No Halloween Candy this Year ??? City Council / Parks Dept. Can't Manage the Event

 Unfortunately for Jeffersonville the same idiots that make up the city council run the Parks authority as well. In their infinite wisdom <add sarcasm> they have decided the annual Halloween candy give away downtown should be eliminated. Their reasoning came from I assume the chief idiot in charge Ed Z., who opined the combination of an influx of more people from the walking bridge, dim lit streets, cars speeding down Court Ave., traffic, adults and teenagers wanting candy has made the event unmanageable.

 Geez Uncle Ed, ever thought of applying certain rules to the event, I mean this isn't rocket science. Simple solutions... have an age limit (12) for candy, have the event before dark, cordon off Spring St.to eliminate the danger of traffic.

Uncle Ed

I mean this isn't too difficult ...have a police presence maybe even provide them with a booth to hand out candy as well. Post the regulations in writing in the newspaper before the event and physically on the streets downtown, We do have a police dept. Uncle Ed , for those alleged speeders on Court Ave.

 You can see what we are up against here in Jeff, the same people responsible for millions of dollars of financial decisions for the City, can't even manage a Halloween candy give away event. Actually the BatBlog seriously doubts a huge influx of kids from the walking bridge are going to tromp 3 miles for a handful of candy to begin with and a police presence should insure that rules and regulations are strictly adhered to. This is a no brainer...

 Seriously Uncle Ed ,what's next canceling Christmas because of the Big Four walking bridge ???


********************************UPDATE******************************************************
This just in, it is rumored to be under discussion that the Parks Auth. will consider canceling the Jeff Christmas program and the annual children'e Easter egg hunt due to the increased traffic of the Big Four bridge. ***********************************************************************************************

Expect More Excuses.....The Riverfront Marina Project

 

Well wonder what new excuses will we get next week from the stooges on the Jeff city council. The vote is coming up on the new riverfront marina project of replacing the old docks and making the riverfront much more aesthetically pleasing. The project is already being scaled down minus the fishing wharf which is a shame because the fishing wharf was an exciting , unique idea that should have been incorporated regardless of the extra cost.

   At yesterday's redevelopment meeting you could see the mental grousing from the usual suspects (stooges) as they heard the details of the new plans. Several are already complaining about the scope and even the engineers of the project. One can expect probably some sort of delay funding the project much like they did the 10th St. hotel project in their continual feud with mayor Mike Moore. This council no matter how trivial their concerns like to hold up projects to see the mayor sweat and get their $0.02 in , which is about what their ideas are worth(2 cents.)

 It was only after public pressure that some of the stooges (council) put aside their political grudges to allow

the hotel project to go forward. Hopefully they won't stall and hold up this project as well as this part of the riverfront is a real eyesore. Council president Dennis Julius the one concerned about the engineering staff's experience wanted someone else "eyes" to look at this project. It's a shame we can't hire "someone else" too, like another city's  city council one with the intelligence and know how to do  fiscal planning and budgeting....without playing childish political games...

RIP

Clark County Prosecutor

  Election day 2014 is a little more than two months away. We here in Clark Co. will be making important decisions in key law enforcement and judicial positions. One of the most important of these positions is the county prosecutor, where current Deputy prosecutor Jeremy Mull (R) faces Jeffersonville attorney Robert Bottoroff (D).  GAW (Goliath and Wimmens News) has posted Mr. Bottoroff's ideas on the prosecutors position. In turn the BatBlog would like to talk about Mr. Mull's candidacy with an opening statement by current Clark Co. Commissioner Rick Stephenson and Jeremy's own words on his candidacy.

Jeremy Mull has an impressive combination of resume', background, and experience prosecuting most of the key cases the last several years here in Clark Co. Mr. Mull details his upbringing, education, experience below and in his website which which we encourage everyone to check out at :Jeremy Mull for Prosecutor    The BatBlog also would like to encourage you to vote for Jeremy Mull this fall. We feel he is the most qualified, most experienced and along with his hard work and integrity has earned the respect and confidence of the people of Clark Co. to be their next County Prosecutor... Vote for Jeremy Mull

Clark Co. Commissioner Rick Stephenson on Jeremy Mull :

Since meeting Jeremy almost two years ago I have come to consider him a friend. My first impression of him was of his unobtrusive manner. He is not out there trying to grab every bit of face time his position offers. To the contrary he tries to avoid being the center of attention. His way is not to be a flamboyant socially acceptance hound as so many are, IMO the most flashy thing he has is his Corvette.

