NA Confidential: Oddly, no mention of the Clark-Floyd Counties Convention and Tourism Bureau's donation.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Oddly, no mention of the Clark-Floyd Counties Convention and Tourism Bureau's donation.

Unrelated question: Has anyone heard if there's still a plan to put the late Kevin Hammersmith's name on the Amphitheater as a memorial?

15 comments:

Jeff Gillenwater said...: ______.; 12:19 AM
w&la said...: Who paid for the plaque? Did our Visitor's Bureau pay for that as well?; 12:21 AM
The New Albanian said...: Well, the last time an England family member received a plaque, it was Shelle's:

http://newsandtribune.com/entertainment-news/x1184194037/Bringing-the-music-back-England-recognized-for-work-on-New-Albany-concert-series-amphitheater

This one came from the Democratic Party; in Suddeath's article, it mentions that over half the cost of rebuilding the amphitheater came from tourism monies.

The lessons we can learn from all this:

The Democratic Party barely exists locally.

Doug always was brilliant at using other people's money to take credit for himself.

The England scheme to entertain the public at the amphitheater was more about political control than anything remotely entrepreneurial flair.

Let's hope it's different this year.; 8:04 AM
w&la said...: Political parties can pay for plaques to be installed on public property with no oversight?; 9:03 AM
The New Albanian said...: Honestly, I don't know that it was a political party. The fact that the city's Bicentennial logo is on the plaque suggests the Commission may have had something to do with it. I don't even know how long it's been there; the Aug 11 inscription doesn't necessarily mean it was installed then.; 9:10 AM
w&la said...: Then I'll jump off my high horse. Thanks.; 9:13 AM
The New Albanian said...: Why jump; I live atop it.

Last fall, I was serving beers at the Strassenfest event and a prominent local Democrat observed how nice it was that Shelle England was getting recognition (an award/plaque) for her volunteer work at the amphitheater. I agreed and thought little about it, than I saw that the award was coming from the political party of which she's a member.

That's tantamount to NAC giving Jeff G an award for being columnist of the year.

Given this, it would not surprise me if the plaque for Doug came from the party, too. But I have no proof, and it isn't sufficiently important to care, except that when the tourism bureau's money was more than half the total, shouldn't IT get the recognition?; 9:18 AM
w&la said...: The other problem is down the road - instead of a local servant of the people being told "you did a good job; you were paid and now, thank you for your service, it's time to go", a commemorative plaque (with reasonable likeness occupying large percentage of surface area) is installed by public servant's supporters in his/her honor.

The next public servant feller will expect a larger plaque, naming of important structure or other public honor for his achievements. Bigger likeness, too.

This is why the convention of naming things after folks who have died is helpful - it's an enforced cooling off period, allowing for some reflection.; 9:29 AM
w&la said...: Are there any other plaques in town that feature a reasonable likeness of a public servant?; 9:31 AM
Jeff Gillenwater said...: I'm just glad the artist got the joke.; 9:50 AM
The New Albanian said...: I can't think of any other likenesses. Tommy Lancaster is depicted on the riverfront overlook. I suppose we should feel fortunate that there isn't an equestrian statue of England ... someone check the plans for the Farmers Market and Bicentennial Park.

The idea of recognizing Kevin Hammersmith was voiced during the speaking segment of his funeral. The mayor was there, and said "done" aloud. I went to the amphitheater yesterday hoping to see Kevin's name there. Instead, I saw Doug's picture.

Quintessential NA, eh?; 9:52 AM
The New Albanian said...: We should begin naming public urinals for former mayors.

Wait -- we have no public urinals.

That's the point.; 9:53 AM
Jeff Gillenwater said...: Who gets credit for the roof blowing off the tabernacle?; 10:12 AM
RememberCharlemagne said...: I'll gladly donate to the first public Doug England Urinal; 9:08 PM
Steven LaDuke said...: Roger, I can't speak to the Riverfront but, I can tell you the Parks Department plans to name a new aquatic center the Kevin Hammersmith Memorial Aquatic Center for his unbelievable contribution of time and ability as a LONG time member of the NAFC Parks Board. In addition, the plan is to feature the "Camile Wright" pool within the aquatic complex.

Hopefully we will have more to talk about in the not too distant future.; 8:03 PM