 98% of the time. At least one correspondent suggested that Mr. Coffey's recent support of a 3% raise for the police, and his advocacy for Haven House to receive $50,000, were a ruse to allow Mr. Price to vote against the measures and thus assert his independence as he moves into his second term.
This observer does not expect to see a "new" Dan Coffey. Once this new council defeats his nomination to chair the proceedings, and further rebuffs his "claim" as the losing candidate to be the vice, we'll see the predictable Coffeyesque grandstanding. The avowed allegiance to now-Mayor England will evaporate. The collegiality shown during the seduction phase of the Coffey quadrennial courtship ritual will go "poof."
But we spend too much time on Mr. Coffey. Except for the fact that he consumes an inordinate proportion of each meeting with his "expert" opinions on matters ranging from Pakistani internal security to the erosional qualities of steep slopes, from the nature of crime in metropolitan Chicago to the intransigent poverty of a portion of the city he does everything in his power to keep in poverty, Mr. Coffey has become irrelevant.
It is only if he is able to co-opt Mrs. Benedetti (D5), Mr. McLaughlin (D4), or others, that Mr. Coffey has any relevance.
Mrs. Benedetti remains an enigma. Most reporters relate that she is ardently community-minded, the prototypical soccer mom, a volunteer in the best tradition, and far more than a stalking horse for her brother the developer of cookie-cutter greenfield strips.
Mr. McLaughlin waged a timid campaign and yet still demolished the severely diminished Kochert "machine." We ask whether Mr. McLaughlin will be the "Donnie Blevins" of this new council. Will Mr. McLaughlin be the quintessential swing vote throughout the next four years? Based on the cautious way he campaigned in 2007, we fear that Pat will be the pivot around which the council totters. In some ways, that's not a bad position to be in if you have initiatives you want to press. But based on his campaign, Mr. Mac "don't have no initiatives."
This blogger, for one, does not desire to see any council member occupying the "on the other hand" seat. JC said it best: If you are lukewarm, I will spew you out.
On limited information, Shadow5 feels a sense of guarded optimism about D2's Bob Caesar. On first impression, Caesar is a sincere and somewhat involuntary politician. On second glance, he is a skilled operator with a determined agenda. Early indications are that Mr. Caesar has patched over any dissonance between his positions and those of the England triumvirate. Judgment is reserved as to whether that is a positive development.
Shadow5 expresses full confidence in the judgment of new at-large council member John Gonder. We are equally ebullient at Mr. Messer's return to council. The addition of Mr. Caesar and Mr. McLaughlin is something to cheer, especially in light of who they replaced. Mr. Zurschmiede, so far, has shown a decided lack of partisanship (wisely, given his dramatic party minority position) and a promising sense of progressivism.
Mr. Gahan displays the requisite skills and accessibility. Some have touted him as a future mayoral candidate. We continue to view Gahan as a "white hat," although we continue to be puzzled by his adamant insistence on supporting a clearly unlawful redistricting ordinance.
The best news for New Albanians is that the "Gang of Four" is deceased. Although it could be resurrected, that is unlikely. Time marches on, and with any luck, the remaining duo of that formerly troublesome quartet will be serving out their final terms. The optimist in me hopes for new maturity in the youngest of that duo, but fears the worst. And for the elder, it's going to take much more than a two-month charm offensive to raise even the slightest hopes of redemption and renewal.
One recalls that Mr. Coffey marched in lockstep with drum major Kochert in fighting the requests of the police and fire departments for most of the last four years. One recalls that Mr. Coffey was one of the most vocal in opposing support for Haven House, this community's sole homeless shelter program.
Then we watched as Mr. Coffey championed the 3% raise for the police and a $50,000 grant to Haven House. Forgive us for being suspicious. Absent something more than conjecture, it's hard to imagine a Damascene conversion. Based on the last month's perorations and advocacies*, we'd almost believe that Dan Coffey is a Democrat!
*except for his insistence on maintaining unequal legislative districts, no matter the cost, no matter the inequity and no matter the violations of well-established Constitutional norms.
At best, we can look for a rational majority consisting of Gonder, Messer, McLaughlin, Caesar, and Zurschmeide. We can hope that Benedetti and Gahan will join that majority from time to time. Price (D3) and Coffey (D1) can be counted to vote against the city's best interests, whether out of ignorance or out of some persecuted sense that "somebody" is getting something they aren't. That is a recipe that will ensure their defeat in the next election.
Here's hoping they like the power they wield. Here's hoping the remaining "Gang of Two" want to remain in office and will vote to enhance and revivify their moribund districts with new residents, new businesses, and new opportunity.
We can hope, can't we? And here's hoping that the phrase "Gang of Two" becomes a common, but irrelevant blog label. We'd love to retire it. And we shudder to think that the "two" becomes three or four.
Some have even suggested more-Machiavellian motives to the District 1 representative. D3 rep Steve Price was embarrassed to admit in a fall forum that his voting record tracked religiously to Mr. Coffey's, with Mr. Price voting in lockstep with Mr. Coffey more than 98% of the time. At least one correspondent suggested that Mr. Coffey's recent support of a 3% raise for the police, and his advocacy for Haven House to receive $50,000, were a ruse to allow Mr. Price to vote against the measures and thus assert his independence as he moves into his second term.
This observer does not expect to see a "new" Dan Coffey. Once this new council defeats his nomination to chair the proceedings, and further rebuffs his "claim" as the losing candidate to be the vice, we'll see the predictable Coffeyesque grandstanding. The avowed allegiance to now-Mayor England will evaporate. The collegiality shown during the seduction phase of the Coffey quadrennial courtship ritual will go "poof."
But we spend too much time on Mr. Coffey. Except for the fact that he consumes an inordinate proportion of each meeting with his "expert" opinions on matters ranging from Pakistani internal security to the erosional qualities of steep slopes, from the nature of crime in metropolitan Chicago to the intransigent poverty of a portion of the city he does everything in his power to keep in poverty, Mr. Coffey has become irrelevant.
It is only if he is able to co-opt Mrs. Benedetti (D5), Mr. McLaughlin (D4), or others, that Mr. Coffey has any relevance.
Mrs. Benedetti remains an enigma. Most reporters relate that she is ardently community-minded, the prototypical soccer mom, a volunteer in the best tradition, and far more than a stalking horse for her brother the developer of cookie-cutter greenfield strips.
Mr. McLaughlin waged a timid campaign and yet still demolished the severely diminished Kochert "machine." We ask whether Mr. McLaughlin will be the "Donnie Blevins" of this new council. Will Mr. McLaughlin be the quintessential swing vote throughout the next four years? Based on the cautious way he campaigned in 2007, we fear that Pat will be the pivot around which the council totters. In some ways, that's not a bad position to be in if you have initiatives you want to press. But based on his campaign, Mr. Mac "don't have no initiatives."
This blogger, for one, does not desire to see any council member occupying the "on the other hand" seat. JC said it best: If you are lukewarm, I will spew you out.
On limited information, Shadow5 feels a sense of guarded optimism about D2's Bob Caesar. On first impression, Caesar is a sincere and somewhat involuntary politician. On second glance, he is a skilled operator with a determined agenda. Early indications are that Mr. Caesar has patched over any dissonance between his positions and those of the England triumvirate. Judgment is reserved as to whether that is a positive development.
Shadow5 expresses full confidence in the judgment of new at-large council member John Gonder. We are equally ebullient at Mr. Messer's return to council. The addition of Mr. Caesar and Mr. McLaughlin is something to cheer, especially in light of who they replaced. Mr. Zurschmiede, so far, has shown a decided lack of partisanship (wisely, given his dramatic party minority position) and a promising sense of progressivism.
Mr. Gahan displays the requisite skills and accessibility. Some have touted him as a future mayoral candidate. We continue to view Gahan as a "white hat," although we continue to be puzzled by his adamant insistence on supporting a clearly unlawful redistricting ordinance.
The best news for New Albanians is that the "Gang of Four" is deceased. Although it could be resurrected, that is unlikely. Time marches on, and with any luck, the remaining duo of that formerly troublesome quartet will be serving out their final terms. The optimist in me hopes for new maturity in the youngest of that duo, but fears the worst. And for the elder, it's going to take much more than a two-month charm offensive to raise even the slightest hopes of redemption and renewal.
One recalls that Mr. Coffey marched in lockstep with drum major Kochert in fighting the requests of the police and fire departments for most of the last four years. One recalls that Mr. Coffey was one of the most vocal in opposing support for Haven House, this community's sole homeless shelter program.
Then we watched as Mr. Coffey championed the 3% raise for the police and a $50,000 grant to Haven House. Forgive us for being suspicious. Absent something more than conjecture, it's hard to imagine a Damascene conversion. Based on the last month's perorations and advocacies*, we'd almost believe that Dan Coffey is a Democrat!
*except for his insistence on maintaining unequal legislative districts, no matter the cost, no matter the inequity and no matter the violations of well-established Constitutional norms.
At best, we can look for a rational majority consisting of Gonder, Messer, McLaughlin, Caesar, and Zurschmeide. We can hope that Benedetti and Gahan will join that majority from time to time. Price (D3) and Coffey (D1) can be counted to vote against the city's best interests, whether out of ignorance or out of some persecuted sense that "somebody" is getting something they aren't. That is a recipe that will ensure their defeat in the next election.
Here's hoping they like the power they wield. Here's hoping the remaining "Gang of Two" want to remain in office and will vote to enhance and revivify their moribund districts with new residents, new businesses, and new opportunity.
We can hope, can't we? And here's hoping that the phrase "Gang of Two" becomes a common, but irrelevant blog label. We'd love to retire it. And we shudder to think that the "two" becomes three or four.
The First Monday
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 7, will be the first meeting of a newly elected council. How this council (8 Democrats and 1 Republican) will align, remains to be seen. What we can be sure of is that three impediments to progress have left the council. Will the three who replaced them be more progressive? Will that translate into legislation and oversight that moves us forward?
This first meeting is usually pro forma, with a concentration on organizational matters. The council will elect a president (and a vice president to preside in the absence of the former) and begin to establish its standing committees.
But this incoming council has been far from passive. Its secret meetings and other informal discussions promise a dynamic agenda from the opening tip-off. Oddsmakers say that second-term at-large council member Jack Messer will give up his flagship role as the leader of a progressive movement to assume the chair. The headcounts say he has the votes to take the gavel from the barely lamented Larry Kochert. Kochert, by the way, is already lobbying for a lucrative sinecure on the city's municipal utility board. While we don't begrudge "King Larry" a paycheck, we sincerely doubt that he will behave himself in keeping with the traditions of democracy and open government. Why should he start now?
The Messer ascendancy seems assured. Once again, though, incoming council members will be tempted by "Councilman Cappucino's" fall charm offensive to give the District 1 rep the booby prize and award him with the vice presidency. I urge the majority who elects Messer to enforce its will by electing either of Messrs. Gahan, Gonder, or Caesar to fill the seat in the president's absence.
On a related note, uncertain intelligence reports that more than $8,000 has already been raised for Candidate X to use in the 2011 race for the District 1 seat. Considering we're less than two hours into Mr. Coffey's third term, that's pretty impressive. That sum equals every dollar invested in the nine races contested last November. Someone is pretty serious about removing DJC from his representative role.
The incoming council will be handed at least one serious decision to address. In the fading moments of the last council's tenure, a motion was successfully tendered to solicit applicants for the role of counsel to the city council. Incumbent Jerry Ulrich has served as an able parliamentarian to the chair and as a perfectly adequate advocate for litigatory causes championed by a council majority. Perhaps that allegiance to the former majority is what has prompted this vote of "less than confidence." I've maintained that Mr. Ulrich has represented his communal client (the majority) in his advocacy and in his public pronouncements. That's something for this new council to consider as they review the applicants. Do they want an attorney who tries to make policy, or an attorney who will vigorously defend and prosecute their will?
If the new council is concerned that Mr. Ulrich "skewed" to the majority too often in the past, and perhaps to the detriment of the city and the council, perhaps they should interview him to determine the causes. For example, in the late council's indefensible refusal to draw lawful legislative districts, Mr. Ulrich merely claimed to be willing and able to present a defense. Given that a clear majority of the late council demanded that even its patently unlawful redistricting ordinance be presented to the Federal District Court with a straight face, wasn't Mr. Ulrich doing everything within the bounds of his charge?
