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?

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ELECTION RESULTS: NO SURPRISE REPUBLICANS GET SHELLACKED

For those of you who actually care about our Kentucky politics and voted thank you. For all you who did not, well I can almost understand. It seems in recent elections getting people motivated to go to the polls and vote has become a serious struggle. And why not? It continues to be a situation of a choice between either dumb and dumber, or as most people call it the lesser of two evils.

I, for one, was not surprised in the least by the final tallies last night.

I also do not believe most actually chose a candidate. I believe most used the straight party ticket to vote and that perhaps had a lot to do with the outcome.

In the Governor's race there was simply no way David Williams or Gatewood Galbraith could or would win. Williams and the Republicans took a shellacking last night because they still just do not get the public sentiment and what we want.

Any novice campaign manager could have put on a more effective campaign for Republicans and made it respectable.

Big words right?

Look at the reality. Steve Beshear and Abramson did not win because they had a better vision. In fact, they basically ignored we the people until the last couple of weeks because they knew they didn't have to. It was a good strategy. Give credit where it is due.

But why were they able to do so? Neither has been successful for Kentucky so far. Look at the Abramson baggage alone that he left for current Mayor Greg Fischer in Louisville. So how did it happen?

Because the Republicans had a weak candidate in David Williams due to years of baggage attached to his neck as Senate President. Whether true or not, there was just too much to overcome. Throw in the Dem faithful who vote with the straight party option most of the time and you have your answers.

The problem wasn't just the baggage Williams himself had, or the realization that his campaign gave the Richie Farmer name WAY too much credit throughout the state, no the problems were more straight forward than that.

In fact, I don't believe this was an election against the Republicans as much as it was against the poor Republican field itself. How else can you explain a sitting Governor being able to ignore the people, bring together no real plan, and lie about his achievements, and still get reelected?

It seemed from the very beginning that the overall Republican campaign strategy was to make every candidate run against Barrack Obama. You didn't go to any function and hear so much about what the Republicans would do as much as it always seemed to be "vote for me because I am against President Obama."

And that was the fundamental flaw with the Republican field in general. They just seemed too intent trying to focus on a predictable ultra right wing Christian conservative platform. The "I'm against Gays, for God and guns, and against abortion" deal, and trying to tie it around President Obama and by default Steve Beshear. This most certainly hurt every Republican candidate.

One exception. James Comer for Ag commish. Comer actually deserved this race and quite frankly should have a bright political future ahead of him in KY. As long as he doesn't blow it by listening to these old guard Republicans who have no clue about today's Republican party. Congrats and good luck Commissioner Comer.
These elections were for the people of Kentucky. They were not for or against President Obama, who will answer for his job next year, and yet the Republican leadership never recognized that reality.

At a time when the Country is falling apart at the seams, Kentucky is suffering as much or more than others, there was a real opportunity to separate the Republicans from the Democrats by focusing on what we can do better.

Instead they chose to use the same old tired ho hum campaign strategy that has failed continuously and will again if the direction is not changed.

Today people are more in tune with what is actually going on than ever. They are longing for real leadership and real solutions. Most are sick of the same old tired rhetoric of the GGGA, gays, God, guns, and abortion, they are also sick of the constant negative attacks and trying to be something we know these politicians are not.

People of virtue.

This election was a clear indicator of just why the majority choose not to vote anymore.

We the people are seeking leadership. Leaders that will actually move to the front and show us a better way.

We want leaders who are inclusive and who offer a real plan to move us forward.

Unfortunately when the Republican party had a real chance to bring about change in Kentucky this election cycle, against such weak leaders as Beshear and Abramson, they opted instead to prove they are followers by continuing to follow the same old tired way of campaigning that we the people have gotten sick of.

Let's hope they do a better job next time. I for one am no longer asking for a change. I am now demanding it.

Who will rise to the challenge?


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DAVID WHITLOCK: SO MANY QUESTIONS AND NO ANSWERS

JEFFERSON COUNTY (Louisville), Ky Constable Whitlock has been known for years

There have been reports on Constable David Whitlock and his associations for years, which begs the question: How in the world was this guy ever allowed to be eligible to participate in an election?

You are all familiar with the story by now. Whitlock is shopping at a Wal Mart, a supposed employee tells him he witnessed Tammy Ortiz shoplifting, and Whitlock pursues. By the way Wal Mart has stated that Whitlock IS NOT an employee of their store.