We have seen many articles about the qualifications of his opponent and little said about Jeremy's. I would like to let everyone know about this man that I am proud to call my friend.

This is taken from his website and says more of this man's commitment to justice than I ever could. His commitment to justice is not just local but worldwide as you will see, The self sacrifice of not only his time, but his personal safety shows his dedication to bringing justice to the world.

Thanks to my good parents, I had the opportunity to grow up on a chicken and cattle farm with my brother and sister, helping raise forty-thousand chickens and a herd of beef cattle, and putting up square-bale hay in the summers. I was able to grow up fishing, learning to shoot with BB guns, slingshots, a bow and arrow, and riding  horses, motorcycles, and go-karts.  I worked almost full-time throughout high school, starting out working at a wood factory in the summers, then carrying out groceries, stocking shelves, and unloading semi-trucks after school until I graduated. I graduated from Eastern High School as Valedictorian in 1992. I attended college at Indiana University Southeast, while also working forty to fifty hours per week guarding furniture factories, hospitals, and industrial facilities for Pinkerton Security and its successors. I graduated with a B.A. in Psychology, and was named "Outstanding Student in Psychology" and "Outstanding Public Speaker."  I obtained my Juris Doctorate from Indiana School of Law, Bloomington, where I was one of the few students to start and successfully complete the "Accelerated Law Program," obtaining my law degree in two years instead of the customary three. 

I interned in the Clark County Prosecutor's Office in 1998, became a Clark County Deputy Prosecutor in 1999, and worked in that capacity until 2006. During that time, I prosecuted thousands of drug cases, including many high-level dealing cases,  complex conspiracy cases, and homicide cases. From 2006 until 2008, I served as the Chief Legal Advisor to the Police Peacekeeping Mission in Sudan, and then as Police-Prosecutor Coordinator in Afghanistan, on behalf of the U.S. Department of State, International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Division.  In 2008, I was requested by Clark County Prosecutor Steve Stewart to accept the position of Chief Deputy Prosecutor in Clark County, and, after accepting, have served in that capacity ever since.  I have been an Adjunct Professor of Criminal Justice at Indiana University Southeast since 2001, teaching criminology, criminal law, and criminal procedure classes during evening hours to hundreds of students working towards a career in law enforcement. I currently instruct local police officers on Indiana criminal laws and procedures, both in an academy setting and via presentation of legal updates. I have taught prosecutors across the state for the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council on prosecuting Habitual Offenders. I have also trained United States Law Enforcement Professionals who are deploying to Afghanistan with the United States Military on Afghan law and police/prosecutor procedures on behalf of the United States Department of Defense. This training is used to assist the Afghans identify, arrest, and successfully prosecute terrorists, insurgents, and other serious criminals.

​I have received extensive training in law enforcement and prosecutorial subjects. I am a graduate of the U.S. Secret Service course in Hoover, Alabama on Forensic Computer Analysis and Presentation in Court, and their course on Forensic Mobile Device Examination and Cellular Networks. In addition, I graduated from the U.S. Attorney's Office course on Investigation of Computer Crimes at the Plainfield Police Academy. This type of training is essential for a competent prosecutor, as most murder and many sexual assault cases in today's era necessarily involve forensic electronic device analysis and a thorough understanding of the technology and legal requirements for admissibility in court. 

