The Martin Chronicles understands the concern some on Villa Hills City Council may have about moving forward with a removal hearing. But only to a degree. We guess they want to be careful not to jeopardize the taxpayers in any current-or pending-lawsuits against Mayor-and miscreant-Mike Martin and the City.
Does the council think that the taxpayers are in any less jeopardy with each passing day having Martin's corrupt and incompetent hind end parked in the mayor's office? We certainly don't. Why? Because we see the mess "The Little Man From Norwood" has already created in his nineteen dreadful months in office. It's not going to get any better.
Council may want to disabuse themselves of any notion that Martin will resign as well. As long as the pinheads at that rat's nest called a Civic Club continue to whisper sweet-nothings in Martin's ear he will never bow out. No matter the potential damage to the taxpayers. Being "CEO" is the biggest thing to ever happen in Martin's life. Despite the catastrophe he has caused.
Oh, and there is the little matter of him not walking away from his taxpayer-funded legal defense. He's a dolt. But he does have some brain waves bouncing around in that thick skull.
The public has the right to hear Martin's explanations for this abject disaster. "The Little CEO" will have two choices at a removal hearing. He can either lie under oath or he can invoke his right against self-incrimination. Either way, the media will cover it like a thick, wool blanket.
Some fret that Councilmen Mike Pope and Jim Noll are too enamored with Martin to ever vote to remove him. Our response? So the (EXPLETIVE) what?!?! Let them go on the record in support of criminal behavior. Let them go on the record saying official misconduct doesn't matter. Let them vote to endorse the fraud and deceit that has exemplified Martin's term in office. The rest of council can sleep well at night knowing that the truth was laid before the public.
Whether the public cared or not.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
Villa Hills By The Numbers
The Martin Chronicles enjoys periodically reviewing the numbers that will have an impact on the embattled City of Villa Hills. Even though when you review the statements and actions of its dishonest Mayor Mike Martin, things just don't add up! So, let's go.
The number The Martin Chronicles is most excited about? Our plucky little blog is soon to be welcoming its 50,000th unique visitor. Deal with it. We are not moving on.
- The number of days until the 2012 council election: 99
- The number of days until the filing deadline to run for city council: 15
- The number of candidates-to-date who have actually filed their papers: 1
- The number of people on Dale Schaber's hillbilly lynchmob slate: 15
- The number of incumbents who will not run: 1 definite. But there will be more.
- The number of days until St. Joke's end-of-summer festival begins: 11
- The number of political rumors the St. Joker's will spread during the festival: dozens
- The number of lawsuits against the taxpayers Martin has caused: 2 filed and 2 pending
- The number of "confidential" reprimands Martin has received from the Ethics Board: 1
- The number of reprimands Martin has received from city council: 4
- The number of conflicting versions of Martin's explanations for his willful destruction of city property: 4
- The number of times Martin has lied about what documents he destroyed on January 5, 2012: The same number as the number of times he has been asked.
- The number of taxpayer-underwritten checks $47.50 per hour, crony-hire, clerk/bookkeeper Cordelia Schaber has received since she claims she resigned: 5
- The number of dollars of the shortfall in collections of the UNFAIR $40 PER CAR STICKER TAX since three council members joined Martin in the bone-headed vote to send the collection of the fee to bilious blowhard County Boss Steve Arlinghaus' Court House: at least $30,000.
- The number of computer forensics reports that really back-up Martin's LIBELOUS claim that files were erased from the computer in the mayor's office: 0
- The number of false police reports we have confirmed Martin has filed: 1
- The number of false police reports Martin has amended with more false information: 1
- The number of bogus Better Business Bureau complaints Martin has filed against the Voice of Villa Hills: 1
The number The Martin Chronicles is most excited about? Our plucky little blog is soon to be welcoming its 50,000th unique visitor. Deal with it. We are not moving on.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Way To Go Vince!
The Martin Chronicles loves to get the scoops. Our publisher wishes we could get them all. But when you have newshounds like Vince Carvelli also on the prowl we can't be expected to bat a thousand! Besides, we really like Vince.
So what has Vince uncovered? Well, he caught Villa Hills Mayor (and flagrant miscreant) Mike Martin and his $47.50 per hour, crony-hire, clerk/bookkeeper Cordelia Schaber in yet another scam. (You know. Cordelia? The wife of Martin's co-defendant in a LIBEL, SLANDER and DEFAMATION lawsuit? Dale? The hillbilly moron who went door-to-door passing out Martin's dirtbag literature? The pinhead who was stupid enought to write "it is a fact" when it was a total lie in a letter to the Voice of Villa Hills? The guy being represented by the one-armed attorney? Yeah, that guy. Yeah, Cordelia. Now you have it!)
As we have reported, Cordelia Schaber took it upon herself to take to the podium at the July council meeting. Her disgraceful and dishonest performance was a reminder of what a joke she was on city council. The highlight of her hillbilly harangue was when she twice said she had resigned from her $47.50 per hour, crony-hire, clerk/bookkeeper position back in November. Yes, eight months ago.
So how is it that Vince tracked down Villa Hills' check numbers 14988, 15105, 15141, 15188 and 15236 paid to, yes, Cordelia Schaber . . . for, yes, accounting services . . . after November???? Gee, that seems a little strange, doesn't it?
Yeah, we know how these skunks work. Martin will say that he has been trying to find a replacement for Cordelia since November and that she has been just so nice to help until that replacement is located. But that will be total BULL(EXPLETIVE). It wouldn't take eight months to find a replacement for someone as talentless as Cordelia Schaber. In fact, this time Martin could actually find someone qualified to do the work. Wouldn't that be nice for a change?
Our young intern was flummoxed, asking "How can Martin and Schaber tell such obvious lies that are so easily caught?" Our publisher sat down with the perky cub reporter to explain the sordid ways of the world.
"You see, Martin is the classic con artist. Martin has survived all of these years by perpetually lying", explained our patient publisher. "He always gambles that people will accept his first lie at face value and move on. He goes to Haiti, after all. He counts on people being too busy-or too lazy-to ever confirm what he says. For the most part, Martin's gamble has paid off."
That was before Vince Carvelli and,yes, The Martin Chronicles took on the case.
So what has Vince uncovered? Well, he caught Villa Hills Mayor (and flagrant miscreant) Mike Martin and his $47.50 per hour, crony-hire, clerk/bookkeeper Cordelia Schaber in yet another scam. (You know. Cordelia? The wife of Martin's co-defendant in a LIBEL, SLANDER and DEFAMATION lawsuit? Dale? The hillbilly moron who went door-to-door passing out Martin's dirtbag literature? The pinhead who was stupid enought to write "it is a fact" when it was a total lie in a letter to the Voice of Villa Hills? The guy being represented by the one-armed attorney? Yeah, that guy. Yeah, Cordelia. Now you have it!)
As we have reported, Cordelia Schaber took it upon herself to take to the podium at the July council meeting. Her disgraceful and dishonest performance was a reminder of what a joke she was on city council. The highlight of her hillbilly harangue was when she twice said she had resigned from her $47.50 per hour, crony-hire, clerk/bookkeeper position back in November. Yes, eight months ago.
So how is it that Vince tracked down Villa Hills' check numbers 14988, 15105, 15141, 15188 and 15236 paid to, yes, Cordelia Schaber . . . for, yes, accounting services . . . after November???? Gee, that seems a little strange, doesn't it?
Yeah, we know how these skunks work. Martin will say that he has been trying to find a replacement for Cordelia since November and that she has been just so nice to help until that replacement is located. But that will be total BULL(EXPLETIVE). It wouldn't take eight months to find a replacement for someone as talentless as Cordelia Schaber. In fact, this time Martin could actually find someone qualified to do the work. Wouldn't that be nice for a change?
Our young intern was flummoxed, asking "How can Martin and Schaber tell such obvious lies that are so easily caught?" Our publisher sat down with the perky cub reporter to explain the sordid ways of the world.
"You see, Martin is the classic con artist. Martin has survived all of these years by perpetually lying", explained our patient publisher. "He always gambles that people will accept his first lie at face value and move on. He goes to Haiti, after all. He counts on people being too busy-or too lazy-to ever confirm what he says. For the most part, Martin's gamble has paid off."
That was before Vince Carvelli and,yes, The Martin Chronicles took on the case.
Friday, July 27, 2012
She Got A Pay Raise?
The Martin Chronicles is hearing some interesting things from several sources. For the purposes of full disclosure, we will clearly separate hard fact from speculation generated by these sources.
First, the hard facts. Villa Hills Mayor Mike Martin gave the endlessly interim City Clerk an unscheduled pay raise a few months ago. This pay increase came before council passed a budget that will give the endlessly interim City Clerk yet another taxpayer-funded boost.
Why would Martin give this marginal-at-best employee two pay raises in one year? We now move to the realm of the speculation from our sources. These sources strongly suspect that this out-to-pasture employee's silence has been purchased by Martin. Despite her reportedly high level of disinterest in anything remotely resembling work, these same sources believe that the endlessly interim City Clerk knows full well where Martin has buried most of the bodies.
These sources remind The Martin Chronicles that the perpetually-passive employee has declined to talk to Special Counsel on multiple occassions. They also find the timing of $47.50 per hour, crony-hire, clerk/bookkeeper Cordelia Schaber's recent council meeting praise of the interim City Clerk quite the coincidence.
Has Martin used taxpayer money-your money-to buy the endlessly interim City Clerk's silence?
First, the hard facts. Villa Hills Mayor Mike Martin gave the endlessly interim City Clerk an unscheduled pay raise a few months ago. This pay increase came before council passed a budget that will give the endlessly interim City Clerk yet another taxpayer-funded boost.
Why would Martin give this marginal-at-best employee two pay raises in one year? We now move to the realm of the speculation from our sources. These sources strongly suspect that this out-to-pasture employee's silence has been purchased by Martin. Despite her reportedly high level of disinterest in anything remotely resembling work, these same sources believe that the endlessly interim City Clerk knows full well where Martin has buried most of the bodies.
These sources remind The Martin Chronicles that the perpetually-passive employee has declined to talk to Special Counsel on multiple occassions. They also find the timing of $47.50 per hour, crony-hire, clerk/bookkeeper Cordelia Schaber's recent council meeting praise of the interim City Clerk quite the coincidence.
Has Martin used taxpayer money-your money-to buy the endlessly interim City Clerk's silence?
Thursday, July 26, 2012
He's A Plagiarist Too?!?!
The Martin Chronicles is all too well aware of the old saying that "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery". But our Publisher is very picky about who rips off our "intellectual property". He was very proud when the local dinosaur media began to figure out what a dishonest lowlife Villa Hills Mayor Mike Martin is and began to "model" several of our ongoing themes in their reportage. Getting to the truth is the most important mission for any news gathering organization after all.
But there are limits. And those limits may have been exceeded when Villa Hills Councilwaste-and State Senate candidate (in case he hasn't reminded you of that grim fact in the last thirty seconds)-Jim Noll decided to rip off our description of the current state of Villa Hills City Government to portray how he misperceives what is going on in Frankfort.
As our loyal and rapidly growing audience knows, we describe Martin's pitiful and corrupt governance as his "Reign of Error". Evidently Noll is so enamored with that phrase-as well as a couple of other things that have placed him and the City teetering on the precipice of yet another lawsuit-that he ripped it off to use on his cheesy campaign Facebook page. "King David's Reign of Errors"? Really, Jimbo? Do you really think pluralizing one word makes it an original idea? No original thoughts bouncing around in between those ears buddy?
Yes. We know. You are asking yourself, "What are those other things Noll seems to be enamored with?" Bad grammar or no. Perhaps you are a newer member of our audience. Or maybe you have been so focused on the miscreant Martin that you have forgotten. So, here goes.
Several Civic Club sources-and there are actually some reliable ones-have told us that Noll has stopped in to their lousy lodge for an adult beverage before a council meeting. It gets better. These same sources tell us that Noll returned-during the meeting-for a reload!
Then there is the little matter of accusations of Noll sexually harassing a City employee. We aren't carrying tales. This story has been reported in the dinosaur media. Sources tell us that the City was put on legal notice some time ago about Martin's failure to get control of Noll and that the aggrieved employee is weighing her options.
Want to confirm this? The next time you see Councilschmoe Mike Pope, ask him if he was present when Noll told the harassed female employee, "You have a sexy voice." This after the issue of Noll's behavior was brought to Martin and councils' attention. Go ahead. Ask Pope. He was there when it happened.
Our Publisher fully expects Noll to win his Senate race. Voters in these parts made Noll councils' top vote-getter, re-elected Pope and elected the malfeasant Martin to (EXPLETIVE) up the City in that banner year of 2010. So he knows just what the voters are (in)capable of. But our Publisher is respectfully-at least as respectfully as possible-requesting that Jimmy Noll stop ripping off The Martin Chronicles and come up with an original thought of his own for a change.
But there are limits. And those limits may have been exceeded when Villa Hills Councilwaste-and State Senate candidate (in case he hasn't reminded you of that grim fact in the last thirty seconds)-Jim Noll decided to rip off our description of the current state of Villa Hills City Government to portray how he misperceives what is going on in Frankfort.
