PUBLISHER'S VIEW: (Editorial); I was surprised to see this story on the September 29 issue of the Courier-Journal, under the heading which suggests that David Camm's third trial is threatening to cause financial hardship to the County. The timing of this story is curious as the trial is on-going and the jury is not sequestered, and therefore could be exposed to its content. The story points out that this year the county has spent more than $970,000 on on the third trial "with three quarters of that going to the defence" - and indicates that a loan may be required" for the county to function; While jurors tend to be resilient and respect their oath, I have to wonder what is going on here? Is the paper trying to send a message to these jurors to take out their resentment on the defence? To extend a reasonable doubt to the Courier-Journal, the paper may not have thought through the possible consequences of the story. That said, it would be wise to postpone any further stories on the economic issues involved until they can be published without affecting Camm's right to a fair trial.
Harold Levy; Publisher; The Charles Smith Blog.
STORY: "$1.1 million David Camm trial strapping Floyd County budget," by reporter Grace Schneider, published by the Courier-Journal on September 29, 2013.
GIST: "Midway through David Camm’s third murder trial, Floyd County officials are fretting about the estimated $1.1 million it will cost a community already struggling with depleted county coffers. “We’re in dire straits,” said Dana Fendley, vice president of the county council, who added that officials may have to arrange a loan to avoid sinking into the red before the year ends. In all, the county’s tally for all Camm-related trials and expenses since 2000 will exceed $4.4 million by the end of 2013, based on an analysis of records and estimates of final trial expenses calculated by county auditor Scott Clark. The Floyd County Council already arranged to shift $650,000 in economic development income tax funds to the cost of the third trial, which began in August and is expected to run into mid-October. And the county has had to use $450,000 in a bridge repair fund to cover other county expenses. Even without the Camm trial, Fendley said, the budget was under duress because the county had to take on the expense of running its own park system after it and the city of New Albany ended its joint department; buy new voting machines; and arrange a $1.5 million bond to fund the development of a 33-acre park off Charlestown Road. The council recently began preparing an ordinance to line up the loan, but members are still debating the next steps, she said. No matter what they choose, they’ll need to find a way to balance the budget, Fendley said.........So far this year, the county has spent more than $970,000 on Camm’s third trial, with three-quarters of that going to his defense.........Floyd residents are more aware than ever of the expense because they see local deputies on news reports leading Camm into the Boone County courthouse and realize the meter is running, Mills said. “They’re very upset about all the costs. I’m hearing it all the time.” Jerry Whitten, the owner of a New Albany auto repair shop, said it’s frustrating that Camm has been found guilty twice and now is in his third trial. “I think it’s just been a waste of our money,” he said. “The only ones getting rich are the lawyers, and it’s coming out of our pockets.”"
The entire story can be found at:
http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20130929/NEWS02/309290054/-1-1-million-David-Camm-trial-strapping-Floyd-County-budget?nclick_check=1
PUBLISHER'S NOTE:
Dear Reader. Keep your eye on the Charles Smith Blog. We are following this case.
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