Well, there has not been much to say that everyone else has not already brought you. I do plan to bring everyone up to date on a few happenings in Western Kentucky. I will bring some thoughts regarding the Senate race on all sides. No one is very interested in the Senate race right now and they are especially not interested in hearing from the Democrats. I have some thoughts about how local folks are lining up. I have a number of interviews and profiles just about ready for print.
Some thoughts on Madisonville Mayor Will Cox choosing to seek re-election as opposed to running for Eddie Ballard' seat. Teams making a run for a State Championship in Football. It also seems that the Governor is putting a Liberal Team together to sell education as a way to get expanded gaming in Kentucky. I will argue for more cuts and eliminating the Kentucky Income Tax as opposed to spending any money.
Also some of the latest gossip in the KACo mess. I think things are being brought to light that will hurt many local officials in Western Kentucky next year.
Today I'm blogging from Kokomo, Indiana. Heading Saturday for South Bend to watch Notre Dame play Boston College. Time to visit Ben the Steer and Walmart.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Wet Forces Win in Trigg County
WKDZ is reporting that the Wet/Dry Election has been won by the Wet forces. Of the 10, 339 registered voters 5,294 showed up to vote. The results: 2,665 for & 2,629 against. Most people think that since Trigg County has the 3rd highest unemployment rate in Kentucky at over 16% this played a large factor in the results. Trigg County is home to Lake Barkley State Resort Park and has a large tourism base whereas it borders Lake Barkley. I thought it would be close but I was not sure how the chips would fall. I will be honest and must admit that I was not sure that this would be a good thing for them. I don't know. I do know you can't stop progress and one can only help shape it so it does some good. Legal Liquor in Trigg County-who would of thunk it!!
Friday, September 25, 2009
Safety Grants Awarded to West Kentucky by KOHS
Chuck Geveden, Director of the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety, is pictured above presenting two grant checks to Rep. John Tilley along with representatives of the Trigg County Sheriff's Dept. & Cadiz Police Dept.
The two agencies received a total of $16,200 to help curb impaired driving, speeding and other dangerous driving practices. The grant is to be used also to help educate the public regarding child safety seats and seat belt usage.
Over $124,000 in checks were presented to West Kentucky communities to help improve safety in the region. The federally funded grants from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are administered by the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety.
Geveden's press release stated that 17 more lives have been lost so far in 2009 on Kentucky highways, compared to the same time period in 2008. There were 826 fatalities on Kentucky roadways in 2008, including 649 people in motor vehicles. Of those, 70% were not buckled up and over 20% involved alcohol.
This brings to mind the issue of the large number of deaths on Kentucky waterways. I believe I am correct in stating that we have already set a record for deaths on our waterways. Rep. Tilley and I discussed the need to also address this issue.
Those receiving grants yesterday were:
Ballard Co. Sherriff Dept. $9000
Princeton Police Dept. $9,650
McCracken Co. Sheriff Dept. $10,000
Marshall Co. Health Dept. $10,250
Eddyville Police Dept. $12,192
Graves Co. Sheriff Dept. $12,390
Benton Police Dept. $15,800
Marshall Co. Sheriff Dept. $20,000
Paducah Police Dept. $25,000
Oak Grove Police Dept. $18,250
For more information visit KOHS at http://highwaysafety.ky.gov/.
*Picture provided courtesy of Ryan Watts, KOHS
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Dave Stengel Will Cost Jefferson Co. Millions
In a correct and just decision a Louisville-Jefferson County Jury found former Pleasure Ridge Park football coach Jason Stinson not guilty of charges. Stinson had been charged with reckless homicide and wanton endangerment involving the on the field death of Max Gilpin.
A case where everyone jumped to conclusions- Jefferson County School System, the Commonwealth Attorney's Office and the Media led to an unfounded witch hunt, of the likes that no one has seen before. It took the Louisville Courier Journal weeks if not months to start providing the facts instead of capitalizing on the tragedy it self. We don't expect much more from such a rag as the CJ. At least I am thankful they were smart enough to point & shoot a camera so the public could watch much of the trial.