As our loyal and rapidly growing audience knows, we describe Martin's pitiful and corrupt governance as his "Reign of Error". Evidently Noll is so enamored with that phrase-as well as a couple of other things that have placed him and the City teetering on the precipice of yet another lawsuit-that he ripped it off to use on his cheesy campaign Facebook page. "King David's Reign of Errors"? Really, Jimbo? Do you really think pluralizing one word makes it an original idea? No original thoughts bouncing around in between those ears buddy?
Yes. We know. You are asking yourself, "What are those other things Noll seems to be enamored with?" Bad grammar or no. Perhaps you are a newer member of our audience. Or maybe you have been so focused on the miscreant Martin that you have forgotten. So, here goes.
Several Civic Club sources-and there are actually some reliable ones-have told us that Noll has stopped in to their lousy lodge for an adult beverage before a council meeting. It gets better. These same sources tell us that Noll returned-during the meeting-for a reload!
Then there is the little matter of accusations of Noll sexually harassing a City employee. We aren't carrying tales. This story has been reported in the dinosaur media. Sources tell us that the City was put on legal notice some time ago about Martin's failure to get control of Noll and that the aggrieved employee is weighing her options.
Want to confirm this? The next time you see Councilschmoe Mike Pope, ask him if he was present when Noll told the harassed female employee, "You have a sexy voice." This after the issue of Noll's behavior was brought to Martin and councils' attention. Go ahead. Ask Pope. He was there when it happened.
Our Publisher fully expects Noll to win his Senate race. Voters in these parts made Noll councils' top vote-getter, re-elected Pope and elected the malfeasant Martin to (EXPLETIVE) up the City in that banner year of 2010. So he knows just what the voters are (in)capable of. But our Publisher is respectfully-at least as respectfully as possible-requesting that Jimmy Noll stop ripping off The Martin Chronicles and come up with an original thought of his own for a change.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Whither The Tea Party?
The Martin Chronicles enjoys poking fun at the pretentious, the sanctimonious, the foolish and the hypocritical. When one rides a high horse, they are very likely destined for quite a fall. The best part of gigging these nimrods is that they generally have no sense of humor and lapse into a full-blown hissy fit. It is a true guilty pleasure.
Sources report that the lamebrains at that cesspool called a Civic Club often sit around the bar trying to figure out the identities of "General Zod", "Split Rail", "Butt Crack", "Fat Boy Fat", "Sabre Tooth", "Crater Face", "(EXPLETIVE) Face", "Summer Teeth (as in summer green and summer missing)", "Boom Boom", "Billy Bob", "Slip", "Whitey" and "Sach". C'mon everybody. You know who you are!
We are really wondering what happened to the local Tea Partiers, Liberty Leaguers, 912'ers and the other various and sundry tri-cornered-hat-wearing, government-hating pinheads who infest our community. They were a part of the crazy coalition who elevated the current prevaricator-in-chief Mike Martin to the Villa Hills throne after all. And both Martin and their other anti-hero Mike Pope are (EXPLETIVE)ing them seven ways to Sunday.
How so? Both Martin and Pope voted to continue the UNFAIR $40 PER CAR STICKER TAX. Martin and Finance Committee Chairman Pope have wasted taxpayer dollars at an unprecedented rate. So much waste in fact that they had to beg council to approve a budget amendment to dip in to the City's already-dwindling cash reserves.
Martin and Pope ARE RAISING YOUR TAXES THIS YEAR. Some doofusses may say, "It's only 4%." But do you know why it's only 4%? BECAUSE THAT IS THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT THE LAW ALLOWS WITHOUT A REFERENDUM. And speaking of referendums, Martin and Pope tried to lure you into voting yourself a huge tax increase by lying to you that it was simply a vote to repeal the UNFAIR $40 PER CAR STICKER TAX. The way Martin mangled that tax campaign even earned him a "confidential" reprimand from the Villa Hills Ethics Board.
Martin's "Reign of Error" has been best exemplified by massive fiscal irresponsibility and largess writ larger. So, whither the Tea Party? Why don't we see the Liberty Leaguers and 912'ers dressed in waist coats, breeches and powdered wigs and waving their "Don't Tread On Me" flags during every council meeting? Why aren't they throwing their own "Villa Hills Tea Party", dumping Mountain Dew into the Civic Club lake?
Maybe they are still smarting from being caught by a judge for trying to perpetrate an "Axe the Tax" petition fraud-twice! More likely, they are simply clueless.
Sources report that the lamebrains at that cesspool called a Civic Club often sit around the bar trying to figure out the identities of "General Zod", "Split Rail", "Butt Crack", "Fat Boy Fat", "Sabre Tooth", "Crater Face", "(EXPLETIVE) Face", "Summer Teeth (as in summer green and summer missing)", "Boom Boom", "Billy Bob", "Slip", "Whitey" and "Sach". C'mon everybody. You know who you are!
We are really wondering what happened to the local Tea Partiers, Liberty Leaguers, 912'ers and the other various and sundry tri-cornered-hat-wearing, government-hating pinheads who infest our community. They were a part of the crazy coalition who elevated the current prevaricator-in-chief Mike Martin to the Villa Hills throne after all. And both Martin and their other anti-hero Mike Pope are (EXPLETIVE)ing them seven ways to Sunday.
How so? Both Martin and Pope voted to continue the UNFAIR $40 PER CAR STICKER TAX. Martin and Finance Committee Chairman Pope have wasted taxpayer dollars at an unprecedented rate. So much waste in fact that they had to beg council to approve a budget amendment to dip in to the City's already-dwindling cash reserves.
Martin and Pope ARE RAISING YOUR TAXES THIS YEAR. Some doofusses may say, "It's only 4%." But do you know why it's only 4%? BECAUSE THAT IS THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT THE LAW ALLOWS WITHOUT A REFERENDUM. And speaking of referendums, Martin and Pope tried to lure you into voting yourself a huge tax increase by lying to you that it was simply a vote to repeal the UNFAIR $40 PER CAR STICKER TAX. The way Martin mangled that tax campaign even earned him a "confidential" reprimand from the Villa Hills Ethics Board.
Martin's "Reign of Error" has been best exemplified by massive fiscal irresponsibility and largess writ larger. So, whither the Tea Party? Why don't we see the Liberty Leaguers and 912'ers dressed in waist coats, breeches and powdered wigs and waving their "Don't Tread On Me" flags during every council meeting? Why aren't they throwing their own "Villa Hills Tea Party", dumping Mountain Dew into the Civic Club lake?
Maybe they are still smarting from being caught by a judge for trying to perpetrate an "Axe the Tax" petition fraud-twice! More likely, they are simply clueless.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Give 'Em A Lollipop, Pat 'Em On Their Head And Send 'Em On Their Way
The Martin Chronicles gives advice sparingly. We are more observers and commentators than we are drivers of policy or actions. But we do have some respectful advice for all of the sage Facebook posters who are trying to make sense to the young folks on Facebook who are spouting all manner of pro-Martin gibberish and bashing the Villa Hills Police Department. Let it go.
Engaging the "Martin Youth" is a complete waste of time. Perhaps these "utes" have no problem with misconduct and mismanagement. Maybe they actually believe the bilge they are dumping into the internet ocean. Or, more likely, they are simply relishing the fact that for the first time in their short lives adults are actually paying attention to them.
All of us have far better things to do. We have a corrupt and incompetent Norwood sewer rat embarrassing the (EXPLETIVE) out of our City after all. Keep your eye on the ball. There is a big election looming that will most likely surround Martin with more supporters and conflict-averse wimps who won't open their mealy-mouths no matter how egregious Martin's behavior.
The situation is far too serious to care about what a bunch of high-schoolers post on their social network. They have had their day in the sun. But the sun is now setting. Just as it will eventually set on their feckless leader.
The Martin Chronicles has officially adopted a new policy regarding the "Martin Youth". We are gently sitting them at the "kiddie table" to chat amongst themselves and getting on with much more important business.
Engaging the "Martin Youth" is a complete waste of time. Perhaps these "utes" have no problem with misconduct and mismanagement. Maybe they actually believe the bilge they are dumping into the internet ocean. Or, more likely, they are simply relishing the fact that for the first time in their short lives adults are actually paying attention to them.
All of us have far better things to do. We have a corrupt and incompetent Norwood sewer rat embarrassing the (EXPLETIVE) out of our City after all. Keep your eye on the ball. There is a big election looming that will most likely surround Martin with more supporters and conflict-averse wimps who won't open their mealy-mouths no matter how egregious Martin's behavior.
The situation is far too serious to care about what a bunch of high-schoolers post on their social network. They have had their day in the sun. But the sun is now setting. Just as it will eventually set on their feckless leader.
The Martin Chronicles has officially adopted a new policy regarding the "Martin Youth". We are gently sitting them at the "kiddie table" to chat amongst themselves and getting on with much more important business.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
The Week Ahead
The Martin Chronicles has a few thoughts as we head into yet another week of Villa Hills Mayor Mike Martin's "Reign of Error".
We know that loony legislator Mike Pope is desperate to RAISE YOUR TAXES. He is pushing hard to take the MAXIMUM PROPERTY TAX INCREASE ALLOWED BY LAW. We have learned that Pope was straying outside State statute -specifically KRS132.027-TO RAISE YOUR TAXES. Fortunately, City Attorney Mike Duncan-or just "Duncan", as Pope likes to rudely refer to the City Attorney-stepped in to stop Pope.
Oh, don't worry. Martin and Pope are still raising your taxes by THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT ALLOWED BY LAW. It's just that they will be (EXPLETIVE)ing you within the constructs of State statute.
And by the way. This is for the little Facebook charmer who chastised the Villa Hills Police Department for allowing the Civic Club playground equipment to be vandalized. You know? The little fella who fancies himself a "future prez".
The woman who posted "Villa Hills needs more police" is exactly right "future prez". It is the "Little Man From Norwood" who has decimated the VHPD and is ultimately responsible for the huge spike in crime.
We hope "Future Prez" runs for City Council-assuming he's old enough. As we always say around the office, "IT CAN'T GET BAD ENOUGH!"
We know that loony legislator Mike Pope is desperate to RAISE YOUR TAXES. He is pushing hard to take the MAXIMUM PROPERTY TAX INCREASE ALLOWED BY LAW. We have learned that Pope was straying outside State statute -specifically KRS132.027-TO RAISE YOUR TAXES. Fortunately, City Attorney Mike Duncan-or just "Duncan", as Pope likes to rudely refer to the City Attorney-stepped in to stop Pope.
Oh, don't worry. Martin and Pope are still raising your taxes by THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT ALLOWED BY LAW. It's just that they will be (EXPLETIVE)ing you within the constructs of State statute.
And by the way. This is for the little Facebook charmer who chastised the Villa Hills Police Department for allowing the Civic Club playground equipment to be vandalized. You know? The little fella who fancies himself a "future prez".
The woman who posted "Villa Hills needs more police" is exactly right "future prez". It is the "Little Man From Norwood" who has decimated the VHPD and is ultimately responsible for the huge spike in crime.
We hope "Future Prez" runs for City Council-assuming he's old enough. As we always say around the office, "IT CAN'T GET BAD ENOUGH!"
Friday, July 20, 2012
Meeting Observations
The Martin Chronicles wants to make a few observations about Wednesday night's waste of time, a.k.a. "council meeting" as it quickly fades out of sight in our rear view mirror.
1. Witnessing Martin hobble in on a crutch and then seeing his damaged van in the parking lot with it's home-made, "shoddy-at-best" paint job crudely covering up the dents provided the perfect symbolism for the current state of Villa Hills City Government. Sources say Martin painted over another spray painted message left by an irate resident, "(EXPLETIVE) YOU MARTIN!"
2. Who the (EXPLETIVE) cares what $47.50 per hour, Martin crony-hire clerk/bookkeeper Cordelia Schaber thinks? Her husband Dale is Martin's co-defendant in a LIBEL, SLANDER and DEFAMATION lawsuit. Her emetic public comments were a total disgrace.
3. What got in to City Attorney Mike Duncan Wednesday night? He definitely took a trip to the sand pile. It was great. Duncan was smacking around crazy Councilman MIke Pope every time the loony legislator opened his mouth.
November 6 will be here before you know it!
1. Witnessing Martin hobble in on a crutch and then seeing his damaged van in the parking lot with it's home-made, "shoddy-at-best" paint job crudely covering up the dents provided the perfect symbolism for the current state of Villa Hills City Government. Sources say Martin painted over another spray painted message left by an irate resident, "(EXPLETIVE) YOU MARTIN!"
2. Who the (EXPLETIVE) cares what $47.50 per hour, Martin crony-hire clerk/bookkeeper Cordelia Schaber thinks? Her husband Dale is Martin's co-defendant in a LIBEL, SLANDER and DEFAMATION lawsuit. Her emetic public comments were a total disgrace.
3. What got in to City Attorney Mike Duncan Wednesday night? He definitely took a trip to the sand pile. It was great. Duncan was smacking around crazy Councilman MIke Pope every time the loony legislator opened his mouth.
