In most cities, you won't find the congenitally disaffected even bothering to cast a vote, but in New Albany, Indiana, right here on the river, members of that class seem to have found an outlet for their green-eyed resentfulness - warming a seat on the Common Council of the City of New Albany for Districts 1, 2, 3, and 4.
As a public service, NA Confidential is pleased to be able to prepare this brief for 1st District Council Member Dan Coffey to use at tomorrow's Board of Public Works and Safety meeting. (That's the same room you'll be seated in Monday night, since you haven't often been able to find the elusive BoW in session.)
But first, a digression. The missus and I went out last p.m. to gig some trogs, er, frogs, dodging raindrops along the way. It was an educational trip. We ranged across various trouble spots previously highlighted and found a few new ones that will need the attention of our public servants.
Spring is a time to blossom, and the showers came just in time for the city to begin its weekly street cleaning meanders (Don't ignore those red no parking notices, sports fans. NAC readers will have no excuse for getting caught parked on the wrong side of the street on the wrong day).
The early rains did little more than wash a lot of seasonal grime away, but by 5 p.m. the storms had become real gullywashers. My bride escorted me to inspect some of the flood plains and roadways that typically suffer hardest from strong rains.
We were pleased to see great progress being made on the Vance Avenue church pastored by the Rev. Anthony B. Toran. It looks like it's going to be a spacious, yet economical, house of worship before too long. And it is without doubt an enhancement to the neighborhood.
We then proceeded to the Beechwood/Grant Line/Daisy Lane "triplesection," which remains in limbo until the Daisy Lane widening (lane-widening?) project moves further along. I understand that Mr. McCartin owns that plot once used for a gas station/market, and one would assume we can divine just who The Gary is backing this election season from the campaign signs on display there (No, I won't tell you. Go look for yourself!).
A quick hop northwestward to the top of the hill illuminated some of the research we had done earlier in the day with GoogleEarth (go download it to your machine now - it can't find our house, but it will get you close enough to see what detritus is stored behind CM Larry Kochert's back fence).
By satellite, the proposed development across from the Daisy Lane/Schell Road intersection seems like a no-brainer. That is, until you walk the ground. Nearby is the biggest of the city's doughnut holes, the tower farm and flood plain that separates State Streeters from Grant Liners. The site straddles the turn that brings westbound drivers on a true western heading after the three-way stop.
I can't blame the residents along Schell for using this occasion to lobby for improvements to their street. But I'm not sure how traffic on Daisy Lane will affect the flow or volume on Schell. It looks as if someone would really have to go out of their way to use Schell to bypass the aforementioned Beechwood "triplesection," and if they so desired, they would be doing it now.
The Plan Commission and staff, as well as the developer, seem to think that even Daisy Lane won't be overwhelmed by the daily addition of 300 or so vehicles, at least after the road improvements are completed.
This project qualifies as infill development, if not in a "blighted" area, and I'm hard-pressed to argue against it. We sure would like to hear more from its opponents than has been publicly reported.
The northwest corner of Daisy Lane and Green Valley Road is bare of any "Coming Soon" signs courtesy of The McCartin Companies. No word yet on whether that company is still determined to expand the commercial boundaries northward into the residential enclaves. Can it be that a line of demarcation has been drawn?
One sign of spring is the blossoming of candidate political signs. Someone should give a prize to the candidates with the best sign designs. Wonder if that would count as a campaign donation?
Taking a stroll in your own precinct, or a drive across town, may be one of the best ways to figure out who the players are in the May 2 primaries, at least until The Tribune issues its much-awaited thumbnails of the races. If voters start paying attention now, we'll have made better choices in May - and in November.
Though each is unopposed, both Mark Seabrook (currently a Republican city council member) and Randy Stumler (currently a Democratic county council member) have their signs out. I still have to check again to see if there are any contested races in the Republican primary. They do seem to be disciplined when it comes to winnowing the candidates.
I've enjoyed watching these signs sprout, although I'm dying of curiosity to know who Ms. Ali is supporting via yard-sign placement. And I'm making it a point to examine those candidates who've forsworn this particular form of electioneering.
We also climbed the hill to New Beginnings Church. I've been curious about this church since I arrived here. It sure looks nice. But wasn't one of the conditions for building there, particularly on that slope, that the church would put in sidewalks as part of the development permission from the Plan Commission? Why then are there still no sidewalks? Surely the neighbors in the adjacent subdivision are going to be ticked off if that doesn't happen soon.
But back to our stated mission. Despite the frog-strangler, we came up empty on trog, er, frog-sightings, and had to settle on store-bought tilapia for dinner, seasoned with Steak Dance brand meat seasoning and tenderizer. Pretty good stuff. They claim it's "Great for All Meats," and "our family" can attest to that. [THIS SPACE FOR RENT ;)]
We followed the easiest course (downhill) to see if the much-ballyhooed exploding sewer caps were dancing. Nope, at least not on our trip, and we ranged fairly widely around town. Nor did we see any anal-retentives out ruining their shoes - which makes me wonder just how hard for it is for them to leave the house prepared with rubbers - the footwear kind, I mean).
But we did take note of an abominable situation in the West End. The construction of Interstate 64 did much damage to community and commerce in the underpopulated 1st District, but I understand that happened quite a few years ago.
The New Albanian received an anonymous missive recently from those precincts, and perhaps what we saw just two short blocks from CM Coffey's abode is one of the horrors spoken of by his putative constituent.
Falling Run Creek was once a significant waterway, and navigable instead of being merely a watershed tributary. I'm told that riverboats were floated down Falling Run to the Ohio. The "park" alongside it would make a wonderful interpretive center for the history of boat building in New Albany. Even though it is subject to frequent flooding, there are terracing solutions that would make it a vital attraction no matter the water level. Memphis, Tennessee's Mud Island comes to mind as a model for a mini-park that would serve the community while drawing tourists.
But what we spotted on the bank opposite Joe Kraft Park is one of the ugliest abominations I've seen in any urban area. The north bank of Falling Run Creek is derelict. It is nothing less than a dump. You can't tell me the creek waters washed that assortment of goods 30 feet up the bank.
This is clearly the city's responsibility. Joe Kraft Park is clearly the responsibility of the city/county Parks Department, and both need to be cleaned up pronto.
We had no camera handy, and no picture would do this scene justice. Go there and see for yourself. 612 West Seventh Street is the nearest home, but this simply isn't a homeowner's or tenant's problem. It is ours.
So, here's your brief, Dan. You live two blocks from the scene. You told the public you considered Joe Kraft Park to be your own responsibility. You've shown remarkable restraint so far in not demanding that this eyesore in your neighborhood be cleaned up.
We're with you, Dan. Let's get this fixed now. If the city can't afford to put the resources into it because you've obstructed things for so long and tried to offer a government on the cheap, tried to destroy every progressive idea that ever came up, then organize a community clean-up day. Get your pet non-profit improvement association involved. Stream cleanup and anti-dumping legislation are, of course, progressive ideas, but with an election near at hand, surely even you can "break bread" with the progressives for a good cause. 'Cause your volunteers will be, by definition, progressives furthering a progressive cause.
Progressive is as progressive does, as a kind lady told me today. That is correct, ma'am - that is correct.
Monday, April 03, 2006
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Constantinople to Istanbul: NA Confidential welcomes All4Word, a familiar voice, to its roster.
The supreme end of education is expert discernment in all things - the power to tell the good from the bad, the genuine from the counterfeit,and to prefer the good and the genuine to the bad and the counterfeit.
--- Samuel Johnson
“Good” and “genuine” are just two of the many words I’ve used to describe the quality of the writing and the advocacy at Volunteer Hoosier, a blog long included in NA Confidential’s sidebar links and often cited on these pages.
Today I’m pleased to formally announce the addition of All4Word, a/k/a Randy Smith, to the editorial board of this Web log. Randy is a fellow businessman arrived lately to these shores, and was the founder of Volunteer Hoosier in 2004. Readers will be familiar with his work,online and behind the scenes, in drawing attention to matters of public affairs.
After long consideration, Randy and I decided to consummate a merger of interests in the belief that together we can make NA Confidential a more comprehensive and useful site. With two primary reporters/commentators, each of us will be able to devote more time to making the site better without neglecting our other responsibilities.
NA Confidential, effective this date, has acquired the rights to Volunteer Hoosier, which will cease publication. However, the archival postings and comments will remainonline .
--- The New Albanian
----
Istanbul is widely recognized as the name of Turkey's most well known city, but it was not always this way, and even today some confusion over its proper name still exists. The confusion is rooted in the various names the city assumed under the Ottomans in the centuries after their conquest of the city in 1453. Although the Ottomans did not purposely change the city's name, they opted to make "Constantinople" into a more Turkish style name "Konstantiniye" (which loosely translates as "of Constantine"), however variations on Konstantiniye soon cropped up.
"Stanbulin," (Greek for "to the city") once commonly found on road signs directing travelers to the capital, was punned by devout Turks into Islambol, where "Islam abounds." The names Islambol and Konstantiniye were used interchangeably in Ottoman documents up until the empire's demise in 1923. Westerners continued to refer to the city as Constantinople well into the 20th century. In the 19th century, however, the city's large foreign expatriate community took to calling the old city Stamboul. Western accounts of the old city during this period make regular references to the name. -- Foundation for the Advancement of Sephardic Studies and Culture
Effective this date, Volunteer Hoosier ceases publication. This blogger departs from "Constantinople" for a new home at "Istanbul."
The New Albanian and I have, in his words, consummated a merger of interests, and I will be joining him in the hope of making NA Confidential even stronger. It is already the premier Web log in the region. The separation between us has never been as wide as the Bosporus, but we, The New Albanian and All4Word, have always marched to the beat of distinctly different drummers.
As for me, I early on decided that it would have been boorish of me to write at length as a commenter on NA Confidential. And yet, like The New Albanian, I’m not one to write in short bites. Thus, shortly after NA Confidential cameonline, Volunteer Hoosier was born. We hope you have found it stimulating.
