RETIRED JUDGE STEPHEN RYAN: THE REAL DEAL?

Reposted from www.louisvillepolitics.com

One of the political races I will be following next year rather closely is the race for Commonwealth’s Attorney right here in Louisville, Ky. As many know, and/or believe as I do, Dave Stengel has been nothing more than a political hack who protects his Democratic buddies at our expense. We need a Kentucky criminal attorney to investigate him.  Need proof? The King case is one example, and there will be more forthcoming in that case soon, Jerry Abramson fallacies, and so on.

That’s my opinion and I am sticking to it.

While Stengel has always preferred going after cases he didn’t need to, remember the Stinson case at PRP?, in favor of using his office as a political tool by not pursuing anything against his Democratic colleagues, we have a chance now to correct that injustice.

With all this in mind I decided to start looking into this particular race a little early, even for me.

Enter Former Judge Stephen Ryan.

Ryan stood out on my radar for an obvious first interview for many reasons, but primarily because I have followed Ryan for years through the media and the courts, and have found myself siding with him more often than not. The smoking ban debacle and the Mel Ignatow case came to mind immediately.

Judge Ryan’s ruling on the smoking ban was dead on in my opinion thus denying Churchill Downs an unfair advantage. Why was this case important overall?

Because by making the ruling he did, he upset many status quo politicians such as former Mayor Abramson, and a lot of Democratic mafia hacks such as the horse industry and Churchill Downs folks. Knowing how his ruling would be perceived by the powers that be and still following the law proved much about the character of Ryan himself.

This case alone set him apart from the status quo political line we have become used to under folks like Dave Stengel. It is a sign that perhaps we may finally have a true candidate that does not put politics first for a change.

That in itself is refreshing.

I interviewed former Judge Ryan today and came away thinking that we may finally have the real deal for the office of Commonwealth’s Attorney.

I first asked Judge Ryan why he is interested in this job now after a long distinguished career of his own. Ryan explained that he feels there is much that can be changed within the office today citing one major example as the way we use the current diversion program. Ryan says the diversion program has been overused by the CA’s office and in some cases he himself had to deny diversions.
One example cited was a case he had where a defendant was recommended for diversion even though they had felony convictions from other states. Stengel’s office should have known that before even recommending diversion.

Ryan raised the issue that even though it may be a bit more costly in the short-term, doing a simple pre sentence investigation (PSI) could have saved time and money for the courts and eliminated this type of fallacy. Ryan also believes that the current Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office could aid in the overcrowding of dockets by being prepared for trial immediately thus eliminating long costly delays that tie up the dockets.

Additionally, Ryan says many judges are complaining that the diversion programs are overused. I would agree based on my own internal investigations.

Ryan also cited many things about his background that make me believe he could be the real deal as well.

When I asked why he felt the most qualified for this office his answers were immediate. Citing many examples he told me of his time as an MP in the Army, a probation officer while working his way through law school, a former Asst. Commonwealth’s attorney, and former District and Circuit Judge.

He also cited his good working relationships with the Judges and others within the system that will be beneficial to him if elected as our next Commonwealth’s Attorney.

I have to admit when listening to Ryan explain his history it is very impressive. He has the experience to see things from beginning to end and it creates a level of understanding we just aren’t used to from political hacks like Dave Stengel.

What was more impressive was the non assuming, matter of fact, non egotistical way he presented it. There were no “airs,” just facts and that was unique in itself.

I came away with some things about Judge Ryan that I did not know such as the fact that as a District Judge, working with the then Commonwealth Attorney, Ryan suggested the idea for the diversion programs currently used today. He also suggested the fast tracking program, commonly called the “rocket docket” by insiders.

Ryan also as Chief District Judge, working in conjunction with Judge Henry Weber, came up with the current drug court of which he was Judge for more than 10 years. When asked about the results from this Court, many believe it is not that effective, Ryan stated that of those who graduate from drug court there is less than a 20% recidivism by offenders.

When compared to those who do not complete the program those results rise to over a 60% recidivism rate.

Ryan believes that the drug court should be expanded with more focus being put on treatment and rehab versus incarceration. Ryan believes this will free up jail space, reduce our costs, while at the same time better utilizing our existing facilities.

All of which ease the budget pressure for the Commonwealth’s Attorney office.

