Matt Nash is the 5th district nominee as the nutty professor bobs to the surface.

It's official: Matt Nash has been selected by the Democratic Party to be the nomineefor 5th district city council, replacing primary winner Dustin Collins, who withdrew due to illness.

More entertainingly, Vicki "Professor Erika" Denhart has broken three months' silence to denigrate Nash, the party and the process.

NEWS FLASH.....ANOTHER FIXED ELECTION.

"No wonder our city is going to HELL in a hand basket!"

By the way, it's Burks, not Burke -- and Matt already announced his departure from column composition.

Interestingly, Nash has differed publicly with the incumbent mayor on several issues, two-way streets foot-dragging prime among them. The party's desperate imperative to remove primary loser Diane Benedetti is duly noted in this context, as she did not always toe the "Gahan as divinity" party line, prompting Team Gahan to not-so-secretly plump for Collins in the run-up to May.

Republican candidate Tonye Rutherford lost to Benedetti by less than two dozen votes in 2011, so the 5th district contest should be competitive.

Well, well: "Matthew Nash for 5th District City Council."

When Matt swapped photos here yesterday, I suspected the Green Mouse was right.

Can we speak candidly?

It's widely known that Gahan administration operatives targeted incumbent 5th district rep Diane Benedetti for defeat in the primary. I know this because one of them told me so. Of course, it cannot be quantified as to how much the down-low Gahan chicanery contributed to Dustin Collins' eventual victory, but now it's moot, as Collins was forced to withdraw from the race owing to health concerns.

If I haven't said it already in blog space, all the best to Dustin. He's a personable and bright young man, and there is no doubt about his sincere commitment to public service. Get well, quickly.

But there's an election to be held, and the News and Tribune's Daniel Suddeath explains what happens next as Democratic Party chairman Adam Dickey follows arcane procedures lifted straight from the pages of "Foucault's Pendulum" (alas, not a Disney flick) to ensure his chosen and pre-ordained outcome. Remember the famous song Bob Dylan wrote about Dickey, "Tangled Up in Puppet Strings"?

Qualified Democrats residing in District 5 can submit for nomination by caucus members. The caucus will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 7 at the New Albany Roadhouse, which is located at 1706 Graybrook Lane.

That's right: The Democrats will caucus by drawing straws and drinking ice cold Bud Light long necks. Fiction simply cannot improve on reality when it comes to satirizing these people.

Know this: None of my obvious and ever expanding derision for our local Fix Is In Democrats should be implied as outweighing my personal esteem for Matt Nash, whose hat has been tossed into the ring in the 5th. I won't get a vote in this one, and we'll see what happens. Even if we still disagree on certain topics, Benedetti has done a good job. Matt's a great fellow, and politics is a nasty business. Anyone got a tea leaf?

A word of advice to Matt: If you don't win the race, be careful the newspaper doesn't screw you on your weekly column resumption * ... and seriously, you might wish to distance yourself from the recently abominable record of your old man on the Bored of Works.

By the way, anyone got a broom?

Here's Matt's Fb campaign page. I wish him well.

Matthew Nash for 5th District City Council

I would like to announce my intention to seek the position of New Albany City Council in the 5th District. For the past six years I have expressed my opinion on how to make our city a better place in a weekly column in the News and Tribune. Now I am actually doing something about it.

I believe that New Albany is a great city but we could be doing better. Between now and November 3rd I will discuss with all of the citizens of New Albany how we can work together to make our city the best that it can be.

* Matt's already dealt with it here.

Illness compels Dustin Collins to withdraw from the 5th district council race.

Dustin Collins explains his decision in a Facebook post. He's a bright and engaging young man, and I wish him the very best as he takes back his health. It's all that matters. There'll be another political opportunity, and I'm sure he'll seize it when the time comes.

Get well!

Yesterday morning I withdrew my candidacy for City Council, District 5. For those of you who may not know I found out just a couple weeks ago that my cancer has come out of remission and is now in my lymph nodes. My intention was to stay in the race despite this. However, due to the side effects of the medication and my inability to function more then a couple hours daily (and it is anyone's guess which) I have decided it is unfair to the citizens within the 5th District to run for something that I can not dedicate my entirety to.

While I know this news may anger, hurt, or otherwise negatively impact some people it is the right one for me and for the 5th District. I will continue to do everything in my power to ensure the voices of those who I spoke with and those who voted for me are heard. While this is the end for my candidacy it is not the end of the campaign to make New Albany and the 5th District better.

Please keep me and my family in your prayers during this challenging time.

The Democratic Party has thirty days to call a meeting to replace Collins on the ballot. If I understand this correctly, Diane Benedetti is eligible to be named the candidate. Whether this will happen in the aftermath of a concerted effort on the part of Mayor Gahan's team to defeat her in the primary is yet to be seen.

Looks like Adam has some fences to mend, which should be wildly entertaining.

What they're saying: A potpourri of McCourt, Collins and Keeler.

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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First up: Apologies for thus far omitting mention of Vicki Glotzbach, who is seeking re-election to the office of city clerk. She has a Facebook campaign page.

Republican council candidate (6th district) Noah McCourt has had much to say of late, and you are invited to read his posts at Facebook.

