Jerry Abramson’s indecisiveness is exceeded

only by his hypocrisy.

Abramson Rhetoric

“Public officials have become political weather vanes rather than compasses.  The American people appreciate someone who articulates thoughts and positions because they know where that person stands even if they don’t stand in the same place.” 

Jerry Abramson

American City & County

December, 1990

“I like to be in the middle of all of the controversies going on in my community.” 

                       Jerry Abramson speech

                       “The Budget Deficit and its Impact on Cities”

                       6/13/95 at Miller Center of Public  Affairs

Reality

“…in addition to dodging gay rights, in recent months Abramson avoided taking positions on proposals to end involuntary school busing and to build a new Ohio River bridge.  He also was slow to lend support to a controversial seat-belt law earlier this year…” 

CJ 12/22/91

 “Jerry Abramson, the only Democratic candidate to file so far for Greater Louisville metro mayor,  won’t take a position on financing a downtown basketball arena …” 

Jerry Abramson actively promoted City-County merger... 

Only when it advanced his personal political

ambitions to be the new metro mayor.

“Abramson told the Rotarians that he still favors the merger of Louisville and Jefferson County governments, but he would make no effort to push it unless ‘the community revisits the issue and decides what it wants to be when it grows up.’” 

CJ 12/29/89

“But there’s one partnership Abramson said he’s not ready to tackle: the merger of Louisville and Jefferson County governments.

But in an interview, Abramson said he is not pushing for merger and does not intend to do so, even though he supported the previous efforts and calls the existing city-county government situation a ‘two-headed monster.’  ‘I’m not out there doing anything on this issue,’ he said.” 

CJ 11/15/90

“The mayor and county judge who were supposed to use their gargantuan popularity to inaugurate a new era of civic unity have instead been reduced to proposing a status quo extension of the creaky city-county compact.”      

CJ Editorial 2/3/98

“Q: What’s your biggest failure in office – something you really wanted to accomplish but didn’t? 

A: I think the merger of city-county government.”

Jerry Abramson in CJ 12/27/98

Calling the current structure of Louisville and Jefferson County governments ‘a late 1700s/early 1800s system,’ he [Abramson] said restructuring is necessary for Louisville to be competitive.  ‘The time is now and it has got to happen quickly,’ he said.” 

CJ 8/23/00

“‘Merger is probably the most important issue that Louisville will have dealt with in my lifetime.’” 

Jerry Abramson interview,

The Lane Report

October, 2000

While Jerry Abramson was mayor, both the number of homes and homeowners in the City of Louisville declined.

  Abramson is now pledging “to deliver housing” for all of Jefferson County

Abramson Rhetoric

 “To deliver housing, I will:

• Develop our first comprehensive strategy for providing housing throughout the community to ensure adequate choice, supply and access.

• Reverse the declining rate of homeownership among African-American families.”

Abramson Campaign Platform10/3/02

Reality

“[t]he homeownership rate in the former city of Louisville, the lowest in the region, declined by 2 percent over the decade.” 

Greater Louisville Project

“Beyond Merger” Report

7/14/02

City of Louisville – Statistics

Total Housing Units                          1990  124,018

2000    121,275

Owner Occupied Housing Units      1990  62,078

2000    58,546

Source:  U.S. Census Bureau

While Jerry Abramson was mayor,

Louisville’s economic development stagnated.

Abramson Rhetoric

“Louisville’s economy is humming…[w]e’re poised for continued growth and vitality into the next millennium.  Tourism is booming, and some of the nation’s top companies are locating their headquarters here, thus creating job growth and economic opportunities across the community.”

                      Jerry Abramson writing in Business First 1/2/98 

Reality

“A recent survey comparing Louisville with 18 of its economic competitors offers a bleak picture.  Louisville ranked 17^th in population growth, 18^th in the percentage of residents aged 25-34 with college degrees, 16^th in average annual earnings and last in the percentage of households with income over $50,000.”                                    Business First 6/28/96

“Compared to many other American cities – and especially the consolidated ones surrounding us – we haven’t gone much of anywhere.” 

