Nov. 3, 1998: Political newcomer Steve Clark upsets nine-year incumbent Mayor Denny Stein, 1,472 votes to 1,387, in the Villa Hills mayor's race.

        Spring, 1999: Two factions emerge — Mr. Clark and council member Mark Koenig, and a group including council members Mike Sadouskas, Tim Sogar, Bob Kramer (husband of City Clerk.) Over several months, both sides copy records and keep track of each other's activities on council.

        December, 1999: Mr. Clark and his wife, Donna, are criticized for using city credit cards to pay for remodeling the city building.

        May 24, 2000: City Council votes to ask the Attorney General to investigate a $25,025 check that Mr. Clark signed and sent to a Florence concrete company for sidewalk construction. Council, however, has approved no plans for construction and it is against state law to pay for any project over $10,000 without taking bids. The Kenton County Commonwealth Attorney soon joins the investigation and empanels a grand jury.

        Aug. 11, 2000: Mr. Clark says he has no intention of resigning.

        Nov. 10, 2000: A Kenton County grand jury declines to indict Mr. Clark for his role in issuing an illegal $25,025 check to a Florence concrete company.

        Nov. 20, 2000: In a interview with the Enquirer, Mr. Clark said he wants to put the investigation and his clashes with council behind him and work together with council.

        Dec. 20, 2000: It is revealed that Mr. Clark has asked for and received the resignation of City Attorney Lawson Walker, who worked for the city for 20 years.

        Dec. 28, 2000: A Kentucky state audit questioned more than $44,000 in city spending by Mr. Stein, council members and city officials, including money that paid for parties, bar bills at local restaurants including Hooters, travel and meals. Mr. Clark gives no reason but “performance,” and fires Police Chief Michael “Corky” Brown and City Clerk Sue Kramer.

        Jan. 7, 2001: City Council hires Covington lawyer Phil Taliaferro to investigate the firings. Mr. Clark threatens to veto the action.

        Jan. 15, 2001: Mr. Brown's sisters turn in their brother's police uniforms and badges to the police department. Mr. Clark had threatened legal action against Mr. Brown if the items were not turned in to the city. Residents collect $408 to buy the uniform, which Mr. Brown wanted to be buried in. Mr. Clark did not respond to the offer.
       — Patrick Crowley

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