The Martin Chronicles sees the absolute drubbing Villa Hills Mayor Mike Martin took at Thursday's evidentiary hearing as a real turning point in this sordid saga. Even the log-thumping vine-swingers at the Civic Club may eventually figure it out. Some day. Hopefully. Maybe. Possibly. A thin thread of hope. Not only is Martin in great jeopardy, but he has placed the taxpayers-including the Civic Club troglodytes-in deep difficulty as well.
The judge was quite clear that Martin's reckless document destruction has done harm to the City and its' residents. While clearly bothered, the judge was being extremely kind when she admonished Martin for poor judgment. Given the abrupt way the judge put a halt to the presentation of evidence, The Martin Chronicles is convinced that she knows far more about what took place on January 5 than she revealed Thursday. And what we believe she knows does not bode well for Martin-or the taxpayers who will be stuck picking up his tab.
In a very telling moment, the judge asked how anyone could justify burning City documents in the middle of a lawsuit-especially after Martin was advised by the City Attorney and the Kentucky League of Cities (KLC) to preserve everything. The KLC attorneys representing Martin told the judge they did not have an answer.
Not that we care one way or the other, but the KLC attorneys-who have been dubbed "Skippy" and "Dippy"-had better wake up and smell the strongly-brewed coffee. That is if their career goals include the continued practice of law. They presented what Martin had told them as their defense on Thursday. And Martin is flat-out lying to them. They better realize what Martin is before he has them walking into a legal tree shredder as well.
The funny thing is, we aren't sure that Martin has even the first clue about the severity of his problems. A couple of our reporters were laughing this morning about a possible scenario around the Martin's breakfast table.
Mr. Martin: Did you see me Janet?!? Why I was on television again! Isn't that great?!?
Mrs. Martin: Oh, Mike. You are so wonderful! I just don't understand why everyone refuses to work with you!
Mr. Martin: Janet, it's just sad. But most people are intimidated by my incredible genius.
You think we are kidding, don't you? Hey, don't be so sure!
This all starts to play out beginning Monday at River Ridge Elementary. Special Counsel Phil Taliaferro presents the initial findings of his investigation beginning at 6:30. You really should attend.