CJ Editorial 11/5/00

Jerry Abramson tried globe-hopping to stimulate Louisville’s economy. 

“I launched my first trade mission to England, Germany, and Belgium within six months of my inauguration.  Since that first trip, I have led trade and tourism missions almost every year of the 12 years of my administration.” 

Jerry Abramson speech

New Global Economy Project

August 1997

It didn’t work.

In fact, Abramson couldn’t get existing businesses to stay in Louisville.

Number of Businesses in City of Louisville             1991    9,168

1998        8,844

Source:  HUD/State of the Cities Data System

Jerry Abramson failed to revitalize downtown Louisville.

According to Abramson, downtown was “vibrant” during his 13 years as mayor.  According to any realistic assessment, it wasn’t.

Abramson Rhetoric

“He (Abramson) said Louisville is ‘on the verge of greatness.  I believe this because Louisville already has so many of the ingredients to make it a great city.  It has an attractive and thriving downtown.’”                            CJ 12/30/85

“[Abramson] said he wants to leave a legacy for his 14 month-old son, Sidney Robert, and Louisville’s other children.

That legacy will include ‘a city whose economy is growing, whose work force is educated, whose infrastructure is updated, whose environment is healthy, whose downtown is vibrant, whose neighborhoods are stable, whose cultural life is top-notch.’” 

CJ 1/8/93

 “In his 13^th and final year as mayor, Jerry Abramson remains enthusiastic about Louisville’s future, and he is pleased with his job performance.  ‘The economy is on a roll, downtown is booming,’ he said.’”                                      CJ 1/23/98

Reality

“The economy is sluggish.  Downtown hotels have too many empty rooms.  The office market in Louisville’s core is flat, and companies are fleeing to newer, cheaper suburban space.  And on almost any night after 6, Fourth Street resembles a ghost town instead of a downtown.” 

  CJ 4/14/02

“It’s part of the strategy to bring back life and vitality to the city – to make Fourth Street the downtown centerpiece it used to be.  Except for a few hours a day, this strip now could be called ‘Fourth Street Dead.’

Blake Cordish, one of the makeover artists, pointed out last summer, ‘people aren’t visiting downtown because there isn’t a reason to go.’”              CJ Editorial 3/16/02

Number of new apartments called for in Abramson’s 1990 downtown development plan: 1700

Number of new downtown apartments actually built between 1990 and 1999: less than 100

 Now that he wants to be metro mayor, Jerry Abramson is pledging to revitalize downtown – when for 13 years he said downtown was “vibrant”, “thriving” and “booming”.

Jerry Abramson’s “No. 1 priority” as mayor of Louisville

was to “get jobs back in the city.”

He failed.

Abramson Rhetoric

“In his announcement, Abramson said people had stressed to him over and over, their concern about the need for new jobs in the city.  That concern helped make jobs his ‘No. 1 priority’, he said.”

CJ 1/15/85

“Abramson called jobs his ‘No. 1 priority.’”

CJ 5/8/85

“Abramson stresses his platform of creating new jobs by attracting new businesses and retaining those already here.  ‘We need to get jobs back in the city.’” 

CJ 10/13/85

Reality

Number of people employed in City of Louisville       1990    115,546

                                                                                       2000    113,532

“The consulting firm Suddes Group, in a study done for the Jefferson County group, said that when comparing the growth of jobs and pay among 15 competing cities for the past decade, Louisville ranked last.”                              CJ 7/24/92

Jerry Abramson is now saying the same thing

about creating jobs that he said 17 years ago.

“I see a city committed to excellence in education and the creation of jobs…” 

Abramson Campaign Platform 10/3/02

“To boost our economy, I will: 

Develop innovative incentives to create better-paying jobs in our economic growth areas.” 

Abramson Campaign Platform 10/3/02

Why should the community believe he’ll succeed this time

 when he failed so many times before?