That basically is the gist of where this all started. Ortiz attorney John M. Doyle says there is more to the story. He says Ortiz did not steal anything, had Wal Mart bags and her purse on her when a stranger at the door tried to grab her stuff.

Enter Whitlock who proceeds based on hearsay, not witnessing anything himself, to try and force Ortiz out of her car resulting in her trying to speed away, so he then opens fire.

Pretty good summary except that even isn't the beginning of the story.

History of David Whitlock

Louisville News of course outed the history of Whitlock leading up to these shootings yesterday. Complete with details of prior ADMITTED criminal behavior by Whitlock himself. The Ed Springston Show aired an episode last night detailing these events and joined by the original Detective, Robert Chapman, investigating Whitlock http://springston.blogspot.com/2011/11/david-whitlock-felony-indictments-and.html.

A history of theft with basically everyone we know about him working for at the time to now this. According to a WHAS 11 story from 2009 Whitlock is described even then as a wannabe by Lt. Col. Carl Yates of LMPD. http://www.whas11.com/news/local/64157882.html

He has for years tried to force legitimate law offices to provide him with free services and credibility. None will. The Sheriff's Office and LMPD have refused to allow Whitlock access to their radio channels or use of the county's e-warrant system, despite Whitlock's protests.

"I don't think any professional law enforcement agency is going to perpetuate something we feel is unprofessional. So we are not going to cooperate," explains Lt. Col. Yates.

Because the county received complaints about Whitlock's aggressive enforcement, the Metro Council took away his right to use blue lights and sirens.

Yet in a video news report showing Whitlock's car, he clearly has blue lights, of the visor kind, in his car even now. They were turned on during the interview.

Some of his current and former leaders on his self made "staff" include Brent Choates. A convicted felon convicted of stealing approximately $10,000 of satellite equipment from the National Guard. In 2009 during the WHAS 11 investigation Choates was listed as Detective Sergeant of the Internal Affairs Division and is even a state director of the Kentucky Constable's Association, an organization in which Whitlock serves as executive director.

Whitlock claims to know the law in regards to his duties yet self Deputized a convicted felon?

From his own list of duties at his website:

A person convicted of or under indictment for a crime involving moral turpitude is also ineligible for the position of deputy (KRS 61.300). Constables are liable for all acts and omissions of their deputies and may remove them by filing a written direction with the county judge/executive or by the mayor in a consolidated local government (KRS 70.320).

Seriously.

A mirage to promote self importance

The Kentucky Constable Association is by and large part of the Whitlock effort to create an image of self importance. The address goes straight to his office, he is Executive Director, and Mike Stephens, his so called Deputy Lt Colonel, is Professional Standards Director.

Professional Standards Director? There will be more on this in a later article.

And yet LMPD actually is scared to go against this guy and this organization. By using poor statements of he drew his "service weapon," it was not an issued service weapon of any kind it was his personal one, while explaining events on the tv news coverage, they make it appear he is legit and this is a normal police investigation into one of their own.

Is this the best LMPD spokesperson Dwight Mitchell can do? Seriously?

In 2007 WAVE3 had a report on Whitlock that included this http://www.wave3.com/story/15938927/accused-shoplifter-shot-by-constable:

In January of 2007, we talked with Whitlock when serious questions came up in Metro Council about his work.

Whitlock was carrying a gun, pulling people over for traffic violations, was driving a car with flashing lights, and hiring deputies.

All of that was considered unusual for Constables in the Metro, and with little formal training in law enforcement.

Think about it

For those few friends he has shown how to use the internet and are now trying to defend him, I must say to the law abiding citizens of our City. In my opinion Whitlock should be charged. Period.

He was not an identified officer of the law, he did not witness ANY shoplifting whatsoever, admits he was not "on duty" at the time, and went after Tammy Ortiz based on hearsay from someone else.

There can be no question of this at all. The record is clear.

He violated every legitimate protocol from any official police officer who has been trained in law enforcement. David Whitlock has never received that official training. Failing at that as he has done in so many other ways.

With that mindset should every police officer just randomly attack people because someone said they did something? With that logic, perhaps I should just walk up to any officer anywhere and tell them I just saw someone do something and send them on their way.

No that is not the way our system of Government works. Thank God.

The way I see it the only justice in this situation would be the removal by impeachment of David Whitlock and perhaps finally send him to jail where he should have already been.

See you next time.

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gu·ber·na·to·ri·al/ˌgo͞obərnəˈtôrēəl/ Adjective: Of or relating to a state governor.

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