The Martin Chronicles sometimes gets a little frustrated by the ebb and flow of the mess in Mayor Mike Martin's Villa Hills. It has only been fifteen days since City Council slapped Martin with four reprimands after an extremely lengthy executive session that sources say was-to be polite-highly contentious. And yet it sometimes seems more like fifteen weeks.
As we have written before, we suspect that there is a reason Martin's January 5 document burn was not the subject of a reprimand. Our guess? Council is being cautious because of the lawsuit an employee has filed against Martin and the City. On April 26 a judge made it crystal clear that the fact that Martin wantonly destroyed City records in the middle of a serious lawsuit and then lied about what was burned has done great harm to the taxpayers.
No one is disputing the fact that records were destroyed. No one is disputing the fact that Martin's list of destroyed records was-again, to be polite-woefully inaccurate and incomplete. No one is disputing the fact that Martin created the list the day after he was caught. All that Martin's attorney could say when asked about the shameful series of events is that he didn't have an answer!
So, we wonder why City Council is hesitating to pursue this issue. After all, could the City's position be any weaker than it already is? Martin seems to have done a fine job of placing the taxpayers in the lawsuit jackpot with no help at all.
Martin's after-the-fact fabrication about what he burned is a clear case of misconduct. Council should deal with that matter quickly. What Martin did warrants more than a reprimand. It warrants removal. Further delay will play right into the mendacious Martin's hands.
How do we know this? Because Martin already tipped his strategy in his Unahandyman Manifesto. In a little more than two months the field will be set for the 2012 council election. If the current council sits on its' collective hands-and the mountain of evidence of Martin's wrongdoing-Martin will have no problem recruiting a slate of candidates to challenge the incumbents in November.
Can't you just hear Martin now? "They won't work with me. I am trying to move the City forward. Help me get rid of the Civil Service Commission. I have had to endure and overcome tremendous obstacles. Look at all your money this council wasted on investigating me and what did they find? I need the voters to give me a council I can work with." Martin might just pull it off.
Martin will bank on the voters being as apathetic about local matters as they were in 2010. Martin will be fairly sure that most voters have very little understanding of the ongoing issues in their City. Martin will count on voters being focused on the national elections. Martin will trust that he will be able to tell enough lies and spread enough libel and slander that he can dupe the voters one more time. Falsely portraying himself as an innocent victim paid off in 2010. Martin will rely on "victim status" once again.
Look, this isn't about politics. With all candor, we normally wouldn't give a tinker's dam who sits around the Villa Hills council table. But these aren't normal times. Look at all the serious harm Martin has done even with a majority of council doing everything they can to rein him in. How much worse will it get if Martin gets the council members he wants?
If the current council doesn't do everything within their power to let the public know what Martin has done, we believe the self-proclaimed CEO may well get his wish in a mere 159 days.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Martin's Budget Arrives
The Martin Chronicles would like to take at least a little bit of credit because of our constant cajoling. But we really don't think Villa Hills Mayor Mike Martin delayed the release of his FY2013 budget because of any pressure we applied. Sources tell us it was delayed for a very odd reason. More about that in future posts.
What's next? Martin plans to have the first reading of his budget proposal at the June 7 caucus meeting. No big deal, excepting the fact that this first reading will take place more or less "under the radar screen". Caucus meetings aren't typically televised or well attended. So much for Martin's broken promise of transparency.
But wait, there's more. Condensing the time to review and discuss the budget to a roughly two week time period is really rushing it. A review of the days when Martin was a mere councilman demonstrates that he would not have accepted such a huge, last-minute rush.
Our research staff has obtained a copy of the budget proposal and they are closely analyzing it. One line item that immediately jumps out is Martin's shocking proposal to increase the amount budgeted for the City Attorney by more than 200%. Given the amount of money currently squandered on attorney fees it still may not be enough.