Jerry Abramson failed by his own standards.

Before he first took office as mayor of Louisville, Jerry Abramson set performance goals to measure whether his administration was successful.

Abramson Rhetoric

 “Abramson said three standards should indicate whether his administration is successful:

• Whether more people are working in the community four years from now

• Whether more people are living in the community four years from now

• Whether the city is cleaner when he leaves office”

CJ 12/28/85

Reality

People employed in City of Louisville          1980    120,393

1990    115,546

                                                                        2000    113,532

Source:  U.S. Census Bureau

Louisville Population             1986    287,400

                                                1998    260,689

Source:  City of Louisville CAFR

Even the Courier-Journal editorial board, whose members adore Jerry Abramson, had to admit that he failed:

“What the Census 2000 figures show is that the surge to the east – or looked at the other way, the stagnation of the west and on-going decline of the City of Louisville – has been much greater than even the experts anticipated.” 

CJ editorial, 3/24/01

Even though he ended up serving three-terms as mayor

spanning 13 years, Jerry Abramson still failed

based on performance measures that he himself chose.

Jerry Abramson lied about using public funds

to repay his political campaign staff.

Abramson Rhetoric

“He (Abramson) also promised to hire qualified staff ‘with no political agendas.’”  CJ 1/15/85

Reality

Tim Firkins, former Chairman of “Friends of Abramson-PAC”. 

Tax dollars received as Special Assistant to then Mayor Abramson: over $165,000

Tom Jarrell, former lawyer for “Friends of Abramson-PAC”.

Tax dollars received from no-bid city contracts: over $500,000

Ed Carle, Chairman of Abramson’s 1993 mayoral campaign.

Tax dollars received from no-bid city contracts: over $200,000

Jim McGovern, spokesman for Abramson’s 1993 mayoral campaign spokesman and his 2002 metro mayor campaign manager.

Tax dollars received from no-bid city contracts: over $125,000

David Karem, Co-chairman of Abramson’s 1985 campaign committee. 

Appointed by Abramson to be President of Waterfront Development Corporation. 

Tax dollars received as salary: over $750,000

In fact, he obviously does reward those who help him politically.

Jerry Abramson failed to improve Louisville’s libraries.

The quality of Louisville’s library system declined dramatically during Jerry Abramson’s 13 years as mayor (1986 – 1998).

Abramson Rhetoric

“During my walks and visits in homes, people in both the city and the suburbs are complaining about the state of and lack of libraries.  You can be sure that you will see a major initiative from me regarding libraries.” 

Jerry Abramson

District 5 Dialogue

May 9, 2002

Reality

Number of Library Volumes             1986    1.23 million

1998        1,061,843

Number of Libraries                          1986    20

1998        17

Source: City of Louisville CAFR

“In a new analysis of data – in which Louisville’s library system is compared to those of similar cities – we have lost ground in seven of 17 areas.  And in most of the others, Louisville does not fare all that well.” 

CJ Editorial 8/12/02

For 13 years, Jerry Abramson let Louisville’s libraries suffer from neglect.

 Why should the community trust him to fix what he broke?

It took Jerry Abramson 11 years to decide

if the Ohio River bridges should be built.

Abramson Rhetoric

“Q: What is your position on the bridge or bridges?”

“Let me state right up front that I don’t think we need any more studies!  I am strongly in favor of two bridges, a downtown bridge including the reconstruction of Spaghetti Junction and an east end bridge.   While the mayor has no formal role in this process, you can be sure that I will do what I can to influence the start of this project sooner rather than later.” 

                          Jerry Abramson, District 14 Dialogue, 4/25/02

“To boost our economy, I will:

Build eastern and downtown bridges across the Ohio River, and rebuild spaghetti junction.” 

                          Jerry Abramson Campaign Platform 10/3/02

Reality

“Seeming at times like a man trying to hold back a steamroller, Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson urged members of an advisory committee on a possible new Ohio River bridge to consider all its impacts before deciding a bridge is needed.