Some have suggested to this observer that Mr. Ulrich did not serve his clients well. I've suggested that he may, in fact, have been representing "their" views with as much vigor as a sentient being can do without drawing obvious horse laughs. Whether in its lawsuit against the city-owned utility, against the tyro stormwater board, or against the clear reading of the U.S. and Indiana constitutions and statutes regarding equal representation, Ulrich propounded positions demanded by his clients (the council majority). Is that a reason to replace him? Maybe so, maybe not.
On the intriguing subject of the citizen lawsuit to enforce the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution, it should be noted that only three of the remaining council members voted to resist the arguments of legal history: Messrs. Coffey (D1), Price (D3), and Gahan (D6). The extant ordinance, certain to be rebuffed and declared void sometime in February, should be repealed by the incoming council. And it should be repealed on Jan. 7. Every member knows, or should know, that the Federal court has signaled that this ordinance will be met with extreme displeasure, that its variance from equality exceeds the permissible.
We look forward to an immediate vote by this council to agree to a consent decree whereby the council will undertake to complete an aggressively public redrawing of districts before the end of 2008. Such a vote would avert a costly and losing legal battle next month. Some member should propose it for the agenda by Thursday afternoon. And if no one does, it should be presented in executive session following the public meeting as new and emergency business. By Monday, the city will be within less than 30 days from a reckoning that could present the city with needless expense and great humiliation if it tries to defend the indefensible.
How about you, Mrs. Benedetti? You could make a great statement for democratic values by proposing that as your first measure as the representative for District 5.
For new readers: The City Council meets on the third floor of the City-County building. You can't miss the assembly room as it is directly opposite the elevators. For the past four years, it has been the best entertainment (if you could keep your lunch down or your eyes from popping out of your heads) in town. One hopes the next four years will see a more sober and rational series of meetings.
Next Monday, January 7, will be the first meeting of a newly elected council. How this council (8 Democrats and 1 Republican) will align, remains to be seen. What we can be sure of is that three impediments to progress have left the council. Will the three who replaced them be more progressive? Will that translate into legislation and oversight that moves us forward?
This first meeting is usually pro forma, with a concentration on organizational matters. The council will elect a president (and a vice president to preside in the absence of the former) and begin to establish its standing committees.
But this incoming council has been far from passive. Its secret meetings and other informal discussions promise a dynamic agenda from the opening tip-off. Oddsmakers say that second-term at-large council member Jack Messer will give up his flagship role as the leader of a progressive movement to assume the chair. The headcounts say he has the votes to take the gavel from the barely lamented Larry Kochert. Kochert, by the way, is already lobbying for a lucrative sinecure on the city's municipal utility board. While we don't begrudge "King Larry" a paycheck, we sincerely doubt that he will behave himself in keeping with the traditions of democracy and open government. Why should he start now?
The Messer ascendancy seems assured. Once again, though, incoming council members will be tempted by "Councilman Cappucino's" fall charm offensive to give the District 1 rep the booby prize and award him with the vice presidency. I urge the majority who elects Messer to enforce its will by electing either of Messrs. Gahan, Gonder, or Caesar to fill the seat in the president's absence.
On a related note, uncertain intelligence reports that more than $8,000 has already been raised for Candidate X to use in the 2011 race for the District 1 seat. Considering we're less than two hours into Mr. Coffey's third term, that's pretty impressive. That sum equals every dollar invested in the nine races contested last November. Someone is pretty serious about removing DJC from his representative role.
The incoming council will be handed at least one serious decision to address. In the fading moments of the last council's tenure, a motion was successfully tendered to solicit applicants for the role of counsel to the city council. Incumbent Jerry Ulrich has served as an able parliamentarian to the chair and as a perfectly adequate advocate for litigatory causes championed by a council majority. Perhaps that allegiance to the former majority is what has prompted this vote of "less than confidence." I've maintained that Mr. Ulrich has represented his communal client (the majority) in his advocacy and in his public pronouncements. That's something for this new council to consider as they review the applicants. Do they want an attorney who tries to make policy, or an attorney who will vigorously defend and prosecute their will?
If the new council is concerned that Mr. Ulrich "skewed" to the majority too often in the past, and perhaps to the detriment of the city and the council, perhaps they should interview him to determine the causes. For example, in the late council's indefensible refusal to draw lawful legislative districts, Mr. Ulrich merely claimed to be willing and able to present a defense. Given that a clear majority of the late council demanded that even its patently unlawful redistricting ordinance be presented to the Federal District Court with a straight face, wasn't Mr. Ulrich doing everything within the bounds of his charge?
Some have suggested to this observer that Mr. Ulrich did not serve his clients well. I've suggested that he may, in fact, have been representing "their" views with as much vigor as a sentient being can do without drawing obvious horse laughs. Whether in its lawsuit against the city-owned utility, against the tyro stormwater board, or against the clear reading of the U.S. and Indiana constitutions and statutes regarding equal representation, Ulrich propounded positions demanded by his clients (the council majority). Is that a reason to replace him? Maybe so, maybe not.
On the intriguing subject of the citizen lawsuit to enforce the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution, it should be noted that only three of the remaining council members voted to resist the arguments of legal history: Messrs. Coffey (D1), Price (D3), and Gahan (D6). The extant ordinance, certain to be rebuffed and declared void sometime in February, should be repealed by the incoming council. And it should be repealed on Jan. 7. Every member knows, or should know, that the Federal court has signaled that this ordinance will be met with extreme displeasure, that its variance from equality exceeds the permissible.
We look forward to an immediate vote by this council to agree to a consent decree whereby the council will undertake to complete an aggressively public redrawing of districts before the end of 2008. Such a vote would avert a costly and losing legal battle next month. Some member should propose it for the agenda by Thursday afternoon. And if no one does, it should be presented in executive session following the public meeting as new and emergency business. By Monday, the city will be within less than 30 days from a reckoning that could present the city with needless expense and great humiliation if it tries to defend the indefensible.
How about you, Mrs. Benedetti? You could make a great statement for democratic values by proposing that as your first measure as the representative for District 5.
For new readers: The City Council meets on the third floor of the City-County building. You can't miss the assembly room as it is directly opposite the elevators. For the past four years, it has been the best entertainment (if you could keep your lunch down or your eyes from popping out of your heads) in town. One hopes the next four years will see a more sober and rational series of meetings.
MTW: Mickey Thompson Watch, Day One, Hour One
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 today, and if it's still there when I pass on Wednesday morning, I'll want to know why Mayor England finds that satisfactory.
This New Year's morning saw yet another deluge and yet another spate of street flooding caused solely by the inattention and neglect of the streets department and the stormwater and drainage departments. Mr. Thompson, if it is your contention that the streets department is not responsible for clogged stormwater drains, please say so. We'll ask Mr. England if that's his view, too.
We're fortunate that the flooding was limited. Next time, though, it will be Mr. Thompson's fault.
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 today, and if it's still there when I pass on Wednesday morning, I'll want to know why Mayor England finds that satisfactory.
This New Year's morning saw yet another deluge and yet another spate of street flooding caused solely by the inattention and neglect of the streets department and the stormwater and drainage departments. Mr. Thompson, if it is your contention that the streets department is not responsible for clogged stormwater drains, please say so. We'll ask Mr. England if that's his view, too.
We're fortunate that the flooding was limited. Next time, though, it will be Mr. Thompson's fault.
"Now batting, in the leadoff spot..."
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 New Albany forward, to build a legacy for the "seventh generation," and to make our city a magnet for innovators, creators, and inclusive cohabitants, whether newcomers or members of Hoosier Heritage families.
Although I wasn't born here (an impediment in the minds of some), I had the good taste to set my hat for New Albany's best and brightest, coincidentally descended from New Albanians that preceded even the Scribner brothers.
Couldn't WE, the new and the old, agree that our children deserve a city to be proud of?
Project One for the new mayor and council: Clean up our streets, put an end to street flooding, and create through enforcement a regime where lawfulness replaces the current lawlessness on our streets.
Has there ever been a city where traffic laws were less obeyed? Has there ever been a city where the system says "anything goes" when it comes to stop signs, traffic signals, and freakin' parking on the sidewalks? This council, especially District 5 council member Diane Benedetti, needs to make a comprehensive study of traffic patterns, vehicular compliance with basic laws we all were required to know before being licensed, etc.
Which streets in your neighborhood ought to have "one side of the street only" parking? Which intersections in your neighborhood are the most dangerous? Which streets, designed as neighborhood streets, are being forced by oblivious traffic planners and scofflaw drivers into being arterial thoroughfares? And on which streets in your neighborhood are the speed limits routinely disregarded?
Are these to be ignored? Shouldn't you pick up the phone and call the city, your council member, the Board of Public Works and Safety, the mayor?
I have my targets. How about you?
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 New Albany forward, to build a legacy for the "seventh generation," and to make our city a magnet for innovators, creators, and inclusive cohabitants, whether newcomers or members of Hoosier Heritage families.
Although I wasn't born here (an impediment in the minds of some), I had the good taste to set my hat for New Albany's best and brightest, coincidentally descended from New Albanians that preceded even the Scribner brothers.
Couldn't WE, the new and the old, agree that our children deserve a city to be proud of?
Project One for the new mayor and council: Clean up our streets, put an end to street flooding, and create through enforcement a regime where lawfulness replaces the current lawlessness on our streets.
Has there ever been a city where traffic laws were less obeyed? Has there ever been a city where the system says "anything goes" when it comes to stop signs, traffic signals, and freakin' parking on the sidewalks? This council, especially District 5 council member Diane Benedetti, needs to make a comprehensive study of traffic patterns, vehicular compliance with basic laws we all were required to know before being licensed, etc.
Which streets in your neighborhood ought to have "one side of the street only" parking? Which intersections in your neighborhood are the most dangerous? Which streets, designed as neighborhood streets, are being forced by oblivious traffic planners and scofflaw drivers into being arterial thoroughfares? And on which streets in your neighborhood are the speed limits routinely disregarded?
Are these to be ignored? Shouldn't you pick up the phone and call the city, your council member, the Board of Public Works and Safety, the mayor?
I have my targets. How about you?
What is a Progressive?
I wouldn't pretend to be able to answer that question definitively, but the inestimable Paul Krugman seems to have provided a clue in Slate magazine recently.
OK, before I get there, a word about terms—specifically, liberal vs. progressive. Everyone seems to have their own definitions; mine involves the distinction between values and action. If you think every American should be guaranteed health insurance, you're a liberal; if you're trying to make universal health care happen, you're a progressive.
Considering we're less than one hour into 2008, I'll let that be my "Happy New Year" message.
OK, before I get there, a word about terms—specifically, liberal vs. progressive. Everyone seems to have their own definitions; mine involves the distinction between values and action. If you think every American should be guaranteed health insurance, you're a liberal; if you're trying to make universal health care happen, you're a progressive.
Considering we're less than one hour into 2008, I'll let that be my "Happy New Year" message.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
A Blue Night Downtown
Just received a heads-up from the events coordinator at Destinations Booksellers. It looks like they are reviving their once well-received public issues gatherings.
On Thursday, January 10, at 6 p.m., the store will be hosting a contingent from the F.O.P., calling the event "A Night With the F.O.P." Store owner Randy Smith will be the moderator (a first I think. Randy was never part of the program during the old symposiums).
The panel will consist of line officers selected by the lodge and its leaders, addressing a "proposition" put forward for the event. Questions from the audience may be permitted during the main event, but a formal Q&A will conclude it.
The proposition, still being drafted, will pose a hypothetical, still being drafted, but based on comments gathered during the past three and one-half years. We'll post the formal proposition later, but we understand that it will challenge the officers to declare what they would be able to do for public safety in New Albany if they got everything they were asking for. I'm sure it will be put more diplomatically than that, but we'll see.
If you've got an interest in government, safety, hygiene, enforcement, streets and traffic, and police/community relations, plan to attend this get-together.
On Thursday, January 10, at 6 p.m., the store will be hosting a contingent from the F.O.P., calling the event "A Night With the F.O.P." Store owner Randy Smith will be the moderator (a first I think. Randy was never part of the program during the old symposiums).
The panel will consist of line officers selected by the lodge and its leaders, addressing a "proposition" put forward for the event. Questions from the audience may be permitted during the main event, but a formal Q&A will conclude it.
