What they're saying: 6th district council candidates Staten and McCourt.

As the weeks go past in route to May's primary election, I'll try to provide periodic unedited candidate statements of approximate substance, as lifted from social media and news reports, and as opposed to familiar gems (although they certainly have their place) like "I enjoyed talking with the bunco club last night" or "donate to my campaign first, and maybe I'll have something of merit to say later."

That's because it is my aim to determine whether our declared candidates have anything to say, and I'll quote all candidates, whether or not they're in a contested race. Just promising change and new ideas without divulging them won't cut the mustard, aspirants.

Today in the 6th district council contest, we find Democrat Cliff Staten explaining exactly why he's attending this morning's streets forum at the Carnegie Center (as of 8:00 a.m., we assume the meeting is still a go):

This Saturday, Feb 21, there will be another public forum to discuss the Speck Report. It will be at the Carnegie Center starting at 10:30am. This proposed plan to change streets in New Albany will help set the groundwork for the New Albany that our children will inherit. We know that young, college educated individuals (age group of 25 to 34) prefer to live in urban settings, much more so than their parents. This age cohort is the brightest and best educated in the history of the United States and we know that businesses move to where a talented workforce lives... If New Albany is to attract and keep these talented, young people it must create a green, walkable, bicycle friendly, safe, and friendly business environment that promotes sustainable economic growth. I encourage you to read the Speck Report before you come to the public forum.

Thanks, Cliff. That's a better explanation of "quality of life" than the current regime has managed in three+ years.

Over on the Republican side, Nick Vaughn's generally asking for money and Larry Belcher remains unknown, but Noah McCourt left a comment on NAC's February 12 post, "It's a done deal: Pillsbury closing is confirmed."

I would like to thank the community for its involvement in these very real issues confronting our community. I too am very concerned with New Albany's financial situations. Its part of the reason I decided to run for city council.The current mayor and council have adopted a very reactonary approach to spending that has led to development but little control over spending. It takes certain level of honesty to recognize what a present and real issue this truly is . I hear a lot of concern about my age and how much experience can i possibly have. Mayor gahan was a city council member, mayor. Council president McLaughlin is running for his 3rd term. Weve had "expireience "for years and its taking us in a very dangerous direction. I dont pretend that I'm a career politician. Im simply a real person who wants to confront the big issues in.my community. A lot of candidates are really good at the "whats wrongs" but you dont hear a whole lot of "how do we fix its" and i think thats an essential piece is having a plan is actually workable and i have thought long and hard and tried to develop strategies that are more effective then.whats currently on the table. As i said i am very glad to see the community engaged. Now its time to get the city council a little more engaged. I hope to see you at the polls on may 5th

Noah John McCourt

District 6 City Council candidate

It's good to hear from you, Noah. Keep 'em coming.

See this post for more information on the District 6 race: NA council: Lots of names on the primary ballot in District 6 -- and they're mostly Republican.