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Thursday, May 29, 2014

Jeffersonville's Bait and Switch Scam...Homeowners Lied To....


Noticed yesterday where the Jeffersonville Redevelopement Commission offered the Jeffersonvillle Parks Dept. 2 1/2 times the appraised value for a piece of land part of what was formerly Colston Park across from the Big Four landing park still under construction. Sweet deal !!! The thinking was I assume with the Big Four Bridge now open this land is much more valuable than before.

Gotcha !!!
 It's too bad that the former homeowners in this area myself included (rental property) weren't offered the same 2 1/2 times deal they are offering the Parks Dept. Instead we (property owners) were lied to. We were told our property was needed for the "Canal Zone" Galligan's pipe dream reelection ploy. In meeting we were told even if the "Canal" doesn't come to fruition our properties were still needed to bury a pipe below the ground in this area in order to fulfill the consent decree of the EPA. Well unless they are going to dig up the brand new park  which I seriously doubt, the homeowners of the houses previously in the park area were lied to big time.

I realize the administrations changed and that nixed the "Canal" but the wording of the legal papers specifically said  "Canal Project". We were told this was eminent domain process where if we couldn't agree on prices for our homes it would go to court and the homes taken. The houses were appraised, most settled for fair market values of the appraisals which were fair....
Area where homes were taken

My contention is that  we were lied to and now the property values have dramatically increased in value. Jeffersonville government told us one thing and did another, the classic old  "bait and switch" con game which in the business world is fraud in the political world it's business as usual...

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Thanks for the Support !!!

 HT and the BatBlog would like to thank all visitors and readers for the continued growing support. Last month the BatBlog achieved a total of 7,350  views a new high since the Blog was revived in Dec. 2013. We will continue to give the hard hitting stories and commentary on local , state, national,  politics and events, as well as social commentary on issues of the day.

page views
We welcome your input and comments as well. If you have a story or something you would like the BatBlog to look into.... Contact us at hoosiertaxpayer@outlook.com  your confidentiality is ensured and we are willing to look into any potential or new story. We currently have several insiders who report and feed the BatBlog inside information but we are always looking for more. If you see an issue you would like covered drop us a line at e-mail or in the comments section.....

Thank You for the Support.....hoosiertaxpayer@outlook.com

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Toxic John's Last Hurrah


  Lame duck  "Toxic" John Perkins plans one final last hurrah in his final months as appointed Clark Co, Commissioner. He has hired an attorney in hopes of filing a lawsuit against River Ridge Development Authority Story Click Here for allegedly not paying excess funds back to the County. Perkins has gone out on his own as the other two commissioners feel a lawsuit isn't the way to handle the issue. The BatBlog wonders why Perkins is allowed to go out on his own on this, shouldn't this require at least the approval of one of the other Commissioners ??? And why isn't "Toxic John" using the county's own attorney, spending taxpayer money for another attorney when the county is nearly broke  ???

 It seems like another case where ole "Toxic John" sticks it to the taxpayer. He was influential in both the annexation and the methadone clinic, both unpopular with the residents involved. The signing of his girl friend to a contract for insurance of Co. employees and even his appointment itself to the Commissioners position was controversial. We get it John you like to act important but your a loser that the voters have rejected time and time again. You haven't won an election in years, so save us some money and just forget about your lawsuit and sit quietly for the remainder of the term you were given , not elected to. There are enough lawsuits flying around as is, with mandates and class action suits by drug court participants. "Toxic John' the residents of Clark Co. don't like you or your politics so just shut the hell up....

Saturday, May 24, 2014

Asshole of the Month - NHBSM

*******Update *************
Cheap shot artist Hutt removed his post, I guess he couldn't man up and own up to his own words so he deleted them
****************************************

Mike Moore must be out of town this week as NH (Not Honest) Mike turned his bitterness on the local homeless and their task force. Not Honest Mike called the task force out for not showing up at this week's City Council meeting  on the CCC (Clark County Chatter) . Hutt went on to say maybe the task force was at the Red Yeti a new bar in town. When Kelley Curran a task force member in turn called out NHBSM for what he is a cheap shot artist, ole NH started crawfishing and back pedaling saying "Kelley, my post was not directed at you in any way shape or form. I was not attempting to smear the task force or homeless as you suggested above."

