Initial Messer hearing slated for March 2

A pre-trial hearing has been set for March 2 regarding New Albany City Councilman and police officer Jack Messer's petition to have his suspension for conduct unbecoming an officer reversed. Messer recently served a 40-day suspension without pay from the New Albany Police Department for comments he made in January of 2010 regarding civil rights. Messer conceded he made remarks during a police roll call meeting questioning how awarding civil rights to all had benefited black people, but argued his words were misinterpreted