VICKIE WELCH TIME TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT

Apparently Vickie Welch is now using supporters to spread lies against her opponent Renay Davis. In 2006 they lied about Renay Davis residency accusing her of living in MaDonna Flood's district off Cooper Chapel Road though Renay was and is a resident of Blevins Gap Road.

Apparently they feel they can try the same thing again. How desperate do you have to be to continue to resort to these cheap lying political stunts? Apparently quite a bit.

And before anyone gets all twisted remember I just called out Republican Todd Lally for the same thing in his desperate attempt to remove Libertarian candidate Ed Martin from the ballot.

So why is Vickie so scared and why resort to possible libelous behavior on her facebook page? Well for starters she has proven to be one of Abramson's favorite yes voters. The facts bear it out. Additionally, she has even sponsored legislation, later withdrawn, without even knowing what the hell she was doing.

Since she wants to go that route let's look at some facts about Vickie Welch.

Vickie has voted for and pursued:

More low income and section 8 housing in South end neighborhoods. Teaming up with Bob Henderson, Rick Blackwell, and the other Abramson Democratic machine cronies Vickie has not seen one of these projects she did not like. When was the last time we saw the SW included in anything but these things?

More requirements that parents take off from work to obtain a prescription for over-the-counter medications. Yep Vickie tried to sponsor an ordinance that would force parents to get a prescription for allergy medicines among others that would force higher healthcare costs on families. Even though these meds are over the counter they are already regulated by law to force anyone purchasing to sign for them through the pharmacy. So why force people to take off work and lose that income, pay an office visit charge, while at the same time having them pay the co pay for the prescription that most insurance requires? So she could pretend she was better than the State law.

This is a cost that could easily reach $100 per family and that is if you are insured. Why try to force more money from your constituents so the drug companies and Drs can get more?

More jeopardizing public safety by supporting the mayor's bomb storage facilities on our water supply. Yep even those who now are supporting her, and trying to degrade Renay Davis and Councilman Doug Hawkins for standing up against this issue, were the same ones who were standing beside me at the hearings in opposition to this. It didn't bother Vickie she blindly approved it anyway against her constituents wishes.

More violations of ethics laws by campaigning with taxpayer money. I can't even type enough to cover this but you can read more here: Louisville News and Politics: WHAT DO DISTRICT 13 METRO COUNCILWOMAN VICKIE WELCH AND COUNTY ATTORNEY MIKE O'CONNELL HAVE IN ... And according to WHAS TV more discretionary spending ($5,000 in 2009) on airplane tickets. This is just a smaple there is plenty more.

MSD rate increases? Vickie does not even know what her role on the Council is in this regard as evidenced by her own statements on her facebook page once again. Read about that one here: Louisville News and Politics: VICKIE WELCH DOESN'T HAVE A CLUE

More money to Kentucky League Cities. As we all know the KLC was found to be corrupt and loaded with wasted tax dollar money on free trips and getaways for members. Guess who went along for the ride and enjoyed the free trips? Vickie Welch.

Money for the Arena. No problem says Welch. The arena was approved with Vickie Welch help even though the majority said we could not afford it and did not like the site choice. Once again ignoring her constituents who now have the obligation to pay off the money she made them accountable for.

Library Tax? YES says Vickie Welch. Vickie was one of the strongest supporters of the library tax voting for it herself even though the tax was defeated by whom? The majority of the SW she says she represents. The people told her no and Vickie once again in her wisdom decided she would do what she was told by the Abramson Democratic machine regardless. Do we need more tax and spenders like Vickie Welch? And what was the payoff for that blind support?

Blogger: Louisville News and Politics - Edit Post "LATEST VICKIE WELCH MUSINGS AMONG OTHERS.."

The SW lost the regional library for a smaller Fairdale one in her District. So much for SW involvement eh? Get me mine.

Money for Cordish? Vickie once again says yes. Where was Vickie when Cordish was getting more money from Abramson? Standing right beside him saying ok.