Martin's budget proposal also includes an inordinately healthy presdiction for revenues from the UNFAIR $40 PER CAR STICKER TAX. Based on this year's trends rsulting from the move of collections to County Boss Steve Arlinghaus County Court House, it appears to be overly optimistic by roughly $50,000. Perhaps Martin plans to get the $50K via lawsuits against scofflaw residents.
All in all, it's all about Martin's mismanagement. But in a strange way it doesn't really seem to matter to the sleeping majority of Villa Hills' residents.
We predict that Villa Hills City Council will pass Villa Hills' first budget in two years. Why? Because City Council will likely accept the reality that the Villa Hills Police Department will not be brought to full strength for as long as Martin occupies the mayor's office. The majority will most likely approve Martin's budget to obtain the funds to begin replacing the police department's dilapidated fleet of aging, poorly operating vehicles. It's a tough call to be sure.
The City Council election is a mere 160 days away. Look for Martin to run a variation of his 2010 dirtbag mayoral race this fall to give him a working majority and a free hand to do as he chooses. He is losing an ally in Jim Noll, who hopes to take his show to the State Senate in Frankfort. So he needs to pick up two seats. Given the public's desire for peace at any cost, don't bet against the street-brawling Martin.
Perhaps "shoddy at best" governance will pay off in a huge way in 2012.
What's next? Martin plans to have the first reading of his budget proposal at the June 7 caucus meeting. No big deal, excepting the fact that this first reading will take place more or less "under the radar screen". Caucus meetings aren't typically televised or well attended. So much for Martin's broken promise of transparency.
But wait, there's more. Condensing the time to review and discuss the budget to a roughly two week time period is really rushing it. A review of the days when Martin was a mere councilman demonstrates that he would not have accepted such a huge, last-minute rush.
Our research staff has obtained a copy of the budget proposal and they are closely analyzing it. One line item that immediately jumps out is Martin's shocking proposal to increase the amount budgeted for the City Attorney by more than 200%. Given the amount of money currently squandered on attorney fees it still may not be enough.
Martin's budget proposal also includes an inordinately healthy presdiction for revenues from the UNFAIR $40 PER CAR STICKER TAX. Based on this year's trends rsulting from the move of collections to County Boss Steve Arlinghaus County Court House, it appears to be overly optimistic by roughly $50,000. Perhaps Martin plans to get the $50K via lawsuits against scofflaw residents.
All in all, it's all about Martin's mismanagement. But in a strange way it doesn't really seem to matter to the sleeping majority of Villa Hills' residents.
We predict that Villa Hills City Council will pass Villa Hills' first budget in two years. Why? Because City Council will likely accept the reality that the Villa Hills Police Department will not be brought to full strength for as long as Martin occupies the mayor's office. The majority will most likely approve Martin's budget to obtain the funds to begin replacing the police department's dilapidated fleet of aging, poorly operating vehicles. It's a tough call to be sure.
The City Council election is a mere 160 days away. Look for Martin to run a variation of his 2010 dirtbag mayoral race this fall to give him a working majority and a free hand to do as he chooses. He is losing an ally in Jim Noll, who hopes to take his show to the State Senate in Frankfort. So he needs to pick up two seats. Given the public's desire for peace at any cost, don't bet against the street-brawling Martin.
Perhaps "shoddy at best" governance will pay off in a huge way in 2012.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
How Did THIS sneak up on the CEO?
As we have told you, The Martin Chronicles spent several months doing research and developing several very reliable sources before launching our plucky little blog on October 8, 2011. We have a library full of all of the broken promises and flat-out lies of Villa Hills Mayor Mike Martin stretching back years. And there have been a mountain of both.
Do your remember any of the statements Martin made during his dirtbag 2010 mayoral campaign? Sure you do. But if you don't, we have them all. How about this one? Martin claimed that "safety is my first priority". You don't say?
Do you remember Martin's defense of his refusal to bring the Villa Hills Police Department up to full strength? We have the DVD if you don't. "The first thing I looked at after being elected was the police department." No kidding? Are you sure you want to stay with that?
