WHAS11 Political Blog

AG Is Investigating Gas Wholesalers and Retailers

2008-07-03T22:04:46Z

Kentucky's Attorney General has launched an investigation into the discrepancy in gas prices between the Louisville area and the rest of the state. Jack Conway says there doesn't appear to be any logical reason the prices in Louisville are 30-40 cents higher than the rest of the state. But the gasoline industry and Anne Northup say Conway will find it's the high cost of making and transporting the special, environmentally friendly, reformulated gasoline that's caused local prices to shoot up. Here's the WHAS11 coverage and my story.

More On Miller's Role With Payday Lenders

2008-07-03T22:01:01Z

The Lexington Herald-Leader has more on the rehiring of Tom Miller into state government, including a response from the Beshear administration.

Brown Out, Blanton In at Gov's Office

2008-07-03T21:48:13Z

After just a half year on the job, Dick Brown is out as the chief spokesman for Governor Beshear. University of Kentucky spokesman Jay Blanton will take over the governor's chores while Brown moves to the old Environmental Protection Cabinet. Mark York was asked to resign from the PR job in that cabinet to make way for Brown. Here's the AP story:

]]> FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) -- Gov. Steve Beshear has hired a new communications director.
The governor said Thursday that Jay Blanton will become his chief spokesman on Aug. 1. Blanton is the head of public relations and marketing for the University of Kentucky.
Blanton replaces Dick Brown, who has served as communications director for the past six months. Brown will become a spokesman in the Energy and Environment, Public Protection and Labor cabinets.

Governor Abolishes Horse Racing Authority

2008-07-03T21:28:26Z

Governor Beshear has abolished the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority, forming a new board called the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. The new commission contains many of the same members as the Horse Racing Authority though Beshear replaced Authority vice-chair Connie Whitfield with his chief backer and campaign fundraiser Tracy Farmer. Whitfield is the wife of republican congressman Ed Whitfield. Also joining the new commission is Michael Pitino, the son of U of L basketball coach Rick Pitino. Here's the release from the governor's office:

]]> Governor Beshear Reorganizes Kentucky Horse Racing Authority, Names New Members

FRANKFORT, KY (July 3, 2008) - Governor Steve Beshear today signed an Executive Order reorganizing and renaming The Kentucky Horse Racing Authority to become The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. The Governor also named a new Racing Commission board, including Robert M. Beck, Lexington - chair; Tracy Farmer, Midway - vice chair; Edward S. Bonnie, Prospect; Francis Thomas Conway, Louisville; John Thomas Ward, Jr., Paris; Frank L. Jones, Jr., Louisville; Burr James Travis, II, Ft. Mitchell; Michael Anthony Pitino, Louisville; Jerry L. Yon, Lexington; Thomas Bayley Gaines, Lexington; Elizabeth (Betsy) Stone Lavin, Goshen; Foster Harold Northrop, Crestwood; Tom Ludt, Lexington; Alan J. Leavitt, Lexington; Wade Houston, Prospect.

"Kentucky's signature industry is in crisis and immediate, aggressive action is necessary to preserve its integrity," said Gov. Beshear. "The actions I have taken today reflect my continued commitment to strengthening horse racing in the Commonwealth."

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission is an independent agency of state government charged with the responsibility of regulating the conduct of horse racing and pari-mutual wagering on horse racing and related activities with the Commonwealth. The Commission is composed of fifteen gubernatorial appointees along with the Secretary of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, the Secretary of the Public Protection Cabinet, and the Secretary of Economic Development serving as ex-officio members of the Commission.

Governor Gives Vets Advantage on Getting State Jobs

2008-07-03T21:12:41Z

Governor Beshear has restored the preference for veterans in state hiring decisions. A few opponents have argued that there shouldn't be any preferences in state hiring because it could skew the search for the best qualified applicants. Here's the release from the governor's office:

]]> Governor Approves Veterans' Preference in State Hiring

Regulation will restore preference in new employment system

(FRANKFORT, July 3, 2008) - Governor Steve Beshear today proposed an amended Administrative Regulation to restore Veterans' Preference in hiring for all state executive agencies. "The experience and professionalism of our veterans are enormous assets to Kentucky," Gov. Beshear said. "I want to make sure that the taxpayers of Kentucky reap the benefits of that experience and professionalism by bringing more veterans into state government."

Since 1970, state law has given veterans extra points on employment tests. However, written tests were eliminated in May for all state jobs. The new regulation will require managers to interview qualified applicants who are veterans, restoring a stronger preference for state employment than previously existed.

"It is both proper and fitting that the Commonwealth assist those who forfeited their career opportunities to ensure the boundless freedom we enjoy by providing Veterans' Preference to those seeking employment in state government," said Les Beavers, Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs.

Veterans' Preference is defined as those individuals:

Who have served in the active military, military reserves, or National Guard and were discharged or released with an Honorable Discharge.
Who have been discharged under Honorable Conditions, or a General Discharge.
Any current member of the active military, military reserves, or National Guard.
Under certain circumstances, the spouse or parent of a veteran.

Veterans' Preference requires:

Information on qualified applicants must clearly identify all individuals entitled to Veterans' Preference.
The employing agency shall offer an interview to no fewer than five (5) individuals identified on a register certificate as entitled to Veterans' Preference, including individuals presently employed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky who apply for another classified position within state government.
When the number of individuals identified as eligible for Veterans' Preference on a register certificate is less than five (5), the employing agency shall offer an interview to all individuals identified on a register certificate as entitled to Veterans' Preference.