The proposition, still being drafted, will pose a hypothetical, still being drafted, but based on comments gathered during the past three and one-half years. We'll post the formal proposition later, but we understand that it will challenge the officers to declare what they would be able to do for public safety in New Albany if they got everything they were asking for. I'm sure it will be put more diplomatically than that, but we'll see.
If you've got an interest in government, safety, hygiene, enforcement, streets and traffic, and police/community relations, plan to attend this get-together.
Speaking of Appointments
Does anyone have a unified list of all the positions, paid or volunteer, that the mayor is entitled to appoint? We all have a vague sense that the number of people he can hire or appoint is sizable, but it sure would be nice to see the list in black and white. Or in pixels.
The Man on the Hot Seat
While the sound of tiny brains exploding was heard all over New Albany on Saturday with the news of the England/Malysz/Wilcox triumvirate's ascendancy, there is at least one other appointee that faces a very public challenge and who is most likely to feel the heat first.
That man is Mickey Thompson, the new head of the streets department. Thompson, whose work as the AFSCME local steward can only be described as aggressive and uncompromising, has now successfully climbed the ladder to department head. We have no particular insight into the reasons why Mayor England appointed Thompson, though we'd love to hear them. There is little doubt that Thompson knows the problems in that department. Our doubts arise when contemplating whether he has the necessary skills and competencies to direct the activities of his union brothers.
While we are most assuredly not wishing for failure, we predict that Thompson will come under increasing scrutiny in this most public of city positions. The old ad that talks about "rubber" hitting the road comes to mind, with no pun intended.
How much of our currently dire street flooding problems stems from the evident work slowdown undertaken by streets department employees since the May primary? It seems that under Mr. Simon's management, the workers took the position that with a separate stormwater staff and a drainage department in place, they didn't need to police or report the horrendously overburdened curbs and gutters.
I find fault with the whole lame-duck administration, but the street department certainly hasn't distinguished itself in the last six months. And Thompson was right there, the whole time.
Let's hope that Mickey Thompson will be able to doff his union hat and take on the city's headgear. The interests of the workers and the union shouldn't be in conflict with the interests of the city as a whole. Thompson faces great opportunities to prove that. He also faces great risk.
From what we hear, Mr. England will be demanding accountability from his department heads. That means perform or else. One correspondent reports that Mr. England has no intention of taking the blame for shortcomings within the departments. It is said he believes he has appointed capable people and that he believes his job as mayor is to appoint, and de-appoint, according to performance.
Given that we don't expect the police and fire chiefs, nor the operations director, nor the deputy mayor to be de-appointed, Mr. Thompson is a prime candidate to be the first to be made the sacrificial scapegoat. The Mickey Thompson Watch starts Tuesday.
That man is Mickey Thompson, the new head of the streets department. Thompson, whose work as the AFSCME local steward can only be described as aggressive and uncompromising, has now successfully climbed the ladder to department head. We have no particular insight into the reasons why Mayor England appointed Thompson, though we'd love to hear them. There is little doubt that Thompson knows the problems in that department. Our doubts arise when contemplating whether he has the necessary skills and competencies to direct the activities of his union brothers.
While we are most assuredly not wishing for failure, we predict that Thompson will come under increasing scrutiny in this most public of city positions. The old ad that talks about "rubber" hitting the road comes to mind, with no pun intended.
How much of our currently dire street flooding problems stems from the evident work slowdown undertaken by streets department employees since the May primary? It seems that under Mr. Simon's management, the workers took the position that with a separate stormwater staff and a drainage department in place, they didn't need to police or report the horrendously overburdened curbs and gutters.
I find fault with the whole lame-duck administration, but the street department certainly hasn't distinguished itself in the last six months. And Thompson was right there, the whole time.
Let's hope that Mickey Thompson will be able to doff his union hat and take on the city's headgear. The interests of the workers and the union shouldn't be in conflict with the interests of the city as a whole. Thompson faces great opportunities to prove that. He also faces great risk.
From what we hear, Mr. England will be demanding accountability from his department heads. That means perform or else. One correspondent reports that Mr. England has no intention of taking the blame for shortcomings within the departments. It is said he believes he has appointed capable people and that he believes his job as mayor is to appoint, and de-appoint, according to performance.
Given that we don't expect the police and fire chiefs, nor the operations director, nor the deputy mayor to be de-appointed, Mr. Thompson is a prime candidate to be the first to be made the sacrificial scapegoat. The Mickey Thompson Watch starts Tuesday.
The England Restoration
Although it was far from completely unexpected, the announcement in today's rags that Mr. Carl Malysz will assume the post of deputy mayor provoked immediate and pointed commentary in the community, if the calls, visits, and e-mails that followed have any weight.
Malysz, in absentia since the Overton administration, was able to see his reputation acquire a gloss in the intervening years. To this observer it almost seemed that every mention of the man was preceded with an emphatic, but silent, "the legendary..." As in, "the legendary Carl Malysz."
A few months ago, one wag was heard to ask, "If Carl Malysz was such a miracle worker, how did the city get into this mess?" If not a fair question, it is a good one.
All I can say is that the council had better be ready to hit the ground running because it certainly appears that Mayor England and his cohort are ready to govern. And after 8 years in the wilderness, they're going to be loaded for bear.
By the time the kiddies get out of school, we should have a fairly good measure of the new administration and the dramatically revised council. Initiatives that have been floated by England's operatives may or may not have a reality behind them. I'd be willing to go out on a limb and say that some of those initiatives were a form of disinformation designed to ferret out friends and foes.
But with today's announcement of the recreation of the post of deputy mayor with broad oversight of key city functions, the foes are certainly going to be easy to identify.
Next up: The key appointment most likely to feel the heat.
Malysz, in absentia since the Overton administration, was able to see his reputation acquire a gloss in the intervening years. To this observer it almost seemed that every mention of the man was preceded with an emphatic, but silent, "the legendary..." As in, "the legendary Carl Malysz."
A few months ago, one wag was heard to ask, "If Carl Malysz was such a miracle worker, how did the city get into this mess?" If not a fair question, it is a good one.
All I can say is that the council had better be ready to hit the ground running because it certainly appears that Mayor England and his cohort are ready to govern. And after 8 years in the wilderness, they're going to be loaded for bear.
By the time the kiddies get out of school, we should have a fairly good measure of the new administration and the dramatically revised council. Initiatives that have been floated by England's operatives may or may not have a reality behind them. I'd be willing to go out on a limb and say that some of those initiatives were a form of disinformation designed to ferret out friends and foes.
But with today's announcement of the recreation of the post of deputy mayor with broad oversight of key city functions, the foes are certainly going to be easy to identify.
Next up: The key appointment most likely to feel the heat.
Friday, December 28, 2007
A Blueprint? or Just a List?
At least a "rump" segment of the incoming council has pledged to seek the following goal:
The document making this declaration is making the rounds, at least in the progressive community, and is the result of numerous pre-term discussions among the incumbent and newly elected council members. It comes with a list of concerns to be addressed in the next few months and in the next four years. From what I've been told, it's not intended to be exclusive, but the council members want to start the discussion forthwith and are actively seeking public comment and assistance in addressing them.
Without further ado, here it is:
Accountability
City Beautification
Enforcement/Laws
Education/City Off
Image/City
Sewers
Communication
Re-organization/Dept
Traffic Flow
Environment
Public Involvement
Parks
Service
Size of Gov
Industrial
Leadership
Business
Revenue
Constituents
Spring St. Hill
Housing
Streets
Drugs/Crime
Manpower
Budget
Empty Spac
Railroad
Teamwork
Dept. Heads
Infrastructur
Downtown
City Hall
Rental Prop
The people (your representatives) who generated this list want YOU to rank these concerns and start the conversation. Do it here, do it there, do it anywhere. Call your council member, post on this or another blog, attend the Jan. 7 organizational meeting of the new council. But DO participate in this. I think it's admirable that the council is already at work on a new vision for New Albany.
Over the coming weeks, we'll give you our thoughts. If you find the "concerns" list a little cryptic or if you never knew these were concerns, we'll try to edify you, "to the best of our ability."
To help make New Albany a more productive and progressive city.
The document making this declaration is making the rounds, at least in the progressive community, and is the result of numerous pre-term discussions among the incumbent and newly elected council members. It comes with a list of concerns to be addressed in the next few months and in the next four years. From what I've been told, it's not intended to be exclusive, but the council members want to start the discussion forthwith and are actively seeking public comment and assistance in addressing them.
Without further ado, here it is:
Accountability
City Beautification
Enforcement/Laws
Education/City Off
Image/City
Sewers
Communication
Re-organization/Dept
Traffic Flow
Environment
Public Involvement
Parks
Service
Size of Gov
Industrial
Leadership
Business
Revenue
Constituents
Spring St. Hill
Housing
Streets
Drugs/Crime
Manpower
Budget
Empty Spac
Railroad
Teamwork
Dept. Heads
Infrastructur
Downtown
City Hall
Rental Prop
The people (your representatives) who generated this list want YOU to rank these concerns and start the conversation. Do it here, do it there, do it anywhere. Call your council member, post on this or another blog, attend the Jan. 7 organizational meeting of the new council. But DO participate in this. I think it's admirable that the council is already at work on a new vision for New Albany.
Over the coming weeks, we'll give you our thoughts. If you find the "concerns" list a little cryptic or if you never knew these were concerns, we'll try to edify you, "to the best of our ability."
A Democratic Inaugural
This afternoon, the 10 Democrats elected to serve the city for the next four years took their oaths of office in a ceremony that was emotional and stirring. It was a party function, not particularly a city event, but since the relevant officiants (our judges and magistrate) and the certifying officer (the county clerk) are Democrats too, the event went smoothly and with dignity.
For the record (cut and paste this for future reference), here are the eight Democrats sworn to serve on the city council, effective at midnight, Jan. 1, 2008.
District 1 - Dan Coffey (returning to office)
District 2 - Bob Caesar
District 3 - Steve Price (returning to office)
District 4 - Pat McLaughlin (pronounced Muk-loch-lun, by the way)
District 5 - Diane Benedetti
District 6 - Jeff Gahan (returning to office)
At-Large - Jack Messer (returning to office)
At-Large - John Gonder
This observer can now testify that each of these eight swore or affirmed to support the Constitution of the United States and the constitution of the State of Indiana. One wonders what the consequences are for violating that part of the oath. At least now, no member of the council can call the suit to redraw legislative boundaries "frivolous." Since the Constitution is clear about equal representation, I will expect to see this council move rapidly to settle the pending lawsuit regarding those districts. Anything else would be a violation of that still-echoing oath, now wouldn't it.
Returning City Clerk Marcey Wisman was sworn in following the individual oath-taking.
Mayor-elect Doug England took a solemn oath and affirmation different in scale and scope from the oath taken by the others.
The audience of family members, party regulars, and interested observers like me were enthusiastic in their congratulations and good wishes. Party chairman Randy Stumler was all smiles, and all retired from the court to partake in refreshments which probably still haven't run out.
For the record, Magistrate Daniel Burke joined judges Terrence Cody, Susan Orth, and Glenn Hancock in administering these oaths.
(Ed. Note: We've included the original context of the post which stirred the disagreement that shows up in the comments below. NA Shadow Council concedes the the judge's given name is "Terrence." We always believed that to be correct, but had seen so many official documents containing the alternate (wrong) spelling that we took erroneous note. Our apologies, and thanks to the eagle-eyed reader who noted it.)We'll note that the senior judge, Mr. Cody, had to once again suffer the indignity of seeing his name misspelled in the official program. The lone Republican elected to council, Kevin Zurschmiede, can sympathize with his honor.
Interestingly enough, Mr. Coffey was the only elected official who did not raise his right hand to take the oath. Wonder if that makes the oath invalid?
For the record (cut and paste this for future reference), here are the eight Democrats sworn to serve on the city council, effective at midnight, Jan. 1, 2008.
