The Rick Stephenson Arrest

 
Must say I was disappointed by the recent arrest of Clark Co. Commissioner Rick Stephenson for DUI. I voted for Rick and have been impressed with his openness, candor, and transparency in his first couple of years in office and his performance as Commissioner , and he let me down. Though disappointed in Rick's bad decision to apparently drink and drive, I applaud his honesty  and candor for owning up to and taking full responsibility for his actions. He stepped forward and publicly admitted without excuses his bad lapse of judgement and promised to accept the legal consequences that are forthcoming..

   I'm not trying to minimize Mr. Stephenson's actions or the seriousness of the charges, but personally I believe in this instance of giving him another chance and hopes he does continue in his position as Clark Co. Commissioner. I know some will say it is hypocritical because I said that in the recent arrests of two other prominent office holders...that they should resign.

   Personally I see this case differently for several reasons. First of all Rick stepped forward publicly answering questions from both friends and critics. He didn't hide behind an attorney and admitted he was in the wrong and accepted full responsibility without excuses, unlike those in the two other recent cases. Another reason, anyone who drinks (myself included) has probably on occasion made the same bad judgement as Mr. Stephenson of driving after drinking and may or may not have been caught.. Not trying to minimize Rick's arrest, DUI is a serious offense and should be punished accordingly but I think also a lot of us realize it could have been us on some occasions and sympathize to some degree. Good people do make mistakes, but good people also accept and own up to their mistakes, don't make excuses and remedy their mistakes by making sure they don't happen again.

 Finally this is the Christmas Season and forgiveness and good will for our fellow man should be forth coming. I forgive Rick, Teresa P. and Danny R. and wish all of them well moving forward and hope they can all learn and be bigger people for their mistakes just as I would want anyone to forgive me for any mistakes I have made in my life...

I hope everyone had a great Christmas Season and Wishing you all a Happy New Year !!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!

From the Jeffersonville - Clark Co. Blog (The BatBlog)

From the Chatter Chicks ...their yearly rendition of Rockin around the Christmas Tree ......CLICK HERE

And one more from the Chatter Chicks ...CLICK HERE

Finally Feliz Navidad from GAW News and the BatBlog ...CLICK HERE

Before the 2011 Election....

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

2014 HT Dick Jones Award Poll

The 2014 1st annual HT Dick Jones Award poll is up for outstanding public service in Clark Co,

Be Sure To Vote .... >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

The Real Truth About The Hutt Lawsuit....Inside with Mr. X

 

These are busy times lots of things going on. I haven't gotten around to Mrs.HT's Christmas present shopping, we are getting set for big Christmas extravaganza at the HT compound for kids and grandkids and I wanted to start the poll today it will be up tomorrow for the HT Dick Jones Award.

 I was given some information yesterday that I thought was important enough that it should get immediate attention. A lot of it is just common sense thoughts that many of us have already figured and concluded on the Hutt lawsuit against the City of Jeffersonville Redevelopment on the White Reach hotel and retail project.

  What is important is not so much the content but the person that gave me the information and his thoughts. I practically begged him to let me use his name in the post, but he politely declined, citing friends, relatives involved on both sides of the issue and not wanting to jeopardize any friendships or relationships. In the interview I will refer to him as Mr.X. I will say without question he is one of the most respected members of our community, widely known, successful and as well liked as anyone I know. He has no political agenda but is as well versed in legal. political and business matters in Jeffersonville  (present and past) and as informed and knowledgeable as anyone  I know.

 The Lawsuit
  Contrary to what I believed, Mr. X actually thought Hutt's lawsuit had at least a 50/50 chance of being won by Hutt and Wilder. Stating that while he hasn't seen all the legal documentation or heard the legal arguments he thinks Les Merkley (City attorney) may have made the mistake of not crossing all his T's and dotting all his I's in the proposed purchase of the questioned property. He said Les Merkley is a fine attorney and a honest,good man and any attorney could have made the same mistake. These kind of deals usually aren't held to  much scrutiny especially the appraisals that are cited as required in the lawsuit. He said normally no one cares about the appraisal value other than  the buyer and seller, and if the buyer and the seller are in agreement it's usually a non issue. The circumstances of a private citizen filing suit in these type of matters is practically unheard of and was totally unexpected....

   My interviewee  Mr. X, thought the Redevelopment Boards's action of not renewing the deadline for White-Reach was very telling, he had two scenario's 1.)  Merkeley came to the conclusion that Hutt's lawsuit had a strong legal position and conceded and advised the board so. 2.) White Reach was getting cold feet, they had already been delayed once while City council "diddled around" with the zoning, and with no immediate end in sight they just moved on.

