Best Neighborhood Association

Throughout the city, many strong neighborhood associations fight the good fight. But the folks at the Indian Mound Neighborhood Association in the Historic Northeast get this year's nod for all the buzz they created during the primary season this past summer, when the association's meeting hall became the city's political hot spot. The group usually invites dignitaries -- City Council members, state reps, police captains-- to speak at its meetings. But folks there nearly came to blows during a debate between John Burnett and J.J. Rizzo, candidates for the Missouri House's 40th District. The event even netted a smattering of media coverage. A couple of weeks later, candidates for Jackson County prosecutor duked it out in front of the Indian Mound faithful, with Cynthia Campbell leveling accusations of sign-stealing and out-and-out corruption against incumbent Mike Sanders. The group's secretary is a former newspaper reporter, and within hours of every meeting, members get an e-mailed wrap-up that's accurate and a joy to read, complete with quotes and colorful descriptions.