District 1 - Dan Coffey (returning to office)
District 2 - Bob Caesar
District 3 - Steve Price (returning to office)
District 4 - Pat McLaughlin (pronounced Muk-loch-lun, by the way)
District 5 - Diane Benedetti
District 6 - Jeff Gahan (returning to office)
At-Large - Jack Messer (returning to office)
At-Large - John Gonder
This observer can now testify that each of these eight swore or affirmed to support the Constitution of the United States and the constitution of the State of Indiana. One wonders what the consequences are for violating that part of the oath. At least now, no member of the council can call the suit to redraw legislative boundaries "frivolous." Since the Constitution is clear about equal representation, I will expect to see this council move rapidly to settle the pending lawsuit regarding those districts. Anything else would be a violation of that still-echoing oath, now wouldn't it.
Returning City Clerk Marcey Wisman was sworn in following the individual oath-taking.
Mayor-elect Doug England took a solemn oath and affirmation different in scale and scope from the oath taken by the others.
The audience of family members, party regulars, and interested observers like me were enthusiastic in their congratulations and good wishes. Party chairman Randy Stumler was all smiles, and all retired from the court to partake in refreshments which probably still haven't run out.
For the record, Magistrate Daniel Burke joined judges Terrence Cody, Susan Orth, and Glenn Hancock in administering these oaths.
(Ed. Note: We've included the original context of the post which stirred the disagreement that shows up in the comments below. NA Shadow Council concedes the the judge's given name is "Terrence." We always believed that to be correct, but had seen so many official documents containing the alternate (wrong) spelling that we took erroneous note. Our apologies, and thanks to the eagle-eyed reader who noted it.)We'll note that the senior judge, Mr. Cody, had to once again suffer the indignity of seeing his name misspelled in the official program. The lone Republican elected to council, Kevin Zurschmiede, can sympathize with his honor.
Interestingly enough, Mr. Coffey was the only elected official who did not raise his right hand to take the oath. Wonder if that makes the oath invalid?
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
For the next six months (seven?)
Shadowna5 declares as an "England" supporter.
Gullible? Perhaps. Skeptical? Indeed.
But given the representations given (and I'll admit to an affinity for the higher angels) to this blogger, we'll "sign on" until at least June 1, 2008.
The smackdown handed to D1 council member Daniel (J.) Coffey at Monday's council meeting was classic, with the possible exception of the the inexplicable Gahan-Coffey twinship in creating the remarkably novel sewer jurisdiction. Against all counsel, that pair risk all to rein in an unaccountable sewer board by putting forward an incredibly risky power play. What, we ask, is the hurry? Are lame-duck votes so unattainable in the 2008 iteration of an 8-1 Democratic Party hegemony?
Granted, anyone who opposes King Larry earns, at least, my first-blush approval. But Mr. Gahan's votes and public statements indicate to this writer that a deal has been cut. I've yet to find anyone who can adequately explain the adhesive effect between D1 and D6. Did Gahan cut a deal with the least accomplished member of council?
I'm told that a remarkable victory was achieved in Federal District Court on Tuesday afternoon by the plaintiffs in the litigation to protect the Constitutional rights of NA's residents. I, for one, am eager to see how Eric Scott Campbell (The Tribune) and Dick Kaukus (the Courier-Journal) report this long-running story.
We note with amusement, in this season of NCAA football courtships, the ongoing recruitment of that worthy who styles him/herself as iamhoosier on the "Internets." Yours truly claims first bid in the war to acquire I AM (portentously heretical, if you ask me) as a contributor, but apparently the bidding has escalated, given the traditionally fence-straddling blog denizen's flirtation with blogs of all persuasions - progressive and insane.
May we insist that all who follow the legislative branch of the Scribner Brothers' dream metropolis consult http://highwayview.blogspot.com for coverage of December's "first of many" council meetings. Thanks, Highwayman, for preserving the record of discovery.
And while we're online, whaddayathink about that National Intelligence Estimate that indicates that the Bush-Cheney crime syndicate has been playing us all for suckers?
I'll report that we've been severely diminished by acute, but not chronic, health problems, which I hope explains our recent absence from the blogosphere.
News that emerged from 121 East Spring Street late on Tuesday, December 4th, in the YOOL 2007 is most heartening. Congratulations to the citizens and their counsel who finally petitioned for justice to be done. From all reports, that ideal was achieved in the ruling of the presiding judge for the Southern District of Indiana.
Will the defendants in Vogt v. City of New Albany dare to come back in 60 days with the very same boundary-drawing? Is Anna Schmidt that compelling an authority that the legislative body of this city would risk even more expense in trying to defend a patently unlawful apportionment?
Who, in fact, has made the greatest effort to save the taxpayers of New Albany greater expense? The Coward Karry Ling, or the selfless plaintiffs in the referenced case?
Finally, shadowna5 asks, for the second time in two days, why Mr. Kochert, the ever-diminishing presiding officer of the the "Common Council for the second-class city of New Albany," continues to blame Floyd County Circuit Court Clerk Linda Moeller for the despicably irresponsible stewardship of Mr. Kochert's body during the past six years?
Larry-boy, why do you continue to hide behind Linda's skirts? shadowna5 counts Mrs. Moeller as one of the heroes in this saga. Linda and her closest associates have tried to avoid this showdown since over the past five years. Where were you and your cohort? Why were 20 admirable citizens required to file a suit at law to enforce long-established constitutional principles of equal representation?
In shadowna5's view, LK and his confederates are fully responsible for the unnecessary expenses of the extant lawsuit. No one other than Mr. Kochert is more to blame for the irresponsible squandering of the common purse. Is there any more established principle than equal representaion? Why, then, does Mr. Kochert continue, in his vastly-diminished and diminishing legislative authority continue to perjure himself to protect a discredited regime?
No less an authority than the Federal District Court rejected Mr. Kochert's stance on Tuesday. Equal protection was, again, reaffirmed as a Constitutional principle. Mr. Vogt and his co-plaintiffs deserve our commendation. Discerning readers (like IAH) and contributors (ditto) would be well-advised to expand their approbation and approval to a greater audience (i.e. the readership of The Tribune) and to broadcast their agreement with the principals in Vogt by means of a letter to the editor.
King Larry and your court, quit hiding behind the skirts of Linda Moeller. Shadowna5 counts the estimable Mrs. Moeller among its greatest friends. Mrs. Moeller has, for more than five years, advocated an equitable redistricting within the boundaries of New Albany. There is no more cowardly an act than to pretend that Mrs. Moeller is your supporter. Mrs. Moeller and her associates have tried for more than five years to induce the council to correct its un-Constitutional act. Don't pretend that she is the reason that you continue to express contempt for the Constitution of the United States.
Gullible? Perhaps. Skeptical? Indeed.
But given the representations given (and I'll admit to an affinity for the higher angels) to this blogger, we'll "sign on" until at least June 1, 2008.
The smackdown handed to D1 council member Daniel (J.) Coffey at Monday's council meeting was classic, with the possible exception of the the inexplicable Gahan-Coffey twinship in creating the remarkably novel sewer jurisdiction. Against all counsel, that pair risk all to rein in an unaccountable sewer board by putting forward an incredibly risky power play. What, we ask, is the hurry? Are lame-duck votes so unattainable in the 2008 iteration of an 8-1 Democratic Party hegemony?
Granted, anyone who opposes King Larry earns, at least, my first-blush approval. But Mr. Gahan's votes and public statements indicate to this writer that a deal has been cut. I've yet to find anyone who can adequately explain the adhesive effect between D1 and D6. Did Gahan cut a deal with the least accomplished member of council?
I'm told that a remarkable victory was achieved in Federal District Court on Tuesday afternoon by the plaintiffs in the litigation to protect the Constitutional rights of NA's residents. I, for one, am eager to see how Eric Scott Campbell (The Tribune) and Dick Kaukus (the Courier-Journal) report this long-running story.
We note with amusement, in this season of NCAA football courtships, the ongoing recruitment of that worthy who styles him/herself as iamhoosier on the "Internets." Yours truly claims first bid in the war to acquire I AM (portentously heretical, if you ask me) as a contributor, but apparently the bidding has escalated, given the traditionally fence-straddling blog denizen's flirtation with blogs of all persuasions - progressive and insane.
May we insist that all who follow the legislative branch of the Scribner Brothers' dream metropolis consult http://highwayview.blogspot.com for coverage of December's "first of many" council meetings. Thanks, Highwayman, for preserving the record of discovery.
And while we're online, whaddayathink about that National Intelligence Estimate that indicates that the Bush-Cheney crime syndicate has been playing us all for suckers?
I'll report that we've been severely diminished by acute, but not chronic, health problems, which I hope explains our recent absence from the blogosphere.
News that emerged from 121 East Spring Street late on Tuesday, December 4th, in the YOOL 2007 is most heartening. Congratulations to the citizens and their counsel who finally petitioned for justice to be done. From all reports, that ideal was achieved in the ruling of the presiding judge for the Southern District of Indiana.
Will the defendants in Vogt v. City of New Albany dare to come back in 60 days with the very same boundary-drawing? Is Anna Schmidt that compelling an authority that the legislative body of this city would risk even more expense in trying to defend a patently unlawful apportionment?
Who, in fact, has made the greatest effort to save the taxpayers of New Albany greater expense? The Coward Karry Ling, or the selfless plaintiffs in the referenced case?
Finally, shadowna5 asks, for the second time in two days, why Mr. Kochert, the ever-diminishing presiding officer of the the "Common Council for the second-class city of New Albany," continues to blame Floyd County Circuit Court Clerk Linda Moeller for the despicably irresponsible stewardship of Mr. Kochert's body during the past six years?
Larry-boy, why do you continue to hide behind Linda's skirts? shadowna5 counts Mrs. Moeller as one of the heroes in this saga. Linda and her closest associates have tried to avoid this showdown since over the past five years. Where were you and your cohort? Why were 20 admirable citizens required to file a suit at law to enforce long-established constitutional principles of equal representation?
In shadowna5's view, LK and his confederates are fully responsible for the unnecessary expenses of the extant lawsuit. No one other than Mr. Kochert is more to blame for the irresponsible squandering of the common purse. Is there any more established principle than equal representaion? Why, then, does Mr. Kochert continue, in his vastly-diminished and diminishing legislative authority continue to perjure himself to protect a discredited regime?
No less an authority than the Federal District Court rejected Mr. Kochert's stance on Tuesday. Equal protection was, again, reaffirmed as a Constitutional principle. Mr. Vogt and his co-plaintiffs deserve our commendation. Discerning readers (like IAH) and contributors (ditto) would be well-advised to expand their approbation and approval to a greater audience (i.e. the readership of The Tribune) and to broadcast their agreement with the principals in Vogt by means of a letter to the editor.
King Larry and your court, quit hiding behind the skirts of Linda Moeller. Shadowna5 counts the estimable Mrs. Moeller among its greatest friends. Mrs. Moeller has, for more than five years, advocated an equitable redistricting within the boundaries of New Albany. There is no more cowardly an act than to pretend that Mrs. Moeller is your supporter. Mrs. Moeller and her associates have tried for more than five years to induce the council to correct its un-Constitutional act. Don't pretend that she is the reason that you continue to express contempt for the Constitution of the United States.
Monday, November 12, 2007
One Nation, Under Guard...
What are the chances that President George W. Bush is coming to bring democracy to the 1st District of New Albany?
Friday, November 9, 2007
It Ain't That Tough
Remember. Dan Coffey only costs $500 a year. Anybody got $501 to buy his vote? Are there 100 of you willing to buy him for $5.01 per year?
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Doctor, to the Spreadsheet, STAT!
BONUS: Eric Scott Campbell provides this useful analysis in Thursday's editions of The Tribune. I'm still not sure why Campbell believes that newly drawn council districts for the next election have any impact on voting or representation. It is possible that someone like Mr. Price would be less inclined to listen to people who can't vote for him in the next election, but I doubt it. He represents those precincts that elected him. His successor will represent those who elect him or her. What's the problem? Yes, tampering by the city council during an election year may have depressed turnout, but maybe that's what the council wanted all along. As I understand it, the plaintiffs were unable to get a court date prior to this election and unless the court overturns this one on Constitutional or statutory grounds, any new districts, whether drawn this month or imposed by a judge, will only affect the 2011 races.
Enormous props to the 202 wise souls in council District 1 who elected to follow the advice of Tribune publisher John Tucker and leave the ballot blank when faced with the choice of Dan Coffey or no representation at all. As much as Mr. Coffey may believe he acts in the best interests of his constituents, the evidence shows otherwise.