Come on NH, man up and admit your own words. Notice how you emphasized in capital letters "NO SHOW" in the post title "Homeless task force a NO SHOW tonight"  Why even bring it up if it wasn't a slam, hell most of the time at least one or more of the Councilmen themselves are no shows. Your potshot at the homeless and task force is exactly what you intended and you didn't even know the circumstances. Other people actually have lives and don't wrap their whole world around government meetings like you do. The non appearance by the task force was for a reason you didn't bother to look for.

 NHBSM your post makes you look like an ass, and your backpedaling and hedgehogging makes you look like a liar...Manny 12 had you pegged right when he said "NHBSM had his head so far up Mike Moore's ass during the last election he lacks for oxygen"

***Note to Kelley most rational citizens of Jeffersonville and I'm sure the homeless appreciate the work you and the task force have done and will do in the future...Thank you and keep up the good work !!!

Friday, May 23, 2014

Jeffersonville City Council has Hard Time Making Decisions....

Looks like some of the stooges on the Jeffersonville City Council have a hard time making decisions. Earlier this week  a move that would allow Jeff  City garage workers to work on county vehicles was tabled by the Council. Led by Mike (Curly) Smith who thought $ 19.26 per hour was way too little to charge the county.

Gee Curly what about helping out our fellow county taxpayers. The County can't pay it's bills as it is and you want to gouge them for more money. Isn't it bad enough that Jeff TIF's (tax increment financing) already siphons away millions of dollars a year from County tax funds to pay for local pet. non essential and non redevelopment projects that benefit only Jeffersonville residents.

Come on Curly huddle up with your buddies Ed (Moe) Zastawny and Connie (Larry) Sellers and help out our County brothers and sisters. Make the tough decisions...It was nice to see after serious thought <sarcasm added> you all did come to a decision on the cost of Steamboat Days pins at $5.00 each. Congratulations on making that tough call on an important issue  <more sarcasm added>. You can see what we are up against here in Jeffersonville...

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Police Cover Up ??? ...Above the Law

Interesting story about a domestic situation in New Albany involving a city police officer where crimes may have been committed.  for the story CLICK HERE the officer involved is also the center of claims made against the NAPD made by officer Laura Schook in the video (below). The BatBlog gets the distinct perception that this smells of a cover up. Which raises the question, are police above the law here locally??? The BatBlog has documented earlier how several Jeff and Clark Co. Sheriff's Dept. employees have seemed to escaped through the back door of the justice system. It seems to us anyone being paid with tax dollars and working in law enforcement or the justice system would preclude them from breaking any law, and if found guilty removal from their position of authority should be mandatory. Unfortunately the justice system has ways around bringing these people up on the charges they were arrested for and we find that indeed some of our civil servants are above the law....

Related Video of misconduct by the New Albany PD ....
WDRB 41 Louisville News


  ***Note if  you are blocked from News/Tribune content CLICK HERE and type in newsandtribune.com then hit surf and you can read blocked content....

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

The Big Four Bridge....

The BatBlog along with HT , Mrs, HT and two little grandkids checked out the Big Four Bridge from the Indiana side today and must say well done !!! It is a fine finished product that will be much nicer once the park at the Jeffersonville landing is finished. There were people of all ages enjoying a beautiful place to exercise , bike , stroll or whatever and this will be enjoyed for many years to come by many generations. Not sure it will be the economic boon Jeff officials are expecting and Jeff needs to get a move on finishing the park, but it is a nice place to relax and enjoy the view, weather and nice atmosphere....it's nice to see when our tax dollars are well spent which isn't often the case.

Monday, May 19, 2014

Drug Culture....A Radical Answer ???

