UPDATE: Southern Indiana Equality is no more.

R.I.P., S.I.E.

We received a question from a regular reader.

How do I get in touch with Southern Indiana Equality? Their web site and Facebook page are gone. Do they still exist?

The answer is no.

According to SIE president Brad Bell, "We disbanded right after Jeff Pride. Too many other groups sprouted up doing primarily the same thing, plus we (SIE) never got good traction to get moving in the right direction."

Southern Indiana Equality began in 2015, in part as a response to the city's "built to be docile" Human Rights Commission.

More here:

UPDATE: A Human Rights Commission would come in handy given the public housing putsch, but the same lawyer who wrote the belly-up human rights ordinance now sits on the public housing board. Now that's New Gahania.

Chronicles of New Gahania, Chapter IV: Pat, just tell Coffey to shut the fuck up.

Dear Council President McLaughlin,

Pat, take our advice. There are times when you have to dig deep, bite the bullet, and tell Dan Coffey to shut the fuck up.

Yours truly,

Assembled New Albanians

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New Albany’s city council is like a long-running television series that somehow manages to score high enough ratings for renewal, albeit with numerous ups, downs, plot twists and cast changes.

Think of Saturday Night Live, and how it can be safely ignored for years, then again merit attention following a reboot of cast and chemistry.

On Monday night, a young man (“X”) was chatting with me during an impromptu intermission, as signaled by the council president at the conclusion of a ceremony recognizing attending high school basketball champs from New Albany High School – from which every last city council member graduated.

No, this isn’t the time for a digression as to the hazards of marrying one’s first cousin.

It turns out that our Bulldogs are winners in more ways than one, because they were first on the agenda, feted and then allowed to leave, sparing them the indignity of being forced to endure the remainder of the meeting.

Some kids have all the luck. I went to Floyd Central. So did Attorney Gibson, though we're very different people.

Anyway, X told me he’d attended a few meetings before, and the last time he was there, Coffey and former councilman John Gonder “really got into it.” He asked me whether such a spectacle might occur now that Gonder no longer is present, having been dumped for being a genuine Democrat by a mayor who absolutely isn’t.

Oh, yes, I replied. A thousand times, yes. As long as the Copperhead shakes, rattles and boors, manners will remain on thin ice.

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You’ve probably heard about athletes who have so much ability that they make everyone else on their team play better. Coffey’s just the opposite, a dysfunctional poli-toxin that pulls everyone down to his level, over there by that grate clogged with cigarette butts and Big Gulp cups.

Coffey is like poison ivy spores drifting through the heavy summer air; you didn’t get anywhere near it with the weed whacker, but still your leg gets all corrupted with nasty welts.

Think a major, area-wide downbuzz.

On Monday, not unlike raw sewage bubbling to the surface during New Albany’s seemingly daily stormwater run-off Big Gulp episodes, Coffey’s limitless venom came bubbling to the surface during non-agenda public speaking time.

Note that public speaking time continues to be allowed only at meeting’s end, effectively discouraging speaking by the public, few of whom merit treatment as courteous as that afforded winning basketball teams.

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Brad Bell, president of Southern Indiana Equality, rose to address a recent outbreak of Coffey-Speech on social media, this latest infinitesimal instance comprising a characteristically intemperate diatribe about transgendered child molesters in unisex toilets.

Love him or hate him, you simply can’t deny how hard Coffey works to memorize those delightful theocratic/fascist GOP tropes.

A experienced orator, Bell actually was able to complete two, maybe three sentences before Coffey lashed out, first denying that he’d ever written any such words (a diligent Bell possessed pesky screenshots), then yelling the very words he denied having used, something about transgendered child molesters in unisex toilets … and you see, here’s the thing, Pat.

You’re not council president solely to run interference for the wise and powerful Gahan’s chosen program of paving monetization.

You’re not even there to act as Adam Disney’s gee-whiz magic kingdom surrogate.

You’re there to run the meeting, Pat.

Coffey outbursts of New Albanian Id are eternal, but public speaking time is limited to a few minutes. It’s hard enough to convince a citizen to come to a council meeting and sit two hours patiently waiting for his or her turn, but when the turn finally comes, those precious minutes belong to the citizen, not to Coffey.