Ironically, the Republicans had a quite respectable candidate on Tuesday's ballot who met all the requirements to take on the incumbent: He lives in the First District, has the ability to reason, and had demonstrated a certain amount of discernment. As for life experience, he was well-traveled, educated, and familiar with the concept of learning. He was neither afraid to confront the future nor unwilling to consider ideas generated later than the administration of U.S. Grant. Alas, he chose to run for council at-large and went down to defeat.
Now, it's difficult to know how many of the "undervotes" recorded in Coffey's re-election were actually write-in votes for the beloved Skittles. But we do know that the undervotes in the District 1 council race (incumbent unopposed) dwarf the total of undervotes in all five of the other districts.
The First District, suffering under its last election day in its present configuration, is not irredeemable. It clearly is NOT "similar" to the Third District, as goes the theory put forward by Democrat Steve Price when challenged about his 98% plus voting lockstep with Mr. Coffey during the past four years. But it is demonstrably not without a certain number of informed voters.
It also, unfortunately, recorded the lowest turnout by percentage - 20.91%.
John Gonder, newly elected as one of three at-large council members, topped all his competitors in capturing the highest vote totals in 14 of the 34 city districts. Kevin Zurschmeide, incumbent but being elected also for the first time, was tops in 11 other districts and failed to demonstrate quite so much geographic strength. And Jack Messer returns to the council with the highest council vote, edging Gonder by one vote overall. Messer inherits a much-deserved position of leadership as a consequence of his first term excellence, outreach, and willingness to obtain consensus.
Speaking of consensus, the next four years will call for plenty of that if New Albany is to progress. And that goes for the whole citizenry, not just the elected representatives.
Randy Hubbard, the losing Republican offering for mayor, showed strength in about 1/3 of the city, but didn't have coattails at all. Jeff Gahan (D-6, Incumbent) lost two precincts of six. Rookie Diane McCartin Benedetti (D-5, Rookie) lost one precinct of five. No other Democrat lost a single precinct.
We'll be parsing the numbers again later. For those of you looking to 2011, we encourage you to stay logged in for more numbers.
The serious numbers aren't who got how many votes, but rather which precincts contain the richest veins of disillusioned voters - those registered but finding no compelling reason to cast a vote. Some say its the only way to send a message. The other way is to organize, advocate, and serve those who don't believe city government is relevant to their lives.
Imagine a 2011 election where twice as many people vote. Not because they are mad or sad, but because they believe that government can be effective. No vote total measured in 2007 will be at all relevant if 16,000 New Albanians turn out that November.
Coming soon: What to expect from the England administration and what to expect from the new council.
Enormous props to the 202 wise souls in council District 1 who elected to follow the advice of Tribune publisher John Tucker and leave the ballot blank when faced with the choice of Dan Coffey or no representation at all. As much as Mr. Coffey may believe he acts in the best interests of his constituents, the evidence shows otherwise.
Ironically, the Republicans had a quite respectable candidate on Tuesday's ballot who met all the requirements to take on the incumbent: He lives in the First District, has the ability to reason, and had demonstrated a certain amount of discernment. As for life experience, he was well-traveled, educated, and familiar with the concept of learning. He was neither afraid to confront the future nor unwilling to consider ideas generated later than the administration of U.S. Grant. Alas, he chose to run for council at-large and went down to defeat.
Now, it's difficult to know how many of the "undervotes" recorded in Coffey's re-election were actually write-in votes for the beloved Skittles. But we do know that the undervotes in the District 1 council race (incumbent unopposed) dwarf the total of undervotes in all five of the other districts.
The First District, suffering under its last election day in its present configuration, is not irredeemable. It clearly is NOT "similar" to the Third District, as goes the theory put forward by Democrat Steve Price when challenged about his 98% plus voting lockstep with Mr. Coffey during the past four years. But it is demonstrably not without a certain number of informed voters.
It also, unfortunately, recorded the lowest turnout by percentage - 20.91%.
John Gonder, newly elected as one of three at-large council members, topped all his competitors in capturing the highest vote totals in 14 of the 34 city districts. Kevin Zurschmeide, incumbent but being elected also for the first time, was tops in 11 other districts and failed to demonstrate quite so much geographic strength. And Jack Messer returns to the council with the highest council vote, edging Gonder by one vote overall. Messer inherits a much-deserved position of leadership as a consequence of his first term excellence, outreach, and willingness to obtain consensus.
Speaking of consensus, the next four years will call for plenty of that if New Albany is to progress. And that goes for the whole citizenry, not just the elected representatives.
Randy Hubbard, the losing Republican offering for mayor, showed strength in about 1/3 of the city, but didn't have coattails at all. Jeff Gahan (D-6, Incumbent) lost two precincts of six. Rookie Diane McCartin Benedetti (D-5, Rookie) lost one precinct of five. No other Democrat lost a single precinct.
We'll be parsing the numbers again later. For those of you looking to 2011, we encourage you to stay logged in for more numbers.
The serious numbers aren't who got how many votes, but rather which precincts contain the richest veins of disillusioned voters - those registered but finding no compelling reason to cast a vote. Some say its the only way to send a message. The other way is to organize, advocate, and serve those who don't believe city government is relevant to their lives.
Imagine a 2011 election where twice as many people vote. Not because they are mad or sad, but because they believe that government can be effective. No vote total measured in 2007 will be at all relevant if 16,000 New Albanians turn out that November.
Coming soon: What to expect from the England administration and what to expect from the new council.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Democrats Earn First At-Bat
Hi, Randy Smith here. All4word for those of you who are long-time blog readers, contributors, and commenters.
Thank you to shadowna5 for allowing me to contribute tonight. Let me thank Linda Moeller, Bill Lohmeyer, Terry Ginkins, and Jimmy Hancock for granting me press access to the election board. I hope that we lived up to the practical standards of good journalism.
Journalism is, at root, journaling, and I believe that so long as you reveal your biases it is perfectly acceptable to editorialize while reporting. I hope, for my sake and for shadow5's, that the point of view wasn't too annoying to blog readers.
As it turned out, and as best as we can determine, NA Shadow Council provided the first and most accurate online results of the New Albany municipal elections.
An unexpected technical glitch almost prevented us from providing this service to the public. An unexpected technical glitch delayed the County Clerk's official site from providing preliminary numbers, too. Fortunately, everything came together and for those who simply had to know the results as they came in, NA Shadow Council was able to provide them.
As I told a number of people, I haven't enjoyed myself as much in 30 years. I hope our reporting was useful to you. I look forward to working with NA Shadow Council over the next four years to provide you with timely news and opinion on city council issues.
Thank you again to Linda Moeller and the Floyd County Election Board. You could not have been more gracious to us and to the other members of the press who relied on your outstanding accommodation of the media on election night.
Congratulations to Doug England, our next mayor. Congratulations to Jack Messer, John Gonder, and Kevin Zurschmeide, our returning and new at-large council members. Kevin and John are elected for the first time and Jack's leadership over the past four years was amply rewarded. Maybe someday I'll relate a neat story about the 4,106-4,105 margin for top vote-getter. In a third class city, that would make Jack the mayor.
We extend our personal congratulations to Bob Caesar, who will represent the 2nd District beginning in January. A massive improvement, to our way of thinking. Pat McLaughlin's victory is even sweeter. Pat lost by a narrow margin to incumbent Larry Kochert in 2003 and despite Kochert's attempts to screw Pat this year, McLaughlin won handily. We're equally pleased and happy to extend congratulations to Jeff Gahan, who, despite an inexplicable single-issue stance, has proved to be a true representative of all that is best for New Albany.
We're less enthused, but not totally dismayed by the victory of Diane McCartin Benedetti, or Diane McCartin-Benedetti, depending on who you consult for naming conventions. Undisclosed but adequately confirmed expressions by that council member-elect raise serious questions, but we look forward to seeing whether the new actual5 can live up to the standard set by shadow5's set of issues.
We've been made aware of a serious effort to help the returning 3rd District council member become a true champion of his constituents' interests. Let's hope Mr. Price can mature into an admirable representative for the true interests of those he represents. His victory met expectations.
Mr. Coffey, unopposed this election, remains an embarrassment to his district, his party, and to humanity. Should he evade indictment and conviction for despicable crimes, he will serve for the next four years and can be expected to vote consistently against the interest of his constituents.
Marcey, you did everything and more that anyone could expect in serving this community and navigating the dangerous waters of city government. Congratulations, Ms. Wisman, for your victory and reelection to the important office of City Clerk. Let us know how we can help you.
This will be the first of many requests this blog will make of the new council: Increase the budget, including the salaries, for the office of the City Clerk.
The Democratic victory, the second in two elections, lays the groundwork for a singular opportunity. Fail to achieve progress, and you won't have a shot at a third near-sweep. Republicans have lots of lessons to learn from this election and they will assuredly be trying to discern them.
Take full advantage of the opportunity, Dems, and start to work now. Don't wait until January. Now is the time to seize the reins and develop the program for the future. This time, there won't be any lectures from Uncle Dan, at least none that anyone will listen to. Gahan and Messer, in particular, won't waste a minute on taking advice from the increasingly isolated and irrelevant Mr. Coffey. I doubt that Mr. Gonder and Mrs. Benedetti will waste any time mining the "Bazooka Joe(r)" insights of the last-term council member from the former 1st District.
That leaves you, Mr. McLaughlin. With whom will you align yourself? The Coffey Clatch or the future? If even Mr. Price is prepared to abandon the failed policies of "Councilman Cappucino," mightn't you see the advantage of aligning yourself with the 21st Century instead of the 19th?
Thank you to shadowna5 for allowing me to contribute tonight. Let me thank Linda Moeller, Bill Lohmeyer, Terry Ginkins, and Jimmy Hancock for granting me press access to the election board. I hope that we lived up to the practical standards of good journalism.
Journalism is, at root, journaling, and I believe that so long as you reveal your biases it is perfectly acceptable to editorialize while reporting. I hope, for my sake and for shadow5's, that the point of view wasn't too annoying to blog readers.
As it turned out, and as best as we can determine, NA Shadow Council provided the first and most accurate online results of the New Albany municipal elections.
An unexpected technical glitch almost prevented us from providing this service to the public. An unexpected technical glitch delayed the County Clerk's official site from providing preliminary numbers, too. Fortunately, everything came together and for those who simply had to know the results as they came in, NA Shadow Council was able to provide them.
As I told a number of people, I haven't enjoyed myself as much in 30 years. I hope our reporting was useful to you. I look forward to working with NA Shadow Council over the next four years to provide you with timely news and opinion on city council issues.
Thank you again to Linda Moeller and the Floyd County Election Board. You could not have been more gracious to us and to the other members of the press who relied on your outstanding accommodation of the media on election night.
Congratulations to Doug England, our next mayor. Congratulations to Jack Messer, John Gonder, and Kevin Zurschmeide, our returning and new at-large council members. Kevin and John are elected for the first time and Jack's leadership over the past four years was amply rewarded. Maybe someday I'll relate a neat story about the 4,106-4,105 margin for top vote-getter. In a third class city, that would make Jack the mayor.
We extend our personal congratulations to Bob Caesar, who will represent the 2nd District beginning in January. A massive improvement, to our way of thinking. Pat McLaughlin's victory is even sweeter. Pat lost by a narrow margin to incumbent Larry Kochert in 2003 and despite Kochert's attempts to screw Pat this year, McLaughlin won handily. We're equally pleased and happy to extend congratulations to Jeff Gahan, who, despite an inexplicable single-issue stance, has proved to be a true representative of all that is best for New Albany.
We're less enthused, but not totally dismayed by the victory of Diane McCartin Benedetti, or Diane McCartin-Benedetti, depending on who you consult for naming conventions. Undisclosed but adequately confirmed expressions by that council member-elect raise serious questions, but we look forward to seeing whether the new actual5 can live up to the standard set by shadow5's set of issues.
We've been made aware of a serious effort to help the returning 3rd District council member become a true champion of his constituents' interests. Let's hope Mr. Price can mature into an admirable representative for the true interests of those he represents. His victory met expectations.
Mr. Coffey, unopposed this election, remains an embarrassment to his district, his party, and to humanity. Should he evade indictment and conviction for despicable crimes, he will serve for the next four years and can be expected to vote consistently against the interest of his constituents.
Marcey, you did everything and more that anyone could expect in serving this community and navigating the dangerous waters of city government. Congratulations, Ms. Wisman, for your victory and reelection to the important office of City Clerk. Let us know how we can help you.