   We've discussed addictions from a variety of  drugs from caffeine, nicotine, alcohol to cocaine, heroin and meth. Human beings all have tendencies to form an addiction of some kind, some way more harmful then others. There's no winning the war on drugs, that's a given ....what to do ??? A radical answer too radical to even consider in today's political climate, but in our opinion much more practical then the way we are going about it know. is to decriminalize the possession of ALL drugs to the point of practically making them all legal. Portugal has adopted this stance and changed laws to the point  where having  possession of even heroin and cocaine is no worse than getting a traffic ticket. The results have been promising over the last 12 years Portugal Drug Policy

We spend billions of dollars chasing, convicting, housing drug dealers and users. The measure of decriminalization would eliminate a lot of this cost and free up an overloaded court system bogged down with drug cases. The money saved could be applied to more badly needed rehab and drug counseling centers. It's a radical program, that the time isn't right for, but with the decriminalization of marijuana in some western state and legal personal usage legal in others, maybe in the future it's time will come after billions more are wasted on the lost "War on Drugs"....



Sunday, May 18, 2014

Our Drug Culture.... What's your Poison ???

    Caffeine, alcohol, marijuana, anti-depressants, pain killers ....What's your drug of choice ???

 
 Let's admit it and be truthful we are a drug society. The drugs run the gamut of those listed above to much stronger more damaging and addictive drugs like heroin and meth. While realizing the  more potent, damaging drugs are a scourge to society and costly problem when they are abused and the crimes (burglary, robbery, prostitution)  generated from those addictions. Try  to abstain from your morning coffee or quit your cigarettes cold turkey,  quit taking your anti-depressant or just start on that diet you need.  In a week you just might have a little more sympathy and compassion for those addicted to hard drugs.


 You say well that's not a fair comparison heroin and caffeine. True to a point but also similar in the addiction is real in one as it is in the other. Let's face we live in a drug enhanced, induced world and Americans are probably the most reliant and addicted to the varying scope of drugs.  Fast paced life, pressures to succeed feed  the addiction cycle here in America with our addictions varied but effecting all races and all economical and social classes.


Let's get one thing straight the U.S. lost the war on drugs a long time ago, it's a war we never had a chance of winning, it's a war that was lost before it ever began. For ever drug dealer locked away there is one waiting to take his place. We take drug users and lock them up in jails where drugs are just as available as on the street if not more. It's an endless cycle, that will never be broken. The black market for drugs is too lucrative a business to even think law enforcement has any chance of ever stopping or slowing down drug traffic. We spend billions of dollars in enforcement and the courts yearly perpetuating  this ever growing cycle. Where will it end ???

End of Paet I....Tomorrow a radical solution ???

Saturday, May 17, 2014

Friday, May 16, 2014

Clark Co. Sheriff's Dept. Too Much Corruption ...Time for a Change

Maybe corruption is too strong a word maybe incompetence is a better choice, but we need a change in the Clark Co. sheriff's  department. Alleged but pretty much known heavy drug usage in the Clark Co. jail, sheriff's dept employees being arrested and either getting a slap on the wrist or the case just quietly disappearing, sheriffs dept. employees with a sense of entitlement. These are just a few of the things that brings the BatBlog to the conclusion that changes are needed.

 Current Sheriff Danny Rodden exudes the "aw shucks, good ole boy, nice guy" persona but that hides a tenure of incompetence almost to the point of corruption. We had his chosen successor blabbing (on tape)to a financial supporter how he would appoint him as deputy and all he had to do was "play golf" and pull down 70K. The jail run by  Rodden is a cesspool of drug use and just search the News/ Tribune archives for the last 5 years and see how many "Sheriff's Dept" employees have been arrested.

 Nothing against Brian Meyer the recent Dem. primary winner, but it's time to have a shakeup from the current administration and give someone with out ties to the current department a chance to correct the mess we have now. Two unassociated to the dept., qualified candidates Noel and Spainhour will be on the ballot this fall, the choice is yours. We rid ourselves of Jacobi and Perkins let's clean up the sheriff's Dept. as well.

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Still Waiting...

Prosecutor S. Stewart
The BatBlog figured it would be after the recent primary election before we would hear anymore about the continuing Drug Court drama. After all one would hardly expect a Dem. prosecutor (Stewart) to make an incumbent Dem. judge (Jacobi) look any worse than he already does right before an election. But come on it will soon be nearly 4 months since a special prosecutor was assigned to investigate the alleged civil rights and due process violations as well as a false arrest allegation on drug court participants. How long does it take on an investigation that was several months on going even before the special prosecutor was named ??? What and who is the the holdup ???

