As promised, this is the first of several postings I had referenced previously that I would be addressing. It's been a busy week or so with work demands and the fact that we've had our Granddaughter for an entire week while her Mother was on vacation on a planned out of state trip...and keeping up with a 2-1/2 year old can be challenging at times...but we wouldn't had traded the experience for anything ! (We see her constantly and she spends one night a week with us, but an entire week was something else.) She went home to her Mommy today, and we miss her already!
OK, on to the fireworks, otherwise known as "Thunder Over Oldham County Fiscal Court" in keeping with the Derby spirit this time of year...
I've thought long and hard about what I wanted to say here regarding the events that took place during the April 7, 2009 Fiscal Court meeting between Magistrates David Voegele and Scott Davis. I've watched the broadcast several times on Channel 25 and online to get to this point.
"The fact of the matter is..."
Without going into all the details, since they have been fairly well publicized, there was an exchange between the two Magistrates regarding the lawsuit filed by Davis against County Judge/Executive Duane Murner and the other members of Fiscal Court over the Rawlings donation and the secret meeting issue.
"The fact of the matter is..."
Voegele was on target in his views as he addressed Davis and once again Davis danced around in his comments without ever giving a concrete answer. He refused to answer directly why he didn't bring his concerns to Fiscal Court over either issue before filing his lawsuit. He gladly voted to accept the Rawlings donation (anonymous at the time to all but Judge Murner), and he chose to stay for the entire alledged illegal meeting.
"The fact of the matter is..."
Mr. Davis, simply put, you can't have it both ways. You want to tout that you stand for transparent and open and honest government, but yet you refuse to answer honest and legitimate questions posed directly to you. You deny the public you serve and who pay your salary and benefits the opportunity to hear an honest answer.
"The fact of the matter is..."
You disrespected Voegele and the other members of the Court. You had opportunities to bring your concerns over these issues up in a public forum for all to see, but chose not to. I'm not saying that you were wrong in questioning the source (even at a later date) of the donation to the county, but you were dead wrong in how you then went about things. Same theory applies to the meeting issue. I think you still have a lot to learn about being a politician...and every elected official is a politician...some are even truly public servants. Which are you ?
"The fact of the matter is..."
All of this apparently was going to come to a head at some point, and even Voegele said he was going to address these issues during the "payables" section of the meeting, since the legal fees to the attorney for Davis were due and the court fines were also on the agenda to be approved by the Court and paid.
"The fact of the matter is..."
I believe all of this started earlier than it may have since someone who can now be best described as a "cheerleader" for Davis addressed the Court in the first "Public Comment" section, and brought up issues related to the lawsuit. Those comments sparked Voegele to respond and the showdown was on !
"The fact of the matter is..."
Davis claims that some members on the Court were "trivializing" the issues when in fact, he keeps telling them they are misguided and incorrect in their ways of thinking. Is that not a way to also "trivialize" someone else's comments ? Once again, you can't have it both ways. If they were so trivial to Davis at the time he voted to accept the donation and also remained in the meeting, what then took place to make "a mountain out of a molehill" as one Magistrate termed the whole episode ?
"The fact of the matter is..."
If this was indeed a calculated political move on the part of Davis, it has sadly backfired by now. While some will continue to defend him to the end, the bottom line is that the negative publicity will hurt him in the long run. There is always a learning curve in the world of politics, regardless of the size of the stage and people are going to remember this come the next election cycle.
"The fact of the matter is..."
Maybe Judge Murner didn't offer up an apology, and that's his decision. But he did reimburse the taxpaying citizens of Oldham County for the $2,600.00 part of the court decision for one half of the fees billed by Davis' attorney ($2,500.00) and the $100.00 fine regarding the Rawlings donation. For that, he should be commended. I take that as an apology and understand and respect his decision to keep his word to someone. And his letter to the editor in the Oldham Era, I have to assume was his way of addressing the issues.
As for the other half of the attorney fees and fine, also in the total amount of $2,600.00, I think it only right since the Court was ruled against that ALL nine members reimburse the county and the citizens in equal amounts. Seems fair to me.
