David Voegele, County Judge/Executive-Elect

Oldham County Republicans certainly got it right on May 18th in choosing our next county government leader.

Before moving forward with commentary, let me just say two things:

1 - It's unfortunate that the two-party system is severely slanted in the GOP's favor in Oldham County. That's not a knock by any means towards Mr. Voegele. He ran and won decidedly in the Republican Primary, and he deserves everyone's support as he moves from his Magistrate's seat to the Judge/Executive's seat come January 1, 2011. While he faced off against former Magistrate and Deputy County Judge/Executive Paula Gish in the primary, and handed her and her backers a resounding defeat, it would still be in the best interests of all residents to have a choice come November. Be that as it may, Mr. Voegele took his message and clear vision to the voters, and they responded overwhelmingly to his campaign. And something tells me that if they could have, many Democrats would have voted for him too (including this scribe). It is my hope that the Oldham County Democratic Party will regroup, rebuild and field a full slate of candidates in ALL races come 2014. The two-party system has a purpose, and ALL registered voters need a choice in both primary and general elections.

2 - The second point is that from this writing forward, The Observer will recognize Mr. Voegele as our County Judge/Executive-Elect. This is due to the fact that no Democrat filed to run in the Primary (therefore he faces no ballot competition in November), and it's highly unlikely that any person ("Tea Party" folks included) in this county could mount a write-in campaign that would muster enough votes to win come November. That's called reality folks.

On to the results...

Mr. Voegele ran a clean campaign, spoke at length about his vision for our county, took no campaign money from developers, raised about 1/4 the money that Paula Gish raised, worked tirelessly to get his message out, talked and listened to residents (not just voters) and let people know that he would be a voice for ALL people of Oldham County, not just the "select" few.

He actually had substance to his ideas and visions, not just mere "talking points" and had very effective and creative campaign signs throughout the county. He also proved beyond a shadow of a doubt in his first 3-1/2 years on Fiscal Court that he's not afraid to ask the real questions that need to be addressed, press for answers and sometimes in a subtle way, and sometimes maybe not, buck the "good ol' boy" system that has been in place for far too long. How refreshing to see a true public servant.

Paula Gish on the other hand, gladly took money from developers, other county office holders and employees, and of course, had the endorsement of outgoing Judge/Executive Duane Murner. Didn't work out too well for her, did it ? Plus, having been found in the 11th hour it seems, to be in violation of the Federal Hatch Act, she waited until the last possible minute to resign as Deputy County Judge/Executive (effect last Friday, May 14th) and approved by Fiscal Court on Primary Election Day, May 18th. The media coverage http://http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20100510/NEWS01/5100351/-1/ZONE09/Oldham+deputy+county-judge+resigns+so+she+can+keep+running+for+the+top+job of this surely left a "bad taste" in the mouths of many voters and they showed it at the polls. "End runs" for the "elite" are not acceptable these days, and voters let her know it. Murner and Gish knew the Federal Hatch Act situation was similar to the one already decided in Kenton County, yet chose to drag it out and wait on a ruling from the U.S. Office of Special Counsel. The results could also be seen as a rebuff to the current administration and their policies and perhaps her lackluster campaign.

More to come soon on Gish's future with Oldham County government...

Mr. Voegele deserves his win and more. He now deserves all of our support, as it is his task, come January, to lead this sometimes troubled county forward. Like any other elected official, he deserves a fair amount of time once he assumes office to begin to put his vision into place. Not everyone will always agree with him, and that's healthy...but he does deserve our respect for his position and time to prove his worth as our next County Judge/Executive.

It will be interesting to watch and see now, how much of an "olive branch" will be offered to him by the current administration and his fellow Magistrates. Mr. Voegele's election has brought hope to our county once again. Hope for truly open, honest and transparent government. Hope for dealing with the fiasco that is called "Oldham Reserve". Hope for our roads, green space, open areas, parks and controlled development. Hope for holding the line on the county budget and expenses, fiscal responsibility with our tax dollars and most of all, maintaining and improving our quality of life, which was one his campaign themes.

Congratulations to Judge/Executive-Elect David Voegele...your hard work, clear vision and hope for our county paid off. You took your message to the people, they listened, and they gave you a clear mandate to lead our county forward come January.

Job well done.

Change IS Coming !

My original slogan in the creation of this blogsite was and still is...