This will be the first of many requests this blog will make of the new council: Increase the budget, including the salaries, for the office of the City Clerk.
The Democratic victory, the second in two elections, lays the groundwork for a singular opportunity. Fail to achieve progress, and you won't have a shot at a third near-sweep. Republicans have lots of lessons to learn from this election and they will assuredly be trying to discern them.
Take full advantage of the opportunity, Dems, and start to work now. Don't wait until January. Now is the time to seize the reins and develop the program for the future. This time, there won't be any lectures from Uncle Dan, at least none that anyone will listen to. Gahan and Messer, in particular, won't waste a minute on taking advice from the increasingly isolated and irrelevant Mr. Coffey. I doubt that Mr. Gonder and Mrs. Benedetti will waste any time mining the "Bazooka Joe(r)" insights of the last-term council member from the former 1st District.
That leaves you, Mr. McLaughlin. With whom will you align yourself? The Coffey Clatch or the future? If even Mr. Price is prepared to abandon the failed policies of "Councilman Cappucino," mightn't you see the advantage of aligning yourself with the 21st Century instead of the 19th?
Live From the Election Board
Incumbent Jack Messer earned the highest total of votes in Tuesday's election for council member at-large with 4,106 votes tallied. Fellow Democrat John Gonder recorded one fewer nods, with 4,105. Republican Kevin Zurschmeide will join the pair on the nine-member council.
Three Democratic Party incumbents were returned to office along with newcomers Pat McLaughlin, Bob Caesar, and Diane Benedetti. Jeff Gahan, Steve Price, and Dan Coffey, all Democrats, return to office.
Doug England made easy work of his opponent and will be sworn in this January to a third term as Mayor of New Albany.
Eight Democrats will join incumbent Republican Kevin Zurschmeide on New Albany's City Council after edging Democrat James Hollis for the final at-large seat. Zurschmeide took 3,772 votes to Hollis's 3,632.
BULLETIN: The City Council lineup is set with incumbents Dan Coffey (D-1), Steve Price (D-3), Jeff Gahan (D-6), and Jack Messer (D-At-large) returned to office. Joining them will be John Gonder, the leading vote-getter in the at-large race, Diane McCartin Benedetti (D-5), and Bob Caesar (D-2). We await the cliffhanger between Zurschmeide (R-At-large) and Hollis (D-At-large). WNAS reports Zurschmeide edged Hollis.
The judge at Ekin Avenue is having problems closing the voting, so District 5 is still up in the air with precincts 9 and 10 still to report. Bliss is hanging in there.
Doug England (D) is the mayor-elect. Marcey Wisman (D) is returned as city clerk.
7:02 Italics means the counting is over in that race. As of the moment, Steve Price, Dan Coffey, and Bob Caesar are elected. The smell of a Democratic sweep is in the air...Mr. Gahan is in a fight, but safer than incumbent Republican Kevin Zurschmeide, who trail the third Democrat in the at-large race with only four precincts to go.
With 34 of 34 precincts reporting 100% of precincts
County Clerk Linda Moeller provides the preliminary but not quite "official" numbers, by precinct, for your analysis, at http://www.floydcounty.in.gov/2007electionprecinct.htm.
Our apologies for leaving "bad" numbers up for more than four hours. The "facts" were provided, but the margins were incomplete.
6:36 p.m. First "official" results are in, with 7 precincts reporting. WNAS reports that Doug England will return to the mayor's office by a 200-vote margin. But here are the early official numbers.
England with 56.86% of the vote out of 1,261 votes.
Gonder leads in the at-large race, followed by Messer and Hollis, all Democrats.
Coffey has 372 votes in D1
No votes yet for D2
Price 48.92%, Scharlow 47.84% with a margin of 4 votes.
Benedetti leads Bliss in D5 by 54.64% of the vote.
No reports in D4 or D6
Wisman leads with 63.86% of the vote.
This is with 18% of the precincts reporting.
6:28 p.m. We are waiting for the very first reports. Bob Snook says he expected to have all the results by now. Mr. Snook is here reporting to the Calumet Club for the Republicans...we had met before and he reminds me that John Gonder and Ruthanne Wolfe credit (blame?) him for their having met.
Great story being told as we wait. Chairman Lohmeyer is telling war stories from four decades ago.
In the context of close elections (the recent sheriff race, and perhaps tonight's races), Bill told us how he has personal experience with it all. Seems that 40 years ago this week Bill went on the radio to declare victory in the race for city judge, having defeated the late Basil (Bud) Lorch by 397 votes. Yet, on the way home in the car he hears that Mr. Lorch has been declared the winner.
We won't go into the details tonight, but the case of Lorch v. Lohmeyer went all the way to the Indiana Supreme Court where, by a 3-2 party line vote, Al Gore...oops, Bill Lohmeyer was denied a victory and Mr. Lorch assumed the office.
Linda Moeller, County Court Clerk, is the big cheese over this operation, along with the Election Board. That board consists of 2 Democrats and 1 Republican who, with the clerk run the election. Bill Lohmeyer is chairman, Terry Ginkins is the other Democrat, and Jimmy Hancock serves to keep things kosher for the GOP.
That board's composition is determined by how Floyd County voted in the latest election for Secretary of State. Last time out, Floyd voted for the Democrat and even though the Democrat did not win statewide, that sets the makeup of the local board. The last few elections were "run" by a majority-Republican board of election.
Linda, as could be expected, has been very good about welcoming the media into the fray. Although none of the accredited media nor this blogger are permitted into the inner sanctum, we have been made welcome.
Mrs. Moeller, of necessity, is not on the second floor, but rather in the lobby of the building to assist in the "recovery" of the ballots, etc.
We're counting down with the Election Board at the City-County Building. We'll again post from newest to oldest. One longtime observer of the election scene says the numbers are small enough to be different from the regular municipal race with an incumbent. Those are usually high numbers, by tradition to vote out the "bums" (his word, not mine).
Another expert who ought to know has indicated that our earlier prediction of 8,800 total voters may not be very far off.
In any case, it's no longer time for predictions. It's time for the counting.
Here's how it's going to work. First, the election board will direct its technical people to post partial results as they come in. Only later will we have precinct-by-precinct totals.
To join the party live, log on to http://www.floydcounty.in.gov/ for real-time results.
Three Democratic Party incumbents were returned to office along with newcomers Pat McLaughlin, Bob Caesar, and Diane Benedetti. Jeff Gahan, Steve Price, and Dan Coffey, all Democrats, return to office.
Doug England made easy work of his opponent and will be sworn in this January to a third term as Mayor of New Albany.
Eight Democrats will join incumbent Republican Kevin Zurschmeide on New Albany's City Council after edging Democrat James Hollis for the final at-large seat. Zurschmeide took 3,772 votes to Hollis's 3,632.
BULLETIN: The City Council lineup is set with incumbents Dan Coffey (D-1), Steve Price (D-3), Jeff Gahan (D-6), and Jack Messer (D-At-large) returned to office. Joining them will be John Gonder, the leading vote-getter in the at-large race, Diane McCartin Benedetti (D-5), and Bob Caesar (D-2). We await the cliffhanger between Zurschmeide (R-At-large) and Hollis (D-At-large). WNAS reports Zurschmeide edged Hollis.
The judge at Ekin Avenue is having problems closing the voting, so District 5 is still up in the air with precincts 9 and 10 still to report. Bliss is hanging in there.
Doug England (D) is the mayor-elect. Marcey Wisman (D) is returned as city clerk.
7:02 Italics means the counting is over in that race. As of the moment, Steve Price, Dan Coffey, and Bob Caesar are elected. The smell of a Democratic sweep is in the air...Mr. Gahan is in a fight, but safer than incumbent Republican Kevin Zurschmeide, who trail the third Democrat in the at-large race with only four precincts to go.
With 34 of 34 precincts reporting 100% of precincts
County Clerk Linda Moeller provides the preliminary but not quite "official" numbers, by precinct, for your analysis, at http://www.floydcounty.in.gov/2007electionprecinct.htm.
Our apologies for leaving "bad" numbers up for more than four hours. The "facts" were provided, but the margins were incomplete.
6:36 p.m. First "official" results are in, with 7 precincts reporting. WNAS reports that Doug England will return to the mayor's office by a 200-vote margin. But here are the early official numbers.
England with 56.86% of the vote out of 1,261 votes.
Gonder leads in the at-large race, followed by Messer and Hollis, all Democrats.
Coffey has 372 votes in D1
No votes yet for D2
Price 48.92%, Scharlow 47.84% with a margin of 4 votes.
Benedetti leads Bliss in D5 by 54.64% of the vote.
No reports in D4 or D6
Wisman leads with 63.86% of the vote.
This is with 18% of the precincts reporting.
6:28 p.m. We are waiting for the very first reports. Bob Snook says he expected to have all the results by now. Mr. Snook is here reporting to the Calumet Club for the Republicans...we had met before and he reminds me that John Gonder and Ruthanne Wolfe credit (blame?) him for their having met.
Great story being told as we wait. Chairman Lohmeyer is telling war stories from four decades ago.
In the context of close elections (the recent sheriff race, and perhaps tonight's races), Bill told us how he has personal experience with it all. Seems that 40 years ago this week Bill went on the radio to declare victory in the race for city judge, having defeated the late Basil (Bud) Lorch by 397 votes. Yet, on the way home in the car he hears that Mr. Lorch has been declared the winner.
We won't go into the details tonight, but the case of Lorch v. Lohmeyer went all the way to the Indiana Supreme Court where, by a 3-2 party line vote, Al Gore...oops, Bill Lohmeyer was denied a victory and Mr. Lorch assumed the office.
Linda Moeller, County Court Clerk, is the big cheese over this operation, along with the Election Board. That board consists of 2 Democrats and 1 Republican who, with the clerk run the election. Bill Lohmeyer is chairman, Terry Ginkins is the other Democrat, and Jimmy Hancock serves to keep things kosher for the GOP.
That board's composition is determined by how Floyd County voted in the latest election for Secretary of State. Last time out, Floyd voted for the Democrat and even though the Democrat did not win statewide, that sets the makeup of the local board. The last few elections were "run" by a majority-Republican board of election.
Linda, as could be expected, has been very good about welcoming the media into the fray. Although none of the accredited media nor this blogger are permitted into the inner sanctum, we have been made welcome.
Mrs. Moeller, of necessity, is not on the second floor, but rather in the lobby of the building to assist in the "recovery" of the ballots, etc.
We're counting down with the Election Board at the City-County Building. We'll again post from newest to oldest. One longtime observer of the election scene says the numbers are small enough to be different from the regular municipal race with an incumbent. Those are usually high numbers, by tradition to vote out the "bums" (his word, not mine).
Another expert who ought to know has indicated that our earlier prediction of 8,800 total voters may not be very far off.
In any case, it's no longer time for predictions. It's time for the counting.
Here's how it's going to work. First, the election board will direct its technical people to post partial results as they come in. Only later will we have precinct-by-precinct totals.
To join the party live, log on to http://www.floydcounty.in.gov/ for real-time results.
Live All Day Election Reporting
Late report: Precincts 5 and 6 (council District 3) vote at S. Ellen Jones School and are reporting a combined total of about 270 voters. Precincts 9 and 10 (council District 5) vote at Ekin Avenue Recreation Center and are reporting 335 voters combined. Each of these precincts contains about 1,000 residents.
We'll be shutting down at about 5:15 to prepare for rapid election returns. Not that it's a race, but The Tribune is promising a 6:30 report that will probably only give you the winners. I guess that's what counts, but we want the precinct numbers, too, for analysis.
4:13 p.m. These hour-old reports seem to confirm our expectations on raw vote totals and on trends vis-a-vis who is voting and who is not. A combined vote total, including absentee and early voting for 19A and 19B, which vote at the 4-H center, is 775 voters. That corresponds pretty well with our projections. Precinct 2 (Scribner Middle School) reports 104 voters, again in line with our overall vote total projection.
For the record, here are shadow5's endorsements, issued earlier this week.