The bridge gained an important supporter in 1989 when newly elected Jefferson County Judge-Executive David Armstrong backed it.  But Abramson has withheld support.”      CJ 11/20/91

“In recent months Abramson avoided taking positions on proposals to end involuntary school busing and to build a new Ohio River bridge.”                                                CJ 12/22/91

Now that Jerry Abramson has finally decided to support building the bridges, he first says “the mayor has no formal role in the process.”

Then he pledges that he personally will build them.

Jerry Abramson’s talk of unity is

contradicted by his actions.

Jerry Abramson says he wants to unite the community by involving people from all areas in helping run the new merged government.

He said the same thing when he first ran for mayor 17 years ago.

Abramson Rhetoric

“It is also important, he (Abramson) said, that people from all areas be appointed to city boards and commissions.”                 CJ 5/20/85

“We need to build a new corps of citizen leaders who represent the diversity of racial, ethnic, and geographic areas of our metro city.

To unify the community, I will:  Encourage more residents to get involved in our community and influence its future.” 

                            Jerry Abramson Campaign Platform 10/3/02

Reality

“Too many people appointed by Mayor Jerry Abramson to important community boards live in the city’s east end, and too few live in southern and western Louisville.” 

CJ 1/29/92

For every resident from either the south end or the west end he appointed to a board, Abramson appointed four people who live in the east end or eastern Jefferson County.” 

CJ 2/9/92

“Mayor Names Developer Blieden to Air Board, Shunning Residents

Mayor Jerry Abramson has appointed Louisville developer Bert Blieden to the Regional Airport Authority Board, in spite of the Airport Neighbors Alliance’s vigorous lobbying for a neighborhood representative.”                         CJ 7/3/97 

Over two-thirds of Jerry Abramson’s campaign funds for his metro mayor campaign came from people who could afford to donate the $1000 maximum.  Just as he did in the past, these are the people he will appoint to important boards and commissions if he’s elected metro mayor.

While he was mayor, Jerry Abramson

did little to improve public safety and reduce crime.

Abramson Rhetoric

“The first priorities of government are to keep our citizens safe, and provide help in times of emergency or disaster.”

                                                Abramson Campaign Platform, 10/3/02

“Promising special attention to public safety, he [Abramson] said he would increase the number of police officers above the 663 now on the force.  He said later he did not have a particular number in mind.”                                        CJ 1/15/85

Reality

Number of police patrol units in City of Louisville  : 

1990                363     

1998                361

Number of sworn police officers in City of Louisville: 

1986                663     

1994                663

                        Source: City of Louisville CAFR

Louisville still has far fewer police officers than most cities our size.

“On average, the 63 American cities with 250,000 or more residents employ 3.6 police officers per 1000 people…       “                        New York Times 1994

City of Louisville number of police officers per 1000

at the end of the third Abramson mayoral term in 1998:  2.6

Jerry Abramson failed to help families in need

and children in poverty.

Abramson Rhetoric

“Child poverty high on Abramson’s 1993 priority list, he says.

Tackling the daunting problem of child poverty is one of Mayor Jerry Abramson’s top priorities for 1993 and the future.” 

                                                CJ 1/15/93

“Many families are struggling.  A majority of families headed by women with children are living in poverty.”                                     

                                  Abramson Campaign Platform, 10/3/02

Reality

“Mayor Jerry said last week that he wouldn’t attend [a ‘Feel the Pain’ tour through some of Louisville’s most run-down neighborhoods] because his office already knows about the pain suffered by Louisville’s poor…”

                                                CJ 6/13/92

“More than half of the black children in Louisville live in poverty, according to a study released Tuesday (August 11, 1992).

Some Louisvillians say they aren’t surprised by the findings. 

‘We’ve been aware of this problem in our community,’ Mayor Jerry Abramson said.  ‘This situation didn’t arrive overnight.’”

