Metro Council's Democratic Caucus members encourage public to attend meeting concerning tolls for the Ohio River Bridges project

Members of the Democratic Caucus of the Louisville Metro Council are encouraging anyone who is concerned about tolls on the new Ohio River Bridges to voice their concerns or opinions at two open house meetings early next week.

“The project’s coordinators want to hear from any low income or minority groups that will feel the impact of tolls,” said Councilman David James (D-6), chairman of the Caucus. “It is important that all voices and all areas of Louisville and Southern Indiana be heard.”

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the Indiana Department of Transpiration currently have a draft assessment of the impact of tolls for the project. The Open House meetings are being held to gauge more public input.

On Sunday, several members of the Democratic Caucus held a news conference encouraging public participation. “Right now all attention is focused on the beginning of construction but it is important to remember when these bridges are completed, tolls will become a reality,” said Councilman Rick Blackwell (D-12).

“Many people are still struggling in this economy and for some these proposed tolls are going to be a burden. That’s why now is the time to voice how you will be impacted if tolls are placed on these new bridges,” says Councilwoman Attica Scott (D-1).

Here is the information for both meetings from the Ohio River Bridges Project::
· Monday, July 22, from 4 to 7 p.m. EDT at the Holiday Inn Clarksville, 505 Marriott Dr., Clarksville, Ind.
· Tuesday, July 23, from 4 to 7 p.m. EDT at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, 1701 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd., Louisville, Ky.

 For those using public transportation, the route information for Transit Authority of River City (TARC) is:
· July 22 meeting – Take TARC to the Spring Street stops at 14th or 15th streets in Jeffersonville, Ind. Shuttle to Holiday Inn Clarksville will be provided at that point.
· July 23 meeting – Take TARC to the Muhammad Ali & 17th Street stop.

Open door: Councilwoman Fowler takes reins in 14th District

Council members Rick Blackwell, Vicki Welch, Cindi Fowler and David Yates

Residents of Metro Louisville's14th District finally have an available and capable representative as Councilwoman Cindi Fowler has officially been sworn into office.

Since the merger of city and county government in 2002, the 14th District office has been occupied by Bob Henderson - a polarizing figure who never seemed to resonate with citizens, despite his long tenure as councilman. Says a neighborhood activist, "There were so many people who would run against him, it constantly split the vote too many ways and he'd get back in. If you ever argued or disagreed with him, he took it personally, and you could never get anything done. Calls weren't returned and there was little or no communication between the office and the people, particularly toward the end of Bob's last term. He was just absent. We are thankful to be able to turn that page of history and look forward to the future with a team that seems ready to improve the southwest area. It's an exciting time."

In the past, I had my share of run-ins with the councilman. He never seemed to forgive me for my criticisms of his performance and always treated my questions as a nuisance to be endured rather than a chance to move forward.

But it is a new day in the 14th and we don't have to talk about that nonsense any longer. With the election of Cindi Fowler, the team is now complete. With all of Southwest Louisville's elected representatives working together for the common good, progress and opportunity should be much easier to obtain.

Councilwoman Fowler has already promised to begin the practice of constituent meetings and says she will treat communication with residents as her highest priority. I personally look forward to hearing from her office as the agenda is set for a new direction in Southwest Louisville.

A press release regarding Councilwoman Fowler's swearing-in ceremony follows:

On Monday, January 7^th, Cindi Fowler joined 25 others as one of two new members of the Louisville Metro Council following the 2013 Organizational Session. Fowler won the seat in the November 6^th election and is ready to begin her four year term as Councilwoman.

           

“I am ready to begin the work of serving the people of District 14,” said Fowler. “I want the people of the district to know I am ready to listen to them as I join others on the Metro Council. Together, we can make this a better city for everyone.”

Fowler says she plans to stay in regular contact with constituents in Valley Station, Pleasure Ridge Park, Kosmosdale and other areas of the district through email newsletters and community meetings.

Michael Bowman has been selected to be Fowler’s Legislative Assistant. He has served the last year as coordinator for the Southwest Regional Office for Councilmembers Rick Blackwell (D-12) and David Yates (D-25).
 

