Monday, January 24, 2011

Is Jeff Gahan running for mayor?

According to a source out sixth district way, where NABC's original location does business, a Jeff Gahan mayoral bid is almost certain, producing (so far) a 3-way Democratic primary (with Paul Etheridge and Irv Stumler), and giving new meaning to the notion of a threesome.

Council member Gahan's interest in the mayor's office has been rumored for quite some time. Personally, I'd have preferred a Marcey Wisman-Bennett candidacy, because her smarts, chutzpah and record as city clerk speak for themselves. She's also a Democrat, capital D, in a coherent sense of the party's principles.

However, it appears that it isn't to be.

It may come as a shock to you, but in light of recent events, the time may be now for a reconsideration of Gahan as mayoral hopeful. His council role in the anti-redistricting bushwhacking still lodges large in my throat, and I understand quite well that more than a few of my colleagues have more extensive rows than just that one to hoe with Gahan. And yet, he's had some good calls, too, like taking the lead in opposing funding for One Southern Indiana.

It seems to me that Gahan's slight mayoral window nudged open when the Democratic Party (really?) erred in deciding that Doug England's departure required the immediate coronation of a geriatric caretaker. Gee, all the GOP need do is rerun Randy Hubbard, and voila! It's city government by napping.

I am not a Democrat, but I am not impressed, either. What do we do if the GOP's nominee turns out to be right-wing-immersed Rebecca Gardenour?

All of it classifies as a confused nadir in a city where confused nadirs count as majestic mountain peaks, but nonetheless, it's an opening for Gahan. What will he do with it, if anything, and should we care?

Discuss if you wish.

6 comments:

Iamhoosier said...

Not sure that I wouldn't prefer Mr. Coffey. At least I would know what to expect.

Jeff Gillenwater said...

I agree with Mark. And think Gahan would be the most attractive candidate thus far if he declares.

Iamhoosier said...

I really don't know much about either one of the announced candidates. Mr. Stumler has not started off particularly well. With me, he has quite a deficit to make up just starting out.

Christopher D said...

Is Irv Stumler the same stumler that used to be on the board of directors for the school of the blind in Louisville?

The New Albanian said...

Chris, not sure, but sounds likely. He has had business interests in Louisville.

There is another Irvin Stumler who was a teacher/counselor at FCHS for amny years (Randy Stumler's dad).

Matt Lorch said...

Chris, Irv served on the board of the Heuser Hearing and Language Academy, formerly the Louisville Deaf Oral School... I know because I served on the board as well.