FRESHMAN REP WADE HURT SWITCHES PARTIES IN DESPERATION

Joe Gerth at the CJ is reporting that Freshman Rep Wade Hurt, who got the job only because his Democratic opponent Jeff Donohue was declared ineligible, has switched parties and is now a Democrat. Jefferson County GOP House member switching to Democrats The Courier-Journal courier-journal.com. Anyone who didn't see this one coming needs glasses. Hurt knows the only chance he has of being reelected and that in itself is ONLY if he has no primary competition.

Case in point? The numbers breakdown from the election for his seat show that Democrat Donohue actually won. If he wasn't disqualified Hurt would be licking his wounds right now. With that in mind is it really any big surprise that he would actually play this card? When you lack substance you pull out all the stops.

From the CJ Hurt said "he made the decision because he believes a Democrat can better represent his district in a legislative body controlled by the Democrats."

Is this guy so naive as to think after spending years trashing Democrats because they were Democrats that he will be actually included and taken serious at all? It defies logic.

Translation? I ran as a Republican and now realize I will have a legal opponent next time so I will sacrifice my beliefs for my own gain.

Here is my question: What deal was made so Hurt would switch?

It is common knowledge that Greg Stumbo had been lobbying Hurt to switch. It is also common knowledge that Wade doesn't do anything without his sidekick Ellen Reitmeyer involved. It is also common knowledge that when it comes to the politics of Fairdale Ron Weston is intricately involved.

Look for this to happen folks. Ellen Reitmeyer gets a government job, either with Metro or the State like maybe the LRC which would also give her a "reason" to switch parties in order to get the job, Donohue does not run in the next primary and gets rewarded with an appointment. I won't even speculate on the possibility of how much money may have been involved in this deal.

No in this case Hurt is well, hurting to get reelected. This is a pure desperate attempt to try and fool the Democratic faithful in Fairdale for Hurt's own gains and ambitions and not those he says he represents. The problem? Fairdale folks just aren't that dumb.

In a word Wade Hurt is being feckless.

Look it up.

KENSINGTON GROUP PART 2....

I have to make a disclaimer for this story. I wrote the original story in March of 2010 (Louisville News and Politics: THE KENSINGTON GROUP SCAMMING LOCAL INVESTORS?) and promised a series outlining what many local investors have faced in the interim.

The disclaimer is simply because in my quest to out these guys the local investors asked me to please delay the story as they were in talks to recoup their investments with E. Warren Goss, one of the principal players in the scam. I agreed to do that while also telling them they would never receive their money but I would not jeopardize any chance they had, no matter how small it was, to recoup their investment.

Sadly, I was proven right once again and the investors have agreed to let me continue with the series.

This part deals with E. Warren Goss an attorney, yeah I know big surprise right, out of Boulder, Colorado who has been the "contact" person for the local group. There have been many stories of folks who have been scammed out of their life savings by the group of Michael Harmon, E. Warren Goss, Barie Fritz, and a few others that will be named in future articles.

The scam involves many different names but all the players are generally the same. Amerivest, HMS Financial Group, Kensington Group, and others. All used by Harmon, Goss, and associates to scam money from unknowing investors. The sum is in the millions with one local investor pouring his life savings into these clowns as part of a $2 million investment scam by Goss and Harmon.

The scam essentially is that you agree to invest your money for one year for a guaranteed rate of return each month and at the end of the term you get your principal back.

Of course this never happens.

Almost immediately the excuses start with why you haven't received your monthly return usually blaming it on international banking laws and/or signature requirements, and it goes on and on. At the end of the year, or sooner when you realize you have been scammed, when you request your principal of course the money is "tied up" in investments and cannot be gotten yet. And so it goes.