I also graduated from the National District Attorneys Association course on Arson and Explosives Investigation and Prosecution, and the Advanced Trial Advocacy course, both in Columbia, South Carolina. I further graduated from courses on the Use and Management of Confidential Informants (essential to successfully eradicating narcotics trafficking),  the U.S. Bureau of Justice Assistance Methamphetamine Investigation Course, PowerPoint for Law Enforcement (for criminal jury trial presentations), Michigan State University's Criminal Intelligence Course (for identifying and taking down criminal networks), and courses on field-testing drugs, investigating animal cruelty cases, and prosecuting child molesting cases. I graduated from the Northeast Counterdrug Training Center and Indiana State Police Top Gun Undercover Drug Investigation Course, and have returned as an instructor in all subsequent Indiana courses. I also completed the World Bank's Financial Crimes and Corruption Investigation Course. These are just a few examples of the extensive training that I have worked hard to obtain over the course of my career so that I can be the most knowledgeable, competent, and capable prosecutor possible. 

I have obtained convictions in thousands of criminal cases, and successfully conducted dozens of jury trials in Clark County, including murder, attempted murder, arson, child molesting, bank robbery, battery, drug dealing, residential burglary, and theft cases.

I understand that over 90% of all crime in Clark County is related to drug use. For families of the drug-addicted, this can be a heartbreaking process of seeing a loved one move towards self-destruction and harmful behaviors. For crime victims, drug-fueled crimes can lead to death, injury, medical bills, property-loss, increased homeowners premiums because of break-ins, and a loss of the sense of security. In response to this, I was a founding member of the Clark County Drug Court Program, which seeks to put some low-risk drug-addicted offenders into intensive treatment and court monitoring programs, and has been proven to greatly reduce recidivism and help graduates live productive, law-abiding lives. I continue to believe that mandatory treatment should be required of all criminals who have a drug problem. However, for those individuals who sell drugs and, in effect, facilitate the crimes in our community, I firmly believe that lengthy prison sentences are the most effective way to rehabilitate them. If elected, I will use all of my experience, training, and resources to attack the supply of illegal drugs in our community to reduce crime and to reduce the heartache of family members of those persons affected most. 

I live in Clark County. I care deeply about keeping our community safe for the sake of my loved ones and yours.

Political Dirty Behavior ....Legal but Unethical ???

   Former Clark Co. attorney for outgoing Co. Commissioners Greg Fifer (Curmugdeon) recently posted in the "Jeremy Mull For Prosecutor" thread on the Clark County Chatter and GAW about how we Clark Countians need to "clean house" at the prosecutor's office citing a case where an admitted sex offender plea bargained a deal for three years probation and no jail time by the Clark Co. prosecutor's office. Mr. Fifer went on to cite this as a "outrageous sweetheart deal" . While the BatBlog agrees this plea does seem rather lenient, this appears to be a thinly veiled attempt to cast aspersions at Rep. candidate and current Deputy Prosecutor Jeremy Mull's candidacy. What Mr. Fifer conveniently omitted from both posts is that Mr. Mull did NOT even prosecute this case. When the BatBlog reminded Mr. Fifer that there were a couple of alleged seemingly  "sweetheart deals" during Mr. Fifer's tenure as Co. attorney and this appears to be a case of the pot calling the kettle black,  he went all ballistic calling BatBlog representative HT a "cowardly liar."

   While BatBlog couldn't give a rat's Ass about what Mr. Fifer thinks about HT (he's been called worse by much better men than Mr. Fifer.) The BatBlog would like their readers to weigh in on Mr. Fifer's remarks concerning Mr. Mull and some of the alleged  "sweetheart deals" he himself may or may not have brokered during his tenure as attorney for the Co. commissioners. For those who may or may not be aware one of the alleged "sweetheart deals" one was discussed quite extensively on the Clark County Chatter Oh Ed Meyer , Really ?? with quite a bit of commentary by Mr. Fifer himself...Make up your own minds Legal but unethical a "sweetheart deal" ???

   Of course Mr. Fifer though he resides in Floyd Co.and Mr. Bottorff works in Mr. Fifers firm is certainly entitled to his opinion and support any candidate of his choice and the Dem. candidate Robert Bottorff seems to be a fine, respected man and worthy opponent and did an excellent job as local Democratic chair. He certainly doesn't need dirty political insinuations and accusations to further his candidacy.