“I plan to follow through on what I heard from people during the campaign. I will be out in the district keeping everyone informed on issues and how I will address them.” 

            

For more information, contact Councilwoman Fowler’s office at 574-1114.

Get on board for the New Cut Road Trolley Hop, beginning July 28

Saturday, July 28th brings a monthly opportunity to see and enjoy the best attractions in South and Southwest Louisville when the New Cut Road Trolley Hop kicks off its inaugural run.

“We are announcing an easy way to combine the fun of many events in our region with a convenient and economical way to spend a great day with family or friends,” says Councilwoman Vicki Aubrey Welch (D-13). “This Trolley Hop is a first for our area and wonderful way to showcase some of the great places we know and love in the Southwest.”

On its inaugural run, the New Cut Road Trolley Hop leaves the Iroquois Amphitheater headed for the Jefferson Memorial Forest's Welcome Center. Along the way, there will be stops at the Little Loomhouse, Auburndale Village Shopping Center, the southwest corner of Third Street Road and New Cut Road; Outer Loop Center, northwest corner of New Cut Road and Outer Loop and the new Fairdale Library.

“Our kickoff coincides with the Kentucky Music Weekend at Iroquois Amphitheater which is a traditional event for the summer,” says Councilman Dan Johnson (D-21). “This event is a tradition for many people and the Trolley Hop will show people who may not come out to this area that we have some great attractions.” Metro Council members are providing the funding for the program.

Joining Welch and Johnson as sponsors are Rick Blackwell (D-12), Bob Henderson (D-14), Marianne Butler (D-15) and David Yates (D-25).

While the July Trolley Hop is being held in conjunction with the Kentucky Music Festival, in August the Trolley Hop will run in conjunction with "H.M.S. Pinafore," the classic Gilbert and Sullivan musical that will have a six-night run at the Amphitheater.

September's Hop will feature the Fairdale Community Fair.

October will highlight the Mayor's Healthy Hometown Hike at the Jefferson Memorial forest.

“This is another example of the Southwest members of the Metro Council working together and, in this case, promoting a growing area that is special and unique to us,” says Yates. 

For more information about the kickoff of the New Cut Road Trolley Hop, click HERE.

District 13 “Coffee with Your Councilwoman” set for February 18th

Councilwoman Vicki Aubrey Welch is beginning a brand new year by once again extending an invitation to residents of District 13 to come out for “Coffee with Your Councilwoman” on Saturday, February 18th at 9:30am at First String Family Sports Grill .

“This is an event designed to offer an opportunity to talk with your Metro Council representative one on one if you have an issue in your neighborhood,” says Welch. “My staff and I will be on hand to listen to your concerns. We will also update you on projects and initiatives currently happening in District 13 as well as all over our community.”

The Councilwoman says “Coffee with Your Councilwoman” is designed to answer the following:

• Do you have a question about Louisville Metro Government?

• How about a concern for your neighborhood?

• Is there an important issue facing our community you’d like to share?

The February “Coffee with Your Councilwoman” gets under way at 9:30 am at the First String Family Sports Grill, 5921 New Cut Road. Coffee is complimentary from First String Family Grill for those who come out to talk. Breakfast may be purchased at a reasonable cost.

“This is a very casual and comfortable setting to have a conversation,” says Welch. “So come have a cup of coffee and just say “Hi” if you want. I would love to meet you!”

To learn more about the February District 13 “Coffee with Your Councilwoman” contact Councilwoman Welch’s office at 574-1113.

Welch 'honored' by National League of Cities appointment

Southwest Louisville Councilwoman Vicki Aubrey Welch (D-13) has been appointed to Vice Chair the National League of Cities’ (NLC) 2012 Human Development Steering Committee.

The Human Development committee is responsible for developing policy positions on issues involving social services, children and learning, poverty and income support, employment and workforce development, equal opportunity, Social Security and seniors, individuals with disabilities, public health care, mental health parity and immigration reform.