In this particular case with the local investors, the scam began in 2002 and carried forward through today. In fact there has already been one class action suit filed in Canada that has merit and the link here will give you some idea of how it really works: http://www.docken.com/PDF/HMSStatementOfClaim.PDF

In the case of Goss there is even more to question in his apparent lies and manipulation of investors here. While I have many records including email exchanges with some of the investors one is very telling and shows just how manipulative this guy is in trying to cover his butt. Today he keeps using the same excuses, they have the money in banks in Europe and Switzerland, and blah, blah, blah.

They even have accounts in the Grand Caymans which is believed to be one of the easiest places in the world to hide money.

But of course every time Goss tries to get the money the banks change the rules and he has to get new documents etc. It is a boring read for most of you so I will get them out there slowly within the series. In the meantime check out the image at the top of this story.

Goss supposedly made an agreement back in 2006 to get the money for the investors from Harmon and yet amazingly it was never followed through on nor was any action ever taken when the deal was reneged upon.

According to one anonymous investor Goss even told him that he had a private investigator trace their money and found that Harmon spent it on his own family and paying off his own real estate bills. I cannot confirm one way or the other but it is a classic example of what happens in these ponzi schemes.

I have to say that even the "deal" that Goss sent in email is very suspect. One of the biggest glaring obstacles I cannot overcome is the signatory part of the indemnification agreement. Supposedly signed by Harmon you will notice that it is never signed by Goss himself thus in fact making it a non binding agreement. Nor has their been any proof offered that this agreement was ever filed in court or followed up on. Yep startling to say the least from a supposed investment lawyer eh?

Of course during traditional research I have found many problems with Goss himself including an IRS case against him where he agreed to pay penalties for lying on his tax return and then appealed what he himself signed and agreed to arguing that he didn't know what he was signing.

Folks he is a lawyer and that is about as basic a rule as you can have in contractual agreements. How can a lawyer argue that he didn't know what he was signing?

And this is the guy bilking millions from investors around the world including right here at home.

In the meantime here are some links to read to continue with this story. Remember to stay clear of Michael Harmon, E. Warren Goss, and anything to do with HMS Financial, Amerivest, Kensington Group, and the latest Goss info shows him being involved with Angelli Investment Holdings. http://www.moneyhouse.ch/en/u/p/ws/angelli_investment_holdings_ag_CH-400.3.028.680-7.htm(Warren Goss)

http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/board.asp?privcapId=22187 (Michael Harmon)

Goss was given an opportunity to respond to this story and of course never did.

Until next time....

SENATOR DAVID WILLIAMS HITS DIXIE HIGHWAY

Yesterday I was invited to attend a meet and greet by Gubernatorial candidate, and current Senate President David Williams, at Ernesto's on Dixie Highway at 2 pm. I wasn't sure what to expect, as it was not billed as a fundraiser, but as a meet and greet. I have to say each time I meet with Senator Williams I am more impressed.

What I expected was a stump speech, and there was certainly part of that, but I also got a history lesson on Williams family ties to Louisville. I have to admit we continue hearing about the "Senator from Burkesville," but many do not know just how far his reach is.

His family ties to Louisville in a nutshell are very strong and that to me is a good indicator that perhaps Louisville will not be left behind in a Williams Governorship.

One of the most interesting things to come out during Senator Williams speech was his insistence that Republicans must reach out to conservative Democrats and Independents if we are to move forward as a State. While listing several problems in Kentucky Williams also listed solutions and they were vast.

He mentioned restructuring the tax code and how it would benefit Kentucky in creating jobs. He also mentioned revamping retirement systems and moving towards a 401(k) like retirement. One thing he mentioned most did not even know. Teacher's do not contribute to Social Security. This is one bit of information that many need to know to explain just why we need the retirement plans for teachers.

He spoke of how Kentucky had to borrow over $800 million last year alone to keep the pensions intact. He also compared that to Tennessee who only borrowed $25 million. There were many examples listed by Williams comparing us to Tennessee, Indiana, and Ohio and why we are being left behind.

He mentioned of course the usual digs at JCTA and the need for neighborhood schools (one I agree with) but fell a bit short of a detailed plan on how to accomplish this. It wasn't a big issue as this was a different type of meet up.

