Same Folks, Same Results

Over at the friendly NABC blog...I mean NA Confidential, Bluegill raps on and on about the aggressive administration that residents have longed for for years. He laments the future retirement of those in positions that have the "institutional knowledge and experience in successfully navigating bureaucracy, particularly the type of state and federal funding and compliance rules that circumscribe what we're able to accomplish with what's too often the only money we have (or are allowed to use due to uncooperative councils)." I have several question to insert here. First, wasn't this administration in power not so long ago? Do we not know what was and was not accomplished the first go around? The people in positions may have knowledge and experience, but what has really been accomplished? What connection to Mayor England do you have and/or why do you defend him so vigorously?

Now we all know that I don't actually "live in the city" of New Albany. With that said, I love this place. It really pains me to see the non-action and the insignificant grandstanding by all in this government. I haven't heard a new idea from any of them...ever. Maybe I am not listening. Maybe I am right. Somebody from the "city" tell me why you put up with cronyism and incompetence?

The Do Nothing Legislature

Indiana is not known for expediency in the state house, so why should this session be any different. Many major pieces of legislation won't even see the floor. Among these are the state wide smoking ban in public places, the restructuring of local governments and my personal favorite...the caps on property taxes. For Pat Bauer, the answer to the question seems to be "no." Let's test it. Can we get a vote on spending freezes? NO. How about defense of marriage? NO. Silly me, let me move on to the important issues, eh. The citizens have said that they would like an end to the yo yo of property tax payments. Will you move forward on caps for Hoosier's property taxes? NO. Ok, how about reforming local governments? NO. I see. Mr. Speaker, can you say anything other than no? NO. Sure, one last question...are you opposed to anything that is backed by the governor no matter what the constituents say? YES. Gotcha.