November 6 will be here before you know it!
Thursday, July 19, 2012
A Poor Choice Indeed
The Martin Chronicles has had Villa Hills Mayor Mike Martin figured out for a looooong time. Despite what his supporters may or may not still believe, we know Martin is not just your run-of-the-mill amiable dolt. He is both dangerously stupid and dangerously corrupt.
He has an excuse for everything. And all of them lame. His bizarre statement feebly attempting to explain away the libelous claims he made in his April Unahandyman Manifesto would be shocking if they came from anyone other than the serial-prevaricator Martin. For Martin, outrageous lies are the standard bill of fare.
So what did Martin say at last night's council meeting to try to deflect attention away from his LIBEL and DEFAMATION about files being erased from the computer in the mayor's office? After admitting that there really is no forensic report that makes that false claim, he made an historic understatement, "It was a poor choice of words".
No, Mr. Martin. It was a LIBELOUS choice of words. The intent of your words was to DEFAME someone. It was a "note" you wrote. It was a "note" you signed (under the title of mayor). You and the taxpayers may very well pay dearly for that.
The real "poor choice" was made on November 2, 2010.
He has an excuse for everything. And all of them lame. His bizarre statement feebly attempting to explain away the libelous claims he made in his April Unahandyman Manifesto would be shocking if they came from anyone other than the serial-prevaricator Martin. For Martin, outrageous lies are the standard bill of fare.
So what did Martin say at last night's council meeting to try to deflect attention away from his LIBEL and DEFAMATION about files being erased from the computer in the mayor's office? After admitting that there really is no forensic report that makes that false claim, he made an historic understatement, "It was a poor choice of words".
No, Mr. Martin. It was a LIBELOUS choice of words. The intent of your words was to DEFAME someone. It was a "note" you wrote. It was a "note" you signed (under the title of mayor). You and the taxpayers may very well pay dearly for that.
The real "poor choice" was made on November 2, 2010.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
There He Goes (YET) Again
The Martin Chronicles has confirmed through multiple sources that Villa Hills Mayor Mike Martin is being challenged on some vapid assertions he made in his now-infamous Unahandyman Manifesto that he and his obese hillbilly lynchmob distributed back in April. He should certainly be challenged. Not surprisingly, solid evidence has been obtained that Martin was far less than truthful in several of his wild claims.
The evidence was compiled by a resident who was deeply concerned by Martin's serious-and we now know, false-claims. Rather than take Martin's-or anyone else's-word for it, this resident decided to examine the claims on their own. The review was done through the Open Record's process.
Martin told you there were endless months of unpaid electric bills for the Police Department offices. We believe he wrote that to make the untrue point that he was so busy cleaning up a fictitious mess left for him that he just hasn't had time to obey the law. The truth? Duke Energy never billed for electric service at the Police Department. While Martin or more likely Councilman Pope will say that Martin's statement is technically correct, it is Martin's DEFAMATORY intent that makes it a lie.
Martin's biggest and most LIBELOUS Unahandyman Manifesto lie? It looks like there is no forensics computer report that says any files were erased off of the computer in the mayor's office. How do we know that? Again, several unsuccessful attempts have been made to obtain what certainly now appears to be the nonexistent report through the Open Records process.
One report, dated several weeks after Martin distributed his LIBELOUS literature simply says that new software was uploaded. Sources also tell us that the (multiple) computer companies Martin has squandered tax dollars on will not risk their own integrity by confirming Martin's false claim. Can you say "new lawsuit"?
We can already tell you what will happen if Martin is confronted about his lies at this Wednesday's council meeting. Simple. Martin will sit quietly with that standard dumbfounded look on his face. Why not? As dull as he is, even Martin knows that he is getting away with all of his lies and misconduct.
It may not go without discussion however. We fully expect wacky Councilman Mike Pope to launch into a pointless, eristic argument about how Martin was actually telling the truth-at least in some world of "alternative reality". Pope will know better. But he always enjoys a good race down some meaningless squirrel path looking for more meaningless nuts to collect.
If, on Wednesday evening, Martin says he can't discuss the lies he has been caught in because of litigation, that will be premature. Our sources tell us that the next LIBEL and DEFAMATION lawsuit that is going to be filed against Martin is still a few weeks away.
Something (and some sources) also tell us that this potential litigant won't tell lies saying he is happy to report that he is not also suing the taxpayers. It was after all Mayor Martin who made the LIBELOUS and DEFAMATORY claims against a private citizen. People do indeed get the government they deserve. If some choose to support the constant lying and total lack of business and public service integrity-so be it.
[PUBLISHER'S NOTE: A special "THANK YOU" to the reader who pointed out the misspelling in the headline of our Monday post. We have corrected it. Be not afraid. There is no truth to the rumor that we have a headline writer previously employed by The Kentucky Enquirer on The Martin Chronicles staff!]
The evidence was compiled by a resident who was deeply concerned by Martin's serious-and we now know, false-claims. Rather than take Martin's-or anyone else's-word for it, this resident decided to examine the claims on their own. The review was done through the Open Record's process.
Martin told you there were endless months of unpaid electric bills for the Police Department offices. We believe he wrote that to make the untrue point that he was so busy cleaning up a fictitious mess left for him that he just hasn't had time to obey the law. The truth? Duke Energy never billed for electric service at the Police Department. While Martin or more likely Councilman Pope will say that Martin's statement is technically correct, it is Martin's DEFAMATORY intent that makes it a lie.
Martin's biggest and most LIBELOUS Unahandyman Manifesto lie? It looks like there is no forensics computer report that says any files were erased off of the computer in the mayor's office. How do we know that? Again, several unsuccessful attempts have been made to obtain what certainly now appears to be the nonexistent report through the Open Records process.
One report, dated several weeks after Martin distributed his LIBELOUS literature simply says that new software was uploaded. Sources also tell us that the (multiple) computer companies Martin has squandered tax dollars on will not risk their own integrity by confirming Martin's false claim. Can you say "new lawsuit"?
We can already tell you what will happen if Martin is confronted about his lies at this Wednesday's council meeting. Simple. Martin will sit quietly with that standard dumbfounded look on his face. Why not? As dull as he is, even Martin knows that he is getting away with all of his lies and misconduct.
It may not go without discussion however. We fully expect wacky Councilman Mike Pope to launch into a pointless, eristic argument about how Martin was actually telling the truth-at least in some world of "alternative reality". Pope will know better. But he always enjoys a good race down some meaningless squirrel path looking for more meaningless nuts to collect.
If, on Wednesday evening, Martin says he can't discuss the lies he has been caught in because of litigation, that will be premature. Our sources tell us that the next LIBEL and DEFAMATION lawsuit that is going to be filed against Martin is still a few weeks away.
Something (and some sources) also tell us that this potential litigant won't tell lies saying he is happy to report that he is not also suing the taxpayers. It was after all Mayor Martin who made the LIBELOUS and DEFAMATORY claims against a private citizen. People do indeed get the government they deserve. If some choose to support the constant lying and total lack of business and public service integrity-so be it.
[PUBLISHER'S NOTE: A special "THANK YOU" to the reader who pointed out the misspelling in the headline of our Monday post. We have corrected it. Be not afraid. There is no truth to the rumor that we have a headline writer previously employed by The Kentucky Enquirer on The Martin Chronicles staff!]
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
1000 Ways To Lie
The Martin Chronicles has really enjoyed the time our plucky, young intern has spent with our blog. Fresh ideas and fresh perspectives are always helpful. Our intern has been relentless in pursuing stories and uncovering the facts. The intern also watches programs that many of us older folks usually don't. The idea for this post comes from one of our intern's favorite, somewhat twisted programs. SPIKE TVs "1000 Ways To Die".
Following is a trip down Martin's dissembling lane. It adds humor to the grim fact that there are some folks who publicly support the brazen falsehoods. You know the old saying, "If you can't laugh!" Let's take a look at some of Martin's 1000 Ways To Lie.
"I am happy to tell you that I am not suing you." Martin served up that flame-broiled whopper during his dirbag mayoral campaign. Of course Martin was suing you. He was suing you for $1.505 million. He only stopped suing you after his appeal of the original dismissal of his bogus lawsuit was tossed out of court again on June 7, 2011. That is the rock-solid opinion of no less a learned legal body that The Supreme Court of the United States.
"Joe Schutzman will not be performing building inspection services for the City." Ah, yes. Joe Schutzman. Martin's "Great White Whale". The man who was one of a handful of Martin's focuses of evil in his libelous and defamatory 2010 mayoral campaign. Martin told that lie at the Civic Club Redneck Roundup Candidates Forum in October, 2010 as a way of providing assurances that he had no plans to fire police officers. Here is the truth. Martin recently signed Mr. Schutzman to a multi-year contract to provide building inspection services.
"I will study the repeal of the UNFAIR $40 PER CAR STICKER TAX." No such study is available for public review. A careful review of meeting minutes and DVDs shows no discussion of repeal has taken place. In point of fact, Martin convinced three council members to vote with him to CONTINUE the UNFAIR $40 PER CAR STICKER TAX, now being collected at County Boss Steve Arlinghaus' Court House. At this point residents would settle for some of the revenue collected from the UNFAIR $40 PER CAR STICKER TAX to be invested in some street repair. ANY street repair.
"I am not operating an unlicensed contracting business." He told that lie to two council members who asked him about it prior to the January, 2011 council meeting. Solid evidence has been provided that Martin is most certainly operating an unlicensed contracting business. If it is not a problem, why doesn't Martin simply admit doing so.
"I have no idea who put the pro-road tax flyer in the Voice of Villa Hills." Martin told that fib to a resident who asked him about it in October of 2011. How do we know that is another falsehood? The Villa Hills Ethics Board slapped Martin with a "confidential" reprimand for misuse of City personnel and resources when he printed and placed the pro-road tax flyer in the Voice of Villa Hills on the taxpayer dime.
"The list I provided you contains all the documents that were burned." Not hardly. Several sources confirm that the list Martin provided to council outlining all of the documents burned on January 5, 2012 is, to be polite, incomplete. This is far more serious than simply "burning some papers". On April 26, 2012 a judge firmly scolded Martin for "doing great harm to the residents of Villa Hills" in a current lawsuit. This lie has created a problem that will not go away.
"If I was wrong when I said Tim Sogar should resign because he doesn't have an occupational license, then I am sorry." We are calling this a lie because there is no "if" about it. Martin was very clear about his demand that Sogar should resign. Even though Mr. Sogar is not required to have an occupational license. Give everyone a break.
"I was never given the opportunity to speak with (Special Counsel) Phil Taliaferro's office (prior to the public hearing which laid out the evidence of Martin's misconduct)." When the paper trail of invitations to meet with Special Counsel was laid before him a few weeks later, Martin lamely replied, "I'll give you that one". Gee, thanks.
Look, we understand the public desire for peace. But we don't understand those who lay the blame for the turmoil solely on the majority of council. To us, we can understand why the council majority has grown weary of Martin's abject unwillingness to tell the truth. They tried to get out in front of some of these problems before Martin presided over his first meeting. But Martin lied to them. Martin is clearly the root cause of the problem. We believe that even his supporters know this deep in their heart.
The Martin Chronicles is also aware that several more examples of Mike Martin's "1000 Ways To Lie" are about to bubble to the surface. Please stand by.
Following is a trip down Martin's dissembling lane. It adds humor to the grim fact that there are some folks who publicly support the brazen falsehoods. You know the old saying, "If you can't laugh!" Let's take a look at some of Martin's 1000 Ways To Lie.
"I am happy to tell you that I am not suing you." Martin served up that flame-broiled whopper during his dirbag mayoral campaign. Of course Martin was suing you. He was suing you for $1.505 million. He only stopped suing you after his appeal of the original dismissal of his bogus lawsuit was tossed out of court again on June 7, 2011. That is the rock-solid opinion of no less a learned legal body that The Supreme Court of the United States.
"Joe Schutzman will not be performing building inspection services for the City." Ah, yes. Joe Schutzman. Martin's "Great White Whale". The man who was one of a handful of Martin's focuses of evil in his libelous and defamatory 2010 mayoral campaign. Martin told that lie at the Civic Club Redneck Roundup Candidates Forum in October, 2010 as a way of providing assurances that he had no plans to fire police officers. Here is the truth. Martin recently signed Mr. Schutzman to a multi-year contract to provide building inspection services.
"I will study the repeal of the UNFAIR $40 PER CAR STICKER TAX." No such study is available for public review. A careful review of meeting minutes and DVDs shows no discussion of repeal has taken place. In point of fact, Martin convinced three council members to vote with him to CONTINUE the UNFAIR $40 PER CAR STICKER TAX, now being collected at County Boss Steve Arlinghaus' Court House. At this point residents would settle for some of the revenue collected from the UNFAIR $40 PER CAR STICKER TAX to be invested in some street repair. ANY street repair.
