“Curiouser and curiouser!” Cried Alice (she was so much surprised, that for the moment she quite forgot how to speak good English).

It appears that Jeff Gahan will announce for mayor today, leaving us with three declared choices so far, all Democrats: Gahan, Irv Stumler and the premature-sign-erectioning Paul Etheridge. Apart from other merits and demerits, Gahan's entry gives Democrats disgruntled with the recent Stumler coronation chicanery a place to contentedly roost.

Meanwhile, having hinted at burn-out, the current mayor now sees renewed possibilities in, of all places, the city council. Out of the frying pan -- and into the insane asylum.

The immediate and most obvious question: Why run at-large? Hizzoner resides in Dan Coffey's 1st District. Disregarding the plain weirdness of a three-term mayor making a somewhat less than lateral step, politically, is it that the England camp feels it cannot beat the Copperhead? After all, there is a vastly smaller pool of votes to be, shall we say, "sought" in the 1st. If England feels he cannot overwhelm the Wizard of Westside, does this fact necessarily bode well for an at-large bid? There are many enemies in outlying areas, too.

Can it get weirder? I shouldn't ask that question in New Albany ...

New Albany mayor to run for city council; England says he wants to spend more time with family but still serve, by Daniel Suddeath (Tribune)

England, a Democrat, confirmed Friday he will seek election as an at-large New Albany City Councilman.