A recent conversation has led to conflicting ideas about the collective realities that make up New Albany and Floyd County. Simply put, when I speak with local politicians, their perceptions of public awareness and attitude don't seem to jive with my own experiences. Rather than make faulty assumptions, I'm just putting it out there:
Voting for the lesser of evils is one thing. Actively supporting a candidate based on solid representation is another. Do any NAC readers concerned with downtown redevelopment, code enforcement, smart growth, historic preservation, economic development, transportation or affordable housing feel that any local politician, Democrat or Republican, is taking the lead on those issues and publicly addressing them in a manner worthy of active support?
If so, would you please name that elected official, describe what strategies they've proactivley introduced to address those issues and explain why you support them?
In an effort to both reconstitute my own peace of mind and gauge the level of hope in the community, I'd really appreciate a response from friends, enemies and indifferents alike. There's something to be learned here. I'm just not sure what it is yet.
Gracias.
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24 comments:
At the risk of raising the roof off of the barn, yeah, I got one or two. Remember when (for whatever purpose/agenda was hidden/perceived), remember when the two members on the City Council asked for an investigation into our monies? After the motion was made and seconded, the President of the Council blocked the vote? Now we have the '04 Audit back suggesting the Council do that very thing? I gotta give them credit, though it sure wasn't popular at that time and it don't seem to be getting anywhere at this time.
You do have some good elected officials on the County level doing their job, but they aren't involved in all of the subjects you mentioned.
There's more than a few I have problems with downtown on the City level, and some of you may be in awe that I might just be in agreement about some Council members; then, at the same time, I'd fight and go to **** for some that get so lambasted/harpooned. Actions speak so much louder than words, and I know of one specifically who does that exact thing and has NOTHING to prove to me and mine.
Didn't mean for this to turn into a dissertation. Definitely no indifference on this end; mostly frustration because of unkept promises (but hey, what else is new)?
Good question, Bluegill.
As my bride would put it, "who gets it?"
I'd have to say that I pay attention pretty closely, and there are a paltry few who seem to get it.
Yes, there may be many who "get it," but if that fact is shared only within their households, it is essentially irrelevant.
I may root vigorously for, say, the Cincinnati Reds (I don't), but if I take great pains to keep that to myself, no one will describe me as a Reds fan.
If through timidity, inarticulateness, or inbred fence-sitting I "hide my light under a bushel basket," few will know my views.
And if I am unwilling to even express my views, how can I expect anyone to attribute to me "support" for those views.
So, when it comes to that list of inarguably progressive causes, the body politic and its component of elected officials is decidedly silent.
That doesn't necessarily mean they are regressive, but it does raise the question as to whether they are indeed lacking in courage, indeed so personally conservative and fearful, indeed so lacking in ability to speak their visions, that there arises no significant reason to distinguish them from those, like the Democratic triumvirate of Coffey, Schmidt, and Kochert, and their boy-toy Price.
But I will take a stab at your challenge.
From the County Council, I would have to identify members Randy Stumler and Dana Fendley as ones who get the fact that a vital city core is essential to the viability of Floyd County.
That is most clearly seen in their respective stances on public investment in downtown New Albany, which are, in a bit of irony, precincts from which they do not recieve votes. That's right. They represent districts outside the urban core, but know intrinsically how making the city core vital creates a synergy that spins off to benefit the community as a whole.
City Council member Jack Messer epitomizes the involved legislator who gets it. He exhibits a startling ability to synthesize horse sense with creative vision, and is unafraid to express his enthusiasm for many of the causes you outline. What's more, Messer is unafraid to cry foul when the Gangsters trot out their Kabuki performances.
Stumler, Fendley, Messer. That's pretty much it. His Honor, the mayor, is knowledgeable and supportive of many of the initiatives you define, Bluegill, but I must concede that his light continues to flare inside that "bushel basket" more often than not.
What's really puzzling is that the causes you list are eminently mainstream. That makes it all the more baffling that so few are willing to champion these causes.
From my experiences in New Albany, these causes are in no way radical. Supporting them would seem to be the path of least resistance. Most people, in overwhelming numbers, consider these to be completely obvious.
Obviously, you've not laid out a "platform" for these issues, but most readers can intuit most of your views in re this list.
But, any officeholder or candidate who embraced those intuitive positions would rise so far above the ground clutter that it could foment a revolution in local public policy.
I join you in pleading that those who desire to represent their fellow citizens step up and articulate their vision for tomorrow's city and county. The Democrats are, at a minimum, silent, and the Republicans, for the most part, are invisible.