For Mayor and City Council
For City Clerk
3:10 p.m. We'll be happy to eat our words later, but here's your T-3 hours prediction. It's based on statistical modeling and a surely faulty data set, but what should have been a blowout is turning into an extremely tight race for mayor. That won't help vulnerable incumbents like Jeff Gahan in District 6, either. The incumbent city clerk and the Democrats running at-large will be affected, too. As of this hour, we're predicting a victory by Republican Randy Hubbard by fewer than 100 votes. Unless the weekend anti-Hubbard literature dump demoralized natural Hubbard voters (or anti-England voters), GOP turnout should be "normal" and Democratic turnout severely depressed. We're eager for more information to refine this prediction, but we see it as 4,425 for Hubbard, 4,375 for England. That's 50.28% Red, 49.72% Blue. Getting out the vote in the next two hours is now a Democratic Party imperative.
3:05 p.m. Although it's just a stab in the dark, we're projecting a total vote in the neighborhood of 7,950 [Ed. that's live voting. Add 850 for early voting and absentees for a total of 8,800]. Not as bad as indicated a few moments ago, but still remarkably low. The voters are really turned off is the consensus opinion. Many people sitting this one out.
3 p.m. It's purely anecdotal, but it's starting to look like a record low turnout. That's a recipe for the bad guys to win. That's not to cast aspersions on anyone who wins, but the city is not served well by low turnouts. As we parse the numbers here at election central, it's starting to seem that the raw number of general election voters will be pretty close to the number of voters in the primaries. If that's true, the final tally is going to be embarrassingly low. In District 3, that bodes ill for the incumbent, who would ordinarily rely on straight-party voters to put him over the top. With a competitive race at the top of the ticket, a the barest beginnings of a Scharlow upset are in the making. That same low turnout works against Doug England and the other Democrats running citywide. The core Democratic precincts are staying home while the suburb-style parts of New Albany are voting at about twice the level. Could we be seeing a major restructuring of the party landscape?
2:36 p.m. Less than four hours of voting left and this just in: Precinct 6 (in the District 3 race between Scharlow and Price (and Keister)), a 1:30 report says 118 had voted. That precinct contains just under a thousand people, pegging the voting in the mid teens, by our guess. Again, you would think that a low turnout would favor the incumbent Democrat.
In related news from Jeffersonville, council members in that third class city (that's a legal designation) voted to raise the pay of elected officials just before election day. Here's an excerpt from Larry Thomas's report from the Evening News. "If ultimately enacted, the ordinance would up the mayor’s annual salary from $62,481 to $84,000, an increase of $21,519, or 34.4 percent. The clerk-treasurer’s salary would increase $8,956, or 15.4 percent, from $58,244 to $67,200. The City Court judge’s salary would increase 10.4 percent, or $5,674, from $54,326 to $60,000. Council salaries would increase from $9,762 to $13,350, an increase of $3,588, or 26.9 percent." Hmmmm.
1:05 p.m. With much more reliable reporting by this time of day, one of today's contributors was able to predict the total Democratic vote for mayor in the spring primary within just a couple of votes. It doesn't look like we'll have that kind of reliability today without a formal canvass of the voting places. Keep sending those reports in.
1 p.m. The Tribune reported online at http://www.newsandtribune.com/ that 42 votes had been recorded at precint 28A in District 6 (Jeff Gahan defends his seat against late entry Sam Anderson). And that was at 7:30 a.m. On that sketchy evidence, let's assume a heavy turnout at the margins of the city; I believe that is Gahan's home precinct, but also home to a slightly more affluent crowd that by conventional wisdom would be expected to vote for Republicans.
12:30 p.m. The Ekin Avenue Recreation Center is the polling place for precincts 9 and 10. Both were in District 5, where Dick Bliss contends with Diane McCartin-Benedetti for the open seat. P10 has been moved into District 3, however, if the recent city council ordinance is valid. Canvassing and campaigning is prohibited within 50 feet of the polling place, but the interpretation of the county clerk of that prohibition is that the measurement starts from the actual polling booth, permitting campaigners to work the steps and doorway. At least one reporter says that this exercise of free speech was harassing and intimidating and that the McCartin-Benedetti poll workers were aggressively hawking their candidate.
Noon
Report of light voting in precinct 5. At 11:30, 50 voters had passed through the polling place at S. Ellen Jones Elementary School. P5 is loaded with Scharlow voters, but the interesting thing is that we can probably personally name 50 people who will definitely vote and will definitely vote for Scharlow. It's counterintuitive, of course, but the low turnout might just mean that Price voters are staying home this time around. P5 contains 1,049 residents, so let's call it a 10% turnout so far.
11:42 a.m.
P16 - heavy turnout in District 2 (Caesar v. Harbison)
P3 - light turnout in District 3 (Price v. Scharlow v. Keister)
11:41 a.m. Call 'em in when you vote. or e-mail us your reports.
11:40 a.m. Since we don't have the registered voter numbers, we'll be going with residential population numbers from the 2000 census.
11:30 a.m. Harvesting from various sources, precinct 3 had recorded at least 56 voters by 10 a.m. P3 contains 1,500 residents. That's a light turnout in one of the Price v. Scharlow key precincts, the largest in District 3 and heavily Democratic. Light turnout would presumably favor Price.
9:45 a.m. Early indications are that turnout will be heavy in the New Albany Municipal elections today. We'll be passing on the tidbits of news we receive here at election central throughout the day and are planning to report election returns and commentary throughout the evening.
Send us your precinct voting totals during the day as you vote. Also, please feel free to report election irregularities to the precinct judge, the county clerk, and to us.
Precinct 16 reports more than 100 voters through the polling place as of 9:30. That indicates a surprisingly heavy turnout. According to the 2000 census, there are 1,184 residents in 16. We don't have the registered voter count, but let's assume it's 600 voters. That would mean that with more than 8 hours of voting time remaining, 16% of registered voters have turned out. That would not count early and absentee votes. Pretty impressive. Congratulations to the residents of precinct 16.
We'll be shutting down at about 5:15 to prepare for rapid election returns. Not that it's a race, but The Tribune is promising a 6:30 report that will probably only give you the winners. I guess that's what counts, but we want the precinct numbers, too, for analysis.
4:13 p.m. These hour-old reports seem to confirm our expectations on raw vote totals and on trends vis-a-vis who is voting and who is not. A combined vote total, including absentee and early voting for 19A and 19B, which vote at the 4-H center, is 775 voters. That corresponds pretty well with our projections. Precinct 2 (Scribner Middle School) reports 104 voters, again in line with our overall vote total projection.
For the record, here are shadow5's endorsements, issued earlier this week.
For Mayor and City Council
For City Clerk
3:10 p.m. We'll be happy to eat our words later, but here's your T-3 hours prediction. It's based on statistical modeling and a surely faulty data set, but what should have been a blowout is turning into an extremely tight race for mayor. That won't help vulnerable incumbents like Jeff Gahan in District 6, either. The incumbent city clerk and the Democrats running at-large will be affected, too. As of this hour, we're predicting a victory by Republican Randy Hubbard by fewer than 100 votes. Unless the weekend anti-Hubbard literature dump demoralized natural Hubbard voters (or anti-England voters), GOP turnout should be "normal" and Democratic turnout severely depressed. We're eager for more information to refine this prediction, but we see it as 4,425 for Hubbard, 4,375 for England. That's 50.28% Red, 49.72% Blue. Getting out the vote in the next two hours is now a Democratic Party imperative.
3:05 p.m. Although it's just a stab in the dark, we're projecting a total vote in the neighborhood of 7,950 [Ed. that's live voting. Add 850 for early voting and absentees for a total of 8,800]. Not as bad as indicated a few moments ago, but still remarkably low. The voters are really turned off is the consensus opinion. Many people sitting this one out.
3 p.m. It's purely anecdotal, but it's starting to look like a record low turnout. That's a recipe for the bad guys to win. That's not to cast aspersions on anyone who wins, but the city is not served well by low turnouts. As we parse the numbers here at election central, it's starting to seem that the raw number of general election voters will be pretty close to the number of voters in the primaries. If that's true, the final tally is going to be embarrassingly low. In District 3, that bodes ill for the incumbent, who would ordinarily rely on straight-party voters to put him over the top. With a competitive race at the top of the ticket, a the barest beginnings of a Scharlow upset are in the making. That same low turnout works against Doug England and the other Democrats running citywide. The core Democratic precincts are staying home while the suburb-style parts of New Albany are voting at about twice the level. Could we be seeing a major restructuring of the party landscape?
2:36 p.m. Less than four hours of voting left and this just in: Precinct 6 (in the District 3 race between Scharlow and Price (and Keister)), a 1:30 report says 118 had voted. That precinct contains just under a thousand people, pegging the voting in the mid teens, by our guess. Again, you would think that a low turnout would favor the incumbent Democrat.
In related news from Jeffersonville, council members in that third class city (that's a legal designation) voted to raise the pay of elected officials just before election day. Here's an excerpt from Larry Thomas's report from the Evening News. "If ultimately enacted, the ordinance would up the mayor’s annual salary from $62,481 to $84,000, an increase of $21,519, or 34.4 percent. The clerk-treasurer’s salary would increase $8,956, or 15.4 percent, from $58,244 to $67,200. The City Court judge’s salary would increase 10.4 percent, or $5,674, from $54,326 to $60,000. Council salaries would increase from $9,762 to $13,350, an increase of $3,588, or 26.9 percent." Hmmmm.
1:05 p.m. With much more reliable reporting by this time of day, one of today's contributors was able to predict the total Democratic vote for mayor in the spring primary within just a couple of votes. It doesn't look like we'll have that kind of reliability today without a formal canvass of the voting places. Keep sending those reports in.
1 p.m. The Tribune reported online at http://www.newsandtribune.com/ that 42 votes had been recorded at precint 28A in District 6 (Jeff Gahan defends his seat against late entry Sam Anderson). And that was at 7:30 a.m. On that sketchy evidence, let's assume a heavy turnout at the margins of the city; I believe that is Gahan's home precinct, but also home to a slightly more affluent crowd that by conventional wisdom would be expected to vote for Republicans.
12:30 p.m. The Ekin Avenue Recreation Center is the polling place for precincts 9 and 10. Both were in District 5, where Dick Bliss contends with Diane McCartin-Benedetti for the open seat. P10 has been moved into District 3, however, if the recent city council ordinance is valid. Canvassing and campaigning is prohibited within 50 feet of the polling place, but the interpretation of the county clerk of that prohibition is that the measurement starts from the actual polling booth, permitting campaigners to work the steps and doorway. At least one reporter says that this exercise of free speech was harassing and intimidating and that the McCartin-Benedetti poll workers were aggressively hawking their candidate.
Noon
Report of light voting in precinct 5. At 11:30, 50 voters had passed through the polling place at S. Ellen Jones Elementary School. P5 is loaded with Scharlow voters, but the interesting thing is that we can probably personally name 50 people who will definitely vote and will definitely vote for Scharlow. It's counterintuitive, of course, but the low turnout might just mean that Price voters are staying home this time around. P5 contains 1,049 residents, so let's call it a 10% turnout so far.
11:42 a.m.
P16 - heavy turnout in District 2 (Caesar v. Harbison)
P3 - light turnout in District 3 (Price v. Scharlow v. Keister)
11:41 a.m. Call 'em in when you vote. or e-mail us your reports.
11:40 a.m. Since we don't have the registered voter numbers, we'll be going with residential population numbers from the 2000 census.
11:30 a.m. Harvesting from various sources, precinct 3 had recorded at least 56 voters by 10 a.m. P3 contains 1,500 residents. That's a light turnout in one of the Price v. Scharlow key precincts, the largest in District 3 and heavily Democratic. Light turnout would presumably favor Price.
9:45 a.m. Early indications are that turnout will be heavy in the New Albany Municipal elections today. We'll be passing on the tidbits of news we receive here at election central throughout the day and are planning to report election returns and commentary throughout the evening.
Send us your precinct voting totals during the day as you vote. Also, please feel free to report election irregularities to the precinct judge, the county clerk, and to us.
Precinct 16 reports more than 100 voters through the polling place as of 9:30. That indicates a surprisingly heavy turnout. According to the 2000 census, there are 1,184 residents in 16. We don't have the registered voter count, but let's assume it's 600 voters. That would mean that with more than 8 hours of voting time remaining, 16% of registered voters have turned out. That would not count early and absentee votes. Pretty impressive. Congratulations to the residents of precinct 16.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Wisman a Shining Light
While shadow5 has struggled with a few of the council races and required months to reach a conclusion regarding the mayoral race, the decision for city clerk was easy.