During the first exchange, Judge Murner was wrong to call an end to it when he did. It should have continued playing out in the hope that Davis would have finally answered the questions he was being asked. And during the second exchange, Magistrate Steve Church was wrong to call for adjournment when he did. We as the taxpaying public have a right to hear every detail until there is a final resolution.
Also, I'd like to see a copy of the attorney's billing to the county on behalf of his work for Davis. $5,000.000 ? Seriously ? How about donating the fees back to the county and designate that it be used for a specific purpose, such as purchasing a K-9 dog for the police department, or adding playground equipment to a local park, etc?
Magistrate Rick Rash, comparing the whole secret meeting fine to jaywalking was out of line and his comments were uncalled for. These are indeed serious issues and smug comments are not needed. Your comments showed a lack of respect for the citizens of this county who paid the bill for you and your fellow Magistrates, and we deserve better than that. Maybe you're becoming more and more jaded and a bit too comfortable in your position. The circuit court decision should serve as a wakeup call to you and the others conduct the people's business in a fair and serious manner at ALL times. Since when did jaywalking issues come before Fiscal Court ?
Finally, I could say more, but will refrain at this time. Judging by the hits and page views this site has generated in a short amount of time, I'm sure to get comments and emails on my views in this particular posting, and that's fine. I treat each topic fairly and base it on facts, and "the truth of the matter" is, I'm getting tired of what I think are "cheerleaders" and "plants" to benefit any member of the Court.
I simply call them as I see them, my own take on things. I may be critical of a Court member during one posting, and complimentary in another. It's called true balance. I'm never out to disrespect, slander or libel any member of the Court or any other elected official...and I won't stoop to that level ever. But I will post my opinions and you may agree or disagree with me, which is your right...it's called freedom and democracy.
So, in case you've noticed an underlying theme here, I'm sick of hearing "the truth of the matter is..." during comments from Scott Davis surrounding this entire issue. The REAL truth of the matter is, he owes us, his public employers the answers to the following questions:
1 - Why did you, Magistrate Davis, stay in an executive session Fiscal Court meeting and then only challenge and sue your fellow Court members over it, after the fact, without first raising your concerns in an open court session ?
2 - Why did you, Magistrate Davis, not bring up your concerns to your fellow Magistrates and the public you serve over the anonymous donation after you first gladly voted to accept it in the spirit it was given in, after Judge Murner denied your open records request ?
Having stated the obvious, and the Fiscal Court video meeting records don't lie, you owe us answers. If you continue your own dance and end run around these issues and questions, then you are just as guilty of not serving the best interests of the citizens you were somehow elected to represent. Failure to be totally open, honest, transparent and accountable leaves you but one choice, resign from your office, because you truly are not standing for what you claim.
The truth hurts sometimes. Those who may be guiding you are steering you in the wrong direction (see former Governor Ernie Fletcher as an example) and you need to do what is right for all of us. So, this is your invitation to answer me, a taxpayer who helps pay your salary either by email or posting your answers on your personal website. Or better yet, since you were absent from the April 21, 2009 Fiscal Court meeting without explanation, make a statement to the Court and the citizens of Oldham County at the next Fiscal Court meeting.
As of now, your future in Oldham County politics is getting very cloudy...as is the futures of a few others...
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Westport General Store...Food Heaven !
Last night, my wife suggested we were long overdue to make a journey out to Highway 524 and eat dinner at the WestportGeneralStore.com. It was going to be our first visit of the year, and are we ever glad we chose last night to go !
We left home and took the scenic route to arrive at Will Crawford's wonderful eatery. We took the backroads, eventually working our way over to Highway 42 out to 524. We chose to take the long way around 524 so we could see all of the beauty of nature coming into bloom for Spring and of course, ride by the Ohio River.
When we arrived, the parking lot was packed. We were greeted as welcome guests at the door, took a seat at the bar (to wait for a table) and surveyed the menu for our selections. We each ordered a drink from one of the servers and then Will (the owner) greeted us and took our appetizer selections.