There is nothing "safe" about remaining in the shadows. It harms us all and reinforces an image of Floyd County that none of us can be proud of.
May I add my voice to yours if, as I read you, you are calling for a party, a body, a candidate to reveal themselves and take ownership of these issues.
While I enjoyed Randy's ruminations on the local political climate, while one can reduce New Alabany's apathy to slogans (getting It or otherwise) or, conversely, point towards McCartin's Manifest Destiny i.e. It will happen, out east in that Sellersburg Corridor. Either choice isn't the answer, but perhaps if the folks of Progress conducted themselves differently, there would be more of a correlation with the public views of the professional politicians. I think that when the platform for progress is often occupied in transparent commerce and disproportionate flame campaigns (whether or not the intended targets "invite" this attention). I tend to think that the thrust will have occur from the Historical Preservation Society, the Arts Council, etc -- smaller influential groups of concerned citizens with a broader representation of New Albany.
I think the key word is leadership. We have several elected officials who are fine people, and they have the good of their community at heart, but there is no leadership–no one taking the bull by the horns and really helping to steer (pardon the pun!) New Albany positively into the future.
A Dem,
Would you mind naming names? There are a lot of us out here not in the "inner" circle(s). Sure, I have been around the blogs long enough to speculate who one participant may be talking about but that is the problem. Mostly we "outers" just see the disagreements among the participants. What and who are some of the agreements? The Linden issue seems to be one.
A Democrat in Floyd County said, “Remember when the two members on the City Council asked for an investigation into our monies? After the motion was made and seconded, the President of the Council blocked the vote?”
In regards to the above statement, the call for a vote and its second was during the public response period of the city council meeting. As I recall, Valla Ann was standing at the podium delivering her comments at that time. There are those that blast Cm. Gahan for not following Roberts Rules of Order, and then when he does, he takes shots for that too! There was opportunity later in that session under new business for a motion to be made, but no one did. So Gahan didn’t stop the vote, he conducted the meeting in an orderly fashion.
While we’re discussing RRO, I have read several times where someone questioned why something that is defeated in the first reading must go on to a second and third reading.
I wondered about this myself, I finally asked someone about it; it seems there is a state law requiring bills to have three readings. I also read that requirement in the nifty book about how cites and townships in Indiana are to be governed, which I was able to purchase from Destinations Booksellers for a mere $75.00. Well worth the expense.
IMHO, each and every councilperson as individuals are very concerned about their constituents and districts, (yes, even Cm. Coffey and Price) it’s getting them all to work together that seems to be a big problem. There is so much finger pointing, he said she said, that simply nothing is getting done! I’m all for an audit, in fact it should be done every year, and I think it is, by the state. And, since there is a discrepancy, an outside audit should be mandatory. Of course, after its all said and done, no one will be prosecuted, no one will serve any jail time. All we will have is answers to questions we already know. If you think the city of New Albany is the only business that mismanages its funds, you got another think coming. We have seen it in corporate America over the past twenty years. Agreeing with another blog, it’s not about the small people anymore, its about the shareholders. We are share holders as such for the city, we elect every four years a new chairman of the board, as well as board members themselves. This city has not moved forward much more than a snails pace for the past thirty years, and why is that? It seems (and it doesn’t matter what the names are!) we as shareholders keep electing the same kind of people to run our company (city). For those that want to blame the current administration, the problems we face have been going on for years! In reality there is no one to blame but ourselves, low voter turn out, unqualified candidates running for public office, the list goes on and on.
Until Americans, start to get re-involved with their government, local and national, nothing is going to change. Big money keeps collecting all the marbles, and all we seem to be able to do is run home and cry foul!
Sorry for the rant. Just my two cents.
iamhoosier, Even though I was promised that would and could be kept civil, I'm not getting the warm fuzzies from Mr. Carmickle.
Anyways, he is right -- it was a Council meeting.
The issue falls down when the argument is used "the State does an Audit every year". The State only does a PARTIAL Audit, couldn't completely 02 and 03's, and suggested an investigation because of all of the irregularities found.
According to Council members, there is current 5 Million dollars mising from the sewer fund. Do I want to name names? If you do your homework on the City's web page and examine some minutes -- it'll stick with you longer.
Until SOMEONE, who has no ties and obligations or needs, can come in here and lock down all of the unncessary services (of course, keep any emergency and sanitation departments going), and get a handle on our monies -- we are going to get no where real fast.