The appointment was announced by NLC President Ted Ellis, Mayor, Bluffton, Ind.

“I am honored and look forward to the challenge of leadership for this committee that sends resolutions to our federal government on issues affecting our cities and towns,” said Welch. "Louisville Metro has much to offer other cities with our many innovative programs initiated to improve the quality of life for our residents. And I can learn from other elected officials across our nation about their solutions to some of our shared problems.”

As a member of the committee, Welch will play a key role in shaping NLC’s policy positions, while advocating on behalf of America’s cities and towns on Capitol Hill, with the Administration, and at home.

The chair of this year’s Human Development Steering Committee is Van R. Johnson II, Alderman, Savannah, GA. Serving as this year’s vice chairs are Mary Dorothy (Dot) La Marche, Vice Mayor, Farragut, TN., and Vicki Aubrey Welch, Council Member, Louisville, KY.

For more information on NLC’s other committees and councils, visit http://www.nlc.org/influence-federal-policy/policy-committees.

The National League of Cities is the nation’s oldest and largest organization devoted to strengthening and promoting cities as centers of opportunity, leadership and governance. NLC is a resource and advocate for 19,000 cities, towns and villages, representing more than 218 million Americans.

District 25 grows under redistricting

In late October, the Metro Council unanimously approved new boundaries for all 26 Metro Council Districts. Redistricting is required every 10 years after the census data is released to ensure every district is evenly represented.

District 25 now includes portions for Auburndale, Iroquois Park, Pleasure Ridge Park and Valley Station.

The new District boundaries can be viewed here and a list of affected precincts can be found here.

If you don’t know what precinct you live in, please visit "MapIt" and enter your address. Your voting precinct will show up under the Political Information tab.

Wednesday Update: Construction, coffee, council districts and cinema

- As most of you know, Valley Station Road has been closed at the railroad tracks for a few days due to rail repairs. The road is scheduled to reopen tomorrow, August 11th, and will once again allow access to Dixie Highway from Valley Station Road.

- Coffee With Your Councilwoman, this Saturday, August 13th will feature a guest from the Legal Aid Society answering questions and addressing concerns on foreclosure. From Councilwoman Welch:

Come join us at First String Family Sports Grill at 9AM this Saturday. Our special guest will be Andrea Hunt from the Legal Aid Society who can talk with you about foreclosures and general Legal Aid resources. Lots of fresh hot FREE coffee with breakfast available at a reasonable cost.

- Redistricting news: As a result of 2010 census, the 26 Louisville Metro Council districts must be redrawn. Councilman Rick Blackwell (D-12) chairs the redistricting committee. At Councilman Blackwell's next District 12 Dialogue, redistricting will be the main topic. Please join all four Southwest area Council members August 16th at 7PM at the Southwest Government Center to talk about this important issue.

- The Iroquois Amphitheater "Movies Under The Stars" series continues this Sunday, August 14th. "Shrek: Forever After" is FREE and begins at 8pm.

Sun Valley VITA Center passes the $1 million mark in refunds for residents in 2010

The Sun Valley Community Center has reached a very important milestone with its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. The Center has provided free income tax preparation services to local residents and has secured $1.2 million in tax refunds.

“We are having an amazing year this year,” says Councilman Bob Henderson (D-14). “We are helping so many needy people, individuals and families this year. I cannot begin to thank all of the volunteers who are helping us bring money back to folks who need it.”

The VITA program at Sun Valley has served as many as 700 clients. It is manned by volunteers and provides free tax preparation for federal and state returns for 2010.

The program has a special focus of tax preparation and tax counseling for the elderly. The key program requirement is that a household makes less than $49,000.00 per year.

Councilman Henderson is a strong supporter of VITA and has been involved with the program since 2008. He is joined this year in helping fund the VITA service at Sun Valley with assistance from Council members Rick Blackwell (D-12) Vicki Aubrey Welch (D-13) and David Yates (D-25). Other Council members who provided funding include Barbara Shanklin (D-2), Mary C. Woolridge (D-3), David Tandy (D-4), Cheri Bryant Hamilton (D-5), David James (D-6), Tom Owen (D-8), Tina Ward-Pugh (D-9), Marianne Butler (D-15), Kelly Downard (R-16), Glen Stuckel (R-17), Jon Ackerson (R-18), Dan Johnson (D-21), Madonna Flood (D-24) and Brent T. Ackerson (D-26).