Special thanks to current Co. Commissioner Rick Stephenson for pointing out Mr. Mull didn't even prosecute the  a fore mentioned child molestation case to the Clark County Chatter readers. A lot of our local politics, supporters and politicians rely upon the lack of knowledge and unawareness of the electorate...

Stay vigilant and aware my friends....

Iraq ? Afghanistan ? Gaza ? ...Nope It's Ferguson Mo. in the Good Ole USA

The Stooges Change Their Mind

They either realized how stupid they looked and sounded or bent to public pressure but the stooges on the Jeff City Council flipped and allowed the rezoning that will make the  the 10th St. hotel project reality. After running out of lame excuses ...waiting on sewer plans, don't like fast food restaurants, too much traffic they could stall no longer. Especially when the consensus of the public was this was a good and much needed project.

 This isn't the first or the last idiotic move or statements by some of the simpletons on the council . The Public just has too remind them at times how stupid some of their decisions are and because they have the collective backbone of a jellyfish a lot of times they will back away or flip flop on their original stance. It's just a shame some of these morons were ever elected and we have to remind them to quit their political posturing and do the right thing.... They must take political advice from fellow idiot NHBSM...

Dick Jones....A True Public Servant

 With all the news lately of the arrests and embarrassing behavior of elected officials, it's refreshing to report a nice, positive story about the retirement of Dick Jones. After many years of outstanding service at various positions of City and County government Mr. Jones has decided to step aside.

 While some of the whacko conspiracy theorists like NHBSM  (Not Honest But Simple Mike) believe it is a political move to allow the appointment of Lincoln Crum to Mr.Jones' Recorder position thus giving Mr. Crum an advantage in the fall election. The BatBlog believes whatever Mr. Jones' reasoning for stepping aside he deserves a profound thank you and appreciation from Jeffersonville and Clark Co. residents for his years of service serving the communities.

 Mr. Jones has been the epitome of good behavior and character that we expect but rarely receive from our elected , public officials. Whatever he decides to do in the future...The BatBlog says "Thank You" and "Good Luck" to a true Public Servant....Dick Jones

Nilsson....Weekend Music Club

Updates on Earlier Stories...Perkins, Rodden and MAC

 

 Noticed that school board member Teresa Perkins  pleaded not guilty to the charges against her in Tennessee and her court date will be in November. While Ms. Perkins is entitled to her day in court she should have taken a leave of absence from her duties on the GCC school board until things are settled one way or another. It is embarrassing and  poor judgement on Ms. Perkins part to act like nothing's happened. By reports there appears to be substantial video evidence of Ms. Perkin's guilt and neither her or her attorney has stated the charges are not true or their intention of fighting such charges. The BatBlog's guess is a plea bargain is in the works, and if Perkins does plead guilty to lesser charges she has even further tainted her reputation and character by not resigning immediately after her arrest....

   Look for another plea agreement in the Danny Rodden case. Once again neither Rodden or his attorney has made any indication of the falseness of the charges or indication of fighting the charges. His attorney stated Rodden was "disappointed with himself" which sounds like a guilty man to the BatBlog.

  While both parties in the above cases are entitled to a plea bargain in their respective cases, the BatBlog feels some sort of punishment is deserved in both cases. It will send a bad message and further build resentment and distrust of the political and judicial system if they both get only probation in their cases. Public humiliation and the ruination of there name and legacy isn't enough. If you do the crime , you pay the time...

While the BatBlog wishes Pat Barrow and the homeowners Good Luck with their lawsuit against MAC construction and the asphalt plant. Don't expect much help from  Judge Jerry Jacobi the BatBlog feels he'll never rule against the City of Jeffersonville who is a co-defendant with MAC ...too many political connections and politics involved. If ever a case needed a change of venue and a jury trial , this one does...

RIP - Robin Williams and Lauren Bacall

 I have to say a few words about Robin Williams. Such a talented man with such diversity as an actor and comedian. Played serious roles as well as comedy equally well , and characters that entertained kids as well as the old. Obviously fought personal demons that shows fame and fortune don't  mean anything in the grand scheme of things.....The tears of a clown come to mind..... may he rest in peace

Local Democrat Party....Entitlement and Abuse of Power

  The last couple of years have made it hard to be a Democrat here locally in Clark Co. Scandals, allegations of abuse of power, and poor decisions by local leaders have made a lot of rank and file Dem.s hang their heads in disbelief and shame.

