Council Night 1: Gahan needs his pliant 'yes' man, so "McLaughlin to seek third term as New Albany City Council president."

But why waste your time and mine when it's already been written?

ON THE AVENUES: Party time in the trickle-down, one-party city.

 ... However, we must give the Democratic Party’s one-party municipal patronage machine full credit for functioning at peak efficiency of late. The city council’s (functional) 8-1 “Democratic” majority has been absolute, with lone Republican Kevin Zurschmiede obviously disinterested, maverick Diane Benedetti completely isolated and the body’s president, Pat McLaughlin, performing supinely as de facto City Hall shop steward.

That was in August of last year. Tonight we begin a whole new year, presumably donning our Sunday best to meet the new boss (same as the old boss), but with an opportunity to queue the Manics:

Hello, it's us again

You thought you were our friends

Success is an ugly word

Especially in your tiny world

The point ... let's see ... I had it right here.

Oh, right: Paddy Mac wants to be Jeff's boy next door for another year.

McLaughlin to seek third term as New Albany City Council president (News and Tribune)

NEW ALBANY — The New Albany City Council will elect leaders for 2015 when it convenes Monday.

The council president and vice president positions will be selected by the body. Two-term Councilman Pat McLaughlin has served as the council president the past two years, and said Friday he would again seek the seat.

“If the council is willing to have me, I’m willing to do it,” he said.

Council members can nominate someone else if they choose. Beyond a slight pay increase, the council president is in charge of leading the meetings and ensuring the body follows the agenda.
The president also holds authority over some board and commission appointments, though the council generally votes on those positions.

All nine seats on the council are up for election this year beginning with a primary in May.