"I am not operating an unlicensed contracting business." He told that lie to two council members who asked him about it prior to the January, 2011 council meeting. Solid evidence has been provided that Martin is most certainly operating an unlicensed contracting business. If it is not a problem, why doesn't Martin simply admit doing so.
"I have no idea who put the pro-road tax flyer in the Voice of Villa Hills." Martin told that fib to a resident who asked him about it in October of 2011. How do we know that is another falsehood? The Villa Hills Ethics Board slapped Martin with a "confidential" reprimand for misuse of City personnel and resources when he printed and placed the pro-road tax flyer in the Voice of Villa Hills on the taxpayer dime.
"The list I provided you contains all the documents that were burned." Not hardly. Several sources confirm that the list Martin provided to council outlining all of the documents burned on January 5, 2012 is, to be polite, incomplete. This is far more serious than simply "burning some papers". On April 26, 2012 a judge firmly scolded Martin for "doing great harm to the residents of Villa Hills" in a current lawsuit. This lie has created a problem that will not go away.
"If I was wrong when I said Tim Sogar should resign because he doesn't have an occupational license, then I am sorry." We are calling this a lie because there is no "if" about it. Martin was very clear about his demand that Sogar should resign. Even though Mr. Sogar is not required to have an occupational license. Give everyone a break.
"I was never given the opportunity to speak with (Special Counsel) Phil Taliaferro's office (prior to the public hearing which laid out the evidence of Martin's misconduct)." When the paper trail of invitations to meet with Special Counsel was laid before him a few weeks later, Martin lamely replied, "I'll give you that one". Gee, thanks.
Look, we understand the public desire for peace. But we don't understand those who lay the blame for the turmoil solely on the majority of council. To us, we can understand why the council majority has grown weary of Martin's abject unwillingness to tell the truth. They tried to get out in front of some of these problems before Martin presided over his first meeting. But Martin lied to them. Martin is clearly the root cause of the problem. We believe that even his supporters know this deep in their heart.
The Martin Chronicles is also aware that several more examples of Mike Martin's "1000 Ways To Lie" are about to bubble to the surface. Please stand by.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Little Noted Nor Long Remembered
The Martin Chronicles borrows a phrase from Abraham Lincoln for this post's title and sincerely apologizes for not posting about the remarkable thing that happened at the June Villa Hills City Council meeting sooner. Despite all the hand-wringing and bed-wetting about the turmoil in City government, the City Council set aside their disagreements-and brushed aside the incompetent Mayor Martin-to pass a City budget for the first time in two years.
As we have written in previous posts, Martin delayed and delayed and delayed the release of his budget proposal for months. A budget proposal that State statute mandates any City's mayor present to council and to the public annually. Why? Martin's lame excuse is that he was "tweaking". The reality? Martin does not possess the skill nor the ability to put together a coherent City budget.
Tired of the delay, the council dismissed Martin's inept budget offering. They then proceeded to thoughtfully and professionally prepare one of their own. Yes, there was sharp disagreement on many issues. In point of fact, there were several harsh exchanges during the process. It was clear that Councilman and Finance Committee Chairman Mike Pope was deeply embarrassed for his close friend Martin. But in the end, the council-authored budget passed 6-0. Quite an accomplishment for a group the peaceniks and hand-wringers lament cannot work together.
But they did work together. Even more noteworthy, they voted together. What does this demonstrate? That people should consider what has changed when trying to assign blame for what Kentucky Enquirer headline writers have incorrectly described as "infighting". Yes, we think Mike Pope sowed the seeds of the problem. But it is Martin's corruption and incompetence that brought the problem to full flower.
The council unanimously took it even further. They included some level of controls on spending by publishing the budget for each department. Why is that important? Because, by law, Martin will be restricted to those department numbers. Good move. While we are sure the mismanaging Martin will still find ways to over-spend, these controls make it a little more difficult for "The Little Man From Norwood" to do so. Well done, council.
One observer commented that Martin "lamely assumed the fetal position as the truly important work of City government passed over his empty head". Yes, he was elected by a slim majority of the people. But that makes him no less pathetic.
It is unlikely that council will get lasting credit for what they did. In the end, the loudmouth St. Jokers and the malingerers from the Civic Club's Dead Pecker's Row will manage to change the subject again. But The Martin Chronicles wants to thank the six-yes, we wrote six-council members who decided to do the correct and courageous thing. We will remember.
As we have written in previous posts, Martin delayed and delayed and delayed the release of his budget proposal for months. A budget proposal that State statute mandates any City's mayor present to council and to the public annually. Why? Martin's lame excuse is that he was "tweaking". The reality? Martin does not possess the skill nor the ability to put together a coherent City budget.
Tired of the delay, the council dismissed Martin's inept budget offering. They then proceeded to thoughtfully and professionally prepare one of their own. Yes, there was sharp disagreement on many issues. In point of fact, there were several harsh exchanges during the process. It was clear that Councilman and Finance Committee Chairman Mike Pope was deeply embarrassed for his close friend Martin. But in the end, the council-authored budget passed 6-0. Quite an accomplishment for a group the peaceniks and hand-wringers lament cannot work together.
But they did work together. Even more noteworthy, they voted together. What does this demonstrate? That people should consider what has changed when trying to assign blame for what Kentucky Enquirer headline writers have incorrectly described as "infighting". Yes, we think Mike Pope sowed the seeds of the problem. But it is Martin's corruption and incompetence that brought the problem to full flower.
The council unanimously took it even further. They included some level of controls on spending by publishing the budget for each department. Why is that important? Because, by law, Martin will be restricted to those department numbers. Good move. While we are sure the mismanaging Martin will still find ways to over-spend, these controls make it a little more difficult for "The Little Man From Norwood" to do so. Well done, council.
One observer commented that Martin "lamely assumed the fetal position as the truly important work of City government passed over his empty head". Yes, he was elected by a slim majority of the people. But that makes him no less pathetic.
It is unlikely that council will get lasting credit for what they did. In the end, the loudmouth St. Jokers and the malingerers from the Civic Club's Dead Pecker's Row will manage to change the subject again. But The Martin Chronicles wants to thank the six-yes, we wrote six-council members who decided to do the correct and courageous thing. We will remember.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
NOTHING Lasts Forever
The Martin Chronicles knows we won't have to blog forever. The current mess is going to eventually dry up and blow away. Someday. It's not a matter of "if". It's a matter of "when". Then we'll move on. But not until then.
Even though a slim majority of voters did elect Mike Martin mayor of Villa Hills-and he continues to have some level of very loyal support-everyone in the City deserves better. Much better. The City needs someone who will actually lead. The City needs someone who is relatively intelligent. The City needs someone who will consistently tell the truth. Say what you will. Support who you must. But the Villa Hills is not getting that now. The results of these past many months have clearly demonstrated that.
It is sad that some very fine public servants have had to deal with such a mess. They have paid dearly for it. Some people wrongly say that they are grudge holders and that they are engaging in nothing more than a witch hunt. Others somewhat-mindlessly plead for everyone to just get along. There are even a smattering of people who have signs in their yards asking council to resign. The Martin Chronicles believes wholeheartedly in the First Amendment. We also wholeheartedly believe that the people who are displaying these signs either have a vested interest in Martin's bumbling and corrupt administration or are simply stumbling around in the dark. Bending over backwards to get along or worse yet resigning would require the good folks on council to turn a blind eye to incompetence and corruption. The results of these past many months have clearly demonstrated that.
There are some big dates coming. In the short term, we have another council meeting next Wednesday. That will be something to see as always. We will know the race card for the council election at 4pm on Tuesday, August 14. We will know the results of the council race by about 7:30pm on Tuesday, November 6. We may have the newly-elected council dealing with the same incompetence and corruption beginning at 7pm on Wednesday, January 16, 2013-assuming Martin continues to fecklessly finagle his way through all of the misconduct that has been uncovered.
There will definitely be some new faces on council. Jim Noll's departure guarantees at least one. Some incumbents who have had their fill of the mess will also most likely move on. Then the next chapter begins. No matter how hard the new council tries to "make nice", they may still be dealing with Martin. That is the problem.
Then our eyes will turn to 2014. We hope a solid candidate will then step forward to run for mayor and, hopefully, turn the page. Again, everyone-even the Martin loyalists-deserve better than what they have been getting. The results of these past many months have clearly demonstrated that.
The Martin Chronicles will be watching. Very closely.
Even though a slim majority of voters did elect Mike Martin mayor of Villa Hills-and he continues to have some level of very loyal support-everyone in the City deserves better. Much better. The City needs someone who will actually lead. The City needs someone who is relatively intelligent. The City needs someone who will consistently tell the truth. Say what you will. Support who you must. But the Villa Hills is not getting that now. The results of these past many months have clearly demonstrated that.
It is sad that some very fine public servants have had to deal with such a mess. They have paid dearly for it. Some people wrongly say that they are grudge holders and that they are engaging in nothing more than a witch hunt. Others somewhat-mindlessly plead for everyone to just get along. There are even a smattering of people who have signs in their yards asking council to resign. The Martin Chronicles believes wholeheartedly in the First Amendment. We also wholeheartedly believe that the people who are displaying these signs either have a vested interest in Martin's bumbling and corrupt administration or are simply stumbling around in the dark. Bending over backwards to get along or worse yet resigning would require the good folks on council to turn a blind eye to incompetence and corruption. The results of these past many months have clearly demonstrated that.
There are some big dates coming. In the short term, we have another council meeting next Wednesday. That will be something to see as always. We will know the race card for the council election at 4pm on Tuesday, August 14. We will know the results of the council race by about 7:30pm on Tuesday, November 6. We may have the newly-elected council dealing with the same incompetence and corruption beginning at 7pm on Wednesday, January 16, 2013-assuming Martin continues to fecklessly finagle his way through all of the misconduct that has been uncovered.
There will definitely be some new faces on council. Jim Noll's departure guarantees at least one. Some incumbents who have had their fill of the mess will also most likely move on. Then the next chapter begins. No matter how hard the new council tries to "make nice", they may still be dealing with Martin. That is the problem.
Then our eyes will turn to 2014. We hope a solid candidate will then step forward to run for mayor and, hopefully, turn the page. Again, everyone-even the Martin loyalists-deserve better than what they have been getting. The results of these past many months have clearly demonstrated that.
The Martin Chronicles will be watching. Very closely.
Friday, July 13, 2012
The Curious Case Of Councilman Mike Pope V
The Martin Chronicles continues to feel like that kid on Christmas morning who felt like Santa definitely had them on the "NICE" list. Mike Pope's 2006 campaign literature has been that great of a gift. Once again, a hearty THANK YOU to the resident who sent it our way.
Next up, one of the two reasons Mike Pope wrote why voters should pick him way back in 2006:
I believe my leadership style will create a positive atmosphere that will help unite and focus on progress. Once again, seriously? He really wrote that? Worse yet, people really believed him?
We have already described Mike Pope's tireless efforts to foment endless amounts of fear and loathing. As others have said of Pope, he is a classic demagogue. He twists facts and circumstances on websites, emails and in public settings to do nothing more than enrage people and undermine residents' confidence. Sadly, his demagoguery has proven to be very effective. A strong case has been made that it is one Mike Pope who is largely responsible for the animosity and antagonism that is troubling so many people today.
And how about Mike Pope's leadership style? No effort to rally the council to unite around the idea of ridding the City of the dreaded UNFAIR $40 PER CAR STICKER TAX. He has made no effort to build confidence on the council that his finance committee is generating sound financial information. In fact, he instead made a strong point of not wanting their approval of the work his committee generates. At least on those far too rare occasions when they generate it in a timely fashion.
Want more? Not all that long ago Pope chose the setting of a council meeting to make the classless assertion that the City's services "suck". His word, not ours. Real leadership would have been to say, "Here are five suggestions I have for improving City services". But that would have required creativity and courage. Instead, just a harsh pronouncement that services "suck". And nothing more. Classic classless Pope.
The best example of Pope's leadership? As one local wag puts it, "Mike Pope abstains more than a devout Quaker!". Our careful review of meeting minutes and DVDs shows that Pope abstains on important votes time and time and time again. The man is clearly no "profile in courage".
As we have already written, Pope's actions betray him as the worst form of politician. His actions and words take City government's eyes off progress and intentionally draws everyone in to unnecessary argument. Pope is excessively provocative-by design. Worse yet, he is even more excessively "solutionless". It is a terrible thing to watch.
But are enough people watching? We'll know in just 116 days.
Next up, one of the two reasons Mike Pope wrote why voters should pick him way back in 2006:
I believe my leadership style will create a positive atmosphere that will help unite and focus on progress. Once again, seriously? He really wrote that? Worse yet, people really believed him?
We have already described Mike Pope's tireless efforts to foment endless amounts of fear and loathing. As others have said of Pope, he is a classic demagogue. He twists facts and circumstances on websites, emails and in public settings to do nothing more than enrage people and undermine residents' confidence. Sadly, his demagoguery has proven to be very effective. A strong case has been made that it is one Mike Pope who is largely responsible for the animosity and antagonism that is troubling so many people today.