Unfortunately this case is not over and for the family of Max Gilpin they like Coach Stinson have been put through hell all for some headlines. So whats left to be done? Coach Stinson will sue and rightfully so for the malicious prosecution of this case. He should hold the Jefferson County School System and the KHSAA accountable for if nothing else their cowardice. I'm betting that Stengel and their insurer will settle out of court for millions. I hope KACO does not insure them they don't need another hit right now. You can bet that the insurer who ever they may be will demand a confidential agreement to settle so the tax payers will never get to know.
I heard and I am proud that football coaches around Kentucky and the South raised $70,000 for Coach Stinson's defense. I bet they are motivated now to raise twice that to help someone run against Dave Stengel. Did anyone else find it surprising that Stengel dumped this case off on a couple of assistants? Well, that's normal for most elected prosecutors-they take the credit when its all good and send in the assistants when its time to get eaten by the lions.
I have a campaign slogan for Stengel- "Politics before Justice". I bet Stengel throws a few back tonight. At the Commonwealth Attorney's website it boldly proclaims:
"Aggressive, competent & ethical prosecution of criminal cases.."
Well Dave- 1 out of 3 ain't real good in my book. You now might consider the importance of stamina and getting in shape because I bet if your going to stay in politics your going to really need to prepare for your next race. Thanks Dave for ruining people's lives and costing the taxpayers millions.
Sorry Dave we don't give helmet stickers out for performances like yours which may lead you to consider-as coaches like to say-"Taking it to the house".
A case where everyone jumped to conclusions- Jefferson County School System, the Commonwealth Attorney's Office and the Media led to an unfounded witch hunt, of the likes that no one has seen before. It took the Louisville Courier Journal weeks if not months to start providing the facts instead of capitalizing on the tragedy it self. We don't expect much more from such a rag as the CJ. At least I am thankful they were smart enough to point & shoot a camera so the public could watch much of the trial.
Unfortunately this case is not over and for the family of Max Gilpin they like Coach Stinson have been put through hell all for some headlines. So whats left to be done? Coach Stinson will sue and rightfully so for the malicious prosecution of this case. He should hold the Jefferson County School System and the KHSAA accountable for if nothing else their cowardice. I'm betting that Stengel and their insurer will settle out of court for millions. I hope KACO does not insure them they don't need another hit right now. You can bet that the insurer who ever they may be will demand a confidential agreement to settle so the tax payers will never get to know.
I heard and I am proud that football coaches around Kentucky and the South raised $70,000 for Coach Stinson's defense. I bet they are motivated now to raise twice that to help someone run against Dave Stengel. Did anyone else find it surprising that Stengel dumped this case off on a couple of assistants? Well, that's normal for most elected prosecutors-they take the credit when its all good and send in the assistants when its time to get eaten by the lions.
I have a campaign slogan for Stengel- "Politics before Justice". I bet Stengel throws a few back tonight. At the Commonwealth Attorney's website it boldly proclaims:
"Aggressive, competent & ethical prosecution of criminal cases.."
Well Dave- 1 out of 3 ain't real good in my book. You now might consider the importance of stamina and getting in shape because I bet if your going to stay in politics your going to really need to prepare for your next race. Thanks Dave for ruining people's lives and costing the taxpayers millions.
Sorry Dave we don't give helmet stickers out for performances like yours which may lead you to consider-as coaches like to say-"Taking it to the house".
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Conway Responds to Purdue Pharma Article
I appreciate Attorney General Jack Conway giving me a few minutes and responding to the story I wrote concerning Purdue Pharma. Marianne Skolek who is an advocate bringing to light the actions of companies like Purdue Pharma had questioned a grant excepted by the Kentucky Attorney Generals Office.
Skolek was very concerned that the Grant provided by NADDI was being funded by Purdue Pharma and other drug companies. In response, Attorney General Conway said that he was well informed regarding the funding issue. Conway said many of these grants are funded in part by the pharmaceutical industry. Conway responded emphatically, "The only issue is the budget". With the budget cuts we have and continue to face I'm not concerned that a part of the grant money comes from the industry said Conway. Conway continued on saying that when I can take this money and put it to good use to help in the fight against drugs and crime then I'm going to continue to do so.