Finally this. Vickie continues to lie anout the residency of Renay Davis and then continually tries to paint her as some kind of nut job because of her job working for Doug Hawkins in hopes she will get a two-fer. One that she beats Davis, and two that she can help Hawkins opponent David Yates win as well. Hawkins has been painted that way by mainstream media though the people in SW agree with his stances. Does she support the CJ and liberal media agenda instead of her own constituents? It would appear so.

Need an example? Once again from her facebook page...

Vicki Aubrey Welch. Thanks for your support, Steve. And David will model himself after those of us in SW who are proactive and promote the SW, not make up negative issues. He will be a team player with the rest of us, too!

Vickie does not model herself after anyone in the SW who is pro active in promoting the issues and I most certainly would be very concerned by a partisan hack like Welch who would recommend someone because they will "be a team player" with this Democratic partisan machine.

We most certainly do not need another Democratic machine "team player" on this Council. They have destroyed our fine City enough as it is.

Speaking of David Yates. There is a whole lot to David Yates that has not been reported yet including a lawsuit stemming from an injury to a young girl he was involved in 1998. Though I have been reluctant to do this story until now this I guess is the time.

Why now?

Because we most certainly do not need more support for the good old boy Abramson Democratic machine system. Haven't we suffered enough?

LALLY AND REPUBLICAN PARTY HAVE SERIOUS QUESTIONS TO ANSWER

I can't even believe this story myself. Never did I ever expect someone to confirm what I already knew. The lawsuit originally filed by Lally cronies, with the aid of the Republican Party leadership has been exposed as not only having no merit, which I reported on, but was it also illegally filed? You can read more here: Louisville News and Politics: 3RD CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT HEATS UP: REPUBLICAN PARTY ONCE AGAIN GOES AFTER THE LIBERTARIAN CAN...

Thanks to an email from Vice Chair Cordell Lawrence this is indeed the case.

Falsifying a lawsuit is about as bad as it gets for a lawyer and there are countless examples of discipline including disbarment for those who choose to go down this path.

In the case of Caldwell and Republican Vice Chair Cordell Lawrence filing a suit to rid the ballot of Ed Martin and Mike Hansen we have this situation.

The suit was filed by none other that Vincent Heuser, Jr, 30th LD of the Republican Party. I have been told by several that Heuser claimed he only filed this suit because of pressure from the party itself. This in and of itself is a serious concern.

Since when does an attorney misuse his practice on behalf of politics?

I know I know, Democrat Mike O'Connell is a good example of one that does, but he is after all an appointed political hack so we expect this from him right? But a private practice attorney? A private practice attorney violates the law and ethics for a political party by filing a lawsuit on behalf of someone who never gave permission to do so? What kind of attorney does that?

A crooked one in my opinion.

From Cordell's email to me:

"I never saw the lawsuit. I did not sign it either. Someone put my name on their so that it would appear that the county party was behind this. I swear on the holy bible that I had nothing to do with the lawsuit. I was on a business trip out of state."

And now we have a problem.

Vincent Heuser, Jr, attorney at law, knowingly falsified a lawsuit. This is huge and forces us to ask the question of just how low will the local Republican party go to elect an inferior candidate like Todd Lally who clearly is undeserving of the office.

There will be charges filed against Vince Heuser, Jr, the Republican Party itself, and more. This is certainly the tip of the iceberg. Hell I will file them myself.

Cordell Lawrence should sue these clowns himself for damages. He certainly deserves damages thanks to this atrocity.

Many within the party have told me that this plan was contrived by Todd Lally, his campaign staff in Jay Hill and Joel Adams, and an unnamed source within the Republican party leadership. Unnamed to date but rumored to be none other than John McCarthy, the Washington lobbyist installed in the local Republican Party by none other than Mitch McConnell.

For Lally and crew? I AM A VETERAN and I don't use that term loosely for my own gain. Most Veterans I know have something called honor, integrity, and ethics. There is absolutely nothing honorable about your behavior in this. It shows no integrity and certainly is unethical.

Not exactly what one expects from someone using their veteran status in the hopes it helps them get elected. We deserve better.