Ryan pledges, if elected, to work closely with his attorneys, and the courts, to ensure that the laws apply equally to everyone, and that his office will be an open transparent one.

We hear that a lot from candidates who lie about this, remember Mayor Fisher‘s promises?, but in the case of former Judge Ryan, I actually believe we may get it.

Your thoughts?

Listen daily from 7-8pm at The Ed Springston Show. Also visit Louisville PolitIcs for more details and in depth coverage of local political and news issues.

METRO COUNCIL TAKES ACTION AGAINST RENEGADE CONSTABLE

The Metro Council as we now know is taking as much action as they can against the renegade wannabe cop Constable David Whitlock. As we previously reported a resolution to the Ky House asking them to impeach Whitlock, and at least one ordinance severely limiting the powers of the Constable in our first class city, is just the beginning.

What many people are asking is, why did the Metro Council get involved now?

I can answer that one.

Since the first day of the shooting by Constable David Whitlock at Wal Mart sources have been coming forward with all kinds of evidence and alleged charges against Whitlock and his illegal deputy staff. Most of them came to me while the lamestream media, including the local news stations and the CJ, would not give them the time of day or follow up on the evidence.

COUNCIL SEEKS RESOLUTION TO IMPEACH CONSTABLE WHITLOCK

According to anonymous sources the Council is preparing a resolution to ask the State House to impeach troubled Constable David Whitlock. As many of you know by now by reading previous stories here David Whitlock, Whitlock has been a continuous source of trouble for citizens of Jefferson County and has his own questionable past.

Louisville Metro Council District 12 Rep Rick Blackwell will be the sponsor, and co sponsors will be District 16 Rep Kelly Downard and District 6 Rep David James.

Additionally, I am being told the first of two ordinances curtailing the duties of the Constable are forthcoming this week. It is an ordinance that would prevent the Constable's employees, or volunteers from possessing any badge, or any official uniform including ones that mimic LMPD, and the Sheriff's office.

Sponsored by District 6 Councilman David James, and co sponsored by District 16 Councilman Kelly Downard, and District 12 Councilman Rick Blackwell, it will be presented this week.

Stay tuned to Louisville News as more develops.

Listen daily from 7-8pm at The Ed Springston Show. Also visit Louisville Politics for more details and in depth coverage of local political and news issues.

"LOOSE CANNON," THIEF, AND CONSTABLE DAVID WHITLOCK FINALLY SHOOTS SOMEONE

Constable David Whitlock shoots unarmed woman



Jefferson County Constable David Whitlock shot an alleged shoplifter at Wal Mart in Riverport Wednesday afternoon. According to reports, the suspected shoplifter was shot in the arm and hand by Whitlock when, after attempting to drive away, she allegedly ran over his foot.

Whitlock then used this as justification for pulling his own personal weapon and firing at her striking her arm and hand. Early reports say she will be fine, but how is it that someone with Whitlock's history is an elected Constable and assumes this authority?.

Why is David Whitlock not in jail

Whitlock himself is no stranger to illegal behavior having been arrested for theft in 2000 after being found in possession of stolen computer equipment. He also entered an Alford plea in 2002 in another theft case against him. This case led to a diversion program and ultimately an expungement of the record thus enabling him to qualify to run for office.

The office of Constable is one many feel we should do away with in the Constitution. I happen to agree. Constables are elected under the state Constitution and allows some arrest powers, such as enforcing traffic laws and serving warrants.

It does not give them full police powers as Whitlock apparently likes to think it does.

Whitlock's history of theft is one that boggles the mind of most of us. Why is he not in jail himself?

In January 2000 Whitlock admitted under questioning to stealing medical supplies from his then employer Yellow ambulance service. He stated he was using those supplies on behalf of Dixie Suburban Fire department.

By his own estimate he stole, or was connected to the theft of, approximately $1500-$2000 worth of supplies.

During the same interview Whitlock admitted stealing a radio battery charger from yet another substation in New Albany, admitted in February 2000 to stealing eight video monitors from his previous employer Sonic, a theft involved other items including Security equipment and cameras.

During the search of Whitlock's car he also was found in possession of firefighter id tags from other firefighters. He was even found to have a Ky Uniform Citation Book in 2000.

