It's Official....Martina "Tina" Webster for Clark County Assessor

Congratulations to Martina "Tina" Webster who completed her requirements to be a Level 3 Certified Assessor and thereby becoming officially the Republican candidate for the Clark Co. Assessor's office in the fall election. Ms. Webster who has worked in the real estate field for 15 years has the perfect set of credentials, experience, know how and determination to make a great Clark Co. Assessor.

 I know a lot of taxpayers are confused and frustrated with the current Clark Co. reassessment process and are equally frustrated  with obtaining answers to their questions by the current office. I have confidence that Ms. Webster will be more than willing to share her knowledge and help taxpayers with their problems and questions when elected.

I also feel confident Ms. Webster will bring youthful energy, integrity and honesty to this office when elected....It's time for a change.... vote for Martina  "Tina" Webster this fall for Clark Co. Assessor...

To view Martina's press release and more about her campaign visit her web site ...martinawebster.com 

He Lies.....

Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller on his website claims "Greg Zoeller fights justice for all"....He lies !!!
Zoeller has continuously used his position to advance HIS OWN religious beliefs, and in the process has stepped on the rights of  gay Indiana residents across the state, those whom he was elected to protect, the legal rights as he is all Indiana residents.

Today he filed requesting a stay on the court order that declared gay marriage ban in Indiana is illegal putting his religious beliefs ahead of the rights of gay Hoosiers....An interesting story in the Indianapolis Star details how Zoeller puts his personal prejudices and obsessions above the rights of our fellow state residents for the story CLICK HERE...

We need to remember this when Mr. Zoeller is up for re-election....

This and That

Glad to see the gay marriage ban over turned ...kudos to the judge who did it....

Lets leave Iraq alone they've been fighting since time began ...lets let them exterminate each other if that's what they choose....

Thought I'd choke on the fluff piece written by Dale Moss in the N/T on Galligan.....

Hope Hillary runs and wins the 2016 presidential race...it's time for a woman president and Hillary has the qualifications, smarts and toughness it takes...

Does anybody really care about the World Cup (soccer)

Nominations for the Jeffersonville "Wall of Fame"

City officials are thinking about creating a Jefferersonville "Wall of Fame" at the entrance to the city on 10th St. This could be a difficult task considering Jeff is pretty much devoid of famous people other than those that are famous within Jeff itself. The BatBlog believes the obvious first choice for the wall of fame  would be Gary "Cowboy" McGowan. Everybody in Jeff knows of Cowboy, loyal fan of local high school teams,  attends community events, and all round good dude....The BatBlog nominates "Cowboy" for the Jeffersonville "Wall of Fame"


***note*** If HT is nominated he will decline and if elected he will not serve...HT is already on the Pekin "Wall of Fame" and one "Wall of Fame" is enough for anyone...

Some Last Thoughts on the Homeless Ordinance

 Just a couple of last thoughts on the "Homelesss" ordinance which is exactly what it is no matter what city attorney Les Merkley says. He's the one who wrote the poorly worded statute that not only effects the homeless it was intended to, but property owners as well....Since we haven't heard differently we can only assume Merkley wrote it on the direction of Mayor Mike Moore and it was overwhelmingly adopted by the Jeff City Council. Neither party (council or mayor) had the nerve or conviction of decency to consult with the homeless task force appointed to give input on matters dealing with the homeless. Of course some of the spineless members of the Council after some public criticism (not their consciences) are talking about taking another look at the ordinance.

   Whatever it takes the council either crawfishing away from their original vote or Mayor Moore coming to his senses, this law needs to be changed. The earlier proposed shelter in downtown would be a prudent move in a compromise that would benefit both parties the City and the homeless, but if past actions by the zoning board are any indication the shelter won't happen.

  If neither the law is changed or the shelter built then we can safely assume the City wants no part of helping the homeless out. They want the homeless gone even if it comes down to jailing them which the new ordinance allows. The Council and mayor both need to quit hiding behind their fake sense of compassion they express but never act on. Quit being cowards and say what you mean instead of trying to be politically correct on one hand but  never do anything to help the problem with the other...

We've already see plenty of political posturing let's see if anyone will actually step forward and come up with a plan....what are the City leaders ashamed, embarrassed, or regret of seeing a homeless person  ???  I'm not and would like to those elected officials not ashamed either......

