Vote Scott Blair for New Albany City Council District 6.

Call it an endorsement if you will, or think of it as my personal support, backing, seal of approval, recommendation or advocacy.

Being an independent in a situation of prevailing two-party primacy probably is a great deal harder than it appears.

Scott Blair has been elected to council twice as an "I," and he should know. I think Scott was not always as diligent as he should have been during the first few years of his council tenure as it pertains to the inherent and fatuous chicanery of Gahanism (generic mediocrity + pay-to-play monetization = Gahanism), but to his credit he did his homework and has improved with the passage of time.

Scott is accessible, and he'll return calls. His stance during the Reisz Mahal vote was especially appreciated in these circles.

I'm not seeing much from Lisa Chandler, the Democratic Party candidate, although the recent trend in District 6 has been for the Democratic candidate to be irrelevant. Is there even a Facebook page?

All three New Albany mayoral candidates attended Thursday's forum ... all of the New Albany clerk and city council candidates participated except Democratic District 1 candidate Jennie E. Collier, Republican District 3 candidate Alex Bilbrey and Democratic District 6 candidate Lisa Chandler.

It's almost as if voters in the 6th feel compelled to atone for two pre-mayoral Gahan city council terms (2004-2011) by punishing the Democrats. Chandler might have great things to say; so far, I'm unaware of them.

Lest there be any misunderstanding, Scott Evans appears to be a solid contender on the Republican side. He's been hoofing it. I've heard lots of good comments.

As I explained previously, it's just that I don't like the idea of police officers in elected positions like council. It's my own conscience and entirely personal, and it's not about being anti-police. Rather, it has to do with worrisome accumulations of power. I believe being a cop and a councilman simultaneously is a concentration of too much power in one individual.

You're free to disagree, and my ears are open to your arguments against my position. I'd love to find a loophole in my conscience to embrace otherwise fine candidates like Evans, but so far it has been elusive.

In truth, I'm also becoming increasingly hostile to the idea of lifetime sinecures and third consecutive terms.

However, given the rules as they're written, if I lived in the 6th district I'd vote for Scott Blair, and I would feel good about it.

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Compendium:

• Vote Stefanie Griffith for New Albany City Council District 1.
• Vote Scott Stewart for New Albany City Council District 2.
• Vote for Thunder the Wonder Ferret as a write-in for New Albany City Council District 3.
• Vote Cisa Kubley for New Albany City Council District 4.
• Vote Josh "JT" Turner for New Albany City Council District 5.
• Vote Scott Blair for New Albany City Council District 6.

Jason Applegate files for NA city council at-large. Does this mean fellow Democrat Sam Charbonneau will challenge Scott Blair in the 6th?

Long rumored, now official.

The Facebook post does not reveal whether Applegate is seeking an at-large seat or the 6th district nod, but the Green Mouse has been told it's Applegate at-large and Sam Charbonneau soon to announce in the 6th; they're both Democrats, both closely aligned with Jeff "Dear Leader" Gahan, and both having lost elections in 2018 (Applegate for commissioner against Shawn Carruthers and Charbonneau for Indiana House against Ed Clere).

When there comes time I'll crunch a few precinct numbers, because I'm guessing the prevailing assumption is that Applegate beat Carruthers within city limits, and there seems little reason to doubt this. More interesting to me is how Charbonneau did last year in precincts 27, 41, 42, 43 and 44. If the rumors are true and Charbonneau is running in the 6th, it sets up a very competitive three-way contest with the incumbent Scott Blair (completing his second council term as an independent in the mayor's old seat) and Republican Scott Evans.

Adam Dickey's imagined post-Gahan succession is looking clearer than ever. Just choose between Applegate, Charbonneau and former building commissioner, newly elected township trustee (and forever a local sporting legend) David Brewer. At least they're not tremendously old white males, although it's more of the same for the party of touted diversity that isn't, and it should be recalled that Gahan has a challenger this spring in David White.