In my judgment, The New Albanian offers strong insight and a wit that I appreciate. If anything can be said about our senses of humor, it is that he has the better delivery of it, and I have a greater appreciation of it. I will say that I can think of no instance in which The New Albanian has taken his satire further than is appropriate. I would proudly sign on to his spot-on critiques.
Another distinction is that, between the two of us, I am clearly the “wonk” in the equation. In addition to my affinity for policy and financial detail, I’m more likely to consider the electoral strategies that underlie public policy decisions – at least, I’m more likely to speculate about them.
As mentioned above, Volunteer Hoosier ceases publication effective today. I have no regrets. I’m pleased to join theonline platform at NA Confidential, and the acquisition price was sufficient incentive to surrender my single-author site.
We are of like minds about many matters, but don’t expect a monolithic front here.
I will have the freedom to post on any topic at a moment’s notice, without prior restraint, and it is a given that agreement between us is not a requirement. We do disagree from time to time, including recently, which makes this a fortuitous time for our “merger.” In short, we trust and value each other’s judgment.
One final note. It is our joint and fervent desire to encourage contributor Bluegill to “ramp up” his contributions and make this site even stronger.
The New Albanian is departing for a well-earned vacation road trip, sans Mrs. Confidential, and will be on enforced hiatus. NA Confidential has been a primary source for community news, like tomorrow’s Neighborhoods Summit.
Be sure to copy me at ops@destinationsbooksellers.com with such items, particularly during NAC’s hiatus.
-- All4Word
--- Samuel Johnson
“Good” and “genuine” are just two of the many words I’ve used to describe the quality of the writing and the advocacy at Volunteer Hoosier, a blog long included in NA Confidential’s sidebar links and often cited on these pages.
Today I’m pleased to formally announce the addition of All4Word, a/k/a Randy Smith, to the editorial board of this Web log. Randy is a fellow businessman arrived lately to these shores, and was the founder of Volunteer Hoosier in 2004. Readers will be familiar with his work,
After long consideration, Randy and I decided to consummate a merger of interests in the belief that together we can make NA Confidential a more comprehensive and useful site. With two primary reporters/commentators, each of us will be able to devote more time to making the site better without neglecting our other responsibilities.
NA Confidential, effective this date, has acquired the rights to Volunteer Hoosier, which will cease publication. However, the archival postings and comments will remain
--- The New Albanian
----
Istanbul is widely recognized as the name of Turkey's most well known city, but it was not always this way, and even today some confusion over its proper name still exists. The confusion is rooted in the various names the city assumed under the Ottomans in the centuries after their conquest of the city in 1453. Although the Ottomans did not purposely change the city's name, they opted to make "Constantinople" into a more Turkish style name "Konstantiniye" (which loosely translates as "of Constantine"), however variations on Konstantiniye soon cropped up.
"Stanbulin," (Greek for "to the city") once commonly found on road signs directing travelers to the capital, was punned by devout Turks into Islambol, where "Islam abounds." The names Islambol and Konstantiniye were used interchangeably in Ottoman documents up until the empire's demise in 1923. Westerners continued to refer to the city as Constantinople well into the 20th century. In the 19th century, however, the city's large foreign expatriate community took to calling the old city Stamboul. Western accounts of the old city during this period make regular references to the name. -- Foundation for the Advancement of Sephardic Studies and Culture
Effective this date, Volunteer Hoosier ceases publication. This blogger departs from "Constantinople" for a new home at "Istanbul."
The New Albanian and I have, in his words, consummated a merger of interests, and I will be joining him in the hope of making NA Confidential even stronger. It is already the premier Web log in the region. The separation between us has never been as wide as the Bosporus, but we, The New Albanian and All4Word, have always marched to the beat of distinctly different drummers.
As for me, I early on decided that it would have been boorish of me to write at length as a commenter on NA Confidential. And yet, like The New Albanian, I’m not one to write in short bites. Thus, shortly after NA Confidential came
In my judgment, The New Albanian offers strong insight and a wit that I appreciate. If anything can be said about our senses of humor, it is that he has the better delivery of it, and I have a greater appreciation of it. I will say that I can think of no instance in which The New Albanian has taken his satire further than is appropriate. I would proudly sign on to his spot-on critiques.
Another distinction is that, between the two of us, I am clearly the “wonk” in the equation. In addition to my affinity for policy and financial detail, I’m more likely to consider the electoral strategies that underlie public policy decisions – at least, I’m more likely to speculate about them.
As mentioned above, Volunteer Hoosier ceases publication effective today. I have no regrets. I’m pleased to join the
We are of like minds about many matters, but don’t expect a monolithic front here.
I will have the freedom to post on any topic at a moment’s notice, without prior restraint, and it is a given that agreement between us is not a requirement. We do disagree from time to time, including recently, which makes this a fortuitous time for our “merger.” In short, we trust and value each other’s judgment.
One final note. It is our joint and fervent desire to encourage contributor Bluegill to “ramp up” his contributions and make this site even stronger.
The New Albanian is departing for a well-earned vacation road trip, sans Mrs. Confidential, and will be on enforced hiatus. NA Confidential has been a primary source for community news, like tomorrow’s Neighborhoods Summit.
Be sure to copy me at ops@destinationsbooksellers.com with such items, particularly during NAC’s hiatus.
-- All4Word
Sunday, April 02, 2006
A big week begins with a new time card.
On a variably stormy day that continues to typify the Ohio Valley’s schizophrenic springtime weather patterns, I’ve been scrawling memos, post-its and marching orders in preparation for a big week.
Prominent on the calendar is Monday evening’s first of two April city council meetings, and the inaugural neighborhood forum at the White House Center on Tuesday night.
More importantly, with the papers finally signed and the checks safely deposited, Monday marks the beginning of a new era for NA Confidential, as we take the first exciting step toward transforming this blog into a more comprehensive portal, one intended to better document the life and times of New Albania.
There couldn't be a better time for it. As Randy “All4Word” Smith wrote today at Volunteer Hoosier:
We'll be around to demonstrate (and prove) that those politicians are wrong. New Albany is progressive. The trogs are fighting a losing battle, and any politician who casts his or her lot with them will soon discover the mistake. For the forces for progress vastly outnumber the forces for the status quo. And the "troglobytes" seeking to roll back to a time that never existed pale in comparison to either of those.
Most of the anticipated changes at NA Confidential won’t be implemented until later this spring, but the truly important one comes on Monday morning; check back tomorrow for an important joint announcement.
Prominent on the calendar is Monday evening’s first of two April city council meetings, and the inaugural neighborhood forum at the White House Center on Tuesday night.
More importantly, with the papers finally signed and the checks safely deposited, Monday marks the beginning of a new era for NA Confidential, as we take the first exciting step toward transforming this blog into a more comprehensive portal, one intended to better document the life and times of New Albania.
There couldn't be a better time for it. As Randy “All4Word” Smith wrote today at Volunteer Hoosier:
We'll be around to demonstrate (and prove) that those politicians are wrong. New Albany is progressive. The trogs are fighting a losing battle, and any politician who casts his or her lot with them will soon discover the mistake. For the forces for progress vastly outnumber the forces for the status quo. And the "troglobytes" seeking to roll back to a time that never existed pale in comparison to either of those.
Most of the anticipated changes at NA Confidential won’t be implemented until later this spring, but the truly important one comes on Monday morning; check back tomorrow for an important joint announcement.
Brass band contest recap in the C-J.
There were technical difficulties with this link, and I apologize for the late posting.
Strike up the bands: Contest deemed success, will return; Organizers plan to return to IUS in '07, maybe beyond, by Harold J. Adams (Courier-Journal).
Several of the Commonwealth Brass Band players are regulars at the pub, and members of the regional bands were in and out on Friday and Saturday.
I'm very pleased that the contest was a success. Events like this go a long way toward helping New Albany to become weird -- in the best way possible.
Strike up the bands: Contest deemed success, will return; Organizers plan to return to IUS in '07, maybe beyond, by Harold J. Adams (Courier-Journal).
Several of the Commonwealth Brass Band players are regulars at the pub, and members of the regional bands were in and out on Friday and Saturday.
I'm very pleased that the contest was a success. Events like this go a long way toward helping New Albany to become weird -- in the best way possible.
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Sayeth The Gary: "Growth and change is good."
I won’t expend much effort in describing the Tribune’s annual embarrassment of a paean to masturbatory self-indulgence, otherwise known as the “Progress” insert, in which a variety of local businesses contribute shameless press releases to accompany paid advertising.
It’s hard to imagine this game being worth the flame, and that anyone might actually believe the contrived fluff offered in the guise of newsworthiness, but hey, it’s a free market (unless you’re in the beer biz), and they’d spend the money on something (charity?) if not this.
What -- my favorite part?
Thanks for asking.
It’s the page devoted to the McCartin Company, in which The Gary explains the myriad reasons why his self-aggrandizing colonization of the exurb is crucial for the future of Southern Indiana, gathers a freshly employed acolyte or two for purely solicited testimonials, and pauses only to scorn downtown New Albany revitalization (i.e., Scribner Place) while balancing a beach ball on his nose, chewing gum, and spitting nails at those who can’t understand that “improvements I am making today will benefit children tomorrow and in the future.”
According to The Gary, “Our leaders don’t seem to be up to the challenge ... ”
(Shrug) -- just remember that NAC wasn’t the one advising him to cozy up to Councilman Cappuccino.
What was that about people wanting to be close to their churches?
It’s hard to imagine this game being worth the flame, and that anyone might actually believe the contrived fluff offered in the guise of newsworthiness, but hey, it’s a free market (unless you’re in the beer biz), and they’d spend the money on something (charity?) if not this.
What -- my favorite part?
Thanks for asking.
It’s the page devoted to the McCartin Company, in which The Gary explains the myriad reasons why his self-aggrandizing colonization of the exurb is crucial for the future of Southern Indiana, gathers a freshly employed acolyte or two for purely solicited testimonials, and pauses only to scorn downtown New Albany revitalization (i.e., Scribner Place) while balancing a beach ball on his nose, chewing gum, and spitting nails at those who can’t understand that “improvements I am making today will benefit children tomorrow and in the future.”