  I asked Mr. X  since the White Reach project was apparently dead would Hutt and Wilder continue on with the lawsuit. He thought they would mainly because this lawsuit was basically a political ploy, whose main and probably sole intent was to make the current administration look bad. The continued  publicity aimed at the Moore administration by going forward with the suit is just a bonus political plum. He continued "It's a farce" to think this is a "class action" suit to save the taxpayers money "it's all political'' with a mayoral election year coming up next year to stop an attractive project by the incumbent mayor could be a good move by the opposition. He went on to say "I wouldn't call it a shrewd or smart move"  because in essence the Hutt lawsuit has hurt the community ... by delaying tax revenue on the property, denying local businesses additional revenue from the added influx of visitors a nice hotel would bring in and slowing the momentum of growth shown recently in the downtown sector. Not to mention the collateral damage this has done to the City going forward on attracting potential businesses and retail establishments and projects.

  Mr. X went on to say that Hutt and Wilder are trying to paint this White Reach project as some kind of underhanded , questionable deal by the redevelopment dept. with a financially shaky( WR) firm where statutes were broken, and regulations not followed, which he stated is simply "not true". This was a legitimate, sound project with a well respected firm (White Reach) who has been in business for over 25 years and have done successful projects in the past in Jeffersonville and So. Indiana. If there were mistakes made they were honest oversights by Mr. Merkley nothing more who is "as honest as the day is long."  there never was any "intentional" move to not follow statutes pertaining to this sale of this property.


   Mr. X thinks the lawsuit could go either way but with the proposed project now apparently dead the ruling would be a moot point. Municipalities are given a wide range of leeway on these type deals in order for growth within communities. If the city would lose the suit it would be no big deal really because the project is dead already, but it would give the city and the redevelopment dept.additional guidelines moving forward for future projects.The alleged required appraisals would be no big hurdle in the future, the only real impact this law suit will have is increased skepticism  by development firms and retail businesses in going forward with the City of Jeffersonville. This lawsuit puts up a roadblock and message for companies to look elsewhere for cooperation.....End Part I

***Time restraints won't allow the finish of this interview...Stay tuned for Part II in the next couple of days...Mr. X has some interesting remarks on White Reach, local politics,  and business and the aftermath of this lawsuit....

***************************Breaking Story**************************
Tomorrow the Jeffersonville-Clark Co. Blog (BatBlog) has a story that will blow the doors off all previous stories on the Hutt lawsuit. An interview and story with a prominent local resident that will blow you away...busy schedule but it should be up tomorrow...check back in and tell your friends, new and inside material....The Truth comes out...(tell all your chatter friends and link it to the BatBlog)
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The Hwy. 62 Entry Way Hotel Project is Dead...The Real Story

  The Jeff Redevelopment Commission voted unanimously Tuesday night not to extend the deadline for the White-Reach Development's proposed development of the entry way corridor along Hwy. 62. in Jeffersonville. The project which included a large hotel and several adjoining restaurants and possible retail establishments.

   The resident "Village Idiot" NHBSM is blubbering all over the internet that it's all about White-Reach delaying the project by asking for extensions and the deal fell through, and how the City of Jeffersonville broke the law in selling the property. In typical NHBSM fashion these are all lies.

 The real story is and this comes from a good sources close to the project is that White -Reach rightfully refused to go forward with the project because of a lawsuit filed by the Village Idiot himself represented by his attorney Larry "the Can" Wilder. White-Reach knew that the lawsuit could potentially put added costs and delays into the project costing them money...It would be like me or you buying a car and not knowing what the cost would be until after you signed the purchase agreement. Naturally White -Reach balked at signing the deal until the litigation was decided and all the costs were on the table.

  In essence NHM (Not Honest Mike) and his bullshit lawsuit have stopped any development on that property, because no development company is going to invest into something without knowing what the costs will be and pending litigation hanging over their head.

Lies, Lies and more Lies
Everyone knows about NH's penchant for lying... in this case it's multiple to the point of ridiculousness.
  
Lie No. 1 What the City did was illegal....That's to be determined by a court of law, NH (Not Honest) is entitled to his opinion but it is not fact..NH does not write statutes or determine who abides by such statutes.

Lie No. 2  What the property is worth.... Not Honest claims the property it's worth a ridiculous amount like a million an acre...appraisals are very subjective you can get a 100 different wide varying appraisals from a 100 different appraisers. In the end property is only worth what someone is willing to  pay for it. anyone could have bid on it only White Reach gave a legitimate bid and it was fair market value for the property...probably more than it's worth...

Lie No. 3 This is a class action suit by the citizens of Jeffersonville... Pure bull shit this all about NH and his political agenda...Most people could give a rat's ass what the property is worth or what the city sells it for. People like amenities and this was a nice project that most people were in favor of.

Lie No.4 NH's claim he want's whats best for the city...More BS this is all about NH... he wants to feel important and claims to know what's best but doesn't have the gonads to run for office because he knows he couldn't even win  a dog catchers race. His actions have hurt a lot of people, cost people money, the city tax revenue and jobs.