CHANGE IS COMING !

And for the most part, yesterday in the Primary Elections, Oldham Countians got it right !

Comments are forthcoming on those elected, defeated (put out to pasture perhaps), who to watch and what we can hopefully look forward to in the future.

The Observer will be commenting on each individual race, and offering some suggestions for what needs to take place in the next couple of weeks and in the future.

Congratulations people, for the most part, you have prevailed, and now we all have something to look forward to.

CHANGE IS COMING !

Did YOU Vote Today ?

That is the question...did YOU vote today ?

How many people complain about things, but never vote ?

How many of you think your vote counts ?

How many of you took the time to cast your vote(s) today ?

How many of you thank God that we live in a country where we can have a say in who our elected leaders are ?

When people complain to me about political/government issues, the first thing I ask them is, do you vote ? If they say no, then their concerns fall on deaf ears.

I voted today.

I excercised my right.

My vote counts too.

So does yours.

If you failed to vote today, then by all means, make sure you vote in November, or register to vote.

Make your voice heard too.

Voting matters.

DAVID VOEGELE for County Judge/Executive

The choice is clear for tomorrow's Primary Election in Oldham County in the race for County Judge/Executive:

DAVID VOEGELE !

The current 2nd District Magistrate is far and above the ONLY choice to lead our county into the future.

http://http://oldhamcountyusa.com/index.htm

Now, just to be clear to everyone:

In the past, I have been accused of setting up this blogsite to promote David Voegele, and it was even stated that he was behind this site. Nothing could have been further from the truth !

First of all, I am a proud registered Democrat and can't even vote for him until November.

Secondly, it has been alledged in the past that we knew each other. Again, not true.

About three weeks ago, I was traveling down Highway 146 back into Crestwood, and happened to see Mr. Voegele sitting on the side of the road in his truck, with campaign signs promoting his race. I pulled over, stopped my vehicle and walked over to him to introduce myself as an Oldham County resident and voter. (I surely hadn't seen Paula Gish out on the roadsides campaigning in my travels across the county.)

He spent about a half hour talking with me about various topics and issues, and when we parted ways, I became even more convinced that he is the ONLY choice to lead Oldham County into the next four years.

Let me be clear, that meeting was our first encounter of any kind. And yes, for the inquiring minds, I did reveal myself as "The Oldham Observer" to him late into our friendly conversation.

How nice that he took the time to listen to me, before the "reveal", answered my questions, and all the time, he knew upfront that I am a registered Democrat and couldn't even vote for him until November.

We discussed other topics as well, outside the scope of the issues, and I found Mr. Voegele to be a man I would feel very confident in leading our county and moving things forward. It's also nice to know that he has steadfastly refused any campaign contributions from developers.

Mr. Voegele has riled some folks up over the past 3-1/2 years on Fiscal Court, and rightfully so. He has spoken time and time again for the "regular" people of Oldham County, opposed tax and fee increases on us all, and asked the tough questions, even in the face of being outnumbered by the "old school" Republicans on Fiscal Court. His attitude and demeanor bode well for our future.

He is highly qualified to lead our county...and here's hoping that tomorrow, the Republicans in this county will make the right choice, and move Mr. Voegele from his seat on one far end of the courtroom to the center seat.

DAVID VOEGELE for OLDHAM COUNTY JUDGE/EXECUTIVE !

I've said all along that "Change is Coming"...let's hope that it begins with tomorrow's election results !

PAULA GISH...The Hatch Act

PAULA GISH, the Oldham County Deputy Judge/Executive until she resigned effective last Friday, still wants your vote tomorrow (May 18th) in her Republican primary race for Oldham County Judge/Executive against current Magistrate David Voegele.

What nerve !

Once again, without all the details being rehashed here, you may read for yourself in the links below:

From The Oldham Era - May 13, 2010 Edition
http://http://www.lcni5.com/cgi-bin/c2.cgi?041+article+News+20100513102741041041001
From The Courier-Journal - May 10, 2010
http://http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20100510/NEWS01/5100351/-1/ZONE09/Oldham+deputy+county-judge+resigns+so+she+can+keep+running+for+the+top+job

Let's just cut to the chase here...knowing the same situation was brought up and ruled on in Kenton County earlier this year, Gish should have resigned months ago from her position, or withdrawn from the race. You can't have it both ways.