According to The Gary, “Our leaders don’t seem to be up to the challenge ... ”
(Shrug) -- just remember that NAC wasn’t the one advising him to cozy up to Councilman Cappuccino.
What was that about people wanting to be close to their churches?
Friday, March 31, 2006
"When You Don't Have a History, You Create It."
I don’t recall seeing this 2004 journal entry at the Voices of Civil Rights website, but better late than never, because it’s definitely worth a read.
'When You Don't Have a History, You Create It', by Joe Nick Patoski (Oct. 1; New Albany, IN).
One of the most rewarding aspects of riding on the Voices of Civil Rights bus is the sense of discovery that awaits us each and every day. Take today’s stop, New Albany, Indiana. No one on the bus, not even Vern Smith, our walking, talking civil rights encyclopedia, had a take on New Albany. Nor did any of the reference books on board mention this bucolic town of 40,000 just across the mighty Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky.
'When You Don't Have a History, You Create It', by Joe Nick Patoski (Oct. 1; New Albany, IN).
One of the most rewarding aspects of riding on the Voices of Civil Rights bus is the sense of discovery that awaits us each and every day. Take today’s stop, New Albany, Indiana. No one on the bus, not even Vern Smith, our walking, talking civil rights encyclopedia, had a take on New Albany. Nor did any of the reference books on board mention this bucolic town of 40,000 just across the mighty Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Warning: A personal rant from the author.
I try to cultivate a semblance of detachment when it comes to these chronicles of the life and times of New Albania, not so much in the sense of refusing to take sides (as you’ve no doubt noticed, I do this on widely scattered occasions, mostly when bored), but owing to a recognition of imperfection in the world.
Which is to say that although we humans may strive for qualities like objectivity and fairness, we come into the game from the scorer’s table knowing that these ideals are elusive at best. With hard work, diligence and commitment, attainment can some times be reached – but not always.
People are social creatures, and they love to talk … some people plan ahead, while others don’t … there are leaders, and there are followers … and so it goes, on and on, as we navigate the highways, byways and the random muddy path of the varied human tapestry that surrounds us.
Detachment, accompanied by an appreciation of nuance, a dash of contemplation, and a resigned acceptance of random absurdity, can assist in the endless endeavor of determining ultimate meaning from the multitude of daily experiences.
But there are times when you’ve no choice except to throw your hands in the air and express exasperation with the seemingly random vagaries of human experience.
Now is one of these times, at least for me.
----
At the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Benjamin Franklin is said to have observed, “Ay, we must all hang together, else we shall all hang separately.”
Apocryphal or not, it is a sentiment to be carefully considered by every person in New Albany who truly wishes to make the city a better place.
From the inception of NA Confidential, I have held that irrespective of previous experience, even a stopped pre-digital clock is right twice each day. Accordingly, owing to a confluence of circumstances, a window has been left ajar, and the citizens of New Albany must determine whether they will make an effort to crawl through it in search of the achievement and the success that has for so long eluded the city.
Unity of purpose is the key to any game plan of sustainable action with a remote hope of facilitating renewal and revitalization, and unity is utterly dependent on communication. We – myself included – tend to pillory our elected and appointed officials for their failures in communication, even as we commit the very same mistakes and pay little heed to the damage that such dysfunction does within the circle of residents who want to believe they can make a difference.
Alas, while it may be the saddest and most inexcusable cliché in all of sports chatter, nonetheless, it’s entirely true: There is no “I” in “team.”
Right now, we have one whale of a reformist “tiim,” and not much of a “team.”
Consequently, I’m sick to death of “he said, she said, they said” being offered as a reliable substitute for dialogue between presumed equals – and be aware that I’m not referring in this instance to our so-called “adversaries” at places like the spitwad blogyard.
I’m referring to those people who have the capabilities, intelligence and talents to spearhead the urban renaissance … if they would just raise their games, check their egos at the door and make a genuine effort to be a little less like the malign problem that has characterized New Albany for so long, and a little more like something that resembles a feasible solution.
Those in New Albany whose preferences are with the moribund status quo – because it’s profitable, because it’s the only way they know, or because they lack the imagination and vision to see another way – surely must revel in the inability on the part of those fancying themselves to be reformists to eschew the gossip, the backstabbing, the impulsiveness and the overall lack of cohesiveness and discipline that to this date have prevented the “movement” from gaining anything approaching critical mass.
The elements for success in our quest to make New Albany a better place to live and work are like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle that must be fitted together – not separately. Make no mistake; all the pieces to the puzzle are here, waiting to be linked.
It isn’t about political parties, social classes and petty feuds. It isn't about who gets credit. It is about what each of us is prepared to do toward accomplishment, improvement and progress.
I’m not at all sure what it will take to forge this consensus: Banging heads together, gentle persuasion, locking us in our rooms until the homework is complete, bringing new blood into the fold, ritualistic public embarrassment, a show trial or two … or maybe just another cup of coffee.
But right now, it isn’t working the way it should, and the clock’s ticking. Are we going to run an organized, patterned offense with the ultimate goal of winning the game, or are we going to dribble and shoot fall-way three pointers? Is there going to be a coach, a plan, a strategy – or a series of movements with no coordination? Long-term, or whim? Do we want to win, or not? Are we going to start acting like we do?
Discuss if you wish. I’m off work today, and going outside for a springtime bicycle ride. While exercising, I'll be examining my own conscience for clues as to how I can improve my performance with respect to the topics considered in this admitted rant.
Go to your corners … and come out thinking.
Or lose.
Which is to say that although we humans may strive for qualities like objectivity and fairness, we come into the game from the scorer’s table knowing that these ideals are elusive at best. With hard work, diligence and commitment, attainment can some times be reached – but not always.
People are social creatures, and they love to talk … some people plan ahead, while others don’t … there are leaders, and there are followers … and so it goes, on and on, as we navigate the highways, byways and the random muddy path of the varied human tapestry that surrounds us.
Detachment, accompanied by an appreciation of nuance, a dash of contemplation, and a resigned acceptance of random absurdity, can assist in the endless endeavor of determining ultimate meaning from the multitude of daily experiences.
But there are times when you’ve no choice except to throw your hands in the air and express exasperation with the seemingly random vagaries of human experience.
Now is one of these times, at least for me.
----
At the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Benjamin Franklin is said to have observed, “Ay, we must all hang together, else we shall all hang separately.”
Apocryphal or not, it is a sentiment to be carefully considered by every person in New Albany who truly wishes to make the city a better place.
From the inception of NA Confidential, I have held that irrespective of previous experience, even a stopped pre-digital clock is right twice each day. Accordingly, owing to a confluence of circumstances, a window has been left ajar, and the citizens of New Albany must determine whether they will make an effort to crawl through it in search of the achievement and the success that has for so long eluded the city.
Unity of purpose is the key to any game plan of sustainable action with a remote hope of facilitating renewal and revitalization, and unity is utterly dependent on communication. We – myself included – tend to pillory our elected and appointed officials for their failures in communication, even as we commit the very same mistakes and pay little heed to the damage that such dysfunction does within the circle of residents who want to believe they can make a difference.
Alas, while it may be the saddest and most inexcusable cliché in all of sports chatter, nonetheless, it’s entirely true: There is no “I” in “team.”
Right now, we have one whale of a reformist “tiim,” and not much of a “team.”
Consequently, I’m sick to death of “he said, she said, they said” being offered as a reliable substitute for dialogue between presumed equals – and be aware that I’m not referring in this instance to our so-called “adversaries” at places like the spitwad blogyard.
I’m referring to those people who have the capabilities, intelligence and talents to spearhead the urban renaissance … if they would just raise their games, check their egos at the door and make a genuine effort to be a little less like the malign problem that has characterized New Albany for so long, and a little more like something that resembles a feasible solution.
Those in New Albany whose preferences are with the moribund status quo – because it’s profitable, because it’s the only way they know, or because they lack the imagination and vision to see another way – surely must revel in the inability on the part of those fancying themselves to be reformists to eschew the gossip, the backstabbing, the impulsiveness and the overall lack of cohesiveness and discipline that to this date have prevented the “movement” from gaining anything approaching critical mass.
The elements for success in our quest to make New Albany a better place to live and work are like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle that must be fitted together – not separately. Make no mistake; all the pieces to the puzzle are here, waiting to be linked.
It isn’t about political parties, social classes and petty feuds. It isn't about who gets credit. It is about what each of us is prepared to do toward accomplishment, improvement and progress.
I’m not at all sure what it will take to forge this consensus: Banging heads together, gentle persuasion, locking us in our rooms until the homework is complete, bringing new blood into the fold, ritualistic public embarrassment, a show trial or two … or maybe just another cup of coffee.
But right now, it isn’t working the way it should, and the clock’s ticking. Are we going to run an organized, patterned offense with the ultimate goal of winning the game, or are we going to dribble and shoot fall-way three pointers? Is there going to be a coach, a plan, a strategy – or a series of movements with no coordination? Long-term, or whim? Do we want to win, or not? Are we going to start acting like we do?
Discuss if you wish. I’m off work today, and going outside for a springtime bicycle ride. While exercising, I'll be examining my own conscience for clues as to how I can improve my performance with respect to the topics considered in this admitted rant.
Go to your corners … and come out thinking.
Or lose.
New Albanians on site, helping to rebuild New Orleans.
You may have seen this story in the Monday C-J:
Spring break in New Orleans IUS students drawn to chance to serve, help rebuild ravaged city, by Dick Kaukas (The Courier-Journal).
Here's a dispatch from two of them (one an IUS student, and her husband a civilian volunteer).
----
We are staying in a tent in the parking lot of St. Mary of the Angel's School in the Upper 9th Ward, and they have us working in the Lower 9th Ward. It looks totally like a war-zone.