We tend to be creatures of habit and the drive to Westport is always well worth it just for the:
Fried Green Tomatoes - Breaded and seasoned tomatoes served with smoked chiplote corn salsa $6
Sometimes we also order as appetizers in addition to the Fried Green Tomatoes the:
Baby Hot Browns - The local favorite! Toast points topped with fresh roasted turkey, creamy Mornay sauce, crispy bacon and vine-ripe tomatoes $8
However, on this visit we ordered only the tomatoes and noticed the change in the way they are prepared and served. We had asked Will about this and he took the time to explain it to us, and then he was off with our order. What an excellent choice once again !
Now, being creatures of habit when we eat out, we both decided to try something different from Chef Harold Baker's menu...and were we glad we did.
I ordered:
Chicken Breast Saltimbocca – Our Signature Dish! With thinly sliced Finchville country ham, provolone cheese, and fresh sage-lemon butter, served with "dirty rice" and seasonal vegetables $17
My wife ordered:
Eggplant Napoleon - Layered, breaded eggplant, with fresh provolone and chunky tomatoes, basil, and garlic sauce, served over Farfalle pasta with seasonal vegetables $14
We were both amazed when the plates were delivered to our table. The quanity, the presentation and the aromas were all impressive. Needless to say, we thoroughly enjoyed our selections (even sharing our choices with each other) and in fact, my wife had to take a portion of hers home for leftovers ! Kudos to Chef Baker for a wonderful job once again.
During the course of our visit, we had excellent service, Will came by our table twice to check on us and the restaurant was a lively place to be on a Friday night. Simply put, another wonderful experience at Westport General Store.
We visit several times a year, often bringing others with us and especially enjoy bringing folks to experience the General Store for the first time. While I'm certainly not a restaurant reviewer by nature, I think it's important to tout places such as WGS so that others will maybe experience some of the wonderful local restaurants and businesses we have in Oldham County.
So, while this blog is mainly about Oldham County government, it is also about promoting the best of what Oldham County has to offer and Westport General Store is certainly worthy of recognition. So, if you've yet to experience what Will Crawford and his staff have to offer at WSG, you should make plans to visit soon and try it for yourself.
What a wonderful experience once again...thanks to Westport General Store !
We left home and took the scenic route to arrive at Will Crawford's wonderful eatery. We took the backroads, eventually working our way over to Highway 42 out to 524. We chose to take the long way around 524 so we could see all of the beauty of nature coming into bloom for Spring and of course, ride by the Ohio River.
When we arrived, the parking lot was packed. We were greeted as welcome guests at the door, took a seat at the bar (to wait for a table) and surveyed the menu for our selections. We each ordered a drink from one of the servers and then Will (the owner) greeted us and took our appetizer selections.
We tend to be creatures of habit and the drive to Westport is always well worth it just for the:
Fried Green Tomatoes - Breaded and seasoned tomatoes served with smoked chiplote corn salsa $6
Sometimes we also order as appetizers in addition to the Fried Green Tomatoes the:
Baby Hot Browns - The local favorite! Toast points topped with fresh roasted turkey, creamy Mornay sauce, crispy bacon and vine-ripe tomatoes $8
However, on this visit we ordered only the tomatoes and noticed the change in the way they are prepared and served. We had asked Will about this and he took the time to explain it to us, and then he was off with our order. What an excellent choice once again !
Now, being creatures of habit when we eat out, we both decided to try something different from Chef Harold Baker's menu...and were we glad we did.
I ordered:
Chicken Breast Saltimbocca – Our Signature Dish! With thinly sliced Finchville country ham, provolone cheese, and fresh sage-lemon butter, served with "dirty rice" and seasonal vegetables $17
My wife ordered:
Eggplant Napoleon - Layered, breaded eggplant, with fresh provolone and chunky tomatoes, basil, and garlic sauce, served over Farfalle pasta with seasonal vegetables $14
We were both amazed when the plates were delivered to our table. The quanity, the presentation and the aromas were all impressive. Needless to say, we thoroughly enjoyed our selections (even sharing our choices with each other) and in fact, my wife had to take a portion of hers home for leftovers ! Kudos to Chef Baker for a wonderful job once again.