This in NOT the kind of "leadership" we need to move Oldham County forward.
Tomorrow, our Fiscal Court will be presented her resignation and will be asked to approve it.
Assuming she loses the primary, how fast do you think she'll be rehired ?
Anyone want to speculate if she's even cleaned out her office/desk and turned in her keys and county ID ?

Sounds like a power grab to me...keep earning a salary and benefits (that we pay for) while waiting on a ruling that you knew was going to come down against you. So much for for winning some silly "Best County Official" contest recently. A mere popularity contest, much as it is when running to be the President of a school's P.T.A. !

Oh yes, and Paula, you've NOT been the deputy judge/executive for the past four years as you claim on your campaign materials. Why, it hasn't even been 3-1/2 years yet that you've held the job. If you can't be honest in your advertisements, how can we expect total honesty in the future ?

Let's hope that the voters in Oldham County recognize that voting for Paula Gish is asking for a continuation of "business as usual" in Oldham County government.

SCOTT DAVIS...Got Tickets ?

Current 6th District Magistrate SCOTT DAVIS:

Suddenly nowhere to be found at recent Fiscal Court meetings, oh my !

Without going into all the details, since he's been all over the news lately, and there are plenty of reliable news sources (various links below) to learn the backstory here, let's just state the obvious:

Scott "Ticket Broker" Davis is not what he has made himself out to be to anyone in Oldham County. He has (or was) once again campaigning on his promoting "open and transparent" government...and now we all know he is/was talking/campaigning out of both sides of his mouth.

In the special section "A Guide to the Polls" published in April by The Oldham Era, he submitted the following information:

When asked for his employment history, he replied: "chemical engineer and consultant".

How convenient that he left out that he is (or was) a ticket scalper/reseller for sporting events. Yes, you're a ticket scalper when you set up shop in Indiana to resell tickets to avoid the practice in Kentucky, where such activity is illegal ! So, he failed to divulge ALL of his sources of income to us, and he operates websites that he has gone to great lengths to hide his ownership of. Wonder how long it will take the revenue departments of Indiana and Kentucky, as well as the Internal Revenue Service to come knocking at his door ? Scott Davis is NOT what he appears to be, and no "cheerleader" of his can change the facts or spin this any other way. If you want to resell tickets, fine. Do it legally, with integrity and admit to us all that you do.

When asked the following question, "What accomplishments are you most proud of during your term in office?" he began his reply with "Promoting an environment of open and transparent government."

Well, now we ALL know that he practices the "do as I say" attitude and "not what I do" when it comes to his politics. He has, regardless of the outcome of his current "ticket selling" messes, brought this all on himself and now he needs to do the right thing...resign from Fiscal Court immediately ! He goes out and hires Thomas Clay, a top criminal attorney in Louisville, files a lawsuit against a member of the U of L basketball coaching staff (he loves filing lawsuits, doesn't he?), and his political advertisements have disappeared over the last two weeks in both The Oldham Era and The Courier-Journal "Neighborhoods" sections. Maybe this is a sign that he recognizes the handwriting on the wall ?

Taken from the various stories, he alledgedly owns a luxury condo at The Harbours in Jeffersonville, IN, owns a $3 million dollar company, yet had his Oldham County home in foreclosure last year ? Is this really the kind of person you want to give another four years to on Oldham County Fiscal Court ? I think not.

Oh my, what will his "cheerleaders" / "defenders" do now ?

His "15 Minutes of Fame" (or Shame) are up !

The Observer sees Kevin Eldridge winning this primary contest May 18th in a potential landslide.

LINKS:
The most recent article from The Oldham Era - May 13, 2010 Edition
http://http://www.lcni5.com/cgi-bin/c2.cgi?041+article+News+20100513102946041041001
From The Courier-Journal - May 6, 2010
http://http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20100506/BUSINESS/5060352/-1/ZONE09/Oldham+magistrate+implicated+in+missing+Derby+tickets
From The Courier-Journal - May 7, 2010
http://http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20100507/NEWS01/5070370/-1/ZONE09/Broker+sues+Louisville+assistant+basketball+coach+over+Kentucky+Derby+2010+tickets+

The Observer Returns...

Yes folks, after a very long and overdue absence, I have returned, just in time for the Primary Election tomorrow, May 18th.

