The Martin Chronicles hears some people attribute the frequent disagreements at most of the Villa Hills council meetings to “politics” and describe it as “bickering”. The resigning chairman of the Villa Hills Ethics Board went so far as to compare the opposition to Mayor Martin as evidence of a “mob mentality”. It would be naïve to think that there is no politicking taking place between seven elected officials. But to boil all of it down to mere bickering, or worse, evidence of a mob mentality is at least equally naïve. Much of the disagreement has been far more about Martin’s policies.
Policy is a defined course of action. Let’s take a look at three of Martin’s policies.
1. The reduction in police officers. Over the objections of a majority of council and the police chief, Martin played his “CEO” card and made the unilateral decision to reduce the number of police officers. This reduction was a serious focus of the debate over the budget a few months ago. There are currently 6 police officers available to patrol the streets. At one time-not so long ago-there were 8 officers. According to nky.com, the police department is dealing with a serious spike in burglaries and other crime. The officers are also working a heavy amount of overtime. The council has every right to question the mayor’s decision. That isn’t politics or a mob mentality.
2. The inability-or refusal-to fill open records requests. If for no other reason than state statutes require it, open records request should be filled in a timely manner. City council, committee chair people and residents have all been stonewalled when requesting information from the Martin Administration. We also now know, thanks to a sworn statement from the previous city clerk, that the records were all on hand and in good order when Martin took office January 1st, 2011. City council is obligated to insist that Martin follow the open records laws. That isn’t politics or a mob mentality.
3. The failure to generate accurate financial reports. One of the main responsibilities of the council is to oversee the financial activity of the city government. It is your money after all. Martin and finance committee chairman Mike Pope have not presented an accurate financial report to the city council for their review since Martin took office. Some months the council receives no report at all.
The ongoing financial reporting issue is a problem for other reasons. Council has expressed concern over Martin’s hiring of his friend Cordelia Schaber to do the city’s accounting. Her lack of results speaks volumes about Martin’s decision-making ability. Additionally, Councilman Pope seems to think the tangled financial mess is somehow funny. He refuses to ask the council to vote to approve the financial statements. Pope says the law doesn’t require him to do so and he is right. But common sense says that he should work with his colleagues rather than against them on this issue. Council has every right to question Martin’s financial reporting. That isn’t politics or a mob mentality.
There are certainly many other issues and concerns. And council shouldn’t be shy about asking questions-and demanding honest answers. The next time someone tells you they are tired of council’s “politics” and “bickering”, you may want to tell them that the council is doing their job.