Joining Henderson and Council members as sponsors are the Internal Revenue Service, Louisville Asset Builders Association (LABC), Metro Government, Metro United Way and many other businesses and organizations in the city.

The Sun Valley Center offers VITA through April 15th.

It is open 5 days a week. Times and dates are:

Tues & Thur 9:30 AM - 7PM
Wed 9:30 AM - 4PM
Fri 9:30 - 3PM
Sat 10 AM - 1PM

Councilman Ackerson hits Kentucky Derby Festival over admission charge

The silliness surrounding the "name change" of the Kentucky Derby Festival by dropping the "Kentucky" part will never end. I, for one, will continue to call the festival by it's proper name.

But that's not the only new and generally stupid idea that is "all new" for this year's Kentucky Derby Festival.

In what seems to be the beginning of the end, the gang is instituting a cover charge for Great Lawn seating for the fireworks. (I hope it snows.)

In light of this embarrassing and greedy cash-grab, Councilman Brent T. Ackerson (D-26) has issued the following statement to the Kentucky Derby Festival:

“Like other members of the Metro Council, I represent people who could easily afford this new cost for admission. But I also serve families for whom this would be a great burden. Our waterfront serves as the People’s Park, a park which their tax dollars helped to build and continues to maintain. And Thunder is one of the signature events during the Kentucky Derby Festival which appeals to nearly everyone. We should not allow Waterfront Park and Thunder Over Louisville to be fenced off, placed out of the economic reach for our citizens, especially when the revenues from the sale of the Pegasus Pins are not going to the public coffers.”

Hats off to Councilman Ackerson. Now, will someone on the council please introduce an ordinance that prohibits charging citizens admission for the use of their own public park space for a public event?

Sun Valley to host "Meet and Greet" featuring metro, state lawmakers

UPDATE:Due to potential snowfall and the current winter weather advisory in effect for the area on Thursday, January 20th, the “Meet and Greet” event set for the Sun Valley Community Center has been postponed to a later date.

With a new year underway, three members of the Louisville Metro Council invite residents in southwest Jefferson County to an Old Fashioned “Meet and Greet” on Thursday, January 20th.

Council members Bob Henderson (D-14) Vicki Aubrey Welch (D-13) and David Yates (D-25) will join members of the Kentucky General Assembly at the event beginning at 6:00pm.

“The people of our districts will have a chance to come out and speak directly to us and let us know if there are any concerns or issues they want us to be aware of,” says Henderson. “With state lawmakers in Frankfort, it’s a good time to tell them your concerns on a state level.”

Joining the Council Members will be State Representative Charlie Miller District 28, Rep. Joni Jenkins District 44 and State Senator Dennis Parrett of District 10.

“I am looking forward to meeting constituents in what will be the first of many events like this,” says Yates. “I want to hear from the people of District 25 and this is an easy, informal way to come out and talk with the people who represent you.”

The Pleasure Ridge Park and Valley Woman’s Clubs are hosting the event which includes an “all you can eat” Bean Soup and Cornbread Dinner. The cost is just $6 per person and the money raised from the dinner will benefit the Club’s Scholarship Fund. The Dinner will begin at 5:00pm.

“Metro government can do many things to help an area but we need to have feed back on how well things are working,” says Welch. “But it is also important that resident get to know the people who pass laws and handle problems in their area and I look forward to meeting with them.”

The event will be held at the Sun Valley Community Center, 6505 Bethany Lane.

For more information about the “Meet and Greet: Call Councilman Henderson’s office at 574-1114, or Councilwoman Welch’s office at 574-1113 or Councilman Yates office at 574-1125.

