In the 80's, Jerry Abramson masterfully evolved from a political unknown into the consummate politician. Serving an unprecedented 3 terms as Mayor he was affectionately dubbed Louisville's "Mayor for Life". During his 12 year tenure Jerry Abramson faced little opposition from the 12 member aldermanic board and even less opposition from the Louisville media. In 1998 Abramson left the political arena at the top of his game and took a job with a local law firm. During this 4 year hiatus he campaigned heavily for the merger of city and county government and prepared for his return to public life as Metro Louisville's first Mayor.
This time around Mayor Abramson has not meet with the same success and adoration he enjoyed in his first three terms as mayor. He now contends with a much larger and politically diverse 26 member Metro Council and it appears that the zeal and charisma of the once young and energetic politician has been replaced with a shell of what used to be. Although the "Glory Days" seem to be nothing but a shadow from the past, one political ally has stepped forward once again to ensure Abramson's political legacy remains unscathed, the Courier-Journal.
The Courier-Journal has decided to accuse 19th District Council Member, Hal Heiner, of playing "Dirty Politics". In a recent editorial Mr. Heiner is unfairl painted as Right-Wing conspirator determined to undermine the Louisville economy. He and other council members are blasted for questioning the Mayor's plans for redeveloping Technology Park.
The controversy surrounds the work that Mayor Abramson did as an attorney on behalf of the Titan Company in getting a lucrative 99 year contract with the city's Redevelopment Authority to manage the properties formerly occupied by Naval Ordnance. That contract entitles Titan up to 97% of the generated revenues. To further complicate the issue the Redevelopment Authority's Board Chairman, Larry Smith, is now one Abramson's Deputy Mayors and the majority of the board members were Abramson appointees.
As a self-purported "Unbiased News-Source", the Courier-Journal is a failure. Their opinions and comments are more in line with a government run socialist media outlet. The evidence of impropriety involving the Mayor and the Titan Company cannot simply be disregarded. Councilman Heiner should be congratulated for doing the job of the media and ensuring that these allegations are not casually swept under the rug.
It is the responsibility of the media to provide unbiased and straightforward reporting regardless of political alliances. Instead of questioning the mayor, the Courier-Journal seems to always provide answers, paving the way for absolute power left unchecked.