And yet, it plays out the same way virtually every time. A citizen addresses the council, Coffey interrupts, a junior high school lunchroom farce breaks out -- and the council president sits there, looking hopelessly confused.

I’m here to help.

Pat, in this situation, your job is to tell Dan Coffey to shut the fuck up and WAIT HIS TURN.

That’s what leaders do, and no, you needn’t wait for instructions from the mayor to do what you’re supposed to do as president of the council. Curb, neuter and muzzle; move forward. A grateful city will thank you.

While we’re on the topic, don’t tell me that you’re giving Coffey enough rope to hang himself, because he’s always behaved precisely the same non-housebroken way, whether posing as the mayor’s best slush buddy or declaring his independence from political party control – and you’ve always allowed it.

Stop doing that, Pat. But don’t stop stopping there. Stop the council's anti-intelllectual laziness. What city council really needs is a defined code governing its workplace demeanor. Call the code what you will – behavioral, decorum, civility, whatever. The salient point is that workplace bullies and pathological retrogrades like Dan Coffey cannot be held to a professional standard of behavior when there are no such standards in place.

Put them in place, Pat. You'll be thanked again by a populace tired of being interrupted.

(In the next installment of Chronicles of New Gahania, I’ll make the case for Southern Indiana Equality having better things to do with its valuable time than hector Dan Coffey)

Previously:

Ch. III ... The ED and the BC chart the arc of the sun as it climbs the New Gahanian sky.

Ch. II ... Video Jeff: We hired a study, not an engineer named Speck, 'cuz we want to be, uh, "a great place to be safe" -- and there'll be announcements soon, so WATER PARK.

Ch.  I ... In which we reveal EXACTLY how to evade those pesky bureaucratic parking requirements.

What I'm saying: Sorry, Brad Bell, but I cannot support your at-large candidacy.

And I feel bad about it. But I simply will not cast a vote in favor of any candidate failing to grasp the efficacy and sheer transformative potential of complete streets in New Albany, of which two-way traffic is an important core component, and yet not the only one.

What they're saying: On school buses, prayers and the Bard.

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 begin with a housekeeping note. Incumbent at-large council members Shirley Baird and John Gonder, both Democrats, have updated their Facebook campaign pages. Gonder also still has his blog, and yesterday  -- perhaps in a nod toward this recent post at NAC -- he published a short piece about schools and public transit.

Food for Thought

Why not have an arrangement between the school system and TARC which uses TARC buses rather than school buses to transport students to and from school?

In a risky move seemingly designed to dissuade Dan Coffey from ever voting for her, Hannegan Roseberry (at-large council, Democrat) has chosen to speak publicly about ... Shakespeare.

Here is an excerpt; click through for the complete post.

Kentucky Shakespeare is bringing its parks tour production of "the Scottish Play" to New Albany's Bicentennial Park on Friday, April 24th at 8:00 pm. What a delight to look forward to! I am pleased that this event got scheduled as a result of a passing conversation between my family and a friend of ours who is an actor with Kentucky Shakespeare. We ran into him at a show in Louisville, he mentioned the tour, and my husband mentioned that the tour should come to New Albany, gave him some names of who he should talk to to get it scheduled, and voila: several weeks later, the schedule was released and we were thrilled to see New Albany had been added to the list!

Coincidentally, Coffey has his own Shakespearean prayer plot line coming tomorrow night, although screenwriting for The Dukes of Hazard comes closer to describing his resolution's overall intent. At-large candidate Al Knable (at-large, Republican) has thoughts on the matter.

It seems the current NA City Council is sailing into waters that have been charted many, many times before.

Like many of you, I have my religious beliefs. They are sacred to me. These beliefs, along with my parents, my life experiences and many secular readings have helped frame my personal behavioral codes. I take these moral and ethical bulwarks to work with me each day and would use them to guide me if elected to the City Council.

But as I would resist anyone imposing their religion upon me, I would not attempt to do so to anyone else.

The "moment for reflection" now held before Council meetings is a working compromise. I suggest leaving it in place and getting on with the actual work of governing our City.

A novel idea, this governing. Is that the same thing as ward heeling?

Democratic at-large hopeful Brad Bell provides today's coda.

