THIENEMAN PRESS RELEASE ON WAYSIDE

As some of you are aware current Mayoral candidate Hal Heiner had an op ed printed in the CJ on Friday. An opportunity for cooperation courier-journal.com The Courier-Journal . It now seems as though the CJ is once again proving bias.

Mayoral candidate Chris Thieneman, Hal's opponent, sent in a response to the CJ they refused to print. Any reason why they would not print opposing viewpoints between candidates in an election. Especially the Mayoral one? No bias there huh?

But I digress.

Here is the copy of Thieneman's response for your review:

An Opportunity Missed

First I want to applaud Councilman Heiner for the good words written in the CJ concerning Wayside Christian Mission. Wayside, and organizations like them who provide shelter and opportunity to our community’s high-risk women and children, should not be victims to the bureaucratic process of our Metro Government. This is an issue that could have been resolved months ago, and the inaction of our elected officials have led us to this moment, most notably you Mr. Heiner.

Councilman Heiner sits on the powerful Planning and Zoning committee. He is the Vice-Chairman.

He has the authority to place planning and zoning issues on the agenda for the committee, which then could push the issue before the full Metro Council. The issues faced by Wayside Christian Mission could be resolved in this committee. This issue could have been resolved, before the holiday season, before the cold set in, and before Mr. Heiner announced his candidacy for Mayor.

Having courage means taking difficult stances on issues and seeing the plan through. It does not mean taking a politically calculated step in the right direction only when political gain is on the line. Courage is a word not to be thrown around as political rhetoric. Courage is getting the job done for the right reasons at the right time; not months down the road while running for public office.

Mr. Heiner, you have had every opportunity in the past 6 months to attempt to rezone the old Louisville Hotel for Wayside, and you have done nothing. There have been zero, 0, attempts by the committee since June to rezone this property. Not one agenda proves a proactive approach to solve the problems facing our at-risk and homeless families.

I congratulate and whole heartily support the actions of Wayside Christian Mission in providing a much-needed avenue to care for the homeless in our city. But in them having to find an alternative means to provide this care proves Metro leadership has failed.

In the letter, there was mention that “We should invite…” a host of community organizations to the table to help the individuals once they are at Wayside. No, they should have already been invited and working to a solution. This does not rest on the shoulders of Wayside; it rests on us as human beings and as members of this community. The city has failed its people if these services are only provided when there is no other option and the family is homeless. This idea addresses a symptom. To change this environment and to show the true compassion of our city, we must treat and cure the cause.

I do not believe in reactionary leadership. I believe in tackling problems when they arise; not sitting around and letting the scene play out and hope it goes away or solves itself. I believe when a man uses the word courage to describe himself he steps up when the pressure is on, not when it makes for a good photo opportunity.

The Metro Council and Metro government have had their opportunity to solve this problem.

They have failed. Wayside has been hindered and terrorized by the bureaucratic red tape of city hall. Wayside is caring for the city’s homeless and at-risk women and children, and Mr. Heiner and his committee cannot even make an attempt to rezone the Wayside Hotel.

Our great city must provide these families with opportunities and jobs before Wayside becomes their only option. We have to attract jobs and corporations to our community who will provide our citizens with an opportunity at a better standard of living. Private citizens and community organizations should be involved in the process and leading the way. I am not saying that Metro Government should not have a seat at the table, but I believe community interests would best serve such an effort.

Mr. Heiner’s campaign is doing a penny drive and mine will be doing a clothing drive for Wayside. Both are righteous outreaches to help and support such a pillar of our community.

However, Mr. Heiner has been in a position of power to solve this problem, and now a solution comes only after he announces he wants to be Mayor. I question the sincerity and courage behind such an action. The solutions to the problems facing our community should not only come about when political gain is on the line. For Wayside, I am glad action is finally being taken. For Metro Government, I believe the time has passed to be called a leader on the issue.


Sincerely,


Chris Thieneman

IF KING TRULY CARED HE WOULD QUIT NOW

How much more can be said about Jim King. Really. I started an investigation about 1 and 1/2 years ago because I felt that there was some shady campaign finance violations that must be dealt with in order to protect the intent for anyone who runs for office. These were not minor violations there were serious concerns about the money Katie got for her election.