Personal handcuffs, mag light charger, arson investigator shirt, unidentified pills, satellite receiver.

This is just some of the stuff that was confiscated during the period of 1999-2000. Brand new intercom, Louisville search and rescue iron ons, and official uniforms to mimic different departments. Shively Police department, and LPD.

Abusing authority

At one point Whitlock went so far as to name swear in Deputies to help him in his job. No this is not a joke. Though these "Deputies" were of course unpaid and unconstitutional according to the Judge who revoked the powers of his sworn Deputies. Many feel this was a way of rewarding his friends, who had histories of their own, so they could abuse the citizens as well. One more example of overreaching in his abuse of authority. Birds of a feather.

Whitlock has been described as someone who has an egotistical attitude who overstates his abilities. This of course would fall in line with many stories of abuse by Whitlock. There have been stories circulating for a long time now about how Whitlock abuses his assumed authority.

Everything from "patrolling" in uniform, one that he purchased himself on his $100 per month Constable salary, pulling people over without authority or cause, and acting as if he has full police powers (he does not). Harrassing others who he disagrees with, and rumors of pulling over defenseless women for "other" reasons.

This is the norm for what most in SW Jefferson County know of David Whitlock.

Insurance scam

Whitlock has even admitted to filing false insurance reports after lying about stolen radios. Radios he himself had and lied about being stolen.

How could Whitlock still be free

That is the question of the day. Just who is Whitlock related to that could have saved him and allowed us to be in the position of having this embarrassment elected to anything?

Does Whitlock have ties to the LPD? His Uncle is/was a cop there. He also used an Aunt's printing company to make up "official looking" labels for his car to appear he was legit.

Perhaps District 14 Councilman Bob Henderson who supported Whitlock for Constable? Henderson knew about these problems with Whitlock. It has always been an open situation in Dixie area.

Why then would he knowingly endorse Whitlock? There have been questions for years about Dixie Suburban Fire Department and Henderson's involvement with them. Those questions will now become center stage.

Finally

David Whitlock is the last person who should ever be in any position of authority. Elected or otherwise. A primary job of security for a Wal Mart store does not qualify one to be let loose on citizens with a personal gun over a possible shoplifting charge.

We now have to do the investigation into Councilman Henderson and other alleged family members who may be with LMPD.

Many have referred to Whitlock as a "loose cannon." LMPD has known about and been worried about just such a situation involving this loose cannon for years. Unfortunately, they now will deal with the fallout either way.

Whitlock should have been in jail and never in a position to run for elected office. With an admitted history of stealing from every employer he has worked with, he should never have been free.

They say it takes a thief to catch a thief.

Whitlock certainly qualifies for that phrase.

But does it take a thief to shoot a thief?

Let's hope criminal charges are finally brought against David Whitlock and find out.


Listen to Ed daily from 7-8pm!!! Don't forget to subscribe to Ed's newsletter and podcast at The Ed Springston Show.

2010: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

First of all Happy New Year to each and every one of you! 2011 will bring many changes for each of us, though apparently not in Louisville looking at Greg Fischer's staffing. With that being said, however, a New Year always finds us looking forward to better things and here at Louisville News and Politics we look forward as well.

I have always been a firm believer in history. An old saying says that if you fail to learn from history you are doomed to repeat it. I agree with this so with that in mind let's recap 2010 here at LNP and outline what we hope to accomplish in 2011.

First of all as you know we have been first on many stories with some beginning in 2009 and some continuing on today.

Here at Louisville News we not only report news but we also get involved in trying to make positive changes. Here are some of the things we accomplished this year.

For starters we launched the popular radio show "MyViewMatters Radio" with partner Ed Martin. Though the show is on temporary hiatus currently, while we work on funding to switch to a daily format, we found out that there are literally thousands who are tired of business as usual and seeking a voice. We provided that voice for over a year and will do so again in 2011.

We launched the campaign against the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife and were instrumental in getting SB 64 passed.

We led the way in trying to bring leadership into focusing on food safety. Many of you were amazed at just how far behind the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the USA in general is when it comes to testing measures. Over 76 MILLION people get sick each year from food illnesses and 5,000 die annually. Local expert and tester Paul Ham made a compelling case on the MyViewMatters Radio Show.