Lie No.5 He claims this is not political...This is the biggest lie of all and everyone knows it. it's purely political...After kissing politicians asses for years he finally landed a position on the Redevelopment board which lasted about a month until they found out what a liar, two faced blowhard he is. since then his sole goal in life is revenge for his unceremonious firing. He takes his miserableness and vindication out on the good citizens of Jeff and Clark Co....

Best Public Servant in Clark Co.....1st Annual HT - Dick Jones Award

 

The BatBlog in an attempt to put a positive spin on things as we head into the Christmas season and New Year announce the 1st annual Hoosiertaxpayer  Dick Jones Award. To be voted on by the public in a new BatPoll. The Batblog is pretty hard on some of our politicians and office holders (and rightfully so), but we also realize we have some good ones and true public servants. We will give you a list of some of our favorites and if you like send us a name of someone we may have overlooked. We will limit it to current  office holders in the local area (Jeffersonville and Clark Co) and the award will be named after Dick Jones a truly great public servant and nice man who recently retired after many years of local public service....Be Sure To Vote.....

NOMINEES

1. Barbara Hollis (D) - President of the Clark Co. council entering her 5th term has handled her position with grace and class and is well respected by both parties...

2. Brian Lenfert (R) - County Council V.P. has been a valuable member of the council heading into his second term, has had some good ideas concerning county's budget woes...

3. Susan Popp (D) - Nice lady and very capable councilwoman on the County council who appears to have won the Co. clerk's race and will do an excellent job there as well...

4. Kelly Khuri (R) -  She's a tea partier but we won't hold that against her , she's a leading advocate for protecting the taxpayer's tax dollars...

5. Rick Stephenson (R) - County Commissioner who is openly receptive to answering anyone's questions, keeps a Q and A thread on the CCC to accommodate voters which is unheard openness and transparency around these parts.

6. Jack Coffman (R) -  Off to a good start in his 1st term as commissioner. have heard no complaints about him or R. Stephenson...

7. Nathan Samuel (D) - Jeffersonville city councilman has the potential to be a good public servant needs to be his own man more and not listen and vote along with the stooges on the council....

8. Bryan Glover (R) - Breath of fresh air on what is a pretty dense Jeff City council...will be missed as he moves to his job as the third Clark Co, Commissioner...

9. Mike Moore (R) - Jeff Mayor who we started to leave off the list as he has made some dumb
moves in his battles with the City council, but all in all Jeff has progressed nicely during his 1st term and he has some nice projects in the planning. His best move firing the "Village Idiot" NHBSM right off the bat.

10. Dan Moore (D) - Circuit court judge, though Dan will be leaving after losing in the primary he deserves recognition.... he was a tough , no nonsense but fair judge who knows the law and was well respected among attorneys and he will be  missed....

That's our list if we overlooked anyone or you have a potential candidate let us know and we'll take it into consideration...Look for the Poll in the next couple of days....

The 2014 Political Turkey of the Year

 

 Congratulations are in order to NHBSM the winner of the BatBlog's 1st annual "Political Turkey of the Year" award. Though he's not really a politician, never held office (who would vote for him), and nobody really pays much attention to him NH (Not Honest Mike) easily captured our first annual award by nearly a 2 to 1 margin over 2nd place  NH's breakfast buddy Danny (Smooth Talker) Rodden and the "Big Q" Quasar the resident right wing whacko on the CCC finished 3rd. And it is only fitting that like in the real world of politics "Toxic" John Perkins finished dead last like he has done so many times in real life....

  As someone earlier mentioned it's a shame to associate the majestic turkey to this motley band of candidates so next year it will be the "Political Buzzard of the Year" so as not to sully the fine name of the turkey...

Let It Go Republicans...You Can't Win Them All....

The local GOP needs to  "Let it go" and concede defeat to Susan Popp the Dem. County Clerk elect. It was a close election that demanded a recall and the process proved out that Ms. Popp is the winner. No need in threatening continued litigation all the way to the Supreme court like Larry "CanMan" Wilder boasted to the media. The process played out in front of partisan appointees of both parties who handled the re-count and the people have spoken.



 Ms. Popp is probably the more qualified of the two candidates
anyway and will make a fine County Clerk. Kelly Harrod who has lost more elections than even "Toxic" John Perkins needs to ride off into the sunset and collect his Soc. Security. More litigation will just cost taxpayers more money and will prove nothing. If "CanMan" want's to go all the way to the Supreme Court he better find his client a new lawyer. Judge "Uncle Joe " Weber and "Auntie" Vicky Carmichael won't be sitting on the Supreme court...this ain't Jeffersonville and "CanMan" might be out of his league,,,he'd better just plea bargain Harrod  a second place trophy  instead of risking the whole county further embarrassment....

This and That....10 Things

Not a whole lot going on here locally, plus it's been a busy time personally here's a few remarks on a few random thoughts....

1. Glad to see Susan Popp come away with an apparent win in the Clerk's race....she will do well...

2. NHBSM claims on the CCC (Clark County Chatter) he doesn't read the Batblog....Another lie, I am told by one of his breakfast buddies (local politician) he checks it out every day...PS his buddy says everyone has figured out NH for what he is....  a bag of hot wind.