And for those who would say that Senator Williams is only including Independents and Conservative Democrats in his speeches now because he is a Gubernatorial candidate, I must point out that "proof" as they say "is in the pudding."

For the last two years Senator Jimmy Higdon has proposed a semi open primary bill that would include independents in the primary elections. As Senate President, Williams has the power to kill that legislation and yet did not. The bills have passed the Senate easily only to be defeated by the Democrats.

I would argue that is some proof that Williams is not just giving "lip" service but is actually backing what he says.

What I expected to be a stump speech turned out to be a slight history lesson on the Williams family ties, and a welcome breath of fresh air on the issues that plague us. In short he dealt with solutions not negative attacks on his opponents. That in itself was a refreshing change.

With the exception of someone deciding my recording device should not be on (whoever moved it knows who you are and so do I), an issue that will be handled assuredly as other media outlets were allowed to record, I truly was glad I was there.

After listening to so many stump speeches over the years, and being quite frustrated because none offered substance, it was a nice change of pace to hear someone of Williams caliber actually deal in truth and reality and not negative attacks on his opponent.

One can only hope we see more of this during the electoral season.

GEE LIKE WE DIDN'T ALREADY KNOW THAT: CODE DEPARTMENT NEEDS CHANGES

Sometimes the obvious is even funnier than the pathetic reality of what we live with. For years I have been calling out Code enforcement demanding changes. I have even led the fight against the idiots such as convicted felon John Flood, husband of Councilwoman MaDonna Flood, Charlie Cash, and Bill Schreck who resigned because of mounting publicity. No the real story today is why has it taken so long to demand changes, and why in the world would anyone suggest listening to Bill Bardenwerper who has the moral fortitude of a self serving snake. In my opinion of course. Take this today from the CJ: Change needed in Louisville code department, transition report says The Courier-Journal courier-journal.com. They actually are paying attention to a transition report by the clown Bardenwerper? You may recall Louisville News' exclusive release of a taped conversation between Chris Thieneman and Bill Bardenwerper. Bardenwerper, whose law office "specializes" in representing developers in zoning cases, according to the CJ, admits he will not represent his client because he is scared of Jack Dulworth. Jack you may recall basically did whatever he wanted and was King of the pay to play schemes here in Louisville. Under Abramson's watch of course. Don't believe it? Here is the initial story once again I did from August 2010 complete with audio. Pay attention from the 4 minute to 7 minute mark. Louisville News and Politics: REALLY GREG FISCHER? THIS IS HUGE? The great developer attorney turns his back on his developers out of fear of doing the right thing. Of course he worked hand in hand with Dulworth to ensure he was taken care of. Oh yeah disclaimer here: In my opinion anyway. No Bardenwerper has made a good living working with the City and has made all the "proper" connections while NOT doing the real work he advocates he does. Specializes in representing developers? Translation is you have enough money I can buy what you want but don't expect me to actually represent you if I had to. I must always do what is best for myself and not my clients. Never mind my oath when I became a lawyer. Great attorney huh? Welcome to the game CJ. I just hope you finally do the investigative, exhaustive work many of us have done with this clown and this organization.

JUDY GREEN POSTPONED ONCE AGAIN

When you deal with corruption in elected officials as it seems I am doing just about everyday these days I am oft reminded of an old saying.

Justice delayed is justice denied. In the case of Judy Green these words continue ringing true.

For starters the case against the Green Clean team should have been heard today. This case was previously postponed and the arguments today were clearly by design to delay the hearing once again. There has been ample time to investigate this case and it should have been heard.

For those that would argue that the case should be consolidated I agree wholeheartedly, however, the cases cannot be consolidated into one according to the Metro Ethics laws so that was an argument that had no merit. The Chairperson Jonathon Ricketts didn't even know that and fumbled with a way to make a motion to delay finally deciding on using the words "and/or" consolidate by the next hearing date.

