The Martin Chronicles heads in to its second year of blogging about the most corrupt mayoral administration in Northern Kentucky history under a full head of steam. The fallout from Villa Hills malfeasant Mayor Mike "the superior" Martin and his attorney Todd McMurtry's failed attempt to derail the much-needed removal hearing continues to rain down.
Martin was told that he could be arrested for contempt of court at any moment. Why? Because Shorty recklessly thumbed his nose at the April 26 order from Judge Patricia Summe not to destroy any more City records. The good news is that no arrest is likely to occur until after the removal hearing that begins on Monday, October 22. The public has the right to know the truth. An arrest of Martin before the hearing would delay that truth.
Martin and McMurtry were also dead wrong about the validity of City Council's subpoenas. If Martin, Bree and/or Hardman fail to comply with the subpoenas, they will be in contempt of court. All three could be arrested. We are told that Interim City Clerk Sue Bree was informed about the judge's ruling on the subpoenas on Friday afternoon. We are also told Bree called in sick Monday.
Hey, we know. Martin, Bree and Hardman will all likely invoke their Fifth Amendment rights. That's okay. It will be hilarious to see all three launch in to the "On the advice of my attorney, I respectfully decline to answer any questions on the grounds that I may incriminate myself".
What will the gum-chomping gun-toters and other psychos say then? Let's guess. A witch hunt? Council is just upset because their guy didn't win the election? Look at all the money that has been spent (leaving out the part that the cost is ALL MARTIN'S FAULT)? Even poor Todd McMurtry tried trotting out those worn-out ditties at the Friday's hearing. Poor McMurtry. He grabbed the (EXPLETIVE) end of the stick when he took on Martin as a client.
Friday brought more shocking turns of event. We wonder. When was the last time a judge informed City employees that they could file charges against their mayor for Intimidating a participant in a legal process (KRS 524.040)? Our guess is very rarely. Sources tell us that these charges will be filed at the conclusion of the removal hearing. Only in Martinville.
By the way, thanks to all our readers who have e-mailed and called asking about the penalty for a Class D felony. A conviction for Intimidating a participant in a legal process could lead to a prison sentence of 1 to 5 years.
We've saved the best for last. Martin and McMurtry's failed attempt to derail Shorty's removal hearing probably guaranteed that any potential affirmative vote to remove Martin from office is now virtually "appeal-proof". Why? Because Martin and McMurtry got a legal review and approval of the removal hearing process IN ADVANCE.
What did those two guys in the old Guiness commercials used to say? BRILLIANT!!!!
[EDITOR'S NOTE: 28 days until the election. Martin is banking on the voters electing Dale Schaber, Mary Koening, Holly B. Isenhour-Menninger, Brian Wischer and Jim Cahill to save his sizzling bacon. Will the voters fall for Martin's mendacity yet again? We'll know soon enough.]
