Martin is a tremendous example of the reason "politician" is considered to be a dirty word. Why? Because Martin is "politician" as con artist. Despite his below-average intelligence, Martin has the almost sinister skill of convincing otherwise intelligent people that he is on their side when it is really only all about him.
Martin banks on the inattentiveness of the low information voters:
- Martin busts four straight annual city budgets but still uses taxpayer money to send out a propaganda piece in this year's tax bills falsely claiming that he is running "budget surpluses".
- Martin claims that he is some masterful manager who regularly counsels department heads on his plans to "move the city forward", and yet admits under oath that he never once sat down to talk with former Police Chief Dan Goodenough before railroading that police chief out of his job. Why? Martin whined that he "only gets paid $200 a month".
- Martin claims in his taxpayer-funded propaganda piece that "the drama of the past is behind us". This despite the fact that he has-in some form or fashion-run off ten of the twelve council people who have had the misfortune of working with him over his four dreadful years in office. Just look at the current "golden moment" council. The three best members simply threw up their hands in disgust and walked away. A fourth has decided to challenge Martin for the mayor's office. Only the mean-spirited Koenig and clueless Wischer have said, "Thank you, sir! May I have another?"
- Martin blathers on about some twisted version of "truth and integrity" even after four judges have ruled that his actions over several years "fit the very definition of forgery", after the Villa Hills Ethics Board reprimanded him for misuse of city personnel and resources, after he was chastised by a respected judge for illegal destruction of city records, after Martin was convicted on seven of nine counts of Official Misconduct and Neglect of Duty and even after-after several years of lies-his secret plan to disband the local police department was revealed to the public.
Now, to the exact point of this post. The Martin Chronicles offices have been inundated with irate phone calls and e-mails today. Hundreds of residents are highly upset that the tiny tyrant has tackily hung a banner over the sign to the city's entrance announcing Villa Hills' lofty position is America's suburbs.
These phone callers and e-mailers are outraged because they believe that Martin did that for purely political reasons. And, he most certainly did.
These phone callers and e-mailers are outraged because they believe that Martin wants low-information voters to think that he deserves credit for Villa Hills' lofty position in America's suburbs. And, he most certainly does.
These phone callers and e-mailers think the way think the way the sign is displayed looks terrible. And, it most certainly does.
These phone callers and e-mailers think the timing of the tacky display is offensive and a sign of desperation. And, it most certainly is.
But, The Martin Chronicles wants everyone to take a deep breath. Sure, Martin is an undeserving opportunist. Sure, Martin is a dishonest, shady character. Sure, Martin couldn't manage his way out of a paper bag. Sure, Martin has lied time and time and time again. We listened to all of your irate phone calls and read your upset e-mails. We agree with you.
Even still, residents should be proud of their community. With the important proviso that the community was deemed to be worthy of that pride despite Martin's incessant wrongdoing. It's as simple as that.
Resident's should also be proud that they live in a nation that gives them the opportunity to fix the problems of all levels of their government. It is a blessing passed on to them by some very wise people. Everyone has the opportunity to go to the polls next Tuesday to clean house. They most certainly should.
Tacky sign or no, Martin must absolutely go on November 4.