The City Council will take up a resolution to re-adopt the saying of the Lords Prayer before every City Council Meeting. Dan Coffey brings the measure for a certain fail on Thursday's agenda. To say that i'm opposed to this resolution is an understatement. I personally think that the moment of reflection is a perfect compromise between the 2 sides. I do happen to agree with my opponent, John Gonder, that a Municipal building is not the place for a cross. I have no problem with organized religion, but there is, though greatly overlooked within the past several years, a separation of church and state in our country. Our founding fathers adopted this legislation for a reason and we have turned our back on it.

You can not cater to one religion over another in a matter such as this. We would literally be sitting through prayer after prayer for hours on end to cover the vast cultural diversity of our city. My opinion stands, that a moment of reflection is perfectly suitable during the start of the City Council meetings. Should I get elected, and should this resolution pass, it would be first on the list for immediate repeal.

Happy voting, folks.

What they're saying ... about each other.

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.

--

Thus far, we've tried to stay focused on the positives, and so this edition of the ongoing political survey is a departure. However, I'm prepared to argue that while the developments reported here might be viewed as "negative," each actually pertains to a differing position on a genuine topic, whether parks expansion or police bargaining. So ...

As primary election day approaches and early voting begins, races for city council in the 5th district and for mayor are getting a wee bit contentious, at least on the Democratic side.

Note that in other contested races (council 5th and 6th district Republican and Democratic council at-large), friction has yet to occur, although a Democratic at-large council candidate's comments help to frame the situation in the 5th.

Brad Bell, writing at his Fb campaign page:

The 5th District is my home district, and I am deeply concerned by Ms. (Diane) Benedetti’s comments towards Mr. (Dustin) Collins. To stoop to that level in a campaign shows that she is weak, small minded and scared that she is losing her seat. Furthermore, I feel that the hate filled nonsense coming from her campaign shows that she is no longer fit to lead our great community. In New Albany we are welcoming and hospitable toward others. She has shown neither of these qualities. She has dodged several keys votes that have come before the council, either by abstaining or not even showing up to vote. How can you call yourself a community leader when you refuse to help lead?

To be perfectly clear, no evidence has yet been submitted to corroborate widespread rumors that supporters of Benedetti have encouraged homophobia with respect to Collins, but these rumors persist, and we must assume these are the basis for Bell's social media remarks. Coincidentally or not, Collins has gotten more aggressive on social media in recent days. At his Dustin Collins for New Albany City Council page at facebook, he refers to a WDRB television news story from January 30, 2013.

Unfortunately, this post isn't an April Fools joke. My opponent actually served the City of New Albany with a lawsuit for full time benefits while serving in a part-time capacity. Throw in her votes against benefits for part-time employees and you get to see what she really thinks about the City and its employees. I'm ready to serve my constituents instead of serving my city with a lawsuit.

He also takes issue with Benedetti's park-side etiquette.

My opponent has no trouble taking credit for a successful park. She's seen here holding the ribbon for the Silver Street Park opening. There's just one problem: She voted against it. My opponent has frequently cast votes that lower the quality of life for families. We deserve someone who wants to raise the quality of life for everyone! I am that person; I want everyone to have a better New Albany.

With respect to Benedetti's participation in the lawsuit (with fellow council members Bob Caesar and Kevin Zurschmiede) and her park vote, Collins appears to be entirely factual.

In short, welcome to Politics 101: While a Democrat, Benedetti often has differed with the mayor, and candidates aligned with the mayor will be expected to take her down a notch. It's in their job descriptions, and City Hall would like nothing more than to keep the seat in the party, without her physically occupying it. Let the voting begin.

Speaking of the Democratic mayoral primary race, David White is beginning to jab. At his David White for Mayor of New Albany page at Facebook, he points to a News and Tribune article.

Doesn't it say something that the mayor won't even come to the bargaining table, with our own police officers?

Then, linking to another News and Tribune piece about an area lifeguard shortage ...

$20 million dollar bond for an aquatic center, but the city is finding it difficult to find lifeguards! ‪#‎lifeguardshortage‬

With four weeks to go, will tempers begin fraying?

What they're saying: On RFRA, 8 council and 1 mayoral candidate with viewpoints.

April 1: Mayor Jeff Gahan released a statement opposing RFRA.

April 3 correction: Make it 9 ... Shirley Baird expressed opposition to the bill.