We are also sure all of our readers are aware that Villa Hills fiscal year ends in a little more that thirty days. Martin has inexplicably delayed the release of his budget proposal for the next fiscal year. He claims he has been doing a lot of "tweaking".
The Martin Chronicles has obtained an email sent Saturday, May 26 that clearly demonstrates that Martin's "tweaking" missed something very important. What he missed is directly related to the item he claims is his "first priority". What he missed is directly related to the area he claims he looked at first.
Do your remember any of the statements Martin made during his dirtbag 2010 mayoral campaign? Sure you do. But if you don't, we have them all. How about this one? Martin claimed that "safety is my first priority". You don't say?
Do you remember Martin's defense of his refusal to bring the Villa Hills Police Department up to full strength? We have the DVD if you don't. "The first thing I looked at after being elected was the police department." No kidding? Are you sure you want to stay with that?
We are also sure all of our readers are aware that Villa Hills fiscal year ends in a little more that thirty days. Martin has inexplicably delayed the release of his budget proposal for the next fiscal year. He claims he has been doing a lot of "tweaking".
The Martin Chronicles has obtained an email sent Saturday, May 26 that clearly demonstrates that Martin's "tweaking" missed something very important. What he missed is directly related to the item he claims is his "first priority". What he missed is directly related to the area he claims he looked at first.
As has been The Martin Chronicles strict policy, we are reprinting Martin's email in its original form. Missing words, bad grammar and strong evidence of poor governance included.
________________________________________________________________________________
"Council,
I would like to have a special either Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday this week to talk about police cruisers. I believe we now have three in for repairs and the trend is continuing to get worst.
Chief will be putting together some info (age and recent cost of repairs etc.) for us to review.
I would to get the approval to order at least 2 new vehicles now. If we have to take money out of reserves and later finance them depending on the interest rates."
Please get back with as soon as possible so if you agree to the meeting I can get it posted".
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
So Martin wants to rush a special meeting? Despite the fact that their is already a serious concern about previous secret meetings?
The CEO wants to add tens of thousands of dollars more in red ink? How could something like this sneak up on Martin after his endless hours of " budget tweaking"? We suspect the "Don't Tread On Me" flags that were waved in support of Martin in 2010 by the Tea Partiers, Liberty Leaguers, home schoolers and various-and-sundry-other-tri-cornered-hat-wearing-government-haters are suddenly going to go limp.
How is it after seventeen dreadful months that Martin is just now having the Chief "put together some info" on the age and cost of repairs for the rust bucket fleet of Villa Hills Police Cruisers? At best, this sounds a lot like "shoddy at best" mismanagement to us.
Where has Councilman Mike Pope's Finance committee been? How could they miss this glaring problem for seventeen long months. Isn't Pope an accountant? Are they going to support dipping in to the City's dwindling cash reserves yet again?
We have posted about the sorry condition of the VHPD's police vehicles before. If we knew it, how in the world did this fact slip past Martin? How could a person who claims that safety is his first priority not know it? How could a person who said that the first thing he studied when he took office was the police department not see it?
There are two explanations. One is complete incompetence. The other is that Martin was lying about what his first priority is and his first look was. The Martin Chronicles knows the explanation involves an unhealthy dose of both.
We can just imagine. "I didn't know we needed several police vehicles then. But I know it now."
The CEO wants to add tens of thousands of dollars more in red ink? How could something like this sneak up on Martin after his endless hours of " budget tweaking"? We suspect the "Don't Tread On Me" flags that were waved in support of Martin in 2010 by the Tea Partiers, Liberty Leaguers, home schoolers and various-and-sundry-other-tri-cornered-hat-wearing-government-haters are suddenly going to go limp.
How is it after seventeen dreadful months that Martin is just now having the Chief "put together some info" on the age and cost of repairs for the rust bucket fleet of Villa Hills Police Cruisers? At best, this sounds a lot like "shoddy at best" mismanagement to us.
Where has Councilman Mike Pope's Finance committee been? How could they miss this glaring problem for seventeen long months. Isn't Pope an accountant? Are they going to support dipping in to the City's dwindling cash reserves yet again?
