What they're saying: Al Knable on possible wetlands expansion; also, Diane Benedetti and David White.

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 "yard signs win elections, not people" or "donate to my campaign first, and maybe I'll have something of merit to say much, much 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.

With most Democratic candidates preoccupied with party directives to plant yard signs and sing kumbaya, there nonetheless were bits of wheat amid the chaff.

In the mayoral race, David White (Fb site reference) got cogent with his challenger's centerpiece, a $9 million aquatics center.

(Quoting an N and T story) "Though an exact operating budget per year hasn't been established, city officials have received projected cost estimates to maintain and staff the pool" ...  you've got to be kidding me! How can one agree to such a high dollar project without knowing it's overhead and financial impact on the city? 

5th district incumbent Diane Benedetti now has a campaign site at Facebook, and will be joining builders:

Look for Team Benedetti in the upcoming New Albany-Floyd County Habitat for Humanity Women Build Team, part of National Women Build Week.

You may notice Al Knable's name popping up here frequently, and that's because of all the candidates currently declared for council (he's seeking an at-large seat as a Republican), he's the one who has most often dared expound at length on a variety of topics. It would be an understatement to note how very refreshing this is.

Like this one, at his Fb campaign page. Finally, someone who sees the opportunities afforded by seeming reversals.

I reconnected with my inner-biologist today, toured some of the swamps near NOLA via airboat with my family.

I caught the kids by surprise when I told them during a quiet lull that we have areas similar to this near New Albany (sans alligators of course) and that I believe we can expand upon them to boot! I reminded them of the great resource we have in Loop Island and of the generosity that made that wetland's preservation possible.

The possible expansion? Gallagher Station.

I think the writing is on the wall. With the EPA's last round of regulations, Duke's options are very limited and I believe G.S. will be moth-balled in the near future.

This will create short term hardship as NA will face lost employment and revenue. Long term- great opportunity!

We need to start conversing NOW with state and federal agencies to assure the transition of this facility to protected wetland habitat.

This would allow for Green Belt continuity between Loop Island and G.S. wetlands. What a treasure for naturalists and fishing and hunting enthusiasts!

Clearly this goes beyond the scope of our City Council, but we need to be part of the discussion if we want to guide our future. I've actually already started this discussion with our current and former Governors and hope to continue the conversation as one of NA's elected representatives.

This is a decade's long project! We'll need leaders with foresight and discipline to pull it off. Please help me spread the word!

Habitat for Humanity lashes back at Gonder as city's 922 Culbertson position becomes even more muddled.

First, there's another "new plan for (the 922) Culbertson Avenue building in New Albany," even as "the city (is) still proceeding with (the) demolition process."

This implies that there was a previous coherent plan on the city's part, and any interest in transparency. The current administration's inability (or unwillingness) to enunciate policies and decisions with clarity remains baffling.

It also posits a mildly Orwellian paradox (demolishing something in order to save it), but let's not quibble with the city's ever-shifting resolve to do or not do something, depending on this morning's latest Ouija board reading over Sanka back at the ranch.

New Albany Building Commissioner David Brewer has granted preservationists a stay of the demolition of the Circa-1880 building at 922 Culbertson Ave ... apparently there’s another option that has at least bought preservationists more time.

That'd be Plan 9 from Outer Space, and now that we don't have THAT cleared up at all, let's move to Andrea Stevens, executive director of the New Albany-Floyd County Habitat for Humanity, who bristled when councilman John Gonder differed with Habitat's record.

STEVENS: Habitat looks to break cycle of poverty

... First, the notion that there exists any sort of plan for Habitat homes at 922 Culbertson is simply not true. Whatever the origin of that speculation, Habitat has not pursued any interest in this property, nor have we been approached by the city or any other party regarding the redevelopment of that property. That inaccuracy aside, what is more troubling is that the comments reveal the persistence of the unfortunate misconception that the Habitat houses somehow detract from the vibrancy of a neighborhood or even perpetuate poverty or the appearance of it.

For the standard defense of Habitat, read Stevens' column in its entirety. Noting that in my world, just knowing that H4H is a Christian ministry, albeit ecumenical, is enough to send me to the fridge for another beer, there remain other reasons for reasonable people to differ with the organization's record, whether in design or workmanship.

As a convenient example, consider this case in Syracuse, New York. I've underlined the passage that says it all.

The nonprofit agency provides affordable houses for people who could not otherwise buy their own home, and it does it with donated money and volunteers. It’s not a mission that would seem to invite criticism.

“It’s like being against Christmas, you know?” Syracuse 3rd District Common Councilor Bob Dougherty said.

But Monday, there he was, standing before the Syracuse Planning Commission, asking it to deny a Habitat request to combine two parcels into a single lot so it could build a ranch style house in the 1300 block of West Onondaga Street ... 

Volunteers needed this week to serve food to workers at the Habitat for Humanity building blitz in Henryville.

I was asked to post this:

"Habitat for Humanity is doing a building blitz with 250 people in Henryville this week. Apparently it is being covered by television on WAVE and WHAS. They need people to serve food to those workers between 4 to 6 p.m. daily, through Friday this week. They are currently short of servers. Would you please do me a favor and post this quickly. Questions should be directed to Martha Cooley at 502.639.6319. 

"This is happening at Crystal Lake Estates just north of Henryville; Martha will give callers further details. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks."

Habitat fetes Clere for feting Habitat.

Last night, I had a dream about vinyl siding. I've no idea why.

Clere receives honor for Habitat-saving legislation; Group names Rep volunteer of the year, by Maureen Hayden (News and Tribune)

... “Vacant lots are still scarce, but there are plenty of dilapidated houses in almost any community,” Clere said.