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 !