The Green Mouse says:

David Duggins might be Gahan’s bag man, but ever since TASER-gate he’s become completely unelectable to any public office with the possible exception of dog catcher – and both SPCA and PETA already have filed preliminary complaints objecting to Duggins being in the vicinity of canines, much less humans. Pending Applegate and Charbonneau bolstering their expanding resumes with election wins, Brewer is the Democratic Party’s future star. Nothing prevents voter thoughtfulness quite like sports, and Brewer just finished bucking the GOP electoral trend with his trustee victory. Has Chris Morris yet figured out that the trustee’s budget henceforth will serve as a handy ATM for a mayor with rapidly diminishing TIF options?

Earlier today:

ON THE AVENUES: Democrats should judge city council incumbents in districts 2, 3, 4 and 5 by their regressive deeds, not their progressive words.

New Albany primary filings: Old white male Democratic council functionaries as yet unchallenged by diversity.

Blair still troubled by word use, confuses council record with "independence."

"Serving the people, not the party."

So long as the people (a) live in or near the suburbs, (b) favor the usual subsidize/incentivize economic development models, (c) believe that only bankers are qualified to use terms like "cost-benefit analysis, and (d) view unlimited TIF bonding as the politician's version of Viagra ... then perhaps Scott Blair really does "serve" them.

Problem is, these planks are precisely the same ones espoused by Mayor Gahan and the DemoDisneyDixiecratic Party hierarchy. I cannot recall a time in four years when CM Blair has introduced an "independent" thought in council. He might well have been One Southern Indiana's propaganda coordinator.

So, as a humanities major, let me offer help with those pesky words: "Serving selected people and the party."

Now at least you're being honest, Scott.

Just not independent.

Looks like I have THAT side of the market cornered: Baylor for Mayor: 3 Goals + 7 Platform Points.

What they're saying: A candidate overview, and Tonye Rutherford on the radio.

As the weeks go past in route to May's primary election, I'm providing periodic candidate statements of substance, mostly unretouched, as lifted from social media and news reports. Familiar gems such as "yard signs win elections, not people" and "donate to my campaign first, and maybe I'll have something of merit to say much, much later" will be omitted. That's because it is my aim to determine whether our declared candidates have anything to say at all, and I'll quote all candidates, from any and all parties, whether or not they're in a contested race. Just promising change and new ideas without divulging them won't cut the mustard, aspirants.


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We've been listening to what they're saying, and before turning it over to Tonye Rutherford (below), here is an overview of contested primary races in the context of what we've heard.

Unsurprisingly, candidates without primary opponents have tended to reveal little in terms of platform content, although there are exceptions (Al Knable and Cliff Staten spring to mind).

There are three contested Democratic Party races. For mayor, the incumbent Jeff Gahan defends against a challenge from David White. In the city council at-large, returnees John Gonder and Shirley Baird are joined by four candidates in "pick 3 from 6": Brad Bell, James Garner, Adam Keeler and Hannegan Roseberry. In District 5, Dustin Collins is pitted against two-termer Diane Benedetti.

Not much of substance has come from the mayoral duo. Gahan merely releases numerous photos of TIF-financed public works projects, and White tends to fall back on long-since released, poorly edited position statements emphasizing sales-oriented economic development.

Gonder has revealed a bit more than Baird. Garner has been completely invisible on social media, and Bell more concerned with state issues than local ones. Keeler has been better, and Roseberry easily the best when it comes to moving outside the box with content.

In terms of social media, Collins has been ubiquitous, easily outpacing Benedetti, who does not seem to embrace the medium. Unfortunately, some mud has been slung in this race, arguably diverting attention to points both candidates have made about 5th district concerns.

On the Republican side, three District 6 candidates are vying for the nomination: Larry Belcher, Noah McCourt and Nick Vaughn. McCourt has gained confidence as the campaign has progressed, taking positions and delineating himself as a libertarian among Republicans. Vaughn has a young person's instinctive feel for social media and casts himself as an up and comer in perpetual motion. Belcher has had little to say.

