The Martin Chronicles has some advice for those who have been watching the back and forth in Villa Hills city government. Don’t fall into the trap set by those who want you to chalk up all the turmoil to divided “camps” who just can’t get along. You’ve heard it. These guys are just a bunch of spoiled brats. It’s described as “bickering”. But that is an intentional smoke screen.
Sure, there are some serious divisions that are obvious when you watch a council meeting. But not all the disagreement can be explained away by the years of incessant personal attacks against various city officials from the likes of Councilman Mike Pope and yes, now-Mayor Mike Martin himself. In almost every case there are legitimate policy reasons for the divisions.
Many of the issues now coming to a head have been “in-the-making” for several years. You are doing a huge disservice to your community if you try to minimize those issues as simple “bickering”. Local government has more impact on your daily life than any other level of government. It is important.
Let’s take a look at one of the many examples of legitimate divisions in Villa Hills.
There has been a big push for consolidation of city services across Northern Kentucky now for several years. The supporters of consolidation bitterly complain that there are too many little fiefdoms wasting too many taxpayer dollars.
There are certainly examples of efficiencies and economies gained by some consolidation. But the recent unwinding of the Highland Heights/Southgate police authority demonstrates that consolidation is not a universal truth. There are other recent examples where consolidation efforts have failed as well.
So what is going on in Villa Hills? The current staff of the Villa Hills police department is down 25% from just one year ago. The sharp increase in overtime expense is a good indicator that the department is spread too thin. One could also conclude that, because of the seeming lack of concern about the overtime, the current reduction in staff isn’t about cost savings.
The majority of council is concerned that Mayor Martin’s ultimate goal is to force Villa Hills to contract for services with The City of Erlanger for police protection. The council majority believes such a move is not in the best interest of Villa Hills’ residents. Perhaps that is because those council members have benefited by private, candid discussions with Crescent Springs officials about the “success” of their contract with Erlanger’s police department.
Mike Martin and Mike Pope have gotten as far as they have by playing to a crowd who hates all government. The irony is that it is often those from that crowd who are the first to complain when their roads are in disrepair, their snow isn’t plowed to their liking or a police officer dares to take a dinner break from his overtime shift patrolling their streets at a Crescent Springs restaurant. Such is life.
What your city government does makes a big difference. Don’t take the bait. Don’t buy the baloney. The majority of council has serious, legitimate disagreements with Mayor Martin over several important issues. They are fighting for you.