3. Commercialism has taken away from what Christmas really is and meant to be... spending time sharing memories with friends and family and the delight of watching children and grandchildren that still believe in Santa Claus....

4. Found a way to minimize looking for that hard to find gift...Amazon they sell everything and anything and they deliver it to your front door.....

5. Has Obama really been that bad...employment and the stock market are up....gas prices down and I  still have my guns<sarcasm added>.....I'm not sure America is truly ready to accept a black president,   nobody will admit to it, but race has a lot to do with his unpopularity among some....

6. Hopefully the local Dem.s can come up with another candidate for next years mayoral election ... Julius just doesn't do it for me and he has the personality of a slug...

7. Christmas idea...all adults forego exchanging gifts and use the saved money to donate so that every child 12 and under has a magical Christmas morning...

8. Goliath is a busy man but wish he would post more on GAW he has some insightful, interesting opinions on things his only fault is his unconditional loyalty to Democratic party.....I found out that Democrats aren't always the best choices, especially here locally where it has become nothing more than a clique....and the local GOP could be heading in the same direction.... beware power and popularity can be fleeting and short lived...

9. Wish The CCC could return to it's former glory and popularity under Supermike ...he gave everyone enough leeway to make things interesting and fun and didn't hold personal grudges like the gestapo agent in charge does now...

10. Everyone relax and have great Christmas season, in my 60 odd years I've seen too many people that expect too much and are disappointed when their expectations of happy holiday times fail to materialize because of rushing around, trying to do too much, spending too much money....in an attempt to make sure everyone else has a Merry Christmas...Don't rush, make time for yourself to enjoy the important things like children, grandchildren, family and friends....things are never perfect so don't attempt to make them so...If you have a faith rejoice in it as well...

My posting may be irregular during the holidays if anything comes up important I will try and weigh in if possible and remember my advice and have a safe, happy and healthy Holiday season....

The War on Drugs

  I encourage everyone if they get a chance to check out "The House I Live In" on Netflix and Amazon. It explores the drug culture, the"War on Drugs" and after spending billions here in America to combat drug use, usage and the problem is greater than ever. This is a fascinating must see that explains how the War on Drugs itself self perpetuates drug usage and is creating  bigger more costly problems than actually helping reduce the impact of drugs in America. Our laws, legislators and politicians by proclaiming and passing legislation to be tough on drugs are in fact having just the opposite effect and increasing drug usage, crime and the prison populations and costs connected to drug use.

 I'm sure everyone knows of someone or has a family member effected by drugs in one form or another...This a well done, eye opening documentary that if you take the time to watch it will give you a different outlook on the drug problem that ravages our country monetarily and the toll it takes on families...Check it out fascinating stuff....

The Perkins Affair

   First off I have to say I was really disappointed and shocked when it was announced that Teresa Perkins  GCC schoolboard member was arrested last summer. I supported her candidacy and voted for her in the 2011 mayoral race, thinking she could be a refreshing change from the usual candidates and politics in town. Obviously I was wrong about her.

  I was also disappointed in the way she and the other school board members handled the situation after her arrest.  I think it's fair to say that the huge majority of people including those who voted for her felt she should have stepped down from her position on the school board out of respect for the community, the teachers and students of Greater Clark Co schools. Furthermore some member preferably the president of the board or the superintendent of the schools should have publicly asked for her resignation. Nonwithstanding her credentials and background in education, just as important is honesty , integrity and trust, and with her actions Ms. Perkins betrayed those qualities and the people who elected her.

   Equally disturbing in my mind was laying blame to depression as the cause of her actions. Certainly depression is a debilitating disease that effects millions of people but depression doesn't make you break laws and commit crimes it does not effect your decision making process. You are still responsible and should be held accountable for your actions.

  We wish Ms. Perkins well and hope personally she can put this event behind her and move on, but by her refusing to resign she is giving the appearance of entitlement, arrogance and not accepting the full consequences of her actions. The public that elected her would have much more respect for her if she would just quietly step aside and let someone else fill out her term...someone who has the trust and confidence of the people of Clark Co....something Ms. Perkins does not have....

Too Many Dumb Asses.... Why Jeffersonville Will Remain 4th Class

 

The BatBlog has figured out even with the progress made toward revitalizing the downtown area and some possible exciting new projects...Jeff will remain a 4th class actually no class at all city...The reason too many dumb asses like the "Village Idiot" NHBSM and his attorney Larry "the CanMan" Wilder populating the city ... These two dumb asses have essentially stopped the progress of the proposed development at the 10th St. entry way into the City. The frivolous, politically motivated lawsuit filed by the "Villiage Idiot" and "CanMan" has made investors think twice about investing money in Jeffersonville and who can blame them. The deal is basically on hold until something is settled and here's betting the land will stay vacant for a long time thanks to these two dumb asses.

