Let's look at a few of the issues raised:
- The infamous January 5, 2012 document burn is very serious. It's not clear who Martin's patsies are or who is foolishly willing to "fall on their sword". It doesn't matter anyway. The evidence and testimony clearly indicates that Martin is responsible for what took place that day. Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) 171.680 and 519.060 are the governing authorities for this matter. This behavior has the potential to lead to 1 to 5 years in prison and a fine of between $1,000 and $10,000. Martin lied when he was twice-asked at the January council meeting if the falsified document he produced included all of the documents that were destroyed. We now know the list was woefully incomplete. Furthermore, a judge presiding over a civil case in this manner said that this destruction of records does great harm to the taxpayers of Villa Hills.This is a matter that deserves a public hearing.
- Performing unlicensed electrical work. Again a serious matter. And despite what Special Counsel may have said, it is not at all clear that a case for misconduct or inability (another basis for removal from office) for a a mayor running a business performing illegal work cannot be made. How can someone who a slim majority of the voters elected in part to ensure that contractors obey State statutes and City ordinances enforce them when he is violating them himself? That is clearly an open question. The governing authorities are KRS 227A.060 and 339.230. This behavior has the potential to lead to 180 days in jail and a $5,000 fine for each occurrence. This is a matter that deserves a public hearing.
- The Open Records matter. The fact that the Martin administration was able to follow State statute on a few of the many Open Records requests that have been submitted would lead a reasonable person to conclude that they understand the law and certainly calls into question the many more times when the statute was violated. The governing authority is KRS 61.870 through KRS 61.884. Any violation of these State statutes can provide a clear example of misconduct and lead to removal from office. This is a matter that deserves a public hearing.
- The City Ethics Laws Violations. While Special Counsel was unclear, the Villa Hills Ethics Board did issue "confidential" reprimands to both Mayor Martin and Councilman Jim Noll. Why? Because both were found to have misused City personnel and resources. This is a matter that deserves a public hearing.
This list does not include the cronyism. The retaliation against employees. The disregard for concerns expressed about sexual harassment. The destruction of City property. The Open Meetings violations. And all of the other problems that must see the light of day.
The Martin Chronicles doesn't care if County Boss Steve Arlinghaus describes what is going on as a "witch hunt". He wasted taxpayer money on granite counter tops and other over-the-top wasting of taxpayer dollars on renovations after all. That bilious blowhard has no room to talk. He needs to just shut the (EXPLETIVE) up. We don't care if Janet Martin's sister wore a "I'm here for the witch hunt" hat. We don't care if sainted hand-wringers miss the point by expressing concern that everyone just needs to get along. We don't care if Civic Club ne'er do wells are desperately trying to cover their own butts-and they (EXPLETIVE) well better be. Why? Because they are once again complicit. Martin did work at the Civic Club. Martin did work at the homes of many Civic Club gnomes. They all may have been pulled into this by Martin. Until a public airing of these misdeeds is held, none of that garbage matters.
All of the listed offenses and more are serious matters. They are not "petty". They deserve a public airing. Remember, it was Martin himself on Monday who told the media that he made no mistakes. A reasonable person must therefore conclude that he did all of these things consciously and with full knowledge of all of the relevant statutes. His old standby, "I didn't know then, but I know now" can't now work. No mistakes. It was all done on purpose.
It must all happen in the "light of day". Going in to executive session to discuss any of this is a disservice to the public, at best. No more Martin secrets. No more Martin evasions. No more martin double-talk. No more Martin lies.
Martin is the CEO. These were his decisions. We all need to get over it. We all need to move on.
There should be a removal hearing. Martin must face these issues. The residents of Villa Hills deserve an accounting for all of the misdeeds that have taken place since January 1, 2011.