                                                CJ 8/13/92

“[t]he Louisville area continues to have a high level of poverty, relative to its peers.”

                                                Greater Louisville Project

                                                “Beyond Merger”

                                                July 14, 2002

“Building strong families is a crucial part of our education and workforce goals.  The loss of young people and married families with children hurts our community.”

                                                Abramson Campaign Platform 10/3/02

Number of families living in City of Louisville      

1990          67,853

2000          61,582

While Jerry Abramson was mayor, families left the city in droves

Jerry Abramson is pledging to run metro government

“in a non-partisan way.”

His track record says he’s lying.

Abramson Rhetoric

“ ‘ My policy was very simple: we were always willing to hire the best Democrats, and I have no reason to believe that policy has changed,’ said former City Law Director, Frank X. Quickert, who left city Hall in 1989.”

                                                CJ 11/15/82

“Mayor Jerry Abramson told the Democratic National Convention and the nation last night that Louisville is an example of how cities have struggled to overcome 12 years of Republican neglect.” 

                                                CJ 7/16/92

“On the eve of a visit by GOP presidential candidate Bob Dole, Mayor Jerry Abramson, a Democrat, sent an open letter asking the retired senator to ‘go back to Washington.’”

                                                CJ 4/16/96

To unify our community, I will:

Work with all 26 metro council members in a non-partisan way.”

                                                Abramson Campaign Platform 10/3/02

Abramson has been actively raising money and campaigning for

Democrat council candidates even though he told the Courier-Journal

that “he won’t support any metro council candidates

or slate of candidates this fall.”  (CJ, 1/13/02)

Jerry Abramson says he wants Louisville

to have a great educational system.

He said the same thing in 1985.

But during Abramson’s 13 years as mayor, the region’s low educational levels did not improve.

Abramson Rhetoric

“I see a city committed to excellence in education and the creation of jobs…”A

                                  Abramson Campaign Platform 10/3/02

“ ‘I have a vision of Louisville having a great educational system which enhances our city’s ability to better compete for the jobs of the future.’” 

                                                Jerry Abramson

                                                CJ 12/30/85

Reality

“Metro Louisville’s overall workforce education levels trail those in competing regions.  The region’s low education levels and other workforce weaknesses constrain the competitiveness of the Regional City of Louisville’s economy.”

                                                Greater Louisville Project

                                                “Beyond Merger”

                                                July 14, 2002

“Spurred by concerns about Louisville’s poorly educated workforce, the city’s business leaders are planning a detailed review of Jefferson County Public Schools.”

                                                CJ 9/16/02

Having failed at his “vision” of a great educational system despite

three terms as mayor, Jerry Abramson now wants to be

a “national leader” on education issues.

“To improve our workforce, I will:

Work to become a national leader in high levels of educational achievement among all students in all schools.”                            Abramson Campaign Platform 10/3/02

Jerry Abramson said former Congressman

Ron Mazzoli was useless

in obtaining federal funds for Louisville.

“Abramson and his aides have expressed amazement over what they describe as (Congressman Ron) Mazzoli’s lack of interest in federally subsidized bricks and mortar for Louisville.  When the city officials sought help on a project, they said, Mazzoli’s office would provide them a directory about federal grants – and that would be it.”

                                                CJ 11/6/89

Or maybe not…

“Yesterday, Abramson praised Mazzoli’s record for delivering federal help, especially for the downtown riverfront and airport expansion projects.  ‘Every time we’ve been called for his assistance and support, Ron Mazzoli has been there,’ Abramson said.

                                                CJ 9/13/92

Classic Jerry Abramson.

Say one thing one day, something opposite the next.

Jerry Abramson talked a lot about

the issue of homeless people.

But did nothing to help them.

Abramson Rhetoric

“Abramson said the city’s homeless population had grown by at least 15%. 