We worked at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School yesterday in the middle of the Lower 9th Ward. Apparently, it flooded up to the second floor and residents used the second floor as shelter.
It was an interesting contrast, as they let us go upstairs after we gutted the first floor and there were notes survivors left on theblackboards. We even found a letter from a child from an assignment they turned in about the hurricane (prior to the flooding).
Other things you'll see are where people broke security glass on the second floor in order to open doors to try and find food, as well as a photo of the library where you can see the mold up to the level where it flooded (no books as they were all mush, but some surviving books could be found stuck up in the ceiling where they floated up).
Today, we were gutting a house in the Lower 9th Ward and took some video of us just driving around, we'll try to get that up another day. We'll try to touch base again sometime before we leave. Gotta run, sorry for the random bursts, leeching WiFi from a random parking lot.
http://www.haloapplications.com/neworleans/sign.jpg
http://www.haloapplications.com/neworleans/mathbug.jpg
http://www.haloapplications.com/neworleans/classroom.jpg
http://www.haloapplications.com/neworleans/mathbug.jpg
http://www.haloapplications.com/neworleans/library.jpg
http://www.haloapplications.com/neworleans/door.jpg
http://www.haloapplications.com/neworleans/board.jpg
http://www.haloapplications.com/neworleans/letter.jpg
Spring break in New Orleans IUS students drawn to chance to serve, help rebuild ravaged city, by Dick Kaukas (The Courier-Journal).
Here's a dispatch from two of them (one an IUS student, and her husband a civilian volunteer).
----
We are staying in a tent in the parking lot of St. Mary of the Angel's School in the Upper 9th Ward, and they have us working in the Lower 9th Ward. It looks totally like a war-zone.
We worked at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School yesterday in the middle of the Lower 9th Ward. Apparently, it flooded up to the second floor and residents used the second floor as shelter.
It was an interesting contrast, as they let us go upstairs after we gutted the first floor and there were notes survivors left on theblackboards. We even found a letter from a child from an assignment they turned in about the hurricane (prior to the flooding).
Other things you'll see are where people broke security glass on the second floor in order to open doors to try and find food, as well as a photo of the library where you can see the mold up to the level where it flooded (no books as they were all mush, but some surviving books could be found stuck up in the ceiling where they floated up).
Today, we were gutting a house in the Lower 9th Ward and took some video of us just driving around, we'll try to get that up another day. We'll try to touch base again sometime before we leave. Gotta run, sorry for the random bursts, leeching WiFi from a random parking lot.
http://www.haloapplications.com/neworleans/sign.jpg
http://www.haloapplications.com/neworleans/mathbug.jpg
http://www.haloapplications.com/neworleans/classroom.jpg
http://www.haloapplications.com/neworleans/mathbug.jpg
http://www.haloapplications.com/neworleans/library.jpg
http://www.haloapplications.com/neworleans/door.jpg
http://www.haloapplications.com/neworleans/board.jpg
http://www.haloapplications.com/neworleans/letter.jpg
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
UPDATED: On leadership, communication and the perils of non-enforcement.
Wednesday update: New Albany neighbors show frustration -- Their problem: Lack of resources to enforce building codes, by Eric Scott Campbell (News-Tribune).In the spring of 1989, ranking officials in Hungary unceremoniously declined to renew a border enforcement pact with the country’s fraternal socialist nations. The USSR under Mikhail Gorbachev did not intervene.
The significance of this decision was unclear until some weeks later that year, when one or more East Germans – their identity lost to history – crossed the formerly sealed Iron Curtain into Austria without being apprehended or shot by the Hungarian guards, as would have occurred six months before.
They proceeded to West Germany and phoned home with the good news.
By autumn, the socialist bloc was no more.
In like fashion, New Albany’s city court reportedly was dissolved in the 1970’s during one of several Bob Real administrations. Undoubtedly the decision was motivated by politics, money or quite possibly both; whatever the rationale, at some point thereafter it became evident to growing numbers of city residents and outlanders alike that a fine might go unpaid, and a ticket uncollected ... and there would be no day of reckoning.
Needless to say, this fact did not go unnoticed – usually by the wrong people.
Time passed, life in America became increasingly mobile, and New Albany gradually became a very different place. An older generation died or moved, and their homes went up for sale.
A succession of poorly educated public officials, both elected and appointed, pursued their unimaginative traditional agendas of petty glad-handing, ward-heeling and palm-greasing, unimpeded by vision or purpose … and the city continued to become a very different place.
More and more of the rules violations went unpunished. The culture of non-compliance came to seem perfectly normal, especially for those who had never known another way. Numerous unscrupulous people were able to profit from the expanding attitude of Third World laxity, and just as many time-serving politicians became accustomed to catering to the whims of these fine folks who, while leeches, voted according to the largesse they were granted.
----
Indeed, we see that non-enforcement has certain consequences, some predictable, and other unforeseen. Some times, it causes systemic geopolitical change in far-off places.
Other times, it abets a fracturing of society at the neighborhood level.
It was a good thing for Hungary that non-enforcement led to something positive -- freedom.
It’s a very, very bad thing for New Albany that non-enforcement has led to something negative – freedom from responsibility. It has fostered an acceptance of under-achievement, and a failure to meet minimum standards taken for granted in other cities near and far.
----
Yesterday morning, a delegation representing the East Spring Street Neighborhood Association (of which the blogger is a member) attended the weekly meeting of the Board of Public Works and Safety.
Here are excerpts from the manifesto that was read to the board by Greg Roberts, ESNA’s president:
As a courtesy to the City, we are here to inform you of our impressions and our response to the lack of hope presented by the city body …
… in the present concern of 1018 E. Spring St., this collaborative effort is demonstrating no results. At this time, dealing with our city is not providing hope that there will be a resolution.
We are not here for an update. We are here for action. Downtown New Albany is 51% rental and 10% vacant (residential figures). It will only get worse if the city does not stop it now …
1. It would appear to be in your best interest to protect the rights of the disadvantaged, i.e., renters in subsidized housing, renters in low-rent or weekly rentals.
2. One would imagine that it is vital to protect the children from these substandard properties, both the ones they inhabit and the empty ones where they explore, as with 1018 E. Spring. They do not have a voice. We hope that you will be their voice as you should be.
3. It only makes sense that it would be in your best interest to protect the health & safety of other neighbors from loose parts of buildings, glass, trash, rats & roaches …
4. You may consider it is in your best interest to protect the financial investment of the individual homeowners and the city …
5. One would presume it would be in your best interest to promote fairness in enforcing the city codes. If you require some to comply, you must require compliance from all …
6. It is our understanding that enforcement of the laws is your job. Enforce the law. That’s all that the neighborhood associations want.
As motivated citizens we are willing to offer our assistance in anyway to support the city in its efforts of revitalization and hope that we can continue to strengthen our relationship with you. However, as with the issue of 1018 E. Spring St., we fear we have to explore every option available to us, beginning today, to resolve this issue without your assistance.
To contact all media, including TV, newspapers, internet; State & Federal agencies, State Dept. of Health, Child Protective Services, HUD, and our other legal options.
Please let us know if there is anything we can do … it’s time to break the cycle of inaction.
----
What followed was an impassioned 25-minute dialogue between members of the board and citizens in attendance, one at first punctuated by palpable tension and obvious stress.
However, the impromptu discussion concluded in a conciliatory fashion, with most parties agreeing that elected and appointed public officials must be provided with the resources – including a city court -- to do a good job of enforcing the law, and city residents must be prepared to continue their grassroots work toward revitalizing their neighborhoods.
Processes were explained. Grievances were aired. There was speaking, and there was listening. Roadblocks were noted. Volunteer opportunities were mentioned.
There was communication.
Will there be more?
----
All for the good, but there’s still no municipal mission statement. Who are we? What are we trying to achieve? How do we do it? Where do we start? What’s the game plan?
And why is it that so many of these questions are being phrased, debated and vetted by those who live, work and play outside the confines of the City-County Building? It’s tantamount to the signals being called by hot dog vendors and cheerleaders, not the coaching staff and the quarterback.
Since my early doubts were dispelled, I have been, and I will remain, broadly supportive of the sitting mayor and his immediate team. They have responded remarkably well to numerous crises beyond their control. To talk with them privately or in small groups is to come away impressed with their grasp of the issues facing New Albany.
But maddeningly, and for reasons that remain elusive, little of this has been translated into effective communications with the public at large. Worst yet, given the absolute and undeniable link between the self-interest of the city and the self-interest embodied by the members of the delegation of neighborhood association members present at the Board of Public Works meeting yesterday, is that the neighborhood leaders were there at all -- seeking action, answers and some evidence of leadership on the most fundamental questions we face.
Is this inability to communicate another manifestation of a lack of resources, in the sense that the mayor needs an administrative assistant?
Or, have we passed into a post-modern era (debatable, given New Albany’s considerable developmental issues) where effective communication as a component of leadership is no longer a marketable attribute, either because no one’s disposed to listen, or they’re getting it from their evangelists, iPods and credit cards, instead?
----
Leadership in this context certainly must have at least something to do with actively motivating and inspiring ordinary people to seek out the best and to believe at a basic level that the best is still possible, and if there’s any single legacy of the detestable New Albany Syndrome that taints each new day in this city, it’s the received “wisdom” that we’ve somehow forfeited the ability to fathom being the best, much less actually striving for excellence.
That’s bunk, plain and simple. It’s nothing you’d want to teach your children, and yet it has been accepted as perverse and self-defeating gospel by generations of New Albanians, including a few too many of the city’s elected and appointed officials.
The words “Gang of Four” spring clearly and continuously to mind.
At the same time, I’m absolutely positive that City Hall doesn’t feel that way … and we need City Hall to say so, now – loudly, unequivocally, and without us first being obliged to ask the right questions or find the proper code to make the current administration open up.
As was proven yesterday at the Public Works meeting, there are numerous people who are willing to help, and who will act irrespective of party affiliation and other convenient and sadly common arguments against unity. They will proudly refuse to withhold their assistance out of the stale pettiness and practiced spite that has characterized past failures.