We found the two sets of books in 02. Ain't been that long ago. Still needs straightened out. It's all documented. Certain taxpayers have made sure certain things are put in those minutes, because they have to be.
No one is willing to do what HAS TO BE DONE in order for us to do what NEEDS TO BE DONE in order for us to succeed. The more we try to right the boat, the more we get waylaid. But, we're trying. Thanks for asking.
Uh, thanks, I think.
Ms. Kersey, I assure you nothing short of warm fuzzy’s was intended. I was just pointing out that night you were referring to, I saw it differently. Ms. Valla Ann was standing at the podium, giving her response, when I believe Cm. Schmidt made a motion, and it was seconded by either Cm. Price or Coffey. At that point of the meeting, open public forum, was not the time to bring up the subject for a vote, that time would come and go, later.
It’s funny how the people on both blogs want the same thing, proper government of the city, county, state, and nation. But we all see it different. I did not think there was one thing in my post that you could find as an attack on you, or give you fodder for an attack on me. The main reason I quit reading and responding on the other blog was because attacks was all it was about. Why take the time to read something that cannot be proven as fact or fiction because the author is scared to reveal their source.
Because I believe in this mayor doesn’t make me a bad person, and because you do not believe in him doesn’t make you a bad person either. We just see this administration in different light.
Just like every time I hear that the city pissed away 44 million dollars on the sewers, I know better, I drive past the treatment plant everyday. The amount of construction that has been accomplished did not happen for free! Of course, there are still bugs that need to be worked out, but I seriously doubt that another 44 million dollars will be required to fix the problems. Yet, from what I am told, another blog swears up and down it will take gazillions of dollars to make it right.
Just like Scribner Place, all we hear is a chicken little crying all the EDIT money is gone for 17 years, but not one time in the same breath is it mentioned that the Caesars Trust Fund will be giving one million dollars a year to the city. Why is it that part always gets lost in the translation.
I do have to say, that you always seem to have figures to throw out at council meetings, and at least you get up there and stand your ground, but on the same note, I don’t recall ever hearing where your figures came from, you never seem to name your sources. And this is not an attack on you. Ms. Kersey, if I wanted to attach you, believe me I have the guts to do it in public, in front of witnesses. Not hiding behind an assumed name on an assumed blog.
Warmest regards,
Rick Carmickle
The problem of complacency is everywhere. People who have the knowledge, guts and know-how to make things happen and change are too busy in their own activities. Politics has become a way of life for many who are currently serving and they do not really want to stir the pot to make the needed changes.
The few who do, are outnumbered and repeatedly shot down until they too lose heart and get out.
Maybe a 6-8 year term with no reappointment would cause some to get in, make the needed changes and then move on.
My peace of mind vis-a-vis my own perceptions seems to be being reconfirmed, although I'm not sure that's any real comfort.
17 hours and 201 different readers into the thread, only a couple of commenters have made any attempt to communicate and justify positive feelings about those that represent them and they both cautiously limited any notion of support.
Given that those who've posted and/or emailed are almost all active in community affairs, it strikes me as strange that, when I spoke with a local political leader yesterday, he assured me that his party was adequately taking on the challenge of leadership in at least some of the areas I listed and that the public was well aware of their efforts. Even stranger that he seemed offended and suggested that I wasn't paying attention when I didn't agree.
I still don't fully understand the disconnect between local politicians and their constituents, but I am beginning to develop a better view of why so many have suggested lately that forming various coalitions to indentify and support candidates outside of normal party mechanisms might be a more promising proposition than crossing fingers and playing along with the usual cast of heavies. It just might be a more promising guage of hope as well.
I can't belive I am saying this but dittoes Healthblogger. Not sure about the term length idea but it may be worth a try. The main argument against has always been that you are stuck longer with a "bad" official. When you are only getting 20-30% voter turnout it is difficult to change anything. An efficient organization for a "bad" candidate can bring enough votes to the polls
to heavily influence the outcome. So we are stuck no matter what until we can increase voter turnout.
I am in my cynical mode today.
Bluegill,
You can tell your political leader that this one member of the public who does not have a clue(no comments please)about which party and/or candidates is doing what. I get the 'Bune, the Courier Journal, watch the news, and read these blogs. Just how does this leader think they are getting their message out? I will take responsibility for not having been more active, such as attending council meetings. I have never been contacted by so much as a precinct committeeperson. I vote regularly and there are not many of us. A dinner(white chili or otherwise) once a year is damn poor way of reaching voters.