April 5: Noah McCourt clarifies his RFRA stance.

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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As of this writing, I'm the only mayoral candidate to make a statement for attribution. File me firmly "against." I've asked Jeff Gahan, David White and Kevin Zurschmiede, but received no reply.

Council candidates openly opposing the RFRA include incumbent 3rd district councilman Greg Phipps (he has posted frequently on the topic at his personal Fb page, though not his campaign page) and at-large councilman John Gonder, also at his personal site:

Quoted from the Indianapolis Star/ Associated Press, via Huffington Post ..."Pence disputes the law allows state-sanctioned anti-gay discrimination, as some Indiana businesses, convention organizers and others have argued. He says he didn't anticipate "the hostility that's been directed at our state." That is, HE SAYS HE DIDN'T ANTICIPATE "THE HOSTILITY THAT'S BEEN DIRECTED AT OUR STATE." My advice to the governor...next time you feel the urge to demagogue, take two aspirins, lie down and remember you're not in Mississippi.

At-large candidate Hannegan Roseberry's thoughts on RFRA (solidly against) already have appeared at NAC.

Democratic at-large candidates Brad Bell and Adam Keeler, and 5th district hopeful Dustin Collins have registered anti-RFRA viewpoints at Fb, which follow.

Brad Bell:

Why did Gov. Pence choose to sign this behind closed doors? Why is he costing our state millions of dollars in tax revenue? Conventions are pulling away, technology corporations have stopped sending reps to Indiana and the NCAA has even spoken out against it. How much more can our state afford to lose because of the "religious freedom" bill?

I'm so glad that New Albany is an open and welcoming community to ALL lifestyles, and in no way want to deny people their right to worship their own religion, but there must be a way to get to that goal without discriminating against others.

My other question is this. How is this not a DIRECT violation of church and state?

Adam Keeler:

Please contact Governor Mike Pence's office at 317-232-4567 and let them know your feelings regarding Senate Bill 568, the Religious Freedom restoration act bill. Discrimination is not okay and we should not support any actions that will promote it!

Dustin Collins:

The RFRA bill signed into law by the Governor has already started the domino effect. With Salesforce, Disciples of Christ, the NCAA, and countless others already threatening to pull activities resulting in 100's of millions in lost economic impact in Indiana and permanent damage caused to New Albany's non-discrimination ordinance as well as others around the state we have set ourselves up for failure with regards to recruiting and retaining the next generation of talent.

As a candidate for City Council, I recognize that the only way we will compete with other cities in a world wide economic marketplace is by being inclusive and tolerant of those of all backgrounds. The next generation is ready to step up and I will fight every day to ensure their prosperity is New Albany's prosperity, through inclusion, forward-thinking initiatives, and an eye always set on something greater.

On the Republican side, at-large candidate Al Knable opposes RFRA.

As a candidate for public office, I feel it's my responsibility to go on record with my opinion of the recently passed and signed "RFRA", aka SB/HB 101.

The matter has rightfully generated much discussion and I could go on at length but allow me to be succinct:

It's bad legislation and I'm against it.

I know that many have argued that "it doesn't really change anything", "other states have similar laws" or that it's "limited in scope". To me these points are not persuasive.

Our Government owes its citizens equal protection under the law. All of its citizens.

Any act that erodes this primary function in reality or even by perception should be extinguished as soon as recognized.

I hope this can be remedied before too much damage is done to some of our friends and neighbors as well as to our State's reputation and economy.

While the 6th district Republican candidate Noah McCourt does not directly address RFRA, his support of Ron Grooms in the context of "principles and values" and the posting date strongly suggests his support for the bill. If this is not the case, please let me know and I'll make a correction.

I'd like to say thank you to senator Ron Grooms for taking time to meet with me today and for his willingness to stand up for the principles and values of Floyd county residents. I hope to do the same for the city of New Albany. Thank you senator

What they're saying: Bell, Collins, Knable, Phipps, Roseberry and Staten on rental property registration.

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 at all, 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.

Earlier in the week, I went to the Fb campaign pages of several candidates and asked a short, quick question. Note that if I omitted you from the survey, please feel free to provide a reply, and it will be published; the readier your channels of communication for me to ask, the greater chance you will be asked. Now for the question.

"Rental property registration? Go."