Thanks for the emails of support over the past few months...and without going into details, many things kept me from restarting this blog, but now, more than ever, it is my honest intention to be active once again and provide my thoughts and publish your comments on the things that affect us all here in Oldham County.

Sometimes even the best laid plans or intentions can get sidetracked, and that's what happened to me. I want to be taken seriously and want to offer everyone a vehicle for their voices to be heard as well (unlike some other bloggers in this county)...when you respond to my observations on various topics.

That being said, and without further ado, let's leap back into the thick of things, because a blogger at this time couldn't ask for more to comment on, given all that is going on in Oldham County government and politics !

Enjoy, and thanks for your patience and continued support !

Bits & Pieces for Friday

The Oldham Observer will be out of town this weekend...coming up next week:

+ Thoughts on Shawn Boyle's resignation as Oldham County's Chief Financial Officer.

+ Current County Treasurer Stan Clark taking Boyle's place temporarily.

+ The Stormwater District mass mailing.

+ Various Oldham County related Facebook.com pages.

+ Sizing up the race for County Judge/Executive in the Republican primary.

That's it for this week.
Here's hoping everyone weathers the weather we're expecting and stays safe and warm.
Keep the comments and emails coming...every comment is published and every email is read and responded to accordingly.
Have a wonderful weekend !

New Links Added

At the end of this first page, there are links to various websites that may be of interest to folks.
I've added two new links today.
Both are Commonwealth of Kentucky websites.
The
Kentucky Registry of Election Finance
and the
Kentucky Registry of Election Finance - Searchable Database
Both are excellent resources for the public, and the searchable database will also allow concerned citizens and voters to see who is contributing to various campaigns.
Once filed by candidates, folks can view their Campaign Finance Statements as required by law.
I encourage you to use these resources.

Reviewing our current Fiscal Court

The deadline to file for county wide offices has come and gone as of 4:00pm yesterday, and contrary to some folks, I did not create this site originally to set myself up to run for any public office at this time. (And I just read that same sentiment on the "other" blogsite here in Oldham County, you know, the one that so graciously referred to me last year as "Casper the Not-So-Friendly Ghost !)

That being said, now would be a good time to review our current Fiscal Court and offer up comments on each member as we head full steam into this election year cycle. Once all candidate filings have been posted on the Kentucky Election Registry website, and we learn more about the them, I'll begin sharing my observations about each candidate and especially the few (unfortunately for us) contested races that we voters in Oldham will have to make choices about this spring and fall.


COUNTY JUDGE / EXECUTIVE - DUANE MURNER - R

Former Magistrate and serving his first term as our County/Judge Executive.
Has chosen not to seek another term, and has endorsed his Deputy Judge/Executive Paula Gish for his seat on the Court.
First three years have been marked by some controversies, lawsuits, catering to developers and what some call, a heavy-handed approach to managing the county, our tax dollars and the employees of Oldham County government.
Only time will tell in his last year in office if he can repair his perceived negative reputation to many, or do something that may cement his legacy in this county.
It is rather sad that someone with his education, business background and past service to the Court would have a term filled with so much controversy. Spending so much time pushing ahead an agenda to increase the tax burdens on the everyday folks of Oldham County, beyond anyone's expectations. Catering to developers and friends, settling lawsuits, behind the scenes dealings and most of all, doing his part to censor the voices of residents. Four minute limits on public comments during Fiscal Court meetings, and from what I've been told, trying to get him on the phone to discuss an issue is nearly impossible, unless you're on his "list".
Thank you for your service so far Mr. Murner, and let's see what you can do in your final year in office to make positive changes for ALL residents of Oldham County.



1st District MAGISTRATE - STEVE CHURCH - R

A very pleasant surprise in his first (originally appointed) term on the Court. Watching the Fiscal Court meetings, I think of him as maybe the most level-headed and conscientious member of the current Court. A tireless worker in finance and seemingly very fair and open minded in all matters before the Court. Brings an obvious business savvy mind to his approach to doing the "people's business"...and that is appreciated greatly.



2nd District MAGISTRATE - DAVID VOEGELE - R

Ending his first term on the Court, since he is giving up his seat to run in the Republican party primary for County Judge/Executive.
Also, a very conscientious member, and a straight shooter. Maybe he's had his moments of grandstanding, but at the end of the day, this Court needs someone to speak for those other members may choose to ignore. Consider him the "little people's" champion in many cases. I for one, appreciate someone who will raise questions and issues, and not roll over and play dead or tag along with others. Should be an interesting primary to say the least.



