Contrary to our reputation as an all-out gossip queen’s scandal sheet, we’re capable of doing research and breaking stories. Who knew? In the ongoing saga of Greg Fischer’s open book as a businessman, we thought we’d share just a taste of the information we’ve dug up.
Petty?
Sure.
But Fischer begged the press to check out his past.
And where’s the press? Sitting somewhere on their hands as usual.
- In 1996 SerVend International and Fischer Enterprises were sued in a patent rights case re: the cold plate used in Fischer’s combo ice/beverage dispenser. It ended up being settled and the motion was withdrawn, leaving interested parties wondering whether Greg Fischer is the intuitive inventor he claims to be. Source: United States District Court Civil Docket, 4:96cv174. December 18, 1996.
Tons more of the juicy, juicy after the jump. Oh Noes!
- Fischer’s investment firm, Iceberg Ventures, was named a defendant in a lawsuit brought by Fifth Third Bank of Kentucky against ConstructionZone.com, one of Fischer’s investments. $100,087.93 in outstanding debt existed after the company defaulted on a loan. Iceberg Ventures had collateral by virtue of a security agreement. Source: Fifth Third Bank, Kentucky v. Construction-Zone.com, Inc and Iceberg Ventures C-Z, LLC. July 21, 2001.
- Dant Clayton, Fischer’s stadium seating company, was sued by a former employee for sexual harrassment in 2001. The former employee (who was fired) claimed that she was harrassed by co-workers for being female and that management was aware of the situation but did nothing to stop it. The victim claimed she was damaged financially and suffered mental distress and humiliation. Naturally, the case was settled before it went to trial. Source: Belfiore, Eileen M vs. Dant Clayton Corporation, Case #01-CI-002772. April 23, 2001.
- While we’re on the topic of Dant Clayton, it was named a defendant in 2005 in a traffic accident case that involved an employee. The employee was the cause of a traffic accident that resulted in serious injury. The case, again, was settled before it went to trial. Source: Rice, Dennis J. vs. Dant Clayton Corporation, et. al., Case #05-CI-000746. January 24, 2005.
- MedVenture Technology Corporation was sued in 2007 by Medimorphosis, LLC to recover improvements (monetary damages for improvements) removed by MedVenture at 1044 East Chestnut Street, Louisville. Source: Medimorphosis, LLC vs. Medventure Technology Corporation. June 12, 2007.
- Before that, MedVenture was sued by a former employee who transferred to the firm from another with the promise of a three-year contract and could only be terminated with “good cause.” The employee was subsequently fired before three years had passed and he claimed there were no good causes. The played out for four years before being– you guessed it– settled before trial. Source: Wilson, Michael A. vs. MedVenture Technology Corporation. January 31, 2003.
We’ve got tons more where this came from. This merely scratches the surface. And somebody’s business record isn’t the clean slate in which they’d like you to believe.
Oh, and Greg Fischer picked up the endorsements of Christie & Owsley Brown II’s crew, just like we said he would. A few of those folks: David Karem, Mary Lou Marzian (she spread rumors about Andrew Horne in January, if you’ll recall), Larry Clark, Perry Clark (guess who needs that Brown money to take on Doug Hawkins!), Jim Welch, Ron Mazzoli and Bobby Thompson.
11 responses so far ↓
1 Mike Bailey // May 8, 2008 at 3:20 pm
C’mon. Fischer is a good guy. He just got some bad advice to go negative. Give him a break.
2 jake // May 8, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Being a good guy doesn’t change the facts.
And he begged us to dig around. Begged.
We’re just dealing with the facts.
3 Mark // May 8, 2008 at 4:00 pm
You need to give it a rest. You are not doing your candidate any favors by coming off as an angry witch hunter. Nothing you have “reported” here proves any unethical or misleading behavior. Anybody can file a lawsuit and many baseless suits get settled before trial.
I have always felt that previous attacks on Lunsford in other campaigns were both misleading and inaccurate, but let’s face it; bankruptcy and government billings provide sexy material for the opponent.
While I am opposed to negative campaigns, Fischer’s attack ads make sense because McConnell’s ability to attack Lunsford in the general election is a legitimate issue. I think we all want to “Ditch Mitch”, but the biggest question in this primary is which candidate would be in the best position to take advantage of the anti-Bush sentiment of the potential swing voters? This is an unusual election because the long time incumbent Republican Minority leader who prides himself on bringing home the bacon should be almost untouchable. Democrats only have a chance because of the incompetence of the Bush administration and McConnell’s role in it.
Let’s clean it up here. What’s next, an attack on Ron Mazzoli?
4 jake // May 8, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Sorry, but *I* don’t have a candidate. I just don’t support Greg Fischer after the shipwreck of a campaign he’s run. The same goes for most other bloggers in the state.
And since when is discussing the facts a bad thing? Greg Fischer asked us to examine his record as a businessman. And guess what? We’re examining his record without any sort of distortion. I bet if I was doing the same thing with McConnell’s record people would be foaming at the mouth with excitement.
It’s politics and Greg Fischer is a candidate for U.S. Senate. People may not like what we talk about– just like no one liked it when Steve Beshear’s Kentucky Central case came to light and was soon flushed away– but it’s still worthy of discussion. Just like Vencor is worthy of honest and accurate discussion.
5 UK Alumni // May 8, 2008 at 4:25 pm
The only thing missing from this Democratic senatorial primary is Circus music. At some point we need to just sit back and enjoy the show; because this spectacle is the best example I’ve seen lately on what’s not working with the state’s Democratic Party establishment.
Clearly Williams and McConnell have nothing to fear from this circular firing squad. Give it time, I’m sure new clown will appear soon from the tiny party car.
Go ahead, laugh or cry- we’re all in the same place.
6 jake // May 8, 2008 at 4:27 pm
UK: They’re probably already under our noses.
Let’s just hope it’s not someone cut from the same cloth as half the clowns in Frankfort. Not sure why Jim Gooch comes to mind, but I’m sick to my stomach now.
7 ... // May 8, 2008 at 5:02 pm
For the sake of the readers, then, will you do a similar piece about Lunsford, so we can know exactly what it is that so tarnished his reputation?
Also, if you have more where that came from, please post it. I’d like to see it.
8 jake // May 8, 2008 at 5:04 pm
“…” – Here ya go: http://pageonekentucky.com/category/bruce-lunsford/
9 ... // May 8, 2008 at 9:58 pm
No, no, no. I mean a direct, focused sort of thing, much like your articles on Fischer have been. Such as the extent of Lunsford’s involvement in Vencor, what kind of stock he owns in companies with major lobbies, etc.
10 Jake // May 8, 2008 at 10:16 pm
Give me a few days to go through it all. Took a dick year to get through Fischer’s.
11 ... // May 8, 2008 at 10:42 pm
Sounds fair. Thanks.
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