During the course of our visit, we had excellent service, Will came by our table twice to check on us and the restaurant was a lively place to be on a Friday night. Simply put, another wonderful experience at Westport General Store.
We visit several times a year, often bringing others with us and especially enjoy bringing folks to experience the General Store for the first time. While I'm certainly not a restaurant reviewer by nature, I think it's important to tout places such as WGS so that others will maybe experience some of the wonderful local restaurants and businesses we have in Oldham County.
So, while this blog is mainly about Oldham County government, it is also about promoting the best of what Oldham County has to offer and Westport General Store is certainly worthy of recognition. So, if you've yet to experience what Will Crawford and his staff have to offer at WSG, you should make plans to visit soon and try it for yourself.
What a wonderful experience once again...thanks to Westport General Store !
Friday, April 17, 2009
Upbeat Tidbits...
Just a few random short thoughts for today...
I'd like to commend Magistrates Steve Church, Steve Greenwell and David Voegele (the members of the Fiscal Court Finance Committee) for their recent meeting with representatives of the Oldham County School Board regarding the annual $200,000 Dynegy payment to the school system. Magistrate Church reported back to Fiscal Court at the April 7, 2009 meeting that after their discussion with the school system folks, they could all support proceeding with authorizing the annual payment to the school system. Magistrate Church did an excellent job in explaining the circumstances to the Court and public, and for this, he should be commended.
Without going into all of the details, it's refreshing to see that an honest attempt was made to look out for the finances of county government. Credit to Magistrate Voegele for raising the issue and for their time in doing the necessary legwork to legitimize the financial arrangement and bringing to light the details for all to see. Wouldn't it be nice if Fiscal Court operated more like this all of the time?
I'll have more to post soon regarding the following items:
The lawsuit payment discussion...call it Voegele vs S. Davis
The recent PVA advertisement in the Oldham Era
The Oldham County government website
The misguided alarm ordinance
It's Thunder Over Louisville weekend...hope all that attend enjoy themselves and have a safe and happy time on the riverfront...what a showcase for our entire region.
Finally, to my parents...congratulations on your 50th Wedding Annivesary today !
Have a great weekend everybody.
The Oldham Observer
I'd like to commend Magistrates Steve Church, Steve Greenwell and David Voegele (the members of the Fiscal Court Finance Committee) for their recent meeting with representatives of the Oldham County School Board regarding the annual $200,000 Dynegy payment to the school system. Magistrate Church reported back to Fiscal Court at the April 7, 2009 meeting that after their discussion with the school system folks, they could all support proceeding with authorizing the annual payment to the school system. Magistrate Church did an excellent job in explaining the circumstances to the Court and public, and for this, he should be commended.
Without going into all of the details, it's refreshing to see that an honest attempt was made to look out for the finances of county government. Credit to Magistrate Voegele for raising the issue and for their time in doing the necessary legwork to legitimize the financial arrangement and bringing to light the details for all to see. Wouldn't it be nice if Fiscal Court operated more like this all of the time?
I'll have more to post soon regarding the following items:
The lawsuit payment discussion...call it Voegele vs S. Davis
The recent PVA advertisement in the Oldham Era
The Oldham County government website
The misguided alarm ordinance
It's Thunder Over Louisville weekend...hope all that attend enjoy themselves and have a safe and happy time on the riverfront...what a showcase for our entire region.
Finally, to my parents...congratulations on your 50th Wedding Annivesary today !
Have a great weekend everybody.
The Oldham Observer
Friday, April 10, 2009
Accurate Fiscal Court Minutes? I Think Not...
Oldham County Fiscal Court minutes are posted on the oldhamcounty.net website after they have been approved. Example: the minutes from the March 3rd meeting are read and approved (with or without corrections, modifications, etc.) at the March 17th meeting. Then they are posted on the website for all to read. That's great...except when the posted minutes are not accurate.