I had the opportunity to speak with my fellow candidates Dr. Al Knable and local historian Dave Barksdale. We talked about our approach to campaigning and how we as potential city officials need to be straight forward with the community. I agree with Dr. Knable "I'm not going to simply tell people what they want to hear to get elected." The simple truth of the matter is this city is struggling financially. We as a community can not take four more years of reactionary spending, unsustainable development and irresponsible TIF practices. The shopping spree needs to end. I respect the many members of the community for willing to be honest about the issues, Now let's get the government on the same level. Vote Knable, Barksdale and McCourt and Put some honesty back in city hall

Over in the 5th district, Democratic challenger Dustin Collins mentions a facet of economic development that should be discussed more often.

The next generation of jobs will be technology: whether energy, internet, or another technology that is only an idea today. We need to invest in technological infrastructure like fiber optic internet. These jobs won't wait for us; we owe it to the future of our city, and her workers, to start exploring ways to invest in tomorrow's jobs. I am committed to making New Albany a place where the jobs of the future can locate today.

See also: No, Mayor Gahan, Indatus is not one of the "indie" bands playing at Bicentennial Park this summer.

At-large council hopeful Adam Keeler, a Democrat, shares a link and provides commentary: Bill to remove Ritz as education chair passes Senate committee (WTHR).

This is absurd. My heart goes out to Glenda Ritz. When we start removing elected officials from office we are no longer a democracy. Mike Pence has given the state of Indiana another black eye. Education is extremely important in today's world. Please get out and vote this year!

Voting information is compiled at the Floyd County Clerk's web site. Know where and when you can vote.

What others are saying: Collins, Benedetti, Indiana Equality Action and the 5th district council race.

As the days pass 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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When is the last time a statewide Indiana PAC has gotten involved with a New Albany city council race? It seems to be happening right now, if this direct e-mail received earlier this evening is any indication. It offers rhetorical support to Democratic candidate Dustin Collins, who is challenging incumbent Diane Benedetti in the 5th district primary.

It can't be said we didn't see it coming: What they're saying ... about each other.

Nate Nahler is the president of Indiana Equality Action, an "Indiana non-profit corporation consisting of individuals and organizations dedicated to advancing equal rights for and fighting discrimination against all Hoosier citizens regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity."

The text of Nahler's e-mail follows.

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Dear Roger,

Over the past few weeks, we have seen the reputation of the State of Indiana dragged through the mud by politicians ignoring the will of the voters and pandering to their base. With RFRA being passed by a super majority in the General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Pence, we realize now more than ever the importance of supporting elected officials who reflect our values.

In New Albany, a sitting City Councilwoman--who abstained when a resolution to oppose HJR3 was brought before the New Albany City Council--has attempted to slander her primary challenger's reputation to solidify her political position. Those closest to the Councilwoman have begun knocking on doors and asking supporters of Dustin Collins, her primary challenger, whether they know he’s gay. Is this what we have come to expect out of our elected representatives?

Today I write in support of Dustin and the vision he has for New Albany and the State of Indiana. Dustin (a former member of the military, former staff member for the Freedom Indiana campaign, and a former staff member for the Indiana Democratic Party) has already made many gains in the City of New Albany. Even before the upcoming elections, citizens are already approaching him with their concerns and he is already beginning to solve them....imagine what he could do once elected!

Dustin can't win this election on his own, he needs your help! All of us must stand up and support these candidates and take our home back! This is where you can help. Please consider volunteering or making a financial donation so we can work to fight back against this whisper campaign. Anything you can do to help the campaign succeed is very much appreciated!

Indiana Equality Action
PO Box 20621
Indianapolis, IN 46220
888.567.0750

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.

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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.

NA council: There are four primary election candidates in District 5.

In 2011, Diane Benedetti won by narrow margins in both the primary (against Randy Smith) and the general election (versus Tonye Rutherford); her margin of victory each time was fewer than 30 votes.

In 2015, Benedetti has a new challenger in the primary, while Rutherford offers the possibility of a fall rematch, although he faces a primary race, too.

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CITY OF NEW ALBANY COUNCIL MEMBER DISTRICT 5
(Precincts New Albany 9, 14, 26, 28, 40)

D Dustin Collins 2534 Charlestown Rd #14
D Diane McCartin Benedetti 1343 Slate Run Rd

R Danita Burks 1111 Lafayette Dr
R Tonye Rutherford 1680 Woodlawn Dr

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As a two-term Democratic incumbent, Benedetti has a record to espouse and defend, and we'll get to that in time. She doesn't have an on-line campaign presence, at least yet.

Her opponent Dustin Collins has a Fb page. I don't know much about him. Anyone?

On the Republican side, neither candidate has an electronic campaign page. However, we know Burks for her unsuccessful bid in the 2014 school board election, and for her marriage to perennial GOP aspirant Steve "Any Office Will Do" Burks, who recently was gang-tackled by the central committee in route to register as a mayoral candidate, so as to give them time to convince Kevin Zurschmiede to evict the spa and get on with it.

Rutherford is one of three sitting Human Rights Commission members to declare for office. Less than two dozen votes separated Rutherford and Benedetti in 2011.

See the complete primary election listings right here.