   The entitlement and abuse run the gamut from the allegations of special favors to family members of a former Co. Commissioner  to the alleged abuse of power of a drug court program by a Dem. judge. They continued with a Dem. candidate for sheriff promising a job to a financial supporter and not reporting or filing the appropriate papers required of a candidate. We also had the local Dem. caucus making the poor decisions of appointing "Toxic " John Perkins as Commissioner knowing full well "Toxic" John couldn't be elected dog catcher in Clark Co. The caucus followed one bad decision with another by electing washed up, old Tom Galligan as party chairmen knowing as well that at best Galligan is polarizing. Finally if that isn't enough we has the arrests and disgrace of two prominent Dem.s Teresa Perkins and sheriff Danny Rodden in the last month or so....

  Added all up quite a black eye for local Democrats, but in one respect I'm not totally surprised either. For too many years I've seen the entitlement and arrogance come through on local elected Dem. officials especially those who have been in office for a while. Many forget and ignore those who elected them for their self serving personal agenda and egos... It has allowed Republican's who years ago didn't have a prayer come election time to make huge inroads and become a force , it's not a given for Dem.'s anymore.

 It really bothers me as a lifelong Dem.as I have always believed in the principles, policies and agenda of the Dem. party, but here locally a lot of the local Dem.'s haven't lived up to these principles. The way it stands now I wouldn't recommend to a young person to get involved with local Dem. party...  And that's sad.

Still Waiting.....Drug Court Answers

What's going on ???  Summer is nearly over and still no word on the Drug Court investigation by the special prosecutor appointed to look into the alleged crimes committed involving the civil rights of the Drug court participants. Two employees were fired and it's been nearly a year since the alleged crimes were supposedly committed.

 The BatBlog predicted early on that eventually no charges would be filed in this case and for two obvious reasons. 1.)  If criminal charges are filed against the two fired employees, the whole operation (drug court) would be open to scrutiny, investigation and findings of possible corruption in a court of law...and you can bet your ass in court the two employees dismissed and possibly charged are going to come out swinging, naming names and pointing fingers. And one big finger will point directly at sitting Judge Jerry Jacobi the judge formerly overseeing the drug court... While the way we understand it Jacobi is protected by immunity from prosecution, that doesn't mean his name, reputation and legacy can't be dragged through the mud  during trial testimony and the whole operation laid open.

 Furthermore if this goes to court and the 2 employees were found not guilty because they were just apparently following orders of Judge Jacobi. You can bet your ass again there will be civil suits filed quickly on the employee's behalf for wrongful dismissal, character defamation, etc., etc. and that's the last thing Clark Co. needs is more civil lawsuits in the face of the class action suits already filed in behalf of several DC participants in federal court.

 2.) Any court action involving any improper actions by employees will only fuel what is already looks like  a solid case in behalf of the DC participants and can only add to what will be most likely be significant monetary awards. Then when you throw in an election coming up and wanting to avoid any more undue bad publicity, you can see the dilemma facing out going prosecutor Steve Stewart. No matter which way he turns it's lose, lose...he's in damage control..

Expect no news until after the Nov. election and then it will be minimal with the guess of the BatBlog being NO CHARGES FILED (remember you heard it here first)....it may not be justice but it's whats best for the reputation of some Clark Co. politicians and save the county a lot of money in court....What's more important justice or reputations and money ???  You decide....it looks like the prosecutor has already decided by his non-actions...

Bird Brain....Crow Einstein

I'm Surprised...The New Downtown

 

Bourbon St.

Must say I was wrong about the Big Four pedestrian bridge, actually shocked. I never imagined the foot traffic and patrons it would produce for downtown Jeffersonville. It's extraordinary to see bustling traffic in the downtown area in the evening. Young and old ...joggers and strollers, some stopping at the restaurants and eateries others just walking through downtown. I always imagined most walkers would just turn around and head back to Louisville...it has been a pleasant surprise....