   More dumb asses are the City Council members who voted to do away with the Jeffersonville City Court a fixture for many years....the dumb ass Council members instead of working on a solution to fix the problems associated with a declining case load just made the stupid move of eliminating the court all together...Nobody ever accused this council with being the brightest crayons in the box but this move tops the list of dumb ass decisions...Way to go ...now a city of forty some thousand people has no city court . Small minds plus big ideas equal disaster...

  Finally another Dumb Ass ...GCC school board member Teresa Perkins plead guilty and plea bargained a shop lifting charge in Tennessee. Stupid move Teresa , for a handful of cheap jewelry you made Jeff look like a bunch of dumb asses for electing you and  you threw your name,reputation and integrity right down the sewer forever, you will go down in lore as a cheap thief  and you can proudly stand right beside all the other Dumb Asses in this City that keep us from even reaching mediocrity ...

Back Tomorrow

Out of town....back tomorrow .....

Black Friday

Happy Thanksgiving

Wishing a Happy Thanksgiving to all the readers of the BatBlog, online friends and their families. Remember this is a day to give thanks for all the blessing we have. Whether it be family, friends, your faith, or good health  make sure to take time to give thanks for the important people and things in your life...















A virtual Thanksgiving from the famous and infamous of the BatBlog !

New Poll... 2014 Biggest Political Turkey

New poll... who's the biggest local Turkey  in 2014 ??? The BatBlog presents the 1st annual "Turkey of the Year" award. Plenty of potential candidates but we've whittled it down to the top 9 turkeys...Be  sure to vote !!!--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------->>>

1. NHBSM (Not Honest) area political blowhard who thinks he knows everything, but is mostly hot air...Hangs around local politicians hoping for an appointment but never gets one...

2. Larry (the Can) Wilder local attorney who allegedly pulls strings in the local political scene and appears to sue the City at the drop of a hat....now buddies with NHBSM...

3. Tom (Canal digger) Galligan managed the local Democratic party to it's biggest beatdown ever by the GOP but who's ego refuses to let him  step aside for the betterment of the party...

4. Mike (Mr.Greenjeans) Smith City councilman dinosaur who is anxiously waiting for Galligan to return as mayor...

Birds of a feather

5. John (Toxic John) Perkins local politician who keeps getting appointed to plum positions by Democrats even though  as far as we know hasn't gotten over 25% in any election in the last 15 years..

6. Danny (Smooth talker) Rodden who traded C.C. sheriff gear (t-shirts, hats , etc.) to a prostitute for a  $@!&  ?*& (sorry this is a family blog)...

7. Jerry (you have no rights) Jacobi who's staff allegedly forgot about a few drug court defendants for over a year and left them in jail ...

8. Matt (lapdog} Owen allegedly when sheriff elect Noel tells lapdog to jump, he says how high...now trying to shut down city court...

Old Turkeys

9. Quasar (the Big Q.) who runs declining local blog (CCC) like a gestapo agent while spewing his right wing, Rush Limbaugh BS that no one is allowed to call him out on...

*** Note***
The picture of turkey "Quasar" was too ugly to post afraid it would scare young children....

Two Class People

 

Ever notice how the good public servants just quietly slip away, while the bad politicians (you know who they are) you just can't seem to get rid of them...voting them out of office isn't enough.
Well we'll lose two quality class people next year here in Clark Co., County clerk Barbara Bratcher Haas to retirement and judge Dan Moore was defeated in the Dem .primary, both will be sorely missed.

  Ms. Haas has just quietly done her job at several different positions for many years, providing excellent public service and class to the various offices she has held. Dan Moore likewise brought professionalism and character to his Circuit court judge position. Dan is a no nonsense, strict but fair and the perfect ideal what a judge should be. I always thought Dan wasn't real comfortable with the political side of being judge, but his work on the judicial bench is beyond reproach...

 Here's wishing Ms. Haas a wonderful retirement and good luck, Dan Moore we're hoping sometime soon you'll  be back somewhere as judge, because that's where you belong... and good luck to you as well....

Jamey Noel the Puppetmaster ??? City Court Controversy...

 

Concerning the recently proposed ordinance by City councilman Matt Owen to abolish Jeffersonville City Court brings up an interesting theory brought up by a comment left in an earlier post. to read CLICK HERE

The anonymous commentor seems to think that recently elected Clark Co. sheriff Jamey Noel maybe behind the scenes, pushing for the elimination of City Court through his campaign manager Matt Owen. The commentor points out several different connections between Noel and the controversy 1.) Owen  2.) Noel's sister Lisa Gill sits on the City Council. 3.) City Judge Pierce's comments about the Indiana State police of which Noel is member, bypassing his court...and then the BatBlog came across an interesting article from the 2006 sheriff's election CLICK HERE  in the article it mentions that Noel has expressed an interest in adding one or two more judges and courts in Clark Co.

