To Protect and Serve or Harass ???... A True Story

 

This is a true story it was related to the BatBlog by a third party and investigated and confirmed by the BatBlog to be true and the victim  credible. No names will be used other than the judge involved...the victim wishes to remain anonymous.

 Approximately 3 weeks ago the lady involved was headed home, she lives in an outer area of Clark Co.  She is middle aged around 53-59, it was in the evening approximately 9-9:30 pm. Out of the blue she was pulled over by 2 Clark Co. sheriff's deputies, one pulling in front of her the other pulled along side. The officers got out and the lady asked what was wrong ??? The one officer said her car wove toward the center line of the road she was travelling. The officers asked if he could search her car and she consented...the officers proceeded to search her vehicle... finding nothing. They then asked permission to search her purse and again she consented.

 The woman has several chronic medical issues for which she receives prescription medications. The officers found 2 prescription bottles of medication both with the prescribed medicines in them. They also found at the bottom of her purse several (3 or 4) loose pills which were the same as in the prescribed bottles. The pills (her medication) were both a narcotic (controlled substance.) The officers proceeded to handcuff the lady and arrest her for 2 counts of possession of a controlled substance for the loose medication. She was taken to the Clark Co. jail and was there for about 5 hours until a family member posted her bail.

 Technically I suppose the  arresting officers were legal with their actions. As the BatBlog understands Indiana law a controlled substance has to be in the original bottle with the prescription , hopefully some of our legal readers can weigh in on this if I'm incorrect... But Come On !!! 3 loose pills !!! This lady is very mild mannered and naive...she was terrified, she had never been arrested and never had so much as a parking ticket let alone be in jail...

Now it gets even better...she is given a court date, presuming she did nothing wrong she goes to her doctors who verify the prescription medications with documentation for the court. She doesn't hire an attorney because 1.) she can't afford one 2.) She feels she has done nothing wrong...

She went to court this past week in front of judge Joe Weber, after explaining the situation to judge Weber. Weber says there appears to be no probable cause and is leaning to dismiss the case...BUT wait a minute the prosecutor objects he says the arresting officers (who are not present) should be here to explain IF there was probable cause... Judge Weber now changes his mind and issues another court date (a month later) for the arresting officers to attend....

This case just blows the BatBlog's mind for  several reasons...First while technically unknowingly this lady I assume broke the law. But come on she was scared, cooperated completely and it seems here a citation was more proper IF that was an option ( maybe some legal mind can clear that up)...Second while peace officers have a tough job surely they could tell this wasn't a bad guy come on a little old lady really...

Finally all we hear about is how  the Clark Co. courts are jammed full overloaded with cases...No wonder if this is a normal circumstance...Why couldn't the prosecutor just allow this case to be dismissed ?? There are enough bad guys out there to hassle....let's leave honest citizens alone...

 Ignorance of the law is no excuse but this lady is out of her medication (held by the court) until the case is settled, out $200.00 for impounding fees for her automobile. A lesson learned I guess one could assume, but if this was truly the only option these officers had then the law needs to be changed. A citation would be more appropriate and with the proper documentation this case should have been dismissed...Yes the system let a good, honest citizen down and failed to "Protect and Serve" only harassed...

Moratorium....A Slippery Slope

A proposed 6 month moratorium on  automobile related businesses being allowed to open in Jeffersonville's 10th St. corridor was brought to the Jeffersonville City council last night. The "moratorium" ( supported by Mayor Mike Moore) in the BatBlog's opinion creates a slippery slope that we don't believe the city should be going down.

   While the revitalization of 10th St. is an important project that needs to be well planned, the BatBlog has a problem with government overextending it's power and control over private business. While the proposal is intended to last only 6 months it still sends out mixed messages to businesses and developers wishing to locate in Jeffersonville.  A free open market is important to investors, there are already enough government regulations, taxes etc. concerning business operations, more intrusion  and city leaders deciding  where and what kind of business is allowed, is not acceptable... and will ultimately scare potential businesses away.

  The City has had this restoration of 10th St. in planning for several years now and should have already  had any zoning restrictions, amendments settled beforehand.  This last minute moratorium isn't a good idea and congratulations to Callie Jahn (R) and Nathan Samuel (D) for realizing this and voting NO on the 1st reading. The vote was 6-2  in favor with Moe Zastawny absent...

 You have to wonder where the true Republicans were on this vote ( isn't the GOP for LESS government) ...Gill , LapDog , Maples, and Webb voted YES....