 Now is the time for Jeff officials to take advantage of this attraction...Actively recruit bar and nightclub owners, live music is needed to compliment the new eating establishments and microbreweries. What's also would be nice is a little more diversity to attract the young and old.... Bars, pool halls, tattoo parlors, different types of music establishments. antique and crafts shops... the ideas are limitless. How about our own little Bourbon St. (New Orleans) or Beale St. (Memphis)...

Beale St.

The people are coming and now is the time to make them want to come back. The new marina and riverfront are in the works it's an exciting time and the opportunities are ripe to take advantage of ...City leaders need to work together and make this happen, the Jeff City council needs to get off it's collective asses and approve the downtown (Hwy.62) hotel project. With it being walking distance to a new vibrant downtown area this is a win , win situation...City officials the ball is in your court....what you gonna do with it ???



*** note***  Tried most of the new eating establishments downtown, highly recommend the new Red Yeti and of course the old faithful Come Back Inn...

Goliath and Pesty Ver. 2's Poll...It Doesn't Look Good for The Democrats

Noticing Goliath's Poll on the local elections on FaceBook... it doesn't look good for local Democrat's this fall. While the poll is hardly scientific and Goliath will be the first one to admit  it, I believe it gives an honest look at the races if you read between the lines...Goliath being a Dem. and running in Dem. circles you have to believe there is a slight Dem. bias in the polls.

Even with the Dem. bias four GOP candidates are looking strong Jeremy Mull- prosecutor,  Zach Payne -recorder, Bryan Glover- commissioner, Brad Jacobs- judge..

The Dem.'s have a couple of shoo ins with Joe Weber -judge and Susan Popp-  Clerk and the polls reflect that quite accurately I believe...

I think the poll shows it's most Dem. bias in the Auditor's race where I think Perry McCall should and will win but not the margin the polls show...

I think the poll is pretty accurate with the closeness of the sheriff's race....I think the sheriff's race will be a dog fight with Brian Meyer being hurt by the recent Danny Rodden affair...I think Noel or Spainhour either one could win ...Finally I hope the poll in Assessor's race is wrong  Kent-Haire has a lot of experience as a public figure but Martina "Tina" Webster has the qualifications, training and energy to be a great County Assessor...she is young and determined but does have her work cut out for her against the long time name in Clark Co. politics..

Interesting results thanks Goliath for putting  up the poll and results....The BatBlog will have it's own Poll (which has been pretty accurate in the past) as we get closer to election time ....Be Sure To Vote....

Excuses, Excuses, Excuses.....

   In the aftermath of the Danny Rodden affair the apologists for Mr. Rodden continue to use their state of denial to try and minimize the gravity to the point of almost trying to validate his crimes. The excuses run the gamut  from political conspiracy theories to it's just normal for peace officers to be offered sexual favors, to he's a nice guy, to these aren't serious crimes why are the feds involved. It's commendable I guess for Mr. Rodden's friends to attempt to make Mr. Rodden the victim here, but it's hardly the kind of message we need to send to our future and current political candidates and leaders. It also isn't the message that needs to be sent to Mr. Rodden, minimizing his actions and the seriousness of the events.

 When you seek and take the oath of office as important as Co. sheriff you now represent all the citizens of that county. You are expected and rightfully so to be above  board and held to a higher standard, to uphold the law and protect the citizens who entrusted you with your position. The bigger picture that the apologist's either don't accept or don't understand is that it's not about the crime itself. In the grand scheme of things and if true visiting a prostitute  and providing her with special privileges is minor. Lying and attempting to destroy evidence is more serious because of his position, but the biggest injustice is betraying the trust and higher standard the citizens of Clark Co. expected of him. This doesn't mean his friends, citizens and family shouldn't forgive him, just don't trivialize and make excuses for the wrong that has been done here.

   While he is certainly dues his day in court Mr. Rodden has all the appearances of a guilty ,shamed man demonstrated by comments made by his attorney.  He would do all the citizens of Clark Co. a huge favor by stepping aside now. There is nothing to be gained by prolonging what few days are left in his term, other than put the county under more ridicule...