BY GREGORY A. HALL
The Cincinnati Enquirer
COVINGTON -- Kenton County Commissioner Bernie Moorman is challenging a former Corporex Cos. spokesman to a lie detector test to settle whose version of a meeting in the county courthouse bid controversy is correct.
"I'll pay for any costs," Mr. Moorman said Friday.
Mr. Moorman and Joe Wind have told differing stories about an April 1996 meeting where Corporex Chairman Bill Butler lobbied to build a courthouse and parking garage. Mr. Wind has denied meeting with Mr. Moorman about the projects.
Mr. Wind could not be reached for comment about Mr. Moorman's challenge.
The conflicting stories are part of a civil lawsuit in which the county is suing Corporex, the winning bidder, and Mr. Butler to recoup an $850,000 settlement paid to the two losing bidders. The county contends Mr. Butler interfered in the bidding process. Corporex claims the only mistakes made were by county officials. A criminal grand jury met last week to see whether Mr. Butler should be charged. Jurors will reconvene Nov. 9.
Comments Mr. Wind made after Mr. Moorman's March deposition in the civil case have irked the commissioner.
Mr. Moorman testified that he met with Mr. Butler and Mr. Wind during the bidding process. In the meeting, Mr. Butler gave the county official an analysis of competitors' bids, Mr. Moorman said.
Mr. Wind denied in March that he had met with Mr. Moorman about the construction projects, saying he discussed other matters only.
Speaking for Mr. Butler, Mr. Wind also said then that the commissioner "fabricated an incredible lie."
Additionally, Mr. Wind testified in his deposition that he had "no recollection" of meeting with county commissioners about the Corporex proposal during the bidding process.
Both Mr. Wind and Mr. Moorman testified before the criminal grand jury on Thursday.
Mr. Wind wouldn't say afterward whether he is cooperating with the investigation, nor would he comment whether he stands by his statements about the Moorman-Butler meeting.
Mr. Moorman said he understands Mr. Wind is sticking by the story, so he sent a letter to Mr. Wind calling for him to retract the denial of meeting about the bids. Otherwise, Mr. Moorman said, he would file a slander lawsuit. "What I said in in that deposition is the truth," Mr. Moorman said.
Mr. Butler has confirmed giving Mr. Moorman the analysis document but has not confirmed the meeting.
Corporex secretary Elva Malott testified she thinks there was a meeting between Mr. Moorman and Mr. Butler.
"I think I remember a meeting," she testified in May. "I do not believe Joe Wind was involved."