The Fiscal Court Clerk is Tina M. Schaaf. I would think that it is her ultimate responsibility to make sure that everything posted in the minutes is accurate and factual. Making the minutes available to the public via the web is part of openess that all governmental bodies should have. Making sure that the minutes are truthful about what all transpired during a session of Fiscal Court is paramont.
Case in point:
At the March 3rd meeting, there were two speakers during the first "public comment" session. They were Dewey Wotring and Karen Baughman.
The minutes posted on the website read as follows:
PUBLIC COMMENT: March 3, 2009 Page 235
Dewey Wotring, LaGrange
(concerns about the state of fiscal court)
Karen Baughman, Crestwood
(commended road dept for debris pickup efforts)
While both are true statements as to the nature of the topics they spoke of, there are vital compontents of their comments not conveniently listed for all to see.
Go back, watch the meeting again and see for yourself.
Mr. Wotring did address his concerns about the state of affairs in Fiscal Court. But he pointedly addressed the actions (or lack thereof) on the part of County Judge/Executive Duane Murner and the whole Rawlings secret donation issue. This qualifies as much more than just "concerns about the state of fiscal court".
Even further evidence can be found in this section of the posted minutes:
PUBLIC COMMENT - RESPONSE March 3, 2009 Page 235
Judge-Executive Murner restated his position on the acceptance of the anonymous donation.
As for Ms. Baughman's comments, yes, she did commend the Road Department on their work efforts related to the storm cleanup, and encouraged them to take their time and keep safety in mind while performing their assigned tasks.
BUT, she also commended Dewey Wotring, Jim Pearson (director of the "No Oldham Airport" campaign) and Magistrate Scott Davis for their efforts that helped lead to the defeat the ill-advised general aviation airport issue.
So, you tell me, are the Fiscal Court minutes edited for publication on the web to not publish in greater detail negative opinions or comments that may have been directed at the Court, or an individual member(s) that the Court hears during the "public comment" sections of each meeting?
Get it right Fiscal Court...total openess and transparency and an accurate accounting of the people's business is a mandate before you. Live up to your duties and report to us ALL of the facts, not edited versions that soften the blow when the Court or a member(s) may be criticized or others are praised that do not sit on the Court.
Post a corrected version on the website, and listen closely during the meeting to Ms. Schaaf's reading of the minutes and insist that EVERYTHING be noted and recorded and posted as it happened. After all, the video record does not lie !
HAPPY EASTER to all and may God bless your family this weekend.
The Oldham Observer
The Fiscal Court Clerk is Tina M. Schaaf. I would think that it is her ultimate responsibility to make sure that everything posted in the minutes is accurate and factual. Making the minutes available to the public via the web is part of openess that all governmental bodies should have. Making sure that the minutes are truthful about what all transpired during a session of Fiscal Court is paramont.
Case in point:
At the March 3rd meeting, there were two speakers during the first "public comment" session. They were Dewey Wotring and Karen Baughman.
The minutes posted on the website read as follows:
PUBLIC COMMENT: March 3, 2009 Page 235
Dewey Wotring, LaGrange
(concerns about the state of fiscal court)
Karen Baughman, Crestwood
(commended road dept for debris pickup efforts)
While both are true statements as to the nature of the topics they spoke of, there are vital compontents of their comments not conveniently listed for all to see.
Go back, watch the meeting again and see for yourself.
Mr. Wotring did address his concerns about the state of affairs in Fiscal Court. But he pointedly addressed the actions (or lack thereof) on the part of County Judge/Executive Duane Murner and the whole Rawlings secret donation issue. This qualifies as much more than just "concerns about the state of fiscal court".
Even further evidence can be found in this section of the posted minutes:
PUBLIC COMMENT - RESPONSE March 3, 2009 Page 235
Judge-Executive Murner restated his position on the acceptance of the anonymous donation.
