The Martin Chronicles had a very serious meeting yesterday. To a person, our reporters understand that the story of Villa Hills Mayor Mike Martin is approaching a crescendo. Our publisher also spoke at length about the fact that other media outlets are now beginning to zero in on this amazing story.
We often like to tease other media outlets about how they are just now chasing down stories that we have been covering since we launched October 8, 2011. They should know that we are truly happy they are onboard. Our publisher reminded everyone that we have the unique advantage of focusing our efforts on just one community that is only about 3.5 square miles in size. The other media outlets are covering many communities and probably receiving dozens of tips from all over the Tri-State every single day about matters large and small. Despite the fact that they are being pulled in numerous directions, some first-class media outlets are now on the trail of the Mike Martin story.
Let’s be fair. It’s taking time for much of the Villa Hills’ community to engage in this story as well. There are still even a percentage of Villa Hills’ residents who don’t even know the names of their mayor and council. There are some who still inexplicably chalk up the events of the past fourteen months as mere bickering. There are also some who still believe that Mike Martin is being unfairly persecuted despite the obvious mess that has been created and is being almost perpetually worsened by the self-proclaimed “CEO”. But clearly, the tide of public sentiment is running strongly against the mayor.
Some solid news reporters were singled out for praise by our publisher. Cindy Schroeder, a long-time reporter for The Kentucky Enquirer has delivered very balanced coverage of the turmoil in Villa Hills and truly seems to understand the root causes. Community Recorder reporter Libby Cunningham has brought tremendous energy and drive and has done a courageous job pursuing the Martin story. Our publisher also expressed admiration for the work of WCPO’s Kendall Herold for bringing the broadcast media into the mix. It is a difficult job rooting through the tall grass to get to the truth. But these three fine reporters and some others appear undaunted.
Hey, we get it. The Martin Chronicles is constantly tracking down numerous leads. We weigh the spin, local politics, grudges, animosities, self-interest and yes, flat-out lies every single day. We recognize that a blog like ours is like the proverbial speed boat. We are fast and nimble. We aren’t hampered by understandable corporate concerns. Our wide array of sources have educated us on all “the players”, the ones to trust implicitly, the ones to take with a grain of salt and the ones to generally disregard. We are making an educated guess that the other media outlets are still sizing much of this up. But, all things considered, they are doing yeoman-like work. They are now “on it”.
The Martin Chronicles suggests that if they haven’t yet done so, they should consider approaching Special Counsel Phil Taliaferro for some background on his extensive investigation. While it is unlikely that Special Counsel will lay down many of his “aces” prior to the presentation of his preliminary report, these reporters would most likely gain a better understanding on background of the true severity of the problems.
The other media outlets would also probably benefit by talking to attorney Barbara Bonar. Ms. Bonar could most likely shed some light on the allegations of predatory behavior by Councilman Jim Noll. Those discussions might also provide some perspective about Noll’s current behavior and actions. It could also very well provide some insight on why others are concerned that, despite a mountain of evidence, Noll might just refuse to vote to remove Martin from office.
The City of Reading might also prove to be fertile investigative ground. Martin has State of Ohio filings listing 10 ½ Anna Street in Reading as his business address. Our sources tell us that City of Reading officials don’t seem to even be aware of Martin’s business. Are there potentially serious tax issues for the mayor of a municipality in the Commonwealth of Kentucky? It makes for an interesting mystery.
The Villa Hills Ethics Board is rumored to be on the verge of issuing confidential reprimands to Mayor Martin and Councilman Noll. The other media outlets may want to pursue the confidential reprimands. They just might afford even more insight into the exploding mess. The media is not be bound by the confidentiality. The public has a right to know.
The Martin Chronicles is truly glad that we are no longer the only media outlet digging into Mayor Martin’s growing mess. Speaking of that, our reporters are now going back to work on some new leads we received early this morning.