We have posted about the sorry condition of the VHPD's police vehicles before. If we knew it, how in the world did this fact slip past Martin? How could a person who claims that safety is his first priority not know it? How could a person who said that the first thing he studied when he took office was the police department not see it?
There are two explanations. One is complete incompetence. The other is that Martin was lying about what his first priority is and his first look was. The Martin Chronicles knows the explanation involves an unhealthy dose of both.
We can just imagine. "I didn't know we needed several police vehicles then. But I know it now."
Monday, May 28, 2012
TUESDAY TEASE: A Rush For More Red Ink?
Yes, The Martin Chronicles staff needs the "R&R" on this Memorial Day weekend. Our publisher has been very kind to us since our 72 hour pass began Friday. We have been working very hard for many, many months reporting on Villa Hills Mayor Mike Martin's mess after all.
But we have still been keeping a watchful eye on Martin. What else can you do when you are trying to cover someone who is simultaneously so incompetent and corrupt?
During our "pool and mimosa" break we have obtained an email that betrays another stunning example of Martin's "Reign of Error". He wants to add tens of thousands of reckless RED INK-your tax dollars-to a budget that is already so far gone that he is fretting about losing his "wife's house(?)".
Tune in to the "Old MC" early tomorrow to read about Martin's latest reckless behavior.
But we have still been keeping a watchful eye on Martin. What else can you do when you are trying to cover someone who is simultaneously so incompetent and corrupt?
During our "pool and mimosa" break we have obtained an email that betrays another stunning example of Martin's "Reign of Error". He wants to add tens of thousands of reckless RED INK-your tax dollars-to a budget that is already so far gone that he is fretting about losing his "wife's house(?)".
Tune in to the "Old MC" early tomorrow to read about Martin's latest reckless behavior.
Remember Their Sacrifice
The Martin Chronicles is enjoying the Memorial Day weekend. We are in the third day of our grillout and pool party at the palatial estate of our publisher. A little rest and recreation is a great thing!
We are also remembering all of the service men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice that makes it possible for us to bask in this balmy weather. We hope you do the same.
We'll have a story for you tomorrow that provides yet another glaring-and costly-example of Villa Hills Mayor Mike Martin's mismanagement of YOUR money!
We are also remembering all of the service men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice that makes it possible for us to bask in this balmy weather. We hope you do the same.
We'll have a story for you tomorrow that provides yet another glaring-and costly-example of Villa Hills Mayor Mike Martin's mismanagement of YOUR money!
Sunday, May 27, 2012
SUNDAY COMMENTARY: Stay Cool
The Martin Chronicles knows its extremely hot. That is why our entire staff is spending most of their weekend celebrating around the pool on the palatial estate of our beloved publisher. Take the appropriate precautions to make it a continued safe and happy Memorial Day weekend. Make sure you stay hydrated. Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothes. Wear the appropriate amount of sunscreen.
And remember, no matter how hot it gets . . . no matter how much you sweat . . . you aren't dealing with anywhere near the amount of deserved heat facing Villa Hills Mayor Mike Martin.
We know our regular readers. They are a group who really does know the truth and are people of integrity. For those Branch Norwoodians who read us and get upset because they can't figure out how we have found out so much about the havoc your hero is wreaking on your embattled city-deal with it. Why? Because we are going to continue to move on with our mission.
We have some questions for those of you who continue to defend the indefensible or choose to wring your hands or stick your head in the sand.
These are just seven questions of dozens we could ask you. The Martin Chronicles is severely disappointed in those who answered any of the questions "yes".
For those of you who aren't okay with this, there is something you should do. You need to let City Council-especially Councilmen Pope and Noll-know that this is not acceptable.
You need to email them and let them know they must hold a removal hearing and they must be open to voting "yes" if the evidence supports removing Martin. Not to undo an election. It has nothing to do with that and everything to do with Martin's misconduct over these last seventeen months.
It should be done to give Villa Hills a fighting chance to get back on track.