As for Ms. Baughman's comments, yes, she did commend the Road Department on their work efforts related to the storm cleanup, and encouraged them to take their time and keep safety in mind while performing their assigned tasks.
BUT, she also commended Dewey Wotring, Jim Pearson (director of the "No Oldham Airport" campaign) and Magistrate Scott Davis for their efforts that helped lead to the defeat the ill-advised general aviation airport issue.
So, you tell me, are the Fiscal Court minutes edited for publication on the web to not publish in greater detail negative opinions or comments that may have been directed at the Court, or an individual member(s) that the Court hears during the "public comment" sections of each meeting?
Get it right Fiscal Court...total openess and transparency and an accurate accounting of the people's business is a mandate before you. Live up to your duties and report to us ALL of the facts, not edited versions that soften the blow when the Court or a member(s) may be criticized or others are praised that do not sit on the Court.
Post a corrected version on the website, and listen closely during the meeting to Ms. Schaaf's reading of the minutes and insist that EVERYTHING be noted and recorded and posted as it happened. After all, the video record does not lie !
HAPPY EASTER to all and may God bless your family this weekend.
The Oldham Observer
Why So Negative You Ask ?
Yes, it's been a bit over a week since my last posting, and sometimes that's just the way it goes. There is much more to my life than blogging...
I recently received an email asking me why I seem to be so negative...the truth of the matter is, there isn't a whole lot to be positive about when it comes to Oldham County Fiscal Court. I love this county, this is my home. I work, pay taxes and patronize many businesses in this county. I am the eternal optimist, the guy who always sees the glass as half-full, not half-empty. But the focus of my blog is to draw attention to issues that affect ALL Oldham Countians, not just the select few. And of course, this being a blog, I will always offer up my take on things. You don't have to agree with me, but know there is always relevance in what I opine about.
That being said, I want this county to grow slowly, with purpose, always doing what is possible to encourage the quality of life for us all and our children, grandchildren and visitors. Everyone should always have equal opportunities in this county, whether you are a homeowner, resident that is renting, a business owner or an employee of a company here in Oldham County. The days of government catering to the needs of a select few must end.
We have become a county of diversity with our people...change is good...and so is open and honest government. We as the citizens of this county should expect nothing less than complete transparency from our elected officials. The elected officals across the board should give us nothing less than their absolute best, without regard to political afilliations, favors, campaign donations large and small, area of residence, economic status, etc.
After watching Fiscal Court meetings on Channel 25, it is my belief that we have a few serious, dedicated and truly civic minded individuals representing us. We also have those that choose to grandstand, keep politics alive and healthy (especially if you are a Republican), tune out those that disagree with their views, sleepwalk through meetings, stumble as they speak and so on.
It is not my intention to point fingers at any one individual...but it may come to that at times. They must know that there are those of us who watch and observe and laugh at the pettyness that sometimes permeates the Court. I've been saying a reoccuring theme is "change is coming"...and I truly feel that in good time it will. Fiscal Court is in need of a dire shakeup and the 2010 cycle of elections can't get here soon enough.
To those of you that share my view that change is needed, do something about it in your own way. Get involved, email your officials when you have something to say, organize and support folks that would bring some common sense to the Court. And to those of you that disagree with me that change is severely needed, then you are part of the problem too, not the solution. Of course, most that would beg to differ or criticize me must be Republicans...after all, they pretty much control the county. Taking a good look at yourselves in the proverbial mirror might just do you some good.
But change is good sometimes, and needed. What we need next year is some truly Deomcratic representation, or even Independents. Anything but an across the board Fiscal Court made up exclusively of Republicans. It works in Frankfort and Washington...the two party system, and it can work here as well.
Yes, I am revealing that I am a registered Democrat...always have been, always will be. But, I take each election seriously and vote my conscience on who I think would do the best job for the seat they are seeking. I voted for former Governor Ernie Fletcher in his first run for the Governorship, thinking at the time he would bring healing to state government and that a change in the wind was sorely needed in Frankfort after the Paul Patton era. Ok, so that didn't turn out so well. However, I still to this day believe that every election is important and will continue to support the best candidates in my opinion, regardless of party affiliation. How many of you can say that with honesty?