Iam, your sentiments echo some of the issues I raised in conversation. I was told that a party platform was distributed via an internal party newsletter and that there had been meetings with a couple of organizations. I was also reminded that the official had been quoted in a couple of Tribune stories.
However, a review of local Democratic and Republican web sites (which I had to search for on Google) revealed little to no information about local issues or strategies for dealing with them. There are opportunities to volunteer and donate. But, like you and a lot of people with whom I speak, I really have no idea what it is I'm supposed to be supporting.
this whole damned country seems to have been in snooze mode for the last 40 years! corporate shareholders who don't pay any attention to the companies they own...voter apathy...a pitiful press of business lapdogs...so yeah, it looks like it's our fault no leaders exist. Apathy is a vacuum and we've all felt the whirling sucking the life out of our town and our country. We each have to do more and I know I'm preaching to the choir here, but pleeease - I want America the beautiful and hopeful and good back!! So I'm working on my list of platform issues and I hope we can all find some consensus, here on the blogs or anywhere, before the next round of elections.
Bluegill,
I had to actively seek out my rep. and really have had no direct contact with her.
As for an audit...I feel that if the representatives are the ones holding progress back, then you and I have the power to change that by electing new officials.
" ... forming various coalitions to indentify and support candidates outside of normal party mechanisms might be a more promising proposition than crossing fingers and playing along with the usual cast of heavies. It just might be a more promising guage of hope as well." There have been many insightful words today and wide-ranging discussion that I have found most enlightening. Those quoted above from an earlier post however, hold the most value, I believe, to bring about a better community.
As a relative newcomer to NA, I am still trying to learn the whos and whats of local affairs. After nine months, I am still hard-pressed to put any name in a response to the question initially posed. I went to the polls for the primary and felt relatively comfortable with my choices, however, thanks largely to the articles in the Tribune.
I look forward to next year's elections because I hope there is enough involvement to bring about a real discussion of the issues. I would disagree with an earlier commentator however that suggested arts and history groups, to generally name two, might be a better way to bring about change. I think it will take a more radical movement - one that doesn't have any connection with current city leadership.
Perhaps a "summit" such as those held earlier this year to discuss code enforcement and the legal department would be the way to start. Identify issues, develop a platform of sorts, identify and support new candidates willing to take on the challenge of bettering New Albany.
I have no grand illusion that I'm shedding any new light on this subject, but I believe it's important enough to respond and add another voice to those who care to make this an even better place to live.
(Oh, and I'm a Reds fan, too.)
"If so, would you please name that elected official, describe what strategies they've proactivley introduced to address those issues and explain why you support them?"
There are none.
I really want to believe that there are two or three, as Randy identified.
But as it stands, there are none. I intend to come back to this.
Sorry for my absence today; I've been entertaining guests.
Thanks for the responses. As I mentioned, I think there's something to be learned here and you all have contributed to that process.
If no one has any objections, I'll email the thread to the official in question in a day or two. If I get a response, I'll ask for permission to post it on NAC. A dialogue seems relevant but if a majority feels like current political reps should be excluded, I'll respect that. I'd prefer the discussion stay public. If you'd prefer, though, you can email.
Thank you, Bluegill. I don't feel they are getting the message out or in touch with their constituents.
It ought to be interesting, to say the least. There is a hint of truth to what Heathblogger says.
My documents I use to address Council are retrieved from the City Clerk's Office, the Controller's office, the County Auditor's office, the State Board of Account's office, and the Federal EPA and IDEM, all paid for with monies I really don't have, but don't want the sympathy, either. My message has been strong and clear for the past 10 years, and there is not a word of "preaching" that's changed.
I've been told I just never learned that political handshake. You know, the one you hold out and someone gives you money. That would be my downfall, I admitted to the same. Good questions, sorry, no good answers.
"I've been told I just never learned that political handshake. You know, the one you hold out and someone gives you money. That would be my downfall, I admitted to the same. Good questions, sorry, no good answers."
Yvonne, you can't imagine the joy with which I greet your appearance in the reality-based blogosphere, especially after reading all those Hugh E. Bir's hieroglyphics over the past few years.
Aw, shucks. KnowwaddImean?
But your political handshake analogy rings equally false and vacant.
What you've missed is not the handshake that gives you money. If that were so, it'd be an easy read.
What you've missed is the part where the obstructionist is encouraged to offer an alternative, or risk being seen as an ... uh, obstructionist.
