The first step in fixing a problem is recognizing that a problem exists. It appears that a growing number of residents are realizing that a problem exists in Villa Hills City Government. That may be a good sign as November 4 draws near.
Next, it makes sense to identify the root cause of the problem. We don't think its a stretch to say that the root cause of the problems in Villa Hills' City Government is the man who was elected to lead it-and most certainly has not. You know, Mike Martin. To paraphrase what one recent social networker wrote, Martin mayoral actions have been driven by his "personal feelings". We would call it a "personal agenda".
Through nearly four dreadful years and two completely separate sets of City Councils, Villa Hills has moved from one embarrassment to the next. The common thread through these nearly four dreadful years of embarrassment is Mike Martin.
Let's go out on a limb and say that Villa Hills finds itself "under new management" on January 1, 2015. That "new management" will have some major challenges. Much of it comes down to simple math.
A new City Government should make some sober decisions on how best to use the taxpayer-funded $3,000,000 it collects annually. That is not a mystery.
So, what are the big challenges?
- What is the best way to provide police protection for the City's nearly 8,000 residents? What is the most important driver? Is it cost? Is it safety? Or, as is usually the case, is it a careful mix of both? As others have already written, much of the havoc Martin has wreaked on the local police department results from his personal animosity. That dog don't hunt.
- What is the best way to fund an ongoing program of street repair and replacement? Despite what Martin falsely promised in 2010, there is not enough money to completely fund such a program in the current budget. The "new management" will have to undertake a massive effort to gain public support for additional funding.
- What is the best way to get other expenses under control? Some people may not want to accept it, but the amount of money that has been spent on lawyers and legal fees under Martin's disastrous guidance is shameful. Particularly because-as others have already written-it has been wasted because of Martin's "personal feelings".
- What is the best way to restore transparency in Villa Hills City Government? Well, a great place to start would be to post City Financial Records more current than March, 2014 on the moribund City website. That is indefensible.
- What is the best way to restore trust in Villa Hills City Government? A new mayor-who is capable of telling the truth-would be a huge step in the right direction.
The first chance to begin fixing the problems presents itself on November 4.