Quite frankly, many Veterans I speak with, after seeing the stories of your behavior in this, agree. And I still have not reported on your attempted hijacking of the VA Hospital event for your own political gain instead of on behalf of the veterans themselves.

You should do the honorable thing now and withdraw. You certainly do not deserve to represent we the people. You most certainly should make a public apology for your behavior including a personal one to Cordell Lawrence.

You say you are a man of honor? Now is your chance to attempt to prove it. Man up and take responsibility for these actions. Admit you screwed up and promise to do better. We can respect that much anyway but I won't hold my breath.

Cordell Lawrence my sincerest apologies. Seriously. I have been stalwart in outing you in this case and including you as part of the problem. Based on your statements I was wrong. I can man up and admit that but you do have some burden of proof required in this as well.

The record shows you as the co plaintiff in this case and there has been nothing until your statement today refuting that. Now your path is clear. You must pursue charges against those involved to clear your name. By not doing so it suggests that your comments are not truthful.

If you need help let me know I will certainly do my best.

I'll make myself available.

Give me a call ;-)

LACK OF CHARTER SCHOOLS COSTING US MONEY?

Much has been made about Kentucky losing out on the Race To the Top funds from the feds. Steve Beshear was actually stupid enough to include these funds as part of his budget even though they had not been approved. Yep great job Gov.

Many have decided to use this as a catalyst for Charter Schools and why not? Current Republican candidate for Governor Phil Moffett has made it a mission of his for years to bring Charter Schools into Kentucky. I am not convinced that this is necessary myself nor am I convinced that it will accomplish all they say it will.

But I do agree we must look at all options to further education available to us. By the way check out Gatewood's plan for higher education here: http://www.gatewood.com it is a pretty interesting read.

What I am convinced of is that those on both sides of the issue will do what they do best. Spin the facts to their heart's content and try to confuse people for their own gain.

One reason this article became necessary today is that there is a fictitious statement going around that Kentucky lost out on the Race To the Top funds because we have no Charter schools. I like Phil overall he is a good guy but I expect better than this from anyone running for office.

According to this article http://www.kentucky.com/2010/09/02/1416844/educators-may-ask-to-delay-parts.html some are making the claim that not having Charter Schools cost us this funding. And why make the claim?

Having charter legislation was worth up to 32 points in Race scoring. Kentucky got no points in that category.

Well then that explains it no wonder huh? Except there is more to the story. In fact lack of Charter Schools may have had some impact but it was not the only impact.

Kentucky's final Race score was 412.4 points, 28.4 points behind Ohio, the lowest-scoring state to win Race money. But having charter schools might not have been enough to close that gap, according to the school boards association.

The association said its analysis, posted on KSBA's Web site, shows that no Race winner received a full 32 points for having charter schools, which "seriously calls into question claims that having charters would have guaranteed federal funds for Kentucky."

Oops.

And what did education Deepartment spokesperson Lisa Gross have to say?

"There were several other areas, along with the lack of charter schools, that made it so we could not get funding," she said. "Given what we know now, even if we had charter schools legislation, it's hard to say whether we would have been funded."

And that folks is that. Any questions?

VICKIE WELCH DOESN'T HAVE A CLUE

I could spend hours writing about how ignorant current Metro Councilwoman Vickie Welch is but why bother. I will let her show you in her own words with this facebook page statement made by her:

Vicki Aubrey Welch warning of negative ROBO calls out on me! Metro Council does NOT vote on ANY utility rate increases (MSD/Water Co./LG&E). That is done by their own Board of Directors according to state law up to a certain percentage rate each year. Don't believe the LIES!! Call or write if you have any questions. Thanks!
Yesterday at 3:23pm

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=269249951785&v=wall

Seriously Vickie? Don't believe the lies? Ok I won't.

There are so many things wrong with this statement that it defies belief that after all this time on the Metro Council, recent events including a lawsuit against MSD, and the fact that MSD just recently tried to slide in language during the bonding issue you voted on just two weeks ago where they essentially stated that the Council has always approved MSD rates past and present, well you get the picture.

Vickie Welch is so out of touch with what her job is she doesn't even understand one of the most basic laws of doing her job. Yet she still voted to approve the MSD bond a few weeks ago.

