Saturday, February 28, 2009

In the Interest of Full Disclosure

Just thought that I should let everyone know that since I had mentioned two other bloggers in the Oldham County area in my Introduction, I have since emailed them both and sent them a link to this site. As stated earlier, I have never met or spoken with either Dewey Wotring or Scott Black. I'm not totally familiar with their backgrounds or who they may be related to or friends with. I have read their postings from time to time and while I may agree or disagree with some of their postings, at least they make the effort to be involved in their own chosen ways about what goes on in Oldham County. This effort of mine is not meant to be adversarial in any way towards anyone. I'm simply providing yet another forum for public comment. (Unlike the four minute Fiscal Court limit !) The more dialogue that goes on, the better off we all will be.

The links to their sites are:
http://www.ocwatchdog.blogspot.com/ Dewey Wotring's Blog
http://www.oldhamcountytcb.com/ Scott Black's Website

The Oldham Observer

Good Eats in Crestwood

Two weekends ago my wife and I visited the new Steve-O's Italian Kitchen located on the 329 Bypass. I have long been a patron of the original location in Buckner and was glad to see Steve expanding his offerings, especially in these tough economic times. As he told us when he came by our table to check on things, he places his faith in the Lord and we hope Steve does well in his new expanded location. My wife had never eaten at the original location, and she was impressed with her first visit to Steve-O's !
Our review:
Food - Excellent and generous portions
Service - Excellent and attentive service by Donna
Value - Very reasonable
Environment - Clean and bright
Going Back ? - You bet we will !
Great job Steve and staff !

The Oldham Observer

Just a Few Musings and Questions

Does Oldham County Fiscal Court need a strict Ethics Ordinance governing all members of Fiscal Court and all elected county government office holders and their employees?

Yes !

Who knows, maybe they have one, but judging by some actions, maybe not.

Item #1 - County Judge/Executive Duane Murner and his wife Anne have appeared in print advertisements for River's Landing, the development where they moved to. In the ad, it clearly identifies him as "Judge" Duane Murner. What, if any, compensation did he receive for this endorsement? Isn't it ethically wrong of him and River's Landing to associate his elected title with such an advertisement, as if all of Oldham County government endorses the development? The ads have appeared in The Oldham Era. There is nothing wrong with him and his wife appearing in the ads, but it's just plain and simply wrong to add the title of "Judge" before his name. C'mon Judge, Louisville Mayor for Life Jerry Abramson appears in civic and public service ads all the time...but I've never seen him hawking a for-profit, private real estate company's project.

Item #2 - Magistrate Scott Davis...OK, you've won your lawsuit against our county and Fiscal Court, and I'm sure you're pleased as punch about it. You cost us, the taxpayers money. While you were vindicated to a degree, what are your plans for the monetary award you will receive (less actual attorney fees) once it's in your hands? Will you donate it back to the taxpayers? To charity? Or your own bank account? Inquiring minds want to know...

So, I'd love to hear your thoughts and comments...and maybe, just maybe we'll get some answers. If any of my readers are also aware of an Ethics Ordinance that covers Oldham County Fiscal Court, and others, please let me know about it.

The Oldham Observer

An Introduction and Welcome Message

Welcome to my newest spot in cyberspace...my blog about Oldham County, KY government and more. Observations about how Fiscal Court does the "people's business", or in some cases, the "business" of the "special interests" friends of the Court, or some of it's current members.

Of course, I'll also be posting observations, thoughts, musings and asking questions out loud about other things too. They could cover a wide range of topics, issues, events and people. There are times when I will be very serious, sometimes funny I hope, sarcastic at other times and always a promoter of all things in Oldham County and our businesses and people.

Who am I ? You can read my profile for the information I'm currently making available. And if you ask why I am not being forthcoming at this point about my actual identity, I will answer with this: We live in a country that guarantees free speech, and it is my choice for now to protect myself, my family members and my place of employment from possible retributions from those who might seek to inflict harm or harrassment against me or them since I am speaking my mind. There will come a time when I will reveal my true identity, but for now, I ask for your understanding in my need to protect my privacy and I hope that you'll participate in this blog.

I welcome your comments, questions and encourage you to participate. Play nice, play fair and above all else, be factual in your postings. The current state of the Oldham County Fiscal Court does to some degree lack total transparency, honesty, integrity and most of all, ethics. Change needs to come to Fiscal Court so that it can in the future better serve ALL residents of Oldham County, not just the chosen few, as is sometimes the case. Tax dollars (our money) need to be spent wisely and always in ways that benefit everyone.

Finally, for now, let me state for the record that I have no ties to anyone currently serving on Fiscal Court, anyone from past Fiscal Courts, or anyone currently or formerly employed in Oldham County government. I know there are other bloggers out there who also have made Oldham County government the main topic of their blogs. These include Dewey Wotring and Scott Black, two gentlemen I have never met or spoken to. I have visited their blogs from time to time and decided that I wanted to not only create my own, but also create a blog with a very separate identity. My purpose is not to imitate them, have a specific agenda on anyone's behalf, or push a certain issue that may come before the Court. My agenda is to simply state my observations, be factual and question the actions of Fiscal Court or any of the Magistrates when I feel the need to.

And...just in case you're wondering...I am a registered voter, have been since I turned 18, and it has been a rare occasion when I have missed participating in the electoral process. It's easy for people to complain about their elected officials, government entities and so forth...but it is my belief that if you don't vote, don't gripe. Get involved, register to vote, go to the polls...be a part of the solution, not the problem.

So, feel free to jump in as this blog evolves into whatever it becomes...and participate...

Change is coming...

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The Oldham Observer