Monday, April 28, 2008

The yard signs of candidates for coroner -- and whether any of it matters.

Although I haven’t discussed it with Bluegill, it would seem appropriate to devote at least part of the week to a consideration of the local races on next week’s ballot.

As a toss-up, and in an effort to begin the week on a local note, here are just a couple of idle observations. First, with regard to Greg Balmer’s run for coroner, here are two of his yard signs:


Strictly speaking, isn’t Balmer the unelected incumbent by virtue of being selected by a Democratic caucus to fill out the term of his wife, who died unexpectedly in 2006? As such, he’s not really up for re-election, is he?

One of the candidates Balmer defeated in the 2006 party caucus was Leslie Knable, but you wouldn’t know it by the yard signs, which refer to her as "Dr. Knable."

(photo will be added later today)

Am I mistaken to be annoyed by the use of her professional title in this fashion, to the exclusion of her given name?

It might surprise you to learn that in the coroner’s race, I’m supporting a Republican: John Click, a longtime friend and customer, and my dentist. The Tribune's candidate Q & A for Balmer and Knable is here, but there is none for Click because his race is uncontested.

7 comments:

John Alton said...

At least his first initial isn't "M".

All4Word said...

Balmer was previously elected coroner. So was his late wife. The "re-elect" quibble is hardly worth making. He's asking to be once again elected.

Dr. Knable is a D.V.M. and a licensed mortician and is running on her credentials in pathology and in dealing with the grieving. She believes her doctorate is the key distinction between the Democratic candidates.

I realize this was a toss-up to get the ball rolling, but geez, Roger, pretty weak stuff.

All4Word said...

But thanks for taking notice that not every candidate on the May 6 ballot has a name that starts with "O."

The New Albanian said...

You're just upset because of those two "O" books I bought there last week ...

I wasn't aware that Balmer had been elected once before, and I know the doctor's credentials. In both cases, I think (a) it's annoying, albeit borderline, and (b) my real point, that campaigning by yard sign is an eyesore, anyway.

Jeff Gillenwater said...

Speaking of Balmer signs, there's one on the coroner's office door downtown that says they're doing the lord's work. Given the clientele, I keep waiting for a Tribune headline about a resurrection downtown.

Over the weekend, Mrs. Bluegill and I were out canvassing and kept crossing paths with Clinton (that starts with a C) volunteers doing the same. They were very nice and we had a laugh over it.

I noticed that their literature consisted of four talking points, the fourth of which was lessening dependence on foreign oil, something both campaigns advocate.

All well and good until it sunk in that they were driving their SUV around our walkable neighborhood in repetitive circles, letting the motor run while they went to the porch to drop off the materials.

That's almost as good as the Republican candidate for Recorder in Harrison County whose postcard promises less government and more of what's good for people.

Never mind that her likeness was superimposed over a photo of the original capitol building in Corydon, symbolizing the establishment of state government in Indiana.

Since she's running for Recorder rather than a legislative position, it's anyone's guess as to how she plans to deliver on that. My companion Kerberos and I were left to speculate if she'd just randomly not document some things that legally require it.

antzman said...

I was hoping Balmer's first name was Emmitt, call him Em for short.

Seriously though, on name alone, the guy should get the post.

Unknown said...

Hey I know this so called "Dr." Click. He is a known consumer of bad tasting beer, and having friends who are very intelligent. He sounds like a very scary candidate to me. I am afraid if he wins (Yeah right) he will try to take over the world!!!!