The most telling part of the day was Ricketts allowing Green's attorney to speak ad nauseum and denying equal opportunity to myself or Ray Barker to address the motions at hand. He even went so far as to "admonish" myself and Mr. Barker for speaking with the news.

Guess what Ricketts? I love free speech and I fully intend to use it. Sorry about your luck.

Clearly it was a display by Ricketts to favor Green and her attorney Wicker who actually tried to use the poor me argument. Wicker actually stated that it wasn't fair for his client to have to endure the constant media negativity as they have no way to respond. Wicker grow a pair and quit whining. You have had every opportunity to respond and have undoubtedly tried to use the media to Green's advantage whenever they see fit.

Remember Green's teary eyed statements on local news about "I haven't done anything wrong?" Green always talks to the media when it suits her and her attorney is a hypocrite for even trying that argument. No it should have been an insult to the intelligence of everyone there and the citizens of Louisville who continue having to deal with this idiocy.

Additionally, there are other questions to be answered. One being how can Ricketts himself not recuse from this case? I have reported a couple of stories on Jonathon Ricketts negatively on this website http://springston.blogspot.com/2008/12/deadbeat-dads-not-always.html . Clearly this is a conflict of interest for him and he should recuse.

Additionally, Kent Wicker, Green's attorney, is a former Assistant US Attorney who worked closely with? You guessed it the investigator the ethics commission hired to investigate the charges. there are ethics problems galore within this case ironically in the ethics commission itself.

I don't know about you but it is time to clean house across the board.

Your thoughts?

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS NEEDS A REAL INVESTIGATION

The following article has been amended to reflect the current job of Dave Vogel who works for Louisville Water and not MSD. My apologies.

You know I have been following the Department of Public Works for some time since the whole retaliation firing of employee Eric Garrett over his whistle blowing case. Garrett of course got his job back with back pay and to my knowledge still has an ongoing suit against them. We had hoped Greg Fischer would take serious his words of auditing each department and get us some accountability and transparency.

As I first mentioned back in early December Louisville News and Politics: GREG FISCHER: MEET THE NEW BOSS, SAME AS THE OLD BOSS...... I just don't believe that will happen.

Why would I? Ted Pullen who heads the Department of Public Works, and his little Hitleresque sidekick Betty Younis, have proven over and over they cannot do their job and quite frankly should have been removed long ago.

Now thanks to an alert reader we have even more information on Ted Pullen and an immediate conflict with his job at the Department of Public Works. One that once again is at the very least unethical, and in my opinion illegal.

Ted Pullen is a VP with the Corradino Group in Louisville. Corradino of course has received well over $2 million since 2008. Want the proof?

http://www.msdlouky.org/insidemsd/diverse/contractors.html

Supplier Diversity for Prime Contractors
Floyds Fork / North County Watershed Area
The Corradino Group
200 S. Fifth St., Suite 300N
Louisville, KY 40202
voice: 502/587-7221
fax: 502/587-2636
M/WBE Contact: Ted Pullen
email: tpullen@corradino.com

Corradino does public works engineering that includes water and drainage issues. Of course that would also include not only the Department of Public Works but MSD as well. We have written enough about MSD and researched enough to write a book on the problems there.

Corradino received $101,817.96 in 2008 from our taxes. In 2009 they received a mere $64,881.04. Then they finally got what they wanted because that amount went up drastically in 2010 to a whopping $1,639,421.31!

To date in 2011 they have received $603,187.44.

All with the Department of Public Works Director, AND Corradino employee Ted Pullen, ok'ing it.

Fischer of course has started an investigation but how effective can that be? His choice to do the review?

Dave Vogel from the Louisville Water Company. The fox is guarding the hen house folks and if Fischer does not correct these atrocities he is aiding and abetting. Another mayoral appointee. Just one more reason we need outsiders like the feds to come in here.