Opening with numbered districts, incumbent 3rd district councilman Greg Phipps had this to say.

That's not part of the new property ordinance. Some of us suggested it , but its the census that we need to adopt the property ordinance first .

Dustin Collins, 5th district (D) candidate:

I'd really like an accurate cost/benefit analysis on it. An ordinance is only as good as the enforcement that can be provided.

Cliff Staten, 6th district (D) candidate:

Having an effective rental property registration program is important to any city but especially New Albany as it continues to develop. Every city is different, but holding landlords accountable for the standard of living they provide to renters is universal (and good business). If we want people to move to New Albany, if we want young people to rent in New Albany, we must ensure that they have places to live where they are safe, secure, and healthy. Of course as with any program, without proper enforcement by the city it cannot succeed.

1st district councilman Dan Coffey was asked, but did not answer, and so we turn to at-large council aspirants.

First is Brad Bell (D).

I can see both sides of the argument. My concern would be enforcement. We already have tons of ordinances that go unchecked and this would probably fall into that same category I'm sure. I would like to think that a legitimate land lord would be fine with filing and registering but I have a feeling there are more bad ones than good. Then you have the added problem of finding what is and what is not rental property.

I replied to Brad, "We can't find what is and is not rental property because we have no registration procedure. That's actually much of the point." He added:

Like I said, the bad ones outnumber the good and the chances of them coming forward and voluntarily spending "their own money" on a registration process is slim.

Hannegan Roseberry (D):

Building community and attracting more families to our neighborhoods is a major part of my platform. While I have a number of clarifying questions for the folks at city hall, it is clear that what we are doing right now isn't working. I can look out my windows and see rental properties that aren't being properly maintained or appear to have been abandoned. Landlords, as business owners, need to be held accountable for their properties and the impact their neglect has on our neighborhoods and property values. For me, this issue is a symptom of the bigger issue for the current administration - transparency and mission. As a city council member, I want to see the city first put forward a clear mission/vision for development of community, commerce, and culture. Once this vision exists, it will make decisions concerning issues (rental property registration) easier because the city's mission is clear, and citizens will understand that creating these policies is consistent with that mission and not a random act of government.

Finally, Al  Knable's coda (R):

Unless someone can convince me otherwise, I am favor of registration. Sooner rather than later. More rather than less comprehensive. Why? What we have now is failing. Failing the tenants and the City at large. I used to own a few rental properties, never balked at registration. Got out of that business beachside REITs are a more efficient use of my time.

Thanks, everyone.

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ON THE AVENUES: Die Hard the Hunter, or the political impossibility of rental property registration on New Albany.

What they're saying: At-large council candidates Roseberry and Bell.

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 at all, 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 at-large council contest, we find Democrats Hannegan Beardsley Roseberry and Brad Bell. It is Roseberry's first run for office, and Bell's second (he ran for an at-large council seat in 2011).

At her Facebook campaign page, Roseberry contributes this valuable observation about Saturday's Speck street study meeting.

At this morning's meeting about the Speck street study, there were questions about the funding and cost of implementing two-way streets. The city officials did not give any response to that question, but this article from last month states that, "...the city has $1.6 million in Kentuckiana Regional Planning & Development Agency (KIPDA) funding to get started." This was a quote from Mayor Gahan. The meeting should have shared this information. We need greater transparency from our city leaders, and city officials who aren't afraid to speak their minds and stand up for its citizens.

It would help to know that, wouldn't it?

Also at Facebook, Bell offers economic development strategy, echoing a topic previously discussed at NAC: Impure thoughts about suburbia" and New Albanian corridors.

What to do with Colonial Manor??

When Kroger moved from Colonial Manor Shopping Center, many many years ago, that section of Charlestown Road has struggled to find it's place in the community. Even though many different stores have tried to fill holes over the years, Colonial Manor now sits nearly vacant again. Two (2) unsuccessful grocery stores have tried to hold down the anchor spot, but have both lasted less than 2 years. Dollar General moved down the road to a much bigger location, and other stores have simply disappeared.

While some area's of New Albany have seen major growth and expansion, some areas have continued the downward spiral. This section of Charlestown Road needs major help. With that being the sole agenda, I propose turning Colonial Manor Shopping Center into a family friendly fun zone. We should seek out an anchor such as GattiLand, Chuck-E-Cheese or a Puzzles Fun Dome type of location so families can have an indoor fun center for all season's right here in New Albany. The outlying stores in Colonial Manor can also be family driven, in order to be a family destination site.