Many – perhaps most -- of those who are prepared to become part of the solution to New Albany’s problems will be in attendance next week at the Neighborhood Forum announced for Tuesday, April 4th.
Wouldn’t it be nice if City Hall beat us to the punch, and came with its own mission statement … its own plan … its own marching orders? Flashed some passion, said here’s where we are, and here’s where and how we’re going – and although we know that money’s tight, sometimes it isn’t about money. It’s about will, and pride, and wanting to learn, to work, to get better, and to succeed.
And without us having to ask, first?
It’s all there. I know it.
How does it get out, in the open ... where it can lead?
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Renewed prospects for Bistro New Albany ... and more on Scribner Place and downtown progress.
Sources indicate that substantial progress has been made this week in restructuring the ownership of Bistro New Albany, the downtown restaurant project that was put on hold in February when unexpected health problems caused original owner Greg Merz to pull out of the project.
I’m told that Greg’s partner, chef David Clancy, will be on board and that BNA is ready to move forward once legalities are resolved. The business plan is said to be much the same as before, and this makes me hopeful that NABC craft beer will be pouring when the doors finally open.
However, it hasn’t been discussed, as I’ve yet to meet the new partner(s).
As noted earlier this morning in NAC, the Monday and Tuesday editions of the Louisville Courier-Journal are filled with positive and hopeful news about New Albany. In Plans for Scribner Place complete, the C-J’s Ben Zion Hershberg writes:
Robert Caesar, owner of J.O. Endris and Son Jewelers in downtown New Albany, is among those who have been following the progress of Scribner Place closely.
"The people who do business in downtown New Albany and want to do business there are doing fine," Caesar said. "There just aren't many of us."
He added that "Scribner Place will make a difference" because it will make many more people aware of downtown New Albany.
"It's a paradigm shift," Caesar said.
(Estopinal Group architect Kyle) Wilson agreed, saying he already has received phone calls from three or four potential investors in the downtown area who wanted to know about the schedule for Scribner Place construction.
Clearly, downtown New Albany is an undervalued asset in the context of the Louisville metropolitan area, and an increasing number of investors from here and elsewhere are coming to understand the possibilities inherent in downtown revitalization.
Just as clearly, Scribner Place is an integral part of this prospective reawakening.
I’m told that Greg’s partner, chef David Clancy, will be on board and that BNA is ready to move forward once legalities are resolved. The business plan is said to be much the same as before, and this makes me hopeful that NABC craft beer will be pouring when the doors finally open.
However, it hasn’t been discussed, as I’ve yet to meet the new partner(s).
As noted earlier this morning in NAC, the Monday and Tuesday editions of the Louisville Courier-Journal are filled with positive and hopeful news about New Albany. In Plans for Scribner Place complete, the C-J’s Ben Zion Hershberg writes:
Robert Caesar, owner of J.O. Endris and Son Jewelers in downtown New Albany, is among those who have been following the progress of Scribner Place closely.
"The people who do business in downtown New Albany and want to do business there are doing fine," Caesar said. "There just aren't many of us."
He added that "Scribner Place will make a difference" because it will make many more people aware of downtown New Albany.
"It's a paradigm shift," Caesar said.
(Estopinal Group architect Kyle) Wilson agreed, saying he already has received phone calls from three or four potential investors in the downtown area who wanted to know about the schedule for Scribner Place construction.
Clearly, downtown New Albany is an undervalued asset in the context of the Louisville metropolitan area, and an increasing number of investors from here and elsewhere are coming to understand the possibilities inherent in downtown revitalization.
Just as clearly, Scribner Place is an integral part of this prospective reawakening.
Good news plentiful in the C-J -- will we be able to say the same of the BOPW?
The Monday and Tuesday editions of the Louisville Courier-Journal are filled with positive and hopeful news about downtown New Albany. The following three links are to articles written by the newspaper’s Indiana beat reporter, Ben Zion Hershberg:
Plans for Scribner Place complete; construction might begin in early June.
With architectural plans now complete, construction of the Scribner Place project in downtown New Albany is scheduled to begin in early June.
Banners help to spruce up New Albany; latest downtown effort applauded.
Employees of the New Albany Street Department began hanging about 50 banners in the city's shopping district yesterday in an effort to make the area more attractive. "We're trying to spruce the downtown up," said David Barksdale, chairman of the Develop New Albany design committee.
Leader patiently pushes progress (profile of Greg Roberts, president of the East Spring Street Neighborhood Association).
Persistence, and the good nature Roberts maintains when working toward a goal, are the main reasons the neighborhood association has grown from about five active members to roughly 45 since it began five years ago, (Charlie) Harshfield said.
In other local news, NA Confidential will attend this morning’s weekly gathering of the Board of Public Works and Safety, where the disposition of city enforcement authorities as it pertains to a non-compliant property at 1018 East Spring Street is scheduled for discussion -- again.
Given the undoubted responsibility of public officials everywhere to uphold the rule of law, and considering this city’s curious reluctance to consistently do so during the past forty or so years, here’s today’s toss-up question:
What if ... dysfunctional political time-servers like the 4th District Councilman Larry Kochert awoke one morning to find that voters planned to punish them for non-enforcement of the city’s laws?
It's something for the theoretically non-partisan BOPW to consider.
Plans for Scribner Place complete; construction might begin in early June.
With architectural plans now complete, construction of the Scribner Place project in downtown New Albany is scheduled to begin in early June.
Banners help to spruce up New Albany; latest downtown effort applauded.
Employees of the New Albany Street Department began hanging about 50 banners in the city's shopping district yesterday in an effort to make the area more attractive. "We're trying to spruce the downtown up," said David Barksdale, chairman of the Develop New Albany design committee.
Leader patiently pushes progress (profile of Greg Roberts, president of the East Spring Street Neighborhood Association).
Persistence, and the good nature Roberts maintains when working toward a goal, are the main reasons the neighborhood association has grown from about five active members to roughly 45 since it began five years ago, (Charlie) Harshfield said.
In other local news, NA Confidential will attend this morning’s weekly gathering of the Board of Public Works and Safety, where the disposition of city enforcement authorities as it pertains to a non-compliant property at 1018 East Spring Street is scheduled for discussion -- again.
Given the undoubted responsibility of public officials everywhere to uphold the rule of law, and considering this city’s curious reluctance to consistently do so during the past forty or so years, here’s today’s toss-up question:
What if ... dysfunctional political time-servers like the 4th District Councilman Larry Kochert awoke one morning to find that voters planned to punish them for non-enforcement of the city’s laws?
It's something for the theoretically non-partisan BOPW to consider.
Monday, March 27, 2006
FROM THE ARCHIVE: Trogs or progs? Local Democrats face the future.
Me? I’m on the wagon, so to speak; haven’t touched the stuff for eight days and counting, and verily, I’m feeling stronger every day.
What, alcohol?
Nah, couldn’t refrain from beer – after all, that’s business in my world. I enjoyed a tasty, ginger-spiced 750 ml Dogfish Head Pangaea on Saturday evening while watching the movie, “Capote,” on DVD.
Make no mistake: Philip Seymour Hoffman richly deserved the Oscar for his role as Truman Capote.
Let’s just say that recently I’ve taken a pledge and currently will not crane my neck for a view of the ongoing highway accident, which will continue to occur whether I’m watching or not.
Rather, spring is coming -- the primary’s right around the corner, and political signage is starting to crowd street spam for space along the city’s avenues.
George W. Bush was in Indianapolis last week to raise money for Mike Sodrel’s use in fortifying the 9th Congressional district for the GOP. In a nice touch, Democrat Baron Hill countered with a fundraiser for the Hoosier Hills Food Bank.
Speaking of politics, here’s a reprint of an October 22, 2005 article from NA Confidential: Trogs or progs? Local Democrats face the future.
----
There will be a Democratic Party function at the Grand Convention Center next Thursday night, and it is my stated intention to don a media cap and attend -- mind you, as an observer, and not as a party loyalist.
Readers may recall an earlier effort to chart NA Confidential’s general political orientation, an article written in a state of supreme pique at contemptible efforts by Indiana State Republicans to renege on the payout for counties hosting riverboat casinos:
Partisan at last: I'd vote for Miller Lite before I'd vote for a Republican.
Six months later, and having carefully considered matters, I’m forced to admit that absolutely nothing has changed, and I still feel the same way – if anything, more strongly than before. Paraphrasing a much-loved Republican president, I wrote:
If I could defeat these Republicans without voting for any Democrat I would do it, and if I could defeat them by voting for all the Democrats I would do it; and if I could defeat them by voting for some Democrats and leaving others alone I would also do that.
Needless to say, nary an ounce of the world’s absolute worst mass-market beer – jet fuel for the lowest common denominator -- has passed my lips since then, either.
Around the same time, in another piece, I put it this way:
Emotions aside, it all comes down to a simple comparison, one that I intend to continue using as the best means of examining the New Albany scene and the participants therein …
Progressive or regressive?
Days later, when Randy Stumler was elected to the chairmanship of the Floyd County Democratic Party at the head of what amounted to a contextually youthful leadership slate of fresh, educated faces, I will freely admit to rejoicing, and not because he and I are acquainted; in fact, to my knowledge, we’ve not been formally introduced, although we’ve shopped in the same bookstore at the same time.*
Rather, in spite of my lifelong skepticism … given my philosophical and political objections to the two party system … acknowledging that the possibility of my choosing to be a Republican is as remote as selecting an ice cold Bud in a can … it was because, like most people, I’d prefer the option of being “for” the Democrats in some (any) manner rather than settling for the party as a convenient vehicle for use “against” the Republicans.
In Randy and his “slate” that wasn’t, such an option began to look attainable.
Libertarians, Greens, Constitutionalists, Monarchists – you have my attention, but the fall of the Berlin Wall taught me that change certainly is possible in one’s lifetime, and in narrowing my gaze to the two monoliths, I’m merely being pragmatic with my time and interest.
