In NA as in Jeff: "Why use the word incestuous? It was most appropriate especially when considering the lack of public input and trying to convey a competing opinion to the current course of above mentioned local boards."

My friend Kate used the word "finally" in the context of this letter, so I asked her how long it took for the News and Tribune to publish it.

Took around 2 months and several phone calls and a couple of emails.

Wow. I suppose it was the controversial word incestuous. The newspaper's nadir is a steadily lengthening shadow.

Trails of tears aside, note that geographical terms like "New Albany" and "Jeffersonville" are entirely interchangeable in Kate's letter.

Lots and lots of incestuousness in Nawbany. By the way, has the Democratic party chairman and professional board appointee resigned yet?

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Board appointments show 'trickle down effect' (letter by Kate Miller to The Hands of John Wilkes Booth)

I have attended several public meetings concerning ordinances lately and a few things kept ringing true.

What an incestuous relationship Jeffersonville politicians have with local city boards. I urge you to take a look and dig deeper into appointments. City Council has two appointments to Redevelopment and they can choose anyone...take a guess who they chose. Well, they chose themselves. Redevelopment is not the only instance of this occurrence. Take a look at the zoning board. What about sewer appointments? How about the drainage board? BZA? I could go on but I hope you get the point. Also, some of these boards provide a monetary reimbursement for your time. If residents are willing to serve, I believe in reimbursing them for their time and effort. But take a look at who is serving on boards that have a stipend...we also keep our Jeffersonville money all in the family, so to speak. We have an appointment from district one of a political operative that may have lived in Jeffersonville a year...may have. I wonder how many CSO events that appointee has lived through in downtown Jeffersonville? Does someone who runs campaigns for a living just have a special interest in all things drainage related? Maybe so.

I know a lot of folks feel so turned off by politics, including me. But elections matter, if for no other reason than this trickle down effect of appointments. Those appointments have power and that power affects the city.

Why use the word incestuous? It was most appropriate especially when considering the lack of public input and trying to convey a competing opinion to the current course of above mentioned local boards. Competing opinions are overlooked, and resisted at every turn. When elected officials appoint themselves to multiple boards, there is a great breakdown in a system that thrives on checks and balances. I happened upon this realization at a recent Redevelopment meeting. No kidding, if it weren’t for public involvement, I believe this would have been the fastest meeting in the history of meetings. Every motion passed 5-0. Opponents might say this is the result of a clear vision, thoughtful plans, and cooperation. I have been on plenty of boards and the key has always been a diverse mix of personalities and political leanings that make those boards work. We must get away from the practice of getting feelings hurt because someone does share our same views. Friction is what sparks debate, critique, and fresh ideas. Debate is meant to be healthy and constructive and necessary in local government. Jeffersonville has been tested in this area and has come up lacking.

— Kate Miller, Jeffersonville