Are these merely coincidental factors and people in the movement to remove Judge Pierce and the Jeff city court or is there something to this theory ??? The BatBlog doesn't know for sure but  the coincidences and timing right after the recent election are interesting to say the least.

Owen who also works for Noel as a marketing representative of the New Chapel fire and EMS...by the way why does a fire and EMS need a marketing rep. ??? seems rather strange but that's for another thread...

The BatBlog is not saying anything here is illegal but the circumstances are interesting. The BatBlog likes for our public officials to think on their own and be their own man, which may or may not be the case in this incident...Is Noel the master manipulator and behind the scenes manager of his agenda for the whole area ??? I guess time will tell. In the meantime...

The BatBlog's position remains this is a ridiculous move on Owen's part whether it has been manipulated or not. There is no doubt there is probably a need for another Circuit court in Clark Co., but eliminating City Court is not the way of bringing it about. The pretense of Owen's ordinance as a cost saving measure for area citizens  is far sighted and misleading...some would say an out and out lie.... Going forward hopefully the council will see this ordinance for what it and do the right thing and vote down Owen's proposal...Let your councilman know how you feel about this and as always "stay vigilant my friends".....

New Record Set !!!

The Jeffersonville - Clark Co. Blog (BatBlog) set a new record for number of page views in October with 21,245 views. Thanks to all the readers and those who have participated through the comments section and e-mails. If you have a story or a tip that needs attention you can contact the BatBlog at hoosiertaxpayer@outlook.com where confidentiality is guaranteed. Again thanks for the support and as always "Stay vigilant my friends"

City Court Abolished ...Bad Move , Calling Goliath

  Everyone I've talked to today, including a couple of attorneys thinks the City council's proposed abolishment of Jeffersonville City Court is a bad move. Who else is more qualified and knowledgeable about the situation than the local attorneys who use the current system everyday and know the ins and outs, the good and bad of the court system.

 Matt Owen and Dennis Julius appear to be the main drivers behind the movement to end Judge Pierce's City Court citing reduced caseloads and the costs of operating the court as the factors in their decision.  My question is when did we start looking at costs and expenditures when public safety is concerned ???  Public safety provided by law enforcement and the judicial system is just something you can't put a price on. Eliminating one court (City) and putting more burden and strain on an
another court (Circuit) that is already stretched and full to the max is insane and irresponsible.Not to mention the financial strain the added caseload it will put on the County which is already faced with mandates just to operate. And an over crowded court docket is just begging for more mistakes to be made like the unfortunate release of a killer several weeks ago...Newly elected Circuit Court judge Brad Jacobs summed it up pretty well without the Jeff city Court and referring to the Circuit Court system "it's going to be a nightmare."

 Here's a grand idea for Owen and Julius who apparently didn't ask anyone how they felt or input about their proposal including the judges and attorneys who make up the system. How about Owen and Julius doing their jobs and get together with all parties involved including current judges, prosecutor, County Commissioners, Indiana St. police officials and work together to come up with a plan that would better utilize and increase the caseload of Judge pierce's City Court, and also work on a plan to increase revenue through fines , court costs etc. that would alleviate some of the financial shortcomings.

The easy way out was Owen and Julius'plan to just shut it down...How about showing some leadership qualities and do what you're paid for and try and work out a settlement and plan that is agreeable and works for all the parties involved...Unless of course the move by Julius and Owen was merely political in nature, then they should man up and just admit it's all political and we then we will know that public sentiment and safety don't really matter...because it all politics....

Hopefully the wise giant Goliath will weigh in on this, he's usually a voice of reason on these type matters....YO GOLIATH...You out there???

Can't We Just Get Along...

 *****************************************BREAKING UPDATE*****************************            As predicted by the BatBlog the dumbass City council moved tonight to have the Jeff City court eliminated citing financial costs... Coincidence the same day suit was filed ??? We think not, this has the distinct rotten smell of politics..... stay tuned for more on this developing story....
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 I guess Jeffersonville Democrats didn't hear about the county beatdown of Dem.s by the GOP. Two Democrat officeholders City clerk Vicki Conlin and City Judge Kenneth Pierce are in a pissing contest over some files with Conlin filing suit against Pierce. To make matters worse some of the idiots on the City Council are threatening to shut down the City Court and Pierce.

 Nice move Democrats.... give the GOP more ammunition  and another reason to remove two more Dem. positions to the Rep.s in the next city elections. The GOP is laughing all the way to the polls ... Get your act together ...surely this can be settled without a lawsuit that will just fritter away more taxpayer's money ... Larry "the CanMan" Wilder is making quite the reputation and $$$ suing the City and City offices...

Can't we just get along...Judge Pierce is one of the good guys surely some agreement can be reached before the dumb asses on the council do away with the court and then put a heavier burden on the already over stretched to it's limit Circuit Court...But then, when was anything around here ever done logically or sensibly ???

Election 2015 Jeff Mayor's Race

   

Moore's the front runner unless he shoots himself in the foot...