Providentially, you and Gertrude Stein have a quote in common. See if you can guess what the quote is.
Clue: 1972, 73, and 74.
I ask you again, having been ignored the first time: What is in the platform of a fiscally conservative Floyd County Democrat that distinguishes him/her from a Floyd County Republican?
Thank you, New Albanian, for your comments. Enlightening, for myself and others.
Let us take your remarks in the order you presented them for me...hmmm, what was the first one?
Yes, that's it. No, New Albanian, I cannot imagine the joy with which you greet my appearance in the reality based blogsophere. Hugh E. Bir's business and his familys' history in New Albany deserve no comments from me, so I won't stoop down there. His name speaks for itself. Don't believe me, ask him.
Awshucks, no I don't know "whaddalmean". This word must be in a new dictionary I haven't heard of yet, at this point in time, anyway.
"My political handshake analogy rings equally false and vacant."
"What you missed is not the handshake that gives you money. If that were so, it would be an easy read."
"What you've missed is the part where the obstructionist is encouraged to offer an alternative, or risk being seen as an ... uh, obstructionist."
NEW ALBANIAN, as you were not at any debates between Mayor England and myself; nor do I recall you being around when I spoke about what I or my platform stood for, and ONE THING IT DIDN'T STAND FOR was collecting monies FROM ANYONE, not sure how you are making such a false judgement call, unless you are just compelled to back up this Administration. Maybe you ought to find out from some other Democrats what I did fight for, huh?
I paid for both of my campaigns out of my own pocket, and am still proud of it. You have no clue as to what platform, issues or "alternatives" I BROUGHT TO THE TABLE, because you just weren't there. I find you to be very presumptious (or is that pompous) in your thinking and "judgement" of WHAT I HAVE DONE TO HELP THIS CITY. No, I'm not mincing any words with you, because I don't have any to mince, understand?
"Providentially, you and Gertrude Stein have a quote in common. See if you can guess what the quote is.
Clue: 1972, 73, and 74."
Here we go again, riddle riddle riddle marie. We've played this little game (publically) before, New Albanian. It's recognized for what it is. Figure that one out.
"I ask you again, having been ignored the first time: What is in the platform of a fiscally conservative Floyd County Democrat that distinguishes him/her from a Floyd County Republican?"
Please allow me to be the first to apologize for not answering your question. I sure haven't seen that question posed to me -- it wasn't on MY blog.
My response to you is a fiscally conservative Democrat could almost be considered a middle of the liner, but yet EXTREMELY FISCALLY CONSERVATIVE with OUR MONIES. My husband would be considered an extreme Democrat liberal. He even gets aggravated with my "fiscally conservative" efforts, especially in this town -- not sure this Administration know what those words even mean.
Spending over $80 million dollars and still not having a sewer infrastructure in town really sets me off as a "fiscally conservative Democrat". It doesn't seem to bother other Democrats, though. Go figure.
Nice talking with you. It's been real, Bluegill. Hope everyone's happy now - hah!
Talk about warm and fuzzies.
But on the other hand I am glad she is here, at least when she post on here we know who she is and she seems to be willing not only to take the heat, but give a little as well.
Yvonne, truly welcome, stay awhile, your insight should always be welcome here.
On a different note, how in the hell can the democratic party chairman stand up and vouch for a councilman that professed he would not be seeking re-election on the democratic ticket. Is this one of those things that just zooms over ones head, what did I miss?
I for one am tired of walking on eggshells with these councilmember’s that do not put what’s best for the city on the front burners. They have beat several dead horse over the past year, take home police cars, it was good to see them take a stand on Daisy Lane, that was the right thing to do.
Now I understand CM Coffey has a motion to rescind funding for Scribner Place, well Danny, how about rescinding about two thirds of the tax abatements you guys give out like political finger nail files!
Who are you kidding, if I want to open a shaved ice stand on the corner of State and Main, can I get a couple million dismissed for 10 years? Most likely not. So if we don't build Scribner Place, can we turn that corner into a dune buggy or motocross racetrack? Might as well get some use out of those mounds of dirt and pooling water.
I think we need to vote every damn one of them out next year, start over with a clean slate.
Sorry no warm and fuzzies hidden here!
Jimmy Buffett for President!
"My response to you is a fiscally conservative Democrat could almost be considered a middle of the liner, but yet EXTREMELY FISCALLY CONSERVATIVE with OUR MONIES."
Liner?
Can you elaborate?
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