The Martin Chronicles is hearing very strong rumors that more legal action is forthcoming in the saga that has become Mayor Mike Martin’s Villa Hills.
From what we have learned in our fact-gathering, the legal action being strongly considered will involve an issue that has been reported in a few posts over the past several weeks. It will present more serious problems for the already-beleaguered mayor and of course, the taxpayers. If more legal action is taken, it will be another example of problems created by Martin’s lack of attention to pressing problems.
Given the struggles Martin has created for the police department, the burgeoning overtime problems, the current serious lawsuit, the numerous complaints, the short-circuiting of the City’s previously well-running street program and the abject lack of communication, Martin’s mismanagement of the City will come under even closer scrutiny.
Also, despite Martin’s weak attempt to push blame for the recent destruction of documents on to the interim city clerk, sources tell us that an outside law enforcement agency is also ready to move in to take action. The timeline that is being developed points to a willful effort to eliminate incriminating records and an after-the-fact effort to cover-up what was discovered.
As has been our practice since launching last year on October 8, we won’t report the details on the new legal action that is being considered until it has been confirmed by multiple current sources. If it is true, it will take an already messy situation to a whole new level.
Circumstance may leave city council with no choice other than to take action to protect the taxpayers. All of our reporters and sources are hearing “chatter” indicating that the public is waking up to the grim fact that Mayor Martin has brought something not even closely resembling his promised “truth and integrity” to his office at 720 Rogers Road.
The City attorney has to be deeply concerned. He has represented several cities over his years of service. How will he be able to explain his role in everything that has been unfolding if nothing is done to minimize the taxpayers’ exposure in this growing mess?
Even the City’s Ethics Board has been embroiled in the growing controversy. As they ponder the latest complaint that has been brought before them, they have to be worried about the re-examination of their other recent rulings that is sure to come. The current board is composed of reasonable people who have been pulled into turmoil they have not been faced with for more than a decade.
It isn’t going to be easy. Far from it. We are receiving indications that Martin plans a very dirty pushback. Martin's history proves he is willing to do just about anything to hold on.
City Council elections are just 284 days away. The council members who have been fighting a holding action for some semblance of good government have to understand that no matter how compelling the evidence, ill will is bound to be generated. There will be enclaves at places like the Civic Club that will cause great trouble for those standing for re-election. The longer the delay, the tougher it will be.
We hope that Special Counsel is close to reporting at least his initial findings. Too much is at stake now for the residents for any further delay. The public must, in fact has an absolute right, to know what has really been going on over the past thirteen months that has put them at such great risk. The Martin Chronicles believes it is getting very close to the time for the council to take some difficult decisions.