We know our regular readers. They are a group who really does know the truth and are people of integrity. For those Branch Norwoodians who read us and get upset because they can't figure out how we have found out so much about the havoc your hero is wreaking on your embattled city-deal with it. Why? Because we are going to continue to move on with our mission.
- Are you really okay with a mayor who earns his living as a dishonest contractor who does electrical, plumbing and commercial work without a license? How can such a "civic leader" protect you from other dishonest contractors?
- Are you really okay with a mayor who avoids paying for required permits and evades fees and taxes in his own business?
- Are you really okay with a mayor who ignores the strong advice of the City Attorney and the City's insurance company and proceeds with the destruction of documents in the middle of a serious lawsuit? A judge very directly expressed that she was not at an April 26 court hearing.
- Are you really okay with a mayor who falsified documents in a dishonest attempt to cover up his destruction of City records? Again, that is a fact that was proven both in court and by the Special Counsel's investigation.
- Are you really okay with the fact that Martin's wanton destruction of City records has become a cornerstone in another lawsuit filed against you as a taxpayer?
- Are you really okay with a mayor who has decimated your police department as a matter of official policy?
- Are you really okay with a mayor who consciously ignored serious warnings about sexual harassment in the workplace he was foolishly elected to oversee?
These are just seven questions of dozens we could ask you. The Martin Chronicles is severely disappointed in those who answered any of the questions "yes".
For those of you who aren't okay with this, there is something you should do. You need to let City Council-especially Councilmen Pope and Noll-know that this is not acceptable.
You need to email them and let them know they must hold a removal hearing and they must be open to voting "yes" if the evidence supports removing Martin. Not to undo an election. It has nothing to do with that and everything to do with Martin's misconduct over these last seventeen months.
It should be done to give Villa Hills a fighting chance to get back on track.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
The "Dumb-pire" Strikes Back!
The Martin Chronicles is surprised it took so long. Especially given the "shoddy at best" effort. No, Villa Hills Mayor Mike Martin is not up for re-election in the fall. And that is too (EXPLETIVE) bad. Instead, the crudely-fashioned homemade signs that have popped up in a handful of "usual suspect's" yards around the embattled burg are a lame response to the polite "Mayor Martin Please Resign Now" signs.
Sources say that Martin has been beside himself about the signs requesting his resignation. Insiders also say that Janet Martin is extremely distraught that some folks just can't grasp her husband's brilliance. Hubby goes to Haiti after all.
Phil and Regina Harmon tried the tactic of stealing "Mayor Martin Please Resign Now" signs. That didn't work out too well. Now batting-jury-rigged yard signs.
Many people find it hilarious that $47.50 per hour, crony-hire, uncontracted-contract clerk/bookkeeper Cordelia Schaber has two of the poorly-made placards in her yard. Hmmmmm. Her husband is Martin's co-defendant in a serious LIBEL, SLANDER and DEFAMATION lawsuit. And, of course, Cordelia has to protect her $47.50 per hour gig. We are sure that the Martins and Schabers have been praying a lot about what to do.
So, we enter a new chapter in the disgraceful Martin era.
Sources say that Martin has been beside himself about the signs requesting his resignation. Insiders also say that Janet Martin is extremely distraught that some folks just can't grasp her husband's brilliance. Hubby goes to Haiti after all.
Phil and Regina Harmon tried the tactic of stealing "Mayor Martin Please Resign Now" signs. That didn't work out too well. Now batting-jury-rigged yard signs.
Many people find it hilarious that $47.50 per hour, crony-hire, uncontracted-contract clerk/bookkeeper Cordelia Schaber has two of the poorly-made placards in her yard. Hmmmmm. Her husband is Martin's co-defendant in a serious LIBEL, SLANDER and DEFAMATION lawsuit. And, of course, Cordelia has to protect her $47.50 per hour gig. We are sure that the Martins and Schabers have been praying a lot about what to do.
So, we enter a new chapter in the disgraceful Martin era.
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