For starters Ms. Welch the MSD rate plan is governed under KRS 76.090 where it clearly states that ALL rate increases must be approved by the local Governing authority which would be well, you.

Additionally, the argument by MSD's Bud Schardein against this STATE law has been that Louisville has approved local ordinances that give MSD the right to increase rates by their board, and not the Council, up to 7% per year.

In your own words:

That is done by their own Board of Directors according to state law up to a certain percentage rate each year.

Um Vickie there is NO STATE LAW that says this in any way shape, or form. And since Schardein has continually alluded to a local ordinance in testimony with you guys well obviously you don't A) pay attention when in chambers, or B) can't comprehend basic info. Additionally, since Metro itself is included in this lawsuit and trying to hide behind a fictitious ordinance should you not be up to speed on exactly what ordinance that is?

I mean considering that YOU have to follow those ordinances and should know it as part of your job!
Again in your own words:

Don't believe the LIES!!

I agree 100% and the only one lying is you. With that in mind I can now assuredly say don't believe Council woman Vickie Welch.

She lies.

Any questions?

MSD RATE HIKES ILLEGAL

Many of you know I have been following MSD for quite some time. Years in fact. You also know that STOP I.T. led by President Ray Pierce, and operations manager Paul Holliger, formally sued MSD over what they say are illegal rate increases.

FOX 41 covered that story tonight here: COUNCIL MEMBERS: MSD rate increases are illegal - FOX41.com Louisville News Kentucky Indiana News Weather Sports

According to State Senator Dan Seum, who helped draft KRS 76.090 which essentially says metro council and the mayor must approve all rate increases, the MSD rate increases are indeed illegal.

"The Kentucky statute clearly states that the local elected body will approve all rate increases and the mayor will sign off on it," said Seum.

Councilman Doug Hawkins agrees and sent a letter to the County Attorney's Office on Wednesday asking whether MSD had the required consent of Metro Council to impose the increase.

Councilman Hawkins went on to state "If we are not signing off on those rate increases and we are not following state law, there are no checks and balances in place," Hawkins said.

Most of us would agree. With the exception of the astronomical 2006 MSD rate increase of 32% NO increases have been approved by Metro Council period.

When asked by Fox 41's Stephan Johnson "What do you have that trumps this statute that's on the books?" Schardein's pat response is the same as always: "There are local ordinances -- ordinances that were passed that gave MSD's board the authority under the law to set rates at seven percent or less."

MSD's Bud Schardein continues to push the false notion that there are local ordinances that have been passed that allow MSD to raise rates up to 7% each year without approval. And of course this is exactly what MSD has been doing. Raising rates each year but staying at 6.5% to avoid any questioning by the Council.

Oh yeah Schardein has never referred to the supposed ordinance number or anything else to back up his erroneous claims. Gee I wonder why.

Bottom line?

MSD has much to answer for thanks to the boys at STOP I.T., State Senator Dan Seum, and Metro Councilman Doug Hawkins.

Stay tuned for what surely will be more to come............

WORST KEPT SECRET: WILLIAMS FARMER IN FOR GOVERNOR RACE

After being rumored for months this has to qualify as the worst kept secret of the Gubernatorial campaign. David Williams and Richie Farmer announced as expected this morning their ticket to run in the Republican primary for Governor/ Lt Governor.

Weeks ago I spoke with David Williams and reported I felt it was a done deal so now it has been confirmed but what does this mean?

Beshear is in trouble is what it means.

The one thing I like is that Williams has stated he would not hold any fundraisers until after the November elections for one thing. Small issue? Perhaps but by doing so he made sure everyone knew that his focus was on helping those who are running in this years election .

It showed a unity of spirit within the Republican party that he would not go after funds that others could use during this election. With times as tough as they are it was a good move.

Of course Beshear and Abramson as typical have already went out and amassed $2.6 million thus denying many Democrats a chance at some money they could have used for this year's election. So much for party unity there eh?