The Jeffersonville mayoral race will highlight the 2015 city elections. As it looks now and pending some unexpected primary results, incumbent Mike Moore (R) will face city councilman Dennis Julius (D) in Nov. 2015. Moore has to be considered the favorite as a lot of positive growth and new projects have came about in Moore's first three years in office. The Big Four Bridge and landing and revitalization of downtown, the proposed development of the Hwy. 62 corridor, the new marina, the Veterans Pkwy. development are some of the positive aspects here locally under Moore. We realize that the Big Four bridge and subsequent upswing downtown wasn't Moore's idea but like every mayor before him he'll get the credit.....for mainly being in the right place at the right time....

   The negatives are mainly the constant bickering back and forth between Moore and the City council. Though this was mostly just political posturing Moore could have handled it better by not reverting to name calling as he did in a couple of instances. Also improvement in an already poor traffic and road infrastructure hasn't been addressed adequately under Moore especially in the out

Galligan Lite ???

lying east end area.

  Julius who started his campaign for mayor almost as soon as he took his seat on the city council will most certainly be burdened by the conception of all the money his business (Walnut Ridge) has made from the city over the years. His friendship and association with the polarizing former mayor Tom Galligan will come into question...some consider  Julius a Galligan lite. This could also work to his advantage as there is a mostly older core group of the Galligan  camp, who haven't gotten over the victory of Moore over Galligan in 2011 and will most certainly back Julius.

 In the end the BatBlog's opinion, unless Moore shoots himself in the foot in the next year before the election it's his race to lose. The visible, positive growth you see around town after the Galligan years of stagnation will overshadow any negative perceptions of Moore. The negative perception is mostly put out by the bitter rivals of the mayor, but the majority of the voters will notice the mostly positive changes under Moore and vote accordingly....and of course right now it doesn't hurt being a Republican here locally....

 

City Elections 2015 Part II (City council)...

 

The bulk of the council

As we said expect most returning councilmen/women to run for reelection. City council is normally kind of entry level position in politics. It doesn't pay much but then you really don't have to do much either. It's kind of ironic really nonsensical that we pay these council people the equivalent of what you make at McDonald's to oversee multimillion dollar budgets. Most of them have no practical and at times common sense or training or experience to determine what and what isn't important in handling our tax dollars.....but that's politics.

 Then again there are fringe benefits on serving on the city council..A place in the all the parades, occasionally being quoted for the news media, the feeling of self importance and the pleasure of having  answers for your constituents. Actually having answers is a misnomer, good luck finding your councilman or getting a straight answer if you do find him and you have a problem...unless of course it's close to election time.

 Actually we have over the years had some good council people, in fact I thought Zach Payne and especially Brian Glover were excellent choices and solid public servants , and at times Nathan Samuel has shown promise. The rest you can put in a bag and shake them out , not much difference...the rest put politics above progress and have done everything in their power to slow or stop the current mayor's agenda....But in politics especially minor positions like City council, name recognition is everything and it will be tough to root out those who have been perched on this council way too long. It is hard to pin anything negative on them because they actually don't do much....Anyone who has spoken before the council can tell you how they piddle around with their computers, shuffle papers and generally act disinterested. Their condescending attitude attests to their own self exaggerated sense of importance....but then again that's politics and you can only vote for what is presented to you....

Ready for Another Election ??? 2015 City Elections Around the Corner....

Will the stooges seek re-election ???

  Get ready people of Jeffersonville another election is just months away. Mayoral and City council seats will be up for grabs next November with primaries this May. What to look for...the mayor's race looks set with Dennis Julius (D) against incumbent Mike Moore (R) there may be a couple of stragglers enter the primaries, but Julius and Moore look like they are on a collision course in the fall....

  Expect all the sitting councilmen/women other than those that moved on to County offices to run for re-election including the "three stooges" Ed Z., Connie Sellers and Mike "Mr.Green Jeans" Smith...
Sellers and Ed Z. are RINO's (Republican in name only)...who can forget their long faces at Rep. headquarters the night of Moore's election as mayor. The three all of whom were given jobs at one time or another by their guru and puppet master Tom Galligan, have made life as difficult as possible for Moore...hoping against hope that Galligan would rise from the ashes of the burnt heap of old worn out, out of touch, politicians and magically make them relevant again.

Jamey Noel want to be ???

 The rest of the returning incumbents are mostly a pretty nondescript bunch ( that's pretty much a description of any councilman ,,," nondescript") except for young Matt Owen (the Kid with Game) who aspires to be a Jamey Noel clone...Young Owen followed Noel around like a little puppy dog during the recent sheriff's election making sure Jamey's badge and crown were always brightly polished....

End Part I....tomorrow Part II


Side Note *** Congratulations to Pat Barrow and her homeowners group who have at least for now won a major battle against Mac Construction and the asphalt plant. The Moore administration pulled Mac's permit to operate the plant. Expect more litigation, but kudos for Moore and his officials for doing the right thing even if it was a political move for next year's election...

