Lien this way, because it's a Mansion on Main pop quiz -- and we're leaning toward this autographed 12-pack of Bud Light Lime Mango-Rita as first prize.

That's right, folks; 12 delicious cans of Bud Light Lime Mango-Rita, recently chosen as the OFFICIAL BEVERAGE OF NEW ALBANY TIF ZONES, in a ready-to-frame cardboard box with the mayor's autograph.

To redeem your prize, just a mail a check for the $25 processing fee to Committee to Re-Elect Mayor Gahan, PO Box BR-549, Birdseye IN.

Ready?

Here's the question.

Oops -- that's no question at all, is it? Has the Green Mouse been day-drinking again?

Whaddya say we keep the grand prize on ice, and wait until next time?

But heavens, those Rice Krispies Treats look mighty fine.

"How our government helps investors profit from neighborhood decay."

Wow.

Investigative journalism really does exist.

Blight Inc. -- How our government helps investors profit from neighborhood decay, by Brian Eason (Indy Star)

 ... The story of urban blight is all too familiar. Indianapolis is pockmarked with 6,800 abandoned homes that stunt property values, attract crime and destabilize neighborhoods. But one of the primary causes is mostly hidden. And it is, in large part, enabled by our own government.

An Indianapolis Star investigation has found that, increasingly, the empty house next door is not owned by a bank or an individual, but by one of many investors, often from out of state, who are enticed by the prospects of cheap homes that can be purchased — sight unseen and in bulk — at government tax sales.

We're doing better addressing the blight we have no plans to prevent.

This article looked intriguing, so I tunneled under the paywall to provide you with this takeaway:

In 2012 and 2013, the building commissioner’s office filed a total of $579,595 in liens, according to Brewer. Liens were filed for any service the city rendered on a blighted property, from cutting grass to razing a structure.

As of Wednesday, the city had recouped $155,284 in liens over the past two years. In 2010 and 2011, New Albany collected about $46,000 in liens, (Building Commissioner David) Brewer said.

No problem; you'd do the same for me, I'm sure. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go wash my shovel.

FUTURE DOESN'T LOOK BLIGHT: City credits proactive approach, funding for increased codes results, by Daniel Suddeath

NEW ALBANY — The number of stressed properties and blighted structures addressed in New Albany over the past two years has risen sharply, according to numbers provided by Mayor Jeff Gahan’s administration.