Fischer supporter: '...let the truth guide him...'

I swear. I'm about more than holding Mayor Greg Fischer accountable. My big vision for Louisville can be summed up in one sentence: I want us to have inclusive and transparent local government, aimed at being the most environmentally conscious and socially responsible city we can be.

But as my Metro Council campaign moves along, I'm getting press mostly for my efforts with transparency and accountability. (WFPL) (Courier-Journal) So I'm going to do a quick recap of where all this stands, and then not think about it for days.

One of Mayor Greg Fischer's most-enthusiastic supporters, activist Harold Trainer, offered up some advice for the mayor in a WFPL comment this morning:


While I agree with Harold, Greg should "let the truth guide him completely," I don't think Harold understands the scope and risks for his friend to follow that advice. Rather than the matter going away,
the consequences that could follow 'the truth' may be much dire, indeed. Let me explain...


Already, the KREF has my complaint, Greg's response to my complaint, and Ed Hart's testimony and evidence. (Any individual citizens who want to quickly submit their input/evidence to the KREF, contact Emily.Dennis@ky.gov)

The next step is for KREF's General Counsel, Emily Dennis, to investigate, and report findings to the Registry with a recommendation.

The current members of the Registry are Craig C. Dilger, David R. Martin, Rosemary F. Center, Ken Harper, Leigh A. Jones, Terry Naydan, and Thomas B. Stephens. They were appointed by a very confusing system. 

Dilger, an attorney with Dilger, Stoll Keenon Ogden, is the Chair of the Registry. He was also on the same 2011 GLI trip to Toronto with Greg. So they're likely acquainted. However, Dilger is also a former member of the Jefferson County Republican Party Executive Committee, and (gasp) a St. X man. So I wouldn't say Greg's future before this Registry could easily be predicted based on Dilger's past.
If the Registry determines a civil violation did occur, then they'll instruct Dennis to enter into "conciliation negotiations" with Greg. If they can't reach one of them, only then is the matter referred to hearing before a retired or former judge appointed by Kentucky Supreme Court Justice John D. Minton Jr..

And then there's possibly referrals for prosecution. If the Registry determines violations of KRS 121 occurred knowingly, then the case is also referred to Attorney General Jack Conway, who can prosecute the case himself, I believe in Franklin County Circuit Court, or appoint the Registry's counsel, Emily Dennis,  or Commonwealth Attorney Mike O'Connell to prosecute the matter in Jefferson County.

The "worst case scenario" for Greg and/or his fundraisers, is if they are found guilty in court for knowingly violating election law, because that is a Class D felony, and the prison sentencing for Class D felony offenses are statutory:  

Not less than one (1) year nor more than five (5) years.

Justitia's scales may be missing, but the moral force of our judicial system is not.