It would appear that at least publicly, nothing definite about the future disposition of the funds was revealed. Quotes are from the newspaper's coverage.
(Diane) Benedetti pressed (Dan) Coffey as to what specifically the money would be spent for, and though he referenced bicentennial efforts, he refused to specifically earmark the money.
Consequently, with nothing concrete being revealed -- at least publicly -- CM CeeSaw took a pass.
(Bob) Caesar cited his involvement with the New Albany Bicentennial Commission as his reason for abstaining from the vote. Councilwoman Shirley Baird joined Zurschmiede and Benedetti in voting against the measure.
It isn't about the Bicentennial, and yet a bicentennial commission stalwart abstains. Interesting, as was CM Baird's even more bizarre counter-offer:
She requested Coffey amend his proposal to earmark a total of $43,000 for the bicentennial commission and Develop New Albany.
“That way we’ll know where at least about half the money is going to,” she said, though Baird didn’t specify what Develop New Albany or the bicentennial commission would use the money to fund.
This proves conclusively that CM Baird lacks a sense of ironic humor; if so, surely she would have requested money for Develop New Albany in the amount of $108,000.
The Hanson Pop-Up-Sprinkled full story is here: Disputed money transfer to New Albany board of works approved; Council also unanimously passes ethics commission on initial readings
1 comment:
Mr. Coffey for years has complained about the executive branch not spending money for the specific purposes the council wanted.(Fire boat, for one, and I've always agreed with him on that) Also, he has called for more transparency but now he effectively gives the executive branch $100,000 with vague specifics which leads to murky transparency.
Seems the Mayor, when he was a councilman, also complained about similar situations. Now Mayor Gahan and Councilman Coffey are doing exactly what they both used to complain about.
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