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...