And how about Mike Pope's leadership style? No effort to rally the council to unite around the idea of ridding the City of the dreaded UNFAIR $40 PER CAR STICKER TAX. He has made no effort to build confidence on the council that his finance committee is generating sound financial information. In fact, he instead made a strong point of not wanting their approval of the work his committee generates. At least on those far too rare occasions when they generate it in a timely fashion.
Want more? Not all that long ago Pope chose the setting of a council meeting to make the classless assertion that the City's services "suck". His word, not ours. Real leadership would have been to say, "Here are five suggestions I have for improving City services". But that would have required creativity and courage. Instead, just a harsh pronouncement that services "suck". And nothing more. Classic classless Pope.
The best example of Pope's leadership? As one local wag puts it, "Mike Pope abstains more than a devout Quaker!". Our careful review of meeting minutes and DVDs shows that Pope abstains on important votes time and time and time again. The man is clearly no "profile in courage".
As we have already written, Pope's actions betray him as the worst form of politician. His actions and words take City government's eyes off progress and intentionally draws everyone in to unnecessary argument. Pope is excessively provocative-by design. Worse yet, he is even more excessively "solutionless". It is a terrible thing to watch.
But are enough people watching? We'll know in just 116 days.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
The Curious Case Of Councilman Mike Pope IV
The Martin Chronicles is deeply grateful to the resident who provided us the tattered copy of now-Councilman Mike Pope's 2006 mayoral campaign literature. What a stroke of luck it was that this person found the copy she was using as a bookmark in the Richard Condon novel, The Manchurian Candidate. Oddly appropriate, wouldn't you say? As we have shown you, the Pope literature is a treasure trove of hypocrisy and yes, falsehoods.
There is one phrase in Pope's literature that literally jumps of the page. What is it? "To work as a team with the City Council . . . ". Seriously? Did he really write that? Who was he trying to snow? Never mind. He was elected and then re-elected. So he has obviously snowed enough people so far.
We've already told you how Pope has used his wacky website and other forums to attack his council mates. So we don't need to revisit that part of Pope's passive-aggressive style. There is far more nuttiness to review.
It doesn't take much digging to discover that Pope has exhibited anything but teamwork since joining the council in January, 2009. Pope has spent most of the last four years engaging in eristic debate with his fellow council members designed to do nothing much more than derail progress. Watch some council meeting replays. If you have the stomach for it.
What is the most glaring example of Pope's failure to promote teamwork? We'd say the fact that Pope has never once attempted to work with his colleagues to repeal the dreaded UNFAIR $40 PER CAR STICKER TAX-the one Pope has railed against since its enactment-tops the list. A real team player would have proposed such a repeal-along with a reasonable alternative for funding the street repair program. But he hasn't. Again, we have poured over meeting minutes and watched endless hours of council meeting replays. Pope has never once suggested such a move nor has he provided any reasonable alternatives. Not now. Not ever. Never. It is the height of hypocrisy.
Finally, Greg Kilburn made a proposal at the December, 2010 council meeting to do exactly what Pope had always alleged he wanted to do. Specifically, Kilburn proposed placing a road tax on the ballot to let the voters decide. Part of Mr. Kilburn's proposal included the repeal of the UNFAIR $40 PER CAR STICKER TAX if the ballot measure was approved. So what did Pope do, he adamantly OPPOSED Councilman Kilburn's proposal. Once again, the height of hypocrisy.
For the purposes of full disclosure, The Martin Chronicles opposed the road tax ballot initiative. Mostly because Martin has done little or nothing with the money he has raked in from the UNFAIR $40 PER CAR STICKER TAX. Why give "The Little Man From Norwood" more money to mismanage? We also opposed it because Councilman Jim Noll and others falsely portrayed the vote as one to simply repeal the UNFAIR TAX. But it makes no sense, based on everything Pope has said in campaign literature, on his wacky websites and in his LOG (sic) TERM PLAN, for him to put anything less than his whole heart and soul into the effort. Pope did nothing of the sort.
There are also many examples of weird exchanges with council people when Pope is asked about something he either did or said. Rather than have the courage to take responsibility for his words and actions, Pope regularly responds with a childish, "I heard you did that" or "I was told you said that." Very Strange. Reminiscent of PeeWee Herman's "I know you are. But what am I?" Mike Pope. PeeWee Herman. Yup.
Pope is fond of saying he is "not a politician". The reality is that Pope is the worst form of politician. He is a perfect example of why so many people consider "politics" a dirty word. It is just 117 days before council stands for re-election. Are enough people paying attention?
There is one phrase in Pope's literature that literally jumps of the page. What is it? "To work as a team with the City Council . . . ". Seriously? Did he really write that? Who was he trying to snow? Never mind. He was elected and then re-elected. So he has obviously snowed enough people so far.
We've already told you how Pope has used his wacky website and other forums to attack his council mates. So we don't need to revisit that part of Pope's passive-aggressive style. There is far more nuttiness to review.
It doesn't take much digging to discover that Pope has exhibited anything but teamwork since joining the council in January, 2009. Pope has spent most of the last four years engaging in eristic debate with his fellow council members designed to do nothing much more than derail progress. Watch some council meeting replays. If you have the stomach for it.
What is the most glaring example of Pope's failure to promote teamwork? We'd say the fact that Pope has never once attempted to work with his colleagues to repeal the dreaded UNFAIR $40 PER CAR STICKER TAX-the one Pope has railed against since its enactment-tops the list. A real team player would have proposed such a repeal-along with a reasonable alternative for funding the street repair program. But he hasn't. Again, we have poured over meeting minutes and watched endless hours of council meeting replays. Pope has never once suggested such a move nor has he provided any reasonable alternatives. Not now. Not ever. Never. It is the height of hypocrisy.
Finally, Greg Kilburn made a proposal at the December, 2010 council meeting to do exactly what Pope had always alleged he wanted to do. Specifically, Kilburn proposed placing a road tax on the ballot to let the voters decide. Part of Mr. Kilburn's proposal included the repeal of the UNFAIR $40 PER CAR STICKER TAX if the ballot measure was approved. So what did Pope do, he adamantly OPPOSED Councilman Kilburn's proposal. Once again, the height of hypocrisy.
For the purposes of full disclosure, The Martin Chronicles opposed the road tax ballot initiative. Mostly because Martin has done little or nothing with the money he has raked in from the UNFAIR $40 PER CAR STICKER TAX. Why give "The Little Man From Norwood" more money to mismanage? We also opposed it because Councilman Jim Noll and others falsely portrayed the vote as one to simply repeal the UNFAIR TAX. But it makes no sense, based on everything Pope has said in campaign literature, on his wacky websites and in his LOG (sic) TERM PLAN, for him to put anything less than his whole heart and soul into the effort. Pope did nothing of the sort.
There are also many examples of weird exchanges with council people when Pope is asked about something he either did or said. Rather than have the courage to take responsibility for his words and actions, Pope regularly responds with a childish, "I heard you did that" or "I was told you said that." Very Strange. Reminiscent of PeeWee Herman's "I know you are. But what am I?" Mike Pope. PeeWee Herman. Yup.
Pope is fond of saying he is "not a politician". The reality is that Pope is the worst form of politician. He is a perfect example of why so many people consider "politics" a dirty word. It is just 117 days before council stands for re-election. Are enough people paying attention?
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
The Curious Case Of Councilman Mike Pope III
The Martin Chronicles continues its' examination of Councilman Mike Pope's rhetoric and the reality. Today we will look at Pope's promise to "improve" communication and the grim reality of what has actually happened. We believe Pope's passive-aggressive "pot stirring" is a major reason why there is so much turmoil today. And, oh yeah, there is Mayor Mike Martin's misconduct and mismanagement. But that is a subject for many future posts.
Pope's first foray into websites was actually a strange little site called villyhills.com. As we have written before, Pope tried to use a shattered window on his pickup truck as evidence of a massive crime wave in Villa Hills. We know of course that Pope was simply taking insulting jabs at the Villa Hills Police Department. This is a trend that continues today as Pope blindly supports Martin's current decimation of the police. Ironically, it is the antics of these two that has led to a real crime wave in the City. Funny how things work out, isn't it?
Pope's next website was dedicated to attacking the UNFAIR $40 PER CAR STICKER TAX. The heading on this whacky site? "A BIG NEW TAX FOR YOU!". Once again, Pope heaped huge criticism on all of the people he blamed for not helping him stop the dreaded "Ameristop expansion". As we have already written, the first time Pope actually had the opportunity to vote against the UNFAIR $40 PER CAR STICKER TAX that he ranted about for many years, he voted to continue it. Funny, huh?
Pope's crowning "web achievement" was what we always lovingly refer to as his "alternate reality" City website. He launched his website shortly after joining council and used it to heap criticism on the mayor and his fellow councilmen. He used the website to deride the UNFAIR $40 PER CAR STICKER TAX-which, again, he ultimately voted to continue. He used his website to promote a FIFTY YEAR ROAD PLAN which offered no suggestions for how to fund it. He used his website to write loving stories about his close pal Mike Martin's trips to Haiti and to provide updates on Martin's $1.505 MILLION LAWSUIT AGAINST THE TAXPAYERS.
Pope railed against all manner of City spending. He attacked the police and fire departments. He attacked the employees. He complained about a "bloated administration". Interestingly, Pope has never once complained about Martin's over-spending, Martin's crony hires, Martin's patronage contracts, Martin's explosion in City Attorney costs, the abject incompetence of the endlessly interim City Clerk, the destruction of records, the failure to fill open records requests and on and on and on.
He even used his website to accuse the mayor and council colleagues of committing crimes. The best example? He falsely wrote that a "secret meeting" was held to pass a tax increase. He was confronted on camera about that one. At first he denied it. That is, until his own words were read back to him.
If you watch a replay of that meeting you will see something amazing. Even the passive-agressive Pope finally realized that he may have taken his libel too far. He actually asked the City Attorney if he needed a lawyer.
Pope finally lamely excused his defamatory comments by claiming they were "a joke". It was not Pope's comments that were "a joke". That crown is worn by the writer of the libelous comments.
Sadly, people on council at the time tell The Martin Chronicles that they received a smattering of e-mails from residents who thought that the rest of council was being unfair and picking on Pope. We can only conclude that these e-mailers have no problem with people libeling others. We do wonder how those e-mailers would respond if they were falsely accused of committing a crime.
Pope's commitment to communication did not extend to people who had the audacity to question the conduct of his soul mate Martin. We have shown you Pope emails that attacked private citizens for daring to question Martin's refusal to fill Open Records requests. He described those residents' actions as "antics".
Yes, the now-defunct website was strange. Much like its' author. But it also had an impact. Pope's friends at St. Joke's lapped up the lies. The steady drip, drip, drip of falsehoods emboldened Martin and his hillbilly lynchmob to run a successful dirtbag campaign that landed "The Little Man From Norwood" into the mayor's office. Lies, yes. But lies that got results.
Most importantly, Pope's website slander fostered ill will that lingers to this day. Ironically, there is a substantial number of people who blame those on the receiving end of Pope's lies for the "deeply troubling animosity" that exists today.
Council stands for election just 118 days from now. Are enough people payng attention?
Pope's first foray into websites was actually a strange little site called villyhills.com. As we have written before, Pope tried to use a shattered window on his pickup truck as evidence of a massive crime wave in Villa Hills. We know of course that Pope was simply taking insulting jabs at the Villa Hills Police Department. This is a trend that continues today as Pope blindly supports Martin's current decimation of the police. Ironically, it is the antics of these two that has led to a real crime wave in the City. Funny how things work out, isn't it?
Pope's next website was dedicated to attacking the UNFAIR $40 PER CAR STICKER TAX. The heading on this whacky site? "A BIG NEW TAX FOR YOU!". Once again, Pope heaped huge criticism on all of the people he blamed for not helping him stop the dreaded "Ameristop expansion". As we have already written, the first time Pope actually had the opportunity to vote against the UNFAIR $40 PER CAR STICKER TAX that he ranted about for many years, he voted to continue it. Funny, huh?
Pope's crowning "web achievement" was what we always lovingly refer to as his "alternate reality" City website. He launched his website shortly after joining council and used it to heap criticism on the mayor and his fellow councilmen. He used the website to deride the UNFAIR $40 PER CAR STICKER TAX-which, again, he ultimately voted to continue. He used his website to promote a FIFTY YEAR ROAD PLAN which offered no suggestions for how to fund it. He used his website to write loving stories about his close pal Mike Martin's trips to Haiti and to provide updates on Martin's $1.505 MILLION LAWSUIT AGAINST THE TAXPAYERS.
Pope railed against all manner of City spending. He attacked the police and fire departments. He attacked the employees. He complained about a "bloated administration". Interestingly, Pope has never once complained about Martin's over-spending, Martin's crony hires, Martin's patronage contracts, Martin's explosion in City Attorney costs, the abject incompetence of the endlessly interim City Clerk, the destruction of records, the failure to fill open records requests and on and on and on.
He even used his website to accuse the mayor and council colleagues of committing crimes. The best example? He falsely wrote that a "secret meeting" was held to pass a tax increase. He was confronted on camera about that one. At first he denied it. That is, until his own words were read back to him.