  We were supposed to hear about possible criminal charges against some of the drug court employees. Two of which were either fired or let go by Judge Jacobi ...The civil suit is moving forward, are the prosecutors trying to protect Jacobi who supposedly has immunity in the case ??? What gives and what's the status of those involved ???   Curious minds are wondering....


Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Queen Bee of the Clark Co. Courts ??? Questions, Questions, Questions

 Is Vicki Carmichael the Queen Bee of the Clark Co. courts ?  Does she attempt to or control Judges Weber, Jacobi ? Did she work behind the scenes to have Dan Moore defeated in last week's primary ? Does she use the probation Dept. responsibly or use it for political maneuvering ? Was she being financially reckless in filing another mandate against Clark Co. government and taxpayers ? Does she feel invincible politically that she can do anything she wants ? Is she a good judge or just been fortunate ? Anybody have any answers ?

Link to the mandate story  CLICK HERE

*** Thanks to the reader who supplied the link to the BatBlog in another post...

Saturday, May 10, 2014

Local Celebrity Look Alikes Part V...Sorry Tina you're a "Politician" now and Fair Game... LOL

Gomer Pyle
Gomer Fetz

Shirley Temple
Martina Webster

Monty Snelling
Mr. Hayney

Friday, May 9, 2014

Win Some, Lose Some....

  In politics your candidates win some and lose some... Tuesday IMO (and lots of others too) we sent to the curb two of the worst around Perkins and Jacobi, unfortunately  in the process we lost a good one  Dan Moore.

  I met Dan many years ago when he was a young upstart attorney, and even though he was busy building his law practice he found time to volunteer to coach a little league baseball team that my son and Dan's daughter was on. He impressed me with his kindness and gentleness and caring toward the 6 year old kids that made up the team. His encouragement to the team and the dedication of his time left a lasting impression on me.

   There were a couple of times, later on in life I briefly dealt with Dan professionally when he was a judge. Once as prospective juror and once as a defendant in a real estate suit. Both times he was generous, patient and fair. I have been told by a couple of local attorneys that Dan was tough and you needed to be prepared when litigating in his courtroom, but he was always fair and would listen to your argument.

 I hope the electorate hasn't made a mistake by replacing Mr. Moore. Whether the new judge in Dan Moore's court next year is Drew Adams (who defeated Dan) or a Republican candidate (as yet unnamed) they have big shoes to fill. I can't imagine them being more dedicated,  prepared or fair as Judge Moore who has the same good qualities in life as he has in the courtroom....

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Anonymous Comment on Lame Duck/ Perkins

From Anonymous:

  Who's coming to the Commissioner's meeting tonight to see the lame duck show his true colors now that he's not running for re-election?

Thank goodness there are two Republicans to neuter any damage he could do like sign another three year contract for his girlfriend.




Just a minor correction Anonymous, Perkins can't run for re-election because he was never elected in the first place. He was appointed by the same Democratic Caucus (clique) that appointed Galligan party chairman. A clique that needs to be broken up and put to rest so local Democrat's can move forward ....the 1990's are over it's time to change direction...and people...





Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Thoughts on Yesterday's Primary....

  As predicted the turnout was very low yesterday with less than 15% of the registered voters bothering to vote, which is sad but predictable. On the other hand those who did vote did so intelligently and with conviction, rejecting both John Perkins and Jerry Jacobi handily. The Democrats put themselves in pretty good position for the fall election with an strong lineup that should produce winners in the judicial and county clerk positions.

The BatBlog was disappointed and shocked by Dan Moore's loss but believe both Drew Adam's and Laura Harbison will be good judges who will hopefully stand their ground, follow their own path and not be influenced by the other two Clark County current judges Carmichael and Weber.

As for Perkins and Jacobi this will probably end their political careers. Jacobi's incompetence and the embarrassment he brought to this area will leave a lasting  memory and financial effect on the County for years to come. As far as Perkins the only thing he ever won was a City Council seat many moons ago, but his arrogant demeanor and condescending attitude toward voters followed him everywhere he went. It's a shame as the man had a broad knowledge of the way government works, but had the personality of a door knob....

