Council Meeting Jan 7th, Some comments to revisit?

It was a full house, with standing room only. All members present.

Dan Coffey thinks they have a good group that can accomplish good things.

Jeff Gahan is elected president with 6 of 9 votes. Gahan allows a vote for vice president, (unlike his predecessor) that finds Coffee picking up 5 of 9 votes.

About 16 residents from the Charlestown Rd / Mt Tabor area got their wishes as the McCartin development was shot down. Getting to know the new council members got a shot in the arm as Mr. Caesar folded like a lawn chair on the issue. Just moments after stating “This needs to proceed” he voted no to help defeat it. He did take a substantial pause before casting his vote. Even though he did get it right, I still would admire a man who follows up his words with action. I am sure after he gets a couple of meetings under his belt he will grow a couple of rocks and vote what he thinks. As for Mr. Price, when confronted with tough decisions he will vote and side with the residents involved and concerned with the issue. How much do you want to bet we will be revisiting that comment before the year is over?

On the comments from officials, Mr. Price again played a popularity card and addressed the fact that New Albany is ranked #1 in Indiana. The re-new Mayor introduced his staff and appointees, forgetting a few names in the process and allowing the fire chief to introduce his self and comrades. Since the mayor is rooting for Ohio State tonight that will end my criticism. After all I have lost the names of my family members during introductions at times.

The Mayor’s address to council was aimed more at the residents in attendance. He is going to listen, learn and cooperate. There was a strong emphasis on “LISTEN” from the mayor tonight. He also stated he would cooperate with council as hard as he can and he “SWEARS”!! Even though that leaves a big loop hole I think we will be revisiting that one also. I will stop there again, after all how can I criticize anything else when the mayor asks the president to end the meeting soon because the national championship game is on tonight?

How many additional attorneys on city payroll? How many deputy mayors? How many more employees? Ooops, sorry no more criticism, the mayor did say go Buckeyes!!

Some side notes; Mr. Gahan did a good job of noticing the members who wanted to speak and getting them time. He sure knows how to use that gavel also. Did John Gonder look like he was mad at the world?

Of course there was more but, I am sure the coverage will be good at other blog sites. I have stopped the DVR enough, now it’s time to watch the rest of the game.