Skolek was very concerned that the Grant provided by NADDI was being funded by Purdue Pharma and other drug companies. In response, Attorney General Conway said that he was well informed regarding the funding issue. Conway said many of these grants are funded in part by the pharmaceutical industry. Conway responded emphatically, "The only issue is the budget". With the budget cuts we have and continue to face I'm not concerned that a part of the grant money comes from the industry said Conway. Conway continued on saying that when I can take this money and put it to good use to help in the fight against drugs and crime then I'm going to continue to do so.
St. John Picnic Reveals Mood of West Kentucky
It's probably been over 20 years since I attended the St. John Picnic and my what a change. I worked the crowd speaking to folks for about an hour and I was very surprised at the comments that I received. Usually attitudes I find reserved in my backyard along the Hwy 68 corridor were alive and well in the Purchase.
It has been my experience that the men are usually the most outspoken at these events but not yesterday. I spoke with ladies from 15 to 70 years old and they were all in agreement in their dislike, disgust and opposition to the the National Democratic Party agenda. Obama, Pelosi and so on. I predicted to most over a year ago that I was afraid that next year would turn into another 1994 in Rural Kentucky and if yesterday was any indication- I may be right.
After reflecting a while last night I thought maybe I was interjecting some of my own personal frustration into my thoughts until I read Bill Bartleman's article this afternoon. We saw and heard the same things. The hit speech of the day came from Republican candidate Bill Johnson of Todd County. Johnson who is a Gulf War Veteran brought a roar from the crowd when he said that the solution to America's problems was returning the Nation to the values of the Ronald Reagan Era. Much to my surprise, folks when asked were not as concerned with the economy as they were moral issues, big government, abortion, gun control. In short- most responded that regardless of the problems that faced Kentucky and the Nation they did not want government being any part of the debate or the solution.
There were no bus loads of people brought in to support any one candidate. No, these were average, educated, middle-class people. From public school teachers to Union members-no one was happy with the Democrats.
I was surprised at Jack Conway's speech and I suppose one can look at it two different ways. Personally I like Jack Conway but I don't line up very well with him on many issues. In one respect I can admire the nads it took to step up and say the things he said but I don't think he gained any votes and probably lost some. Jack emphasized that the most important reason for voting for him was that the National Democrat Party was in a battle for control of the U.S. Senate. I don't think anyone told Jack that West Kentucky Democrats have no interest in a Democrat Controlled Senate run by Liberals. Jack's remarks drew a long quiet response from the crowd.
Conway also bragged that one of the crowning achievements of the Democrats in Kentucky was (KERA) the Kentucky Education Reform Act. Not a smart political move down here.You have heard me say many times, KERA in my opinion was probably the worst piece of legislation in Kentucky History. So all in all probably not a good day for Conway. My sources tell me that the Conway fundraiser at Barkley Lodge was only attended by 25 people at best. I don't know how much he raised from the event.
It was obvious that the majority of Democrats at St. John and the Hickman County Democratic Dinner were for Monjiardo. But neither Monjiardo nor Conway were the crowd pleasers among the Democrat Candidates. Darlene Price, a veteran who has testified before Congress and appeared on numerous national talk shows, gave a passionate speech about the need for campaign finance reform.
Rand Paul gave a very articulate speech which was well received by the crowd. I was party to conversation Paul was having and he said that his campaign was on track to have more than enough money to run head to head with Trey Grayson who was not in attendance.
Gatewood was entertaining as always and folks seem to appreciate State Treasurer Todd Hollenbach making the drive to be a part of the event.
Supreme Court Justice Bill Cunningham was the Master of Ceremonies. Appellate Court Judge Shea Nickel sang along with newly appointed Circuit Judge Tim Kaltenbach. Many local dignitaries on stage spoke or were recognized including State Rep. Fred Nesler and former Congressman Carroll Hubbard.
I met Glenda Ransom who was appointed McCracken County Circuit Court Clerk upon the retirement of Mike Lawrence. Lawrence was the Democrat nominee against Steve Rudy. I spent a few minutes talking politics with Mark Riddle who is running Jack Conway's Campaign. As always it was good to see Jimmy Morphew who is a First District Representative on the State Democratic Executive Committee.
So what's my take on the present mood of Democrats and Republicans in Western Kentucky right now? They are not going to vote for a Liberal or Progressive candidate and they probably are not going to vote for any Democrat in November 2010.
