The Martin Chronicles would like to take at least a little bit of credit because of our constant cajoling. But we really don't think Villa Hills Mayor Mike Martin delayed the release of his FY2013 budget because of any pressure we applied. Sources tell us it was delayed for a very odd reason. More about that in future posts.
What's next? Martin plans to have the first reading of his budget proposal at the June 7 caucus meeting. No big deal, excepting the fact that this first reading will take place more or less "under the radar screen". Caucus meetings aren't typically televised or well attended. So much for Martin's broken promise of transparency.
But wait, there's more. Condensing the time to review and discuss the budget to a roughly two week time period is really rushing it. A review of the days when Martin was a mere councilman demonstrates that he would not have accepted such a huge, last-minute rush.
Our research staff has obtained a copy of the budget proposal and they are closely analyzing it. One line item that immediately jumps out is Martin's shocking proposal to increase the amount budgeted for the City Attorney by more than 200%. Given the amount of money currently squandered on attorney fees it still may not be enough.
Martin's budget proposal also includes an inordinately healthy presdiction for revenues from the UNFAIR $40 PER CAR STICKER TAX. Based on this year's trends rsulting from the move of collections to County Boss Steve Arlinghaus County Court House, it appears to be overly optimistic by roughly $50,000. Perhaps Martin plans to get the $50K via lawsuits against scofflaw residents.
All in all, it's all about Martin's mismanagement. But in a strange way it doesn't really seem to matter to the sleeping majority of Villa Hills' residents.
We predict that Villa Hills City Council will pass Villa Hills' first budget in two years. Why? Because City Council will likely accept the reality that the Villa Hills Police Department will not be brought to full strength for as long as Martin occupies the mayor's office. The majority will most likely approve Martin's budget to obtain the funds to begin replacing the police department's dilapidated fleet of aging, poorly operating vehicles. It's a tough call to be sure.
The City Council election is a mere 160 days away. Look for Martin to run a variation of his 2010 dirtbag mayoral race this fall to give him a working majority and a free hand to do as he chooses. He is losing an ally in Jim Noll, who hopes to take his show to the State Senate in Frankfort. So he needs to pick up two seats. Given the public's desire for peace at any cost, don't bet against the street-brawling Martin.
Perhaps "shoddy at best" governance will pay off in a huge way in 2012.