David will have many negatives to overcome since he is constantly being played as some sort of villain by mainstream like the Courier, etc, however, adding Farmer to the ticket will open doors for Williams to get the chance to explain his politics so people actually understand what he has been doing.

And believe me the reality is so much different than the garbage that the liberal media continues cramming down our throats. If you spend just 5 minutes with Senator Williams you realize just how far off mainstream is in their reporting on him.

You also get an understanding of just how intelligent and dedicated he is to the people of Kentucky.

I have admittedly attacked Williams in the past myself only to fall into the "open mouth, insert foot" category after speaking with Williams directly and seeing a whole different side I never could before.

David Williams is smart, intelligent, and should have a great chance at this race. While Richie Farmer has some problems as well, he also has a following that is comparable by none throughout the Commonwealth, and this will most certainly put the Williams/Farmer ticket at the forefront of any consideration in this race.

While many have stated they believe the Republican primary ticket of Moffett/Harmon are not strong enough to beat Beshear, Williams/Farmer most certainly is. Either way the Republican primary will be a good one and will focus on many issues not addressed in previous races.

School assignment programs to include Charter schools in Kentucky will be one such issue. Lowering taxes and attracting new business, though a traditional Republican mantra, will be another. In this particular case however we may just get details on where they can be lowered and a real jobs plan.

I am looking forward to this race myself. And I have to admit.

I am starting to like David Williams more and more.....

FISCHER GETS UNIONS: YEAH BIG SURPRISE THERE

No big surprise today on the Greg Fischer front. He is out touting all the union endorsements he received. The big surprise is that he received them in the first place, well not really I guess. Greg Fischer is a union busting candidate and any union that endorses him just proved what many think in the first place.

Unions will only endorse Democrats. While in many ways some of the unions today are breaking that mold, (look at the Teamsters and their endorsements of Republican candidate Brain Simpson for example), the fact is that overall that mindset is intact even though the majority of union members vote conservative Republicans.

While the endorsements are made by just a handful of old dog executive committee members the rank and file rarely follow these endorsements blindly and why should they.

Republican Mayoral candidate Hal Heiner's campaign manager, Joe Burgan, released this statement today and I believe he states it well:

“It’s no surprise that a group of union heads would endorse Greg considering he’s spent the summer telling unions one thing and business leaders another. Just two months ago Greg told a crowd at Bellarmine College he wouldn’t rule out the privatization of Metro jobs and then today held a press conference railing against privatization. In 2008 he stated in an AFL-CIO questionnaire that he supported card check, but last week told a group of attorneys at Middleton & Reutlinger that he didn’t support card check. Finally, in an August interview with the Voice Tribune Greg was asked if he would have supported the Project Labor Agreement for the arena. His answer: “The mayor has to consider all sides – and then make the best decision for the city.” While Greg Fischer is busy trying to figure out what position he’ll take today, Hal Heiner will be talking straight and honest to the people of Louisville.”

Greg Fischer is no friend f labor and is playing the Jerry Abramson game of talking out of both sides of his mouth. Remember Abramson is no friend of labor either though he continually received the endorsements as well. Look at how Abramson has responded to labor issues. Lawsuits having to be filed against the City by police, and firefighters, just to get what they were already contractually promised in the first place?

How many millions has this cost this City and we the taxpayers?

Fischer has flip flopped so much he doesn't even begin to know what labor is all about or anything about the labor movement itself. Not that his silver spoon mouth ever did anything remotely considered blue collar labor in his life to begin with.

No Greg Fischer is more of the same and apparently so is the old school die hard executive endorsement committees of the unions.

Fischer is Abramson lite with a twist. At least Jerry knew how to lie to our face and it worked for quite awhile. Fischer can't help but get caught in his. Do we really want more of this train wreck Democratic machine these days in Louisville?

It is alarming to me that union leadership is so out of touch these days. With all the labor backlash, and a major anti union movement being done throughout the Commonwealth, one would think that the union leadership would finally get back to doing their job the right way.

Protecting the interests of labor.

Unfortunately with these kind of endorsements they are essentially saying they do not get it or do not care what is best for the membership.

This is why labor is suffering today.....