Dumb and Dumber...Jeffersonville Style

  According to NHBSM (Not honest but stupid Mike) one half of Jeffersonville's Dumb and Dumber team, Councilman Dennis Julius (the other half)  had the "wool pulled over his eyes" in voting FOR the recent no camping ordinance that was adopted by the Jeffersonville City council. The ordinance was aimed at the local homeless population hoping that said ordinance would keep the homeless from congregating at the new Big Four Landing and Park. According to Not Honest Mike, Julius didn't realize the "impact it would have on the area's homeless"

The BatBlog thinks that Mr. Julius has no business running for mayor if he doesn't understand what he's voting for or understand the implications of his vote. Everybody in Jeff except Mr. Julius seems to have understood that the sole intention of this ordinance was to keep the homeless out of the new park. Now after a public outcry about the ordinance Mr. Julius wants to crawfish away from his original stance. The BatBlog doesn't know what the Dummer move was by Mr. Julius , claiming he didn't understand what he was agreeing to or hanging out with NHBSM in the first place. Either one has the BatBlog seriously doubting Mr. Julius' qualifications, judgement and ability to be mayor.

 As for Not Honest Mike in typical NHM fashion he has now flip flopped on the homeless. Just a couple weeks ago he trashed the the homeless task force for not appearing at a City Council meeting. Now he is a champion for their cause...what a phoney...Everyone knows the only reason NH is now standing behind the homeless is because Mike Moore's city attorney drew up the ordinance. As everyone knows Moore was another  NH Mike classic flip flop....

 It appears NHBSM may be once again buddying up to a Jeff mayoral candidate in order to score a political position like in elections past. The BatBlog has a word of advice for Mr. Julius don't insult the intelligence of local voters with your crawfishing and beware of NH he'll flip on you like he has done the last two mayors....beware be very aware....

Do the Right Thing Mike Moore ....Veto the Camping Ordinance

**************************************UPDATE********************************On the Clark County Chatter NHBSM is posting that Mayor Mike Moore is responsible for the ordinance written by the City attorney.... How about it Mayor Moore ??? Did you tell Merkley to write up the ordinance ?? Man up and let us know.....
*************************************************************************

The BatBlog sends out a request to Jeffersonville mayor Mike Moore to do the right thing and veto the recent camping ban passed by the City Council. This is a poorly written piece of legislation that is damn near unconstitutional, that infringes on the property rights of all property owners in Jeffersonville. Send this ordinance back to the drawing board, confer and discuss with the "homeless task force" for something that is acceptable for all those concerned, most notably the homeless...

One other thing tell your City attorney Les Merkley not to insult the intelligence of the citizens of Jeffersonville by saying this not a "homeless issue." Everyone knows who was targeted and the whole issue behind this ordinance was to keep the homeless out of the new downtown park and Big Four landing area.

After vetoing this ordinance mayor Moore, try and exert some of your political prowess and leadership in an attempt to make a day center/shelter happen somewhere downtown where the homeless congregate. Be proactive dealing with this issue instead of having foolish ordinances that skirt the real problem. And finally make amends with Paul Stensrud - Exit0 and the homeless task force and have their input that effects theses unfortunate people. Remember without the grace of God and  good fortune that could be you, I, or anyone in the same predicament as these poor , homeless souls.....

Big Brother (Jeff City Council) Says "No Camping "

 

Big Brother is alive and well and in operation in Jeffersonville. With the new ordinance the Jeffersonville City Council declared camping outside in the backyard is illegal in Jeffersonville and subject to arrest if you don't move after being warned. That's right police have the right to run in little Johnny and his friends if they don't have the required written permission from property owners. That's right again this new ordinance applies to PRIVATE property as well as public parks....

Illegal

 Of course I'm being facetious about the kiddies, the intent and main target is the homeless people of southern Indiana. The Council has made it perfectly clear they don't want homeless people hanging around their shiny, new Big Four Landing Park. Lord forbid if someone walking from Louisville will see a homeless person. This is the same council/zoning board that nixed a day camp/shelter for the homeless in downtown Jeff earlier, unwilling to make a zoning change that would allow the shelter to exist in what is a now and has been a vacant building.

Lawbreakers

Come on Jeffersonville have a little heart...what are these people to do ??? Disappear...

What's next requiring proof of residency to enter public parks ??? .....We wouldn't be surprised.

BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU !!!






Note **** Congratulations to Zach Payne for being the only council member with the balls enough to vote against this ordinance..Zach has proved on several occasions to be a wise voice on a some what dimwitted City Council...
Lisa Gill, Matt Owen, Nathan Samuel, Bryan Glover surprised that you wouldn't vote common sense on this issue....
As for the other "Four Stooges" on the Council they are predictable .....

WDRB 41 Louisville News

More Police Needed ???.....Don't Think So

Tips to the BatBlog...Stay Vigilant

See or hear of something that isn't right, or needs to be checked out. Contact the BatBlog at  hoosiertaxpayer@outlook.com

The BatBlog relies on your anonymous tips for leads for stories and features. We have gotten tips from some of the drug court defendants on the usage of drugs and the operation within the Clark Co. jail. On the waste of funds in the sewage dept. and other government departments. Plus several stories we are currently working on. So if you see something that needs to be looked into drop us an e-mail or in the comments section of the blog just say do not publish. It doesn't have to be a negative or investigative story if you have ideas on interesting people or events let us know. The internet is a powerful tool to keep information flowing and allowing open communication where nothing can be hidden and people can beware.

Stay vigilant my friends....

Happy Fathers Day

What's That Smell ??? Is it Sewage Management ???

Local watchdog NHBSM checking out the sewer system

That smell around town might be more than just the various sewer treatment plants around town , it might be Jeffersonville's sewer management dept. as well. Residents served by the Jeffersonville sewer dept.(wastewater) having been paying for years on the EPA mandate and yet the city is no closer to fulfilling the requirements of the EPA than they were years ago when they first started supposedly paying for it. Supposedly the money isn't there to put in the line to allow the sewer system to be in compliance.

  Just what is the problem ?? Well according to a contractor doing some of the sewer work for the city the dept. is woefully mismanaged. Work and planning normally and should have been done by the dept. is at times laid off on the contractors therefore increasing costs. There have been controversies in the past about the brand new city vehicles driven by wastewater management, relatives being hired and there was a recent lawsuit where the plaintiffs won damages because of alleged sewer dept. negligence and improper actions.

The Sewer dept. does have one good thing going for it ...the billing dept. where the nice ladies do a great job receiving and checking our bills with a smile even when listening to complaining customers. Jeffersonville might takes some tips from OPCD (Oak Park Conservancy District) which maintains a sewage plant right among a nice neighborhood in a residential area without the issues with odors that Jeff has.

Or another suggestion instead of putting the names of those falling behind their bills in the newspaper, maybe putting the names of management who aren't doing their jobs, and where the hell did all the money go that was supposed to satisfy the EPA.....

Breaking..... BatBlog Exclusive - Rick Stephenson Won't Run for Mayor of Jeffersonville

UPDATE ******* Rick Stephenson Jeffersonville Mayoral Candidacy*****************

In case anyone missed it Clark Co. Commissioner Rick Stephenson has left the following message on the recent post about his candidacy for the 2015 Jeffersonville Mayoral Race. The BatBlog thanks Rick for responding .....
*********************************************************************************************************************

I know people want me to put this rumor to rest. Let me say I am flattered by all the people asking me to run for mayor.
I gave my word to the citizens of Clark County that I would hold this job for 4 years. I will continue my work as county commissioner representing the first district which includes Jeffersonville.

Great strides have been made in the last 18 months to improve Clark County Government. There is still a lot of things that need to be changed and I can not that if I am not commissioner.

Once again thanks for the confidence in me. I promise I will continue to work for all people in Clark County, As always if you need my help call me (502) 468-9325

Thanks your public servant
Rick

What Happened to the TrackRat ???

Just noticed that the TrackRat's account was closed on the Clark County Chatter. I always enjoyed TR's comments which are most of the time  right on and usually with a little bit of sarcasm added....I realize sarcasm isn't much tolerated on the CCC but just wondering what happened to the ole TrackRat. I know he checks in from time to time...care to comment TR ???  or send me an e-mail...just wondering about you...

Paying Rent on Your Own Property....

The new Allison Brooke Park at the corner of Allison Ln. and Middle Rd. features a community garden feature for area residents to plant gardens on. A nice feature we think , the only problem is the City charging $25.00 rental fee for a small 4 x 8 plot. The citizens of Jeff have already paid for this land with their tax dollars and now they are required to pay rent to use it. The rental agreement also includes about 50 rules and regulations including the renter being responsible for keeping the insects out....Good luck with that one...

