An update from Shatty Town, 2 months in
Regional coverage on cronyism, paddling, parks, urban infrastructure and other things you care about but nobody seems to mention. And with your passing of the word, there is more to come.
Hello Shattizens new and old!
I wanted to send a brief update on the 2-month anniversary of this substack site, Shatty Town!. Last week, I posted an article on John Calipari’s home assessment that, for my current metrics, at least, introduced me and my work to a large number of new readers. This in turn has led to a modest burst in new subscribers.
So, thanks to those of you who recently signed up, and to the few long-time readers who have followed me over here to substack. I’ve been writing locally and supporting other local writers wanting to do the same for 15 years now through my work at North of Center. The last decade or so of this work has felt like a real isolated slog. There’s nothing worse for a writer than to be ignored and blacklisted. Particularly one like me who is so focused on my local community.
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So, again, thanks to all of you for tuning in.
A word about my work to new readers and old: I am not trying to be your friend. I write about the Bluegrass region with a fierce honesty that reflects the best traditions of American journalism, and with the wondrous love of a now 25-year resident writer who likes to get outside and into the world. You will not agree with all that I write, nor should you. But like all good writers, I offer a unique perspective on the world I inhabit. Whatever it is that I do, it is not conformist or brand-approved by our regional betters, which is probably why my writing has stood up over the years even while its been agressively cancelled. Honesty does win out.
I began Shatty Town! with a promise of 1 article and 1,000 words of weekly coverage on under-reported Bluegrass topics that range from local cronyism to urbanist infrastructure and area paddling trips. Two months in, I have delivered on that promise, and then some. I have averaged 1.5 articles and 2,000 words per week. If you value any of these coverage areas, or know of people who would value this type of fearless coverage, please pass the word. I have more planned and, at the moment, it’s all free and delivered to your email inbox.
Though if you want to pledge a donation, I’d love that, too. I will soon be accepting paid donations and subscriptions. Think of my work like a coffee shop that you like to support.
I’ll end this update with a re-cap of some of my coverage from the past 2 months, in case you want to send these to interested future Shattizens.
a look at how the City-Centre/CentrePointe TIF has re-directed city and state taxes (over $10.5 million across 5 years) into the private bank account of CentrePointe Parking Company, LLC.
comparison of Shatty’s county-wide parks funding shortfall to the city’s full funding of lavish parks located in the urban core.
a 3-part paddle trip to Paint Lick, one of a number of area creeks that flow into the under-reported regional treasure, the Kentucky River.
reporting on the questionable ethics one of the city’s new power-organizations, CivicTown.
an editorial on the decision by Shatty U president Eli Capilouto to disband the University Senate.
Thanks again for reading and circulating my work. More is coming.
Danny Mayer, ex-officio president pro-tem-in-waiting of Shatty Town.