Just an observation but Democratic leadership should have tried to separate Susan Popp and Steve Fleece from running for the same office, both are good likable candidates and it's a shame one had to lose.

Finally, the BatBlog was impressed by the showing of newcomer Dennis Ettel who nearly pulled off an upset in his first attempt at office for Clark Co. Commissioner. Of course it may have been more that voters were not too enamored of either Perkins or the winner Abbot...

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Perkins and Jacobi Defeated....Clark Co. Democrats Speak Out !!!

  Congratulations Clark Co. voters you removed "Toxic" John Perkins and Jerry "I forgot you were in jail" Jacobi. from office, hopefully for the last time. The BatBlog correctly picked 4 of the 5 main Democratic races with only Drew Adam's unexpected upset of incumbent Judge Dan Moore being the only race we missed.

By ridding Perkins and Jacobi two pariahs of the Dem. party  from the fall slate, local Democrats can move forward with a strong slate in November. The average  "Joe the plumber" voters once again sending a strong message to Dem. leadership to quit appointing these old dinosaurs to important positions and offices. We will turn them away at the polls....Now they need to remove Galligan as party chairman....so that Democrats can move on and return to respectability....

Congratultions to the all the winners Laura Harbison, Susan Popp, Drew Adams, Bryan Myer, and David Abbot




Monday, May 5, 2014

Election 2014 Analysis and Predictions

 
Some state and county wide races highlight today's 2014 primary elections. Most of the action will be on the Democratic side so let's take a look at some of the the races. In Clark Co. Dist. 3 (D) County Commissioners race former Co. council member David Abbot faces off against long time candidate of various positions "Toxic" John Perkins and newcomer Dennnis Ettel. "Toxic" John has lived up to his name on several levels over the years and this may be his last chance to actually win a important position in local politics. Hopefully this won't be the case, voters have been turning their backs on Perkins at every level for years. While Abbot isn't the most liked candidate the anti-Perkins should carry him through ...Ettel is too much of an unknown to be a factor...

 In Circuit Court # 1 Incumbent Dan Moore faces off against Drew Adams. Moore a no nonsense, good judge should win against Adams....

 In the Circuit Court #2  race new comer Laura Harbison faces incumbent Jerry Jacobi. Initially the BatBlog thought this was a no brainer ,Jacobi would be put out of office. Jacobi's drug court has been tainted under a big scandal involving alleged due process and rights violations. Jacobi has tried to shift the blame away from himself and blame his staff. His strategy may be working , there are a huge amount of Jacobi signs out there and Harbison has run a very low key race. Hopefully the signs are misleading and Ms Harbison wins but the BatBlog isn't sure now....

In the Clark Co. (D) sheriff's race Brian Myer should win fairly easy over Donnie Bowyer another current member of the C.C. sheriff's Dept. as is Myer. Dwight Engle former Clarksville police chief should finish a distant 3rd.

Finally in the County Circuit Court Clerk's office race Susan Popp faces off against former Judge Steve Fleece...both are good Democrats and good candidates the BatBlog expects Ms. Popp to win...

The BatBlog endorses Moore, Myer, Harbison , Abbot and Popp....

One thing is certain about tomorrow's vote it will draw very little attention and the turnout will probably be poor as most elections are without big national or state races. Unfortunately this low turnout could skew the vote...so do your duty and get out the vote...Make a difference

*** Note *** excuse any typos or mistakes this post was done on a dead run The BatBlog just returned from a Florida fishing trip and there was little time for proof reading....

Also Republican County Assessor candidate Martina "Tina " Webster sent this important message for all voters...

 Indiana is an open primary state. So if someone normally only votes in the general, then they are most likely registered (unless they've moved or died) and absolutely CAN vote in the primary this Tuesday. A lot of people think you have to be registered to a party to vote on Tuesday!

