Yes, I know – Dan Coffey being given a seat on the Redevelopment Commission is no different than placing Pope Benedict XVI (dude has more Roman numerals than a Chicago album) on the board of Emily’s List, but you have to give one thing to Coffey: He shows up for meetings … and that’s obviously detrimental to the city’s health.
So, was that the intent in appointing him?
Meanwhile, conjoined CM Steve Price is the council’s representative on the Urban Enterprise Association board, which has held six meetings to date in 2008. Price has attended two.
Could that be because there is no “P” in urban enterprise?
Batting .333 is excellent when it comes to baseball, less so when it comes to civic responsibility … don’t you think?
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3 comments:
Re the comic (if the cackling of the lost and abandoned didn't hurt so much) appointments of the Siamese Twins to the Redevelopment Commission and the Urban Enterprise Association: pity the committees are so closely linked in purpose. On the up side, Dan and Steve have to be assigned somewhere, and two other committees or commissions dodged a bullet.
Perhaps a more "Christian" approach would benefit all. We could see it as a learning opportunity. Perhaps Dan could learn how the basics of creative, redevelopment efforts or come to understand their benefits to the community. Nick, on the other hand, might learn about the essentials of Urban Enterprise, and how other cities have used creative ideas to stimulate growth and anchor stability. Both could learn how attractive,essential businesses draw citizens to the area, build the tax base and the enhance the presence of the community, in body, in spirit, in cash, and political support.
Were the enlightenment profound, even miraculous, they might recognize that these are benefits that slum lords seldom contribute to the community. Their reliable gift, as welcome as an STD - and like one, a gift that keeps on giving - is accelerated entropy and apathy. (That could be a song - Paul & Michael, to "Ebony and Ivory":
"Entropy and apathy
will continue to destroy New Albany
and you make it certainty
if you add some more stupidity... da da da da da da da..."
Sorry, I am not a singer-songwriter and will never leave my day job as an unemployed healthcare manager.
Ok, to the point. I can't imagine why C & P were assigned where they where - maybe in this town is was perceived that it was where they could do the least harm since they would be ignored or outvoted. Given their predelictions, I don't know what's worse - Dan attending every meeting or Steve never showing up.
These are two important committees, which, together with administration can make the difference in the future of New Albany. We've got to have the vision for development of businesses that will draw citizens to the down town, the organization to support them in relocating or starting out here in downtown NA, and the commitment of city adminis- tration to eliminate as much red tape as possible that bars their creation and operation.
Too many business owners have told me that city administration red tape has been an obstacle. I know in my heart that Doug England will work with them and administration will support their efforts given direction in the interest of the city. Let's get rolling.
Peter Feimer
Thanks for that.
Peter's excellent comment reminded me of why I sometimes feel like we're living the Wizard of Oz script.
Smashed houses, golden infrastructure, wee people and the quest for heart, brains, and courage...wasn't Toto available for commission work?
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