If you watch a replay of that meeting you will see something amazing. Even the passive-agressive Pope finally realized that he may have taken his libel too far. He actually asked the City Attorney if he needed a lawyer.
Pope finally lamely excused his defamatory comments by claiming they were "a joke". It was not Pope's comments that were "a joke". That crown is worn by the writer of the libelous comments.
Sadly, people on council at the time tell The Martin Chronicles that they received a smattering of e-mails from residents who thought that the rest of council was being unfair and picking on Pope. We can only conclude that these e-mailers have no problem with people libeling others. We do wonder how those e-mailers would respond if they were falsely accused of committing a crime.
Pope's commitment to communication did not extend to people who had the audacity to question the conduct of his soul mate Martin. We have shown you Pope emails that attacked private citizens for daring to question Martin's refusal to fill Open Records requests. He described those residents' actions as "antics".
Yes, the now-defunct website was strange. Much like its' author. But it also had an impact. Pope's friends at St. Joke's lapped up the lies. The steady drip, drip, drip of falsehoods emboldened Martin and his hillbilly lynchmob to run a successful dirtbag campaign that landed "The Little Man From Norwood" into the mayor's office. Lies, yes. But lies that got results.
Most importantly, Pope's website slander fostered ill will that lingers to this day. Ironically, there is a substantial number of people who blame those on the receiving end of Pope's lies for the "deeply troubling animosity" that exists today.
Council stands for election just 118 days from now. Are enough people payng attention?
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
The Curious Case Of Councilman Mike Pope II
The Martin Chronicles is currently examining the "deeply troubling animosity" that exists between the majority of Villa Hills City Council and the corrupt Mayor Mike Martin. Frankly, we don't care how many "Mayor Martin We Support You!" signs the blissfully ignorant place in their yards. And we don't care how many "Mayor Martin Please Resign Now" signs Martin operatives steal. We know what a bad actor Martin is. Unlike the mindless unwashed, we have read the report that is readily available on the cheesy City website. In any event, we are tracing the animosity and tumult back to the doorstep of Councilman Mike Pope.
In our last installment, Mike Pope was soundly defeated in the 2006 mayor's race. He was, however, given "new life" when Councilman Greg Kilburn proposed raising the City's UNFAIR STICKER TAX to $45-over the objections of Councilwoman Cordelia Schaber, who wanted to raise the UNFAIR STICKER TAX raise to $100 per car-to help pay for the repair and replacement of the City's aging streets. Pope now saw another opportunity to falsely portray himself as "a real man of the people".
Pope's resurgence began at a public hearing that was held in the spring of 2007 for the purpose of taking comment on the proposed increase. On a side note to demonstrate the odd view of some voters, one woman commented that the mayor and council were being "sneaky" about the license fee increase in a televised report broadcast hours before the public hearing. As cynical as The Martin Chronicles can be, we are at a loss to explain how any sane person can describe a PUBLIC HEARING as sneaky. And so it goes.
So anyway, Pope took to the podium at the public hearing. He went far past his alloted time railing about the fact that the voters should be allowed to decide the issue, but that something had to be done immediately to fix the streets. He talked about how most of the money for street repair could be found in the current budget-remember that point. He said that an increase in the UNFAIR STICKER TAX would be a terrible miscarriage of justice-also remember that point.
Just for fun, we'd like to remind you that now-Mayor Mike Martin voted for the UNFAIR $40 PER CAR STICKER TAX INCREASE. This after many public pronouncements that his head was telling him one thing and his heart something different. Oh, brother. Some things will never change.
Mike Pope made a successful run for council in 2008. The primary plank in his successful campaign was his solemn pledge to repeal what had become the UNFAIR $40 PER CAR STICKER TAX. From the moment he took office in January 2009, his antics and hostility began. He launched an "alternative reality" City website that was full of baseless, corrosive allegations and rantings against the UNFAIR $40 PER CAR STICKER TAX. It is hugely important to note that, despite his incessant criticism of the UNFAIR $40 PER CAR STICKER TAX, a careful review of City meeting minutes from January 2009 to present clearly show that Pope NEVER ONCE made a motion to repeal the UNFAIR STICKER TAX. Clearly, Pope was, and continues to be, "all show and no go". It gets worse.
Pope continued to falsely rant about the fact that the City had no plan to deal with the aging streets, despite the fact that mile after mile of City roads were replaced or repaired between 2007 and 2010. He put forth what he described as his own "50 Year Plan", which was nothing more than an Excel listing of City streets-including several that didn't even exist-that had no way to pay for the replacement and repair.
When running for re-election to council in 2010, Pope revealed his "LOG (his spelling, not ours)-TERM CITY PLAN". Once again, he provided no source for funding City street repair. But he did manage to suggest that the then-current City admistration was infested with "crooks". He did that to help his close buddy Mike Martin.
With the approval of his close friend Mayor Martin, Pope commissioned the City Engineer to do a road study that stretched out to theTWENTY-THIRD CENTURY. That is some serious "LOG TERM" planning. We are unable to confirm whether Pope advised the Engineer to factor in flying cars in future years. All in all, a horrible waste of thousands of taxpayer dollars. It gets even worse.
Oh, by the way, Pope has been the chairman of the City's Finance Committee now for nearly two years. A thorough review of the City's minutes and meeting DVDs reveals that he has never, repeat never, proposed any ways to find additional money for street repair in the current budget. Not even a penny. What an unfunny joke.
Finally, Pope had his chance to vote against the UNFAIR $40 PER CAR STICKER TAX. But he didn't. His pal Mike Martin proposed sending the collection of the license fee to Blowhard County Boss Steve Arlinghaus' County Court House late last year. So what did Pope do? He ENDORSED the UNFAIR $40 PER CAR STICKER TAX by voting with Martin.
For all of the St. Jokers, the Civic Club vine swingers and the rest of the mindless, unwashed masses, Pope finally came out IN FAVOR OF THE UNFAIR $40 PER CAR STICKER TAX. For the rest of us, Pope betrayed himself to be the self-absorbed phony we all already knew he was.
[EDITOR'S NOTE: Next up, how the passive-aggressive Pope used his whacky "alternate-reality" website to really fan the flames of today's "deeply troubling animosity".]
In our last installment, Mike Pope was soundly defeated in the 2006 mayor's race. He was, however, given "new life" when Councilman Greg Kilburn proposed raising the City's UNFAIR STICKER TAX to $45-over the objections of Councilwoman Cordelia Schaber, who wanted to raise the UNFAIR STICKER TAX raise to $100 per car-to help pay for the repair and replacement of the City's aging streets. Pope now saw another opportunity to falsely portray himself as "a real man of the people".
Pope's resurgence began at a public hearing that was held in the spring of 2007 for the purpose of taking comment on the proposed increase. On a side note to demonstrate the odd view of some voters, one woman commented that the mayor and council were being "sneaky" about the license fee increase in a televised report broadcast hours before the public hearing. As cynical as The Martin Chronicles can be, we are at a loss to explain how any sane person can describe a PUBLIC HEARING as sneaky. And so it goes.
So anyway, Pope took to the podium at the public hearing. He went far past his alloted time railing about the fact that the voters should be allowed to decide the issue, but that something had to be done immediately to fix the streets. He talked about how most of the money for street repair could be found in the current budget-remember that point. He said that an increase in the UNFAIR STICKER TAX would be a terrible miscarriage of justice-also remember that point.
Just for fun, we'd like to remind you that now-Mayor Mike Martin voted for the UNFAIR $40 PER CAR STICKER TAX INCREASE. This after many public pronouncements that his head was telling him one thing and his heart something different. Oh, brother. Some things will never change.
Mike Pope made a successful run for council in 2008. The primary plank in his successful campaign was his solemn pledge to repeal what had become the UNFAIR $40 PER CAR STICKER TAX. From the moment he took office in January 2009, his antics and hostility began. He launched an "alternative reality" City website that was full of baseless, corrosive allegations and rantings against the UNFAIR $40 PER CAR STICKER TAX. It is hugely important to note that, despite his incessant criticism of the UNFAIR $40 PER CAR STICKER TAX, a careful review of City meeting minutes from January 2009 to present clearly show that Pope NEVER ONCE made a motion to repeal the UNFAIR STICKER TAX. Clearly, Pope was, and continues to be, "all show and no go". It gets worse.
Pope continued to falsely rant about the fact that the City had no plan to deal with the aging streets, despite the fact that mile after mile of City roads were replaced or repaired between 2007 and 2010. He put forth what he described as his own "50 Year Plan", which was nothing more than an Excel listing of City streets-including several that didn't even exist-that had no way to pay for the replacement and repair.
When running for re-election to council in 2010, Pope revealed his "LOG (his spelling, not ours)-TERM CITY PLAN". Once again, he provided no source for funding City street repair. But he did manage to suggest that the then-current City admistration was infested with "crooks". He did that to help his close buddy Mike Martin.
With the approval of his close friend Mayor Martin, Pope commissioned the City Engineer to do a road study that stretched out to theTWENTY-THIRD CENTURY. That is some serious "LOG TERM" planning. We are unable to confirm whether Pope advised the Engineer to factor in flying cars in future years. All in all, a horrible waste of thousands of taxpayer dollars. It gets even worse.
Oh, by the way, Pope has been the chairman of the City's Finance Committee now for nearly two years. A thorough review of the City's minutes and meeting DVDs reveals that he has never, repeat never, proposed any ways to find additional money for street repair in the current budget. Not even a penny. What an unfunny joke.
Finally, Pope had his chance to vote against the UNFAIR $40 PER CAR STICKER TAX. But he didn't. His pal Mike Martin proposed sending the collection of the license fee to Blowhard County Boss Steve Arlinghaus' County Court House late last year. So what did Pope do? He ENDORSED the UNFAIR $40 PER CAR STICKER TAX by voting with Martin.
For all of the St. Jokers, the Civic Club vine swingers and the rest of the mindless, unwashed masses, Pope finally came out IN FAVOR OF THE UNFAIR $40 PER CAR STICKER TAX. For the rest of us, Pope betrayed himself to be the self-absorbed phony we all already knew he was.
[EDITOR'S NOTE: Next up, how the passive-aggressive Pope used his whacky "alternate-reality" website to really fan the flames of today's "deeply troubling animosity".]
Monday, July 9, 2012
The Curious Case Of Councilman Mike Pope
The Martin Chronicles is a firm believer in the old saying, "past is prologue". People are fretting about the animosity between the Villa Hills City Council and their embattled mayor. You know, "The Little Man From Norwood"? The guy who operates the "shoddy at best" illegal contracting business?The unlicensed business that Channel 9 reported has the guy facing criminal charges? The self-proclaimed "CEO" who has been slapped with a reprimand from the Ethics Board for misuse of City personnel and resources? The guy who had to watch his attorney answer, "We have no idea, Your Honor" when a judge emphatically asked, "why, why, why would anyone think it is a good idea to burn City documents in the middle of a lawsuit?!?". Yeah, that guy. Mike Martin. You got it.
So let's examine the animosity for the next few posts. Let's explore why the majority of council-most of whom have been ably serving the residents for many years-seem to have this "deeply concerning" animosity towards Mike Martin and his "Reign of Error". Before we go on, we do believe that Martin's seeming inability to ever tell the truth is a large part of the current problem. But it goes back further. It goes back to the curious case of Councilman Mike Pope.
We have had the good fortune to acquire some campaign literature Mike Pope distributed when he ran for mayor as a write-in candidate-when his pal Mike Martin backed out at the filing deadline-way back in the heady days of 2006. This literature sure tells us a lot about the current situation. And about the very strange Mike Pope.
Mike Pope first found his raison d'etre nearly eight years ago when he became enraged that a poor schlep developer expressed the raw nerve to improve the "Ameristop strip center" in Villa Hills. Pope launched a crazy campaign to stop the development. He accused the City's zoning administrator of all manner of wrongdoing-coinciding with then-Councilman Mike Martin's ill-advised investigation of that same zoning administrator. Pope went so far as to record phone conversations with the City Clerk and e-mailing them to the council and others as proof that there was some massive conspiracy. Pope bitterly complained of retaliation, saying that "police cruisers were slowing down in front of his house". Pope could not wrap his twisted head around the very real fact that they were slowing down because there is a stop sign in close proximity!
Dissatisfied with the outcome of his crusade, Pope filed to run for City Council in 2006. He changed his mind and decided to run for mayor as a write-in, again because his close friend Martin got a case of the goo-goos at filing deadline.
Now, the literature. Let's start with his theme. "Mike Pope for Mayor for a family friendly Villa Hills". Yup. He didn't get his way. So Villa Hills was obviously unfriendly to families. Never mind the events and recreational opportunities. Never mind one of the best community-oriented police departments in Kentucky. Forget about the yeoman-like work of the fire department and EMT's. Pope was unsuccessful in stopping the "Ameristop expansion". So City government must hate families. If you agree with him, stop reading now. Then go get some professional help.