Friday, May 2, 2014

You Can Make a Difference...Return Credibility to Our Court System

  Election Day May 6, begins a great opportunity for  voters to return credibility to the Clark County court system. The recent scandal of civil rights and due process violations of Judge Jerry Jacobi's "drug court" has brought national attention and embarrassment to our county judicial and justice system. Whether or not you believe Judge Jacobi was complicit in the alleged illegal arrests by drug court employees, it is time for him to be removed from office. His actions following the release of the information concerning the drug court controversy prove he is  in the least guilty of having little or no administrative control over his drug court system and his employees. Still to be determined is if his employees including fired director Knaebel were following direct orders from Jacobi in the abuses of power and violations that occurred on the drug court defendants.

   The suspension and reassignment to another court shows that state judicial officials have real concerns about  these illegal activities and non actions that may have taken place under Jacobi. These are serious and inexcusable charges which have already spawned a pending class action suit which could potentially  cost Clark Co. taxpayers millions of dollars. Judge Jacobi has lost the trust of state officials and hopefully the electorate. Thankfully we have a good candidate to replace Jacobi in political newcomer Laura Harbison who has run a rather low key campaign but would be a welcome breath of fresh air in what has become a court system that the public has reasons to lose faith in.

Laura Harbison
JThis is an important election year with three of the four county judge positions on the ballot, we have a chance to prove that we are an aware, educated electorate and won't just vote for name recognition. I implore you to vote for incumbent Dan Moore and Laura Harbison this coming Tuesday...Moore is a fair, honest good person and judge and Ms. Harbison will make excellent judge as well. We can send a message and take control of a broken court system, that from prior comments on my  posts I know that a lot of you are passionate about...Make a difference and be sure to vote....

Thursday, May 1, 2014

A Look into Jeffersonville's Future...Circa 2040

(left to right) Destiny Hoffman, Cowboy, Mayor Matt Owen, Govenor Tom Pence, "Toxic" John Perkins


Dateline April 1, 2040

  Newly elected mayor Matt Owen (R) (the kid with game) announced today the tentative opening of the Big Four pedestrian bridge in time for the running of the Kentucky Derby. Owen said  "while nothing is certain, things are looking favorable, and we also expect the Park and landing area to be completed in the next two years." Owen also announced a grand opening and ribbon cutting extravaganza to be attended by local politicians and dignitaries..

  Among those expected to attend is "Toxic" John Perkins who just ended his 6th unsuccessful campaign for Clark Co. Commissioner. Asked if he would run again in 2042 Perkins replied " I'm the most qualified for the job." Tom "Bulldozer" Galligan County Dem. party chairman is scheduled to attend along with several of his former and current City Council members Mike "Fireman Bill" Smith, C. Sellers, Keith "Crapper Flapper" Fetz,  Ed. Z., and Dennis (FlowersRus) Julius. The City Council members also made it clear that the Council would not finance the ceremony as this is a "ReDevelopment Project" and they along with Galligan would in a show of solidarity and protest wear their  "Jeffersonville Canal, Can You Dig It" t-shirts. The t-shirts which will also be on sale to the general public will benefit the Pekin, Indiana Canal Project currently in the formative stages.

Also expected to attend is Kevin "Kevin in 45" Vissing who will be giving rides to the public in his old car for a minimal cost, to finance his next campaign. Noticeable by his absence will be former mayor Mike Moore who currently manages a Ollies Trolley in Florida. As always Jeff's self proclaimed political expert and watchdog Mike Hutt  (NHBSM) will be on hand to criticize the new mayor Owen. Owen is currently the 10th consecutive Jeff mayor that Hutt has flip-flopped on after being once again overlooked for a position in City government. Hutt proclaims that "Owen is the worst mayor in Jeff history" just like he has done previous mayors for the last 50 years...

The ceremonial ribbon cutting will feature Jeffersonville's most famous resident "Cowboy" and local entrepreneur and former drug court participant Destiny Hoffman who  parlayed her class action suit settlement against Clark Co. into a string of Taco Bell franchises. Also participating in ribbon cutting will be IN.governor Tom Pence, Mayor Matt Owen and "Toxic" John Perkins who won his position by submitting the highest bid in the  "Save Clark Co. " charity auction to help the County which has been broke now for 30 years...