King Postpones Second Public Hearing on Budget

King Postpones Second Public Hearing

Budget Committee Chair and Councilman Jim King (D-10) has decided to postpone the second public hearing scheduled for Monday, June 14, from 6pm to 8pm.

In announcing his decision to postpone King said, “the existing public hearing schedule conflicts with the visitation Monday evening for Councilman George Unseld who passed away suddenly last Thursday. Rather than force our Council members to decide between the visitation and hearing from the public I’ve decided the proper and respectful thing to do is to reschedule.”

King went on to say, “To avoid inconveniencing the public, we will ask local news outlets to announce the changes all day Monday and our staff will contact likely speakers from organizations seeking Metro funding”.
The final round of public hearings will be rescheduled for this Thursday, June 17 from 5:30pm to 7:30 pm. Speakers will be given 3 minutes to speak to the committee. Sign ups for speaking will be taken from 5pm to 6pm on June 17 outside the council chambers and speakers will be recognized on a first come basis.

There will be no phone calls taken. All speakers must sign up in person.

Public Hearings Scheduled For Mayor's Budget Proposal

Two public hearings set for June 2nd & 14th

The Louisville Metro Council’s Budget Committee will begin its review of the Mayor’s proposed 2010- 2011 Capital and Operating Budgets on Tuesday, June 1st. Various departments of agencies of Metro Government will appear before the committee through the month of June.

“While there are indications we have turned the corner on this recession, balancing the 2011 Budget will be difficult at best,” said Councilman Jim King (D-10), who chairs the Committee. “This will be our third year of declining revenues although the decline is less than previous years.”

King has released the 2010 Budget Hearing Schedule for the month of June. The Committee will begin its work at Tuesday, June 1st. The first item for consideration is the revenue overview for the coming fiscal year by officials of the Abramson Administration and Dr. Paul Coomes, Economist of the University of Louisville.
“We will strive to ensure that the Metro Council’s priorities, in terms of services, are reconciled with those of the administration.” said Councilman Kelly Downard (R-16) Vice Chair of the Committee. “We will focus on making sure each dollar is spent wisely and in a way that benefits the people we serve”.

Public Safety agencies, including Metro Police and Louisville Fire and Rescue, will appear before the committee on Tuesday, June 8th and Wednesday, June 9th.

The public will have two chances to comment on the budget with two scheduled hearings. The first will take place on Wednesday, June 2nd from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. The second hearing will occur on Monday, June 14th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Details about how to sign up to speak for the hearing will be forthcoming.

“Given the recent concerns addressed by the State Auditor’s report on Metro Government finances, the Budget Committee will also use the hearings as an opportunity to pursue control deficiencies cited in each department,” said King. “Our first priority is to make sure essential services remain intact while at the same time using taxpayer dollars wisely.” “The Office of the State Auditor left us with a blueprint for improved accountability and the delivery of services” said Downard.

A complete listing of the Budget Committee’s hearing schedule can be found on the Metro Council’s homepage at www.louisvilleky.gov/metrocouncil . There will be live web streaming of the hearing that can also be accessed by the Metro Council Home Page and clicking on the “Watch Meetings Online” icon.

All hearings will also be broadcast live on Metro TV.

Primary Election News: 6 Days and Counting

- My friend Steve Magruder of Louisville History & Issues has compiled a list featuring podcasts and videos of several of the mayoral candidate forums that have been held this year. If you are still one of the many undecided voters, this resource should help.  Click HERE for the list.

- Republican candidate for Mayor Hal Heiner, seeking mileage out of the city's financial audit fiasco, said today Louisville's audit plan doesn't go far enough with regard to outside assessments.  Heiner wants additional outside help in reviewing the city's own internal audits. Abramson's spokesperson lunged for Hal's throat like a jackal, saying the city already has outside help (the state) and shot back rather snootily: “As a councilman who's been part of that process and observed that process every year, he ought to understand that,”. [CJ]

-  I spoke with Dr. Robert Thrasher about his upcoming primary election against incumbent Doug Hawkins in Louisville's 25th District.  Saying "never give up...never give in", he relayed to me the following, which I found to be monumentally interesting:

I am winding down the campaign. The signs are up the doors have been knocked on and the weather is great. I feel that if I don't win the primary I will throw my support behind Mr. Yates. Mr. Hawkins has to go!!!!!!! Whether by me or by someone else. I have enough commitments in the community to help defeat him in the fall. I think that fears the party because I have been open in telling them my plans. I plan on spending next week in Windsor Forest and the following weekend at the Prairie Village Little League. I think that to beat Mr. Hawkins I must carry Windsor Forest, Prairie Village and Villa Anna Subdivisions. I have talked at many different events and I think most of the candidates are missing the boat when it comes to where are problems lie. I agree with the bridges and the arena and the need for downtown expansion, however to make our community strong we must put partisanships aside and work to better our school system and provide a work force that best meets the needs of the 21st century. People ask me about my political experience, I reply I have the same amount of experience Mr. Hawkins had when he ran in 2002. I believe I have more common sense and I know I have more educational experiences.

There is certainly not much in the way of putting partisanship aside in order to accomplish a common good these days, mostly because I don't think we can agree on what the common good is. Dr. Thrasher has this one correct: Education is the key to job creation. How we, as a community, achieve that goal is still up in the air. But it is nice to agree once in a while, isn't it? Good luck to all worthy candidates on Tuesday.

2010 Metro Council Committees

Newly-elected Metro Council President Tom Owen has announced his appointments to committees for 2010. After looking closely at them, I believe it is time for us to begin the discussion on term limits for members of the council.

Here are the Chairs and Vice-Chairs for Metro Council Committees in 2010


Appropriations NDF’s and CIF’s:
Robin Engel (R-22) Chair
Rick Blackwell (D-12) Vice Chair

Budget:
Jim King (D-10) Chair
Kelly Downard (R-16) Vice Chair

Community Affairs:
Barbara Shanklin (D-2) Chair
Doug Hawkins (R-25) Vice Chairman

Contracts and Appointments:
Stuart Benson (R-20) Chair
Mary Woolridge (D-3) Vice Chair

Energy & Environment:
Brent Ackerson (D-26) Chair
James Peden (R-23 Vice-Chair

Government Accountability and Oversight:
Tina Ward-Pugh (D-9) Chair
Ken Fleming (R-7) Vice Chairman

Health & Human Needs:
Vicki Aubrey Welch (D-13) Chair
Kevin Kramer (R-11) Vice Chair

Labor & Economic Development:
Marianne Butler (D-15) Chair
Kelly Downard (R-16) Vice Chair

Parks, Libraries & Cultural Activities:
Glen Stuckel (R-17) Chair
Bon Henderson (D-14) Vice Chair

Planning/Zoning, Land Design & Development:
Jon Ackerson (R-18) Chair
Dan Johnson (D-21) Vice Chair

Public Safety:
Kevin Kramer (R-11) Chair
Judy Green (D-1) Vice Chair

Transportation/Public Works:
Cheri Bryant Hamilton (D-5) Chair
Robin Engel (R-22) Vice Chair

Metro District 25 Race Is ON

With the launch of his campaign website, Metro Council District 25 candidate David Yates is already running full-tilt. You may remember his name being mentioned here. David is a bright young attorney with some fresh, new, rock-solid ideas that would be beneficial to and improve the life of residents in the 25th district. At the very least, Yates would bring instant credibility to the Southwest Louisville district and would serve citizens well on the council. Yates seems content to run on ideas, and that is fine with me. I wish him the best of luck and hope he gets a clean race from the incumbent.

Check him out and give him a shot. What do you have to lose?

Mayor Vetoes Local Worker Ordinance

The labor ordinance that would have put more local residents to work on government-financed construction projects was vetoed by the mayor yesterday. He and his GLI acolytes spun the issue as one of high, unrealistic wages and other phony, nonsense arguments. The ordinance was less about wages than where the wage earners come from. Everyone can see that.

