Win Some, Lose Some....

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

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

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

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

Anonymous Comment on Lame Duck/ Perkins

From Anonymous:

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

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

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

Thoughts on Yesterday's Primary....

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Election 2014 Analysis and Predictions

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Laura Harbison

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

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

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

Dateline April 1, 2040

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

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

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

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