Local Democrats in Western Kentucky are going to have to walk a fine line because defending a National Democrat Party agenda may spell doom for some. Right now people are mad as hell at the Democrats and the Government at every level.
I will be posting interviews with Bill Johnson and Darlene Price. Both candidates are long shots and have very little money but both offer something different that everyone including myself found interesting
It has been my experience that the men are usually the most outspoken at these events but not yesterday. I spoke with ladies from 15 to 70 years old and they were all in agreement in their dislike, disgust and opposition to the the National Democratic Party agenda. Obama, Pelosi and so on. I predicted to most over a year ago that I was afraid that next year would turn into another 1994 in Rural Kentucky and if yesterday was any indication- I may be right.
After reflecting a while last night I thought maybe I was interjecting some of my own personal frustration into my thoughts until I read Bill Bartleman's article this afternoon. We saw and heard the same things. The hit speech of the day came from Republican candidate Bill Johnson of Todd County. Johnson who is a Gulf War Veteran brought a roar from the crowd when he said that the solution to America's problems was returning the Nation to the values of the Ronald Reagan Era. Much to my surprise, folks when asked were not as concerned with the economy as they were moral issues, big government, abortion, gun control. In short- most responded that regardless of the problems that faced Kentucky and the Nation they did not want government being any part of the debate or the solution.
There were no bus loads of people brought in to support any one candidate. No, these were average, educated, middle-class people. From public school teachers to Union members-no one was happy with the Democrats.
I was surprised at Jack Conway's speech and I suppose one can look at it two different ways. Personally I like Jack Conway but I don't line up very well with him on many issues. In one respect I can admire the nads it took to step up and say the things he said but I don't think he gained any votes and probably lost some. Jack emphasized that the most important reason for voting for him was that the National Democrat Party was in a battle for control of the U.S. Senate. I don't think anyone told Jack that West Kentucky Democrats have no interest in a Democrat Controlled Senate run by Liberals. Jack's remarks drew a long quiet response from the crowd.
Conway also bragged that one of the crowning achievements of the Democrats in Kentucky was (KERA) the Kentucky Education Reform Act. Not a smart political move down here.You have heard me say many times, KERA in my opinion was probably the worst piece of legislation in Kentucky History. So all in all probably not a good day for Conway. My sources tell me that the Conway fundraiser at Barkley Lodge was only attended by 25 people at best. I don't know how much he raised from the event.
It was obvious that the majority of Democrats at St. John and the Hickman County Democratic Dinner were for Monjiardo. But neither Monjiardo nor Conway were the crowd pleasers among the Democrat Candidates. Darlene Price, a veteran who has testified before Congress and appeared on numerous national talk shows, gave a passionate speech about the need for campaign finance reform.
Rand Paul gave a very articulate speech which was well received by the crowd. I was party to conversation Paul was having and he said that his campaign was on track to have more than enough money to run head to head with Trey Grayson who was not in attendance.
Gatewood was entertaining as always and folks seem to appreciate State Treasurer Todd Hollenbach making the drive to be a part of the event.
Supreme Court Justice Bill Cunningham was the Master of Ceremonies. Appellate Court Judge Shea Nickel sang along with newly appointed Circuit Judge Tim Kaltenbach. Many local dignitaries on stage spoke or were recognized including State Rep. Fred Nesler and former Congressman Carroll Hubbard.
I met Glenda Ransom who was appointed McCracken County Circuit Court Clerk upon the retirement of Mike Lawrence. Lawrence was the Democrat nominee against Steve Rudy. I spent a few minutes talking politics with Mark Riddle who is running Jack Conway's Campaign. As always it was good to see Jimmy Morphew who is a First District Representative on the State Democratic Executive Committee.
So what's my take on the present mood of Democrats and Republicans in Western Kentucky right now? They are not going to vote for a Liberal or Progressive candidate and they probably are not going to vote for any Democrat in November 2010.
Local Democrats in Western Kentucky are going to have to walk a fine line because defending a National Democrat Party agenda may spell doom for some. Right now people are mad as hell at the Democrats and the Government at every level.