What started out as just one simple question: Is it legal? turned into something much greater. I didn't plan it there was no personal vendetta just thought there were relevant questions to be asked and answered for the sanctity of elections.

Unfortunately King and/or his handlers decided to start spreading rumors about me to other folks including bloggers and media types trying to denigrate myself and my integrity. You can read about that here: Louisville News and Politics: AND THE BEAT OF THE KING GOES ON........ At that point I made it a mission to seek the truth and get answers. This of course as you all know has led to so much information that I have shared through the last 18 months or so that today the King's have become the poster children for all that is wrong with egotistical, arrogant power run amok. Especially when they represent We The People.

The information I get has come from multiple sources and I get calls daily asking me to check out something or other on the King's. Some things I print after investigated that I can substantiate and so many others I do not because I cannot verify. Such is life.

Throughout this time I have been labeled many things a sycophant, cyber stalker, dumbass, one trick pony. Well you get the gist. I have faced my fair share of threats as well from King staffers, or King himself (some have been through the Internet and emails so who knows). No biggie.

What I cannot fathom throughout all of this is where has the mainstream media been and why has King been allowed a free ride until now?

Andy Alcock has been the only reporter even interested in covering the things King has been up to throughout this time until recently. Kudos to Andy. But now the rest are jumping on the bandwagon. All I can say is this.

It is about time. Take a look at the picture above in this article. King purposefully, knowingly laid out a false impression that St. X was supporting him and the alumni was hosting a fundraiser for him. This of course is preposterous as everyone now knows King lied again.

He apologizes now saying the email was only meant for friends and colleagues. I ask this: Do your friends not know how to contact you or you them? Doesn't seem likely that is a problem for friends does it?

Secondly ask yourself this. How did King get the list in the first place? Gaining the list and using it illegally are quite different than responding what your intended audience was. Using it illegally is the key here not who actually received it. And that is the problem with this guy. Knowingly violating any laws he deems as being in the way of what he seeks.

I know how Tierney is trying to spin it (read more about those ties here: Louisville News and Politics: BRIDGE PANEL SELECTIONS: METRO COUNCIL HYPOCRITES) and it does not add up.

Even if we are to believe the email list was garnered off of St. X's email list from the website it clearly states those email addresses cannot be used for solicitation. The school’s website “user agreement” says specifically that the information is not to be used for solicitation. (St. X says King didn’t have authorization to contact alumni courier-journal.com The Courier-Journal)

Are we now to assume that after all the mess King started by trying to manipulate the KREF , a mess that is continuing today, that he still has not learned how to read and obey the law?

The evidence does not add up and quite frankly based on the history of King and his wrongful doings we should demand he step down from the Metro Council at this point as well. We deserve so much better as a citizenry we cannot allow this type of situation to continue.

We cannot say his staff does not know better.

Hell he hired every known campaign strategist in town for this race. SO either ALL of them are idiots OR they are just on the payroll for looks, or simply bought to keep them from working for his competition. It is becoming increasingly clear that King does what he wants.

While I may not have much respect for some of the folks he hired to "run" his campaign I certainly do not think all are idiots. Some are idiots, in my opinion admittedly, but I doubt ALL are stupid enough to tell this clown what he is doing is OK.

And therein lies the rub.

King does what he wants when he wants and the law or anyone in the way be damned. That is not a suitable thing for anyone wishing to represent us.

That is exactly what we do not need in government and it is time to tell him so.

For those who have been bought and paid for to help cover his mistakes I would say get out of the way now and protect yourself. If you think this will help your reputations in any positive way think again and look at yourself in the mirror.

For Jim King quit the Mayoral race and resign the Council. For once in your life do the right thing. To do anything different is an insult to those you seek to represent.

Your thoughts?

MYVIEWMATTERS RADIO W/ CANDIDATE KAVEN RUMPEL.

