Wednesday, March 21, 2012

"Don't Do As I Do. Do As I Say"

The Martin Chronicles has obtained a copy of an email letter from Northern Kentucky homeowners that we believe pretty much speaks for itself. We are reprinting it in its entirety with only the name and address withheld for security reasons.  We are also aware that other media outlets have received this document.

I read with interest the article in the Enquirer/Post dated March 9, 2012 regarding “Villa Hills Infighting Rages On.” The portion of the article that peaked my interest was the section regarding “Villa Hills City Council hiring an independent counsel to look into Martin’s business practices and allegations that Martin was doing work without proper licenses”. The article stated “Martin has denied any wrongdoing on his fulltime job as a general contractor and he has said that he has all the proper business licenses and permits”.
I am not a Villa Hills City resident but recently hired Mike Martin to do a remodeling job in my Northern Kentucky home. I did check with the Better Business Bureau prior to contracting with him and found no negative reports, however about halfway into the remodeling job which could be summed up as “shoddy at best”, Mr. Martin informed us that he “was not licensed in KY but was licensed in Ohio”. If he wasn’t licensed in KY, why on earth would he accept a remodeling job in a No. KY home?

The job was quoted to take three weeks but he seldom showed up to do the work or did he communicate with is during this time. The only communication was when I called to see what was going on and inquire why he hadn’t been there. I had to continuely “light a fire under him” and this project was drawn out for nine weeks. There were several things that had to be “redone” after we pointed out to him it was done incorrectly. In the end, the job he considered to be complete was left with numerous repairs having to take place afterwards before the room could be used. Mr. Martin was contacted by us via telephone, letter via US Mail and emails. He simply ignored these requests to correct the problems or to make an adjustment in the fully paid contract. We are currently filing a report with the BBB so others checking may be alerted of his practices.
I just find this lends credibility to his honesty and integrity as a contractor and would think that is he is not qualified to do something he claims to be a “professional “ at, I certainly wouldn’t think he is qualified to run an entire city. In addition, it looks like his professional habits as a contractor may have carried over into his ability as mayor. I can appreciate the headaches you must be having in dealing with him.

Best wishes in your endeavor

Names and address withheld

The Martin Chronicles has one-we think extremely important-question. How can a man who has not bothered to secure the proper licenses-and pay the related fees- expect other contractors who perform work in Villa Hills to do so?