The Martin Chronicles knows that when midnight strikes tomorrow, the most embarrassing era in the Villa Hills' history book will finally come to an end. The last four years of Mike Martin's-politely put-"governance" of the City of Villa Hills will conclude.
Virtually every dinosaur media outlet now correctly uses the adjective "controversial" when describing Villa Hills' outgoing mayor and the well-documented record he will leave behind.
The voters of Villa Hills resoundingly chose to retool its' ailing city government last Election Day because of that incessant controversy. The incumbent Mayor Martin suffered an historic, lop-sided rout at the polls last November 4.
Irrefutable logic dictates that when one era ends another era begins. The Martin Chronicles is very optimistic that the new era will be far better than the last. Almost everyone on all sides of the bitter controversy of the last four years has a rare opportunity for a fresh start.
We fully expect that incoming Mayor Irvin "Butch" Callery will provide steady, adult leadership in the mayor's office. No, Villa Hills certainly isn't Covington. But the experience Callery gained in Covington should make him very well prepared to tackle the many challenges facing the post-Martin Villa Hills.
Despite the fact that only one council incumbent will be returning in 2015, four of the six incoming councilmembers begin 2015 with a great deal of prior council experience. The two new council people certainly deserve an opportunity grow in to their new responsibilities as well. This council has a real opportunity to work closely with Mayor Callery to "right the ship" and focus on truly accomplishing good things that are in the best interest of Villa Hills.
The Martin Chronicles sincerely hopes that the huge number of people on the winning side of last November's election have some understanding of history. We would encourage all of them to look back at the accounts of America's Civil War for a guide to how they should behave in the days and months ahead.
At the end of America's very bloody Civil War, many of President Lincoln's closest advisors encouraged "Honest Abe" to enact very harsh measures against the Confederate rebels-soldiers and civilians alike. These close advisors believed that it was high time for retribution against the rebels who very nearly destroyed The United States.
But Lincoln was uniquely qualified to see the far bigger picture. The man who was born in Hardin County, Kentucky in the humblest of circumstances never backed down from championing positions that may have been unpopular at the time-but absolutely correct. He knew that the post-Civil War was not a time for revenge, but a time for healing. Lincoln's decision was to "let 'em (the Confederates) up easy".
The Martin Chronicles urges the many winners from last November's elections to "let 'em up easy". Remember, Martin was resoundingly-and deservedly-rousted from the City's center seat by a tidal wave of voters last Election Day. Martin will be gone-at least for now. It is now the time to focus on the future of the city. Please, "Let 'em up easy". The war is over-again, at least for now.
We also have a request for those on the losing side of last November's election. Whether you like it or not, Mike Martin was resoundingly routed on Election Day. The people have spoken. In fact, they could not have spoken any louder. Please accept the obvious fact that is well past time to move on from the 2011-2014 Martin era.
The Martin Chronicles hopes that the losers understand that-while Martin is gone-the city's problems remain. Road repair still needs to be adequately funded. The local police department must be fully restored. The residents' faith in their local government needs to be rehabilitated. Mayor Callery and the new city council can use your help.
Losers, if you truly meant it when you said you want to "move the city forward", advance and be recognized. Do something that virtually every loser has failed to do in the past. It is time to demonstrate your sincere goodwill. Why not volunteer to serve on one of the many city committees? Why not put forth your plans. Why not express your thoughts. Why not offer your ideas. Why not make your feelings known.
Mike Martin will mercifully be gone when the clock ticks past 11:59:59 EST tomorrow night. But the many terrible problems Martin leaves behind will remain. It will take a great effort and a great deal of time to fix those many problems Martin leaves behind.
Are you willing to help?