The Martin Chronicles wonders if Pope's concern for a "family friendly Villa Hills" includes the Saturday night prior to the election when he terrorized the wife of the incumbent by pounding incessantly on their door. Pope went to his opponent's house armed with a tape recorder, fueled by the lie he had been told by an embittered former council woman who falsely told him that the incumbent's family had been stealing-oddly enough-the campaign literature we are reviewing today. It was so bad that the police had to get involved.
Not surprisingly, Pope lost the 2006 election. Unless of course your read his website. He posted a twisted analysis that concluded that he had actually been victorious. Oh, it gets a lot weirder than that.
[PUBLISHER'S NOTE: Next up-Mike Pope and the City's streets.]
So let's examine the animosity for the next few posts. Let's explore why the majority of council-most of whom have been ably serving the residents for many years-seem to have this "deeply concerning" animosity towards Mike Martin and his "Reign of Error". Before we go on, we do believe that Martin's seeming inability to ever tell the truth is a large part of the current problem. But it goes back further. It goes back to the curious case of Councilman Mike Pope.
We have had the good fortune to acquire some campaign literature Mike Pope distributed when he ran for mayor as a write-in candidate-when his pal Mike Martin backed out at the filing deadline-way back in the heady days of 2006. This literature sure tells us a lot about the current situation. And about the very strange Mike Pope.
Mike Pope first found his raison d'etre nearly eight years ago when he became enraged that a poor schlep developer expressed the raw nerve to improve the "Ameristop strip center" in Villa Hills. Pope launched a crazy campaign to stop the development. He accused the City's zoning administrator of all manner of wrongdoing-coinciding with then-Councilman Mike Martin's ill-advised investigation of that same zoning administrator. Pope went so far as to record phone conversations with the City Clerk and e-mailing them to the council and others as proof that there was some massive conspiracy. Pope bitterly complained of retaliation, saying that "police cruisers were slowing down in front of his house". Pope could not wrap his twisted head around the very real fact that they were slowing down because there is a stop sign in close proximity!
Dissatisfied with the outcome of his crusade, Pope filed to run for City Council in 2006. He changed his mind and decided to run for mayor as a write-in, again because his close friend Martin got a case of the goo-goos at filing deadline.
Now, the literature. Let's start with his theme. "Mike Pope for Mayor for a family friendly Villa Hills". Yup. He didn't get his way. So Villa Hills was obviously unfriendly to families. Never mind the events and recreational opportunities. Never mind one of the best community-oriented police departments in Kentucky. Forget about the yeoman-like work of the fire department and EMT's. Pope was unsuccessful in stopping the "Ameristop expansion". So City government must hate families. If you agree with him, stop reading now. Then go get some professional help.
The Martin Chronicles wonders if Pope's concern for a "family friendly Villa Hills" includes the Saturday night prior to the election when he terrorized the wife of the incumbent by pounding incessantly on their door. Pope went to his opponent's house armed with a tape recorder, fueled by the lie he had been told by an embittered former council woman who falsely told him that the incumbent's family had been stealing-oddly enough-the campaign literature we are reviewing today. It was so bad that the police had to get involved.
Not surprisingly, Pope lost the 2006 election. Unless of course your read his website. He posted a twisted analysis that concluded that he had actually been victorious. Oh, it gets a lot weirder than that.
[PUBLISHER'S NOTE: Next up-Mike Pope and the City's streets.]
Sunday, July 8, 2012
SUNDAY COMMENTARY: August 14
The Martin Chronicles knows a lot will happen between today and then. But Tuesday, August 14 is going to be a telling day for what will happen in Villa Hills over the next two years. Why is that important? Because by 4pm on that Tuesday we will know the field of candidates in this year's city council election.
City government is now in shambles. In our view, Martin has made a terrible mess these past two years. But our recent survey tells us that a fairly substantial minority believe it is because Mayor Mike Martin is strapped with a council who simply won't work with him. They believe Martin and his operatives when they whine that the council majority is still smarting from the results of the 2010 election. The reality? Martin is not the victim of the turmoil. Martin is the source of the turmoil. But good luck explaining that. Hey, Martin goes to Haiti. Martin did discount-albeit illegal-electrical work for somebody's niece. What a great guy. He is not your ordinary con artist.
So what will happen? We know that Martin co-defendant in a LIBEL, SLANDER and DEFAMATION lawsuit, Dale Schaber, has been making noise about putting together a fifteen-member slate of council candidates to wreak havoc on November 6. While he should be held in contempt for such an idea, you have to remember that his primary "audience" is the Civic Club pinheads who must certainly like the idea more with each beer they drink. Martin is "their guy" after all.
There will also be the St. Joke's crowd who will want to send people to council to "make nice". The turmoil and embarrassment negatively effects their property value and social standing after all. It may even hurt the attendance at their church festival. That is unacceptable. They will say meaningless things like possessing a desire to "move the City forward". That calculation fails to factor in the reality that the man squatting in the mayor's office has shown himself time and again to be both incompetent and corrupt. The St. Joker "white-glovers" who get elected will be in for a rude awakening.
Why do the Civic Clubbers and St. Jokers even matter? Because they will be the centers of influence who sway the huge majority of uninformed voters as they take about thirty seconds-and that is being generous-to decide which six council candidates will get their vote on November 6. While that may be sad, it is also the truth.
The field will be set on August 14. The council will be chosen on November 6, a mere 121 days from now. Then we will enjoy watching the next two years unfold.
City government is now in shambles. In our view, Martin has made a terrible mess these past two years. But our recent survey tells us that a fairly substantial minority believe it is because Mayor Mike Martin is strapped with a council who simply won't work with him. They believe Martin and his operatives when they whine that the council majority is still smarting from the results of the 2010 election. The reality? Martin is not the victim of the turmoil. Martin is the source of the turmoil. But good luck explaining that. Hey, Martin goes to Haiti. Martin did discount-albeit illegal-electrical work for somebody's niece. What a great guy. He is not your ordinary con artist.
So what will happen? We know that Martin co-defendant in a LIBEL, SLANDER and DEFAMATION lawsuit, Dale Schaber, has been making noise about putting together a fifteen-member slate of council candidates to wreak havoc on November 6. While he should be held in contempt for such an idea, you have to remember that his primary "audience" is the Civic Club pinheads who must certainly like the idea more with each beer they drink. Martin is "their guy" after all.
There will also be the St. Joke's crowd who will want to send people to council to "make nice". The turmoil and embarrassment negatively effects their property value and social standing after all. It may even hurt the attendance at their church festival. That is unacceptable. They will say meaningless things like possessing a desire to "move the City forward". That calculation fails to factor in the reality that the man squatting in the mayor's office has shown himself time and again to be both incompetent and corrupt. The St. Joker "white-glovers" who get elected will be in for a rude awakening.
Why do the Civic Clubbers and St. Jokers even matter? Because they will be the centers of influence who sway the huge majority of uninformed voters as they take about thirty seconds-and that is being generous-to decide which six council candidates will get their vote on November 6. While that may be sad, it is also the truth.
The field will be set on August 14. The council will be chosen on November 6, a mere 121 days from now. Then we will enjoy watching the next two years unfold.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
HAIL TO THE THIEF
The Martin Chronicles understands. The more someone drinks, the braver they get. Ideas that a clear-headed person would immediately dismiss suddenly begin to make more sense with each additional gulp of some intoxicating liquid.
That's why young Japanese pilots would take a huge gulp of Sake before climbing into the cockpits of their Kamikaze aircraft before heading off on a one-way trip towards what they hoped would be the deck of an American aircraft carrier. Their goal? These inexperienced aviators hoped to save the Emperor and their homeland from the approaching Americans. Kamikaze means "divine wind". The pilots wanted to be the new version of that divine wind the Japanese people devoutly believed saved their nation from an approaching enemy centuries before. Bear in mind that the Kamikazes were unsuccessful in stopping the Americans from finishing their mission that started with the surprise Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
A couple of nights ago some Villa Hills Kamikazes decided to take matters into their own hands. After imbibing, these loyalists decided to defend their little emperor by stealing some yard signs off private property. You know they couldn't have been thinking clearly. Any right-thinking person would know that theft is wrong. Any sober person would realize that the little emperor isn't worth facing charges for.
But the Villa Hills Kamikazes were not thinking clearly. They spent a good part of that evening drinking and listening to the whining and the carping and the baseless defense of the indefensible. So they took off on their mission.
No, they didn't encounter anti-aircraft fire. Instead, they were seen by residents who had been laying in wait for some time. These intoxicated Kamikazes walked into a trap. They were seen. They were photographed. What will happen next is no one's fault but their own.
BANZAI!
That's why young Japanese pilots would take a huge gulp of Sake before climbing into the cockpits of their Kamikaze aircraft before heading off on a one-way trip towards what they hoped would be the deck of an American aircraft carrier. Their goal? These inexperienced aviators hoped to save the Emperor and their homeland from the approaching Americans. Kamikaze means "divine wind". The pilots wanted to be the new version of that divine wind the Japanese people devoutly believed saved their nation from an approaching enemy centuries before. Bear in mind that the Kamikazes were unsuccessful in stopping the Americans from finishing their mission that started with the surprise Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
A couple of nights ago some Villa Hills Kamikazes decided to take matters into their own hands. After imbibing, these loyalists decided to defend their little emperor by stealing some yard signs off private property. You know they couldn't have been thinking clearly. Any right-thinking person would know that theft is wrong. Any sober person would realize that the little emperor isn't worth facing charges for.
But the Villa Hills Kamikazes were not thinking clearly. They spent a good part of that evening drinking and listening to the whining and the carping and the baseless defense of the indefensible. So they took off on their mission.
No, they didn't encounter anti-aircraft fire. Instead, they were seen by residents who had been laying in wait for some time. These intoxicated Kamikazes walked into a trap. They were seen. They were photographed. What will happen next is no one's fault but their own.
BANZAI!
Friday, July 6, 2012
Yet ANOTHER Lawsuit?
The Martin Chronicles knows you are already aware of the LIBEL, SLANDER and DEFAMATION lawsuit against Villa Hills Mayor Mike Martin and the chief lieutenant of his hillbilly lynch mob, Dale Schaber (husband of $47.50 per hour, crony-hire, clerk/bookkeeper Cordelia Schaber).
You may also remember that Martin has the taxpayers on the precipice of another lawsuit because of his abject failure to professionally handle the sexual harassment allegations against an outgoing councilman. Martin unprofessional? Huge surprise.
Martin has also mismanaged zoning matters into another lawsuit. His corruption is also a factor in this particular mess. The plaintiff contends in his lawsuit that he knows he will have difficulty getting documents because Martin destroyed City records. That illegal act will haunt the City for a long, long time to come.
The rumor mill is now grinding in high gear that Martin has dragged the taxpayers into yet another lawsuit. What has "The Little Man From Norwood" done now? Several attempts have been made to confirm any reasonable basis for the reckless, defamatory and libelous claims Martin made in his April "Note to Villa Hills Residents". You know. The one he and his obese hillbilly lynch mob took door-to-door? The one he hoped would inoculate him against what turned out to be serious evidence of misconduct and criminal activity laid out by Special Counsel on April 30?
Martin has made a habit out of slander and libel. It helped him beat his forgery rap. It helped him to the mayor's office. Several sources say that he has once again carried it too far.
Gee, what will "The Little CEO" say this time? Here is a guess. "I didn't know it was libel to distribute a letter accusing a private citizen of committing serious crimes for the purpose of harming their reputation then. But I know it now."
Just how corrupt and incompetent can one man be? We believe Martin is still a long way from hitting the bottom.
What is it the blissfully ignorant say? "Mayor Martin - We Support You"!!!!!
You may also remember that Martin has the taxpayers on the precipice of another lawsuit because of his abject failure to professionally handle the sexual harassment allegations against an outgoing councilman. Martin unprofessional? Huge surprise.
Martin has also mismanaged zoning matters into another lawsuit. His corruption is also a factor in this particular mess. The plaintiff contends in his lawsuit that he knows he will have difficulty getting documents because Martin destroyed City records. That illegal act will haunt the City for a long, long time to come.
The rumor mill is now grinding in high gear that Martin has dragged the taxpayers into yet another lawsuit. What has "The Little Man From Norwood" done now? Several attempts have been made to confirm any reasonable basis for the reckless, defamatory and libelous claims Martin made in his April "Note to Villa Hills Residents". You know. The one he and his obese hillbilly lynch mob took door-to-door? The one he hoped would inoculate him against what turned out to be serious evidence of misconduct and criminal activity laid out by Special Counsel on April 30?
Martin has made a habit out of slander and libel. It helped him beat his forgery rap. It helped him to the mayor's office. Several sources say that he has once again carried it too far.
Gee, what will "The Little CEO" say this time? Here is a guess. "I didn't know it was libel to distribute a letter accusing a private citizen of committing serious crimes for the purpose of harming their reputation then. But I know it now."
Just how corrupt and incompetent can one man be? We believe Martin is still a long way from hitting the bottom.
What is it the blissfully ignorant say? "Mayor Martin - We Support You"!!!!!