‘We’re in a situation where, in my judgment, the issue of the homeless is going to be the major challenge of 1992,’ he said.”                                                CJ 1/10/92

“ ‘It’s no longer on the front of Newsweek.  It’s no longer on the Today Show,’ says Louisville mayor Jerry Abramson.  Despite a strong economy, he says, the homeless are faced with ‘incredible problems.’”                     USA Today 12/15/97

Reality

“Louisville:  Even though the country has enjoyed a strong economy, the numbers of hungry and homeless has continued to increase since the early 1980’s.

The increase in total number of the homeless population is more than the shelter system can support.  There are slightly over 2,000 beds to serve over 11,000 people.”

                     U.S. Conference of Mayors 1998 Hunger &     

                     Homelessness  Survey

                     (completed by participating cities)

City funds budgeted to go to the Coalition for the Homeless:  Fiscal Year 1992-93:        $124,000

Out of a $214 million city budget, Jerry Abramson recommended spending only $124,000, a mere ½ of 1%,

to address the homeless problem.

Jerry Abramson is promising to help African American and women business owners.  But for the 13 years he was mayor, all he gave them was table scraps.

Abramson Rhetoric

“To boost our economy, I will:  Broaden help for entrepreneurs at all levels, including those challenged by unique barriers including women, African Americans, international residents, and persons with disabilities.”        

                    Abramson Campaign Platform 10/3/02

"MINORITY FIRMS GET COMMITMENT FROM ABRAMSON

Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson yesterday reiterated the city’s commitment to helping minority firms obtain work in remarks at the Kentuckiana Minority Supplier Development Council’s 16^th annual Economic Opportunity Exchange."

                                                CJ 5/10/90

"Mary Russell, Abramson’s spokeswoman, said the mayor is committed to directing more city contracts to companies owned by minorities and women." 

                                                CJ 10/3/95

Reality

"CITY IS FAR BELOW GOAL IN SPENDING WITH BLACKS

MINORITY FIRMS’ SLICE OF PIE DIPS TO 1.3%

The city of Louisville has failed miserably in meeting its 7-year-goal of directing 15 percent of city spending to minority-owned businesses, according to a study released yesterday.

Just 1.3 percent of the city’s discretionary spending went  to minority firms in 1993, the most recent year studied.  And the trend was declining – minority firms received 1.4 percent in 1992 and 2 percent in 1991."                                   CJ 8/18/95

"Louisville is “not committed” to buying from minority vendors and is “non- aggressive” in seeking out such contractors, a consultant hired by the city said.

Local civil-rights leaders have said the city’s record in awarding contracts to minority firms is abysmal.

A recent University of Louisville study found that of about $85 million in discretionary spending in 1993, 1.3 percent went to firms owned by minorities and 1.7 percent went to firms owned by women."

                                                CJ 10/12/95

"Louisville’s goal since 1988 has been to award minority-owned firms 15 percent of the more than $75 million it spends each year with private vendors and contractors.  But the city hasn’t come close to that goal.

…city records indicate that minority contractors have received no more than 2 percent of the city’s business in any year since 1988.  Such spending in the fiscal year that ended June 30 was listed at 1.4 percent."                                  CJ 8/21/00

Jerry Abramson is promising to help create jobs

in West Louisville.  In 1994, a task force was created

to pursue the same goal. 

Due to Jerry Abramson’s lack of support,

the task force was dissolved.

Abramson Rhetoric

“To boost our economy, I will:  Support targeted job creation initiatives that have big payoffs for our region, including the West Louisville economic development strategy.”        Abramson Campaign Platform 10/3/02

Reality

“WEST END GETS TASK FORCE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The Board of Aldermen voted last night to create an economic development task force for western Louisville.  Under the plan, leaders from business, government and civic agencies appointed by Mayor Jerry Abramson to two-year terms would craft and implement a broad renewal strategy for the area.”                                 CJ 3/9/94

“O-75-7-02  AN ORDINANCE REPEALING CITY OF LOUISVILLE CODE OF ORDINANCES SECTIONS 32.450 THROUGH 32.456, WHICH CREATED A WEST LOUISVILLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TASK FORCE.