Many of you already know Kaven Rumpel from the show as we have had him on as the President of the Ky Charitable Gaming Association and their issues. My partner Ed Martin remembered that we had not actually had Kaven on as a guest to discuss his Metro Council District 19 candidacy.

Tonight we corrected that and had Kaven on and discussed the issues facing Louisville. Check it out you will not be disappointed.

BOZA SIDES WITH JBS: GOOD JOB!

I have had a problem for a long time with this whole JBS situation which seemed to really catch fire when an outsider to our area came here 18 months ago by the name of Jon Salomon. The NIMBY folks have gotten away with so much that it is a wonder anything gets accomplished and we have jobs at all.

Take the Butchertown area for example. It did not get its name because it smelled of flowers. It got its name because of the Stockyards and meat packaging operations that were so prevalent in our history. Though I will often times side with the argument that sometimes historical buildings may outlast their usefulness and it would be better for the community to demolish it so they can move ahead, in this case I do not agree.

JBS, formerly Swift and a whole host of other names, has been an integral business in the Butchertown community for 100 years. It has not been a building that sat idly by and deteriorated it has provided jobs for the community and taxes for the City. While I will not say they have been the perfect example of cooperation, in some instances, I will say this what gives?

Jon Salomon graduated high school in Lexington, went to college in St. Louis, got his law degree in New York where he practiced at Cleary Gottlieb Steen Hamilton. Jon began practice as a litigation associate where he represented major financial institutions and public corporations (including three of the Fortune 10 companies) in a variety of matters including securities and business litigation, International Chamber of Commerce arbitrations, and investigations conducted by the Securities and Exchange Commission and various United States Attorneys' Offices. He represented banks, insurers and other clients in a wide variety of business litigation matters.

Jon's practice focuses on complex and multidistrict litigation, and he represents financial institutions in matters involving lender liability, employment discrimination, non-compete provisions and real estate disputes.

This info was gotten from his current law office bio.

So what gives? Why would a successful New York attorney with no roots or ties to Louisville move here and practically immediately decide to go after the area's most prominent employer?

Consider some things. What would be the real estate value of the Swift property if they were gone. Who would benefit?

According to a LEO article the land is considered prime real estate.Meatpacked Louisville's Alt-Weekly LEO Weekly so it seems a logical conclusion that something stinks and it isn't just the odor from JBS.

I mean River Park, museums, restaurants, the new downtown arena, 4th Street Live, Slugger Stadium, all are righ there.

Think about this. In June of 2008 ( less than 18 months ago) Salomon and Keturah Gray bought 1426 E Washington Street for $465,000.00. A 132 yr old, roughly 2400 square foot condo.

Think JBS being in close proximity may hurt the resell? Perhaps with JBS gone the value goes up as does the surrounding homes in the area? Ever see the movie Wall Street? Michael Douglas , as Gordon Gekko, makes a speech at a shareholders meeting and states "Greed is good."

Take a guy with no ties to the area, learns his law in New York the overinflated real estate capitol of the world, who then moves to a new yuppie condo in a working class neghborhood and immediately goes after the working class business.

Add in the fact that our good pal Abramson has been going to New York on "business" and would love nothing better than to see JBS get moved, without having to take the political heat for it, so that real estate can be taken over by the City, and probably given away to Cordish or someone else he gains from, what do you have?

Some will call me a conspiracy theorist for this article admittedly. But based on history with the shady dealings that go on with those who think they are the power elite in this town, one has to wonder.

Sorry, pardon the expression, but this pig just won't fly.

So what gives?

Sadly for them I want to know that answer.

Stay tuned..............

BRIDGE PANEL SELECTIONS: METRO COUNCIL HYPOCRITES

As most know by now Abramson has hand picked our reps for the Bridges Panel. No real surprise with his choices. You can read about them here: Council questions bridge panel picks courier-journal.com The Courier-Journal

No real surprises at all.

The biggest surprise is the idiots on the Council who have rubber stamped each and every appointment by Abramson since merger now are trying to act like they care.