However, in some ways, the intervening six months have muddied the waters.
After all, it hasn’t been Mark Seabrook, the city council’s lone Republican, who has staged a continuous, anti-intellectual, ill-tempered insurrection against literacy, decency and progress – it has been the council’s obstructionist Gang of Four, councilmen Coffey, Price, Kochert and Schmidt, registered Democrats to a man, ones seemingly determined to imprison an entire 21st-century city within their own reactionary 19th-century hues, and in order to so, seeking succor from terminally disaffected, only nominally Democratic voters who in the harsh light of day might as well be Republicans, such is the weight of the regressive tendencies implicit in their conspiratorial, thuggish, Luddite view of the world.
Let’s be perfectly clear about the nature of this mean-spirited, rear-guard action.
During the most recent chapter in the political history of New Albany, when it has come to base instincts triumphing over noble ideals … when it has come to the frantic race to pander to the worst angels of our natures … when it has come to a tragic, self-defeating advocacy of fear … when it has come to consistently providing the most irredeemably wrong message to the city’s next generation, those for whom we must provide reasons for moving forward by staying here and assisting us in making New Albany and Floyd County better places to live, to work, and to achieve – when it has come to these flagrantly unsuitable indicators of mediocrity, the poster children for societal regress have all been Democrats, and while there may be Republicans capable of far worse (given that most currently are employed by the illegitimate national regime), they’ve not unwisely held their tongues and permitted the far lesser lights of the Democratic Party to wreak havoc on themselves.
Obviously, there is a cruel, almost nativist strain to all this, one that is incapable of articulating a coherent program for the future because it remains mired in New Albany’s congenitally wretched, self-loathing, “little people’s” mindset of “it’s the way we’ve always done it,” and one that exhibits little recognition that New Albany and Floyd County can succeed only by getting smarter, and while getting smarter admittedly is a nebulous and evolving concept, certain components of it are crystal clear, i.e., a Democratic Party that still harbors whiffs of racism and homophobia will not be the political organization that ultimately retains influence here.
Exaggerations? Hyperbole? Rhetoric? Don’t take my word for it; turn to the Democratic Dullard’s On-Line Guide, settle in, and read all about it. You’ll probably have the same bemused reaction as noted political thinker Pat Sajak:
Political pornography is not unlike the sexual kind: difficult to define, but you know it when you see it.
But the times have changed, and they continue to change. There will be a Democratic Party function at the Grand Convention Center next Thursday night, and it is my stated intention to don a media cap and attend -- mind you, as an observer, and not as a party loyalist.
Maybe that will change … even for me.
----
* I've since been introduced and chatted with the chairman on two or three occasions.
What, alcohol?
Nah, couldn’t refrain from beer – after all, that’s business in my world. I enjoyed a tasty, ginger-spiced 750 ml Dogfish Head Pangaea on Saturday evening while watching the movie, “Capote,” on DVD.
Make no mistake: Philip Seymour Hoffman richly deserved the Oscar for his role as Truman Capote.
Let’s just say that recently I’ve taken a pledge and currently will not crane my neck for a view of the ongoing highway accident, which will continue to occur whether I’m watching or not.
Rather, spring is coming -- the primary’s right around the corner, and political signage is starting to crowd street spam for space along the city’s avenues.
George W. Bush was in Indianapolis last week to raise money for Mike Sodrel’s use in fortifying the 9th Congressional district for the GOP. In a nice touch, Democrat Baron Hill countered with a fundraiser for the Hoosier Hills Food Bank.
Speaking of politics, here’s a reprint of an October 22, 2005 article from NA Confidential: Trogs or progs? Local Democrats face the future.
----
There will be a Democratic Party function at the Grand Convention Center next Thursday night, and it is my stated intention to don a media cap and attend -- mind you, as an observer, and not as a party loyalist.
Readers may recall an earlier effort to chart NA Confidential’s general political orientation, an article written in a state of supreme pique at contemptible efforts by Indiana State Republicans to renege on the payout for counties hosting riverboat casinos:
Partisan at last: I'd vote for Miller Lite before I'd vote for a Republican.
Six months later, and having carefully considered matters, I’m forced to admit that absolutely nothing has changed, and I still feel the same way – if anything, more strongly than before. Paraphrasing a much-loved Republican president, I wrote:
If I could defeat these Republicans without voting for any Democrat I would do it, and if I could defeat them by voting for all the Democrats I would do it; and if I could defeat them by voting for some Democrats and leaving others alone I would also do that.
Needless to say, nary an ounce of the world’s absolute worst mass-market beer – jet fuel for the lowest common denominator -- has passed my lips since then, either.
Around the same time, in another piece, I put it this way:
Emotions aside, it all comes down to a simple comparison, one that I intend to continue using as the best means of examining the New Albany scene and the participants therein …
Progressive or regressive?
Days later, when Randy Stumler was elected to the chairmanship of the Floyd County Democratic Party at the head of what amounted to a contextually youthful leadership slate of fresh, educated faces, I will freely admit to rejoicing, and not because he and I are acquainted; in fact, to my knowledge, we’ve not been formally introduced, although we’ve shopped in the same bookstore at the same time.*
Rather, in spite of my lifelong skepticism … given my philosophical and political objections to the two party system … acknowledging that the possibility of my choosing to be a Republican is as remote as selecting an ice cold Bud in a can … it was because, like most people, I’d prefer the option of being “for” the Democrats in some (any) manner rather than settling for the party as a convenient vehicle for use “against” the Republicans.
In Randy and his “slate” that wasn’t, such an option began to look attainable.
Libertarians, Greens, Constitutionalists, Monarchists – you have my attention, but the fall of the Berlin Wall taught me that change certainly is possible in one’s lifetime, and in narrowing my gaze to the two monoliths, I’m merely being pragmatic with my time and interest.
However, in some ways, the intervening six months have muddied the waters.
After all, it hasn’t been Mark Seabrook, the city council’s lone Republican, who has staged a continuous, anti-intellectual, ill-tempered insurrection against literacy, decency and progress – it has been the council’s obstructionist Gang of Four, councilmen Coffey, Price, Kochert and Schmidt, registered Democrats to a man, ones seemingly determined to imprison an entire 21st-century city within their own reactionary 19th-century hues, and in order to so, seeking succor from terminally disaffected, only nominally Democratic voters who in the harsh light of day might as well be Republicans, such is the weight of the regressive tendencies implicit in their conspiratorial, thuggish, Luddite view of the world.
Let’s be perfectly clear about the nature of this mean-spirited, rear-guard action.
During the most recent chapter in the political history of New Albany, when it has come to base instincts triumphing over noble ideals … when it has come to the frantic race to pander to the worst angels of our natures … when it has come to a tragic, self-defeating advocacy of fear … when it has come to consistently providing the most irredeemably wrong message to the city’s next generation, those for whom we must provide reasons for moving forward by staying here and assisting us in making New Albany and Floyd County better places to live, to work, and to achieve – when it has come to these flagrantly unsuitable indicators of mediocrity, the poster children for societal regress have all been Democrats, and while there may be Republicans capable of far worse (given that most currently are employed by the illegitimate national regime), they’ve not unwisely held their tongues and permitted the far lesser lights of the Democratic Party to wreak havoc on themselves.
Obviously, there is a cruel, almost nativist strain to all this, one that is incapable of articulating a coherent program for the future because it remains mired in New Albany’s congenitally wretched, self-loathing, “little people’s” mindset of “it’s the way we’ve always done it,” and one that exhibits little recognition that New Albany and Floyd County can succeed only by getting smarter, and while getting smarter admittedly is a nebulous and evolving concept, certain components of it are crystal clear, i.e., a Democratic Party that still harbors whiffs of racism and homophobia will not be the political organization that ultimately retains influence here.
Exaggerations? Hyperbole? Rhetoric? Don’t take my word for it; turn to the Democratic Dullard’s On-Line Guide, settle in, and read all about it. You’ll probably have the same bemused reaction as noted political thinker Pat Sajak:
Political pornography is not unlike the sexual kind: difficult to define, but you know it when you see it.
But the times have changed, and they continue to change. There will be a Democratic Party function at the Grand Convention Center next Thursday night, and it is my stated intention to don a media cap and attend -- mind you, as an observer, and not as a party loyalist.
Maybe that will change … even for me.
----
* I've since been introduced and chatted with the chairman on two or three occasions.
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Attributions ‘R’ Us: Mistaking “freedom of speech” for “freedom from accountability.”
You’d think that the masked and transgendered “college professor” of political science and economics would know better by now than to brazenly plagiarize by failing to attribute quotes to their proper authors, but so it goes at the masquerade blog known as Freedom of Speech, where cowardly anonymity is on tap each and every day.
Meanwhile, for us here at NA Confidential, the “rules” we play by include the proper tracing of intellectual property rights. Consequently, and as a public service, we offer this correction of Erik/Erika’s latest screed.
The FOS passage that begins “democracy is a question of human dignity,” was really written by Olof Palme, martyred Swedish political leader.
John Ralston Saul, Canadian author and philosopher, actually wrote this: “The best defense for the public good is aggressiveness, the aggressiveness of the involved citizen,” and the remainder of FOS’s second paragraph.
Bits and pieces of the following paragraph, including the sentence “Public discussion is a political duty,” are purloined from Justice Louis D. Brandeis.
Political writer Walter Lippmann is the source of this paragraph: “What the public does is not to just express it's opinions, but to align itself for or against a proposal. It can be the direct expression of the will of the people. We must not abandon the notions that we the people govern.”
(The perpetually anonymous blogger then devotes three badly written sentences of his/her own to an attack on the mayor of New Albany. Always remember that when the grammar at FOS suddenly shifts from distinguished to labored and strained, it signifies that the semi-literate voice of the hooded author finally has been allowed to creep through the rampant plagiarism).
Two stitched-together proverbs conclude this latest bit of pitiable polemic: "Learn from yesterday, hope for tomorrow. He who has hope has everything."