Dirty Politics ... a Q or G

   Looks like another case of dirty politics has risen it's ugly head here in Jeffersonville/Clark Co. According to a News/Tribune article  CLICK HERE, that in a court proceeding Josh Rodriquez is wondering why, how and which records his opponent Steve Webb obtained while filing a complaint that Mr. Rodriquez intentionally used his wrong name when filing for the Jeff City council at large bid.

 The BatBlog is interested too, especially who in the GOP initiated the investigation and how the records were obtained of Mr. Rodriquez's record. It may seem a minor matter ...really a Q or a G how trivial ...What is concerning is the effort Mr. Webb and his GOP  cohorts apparently went to make this appear that Mr. Rodriquez was attempting to hide something from his past or his identity...

 We call dirty politics and are disappointed that Mr. Webb (who the BatBlog endorsed) would stoop to this level. Mr. Rodriquez has been open and honest with his explanation of the Q or G and even brought out a minor discretion (DWI amended to PI) in his youth.

 The council seat at large seat appears to still  be in question after the recount and probably will be decided in court. The BatBlog hopes the court decision turns the race around and awards it to Mr. Rodriquez just on the principal of the apparent dirty tricks employed by the GOP and used by Mr. Webb...

A BatBlog Exclusive ....A Democratic Coup ???

We too old JP ???  No TG I'm not but you are...

It has been exclusively leaked to the BatBlog that a potential coup is being formulated to unseat current Dem. party chairman Tom Galligan from his seat. Led by a prominent young Dem. and two grizzled former Galligan supporters the BatBlog has learned that secret meetings have been held and telephone calls and emails exchanged in the effort. Galligan in their opinion and shared by many rank and file voters is too old, controversial and doesn't have the personality to reach young party members and recruit attractive new candidates...

 Recently GOP beatdowns of the Dem. party have become a regular part of the  election cycle here locally. Led by GOP party chair Jamey Noel, Rep.s have brought many young, new  faces and candidates forward and they have been very successful at the polls.Meanwhile Democrat's have remained stagnant and tired old mules (Gallgan, Perkins etc,) remain the face of the party trying desperately to remain relevant from their limited success 2 decades ago.

While the BatBlog applauds the effort of the coup one must be warned. The huge egos of the old mules while misplaced won't allow them to step down on their own graciously.  Much like Noel Republicans the Democratic party caucus made up of precinct chairmen/ women is stacked with many old friend, relatives, coworkers etc. It will be a daunting task to unseat him unless in the best interests of local Democrats TG graciously steps aside. Unfortunately the BatBlog doesn't see that happening anytime soon...

The City Council's Final Answer...Cease and Ignore

   So much for transparency in local government. Apparently the Jeffersonville City council doesn't have the backbone to answer the tough questions. Much like Dustin White's order to Cease and Desist the whole council has pretty much ignored and been dismissive to a local voter's and the BatBlog's question about the council's healthcare insurance coverage by the City of Jeffersonville.

  It seems to the BatBlog that this council elected to hopefully be prudent guardians of of our hard earned tax dollars is more concerned with the self serving perks and benefits that they can take from our  good citizens of Jeffersonville than protecting and and intelligently spending our money....

  It is one thing to disagree with voter's concerns but to ignore and in several instances rudely dismiss a politely worded question shows the mentality and overall trend of taking care of oneself opposed to being a true servant of the public.

 Like a turtle retreating to his shell, this council after just recently shamelessly pandering for votes, has gone into lockdown and refusal to answer a fair question. Why do you accept tax paid insurance ???  When employer paid insurance is available to most if not all of you...

 The BatBlog knows a lot of the City council reads the Jeffersonville - Clark Co. Blog and extends an open invitation to publicly answer  the above question...
Any takers ???

You can reply in the comments section or email us here at hoosiertaxpayer@outlook.com

The E-Mails....Cease and Desist !!! ....PART I

As stated earlier this week the Jeffersonville - Clark Co. blog (The BatBlog) has been privy to e-mails sent to Jeff city council members concerning the costs associated with their healthcare coverage provided by the City's healthcare provider, Even though this is basically a part time position that according to one councilperson where apparently some members might not even put in "the part time hours." Here is a recap of the council's responses to the e-mails sent...

 Most of the Jeffersonville City council pretty much ignored e-mails sent to them about the health care plans provided by Jeffersonville taxpayers that nearly all the members take advantage of even though most have benefits available to them from their full time employers.