Seems now that Abramson is on his way out they can act like they have some balls knowing full well the Democratic majority will approve these people regardless. After all Abramson has another year left (unless he resigns sooner to "focus" on his bid for Lt. Governor) so why not act like you care now.

I mean even the Courier gets that much: "Mayoral appointments to boards and commissions normally get council approval with little fanfare — Abramson's office can't recall the council voting down an appointment since the 2003 merger."

So what gives now?

Some on the Council now act like they seem concerned. Take Rick Blackwell's statement here:

"But Rick Blackwell, D-12th District, said that the council made clear to Abramson that they wanted a council voice among the membership when it passed a bridges resolution in July.
“It's a really important issue for the community,” he said. ‘We're going to be talking about a lot of things that affect our districts — including the possibility of tolls.”

Yeah Rick we believe you really care based on your history of votes on the Council and siding with your good friend and lack of ethics partner Bob Henderson. Puhleeze.

If you look at the names Abramson has submitted for rubber stamp approval then it automatically raises questions. Of course his appointments have always raised questions in the citizenry. It is only the rubber stamp Council members who failed to ask them.

Carlton said that the mayor wanted his appointments to include civic-minded people who have been involved in the transportation planning issues and are “knowledgeable of the issues.”

And these are civic minded people not Abramson or party cronies? I beg to differ.

Start with Sandra Frazier CEO of the Tandem agency. The Tandem agency on paper seems to be ok. I am not knocking what they do for a living but after reviewing some of the things they work on and some of the people on staff one has to wonder.

I mean Frazier is supposedly an independent yet admittedly her firm counts among its clients the Bridges Coalition, a group of businesses, labor organizations and governments supporting the project.

She also is listed among past donors to River Fields, a conservation organization that opposes an eastern bridge.

Gee no conflict there is there. Not to mention Michael Tierney on staff does work for Mayor wannabe Jim King. Are we to believe that they want to be involved purely because they are civic minded? Very suspect to say the least.

Or look at everybody's favorite non City agency that just so happens to seem to be in the middle of everything that goes on here. You know who I am talking about.

Good old Greater Louisville, Inc (GLI). Joe Reagan of GLI I would not trust for dog catcher. Sorry folks. A non governent agency being funded with our tax dollars by a board Abramson and david Tandy just happen to sit on. Yep.

As far as Moyer and Richmond are concerned with these other people Abramson wants to appoint why even worry about them.

So gee um thanks Rick Blackwell, Vickie Aubrey Welch, Bob Henderson, Dan Johnson, and a whole host of other rubber stamp council members who have allowed this Mayor to screw us with appointments through the years under your watch.

To act like any of you suddenly care is hypocritical at best.

Your thoughts?

MYVIEWMATTERS RADIO SHOW W/ KY GRASSROOTS RADIO

Tonight's guest in studio were the guys behind Kentuckiana Grassroots Radio who now simulcast our show every week. Clint Hardy and Matt Singleton were in studio to discuss what Ky Grassroots radio is about and current events such as the recent healthcare reform and Casino Gambling.

Check it out below for more!

THANK A VETERAN

November 11 each year is designated as Veteran's Day as many know. For a history on Veteran's Day you can visit here: History of Veterans Day - Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs.

Just some background from the link:

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m.

The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926, with these words:

Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and

Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and

Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.

An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day." Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation (Public Law 380) on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

Later that same year, on October 8th, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first "Veterans Day Proclamation" which stated: "In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans' organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose. Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible."

History indeed is significant in that sometimes we learn from it and sometimes we do not. Today's military is entangled once again in War across the globe. Afghanistan, Iraq, and many other smaller escalations we really pay not much attention to.

The sacrifices for these volunteers who choose to do this work so we do not have to are something many that have not served will never fully understand. Yes this includes some of the so called elected leaders who make decisions without knowledge in these matters.

As a veteran myself I pray for each and every soldier daily. I pray for their families whose sacrifice is just as great yet rarely mentioned. More importantly I pray for a day when we no longer need to have "Holidays" like this.

My sincerest thanks to all Veteran's past and present who choose to fight for us all so we can sleep at night.

God Bless you all and God Speed for a safe return.