The web offers numerous sources for each of the preceding sentences, and they may well have passed into the public domain, but what’s certain is that someone else thought of them first.
It's back to school for Erik/Erika. Kindly permit NA Confidential to demonstrate how to do it the right way.
The following passage is a letter to the editor reprinted from Stars and Stripes (July 22-28, 2001; Pacific edition):
Anonymity is cowardly.
In reply to the July 18 letter “Benefits of anonymity,” I must strongly disagree with the characterization of Stars and Stripes’ policy on anonymous letters as cowardly. Anonymity, on the other hand, is essentially a cowardly way to get one’s point across without having to actually put anything at risk. Honor and courage dictate that any just cause is worthy of risking something of value.
How effective would the “95 Theses” have been if Martin Luther had nailed them up signed “Anonymous?” And how about an anonymous “Declaration of Independence?” Abraham Lincoln could have written an anonymous “Emancipation Proclamation,” and maybe spared his own life at the hands of bigots.
When you truly feel that you are right, even about small matters, don’t be too cowardly to put your name on it.
I agree with the assessment of hypocrisy, and I despise the media — Stars and Stripes included — practice of quoting unnamed or unidentified sources. Most readers are educated, and quick to discount such spineless drivel.
Anonymity is too often a shield for lies and exaggerations, and is widely recognized as such. As an American and a Marine, I am happy to have a forum that will print the voice of dissent, as long as it is not skulking in the shadows.
The letter writer has sadly mistaken “freedom of speech” for “freedom from accountability.” The Stars and Stripes policy only censors those who are looking to whine without repercussion or who have no stomach for defending what they believe is right. People who will not identify themselves, censor themselves. They can pity themselves anonymously too, I don’t want to hear it.
Please don’t complain “out of respect … for those who serve today.” That’s me. I can complain for myself, and I’ll sign my name to it when I do.
Jerry M. Milton
Camp Foster, Okinawa
----
'Atta boy, Jerry. We here at NAC keep pitchin' 'em ... and FOS just keeps missin' 'em.
Meanwhile, for us here at NA Confidential, the “rules” we play by include the proper tracing of intellectual property rights. Consequently, and as a public service, we offer this correction of Erik/Erika’s latest screed.
The FOS passage that begins “democracy is a question of human dignity,” was really written by Olof Palme, martyred Swedish political leader.
John Ralston Saul, Canadian author and philosopher, actually wrote this: “The best defense for the public good is aggressiveness, the aggressiveness of the involved citizen,” and the remainder of FOS’s second paragraph.
Bits and pieces of the following paragraph, including the sentence “Public discussion is a political duty,” are purloined from Justice Louis D. Brandeis.
Political writer Walter Lippmann is the source of this paragraph: “What the public does is not to just express it's opinions, but to align itself for or against a proposal. It can be the direct expression of the will of the people. We must not abandon the notions that we the people govern.”
(The perpetually anonymous blogger then devotes three badly written sentences of his/her own to an attack on the mayor of New Albany. Always remember that when the grammar at FOS suddenly shifts from distinguished to labored and strained, it signifies that the semi-literate voice of the hooded author finally has been allowed to creep through the rampant plagiarism).
Two stitched-together proverbs conclude this latest bit of pitiable polemic: "Learn from yesterday, hope for tomorrow. He who has hope has everything."
The web offers numerous sources for each of the preceding sentences, and they may well have passed into the public domain, but what’s certain is that someone else thought of them first.
It's back to school for Erik/Erika. Kindly permit NA Confidential to demonstrate how to do it the right way.
The following passage is a letter to the editor reprinted from Stars and Stripes (July 22-28, 2001; Pacific edition):
Anonymity is cowardly.
In reply to the July 18 letter “Benefits of anonymity,” I must strongly disagree with the characterization of Stars and Stripes’ policy on anonymous letters as cowardly. Anonymity, on the other hand, is essentially a cowardly way to get one’s point across without having to actually put anything at risk. Honor and courage dictate that any just cause is worthy of risking something of value.
How effective would the “95 Theses” have been if Martin Luther had nailed them up signed “Anonymous?” And how about an anonymous “Declaration of Independence?” Abraham Lincoln could have written an anonymous “Emancipation Proclamation,” and maybe spared his own life at the hands of bigots.
When you truly feel that you are right, even about small matters, don’t be too cowardly to put your name on it.
I agree with the assessment of hypocrisy, and I despise the media — Stars and Stripes included — practice of quoting unnamed or unidentified sources. Most readers are educated, and quick to discount such spineless drivel.
Anonymity is too often a shield for lies and exaggerations, and is widely recognized as such. As an American and a Marine, I am happy to have a forum that will print the voice of dissent, as long as it is not skulking in the shadows.
The letter writer has sadly mistaken “freedom of speech” for “freedom from accountability.” The Stars and Stripes policy only censors those who are looking to whine without repercussion or who have no stomach for defending what they believe is right. People who will not identify themselves, censor themselves. They can pity themselves anonymously too, I don’t want to hear it.
Please don’t complain “out of respect … for those who serve today.” That’s me. I can complain for myself, and I’ll sign my name to it when I do.
Jerry M. Milton
Camp Foster, Okinawa
----
'Atta boy, Jerry. We here at NAC keep pitchin' 'em ... and FOS just keeps missin' 'em.
Louisville's future in the context of its arts and cultural ecology ...
... and New Albany's dogs still playing poker.
Recommended reading in this morning’s Courier-Journal comes in the form of a commentary contributed by Peter Morrin, director of Louisville’s Speed Art Museum.
A 'creative economy' and the visual arts; Speed's future linked to city's,
In recent years, the citizens of our region have embraced the ambitious goal of moving Louisville into the top-tier of American creative economies. As author Richard Florida has pointed out, achieving this goal is possible only by continuing investment in the city's artistic and cultural attractions.
Two recently published civic development reports, "Beyond Merger: A Competitive Vision for the Regional City of Louisville" and the "2005 Competitive City Report," both stress the importance of Louisville's commitment to education, and a "package of amenities" including a renewed dedication to recreation opportunities, arts and cultural life.
The Speed Art Museum now has the opportunity to build on the recommendations of the two reports, partner in this visual arts renaissance and be a more vibrant contributor to Louisville's arts and cultural ecology.
Imagine living in a place where concepts like “arts and cultural ecology” are the subject of serious discussion and not the target of adolescent chortles from the leading spokesmen of New Albany’s Gang of Four councilmen and their Luddite acolytes.
----
Seven days and counting ...
Recommended reading in this morning’s Courier-Journal comes in the form of a commentary contributed by Peter Morrin, director of Louisville’s Speed Art Museum.
A 'creative economy' and the visual arts; Speed's future linked to city's,
In recent years, the citizens of our region have embraced the ambitious goal of moving Louisville into the top-tier of American creative economies. As author Richard Florida has pointed out, achieving this goal is possible only by continuing investment in the city's artistic and cultural attractions.
Two recently published civic development reports, "Beyond Merger: A Competitive Vision for the Regional City of Louisville" and the "2005 Competitive City Report," both stress the importance of Louisville's commitment to education, and a "package of amenities" including a renewed dedication to recreation opportunities, arts and cultural life.
The Speed Art Museum now has the opportunity to build on the recommendations of the two reports, partner in this visual arts renaissance and be a more vibrant contributor to Louisville's arts and cultural ecology.
Imagine living in a place where concepts like “arts and cultural ecology” are the subject of serious discussion and not the target of adolescent chortles from the leading spokesmen of New Albany’s Gang of Four councilmen and their Luddite acolytes.
----
Seven days and counting ...
Saturday, March 25, 2006
IUS students provide storm water drainage assistance.
Tim Deatrick alerted us to this story two days ago, and this morning, both local newspapers covered it:
A little hands-on training; IUS students help with study on storm-water drainage, by Ben Zion Hershberg (The Courier-Journal).
The hope, said consulting engineer Steve Mayes, is that if enough IUS students are willing to learn how to map and analyze the city's storm drainage system, they can help with the continuing monitoring and analysis required by federal and state regulators.
The details of future student assistance in the effort are still to be worked out, Mayes said. But yesterday's trek with the students could help lead to a partnership between IUS and the city on the storm-drainage program.
The Tribune story will be linked here when it appears on-line.
Friday, March 24, 2006
Six random Friday morning observations.
Wouldn't it be better for everyone if we could take a train instead of driving?
I defy you to listen to the original 1983 recording of the song New Year's Day by the rock group U2 and not get goose bumps.
Alpha King notwithstanding, Broad Ripple Brewing Company's Extra Special Bitter (ESB) probably is Indiana's all-time signature microbrew.
One reason I like cats so much is that I can't remember the last time an untethered feline chased my bicycle.
No NBA games on television last night? That's right -- that other professional league's in the middle of its tournamant just now.
Speaking of my two+ weekly hours of TV viewing, it's embarrassing to admit that Volkswagon's "un-pimp your ride" television advertisements make me laugh out loud every time.
I defy you to listen to the original 1983 recording of the song New Year's Day by the rock group U2 and not get goose bumps.
Alpha King notwithstanding, Broad Ripple Brewing Company's Extra Special Bitter (ESB) probably is Indiana's all-time signature microbrew.
One reason I like cats so much is that I can't remember the last time an untethered feline chased my bicycle.
No NBA games on television last night? That's right -- that other professional league's in the middle of its tournamant just now.
Speaking of my two+ weekly hours of TV viewing, it's embarrassing to admit that Volkswagon's "un-pimp your ride" television advertisements make me laugh out loud every time.
Keeping local electronic media local.
Here’s an old link, but an enduring concept:
Main Street fights Chain Street: Campaign hopes to persuade people to shop at local stores before heading to the big retailers and regional malls, by Carolyn Said, Staff Writer (San Francisco Chronicle; Tuesday, November 29, 2005).