Everyone can also see that since the mayor receives a portion of his income from GLI, it makes sense that he would follow the wishes of the Chamber of Commerce rather than the will of the citizens. The mayor wants you to forget that fact. The mayor wants to tell you that your wages are too high. This veto action has only insured that we will continue to have high local unemployment while out-of-town workers reap the benefits of government-financed construction in Louisville. These are your tax dollars going into the pockets of out-of-state corporations with out-of-state workers.

So, Mayor Abramson, keep drawing that big check from GLI while you can. We know where your allegiance lies.

Mayor on Verge of Denying Local Jobs for Local Workers

Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson will reportedly decide this week on the fate of the labor ordinance that would guarantee more local jobs for local workers on major, government-financed construction projects. The ordinance was passed in the middle of the night Thursday by the Metro Council, after several hours of fighting over the definition of "small business".

As expected, the ordinance is being opposed by the chamber of commerce and some small business organizations.

The Courier Journal's story lists highlights of the ordinance as follows:

•Payment of prevailing wage on all aspects of projects that meet the $500,000 threshold. Prevailing wage is defined by state statutes as the “predominant” wage paid to trades in a locality, in this case Jefferson County. It is calculated by taking the average of wages paid on all public projects, similar private projects and union wages.

•A goal that at least 75 percent of the project’s jobs be given to residents of counties within the five-county Louisville Metropolitan Statistical Area.

•A goal of at least 20 percent minority participation, including workers and certified minority-owned businesses.

•A goal of at least 5 percent female participation, including workers and certified women-owned businesses.

The fact that the mayor has to "think about" signing the ordinance only speaks to what side he really represents. It sure as hell isn't the people who carry their lunch to work everyday. This ordinance is not about union versus non-union workers. It is about employing Louisville residents to work on projects the government helps pay for. Why bring in out-of-town workers when we are experiencing 10% unemployment? Call Jerry and ask him. Then tell him to sign the ordinance.

Eye Will Pay In April For 'Shrooms Sold Tuesday

I don't know how I missed this item in Thursday's news, but a member of my exclusive and trusted "Advisory Board" brought it to my attention today. Joshua Eye, a 30 year old administrative assistant for the Louisville Metro Council, was arrested last Tuesday after he allegedly sold an undercover narcotics agent $600 worth of hallucinogenic mushrooms. Eye was busted in Mount Washington by the Bullitt County Drug Force.

The Courier-Journal says Eye did not work for a particular council member, and has been employed by the city for just over a year. He is currently under suspension pending the outcome of his court case.

There has been no determination of a link between the irrational behavior at city hall and this guy peddling his wares, but I have feelers out just in case. Some of the proposals coming out of the mayor's office certainly seem to have been written while under the influence of something. More when I get it.

Council Passes eTransparency Ordinance

It is done. Just minutes ago, the Louisville Metro Council passed the eTransparency ordinance. I received word of the vote from my good friend Steve @ Louisville History & Issues. Here's his note to me:

With everyone signing on as a sponsor (!), E-Transparency passed with 25 yes, 1 not voting.

Mark it on your calendars folks...

On April 9, 2009, the Transparent Age begins in Louisville, Kentucky!

Thanks to everyone in Louisville who helped build the movement to get this done, especially in such a non-partisan manner.

Double-cheers,
Steve

Thanks to everyone who contributed to this cause. We deserve better government, and this ordinance proves that when we raise our voices as one, we can make a difference. Thanks again.

Council to Address Metro Transparency & Ethics "Tip Line"

The 'Ville Voice is reporting the "transparency ordinance" that was introduced in February will be voted on during this week's council meeting. You can view the text of the proposal HERE.
Councilman Kevin Kramer will also be introducing an ordinance to establish a metro ethics "tip line". Both ordinances have broad bi-partisan support. Here's what Councilman Kramer had to say:

“This ordinance, along with the e-transparency and ethics ordinances is cornerstones for a more open and accessible local government. This ordinance follows the best practices of other communities and offers government employees and the public a 3rd party anonymous tip line, as prescribed by both the Metro and State Auditor’s Offices,” Kramer said.

It is not clear if the mayor would sign either of these ordinances into law.