We're proud to issue an unequivocal endorsement of Marcey Wisman and we encourage you in the strongest terms to return her to office for another four years.
Wisman understands the role of her office and has been able to negotiate the piranha-infested waters that swirl the tiles of the third floor. The incredible demands on her time are hardly compensated by the salary this council will commit to the office. And faced with a woefully small budget, Wisman has upgraded the delivery of services, edged the office nearer to technological parity, and maintained dignity and admirable neutrality in her personal conduct.
Marcey's a mature but still relatively youthful public servant and we look forward to seeing what she can do if the new council comes to recognize the importance of her office. If readers have gained any confidence in this blogger's reliability over the past weeks, take this endorsement under advisement as you go to the polls.
Our strongest support in the 2007 elections goes to at-large council candidate John Gonder, a man who will be an essential part-time component in the public-private mix that will be required to move this city toward civic health. Wisman's full-time work will be equally essential. In those two races, we have no doubt whatsoever about our vote.
We're proud to issue an unequivocal endorsement of Marcey Wisman and we encourage you in the strongest terms to return her to office for another four years.
Wisman understands the role of her office and has been able to negotiate the piranha-infested waters that swirl the tiles of the third floor. The incredible demands on her time are hardly compensated by the salary this council will commit to the office. And faced with a woefully small budget, Wisman has upgraded the delivery of services, edged the office nearer to technological parity, and maintained dignity and admirable neutrality in her personal conduct.
Marcey's a mature but still relatively youthful public servant and we look forward to seeing what she can do if the new council comes to recognize the importance of her office. If readers have gained any confidence in this blogger's reliability over the past weeks, take this endorsement under advisement as you go to the polls.
Our strongest support in the 2007 elections goes to at-large council candidate John Gonder, a man who will be an essential part-time component in the public-private mix that will be required to move this city toward civic health. Wisman's full-time work will be equally essential. In those two races, we have no doubt whatsoever about our vote.
Friday, November 2, 2007
Endorsements 2007 - Like Anybody Cares
District 1 - vote, but leave the district race blank, firing for effect
District 2 - Bob Caesar (D)
District 3 - Brenda Scharlow (R)
District 4 - Pat McLaughlin (D)
District 5 - Dick Bliss (R)
District 6 - Sam Anderson (R)
At-Large - John Gonder (D), Jack Messer (D), Kevin Zurschmeide (R), in that order.
Mayor...
Mayor... ... ...
Mayor - Doug England (D)
President - Al Gore (D, Nobel Peace Prize winner, elected commander-in-chief in 2000)
But then, I hear the district race winners' seats will be declared vacant on constitutional grounds and new elections will be held in 2008...so only mayor and at-large endorsements have any meaning.
As a lifelong Democrat and a democrat, I would never have imagined endorsing 4 Republicans (and it would have been 5 if the GOP had the cojones to put someone up in D1), I can hardly fathom this slate. But that's the way it is when Democrats aren't democrats.
Pending further developments...see ya Wednesday with a post-mortem. Aaaghh. Isn't a post-mortem what you do to a corpse?
District 2 - Bob Caesar (D)
District 3 - Brenda Scharlow (R)
District 4 - Pat McLaughlin (D)
District 5 - Dick Bliss (R)
District 6 - Sam Anderson (R)
At-Large - John Gonder (D), Jack Messer (D), Kevin Zurschmeide (R), in that order.
Mayor...
Mayor... ... ...
Mayor - Doug England (D)
President - Al Gore (D, Nobel Peace Prize winner, elected commander-in-chief in 2000)
But then, I hear the district race winners' seats will be declared vacant on constitutional grounds and new elections will be held in 2008...so only mayor and at-large endorsements have any meaning.
As a lifelong Democrat and a democrat, I would never have imagined endorsing 4 Republicans (and it would have been 5 if the GOP had the cojones to put someone up in D1), I can hardly fathom this slate. But that's the way it is when Democrats aren't democrats.
Pending further developments...see ya Wednesday with a post-mortem. Aaaghh. Isn't a post-mortem what you do to a corpse?
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Break Me Off a Piece of That. bup,bup,bup
As promised, I'll be providing a brief recap of Thursday's council meeting. The dominant topic for the evening was the animal control ordinance, which passed on first reading. Mr. Coffey, the designated "sponsor" for the ordinance, sought unanimous approval to proceed through three readings but failed to persuade all of his fellow council members that the ordinance was so cut-and-dried that it needed no study or deliberation.
One suspects that a final approval AFTER the elections fit the desires of the council in any event. After much muddled discussion of drugs, pit bulls, rottweilers, feral and other uncorraled cats, and carp (expensive and delicately beautiful carp, mind you, but carp nonetheless), plus a tutorial in dog-fighting "conventions," spillover from Metro Jefferson County's dramatic animal control ordinance, and "corner fights," the ordinance passed 9-0 on first reading.
In many respects it was a night of education, admittedly a rarity in the third floor assembly room, a room whose city occupants show regular disdain for the "E" word. Ominous, secret, expert knowledge was conveyed by Professor Coffey about where you can lay bets on dog fights and how failing to pass an animal control ordinance will invite slumlords, meth labs, and blissed out minorities bent on ruining our neighborhoods. Funny, Coffey has never seemed concerned about other initiatives that might stop the ruin of our neighborhoods, but he did have to demonstrate his superior knowledge of all things "thug." But we already knew that.
Anyway, the ordinance will pass, but two weeks from now instead of immediately. Those seeking protection from angry "pet" owners can claim, prior to the election, that no final ordinance has been passed, while those seeking protection from animal-rights folk and other good government types can say they voted "for" the ordinance. My own cat animus has no champion...except for the koi kommandos.
Seriously, that last was just for entertainment. I (shadow5), like Beverly Crump (real5), favor the ordinance. I just don't care for the theatrics. Really, I love koi. I just never realized that a koi pond might cause my property tax assessment to rise by five figures.
Oh, the council voted 7-2 to pass the Schmidt plan for newly drawn districts. Crump voted in favor of the flawed DOA plan. She also voted (along with Messer and Zurschmeide) to settle the lawsuit with the plaintiffs. I have to admit that were I in her seat, I would have done the same thing.
Please remember the names of Coffey, Price, Schmidt, Crump, Gahan, Blevins, and Kochert when the city has to come up with as much as $200,000 to take care of the mess they created. Only Coffey will be an elected official for sure, and only Price and Gahan might be in office, but all 7 are responsible for this irresponsible act and breach of their fiduciary duty.
Bev, who exclaimed "just don't call ME after December 31st," has a better excuse than 6th District council member Jeff Gahan, who inexplicably rejected a settlement of the case.
I spent the post-meeting hours at a venue that included among its attendees two of the plaintiffs in the district boundaries lawsuit. Some speculated that Gahan, genuinely concerned that the Republican nominee in Tuesday's election might have real horsepower, cast his vote to ensure that there would be no additional anti-Gahan party treason generated by his Democratic colleagues.
It's a bad bargain, Jeff. They will betray you, anyway. And you've lost any respect I might have held for your integrity. Count this as an endorsement of Sam Anderson, whoever he might be. Anything beats the hypocrisy shown by Mr. Gahan over the last 18 months in the equal protection lawsuit. Mr. Gahan's platform is clearly "Constitution, Schmonstitution." I believe Gahan is a smart man. I had believed he was an honorable man. But I cannot support his reelection.
Mr. Gahan, you might remember, was the council president who said "We have more important things to deal with" than the clearly unconstitutional inequity and inequality of voting districts. I guess that's still his stance.
But, you will ask, what does the header on this entry have to do with any of that? Well, beyond the fact that the council "broke it off" in the dorsal canal of the taxpayers Thursday night, the title refers to a piece of campaign literature that found its way into the old mailbox today.
A killer, nay, devastating flyer, destined to be the final nail in the Hubbard coffin, compares Randy Hubbard to a "cheese-eating surrender monkey." Mr. England's supporters fired a mortal blow with this piece of mail that positively kills the Hubbard campaign. Game, set, match. "Don't mess with our troops and hope to get elected" is the clear message, and the Hubbard cohort is helpless to defend at this late date.
Ironically, today was the day that new evidence of Mr. England's naked lust for votes was revealed, making it even harder to rationalize casting a vote for the English Restoration. Still, it seems inevitable that Doug England will be our next mayor. May as well get used to it.
One suspects that a final approval AFTER the elections fit the desires of the council in any event. After much muddled discussion of drugs, pit bulls, rottweilers, feral and other uncorraled cats, and carp (expensive and delicately beautiful carp, mind you, but carp nonetheless), plus a tutorial in dog-fighting "conventions," spillover from Metro Jefferson County's dramatic animal control ordinance, and "corner fights," the ordinance passed 9-0 on first reading.
In many respects it was a night of education, admittedly a rarity in the third floor assembly room, a room whose city occupants show regular disdain for the "E" word. Ominous, secret, expert knowledge was conveyed by Professor Coffey about where you can lay bets on dog fights and how failing to pass an animal control ordinance will invite slumlords, meth labs, and blissed out minorities bent on ruining our neighborhoods. Funny, Coffey has never seemed concerned about other initiatives that might stop the ruin of our neighborhoods, but he did have to demonstrate his superior knowledge of all things "thug." But we already knew that.
Anyway, the ordinance will pass, but two weeks from now instead of immediately. Those seeking protection from angry "pet" owners can claim, prior to the election, that no final ordinance has been passed, while those seeking protection from animal-rights folk and other good government types can say they voted "for" the ordinance. My own cat animus has no champion...except for the koi kommandos.
Seriously, that last was just for entertainment. I (shadow5), like Beverly Crump (real5), favor the ordinance. I just don't care for the theatrics. Really, I love koi. I just never realized that a koi pond might cause my property tax assessment to rise by five figures.
Oh, the council voted 7-2 to pass the Schmidt plan for newly drawn districts. Crump voted in favor of the flawed DOA plan. She also voted (along with Messer and Zurschmeide) to settle the lawsuit with the plaintiffs. I have to admit that were I in her seat, I would have done the same thing.
Please remember the names of Coffey, Price, Schmidt, Crump, Gahan, Blevins, and Kochert when the city has to come up with as much as $200,000 to take care of the mess they created. Only Coffey will be an elected official for sure, and only Price and Gahan might be in office, but all 7 are responsible for this irresponsible act and breach of their fiduciary duty.
Bev, who exclaimed "just don't call ME after December 31st," has a better excuse than 6th District council member Jeff Gahan, who inexplicably rejected a settlement of the case.
I spent the post-meeting hours at a venue that included among its attendees two of the plaintiffs in the district boundaries lawsuit. Some speculated that Gahan, genuinely concerned that the Republican nominee in Tuesday's election might have real horsepower, cast his vote to ensure that there would be no additional anti-Gahan party treason generated by his Democratic colleagues.
It's a bad bargain, Jeff. They will betray you, anyway. And you've lost any respect I might have held for your integrity. Count this as an endorsement of Sam Anderson, whoever he might be. Anything beats the hypocrisy shown by Mr. Gahan over the last 18 months in the equal protection lawsuit. Mr. Gahan's platform is clearly "Constitution, Schmonstitution." I believe Gahan is a smart man. I had believed he was an honorable man. But I cannot support his reelection.
Mr. Gahan, you might remember, was the council president who said "We have more important things to deal with" than the clearly unconstitutional inequity and inequality of voting districts. I guess that's still his stance.
But, you will ask, what does the header on this entry have to do with any of that? Well, beyond the fact that the council "broke it off" in the dorsal canal of the taxpayers Thursday night, the title refers to a piece of campaign literature that found its way into the old mailbox today.
A killer, nay, devastating flyer, destined to be the final nail in the Hubbard coffin, compares Randy Hubbard to a "cheese-eating surrender monkey." Mr. England's supporters fired a mortal blow with this piece of mail that positively kills the Hubbard campaign. Game, set, match. "Don't mess with our troops and hope to get elected" is the clear message, and the Hubbard cohort is helpless to defend at this late date.
Ironically, today was the day that new evidence of Mr. England's naked lust for votes was revealed, making it even harder to rationalize casting a vote for the English Restoration. Still, it seems inevitable that Doug England will be our next mayor. May as well get used to it.
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