So, get ready for a series of postings covering many issues and on a personal note, Happy 27th Birthday to my son today...I am so proud of you!
The Oldham Observer
I recently received an email asking me why I seem to be so negative...the truth of the matter is, there isn't a whole lot to be positive about when it comes to Oldham County Fiscal Court. I love this county, this is my home. I work, pay taxes and patronize many businesses in this county. I am the eternal optimist, the guy who always sees the glass as half-full, not half-empty. But the focus of my blog is to draw attention to issues that affect ALL Oldham Countians, not just the select few. And of course, this being a blog, I will always offer up my take on things. You don't have to agree with me, but know there is always relevance in what I opine about.
That being said, I want this county to grow slowly, with purpose, always doing what is possible to encourage the quality of life for us all and our children, grandchildren and visitors. Everyone should always have equal opportunities in this county, whether you are a homeowner, resident that is renting, a business owner or an employee of a company here in Oldham County. The days of government catering to the needs of a select few must end.
We have become a county of diversity with our people...change is good...and so is open and honest government. We as the citizens of this county should expect nothing less than complete transparency from our elected officials. The elected officals across the board should give us nothing less than their absolute best, without regard to political afilliations, favors, campaign donations large and small, area of residence, economic status, etc.
After watching Fiscal Court meetings on Channel 25, it is my belief that we have a few serious, dedicated and truly civic minded individuals representing us. We also have those that choose to grandstand, keep politics alive and healthy (especially if you are a Republican), tune out those that disagree with their views, sleepwalk through meetings, stumble as they speak and so on.
It is not my intention to point fingers at any one individual...but it may come to that at times. They must know that there are those of us who watch and observe and laugh at the pettyness that sometimes permeates the Court. I've been saying a reoccuring theme is "change is coming"...and I truly feel that in good time it will. Fiscal Court is in need of a dire shakeup and the 2010 cycle of elections can't get here soon enough.
To those of you that share my view that change is needed, do something about it in your own way. Get involved, email your officials when you have something to say, organize and support folks that would bring some common sense to the Court. And to those of you that disagree with me that change is severely needed, then you are part of the problem too, not the solution. Of course, most that would beg to differ or criticize me must be Republicans...after all, they pretty much control the county. Taking a good look at yourselves in the proverbial mirror might just do you some good.
But change is good sometimes, and needed. What we need next year is some truly Deomcratic representation, or even Independents. Anything but an across the board Fiscal Court made up exclusively of Republicans. It works in Frankfort and Washington...the two party system, and it can work here as well.
Yes, I am revealing that I am a registered Democrat...always have been, always will be. But, I take each election seriously and vote my conscience on who I think would do the best job for the seat they are seeking. I voted for former Governor Ernie Fletcher in his first run for the Governorship, thinking at the time he would bring healing to state government and that a change in the wind was sorely needed in Frankfort after the Paul Patton era. Ok, so that didn't turn out so well. However, I still to this day believe that every election is important and will continue to support the best candidates in my opinion, regardless of party affiliation. How many of you can say that with honesty?
So, get ready for a series of postings covering many issues and on a personal note, Happy 27th Birthday to my son today...I am so proud of you!
The Oldham Observer
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Tidbits and Thoughts
I've been very busy lately with work demands, March Madness and family matters. Thus, I've not had the time to post anything of relevance lately. However, I'm working on several topics that I'll be posting soon. One of the drawbacks to having your own blog, is not always having the time to devote to it that you'd like. I'd posted earlier that I had yet to have the time to watch the Fiscal Court meeting from March 17th on Channel 25, and so far, the best I've been able to do is catch parts of it. Hopefully, this weekend I can watch it from start to finish and then post my thoughts on the meeting.