Babs Elliott, Assistant City Law Director, said that ‘in 1994 the task force was created, but never was implemented or established with members.’”

                                                Board of Aldermen

City Services Committee

July 18, 2002

Jerry Abramson has a long history of using

public funds for his personal benefit.

As Mayor

“Although the city – like most government agencies and businesses – requires employees to provide receipts for meals that exceed per-day limits, Abramson didn’t.

The expenditures fit a pattern of lackadaisical record-keeping by the mayor, who typically spends $10,000 or more a year on travel and entertainment.

A Courier-Journal examination of seven years of the mayor’s travel and expense records found that he frequently doesn’t document his trips and expenses and rarely gathers receipts and provides information to support them.” 

                                                CJ 8/14/94

“An analysis by the Courier-Journal of Abramson’s expense records found:

            Abramson used his city credit card to make personal and political expenditures.”

                                                CJ 8/14/94

“Does Abramson use his city-issued credit card improperly?  It’s impossible to know, because he turns in so little documentation of expenses.”

                                                CJ 8/14/94

As an Alderman

“Jerry Abramson, 3^rd Ward

Abramson’s expense account reports include credit card receipts from such restaurants as Charley’s and the Bristol Bar & Grille.  While some other aldermen are reimbursed for meals at such restaurants as Wendy’s, Abramson regularly charges $12 to 20 at the better restaurants.

In the last fiscal year, Abramson charged the city $972 for meals.  His expense reports list a business purpose for only $343 worth of meals

His other expenses are for an answering service at home and mileage. 

He said he felt he had done nothing wrong.”

                                                CJ 10/18/79

Jerry Abramson’s talk of unity is

contradicted by his actions.

Jerry Abramson says he wants to unite the community by involving people from all areas in helping run the new merged government.

He said the same thing when he first ran for mayor 17 years ago.

Abramson Rhetoric

“It is also important, he (Abramson) said, that people from all areas be appointed to city boards and commissions.”              CJ 5/20/85

“We need to build a new corps of citizen leaders who represent the diversity of racial, ethnic, and geographic areas of our metro city.

To unify the community, I will:  Encourage more residents to get involved in our community and influence its future.” 

                    Jerry Abramson Campaign Platform 10/3/02

Reality

“Too many people appointed by Mayor Jerry Abramson to important community boards live in the city’s east end, and too few live in southern and western Louisville.” 

CJ 1/29/92

For every resident from either the south end or the west end he appointed to a board, Abramson appointed four people who live in the east end or eastern Jefferson County.” 

CJ 2/9/92

“Mayor Names Developer Blieden to Air Board, Shunning Residents

Mayor Jerry Abramson has appointed Louisville developer Bert Blieden to the Regional Airport Authority Board, in spite of the Airport Neighbors Alliance’s vigorous lobbying for a neighborhood representative.”                         CJ 7/3/97 

Over two-thirds of Jerry Abramson’s campaign funds for his metro mayor campaign came from people who could afford to donate the $1000 maximum.  Just as he did in the past, these are the people he will appoint to important boards and commissions if he’s elected metro mayor.

For 13 years, Jerry Abramson built monuments to himself while the city of Louisville deteriorated.

Abramson Rhetoric

“Q:  If you could be remembered in the history books for one specific accomplishment as mayor, what would it be?

‘I’ve got to give you a long answer because I think history books will remember the Abramson administration for brick and mortar.’”                                                CJ 12/27/98

Reality

“BRICK AND MORTAR FACE LIFT WON’T END LOUISVILLE’S PROBLEMS

Louisville desperately lacks a leader with the vision to see that ordering up another face lift of two for our sagging downtown area is a misappropriation of finite local wealth.  The idea that more bricks and mortar – somehow will arrest the slow deterioration of inner-city Louisville surely has few adherents.”

                                                Robert Garrett

                                                Courier-Journal Columnist

                                                6/27/93