Moss on England, and the notion of "popular" demand.

Dale Moss devoted Sunday C-J ink to New Albany's mayor, Doug England. It is a brief portrait of a mayor in motion, mid-term and mid-flight, but one leaving unanswered the question, "to where?"

There is undeniable truth to the proposition that England is a polarizing figure, but sometimes I wonder if this assumption is overstated, seeing as a large measure of the disgruntlement expressed toward him is revealed to be congenital, reserved for indiscriminate spraying on any politician of any party or stripe aspiring to the office.

Some New Albanians support him, other oppose him, and the majority remains entirely apathetic. In short, political business as usual in the Open Air Museum.

Moss draws one conclusion (below) that is worthy of note: "(England) will seek another term in 2011 if, and seemingly only if, it is by popular demand."

That's interesting. It's why we hold elections, right?

What do you think it really means?

England to take New Albany's pulse.

England told me at the beginning of this year that by year's end he intends to know just how the city feels about him. He will seek another term in 2011 if, and seemingly only if, it is by popular demand. This is England's year to explain and listen, to make the most of any breaks the economy finally affords and to hope it all pleases as much as swift snow removal.

“I'll be looking for the word, looking for the feeling of the community,” England said. “Does it want to continue in the same direction or does it want to change. If it wants to change, I'll help it. It's not about being mayor for the ego.”