 Here's a grand idea ...since the City wasted thousands of tax dollars overpaying for what was once a useless  swamped property in the flood plain,  how about letting the owners (taxpayers) use THEIR LAND for free to plant their gardens, after all it was their hard earned money that payed for it in the first place...

The Hypocrisy of Politics and Politicians...

   Clark Co. Commissioner "Toxic" John Perkins once again  proved why he is so reviled by local voters.
In an attempt we suppose to try to prove his concern about the Clark Co. budget problems Perkins hired an attorney to look into  possibly suing River Ridge over excess funds Perkins thinks might be due to the county.  The only thing is less than a week later, Perkins voted to retain his girlfriend as the insurance agent of record for Clark Co., which would have cost the county $66,000 more. Which included commission fees for his girlfriend 4 times the industry standard.

 Sorry John but you can't have it both ways, on one hand being concerned a citizen who is looking on his own to help the  county budget crunch, but on the other hand wanting to line your girlfriend's pocket with excessive commission's at the County's expense.....How do you spell hypocrite ??? In Clark Co. it looks like P-E-R-K-I-N-S

The BatBlog has obtained a copy of an interview where Perkins explains why he is a Democrat....Considering the circumstances recently his answer is simply..... amazing

D-Day ...June 6, 1944....Let Us Never Forget

 

Seventy years ago today the largest invasion force in the history of the world was assembled to begin the  liberation of France and the rest of Europe from Nazi Germany's control. More than 130,000 troops were involved and by the end of the day more than 10,000 were either killed, wounded or captured. Imagine the bravery of those men who attacked a hunkered down, dug in, well armed German army. Those men knew in attacking those beaches that many lives, possibly their own would be lost. This is bravery that is hard to even comprehend....We should be proud, grateful but most of all we should never forget those brave men many of who gave their lives so that we can live free....

Gambling Ring Gets Probation...Haven't the Feds and Cops got Better Things To Do...

The BatBlog was glad to see that a local gambling ring, though convicted, received no jail time and was sentenced to mostly probation and fines recently....for the N/T story... CLICK HERE

  It took the concerted effort of 7 agencies. 2  federal (FBI, IRS) 1 state (Indiana Gaming Commission) and 4 local police departments (New Albany, Jeff, Sellersburg and Floyd Co. sheriff) to take these guys out of the heinous crimes of taking a bet...That's right 7 different agencies

spending untold probably hundreds of thousands of dollars just to stop these dudes from taking bets. Yet in Indiana we have what 7 or 8 casinos, or you can gamble at just about every convenience store (lotto, scratch offs). We have bingo parlors, horse racing and even the local churches get in the act with bingos, showdown poker, and chuck-a-luck at their summer picnics. Not to mention internet gambling, fantasy football, and Friday night poker games...

 

You would think federal, state, and local authorities would have better things to do than worry about people making and taking bets. After all who isn't in some form of gambling business, hell investing in the stock market is a form of gambling. Can you imagine the tax money that could be saved if our policing agencies would concentrate their efforts away from the victimless crimes like gambling and drug usage. Does anyone actually think that this recent bust actually decreased illegal gambling,  the state itself perpetuates gambling with its own lotto department, and anyone at anytime can make a bet legally or illegally...

 Jeffersonville own history is built on gambling and some of it's most respected citizen's in days past were gamblers. Duley Perrin made a fortune which he shared generously through gambling. Perrin was as well respected citizen as any one person in the City of Jeffersonville's past or present history.

Gambling is always going to be here both legal and illegal so come on leave these people alone. Go out and catch the real bad guys....gotta run I need to call my bookie and get a bet down on the feature race at the Downs....



.

More Rumors ...How About it Rick ???

In case anyone missed it Anonymous heard and posted a rumor that current Clark County Commissioner (R) Rick Stephenson was considering running for mayor of Jeffersonville. How about it Rick ?? We are aware you check in on the BatBlog from time to time... How about giving us a scoop and announce your intentions on the "award winning" BatBlog ...