Not only that, but Bell thinks he can do it without tax abatements. Be sure to follow the link and read the entire piece.

See this post for more information on the at-large council race:

NA council: The at-large scrum of nine contestants for three jobs.

NA council: The at-large scrum of nine contestants for three jobs.

For the Democrats, it's six contestants, three jobs.

Standalone web sites are linked by candidate name; Facebook (or other) links follow. I have tried to find a source of information for each candidate, whether or not is it an "official" campaign site.

I hope to hear more from all of them, but until then, here's what we have.

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CITY OF NEW ALBANY COUNCIL MEMBER AT-LARGE
(Precincts New Albany 1,3,5,7,9,10,11,13,14,16,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,40,41,42,43,44)

R David C Barksdale 614 Terrace Court (Fb profile)
R Bob Hornung 513 Hollary Dr (Fb campaign page)
R Al Knable Jr 1301 Riddle Rd (Fb)

D Shirley Baird 602 E Elm St (Fb 2011)
D Brad Bell 1672 Garretson Lane (Fb)
D James E Garner, Sr 1506 Sunset Dr (Linked In)
D John Gonder 602 Captain Frank Rd (Fb 2011)
D Adam J. Keeler 613 E Main St (Fb)
D Hannegan Beardsley Roseberry 1203 E Spring St (Fb)

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Strictly primary: Democratic incumbents John Gonder (two terms) and Shirley Baird (one) are grouped with a former mayor, one previous at-large council aspirant (Bell in 2011) and two newcomers. Conventional wisdom for a primary election probably gives Gonder and Baird a very good chance of passing through to November.

Is Garner damaged goods? His mayoral term was tumultuous, he was defeated for re-election in the 2011 primary, and now he's looking like a stalking horse for mayoral candidate David White, who'll be running against the right-leaning DemoDisneyDixiecrat establishment even though he's as far to the right himself as Mitt Romney.

Hannegan Roseberry has the Beardsley birth name. It might be enough for her, given the party regulars expected to vote in May. Honestly, some of the Democratic aspirants should have waited and run as independents.

Across the aisle, Republican Kevin "Spa-tacular" Zurschmiede is running for mayor, and so we're seeing the whole GOP at-large council slate for November. It's a fairly solid troika, with Al Knable by far making the most sense in the early going. He's got my vote come November, although he may not want me to advertise that fact too loudly.

See the complete primary election listings here.

Congratulations to Brad Bell, new appointee to New Albany's Human Rights Commission.

(Late addition: According to Brad, the second appointment also was made last night: Wendy Stepro)

After New Albany's city council approved a Right To Be Tolled resolution ... wait, scratch that.

After New Albany's city council approved a Human Rights Commission ordinance, Mayor Jeff Gahan immediately made his two statutory appointments: Tonye Rutherford and Cliff Staten. Subsequently, in the grand tradition of camels passing through the eyes of needles, the council's own two appointments were to be shepherded by the body's president, which nevertheless produced at least one fine choice announced at last evening's meeting, as revealed by Brad Bell on Facebook:

A few weeks ago the New Albany City Council passed an ordinance creating a Human Rights Commission. Tonight the City Council made it official and appointed me to be one of the 5 members of this commission. I am beyond proud and humbled and look forward to fighting for what's right in New Albany!! It is my opinion that this commission is one of if not the most important as it will matters pertaining to; race, religion, color, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender ID, military service and disability. I am beyond excited about this appointment!

I am delighted for my fellow former at-large council candidate's appointment to a seat on the commission.

Meanwhile, at last night's council meeting, the notion of an Ethics Commission was supported in spite of Professor Erika's misspelled screeching against it.

Ethics commission approved

Without much discussion, the council unanimously approved the establishment of an ethics commission on first and second readings.

Councilman John Gonder’s proposal will require one more ballot, likely to be taken later this month, before the commission is official. If approved, the commission will hear complaints and investigate charges of unethical procedures by public officials and employees as they pertain to hiring processes, government contracts and other municipal actions.

The ethics commission is set to consist of five members, none of which will be elected officials.