We led the way in fighting for SB53, the semi open primary bill. Though the bill passed through the Senate easily our illustrious Democratic House refused to bring it to the floor. This fight made National news as CNN came in to do a story focusing on the plight of Independents being heard, led by Independent Ky's own Michael Lewis, and made a mockery of KY thanks to Senator Juliann Carroll's asinine comments.

This will be brought up again and we will fight once again to make sure all voices are heard in the Commonwealth.

We led the fight and will continue again in 2011 towards saving our charities with SB 222, a charitable gaming bill. Despite the lies and deception by KEEP's people in Brereton Jones and Patrick Neely rest assured we will continue fighting to protect those least able to help themselves.

We brought about the plight of Eric Garrett a whistleblower who was fired by Metro Government after using the Metro tipline. Of course Garrett was reinstated after his lawsuit, that continues on today, and paid backpay of course.

We were instrumental, and continue to be, in outing the fallacies of MSD. This story is one that gets national attention and will continue to be a thorn in our side left to fight for some time to come. Rest assured we aren't letting it die.

We worked with outside groups as well such as STOP IT leader Ray Pierce, and Operations Manager Paul Holliger in bringing the independent tipline online so no one would have to go through what Eric Garret has.

LNP, and MyViewMatters Radio has given a voice to anyone who sought it. We had literally every candidate for office on air that requested it. The list is long and includes everyone from Senator elect Rand Paul, Lt Gov. Dan Mongiardo, to local voices such as Jackie Green and Denise Bentley among others.

We have given voice to all Democrats, Republicans, Independents. You name it we covered it.

Governor's race? Yep ask Gatewood we had the announcement live on air.
We have fought for inclusiveness such as those with the Fairness Campaign and Chris Hartman.

We covered National news such as the Arizona illegal immigrant stories and Obama-care.
Yep we covered the heartbreaking BP story as well.

We even fought against the asinine ORBP project and tolls. that fight will continue for some time as well I assure you.

We have called out political corruption at every level and even took on candidates. Jack Conway, Greg Fischer to name a couple. Lest I be told I am attacking democrats and not being fair remember the Todd Lally stories as well.

Kentucky's Passport scandal? Yep we had it here and Senator Julie Denton needs to go by the way.

Jerry Abramson? We outed the poorer, blacker, older comments that mainstream used. Most without any credit given. We have held this Mayor under the microscope more than any mainstream outlet has ever done.

We have outed the corruption in Louisville Metro Council members as well. Just ask Judy Green, Bob Henderson, and others

Bottom line? LNP reports the news, investigates, and even gets involved in the solutions. Whether that be outing corruption, fighting in Frankfort, or filing lawsuits our mission has been clear form day one. We will work to end corruption and bring integrity back into our lives through our elected officials.

Where others follow and gripe, we lead and get results. That is what separates us from the rest and what makes this venture so great.

What to expect in 2011?

Quite a bit. For starters we are now going to focus a bit on upgrading equipment and raising revenue. After funding this venture for 5 years solo to move forward requires funding whether through donations or investors. While I know times are tough, I'm a blue collar guy myself, there simply can be no other way. We have proven we are the best and now we need to move forward so we can get even more in depth and uncover even more.

While I have been beating up anyone who dares suggest I actually start seeking outside money, unfortunately we are growing faster than I can work hours to pay for it. 100+ hours a week is enough.

In the works are upgraded computer equipment, including a new laptop, better servicing for you the reader, and investors to bring the MyViewMatters Radio Show into a daily format. We are also looking at video equipment and some other things to bring you more video as well. We have already agreed on a contractual price with Clear Channel that is favorable and have lined up some exciting shows for 2011 once this is accomplished.

Our long range plans for 2011 include consolidating the MVM Media Group. The group will house all our ventures including the MyViewMatters Radio Show, Louisville News and Politics, and a local TV show that is in the works.

All I can say is thank you to each and every one of you for helping make us who we are. Without each of you getting involved we would literally be nothing. It is your dedication that makes any of this possible. Challenging me to do more, and each of you seeking the truth, has been a great thing. 


Though the 100+ hour work weeks get crazy sometimes never have I had one regret.

My allegiance to each of you is 100% and I am very grateful for the trust you have in me.

Get ready for 2011 folks it will be a doozy.

Happy New Year one and all!