 If this is true this would be great news, the BatBlog has heard nothing but good to great about Rick's performance so far as Co. Commissioner  and we concur. Rick has been a no nonsense,  find a solution to problems, hands on public servant. So far his office has an openness and transparency that is very rare in Clark Co. politics. He has an open question and answer thread on the Clark County Chatter where he is prompt and courteous in answering any question or comment.

Rick Stephenson would be a very formidable opponent and a great asset to the  mayoral race....

How about Rick ???  Care to make a statement, or confirm or deny the rumor ...Inquiring minds would like to know ....

Anyone Else Heard This Rumor About John Perkins ???

From an anonymous poster....

Anonymous said...

Rumor has it that Perkins will back in another County office next year. If a certain democrat wins one of the offices being contested in November, word is that the democrat will step aside early in the term after taking office and the powers controlling the democrat party will appoint Perkins to assume the office, basically the same way he was appointed county commissioner.

Surely this is just a ridiculous rumor....Anybody else heard this ??  What office ?? Do you have anymore

information Anon?  I can't believe the Dem. party would be foolish enough to appoint "Toxic John" anything again, the man is a pariah to voters. Hell he hasn't won an election in 25 years and the only thing he's ever been elected to is a city council seat. If it's true I'm done with the Dem. party in Clark Co. and so will a lot of others....

Will the Big Four Bridge and Downtown Revitalization Get Mike Moore Reelected ???

  So far , so good in the revitalization of downtown Jeffersonville. The Big Four Bridge opening has created a noticeable increase in pedestrian traffic  which is a welcome sight for the new and existing businesses in the downtown district. The new walking bridge is bringing people from both the Kentucky side and local residents to the area. Plus the Big Four has created a lot of buzz and publicity and is something unique to draw upon.

 For mayor Mike Moore the timing is perfect and this has to be a big boon to his re-election chances in 2015. Voters like to see positive changes and progress and this definitely fits the description. Moore has had some bad personal publicity, as well as some well publicized differences and personal battles with members of Jeff's City Council which has tarnished his image a little.  This recent upswing of  downtown though, might offset earlier mistakes made by the mayor. The the walking bridge was planned well before Moore took office, but he may reap the benefits politically of it's opening regardless of who had the original idea.

 Moore needs to expedite the construction of the new park at the foot of the landing so as to have a shiny, new example of progress as well as a perfect setting to announce his 2015 reelection campaign. The bridge that has brought several new businesses, the new police station, the planned new marina and fishing pier on the riverfront are all good things Moore can hang his hat on in his bid for reelection.

The only major announced candidate so far for the mayoral position  is Dem. City Councilman Dennis Julius whose campaign announced early on has generated very little excitement as of yet. Julius will have to attempt to distance himself from his business ties and monies made by the controversial 10th St. landscaping debacle that his company was contracted by the  city to do.

Moore has his critics led by Jeffersonville's version of Grumpy Old Men (Mike Hutt and Kruger) or as they are known  "Moan"  and "Groan", but nobody pays any attention to those sad, bitter. old men...The way it appears know Moore is in the drivers seat for reelection in 2015....

The Scales of Justice ....Equal Justice ???

Two recent tragic cases in our local court systems one in New Albany (Floyd Co.) the other in Jeffersonville (Clark Co.) seem to show the disparity in how justice is meted out. First of all the BatBlog doesn't know all the details or have inside information on either case, but inequities do seem to appear. The first case in N.A. where a girl who was riding in the car that fire bombed a N.A. residence resulting in the tragic death of 3 children received a 20 year sentence ...the story CLICK HERE....

 The other case in Jeffersonville where the defendant allegedly drove a golf cart while intoxicated, and crashed that resulted in the death of his friend and the alleged driver received only probation....the story CLICK HERE.

The BatBlog realizes that one case was accidental (Jeff case) while the other (New Albany) was an intentional act but there was no proof the girl in the N.A. case was nothing more than a passenger, and not a willing participant. 20 years seems like an over the top , harsh sentence especially when the girl was only 18 years old.

In the Jeff case it appears there was conflicting testimony on who actually was driving the vehicle and the case was plea bargained down to a misdemeanor. It seems like too light of a sentence in our opinion considering there was a loss of life involved.Our justice and legal system while good, isn't perfect or sometimes doesn't even seem fair Justice isn't always equally handed down and these cases are a glaring examples....

***note to view blocked content of News/Tribune  CLICK HERE and then type in newsandtribune.com
and hit surf....