We have been digging in to that question all weekend. Sources very close to the situation have offered their insights.
One source told us that Martin confided to them long ago that the he couldn't fire Goodenough right away-as he truly wanted to-because it would have jeopardized his $1.505 MILLION LAWSUIT against Goodenough, former Assistant Chief Joe Schutzman AND THE TAXPAYERS OF VILLA HILLS. You will recall that Martin claimed that Goodenough and Schutzman violated his constitutional rights over his 2007 FORGERY ARREST. Four judges took that reason off the table in June, 2011 when they decided that there was "probable cause" for Martin's arrest and that what Martin did FIT THE VERY DEFINITION OF FORGERY. So, why now?
Some sources tell us that Martin has been biding his time. He has been waiting to populate the City's Civil Service board with members of his choosing. He has been waiting for a mostly-compliant City Council who wouldn't challenge any of his moves. That time has arrived.
Other sources see raw politics involved in Martin's move to oust Goodenough now. It is an election year, after all. And despite the terrible mess Martin has made, he desperately wants another four years in the mayor's office. Martin needs scapegoats to blame for this terrible mess in order to convince voters that he isn't at all responsible for the sorry state of Villa Hills City government.
Remember the State Auditor's report that Martin unconvincingly claims was started after an "anonymous citizen" sent a letter to the auditor's office complaining about police overtime? Insiders tell us that Martin was well aware of that "anonymous letter" well before it was even mailed. Martin's hope? That the report would provide the perfect cover to fire the police department's management team.
But that isn't what happened. The State Auditor's report was a damning condemnation of Martin's mismanagement and "shoddy-at-best" financial practices and procedures. The report clearly proved that the unnecessary overtime was Martin's fault. He is the self-proclaimed "CEO", after all. Martin's words, not ours.
But Martin knows how inattentive the voters of Villa Hills have been. The little liar is banking on them being mostly inattentive again.
His plan? Martin will campaign door-to-door spinning a false tale that everyone else has been responsible for the pathetic condition of City government. Martin will cry on voter's shoulders complaining that he has been nothing more than an innocent victim of "dark forces" who have refused to work with him and constantly conspired to make him look bad. But, a growing number of people realize that Martin needs no help at all to look bad.
Martin is a remarkably skilled LIAR though. That "skill" has served him well in the past. Will it work again?
We'll know in 239 days.