I will be posting interviews with Bill Johnson and Darlene Price. Both candidates are long shots and have very little money but both offer something different that everyone including myself found interesting
Friday, September 11, 2009
Hollenbach Doing What Others Won't
I understand that it is hard for elected officials to balance their positions with family and political life. But when your elected you assume a certain amount responsibility and sacrifice that comes with the job.
In 2007 I traveled to the Purchase to Columbus-Belmont State Park for this event. I reported what a great event it was. Yes, it was election year. Yes there were hundreds of people there. The Democrat nominee Steve Beshear was supposed to have been there but was a no-show. I had decided to go on behalf of Todd Hollenbach Jr. because he had a conflict but had not committed to be there.Coach Joe B. Hall was recruited within a couple of hours to come save the day.
Fast Forward to this year for the Hickman County Democratic Fish Fry. We have two big name candidates seeking the Democrat nomination for U.S. Senate. Both are going to be at the St. John's Picnic in McCracken County so why not make it a point to attend the functions of smaller, Rural Counties especially when your in the area.
In the case of Hickman County, Lt. Governor Dan Mongiardo committed to coming and Conway did not. I really think both candidates ought to make every attempt to be at County Party functions. Fundraisers and events should take a back seat in the schedule.
The State Party Chairman and the Governor should be strongly urging our Democrat State Office holders to divide up the Party functions to at least insure that one official will be in attendance at each event instead everyone showing up to speak at the big ticket events. This would also not too much burden on any one State Office holder.
I was speaking with State Treasurer Todd Hollenbach regarding this issue and we both agreed on how hard it is sometimes to juggle everything but Todd did agree that Rural Kentucky was probably getting the short end of the stick and being ignored.
Regarding the Hickman Co. Dinner, Todd Hollenbach agreed that more attention should be paid to our Rural Counties and said that he was going to do his best to attend the Hickman County Democratic Fish Fry on Saturday Evening.
Hollenbach who has never taken Rural Kentucky or West Kentucky for granted saw the fruits of his labor in 2007. I can't remember the last time a successful candidate from Jefferson County posted his 4 best county results in Western Kentucky. Hollenbach carried the Democratic Ticket in Christian & Trigg County as well as racking up in Marshall and Calloway.
I appreciate Todd Hollenbach making the effort to come all the way down to far West Kentucky and I know the Democrats of Hickman County and the Purchase Area will to.
In 2007 I traveled to the Purchase to Columbus-Belmont State Park for this event. I reported what a great event it was. Yes, it was election year. Yes there were hundreds of people there. The Democrat nominee Steve Beshear was supposed to have been there but was a no-show. I had decided to go on behalf of Todd Hollenbach Jr. because he had a conflict but had not committed to be there.Coach Joe B. Hall was recruited within a couple of hours to come save the day.
Fast Forward to this year for the Hickman County Democratic Fish Fry. We have two big name candidates seeking the Democrat nomination for U.S. Senate. Both are going to be at the St. John's Picnic in McCracken County so why not make it a point to attend the functions of smaller, Rural Counties especially when your in the area.
In the case of Hickman County, Lt. Governor Dan Mongiardo committed to coming and Conway did not. I really think both candidates ought to make every attempt to be at County Party functions. Fundraisers and events should take a back seat in the schedule.
The State Party Chairman and the Governor should be strongly urging our Democrat State Office holders to divide up the Party functions to at least insure that one official will be in attendance at each event instead everyone showing up to speak at the big ticket events. This would also not too much burden on any one State Office holder.
I was speaking with State Treasurer Todd Hollenbach regarding this issue and we both agreed on how hard it is sometimes to juggle everything but Todd did agree that Rural Kentucky was probably getting the short end of the stick and being ignored.
Regarding the Hickman Co. Dinner, Todd Hollenbach agreed that more attention should be paid to our Rural Counties and said that he was going to do his best to attend the Hickman County Democratic Fish Fry on Saturday Evening.
Hollenbach who has never taken Rural Kentucky or West Kentucky for granted saw the fruits of his labor in 2007. I can't remember the last time a successful candidate from Jefferson County posted his 4 best county results in Western Kentucky. Hollenbach carried the Democratic Ticket in Christian & Trigg County as well as racking up in Marshall and Calloway.
I appreciate Todd Hollenbach making the effort to come all the way down to far West Kentucky and I know the Democrats of Hickman County and the Purchase Area will to.
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