The story now switches to the contractual agreement with Johnson Control. As many know from our previous work, Pullen and Betty Younis pushed for Johnson Control to get a multi-million dollar energy efficiency contract with the City. Eric Garrett tried to expose this as impossible to maintain with the then current staffing levels. This is what ultimately led to the whistle blower charges and the subsequent retaliatory termination of Garrett.

Presumably under this contract Johnson Control apparently does not have to follow Louisville Metro policies and procedure for hiring contractors who will do work for the city. Simply put they can give the work to whoever they want to, or based on recent stories like the current Judy Green one, whoever they are told to give the work to. Yep another way to take it out the front and slide it in the back pocket.

And we the taxpayer pay for it all.

In the meantime stay tuned this story is just getting started............

IS IT TIME FOR THE FEDS TO COME TO LOUISVILLE

Many believe the answer is yes. We are now getting to see firsthand just how business has always been conducted in Louisville under the watch, or nonwatch, of former Mayor Jerry Abramson and his personal gestapo.

While many have been asking questions for years about the Abramson regime we are now finally getting mainstream involved. Of course this only proves once again what many have always believed, and that is that Abramson enjoyed cover by mainstream media until now that he is out of office.

But I digress.

According to the CJ http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011303150089 the former Department of Neighborhoods run by Abramson appointee Melissa Mershon was found guilty of forging 37 invoices and costing us $368,660. all done to hide money from the Metro Council.

So what does Commonwealth Attorney Dave Stengel do?

Absolutely nothing as usual. Stengel and his office needs to be investigated period. Since Jack Conway won't do it then the feds need to be involved. There is no other option.

According to the investigation, Mershon wanted to empty the Neighborhoods Department budget before the end of the 2008 and 2009 fiscal years, so the money would not be returned to the city's general fund where it could then be used for other operations.

So Stengel sees nothing criminal in this? It defies logic and is a slap in the face to each of us.

Stacy Greive, economic crimes chief for Commonwealth's Attorney Dave Stengel's office, said she didn't seek indictments in the case because she could not prove intent to commit a crime.

Forgery is a crime. Misuse of taxpayer money is a crime. How in the world we continue to listen to these asinine excuses is beyond many of us. I say that the Commonwealth's attorney, and in this case Stacy Greive should be charged by the feds with aiding and abetting a crime. It is logical.

These actions were done to deceive the taxpayers of this community that fund the department so yeah it was done for someones benefit.

Did Mershon benefit? You bet. So did Carole Butler a name long associated with the Democratic party in Louisville. Butler received $14,900 for a book she never wrote or published. Only AFTER the story came out did Butler return the money and resign. Did it take getting caught with your hand in the cookie jar to force this?

Accepting the money for work not completed is criminal. Butler returning the money after the fact does not negate that criminal action. Period. Let's not forget that Carole Butler was also on the payroll for $85,000 a year. PART TIME.

No we have some serious problems within this gestapo that have been covered up for many years by Abramson and his friends in the local DNC. That is the problem. It appears that gestapo has friends in teh legal system as well. We have had enough of this haven't we?

Allowing the pathetic actions of non Commonwealth Attorney Dave Stengel to continue is yet another example of a problem. Allowing Jack Conway, who often brags about being the "top cop" in the Commonwealth, to do absolutely nothing about these problems is another. He is responsible as well in aiding and abetting.

Meanwhile, there will be more uncovered in future days and none of it good I am sure. The US Department of Justice needs to get ready for documentation and charges to be brought. As a taxpayer I have standing to do so and look forward to the challenge.

Kudos to CJ reporter Dan Klepal for this story. It is nice to see the CJ editorial staff finally allowing him to do what he does best. In the meantime I have a question.

How can Judy Green be found guilty of anything through the ethics commission either?

Seriously. If we can continue allowing this type of behavior from elected officials and tehir appointees then where do we even begin to gain accountability.

Hopefully, we shall see soon from the US DOJ. Stay tuned..............