Yesterday, the Confidentials patronized Federal Hill Café for lunch and enjoyed coffee at the new Buffalo Madison outlet at Slate Run and Charlestown Road (the former Bean Street location), and then we drove to Indianapolis for a concert, pausing in Broad Ripple for snacks and drinks in two brewpubs, book shopping and coffee again – all in locally owned establishments.
NA Confidential is dedicated to several propositions, but the one central to our efforts for the past 18 months is something along the lines of “Think globally – write/buy/act locally.”
Or as we microbrewers like to say with admirable simplicity, “Think globally – drink locally.”
When we got home, the Tribune was waiting. Over the past months, we’ve watched eagerly as the Tribune – a chain newspaper -- has struggled to reinvent itself by expanding its local orientation. The experiment is ongoing.
Whatever the outcome, it points to the need for local news coverage and commentary. Ironically, the worldwide web provides the platform for serving the local community. When used responsibly, blogs, podcasts and forums all complement improvement efforts at the neighborhood and municipal level.
In the beginning, I neither thought much about where NA Confidential might lead nor considered what it might become. The idea was to write, and to be read. As with my own small business, time passes and the narrative takes on a life of its own, and now it seems appropriate to take measures designed to boost the endeavor to the next level. NAC is at a point where the mission can be broadened.
More importantly, existing local entities need to be kept local, and work is underway to achieve an alliance toward this end.
We’re working on it, so stay tuned.
Main Street fights Chain Street: Campaign hopes to persuade people to shop at local stores before heading to the big retailers and regional malls, by Carolyn Said, Staff Writer (San Francisco Chronicle; Tuesday, November 29, 2005).
Yesterday, the Confidentials patronized Federal Hill Café for lunch and enjoyed coffee at the new Buffalo Madison outlet at Slate Run and Charlestown Road (the former Bean Street location), and then we drove to Indianapolis for a concert, pausing in Broad Ripple for snacks and drinks in two brewpubs, book shopping and coffee again – all in locally owned establishments.
NA Confidential is dedicated to several propositions, but the one central to our efforts for the past 18 months is something along the lines of “Think globally – write/buy/act locally.”
Or as we microbrewers like to say with admirable simplicity, “Think globally – drink locally.”
When we got home, the Tribune was waiting. Over the past months, we’ve watched eagerly as the Tribune – a chain newspaper -- has struggled to reinvent itself by expanding its local orientation. The experiment is ongoing.
Whatever the outcome, it points to the need for local news coverage and commentary. Ironically, the worldwide web provides the platform for serving the local community. When used responsibly, blogs, podcasts and forums all complement improvement efforts at the neighborhood and municipal level.
In the beginning, I neither thought much about where NA Confidential might lead nor considered what it might become. The idea was to write, and to be read. As with my own small business, time passes and the narrative takes on a life of its own, and now it seems appropriate to take measures designed to boost the endeavor to the next level. NAC is at a point where the mission can be broadened.
More importantly, existing local entities need to be kept local, and work is underway to achieve an alliance toward this end.
We’re working on it, so stay tuned.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
New Albany rental property kingpin facing foreclosure?
In One To Watch, a posting at the Diggin' in the Dirt blog, Ann points to this article in yesterday's Tribune:
Bank wants to foreclose on 22 city properties; All buildings owned by same landlord, by Eric Scott Campbell
First Savings Bank is trying to foreclose on 22 mortgages of New Albany properties owned by landlord David Gregory.
The bank filed its complaint and served notice to all occupants last week. Garret Hannegan, attorney for the bank, said renters aren’t in immediate danger of eviction.
Ann points out that Gregory is "one of several people who own multiple apartment dwellings in our city."
Indeed, and his name has surfaced repeatedly -- and often unfavorably -- during related discussions about the responsibilities of rental property owners.
Could be interesting.
Bank wants to foreclose on 22 city properties; All buildings owned by same landlord, by Eric Scott Campbell
First Savings Bank is trying to foreclose on 22 mortgages of New Albany properties owned by landlord David Gregory.
The bank filed its complaint and served notice to all occupants last week. Garret Hannegan, attorney for the bank, said renters aren’t in immediate danger of eviction.
Ann points out that Gregory is "one of several people who own multiple apartment dwellings in our city."
Indeed, and his name has surfaced repeatedly -- and often unfavorably -- during related discussions about the responsibilities of rental property owners.
Could be interesting.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Tribune guest columnist says "open downtown to business," but reaches errant conclusion.
In yesterday’s Tribune, guest columnist Jeff Roudenbush wrote:
The regulations that force bar and restaurant owners to pay so much for a license to sell liquor are disgraceful in a country that prides itself on free and unrestricted trade.
Yes, indeed. That's true.
See, it certainly is possible for us to be in agreement about something.
----
The column hasn’t yet passed muster with the mysterious rules that power the Tribune’s bizarrely erratic random archive generator (RAG). You’ll have to get a copy of the newspaper to read the whole piece (as of Thursday morning, two days followig publication, the column is archived).
While I agree with the overall tone of Jeff’s article, which supports the idea of a riverfront development area and the state of Indiana’s commensurate offer to help with the district’s revitalization by providing non-quota alcohol sales permits at a lower price point, it still seems to me a good idea to forge consensus among existing license holders before proceeding.
According to Jeff, “a greater flow of customers into the downtown will mean that both old and new businesses will be competing for a part of a much larger source of revenue,” and I believe current license holders will come to see the truth of this in time – something that the city’s economic development director can assist them in doing by explaining the special rules governing permits in this scenario and the ultimate benefits to be accrued from their issuance.
In spite of several solid points, Jeff is unable to avoid a mistaken conclusion owing to pre-existing ideological attachments – although the first clauses are accurate:
This new downtown entertainment district has a real chance to bring life into our downtown. Each customer equals actual dollars in spending.
Yes ... but then, a sudden wrong turn:
The YMCA cannot promise that. This is a better direction for downtown development. Let’s give it a try.
"Better direction"?
That's artful, but fallacious in its implication.
By “YMCA,” Jeff is referring to the prospective Scribner Place project, but he is absolutely incorrect in expressing the downtown development equation as an “either/or” proposition.
Scribner Place, while not a panacea, will be the ideal complement to any future “entertainment district” that takes shape downtown. I’ve yet to hear opponents of Scribner Place differ in any serious way with the ability of the YMCA to attract members, and not coincidentally, these members occupy a target demographic precisely the same as that served by restaurants, cafes and pubs of the sort Jeff correctly sees as making use of the benefits of the riverfront development area.
Many critics of Scribner Place seem to base their opposition to the project on a continuing failure to see this demographic staring back at them when they look in the mirror each morning.
This doesn't mean it isn't out there for the plucking.
A riverfront development/entertainment area and Scribner Place are joined at the hip, with each inspiring its own ripple effect – if for no other reason, by bringing people downtown and offering options for their discretionary spending. Tack on the future benefits of recreation offered by Cannon Acres and the Greenway, and the vision becomes even clearer and more obvious.
But don’t take my word for it alone.
Ask the existing downtown merchants and those real estate agents who’re willing to dirty their hands in the vicinity of Scribner Place -- people like Dave at Federal Hill Café and Mike Kopp from Lopp Realty.
Ask Mike what potential clients ask him.
All in all, a good column by Jeff – marred by an erroneous conclusion, but a start, nonetheless.
The regulations that force bar and restaurant owners to pay so much for a license to sell liquor are disgraceful in a country that prides itself on free and unrestricted trade.
Yes, indeed. That's true.
See, it certainly is possible for us to be in agreement about something.
----
The column hasn’t yet passed muster with the mysterious rules that power the Tribune’s bizarrely erratic random archive generator (RAG). You’ll have to get a copy of the newspaper to read the whole piece (as of Thursday morning, two days followig publication, the column is archived).
While I agree with the overall tone of Jeff’s article, which supports the idea of a riverfront development area and the state of Indiana’s commensurate offer to help with the district’s revitalization by providing non-quota alcohol sales permits at a lower price point, it still seems to me a good idea to forge consensus among existing license holders before proceeding.
According to Jeff, “a greater flow of customers into the downtown will mean that both old and new businesses will be competing for a part of a much larger source of revenue,” and I believe current license holders will come to see the truth of this in time – something that the city’s economic development director can assist them in doing by explaining the special rules governing permits in this scenario and the ultimate benefits to be accrued from their issuance.
In spite of several solid points, Jeff is unable to avoid a mistaken conclusion owing to pre-existing ideological attachments – although the first clauses are accurate:
This new downtown entertainment district has a real chance to bring life into our downtown. Each customer equals actual dollars in spending.
Yes ... but then, a sudden wrong turn:
The YMCA cannot promise that. This is a better direction for downtown development. Let’s give it a try.
"Better direction"?
That's artful, but fallacious in its implication.
By “YMCA,” Jeff is referring to the prospective Scribner Place project, but he is absolutely incorrect in expressing the downtown development equation as an “either/or” proposition.
Scribner Place, while not a panacea, will be the ideal complement to any future “entertainment district” that takes shape downtown. I’ve yet to hear opponents of Scribner Place differ in any serious way with the ability of the YMCA to attract members, and not coincidentally, these members occupy a target demographic precisely the same as that served by restaurants, cafes and pubs of the sort Jeff correctly sees as making use of the benefits of the riverfront development area.
Many critics of Scribner Place seem to base their opposition to the project on a continuing failure to see this demographic staring back at them when they look in the mirror each morning.
This doesn't mean it isn't out there for the plucking.
A riverfront development/entertainment area and Scribner Place are joined at the hip, with each inspiring its own ripple effect – if for no other reason, by bringing people downtown and offering options for their discretionary spending. Tack on the future benefits of recreation offered by Cannon Acres and the Greenway, and the vision becomes even clearer and more obvious.
But don’t take my word for it alone.
Ask the existing downtown merchants and those real estate agents who’re willing to dirty their hands in the vicinity of Scribner Place -- people like Dave at Federal Hill Café and Mike Kopp from Lopp Realty.
Ask Mike what potential clients ask him.
All in all, a good column by Jeff – marred by an erroneous conclusion, but a start, nonetheless.
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