Response to a reader's question.

Q. What is your primary goal in seeking a position on the New Albany City Council? What changes will you facilitate?

A. Seven years ago, I began attending city council meetings as a way to learn more about how local government operates, because I had numerous questions. These questions can be rolled into one overarching query:

Why did the city of New Albany come to symbolize regression, and how can we reverse this decline, and instead pursue progress toward a stronger, more just and economically equitable civil society?

I harbor no "Jimmy Stewart Goes to Hauss Square" illusions about the extent to which an individual at-large council member can “change” anything. However, council members overall can be far better informed and aware of a vast planet that exists outside the city limits.

Now more than ever before, New Albany needs elected officials who are capable of creative thought somewhat beyond conditioned dysfunctional responses intended to preserve their own tiny fiefdoms (and worldviews). “No” votes are not to be confused with leadership or ability. Politics is the art of the possible, and too many council members fail to grasp this truth.

Here’s a brief summary of my platform.

Human dignity has no price tag. Justice, diversity, equality and basic human rights begin at the grassroots. I will never lose sight of this.

Aggressive pursuit of a localized economy is essential. The beginnings of a stronger, smarter, more sustainable economic foundation are possible right here, with more money staying in this community and a greater degree of economic self-sufficiency.

Existing economic development funds are for economic development, and should be used to assist in localization. They are not sewer rate subsidies, bribes for wealthy multi-national corporations, or available for the use of bloated oligarchs under the wing of One Southern Indiana.

Zero tolerance for failure to cooperate, as it pertains to existing economic development entities: New Albany First, Develop New Albany, Urban Enterprise Association and applicable government agencies. We all row in the same direction, or else.

Environmental restoration and sustainability are fundamental to resolving longstanding problems with storm water and the sewer system.

Sustainable initiatives, green and urban, can take New Albany back to the future and return it to functioning as cities are intended to function. We have to adapt what we have, understand the lessons of historic preservation, build new buildings the right way, and maximize the advantages of urban living.

A progressive, family- and human-friendly neighborhood policy must emanate from the bottom up, not the top down. Many current problems result from generations of bad remedies and design flaws. We must rethink, plan, explore cause and effect, recognize inter-relatedness and repair these.

It’s time to fairly enforce our own laws. This is a political deficiency, not a police issue. All proceeds from enforcement should be kept right here to help fund further improvements. Mandatory rental property inspections need to begin as soon as possible.

No tolls! The Ohio River Bridges Project is a multi-billion dollar transportation boondoggle. I’m proud to say I was an early opponent of tolls, and I remain opposed in spite of recent cosmetic changes in the plan, Tolling will disproportionately burden Hoosier small businesses, Hoosier workers and Hoosier families. Build the East End Bridge now, and then reassess other vehicular transportation needs later.

The biggest “bully pulpit” issue is our obligation to fight the good fight for greater local determination. The Indy-centric budgeting system we have now is inefficient and infected with malicious Republican ideology. Cutting essentials in education, public safety and social services is penny-wise, pound-foolish madness. Yes, spend less when possible, but think more, and work smarter. The obsequious obstructionism of past councils is inexcusable.