Two classics at Volunteer Hoosier are required reading in progressive New Albania

Let’s give credit where credit is due.

Today at Volunteer Hoosier, a tour de force is in progress.

Our friend and fellow blogger Randy Smith has issued not one, but two magisterial analyses of issues pertaining to our city’s future, each focusing on a city council member who exemplifies the discredited attitudes of the past.

Here are the links, with excerpts:

Coffey Brake, or, If I Could Save Time in a Bottle

I'm here to tell Mr. (Dan) Coffey, quality of life doesn't just happen. As an elected official, it is his responsibility to use the resources of this community to build. It is not his prerogative to sit on his ass and rely on "someone else" to do it. He must be accountable to the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh generations.

William's Rules of Order, or, It Don't Matter to Me

Which brings us to Exhibit A: William Schmidt, member of council and a key to the unity of the do-nothings on the New Albany City Council.After watching this man over the last six months and after seeking the counsel of dozens of New Albanians, I have come to the conclusion that the Hon. Mr. Schmidt is one of the irredeemable members of that council.

Randy summarizes thusly:

It is time for those who want to see New Albany thrive to make their voices heard, and loudly. We're more than two years from the next election, but the progressive faction in this town must speak up now, on Scribner Place next month, on vigorous code enforcement in the coming months, and on each and every issue that arises during the next two years. Do not yield your city to the know-nothings, the luddites, the "no progress at any price" faction.

NA Confidential has little to add to Randy’s impressive work today, other than to agree and thank him for his eloquence.

The question remains: Progress or regress?

Randy has presented the case for progress, and done so in factual, unyielding prose, using the English language as it is meant to be used, as a means of conveying subtlety of context, nuances of meaning and shading of expression.

To present the case for regress, we’ve chosen an unedited Trog Blog posting that appeared yesterday:

Seniors Against Scribner Place said ...
Let the YMCA PAY FOR IT! Yes we have been lied too. No wonder the City Council can't figure out the money sisution. This Adminstration is not giving all the facts. When you really think about it. It could be alot more than $20 MILLION. Not with my damn taxes.

That says it all, folks. Which writer best represents the sort of place you wish to raise your children?