3rd District MAGISTRATE - ROBERT LESLIE - R

A quiet member of the Court who simply seems to go with the flow with the man in the big chair. Some would wonder what he has actually accomplished for his district and the county as a whole...the same as another court member (see District 5). No disrespect is meant here, but the quiet ones leave one to wonder just how effective and responsive the said magistrate is. Are you simply continuing to collect a paycheck from us, or are you being an effective elected official ?



4th District MAGISTRATE - STEVE GREENWELL - R

My second choice for a "no-nonsense" approach to representing people, along with Steve Church. Involved, active, clear cut, concise in his comments and apparently responsive to his district. Also takes a business approach to matters before the Court and doesn't drag issues out. Seems to care about issues and doing for the most part, what is right for the entire county.



5th District MAGISTRATE - IVA DAVIS - R

There are meetings where one wonders if she's active at all. Once again, a Court menmber who says little and seems confused on various issues. Simply put in my opinion, a seat warmer...enough said.



6th District MAGISTRATE - SCOTT DAVIS - R

A young, inexperienced first-termer who seems more interested in drawing attention to himself with some of his antics over his first three years, and his endless, and I do mean endless times of tying the Court meetings up with his ongoing monolouges. His favorite phrase is "the fact of the matter is" and he seems to enjoy reminding us all that he is an engineer. Will give him credit for forcing some issues and disclosures, but his methods in some situations have left little to be desired or as some have said, a bad taste in their mouths (think neighborhood fliers). He has his supporters and his distractors alike. He needs to begin to really think through his battles, and maybe quit letting others influence him so much. Oh, and his self-proclaiming website is so outdated and comes off as rather egotistical !



7th District MAGISTRATE - RICK RASH - R

Approaching 16 years on the Court. Comes off as very cavalier many times, thinks religious jokes are funny during meetings and seems more interested in protecting his own image and reputation. Narrowly won reelection four years ago. Needs to be more serious minded when doing the people's business and quit promoting himself so much to those who are looking for someone to marry them. Needs to focus on what his true place on the Court is, serving his district and all residents of Oldham County...not just a select few.



8th District MAGISTRATE - BOB DEIBEL - R

The almost 20 year veteran of Fiscal Court has long been of service to this county and his district. While some think it's time for a change in his district, he has been a faithful servant to all. However, he has offered some petty ordinances recently and seems content to just go with the flow. Maybe it is time for a change in this district and have a fresh face, new ideas and new energy. Sometimes, complacency sets in with length of service.


So, there you have it, my initial observations of our current Fiscal Court members early into this election year. I encourage residents to follow the Fiscal Court meetings on Channel 25, and then draw your own conclusions about not only your Magistrate, but the entire body of the Court. As the year goes along, if you think we need change, make your voice heard:
here,
your own blog,
phone calls and emails to your Magistrate or the Judge/Executive's office,
attending Fiscal Court meetings,
letters to the Oldham Era, etc.
Make your voice heard...loud and clear !
The changes we need so badly can come about by holding our elected officials even more accountable for their actions and of course, by how you vote in the primary and general elections !

It is not my intent to "attack" any member of Fiscal Court personally. These are just my musings on this current Court. And if the truth be told, I'm certainly not alone in some of my observations...what do you think ?

The Observer is Back !

Yes folks, it's been far too long since I last posted here...between family matters, work, other obligations and so forth, it has been a very busy few months for me.
However, it is election year, and I now feel the need to rededicate myself to this blog and welcome your input as well (unlike the alledged "Watchdog" who prohibits such interaction), and trust me, I have a lot to comment on.
Also, some other Oldham County based bloggers have ceased their efforts, and according to the emails I have been receiving, I struck some nerves, both good and bad when I joined in the fray. The encouragement from some of those emailers has made me realize still, that a clear, objective voice is needed (unlike those who seem to blog solely for the purpose of their own ego and their undying support of a particular Magistrate), and I once again hope to be one of those voices that calls it like I see it...simply put, my take on matters of concern to all Oldham County residents.
So, sit back, take a seat and hopefully you'll enjoy the ride !