Thursday, July 5, 2012
The Survey Results Are In
The Martin Chronicles' publisher commissioned a group from a local university to conduct a survey of registered voters in Villa Hills. The purpose was to get a snapshot of the thoughts these voters have on the current turmoil in City government that has clearly spilled over to the public at large. A healthy sample size of 185 voters were polled. First we will look at the results of the survey and then provide our opinions of the results.
Survey based on 185 Villa Hills’ registered voters. Margin of error +/- 6%
Now, The Martin Chronicles analysis.
First, it is not at all surprising that 60% of Villa Hills' registered voters are either unsure or totally clueless about the current mess. Frankly, we are surprised that the number isn't even higher. This lack of awareness is perfectly understandable. Even if it is disappointing. People are busy trying to pay the bills and raise their children in a tepid-at-best economy.
Besides, Villa Hills has been experiencing a demographic shift over the past decade. We believe the community has now passed the "tipping point". More about that in future posts.
Second, there is actually good news for Martin in the survey results. Why? Because unlike the council, Martin does not stand for re-election on November 6. So, despite the fact that 71% of the respondents to Question #3 are assigning either total or shared blame to Martin for the current problems, he will not have to endure the blowback from voters. The council will face that alone.
If the voters want to hit the "reset button" on City government on November 6, the council will take the full measure. Nearly a third of the respondents (31%) say that the City will be better off with them gone. That is a pretty steep hill to climb for incumbents who chose to run for re-election.
You can also rest assured that Martin and his willing accomplices have already planned to send a dishonest message to these voters that City business will get done if he is given a council who "will work with him". For the record, we don't believe that is true. But we do believe that there is a better than even chance that the strategy can work.
Third, there is also an opportunity for council shown in these survey results. But they have to display the "political will" to take that opportunity. A full 60% of the registered voters in the survey know either little or nothing of the current problems. And, of those who are fully aware, 63% believe Martin's removal would improve things.
Incumbent candidates-if there are any-need to do whatever they can to stress the importance to all voters-informed or otherwise-of having a council in place who will keep a watchful eye on what Martin does over the final two years of his term in office. The Martin Chronicles is convinced that a removal hearing that lays out all of Martin's misconduct before the public and an attentive media would be an effective method for framing that argument.
We are fairly sure that Martin sycophant and general all-around eristic oddball Mike Pope will never vote for Martin's removal. No matter how strong the justification for doing so. We are also unsure how outgoing council member-and State Senate candidate-Jim Noll will vote. That will be nothing more than a vote calculation. But that doesn't matter. What does matter is that the facts be presented in the strongest of ways. Judging by what has happened over the past few months, the media will take it from there.
A significant amount of taxpayer money was spent on Special Counsel's investigation. If the current majority on City council doesn't do everything they can do to make sure as many voters as possible are aware of the shocking things Special Counsel uncovered, Martin and his cronies will do everything they can do to ensure that the incumbents who chose to run again are sent packing on November 6. Martin and his hillbilly lynchmob have demonstrated a true zest for spreading deceit and libel door-to-door.
The survey results send a strong message to council incumbents. The decision is theirs and theirs alone.
VILLA HILLS POLL RESULTS
Telephone survey taken June 25 thru June 27.
Question # 1: Are you definitely going to vote in the upcoming general election?
YES: 64%
NO: 5%
UNSURE: 31%
Question #2: Are you aware of the current turmoil in Villa Hills’ City government?
YES: 40%
NO: 13%
UNSURE: 47%
Only those respondents who answered YES or UNSURE were answered the next three questions.
Question #3: Who do you blame for the current turmoil in Villa Hills City government?
MAYOR MARTIN: 46%
CITY COUNCIL: 16%
BOTH: 25%
UNSURE: 13%
Question #4: Would the City be better off if Mayor Martin was removed from office?
YES: 63%
NO: 24%
UNSURE: 13%
Question #5: Would the City be better off if the entire current City Council was removed from office?
YES: 31%
NO: 33%
UNSURE: 36%
Now, The Martin Chronicles analysis.
First, it is not at all surprising that 60% of Villa Hills' registered voters are either unsure or totally clueless about the current mess. Frankly, we are surprised that the number isn't even higher. This lack of awareness is perfectly understandable. Even if it is disappointing. People are busy trying to pay the bills and raise their children in a tepid-at-best economy.
Besides, Villa Hills has been experiencing a demographic shift over the past decade. We believe the community has now passed the "tipping point". More about that in future posts.
Second, there is actually good news for Martin in the survey results. Why? Because unlike the council, Martin does not stand for re-election on November 6. So, despite the fact that 71% of the respondents to Question #3 are assigning either total or shared blame to Martin for the current problems, he will not have to endure the blowback from voters. The council will face that alone.
If the voters want to hit the "reset button" on City government on November 6, the council will take the full measure. Nearly a third of the respondents (31%) say that the City will be better off with them gone. That is a pretty steep hill to climb for incumbents who chose to run for re-election.
You can also rest assured that Martin and his willing accomplices have already planned to send a dishonest message to these voters that City business will get done if he is given a council who "will work with him". For the record, we don't believe that is true. But we do believe that there is a better than even chance that the strategy can work.
Third, there is also an opportunity for council shown in these survey results. But they have to display the "political will" to take that opportunity. A full 60% of the registered voters in the survey know either little or nothing of the current problems. And, of those who are fully aware, 63% believe Martin's removal would improve things.
Incumbent candidates-if there are any-need to do whatever they can to stress the importance to all voters-informed or otherwise-of having a council in place who will keep a watchful eye on what Martin does over the final two years of his term in office. The Martin Chronicles is convinced that a removal hearing that lays out all of Martin's misconduct before the public and an attentive media would be an effective method for framing that argument.
We are fairly sure that Martin sycophant and general all-around eristic oddball Mike Pope will never vote for Martin's removal. No matter how strong the justification for doing so. We are also unsure how outgoing council member-and State Senate candidate-Jim Noll will vote. That will be nothing more than a vote calculation. But that doesn't matter. What does matter is that the facts be presented in the strongest of ways. Judging by what has happened over the past few months, the media will take it from there.
A significant amount of taxpayer money was spent on Special Counsel's investigation. If the current majority on City council doesn't do everything they can do to make sure as many voters as possible are aware of the shocking things Special Counsel uncovered, Martin and his cronies will do everything they can do to ensure that the incumbents who chose to run again are sent packing on November 6. Martin and his hillbilly lynchmob have demonstrated a true zest for spreading deceit and libel door-to-door.
The survey results send a strong message to council incumbents. The decision is theirs and theirs alone.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Independence Day Tomorrow!
The Martin Chronicles is looking forward to all of the celebrations of our great nation's Declaration of Independence from what was the oppressive rule of King George III. Our publisher is going to throw another pool party to give the staff a bit of a break. And we can all use that break.
Don't worry. We'll continue to follow story leads. That is between the vodka tonics, ice cold beer and various and sundry delicacies cooked to perfection on our beloved publisher's grill.
There are several leads currently being worked that we will not allow to go cold. We will be keeping a watchful eye on Villa Hills and the malfeasant rule of the crooked and incompetent Mike Martin and his cronies.
For the record on this July 4 eve, we are big believers in our Constitution's First Amendment. That is why we publish this plucky blog. It is also the reason we have no use for the venal Martin operatives who have been wantonly stealing the signs that express opposition to The Little Man From Norwood's misconduct and rampant corruption.
Also, if you plan to include fireworks in your celebration, don't let the rain we've had fool you. It has been awfully dry for a long time. Don't let a fire ruin your fun. Your fire department already has more than enough to do.
There are plenty of fireworks coming in the weeks ahead. Whether the council majority gets off the dime and does something or not. Please stand by.
[EDITOR'S NOTE: We are still looking into the resignation of Councilschmuck Mike Pope as well.]
Don't worry. We'll continue to follow story leads. That is between the vodka tonics, ice cold beer and various and sundry delicacies cooked to perfection on our beloved publisher's grill.
There are several leads currently being worked that we will not allow to go cold. We will be keeping a watchful eye on Villa Hills and the malfeasant rule of the crooked and incompetent Mike Martin and his cronies.
For the record on this July 4 eve, we are big believers in our Constitution's First Amendment. That is why we publish this plucky blog. It is also the reason we have no use for the venal Martin operatives who have been wantonly stealing the signs that express opposition to The Little Man From Norwood's misconduct and rampant corruption.
Also, if you plan to include fireworks in your celebration, don't let the rain we've had fool you. It has been awfully dry for a long time. Don't let a fire ruin your fun. Your fire department already has more than enough to do.
There are plenty of fireworks coming in the weeks ahead. Whether the council majority gets off the dime and does something or not. Please stand by.
[EDITOR'S NOTE: We are still looking into the resignation of Councilschmuck Mike Pope as well.]
Monday, July 2, 2012
No Surprises
The Martin Chronicles understands. It can be disappointing. But it is not a surprise. As we approach America's Independence Day, we observe how detached many people can be about their most important freedom-the right to vote.
The most recent example? One of our reporters had an interesting exchange with a seemingly bright gentleman who works for a very large transportation company. We believe his comments help explain how someone as corrupt and incompetent as Mike Martin can win elective office-and despite all the evidence of his misdeeds-still maintain some level of support.
First, this man admitted to voting for Martin in 2010. He says it was a huge mistake. This proves that perhaps people should do more "homework" before casting a vote. The Martin "danger signs" were abundantly clear. They were also ignored by a razor-thin majority of those who voted. Instead, those people chose to listen to the libel and slander of Martin and his hillbilly lynchmob.
Second, the man expressed dismay that "no one is running against Martin". He misunderstood the purpose of the "We Love You Mikey" yard signs. He was very unhappy to learn that Martin's name would not be on the ballot this year.
Then he said, "We gotta get rid of this guy! He's destroying the City." Too late. You don't get another crack at him until 2014. Assuming City Council continues to sit on their hands-and a mountain of evidence.
How long will it be before a mess like this happens again in Villa Hills? You don't want to hear our prediction.
The most recent example? One of our reporters had an interesting exchange with a seemingly bright gentleman who works for a very large transportation company. We believe his comments help explain how someone as corrupt and incompetent as Mike Martin can win elective office-and despite all the evidence of his misdeeds-still maintain some level of support.
First, this man admitted to voting for Martin in 2010. He says it was a huge mistake. This proves that perhaps people should do more "homework" before casting a vote. The Martin "danger signs" were abundantly clear. They were also ignored by a razor-thin majority of those who voted. Instead, those people chose to listen to the libel and slander of Martin and his hillbilly lynchmob.
Second, the man expressed dismay that "no one is running against Martin". He misunderstood the purpose of the "We Love You Mikey" yard signs. He was very unhappy to learn that Martin's name would not be on the ballot this year.
Then he said, "We gotta get rid of this guy! He's destroying the City." Too late. You don't get another crack at him until 2014. Assuming City Council continues to sit on their hands-and a mountain of evidence.
How long will it be before a mess like this happens again in Villa Hills? You don't want to hear our prediction.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
SUNDAY COMMENTARY: This Is Villa Hills?
The Martin Chronicles reporters have been spending a great deal of their time speaking with long-time Villa Hills' residents. Some of them lived in the area even before the City was formed. Most are shocked to see the rapid, steady deterioration of their community. Many of them see Mike Martin's mayoral administration as the culmination of that decline.
But some things haven't completely changed:
As one longtime resident put it, "It's almost like rules and laws don't matter anymore. Some people just don't seem to care."
Yes, some things have truly changed-for the worse. Sadly, perhaps in an irretrievable way.
But some things haven't completely changed:
- The morons who populate the Civic Club's Dead Pecker's Row have always sat around griping that "the City wants to take us over";
- There has been a contingent of residents who have wanted the taxpayers to underwrite the dredging of their private lake for many years;
- There have always been people who went ballistic when they received a ticket for parking their car on the street during a snow emergency;
- There have been people who became extremely rude when the City didn't deliver bags of ice and care packages to them during extended power outages for ages;
- Tree huggers have always complained about the lots behind their homes being developed. We guess tree-killing should stop immediately after the tree hugger's house is built;
- There have always been members of St. Joke's Church who whined that the filthy, toothless homeless guy who gets the $150 jogging suit that parishioner donated to the Christmas Giving Tree (EXPLETIVE) well better appreciate it!;
- Crazy residents have always expressed concerns that the construction of a Mister Softee Whippy Dip store in their neighborhood would attract gangs, hillbillies, hot-rodding, rock & roll, profanity, rumbling, binge-drinking, bikers, Bilderbergers, street-brawling, Sasquatch, spitting, knife-fighting, chain-fighting, cage-fighting, car-bombing, dirty dancing, varmints, juvenile delinquency, mumblety-peg, drugs, zip guns, gambling, disease and prostitution - you know, kind of like any council meeting Mike Martin presides over;
- Virtually every resident loathes any form of tax increase almost as much as they loathe even the slightest reduction in City services.
As one longtime resident put it, "It's almost like rules and laws don't matter anymore. Some people just don't seem to care."
Yes, some things have truly changed-for the worse. Sadly, perhaps in an irretrievable way.
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