Scott Hack from the website oldhamcountywired.com/ has notified me of a potential lunch meeting that he's invited various Oldham County bloggers to this coming Saturday, April 4th. If I can work my schedule out, I hope to attend and meet in person some of my fellow scribes. While we all come from different paths that have led us to create blogs/websites regarding Oldham County, I think it would be good to meet and create a dialogue between ourselves. Maybe then, we can each understand our various backgrounds, reasons for blogging, etc. Certainly, we won't ever all see eye to eye on various topics, and may disagree (sometimes strongly perhaps) on some issues, but hopefully we can all remain respectful of each other and the entitlement we have to voicing our opinions.
Since I am not affiliated with any county office holder (past or present), or potential candidate in the future, I want to once again clearly state that I have chosen to voice my opinions via this blog because I am sick of the state of affairs in Oldham County government, especially with Fiscal Court as a whole. The Republican-led domination of county government is damaging Oldham County. We are being taxed over and over, with no true consideration of the working people of this great county. Smug comments during Fiscal Court meetings, facial expressions and body language say a lot about those that sit behind the microphones during meetings.
There are members of Fiscal Court that need to step aside. We need a Fiscal Court inhabited by people with fresh ideas and a "think outside the box" mentality running things...because "business as usual" is creating a backlash that I hope will be felt at the polls next year. We need new and truly progressive leadership...not people in the pockets of developers and special interest types. Yes, it sounds like more political catch phrases, but it's the truth people. We need to unite and bring change to the way things are done.
The status quo has been steadily bringing this county to its knees. There are those of us who would rather see this county continue to grow slowly and properly, with fair guidelines for all and with a government that is open, honest, efficient and representative of all people, not just the select few.
Finally, congratulations to the U of L Cardinals...the men's team for making it to the Elite Eight and the women's team for advancing to the Final Four this weekend in St. Louis. The men's team showed class and poise all season and have set the bar high for next year's squad. The women's team has been an absolute joy to watch and here's wishing them the best this weekend.
It's a great time to be a Cardinal fan!
As for the coaching change at UK, don't even get me started...
The Oldham Observer
Scott Hack from the website oldhamcountywired.com/ has notified me of a potential lunch meeting that he's invited various Oldham County bloggers to this coming Saturday, April 4th. If I can work my schedule out, I hope to attend and meet in person some of my fellow scribes. While we all come from different paths that have led us to create blogs/websites regarding Oldham County, I think it would be good to meet and create a dialogue between ourselves. Maybe then, we can each understand our various backgrounds, reasons for blogging, etc. Certainly, we won't ever all see eye to eye on various topics, and may disagree (sometimes strongly perhaps) on some issues, but hopefully we can all remain respectful of each other and the entitlement we have to voicing our opinions.
Since I am not affiliated with any county office holder (past or present), or potential candidate in the future, I want to once again clearly state that I have chosen to voice my opinions via this blog because I am sick of the state of affairs in Oldham County government, especially with Fiscal Court as a whole. The Republican-led domination of county government is damaging Oldham County. We are being taxed over and over, with no true consideration of the working people of this great county. Smug comments during Fiscal Court meetings, facial expressions and body language say a lot about those that sit behind the microphones during meetings.
There are members of Fiscal Court that need to step aside. We need a Fiscal Court inhabited by people with fresh ideas and a "think outside the box" mentality running things...because "business as usual" is creating a backlash that I hope will be felt at the polls next year. We need new and truly progressive leadership...not people in the pockets of developers and special interest types. Yes, it sounds like more political catch phrases, but it's the truth people. We need to unite and bring change to the way things are done.
The status quo has been steadily bringing this county to its knees. There are those of us who would rather see this county continue to grow slowly and properly, with fair guidelines for all and with a government that is open, honest, efficient and representative of all people, not just the select few.
Finally, congratulations to the U of L Cardinals...the men's team for making it to the Elite Eight and the women's team for advancing to the Final Four this weekend in St. Louis. The men's team showed class and poise all season and have set the bar high for next year's squad. The women's team has been an absolute joy to watch and here's wishing them the best this weekend.
It's a great time to be a Cardinal fan!
As for the coaching change at UK, don't even get me started...
The Oldham Observer
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