In District 5, it's Danita Burks and Tonye Rutherford for the GOP. Rutherford lost to Benedetti by less than two dozen votes in the 2011 general election. Burks has been silent, but on Sunday, Rutherford was a guest on the Black Heart Conservative radio show (970 AM), and you are recommended to listen to the podcast. It is very revealing.

Among the topics of discussion are storm water drainage, potholes, snow removal, the Louisville West End Wal-Mart, campaign finance and even the Ohio River Bridges Project. Rutherford reveals that he doesn't wear a Fitbit, but has been hitting the streets in his district, and he logs more local substance in this podcast than most of the other primary contestants have managed so far.

The link is at Soundcloud: Black Heart Conservative 04-12-15.

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.

NA council: Lots of names on the primary ballot in District 6 -- and they're mostly Republican.

Three Republicans?

In a primary?

In New Albany?

Noting that the District 6 incumbent is Scott Blair, running as an Independent and thus not on the primary ballot, let's survey a crowded field.

CITY OF NEW ALBANY COUNCIL MEMBER DISTRICT 6
(Precincts New Albany 27, 41, 42, 43, 44)

D Cliff Staten, 1013 Woodfield Dr

R Larry W Belcher, 3202 Hickory Grove
R Noah McCourt, 4055 Prestwick Square
R Nicholas Vaughn, 3502 Lancaster Drive

The DemoDisneyDixiecrats scored a candidate at the last possible moment, and so here is Cliff Staten's Fb campaign page. I'm told he will be openly progressive. This would be refreshing to the point of weirdly unlikely, so we'll see.

Over the weekend, the GOP's mayoral hopeful Kevin "Tippecanoe and Trafficking Too" Zurschmiede glowingly touted Nick Vaughn, who likes to be seen with Ron Grooms in an interesting take on May-December political bromances. Vaughn can be found here and here.

The second Republican contender in District 6 is Noah McCourt, who comes up to the plate swinging with a position on the Pillsbury closing (unedited):

The city council offered the company several million dollars to stay. Ultimatley the decison is up to the corparation,but in the event the plant is relocated. I propose the 7 million dollars offered to pillsbury could also be used for supportive community programs to assist those residents who face the prospect of unemployment.

Read more here: Noah McCourt for City Council.

I can find nothing about Larry Belcher, although I vaguely recall knowing someone by this name a long time ago. Anyone?

The incumbent Blair has a Fb page, although it has not been updated in a while.

Complete primary filings are here.

Decision 2011: For those in the 6th about to plant a yard sign, we don't salute you.

We've spent the week thoughtfully contemplating New Albany's November 8 municipal elections, and to be honest, emigration keeps coming up in conversation. Today marks the end of numbered council districts. Tomorrow are the council at-large hopefuls, and the mayor foursome on Monday, October 17. Candidate listings are cribbed from the clerk's office, followed by brief comments by the senior editor.

NEW ALBANY COUNCIL DISTRICT 6
(Precincts New Albany 27, 41, 42, 43, 44)

R Matt Oakley 1118 Eastridge Drive 502-599-1251
D Suellen Wilkinson 1028 Castlewood Drive 812-948-9844
I Scott A. Blair 3925 Rainbow Drive 812-697-0128

Voting for the person? All three candidates for Jeff Gahan's seat in the 6th are first-rate, so that one's a wash.

Like the remainder of the Republican slate, with the possible exception of Jessica Knable, Oakley's given no hint of a position on specific issues. Neither has Blair, although one would expect an independent to be able to demonstrate his vision in contrast to the pathetic record of local political parties in doing so.

Wilkinson is running openly and proudly as a Democrat, and for that she ordinarily would deserve credit from the likes of me, except that in Floyd County, such a close and intimate alignment with the crumbling Democratic party structure implies a decided Dixiecrat shading, and nothing resembling her Wisconsin blue state credentials.

Am I the only one in the city seeking to judge hopefuls by their views on issues facing the city, and not yard sign placement?

NAC's pick: In spite of her proximity to the outgoing England administration, the choice is Wilkinson.