 Ed "Moe" Zastawny (R) replied in his E-mail suggested to "reference an employee handbook" and that city employees  are "significantly different" than elected officials... Well Duh Moe !!  that's the problem, part time employees ARE different, they DON'T have the option of receiving medical benefits like you and other members of the council do ..Jeesh.... you can see what we are dealing with here...like everyone carries around a copy of the Jeffersonville employee's handbook...


 Recently elected councilman Dustin White (D) responded "Cease and desist" from using his personal E-mail account even though that is the one listed on the Jeffersonville City web site...Jeesh Dustin why do you even have an e-mail address if you don't want people using it.

 Lisa Gill (R) appeared rather upset at being questioned about her part time status and benefits then seemingly proceeded to throw fellow council members under the proverbial bus. Ms. Gill  says she spends more than 40 hours per week plus weekend work...Ms. Gill went on to say "What is unfair to the taxpayers is those that hold this office who do not put in even the part time hours."

 Interesting information Ms. Gill, care to share with the BatBlog just who on the council doesn't even put in the "part time hours" ???  Pretty sure the public and voters would like this information...Just e-mail the BatBlog at hoosiertaxpayer@outlook.com

PART II next week....

Fiscally Conservative or Self Serving ???

 

 Details of the health insurance package CLICK HERE as presented by Integrity Matters  on the CCC along with the recent pay raises of the Jeffersonville City Council (voted for by themselves) raises troubling concerns.After all this is the same council that eliminated Jeffersonville City Court in the name fiscal conservatism.

 Keep in mind these council members are part-time (under 30 hours by Jeffersonville standards) and Jeffersonville part time city workers who work under 30 hours DO NOT qualify for the city's health care package ....yet City council members DO qualify for the benefits.

 The BatBlog wonders why the special treatment for the council members compared to other city part time workers. What makes these "special" benefits most disturbing is  this councils propensity of making decisions that are claimed to be fiscally responsible and saving tax dollars. The biggest and most prominent was the decision to eliminate Jeffersonville City court introduced by Matt "LapDog" Owen all in the name of saving tax dollars.

 Not only is this council largely hypocritical but they also aren't too interested in the taxpayers concerns on this matter. The BatBlog has obtained copies of e-mails sent by several council members and none seemed too interested in making changes in the current policy. One council member even sent a "cease and desist " warning to not contact him at his personal e-mail address....Jeez

 The BatBlog believes that if the council doesn't want to give up this lucrative benefit in the name of fiscal responsibility...(don't hold your breath on that one)  then they should at least pass a resolution so that ALL part -time city workers should be able to partake in city's health insurance plan...not just this privileged,  self serving city council...

Quick Thoughts on This and That ...

The Oregon Protesters - Just leave them alone they just want attention, left alone with just themselves they'd be gone in a heartbeat...Like being with your in-laws for a week...you'll do anything to get away...

GOP Presidential Candidates - Other than Rubio, Bush and Christie a bunch of Whacko's, but the far right loves the Wackos Trump, Cruz, and Rand Paul...scary...

Donald Trump -  Seriously you have to question the intelligence of the GOP rank and file  if  "The Donald" is chosen as their candidate. He is entertaining but he's flip flopped on every issue and makes up stuff just for attention but it appears GOP voters are buying into it....

Fisherman's Wharf - Excellent job on the new docks on the Jeff riverfront...the aesthetics are a huge improvement and the pier along the river for fishermen is cool...

Obama -  Gas is half of what it used to cost, I still have my guns and bought a couple more while he was in office, my stock portfolio is up, anybody who wants a job can get one. I haven't used Obamacare but heard it's not bad.....What's there to complain about ???  I still say race has a lot to do  with his haters....

Far East - These people have been fighting since time began, they have nothing else to do. We (U.S.) just stirred things of up when we brought Sadaam Hussein down...

Owen Voted City Council President

Maybe in an attempt to improve his attendance record the Jeffersonville City Council voted Matt "Lapdog" Owen as the new president of the council. Now with Owen being the top dog ...(no pun intended) possibly he will take his responsibilities more seriously, show up regularly and quit playing with his phone during meetings and listen to what is going on.

Actually being president of the council doesn't amount to much as they pass the leadership around like a hot potato. The shoes aren't too big to fill as past presidents have included  Moe Zastawny, Julius  and Gill so LapDog doesn't have to big of a standard to live up to...

 Since we now have TWO members of the council just removed from puberty the expectations aren't very high  for this years council any way. Let's just hope we don't have any more members declaring they are running for mayor in the first couple of meetings, and then campaigning for four years ala 2012 and Julius. No more mini mayors either like in the past, and please play Word with Friends, Clash of Clans etc, etc. on your own time not the taxpayers....