Thank You Veterans !!!

From This To This ???

Election 2014 an overview...BatBlog Picks 16 out of 20 Races Correctly....BatPoll gets16 out of 20 right as well

 

The Jeffersonville - Clark Co. Blog (The BatBlog)  correctly called 80% of the recent races on Election day, as well the BatPoll was right on 16 of the 20 contests. The most surprising race had to be the Co. Clerk where Kelly Harrod (R) topped Susan Popp (D), I don't think anyone saw that race finishing as it did as many looked to Popp as one of the bright spots on the Dem. ticket, but Harrod did win in the BatPoll. Other surprises include Martina Webster's showing against long time office holder Vicky Kent-Haire. For a newcomer like Webster to finish within 600 votes of an election veteran of several different positions in Co. government over many years like Haire, it was a truly great breakout performance by Ms. Webster.

  Kyle Williams (R) judge candidate who appears to have spent a very minimal amount of money on his campaign with little or no publicity and ran exceptionally well against a sitting judge Weber who appears to have spent quite liberally on his. That will be an interesting sideline to this election, who spent the most money ???  My guess would be Noel and Weber....Did they buy the election ??? Well money never hurts...

  A final overview on Election 2014 would be it was a pretty clean election and for the most part we the voters did pretty well. We gave the incumbent Co. council members another term rewarding them for their work. We rewarded Jeremy Mull for his hard work at the prosecutor's office ,Jeremy's not a politician, just a hard worker who will do fine. Some well tested veteran incumbents return to office, as well as some veterans to new positions. Some bright newcomers got their names and faces out there for the future campaigns.

  The questions as we move forward,  can the Democratic party make the necessary changes to be viable in future elections ??  Will Jamey Noel be as good as a sheriff as he was a party chair ?? Can and will he relinquish the strings of the party to others and dedicate himself totally as sheriff ??
Only time will tell....

There's A New Sheriff in Town...The Beatdown of Dem. Party Continues

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Galligan to step down as local Democratic chair person...

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First of all congratulations to all the candidates last night, for the most part it was a clean, well run election. While are system is at times flawed it's still the best in the world, and the people have spoken. A lot of interesting races, results ,and upsets make this  an election for the ages here in Clark Co.,that's unless of course your a Democrat. Love him or hate you have to give Jamey Noel credit, he has led the Rep. party to unprecedented levels here in it what used to be  overwhelmingly Democratic county. Slick political maneuvering, shrewd moves and an influx of new, young, energetic and attractive candidates the GOP has left local Democrats wondering what happened and left to pick up the pieces. You have to wonder in the sheriff's race how much the split ticket propelled Noel to victory. 37% of the vote isn't much of a mandate and you have to think Meyer would have won without Spainhour's candidacy....but that's politics and Congratulations to Mr. Noel....

  As far as the Democrat's here locally they need to step back and start from scratch are it's only going to get worse. The blame starts at the top and the local Dem. party chair Tom Galligan whose divisiveness and arrogance are just not the qualities you look for in a party leader. For years now Dem.s have turned their back on the rank and file  voter by the Dem. caucus, that has placed old has been candidates like Perkins and Galligan into positions they would have no chance of obtaining by a popular vote of the rank and file. This along with some severe behavioral and criminal actions of several Dem. office holders and candidates and it's small wonder people have abandoned the Dem. party in Clark Co. in droves. For probably the first time in history straight party t voting by the GOP exceeded Dem. locally....

  It's time to give Galligan a plaque thanking him for his service and search for a young enthusiastic party chair who can relate to the younger voters, something Galligan can't. Some one like Noel who is a tireless worker and planner ,who can recruit new, vitalized , younger candidates who can lead the party into the future. This isn't 1990's anymore and if the party caucus continues to hang onto the has beens from that era....you're going to see an even further erosion of Democrats here in the county. Hell even some of the more popular good Democratic candidates  like Susan Popp got caught up the Rep. beatdown inflicted upon what for years was the dominant force here.

 As far as Noel's sheriff win, Jamey has shown he is a shrewd,capable , hardworking politician who has nurtured and cultivated an attractive mixed slate of candidates with great success. Now it's time to use your administrative skills to clean up the Co. jail and bring respect back to the sheriff's dept.and the people's trust, and on that endeavor we wish you luck....

This week more analysis and comments on yesterday's election.. 

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Election Day 2014 ...Election Night Special

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Goliath's vote site sucks here is a better Link
CLICK HERE

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Back home in the BatCave...We'll be here all night, love to hear your experiences, thoughts on the results that will be coming in shortly or any sightings (Joe, Jamey etc.)....the place to be the BatBlog's Election night special
*******************************************************************************************                                   For the latest returns  CLICK HERE

Will be posting different observations and thoughts throughout the day from the Bat(Iphone) in the comments section. I encourage everyone to do the same....Let us know about voter turnout, and any other observations but most of all....BE SURE TO VOTE !!!