The Martin Chronicles correctly predicted that Villa Hills Mayor Mike Martin's procedural stunt would temporarily delay the preferring of charges against him. The key word, temporarily.
There was a very brief meeting last evening allowing the mismanaging Martin to pass the largest property tax increase allowed by State Statute on the backs of Villa Hills homeowners. While we didn't put a stopwatch on it, we think the meeting lasted less than five minutes. As soon as Martin got his tax increase, council moved 5-0 to adjourn the meeting.
What happened next? Council gave notice that they intend to hold a meeting this Friday evening for the purpose of preferring charges against the malfeasant Martin. We applaud council for taking the time to do it right. Sources tell us that the charges are extensive.
On the condition of anonymity, sources also tell us that the mendacious Martin was livid about having to deal with the consequences of his misconduct. As one witness put it, "Martin looked like he was going to have a stroke. I thought for sure that he was going to throw a punch at one of the Councilmen". Too bad he didn't. The story would be finished.
The Little Fella's spin to the media? He told reporters that he didn't understand why City Council was "wasting so much money when they know they don't have the votes to remove me". Oh, really? Is that a fact? How does Shorty know that?
We certainly hope every Council member, including those who are preferring the charges, go in to the removal hearing with an open mind. One of the basic tenets of our freedom is that we are all considered innocent until proven guilty. Martin-and more importantly the taxpayers-deserve a fair and thorough review of the evidence supporting each charge. The time has come for the truth to be told.
Our prediction? If last night was a precursor, the misleading Martin will rally his dwindling hillbilly lynch mob yet again. A ham-handed attempt will be made by the hand-wringers and vine-swingers to get City Council to back down. We'll hear the same old "witch hunt" routine. Council should remember that this attempt is being made by people who either have their snouts in the taxpayer trough or have been beneficiaries of Martin's "shoddy at best"-and unlicensed-electrical work. Take their protests for what they are worth and move on.
[PUBLISHER'S NOTE: Much like the Villa Hills Police Department, The Martin Chronicles is planning to work a whole lot of overtime covering this breaking story. We are excited about the huge spike in readership that has been generated by interest in Martin's misbehavior. In fact, we will soon be hosting our 60,000th unique visit. Not bad. Not bad at all.]