Transportation Cabinet Restructuring

2008-07-03T14:32:29Z

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is getting an overhaul of its bureaucratic structure. A release from the cabinet says the restructuring is designed to make the road building agency run more efficiently:

]]> Transportation Cabinet undergoing structural changes to ensure maximum efficiency of work force

Reorganization ensures long-term effectiveness in face of retirements, tight budgets

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), challenged to meet increasing responsibilities with fewer personnel and limited budgets, is being retooled to ensure its long-term viability and effectiveness.

The restructuring plan is designed to address continuing revenue limitations and an unprecedented number of retirements by ensuring that employees can work to maximum efficiency. Under the plan, all KYTC employees are retained with no loss of pay.

"Every year, the cabinet is forced to do more with less," said Transportation Secretary Joe Prather. "Through careful consideration and examination of many viewpoints, we have made changes, particularly within our highway department, that allow more flexibility for employees and managers while improving organizational effectiveness."

The reorganization combines the construction and maintenance functions in each district office into a delivery and preservation branch, a change that seeks to remove institutional barriers and allows for more blended job duties. "Both construction and maintenance are daily field activities," said Chuck Knowles, deputy state highway engineer for project delivery and preservation. "The types of work and workloads can vary seasonally. This realignment will encourage employees to broaden their knowledge and skills in each area, allowing them more opportunities for advancement, while adding more value and efficiency to the cabinet."

Each of the 12 highway districts will now contain four branches: project development, two project delivery and preservation branches and engineering support. There will be two or three section offices under each project delivery and preservation branch, each having responsibility for construction and maintenance activity for one to three counties. Each county will have a maintenance facility, which will be managed by a section office.

The new structure requires that job duties and titles be changed for many positions. In some situations, new positions will be established and filled. In other cases, existing positions will have revised job duties and employees will be reclassified or laterally transferred.

No current employees will lose their jobs, and no salaries will be cut. Employees who apply for newly created positions but are not selected will be reclassified into another appropriate position.
"This will be a lengthy transition process," Gilbert Newman, state highway engineer said. "Our leadership team will work to accommodate the needs of our employees."

Newman said employees whose job locations have changed will have opportunities for lateral transfers or reclassifications.
"We've reached a point where changes have to be made in order to continue efficient operations. By realigning the functions of our staff, we'll be better able to reduce costs, provide greater consistency, maximize productivity and deliver a quality product to the citizens of Kentucky," he said.

_________________________

MARK BROWN

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet

Office of Public Affairs

502-564-3419

Ellis Park Closing - BREAKING

2008-07-03T00:54:47Z

The Courier-Journal is reporting that Ellis Park racetrack in Henderson is closing for good. Former Rescare CEO Ron Geary told the newspaper that he just can't make a go of it.

Beshear, Conway to Investigate Possible Price Gouging at Louisville Gas Pumps

2008-07-02T23:00:12Z

Governor Beshear and Attorney General Jack Conway say they'll be launching a state investigation of possible price gouging by Louisville gasoline dealers. Louisville's gas prices are among the highest in country and Beshear says the claim that special RFG gas costs more, doesn't explain why Louisvillians are a dime or more per gallon that motorists in Covington, who are also buying gas containing RFG. See WHAS11's coverage.

McConnell Dodges Reporters

2008-07-02T22:54:14Z

After speaking at a Kentucky Chamber of Commerce function yesterday, Sen. Mitch McConnell apparently told reporters he'd be glad to talk to them after he went to the potty. Instead, McConnell flushed himself out a door, according to the C-J's account.

Democratic Fundraiser Gets 72K Job With PSC

2008-07-02T22:46:26Z

Sgtephanie Bell, who has helped democrats raise thousands of dollars, is back in state government. Bell has landed a $72,000/yr. job that appears to have been created for her, according to a story by Lexington Herald Leader reporter John Cheves.

GOP Website Blasts Miller Appointment

2008-07-02T22:42:41Z

KyPolitics.org has a reminder about the previous stint of new Revenue Commissioner Tom Miller. Miller was forced out by the Fletcher administration.

Gov. Appoints Members of LTP Board

2008-07-02T22:21:20Z

Governor Beshear has appointed three new members to the Long Term Policy Research Center Board, including former republican state senator Lindy Casebier.

]]> Commonwealth of Kentucky

Office of the Governor

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Governor Beshear Appoints Members to Kentucky Long-Term Policy Research Center Board

FRANKFORT, KY (July 2, 2008) - Governor Steve Beshear has appointed the following members to the Kentucky Long-Term Policy Research Center Board:

Lindy Casebier, of Louisville, is the executive director of the Office of Arts & Cultural Heritage in the Kentucky Commerce Cabinet. He represents the Executive Branch. The appointment replaces Andrew V. McNeill. Casebier shall serve for a term expiring Oct. 6, 2010.

Yvette Monique Smith, of Frankfort, is the executive director of the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity and Contract Compliance in the Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet. She represents the Executive Branch. The appointment replaces James Andrew Hightower. Smith shall serve for the remainder of the unexpired term ending Oct. 6, 2008.

Delquan Dorsey, of Louisville, is the executive director of the Governor's Office of Minority Empowerment. He represents the Executive Branch. The appointment replaces Brad Cowgill. Dorsey shall serve for the remainder of the unexpired term ending Oct. 6, 2011.

The Kentucky Long-Term Policy Research Center is a state agency dedicated to research trends and issues that are likely to influence the future of the state. Created by the General Assembly in 1992, the center is governed by a 21-member board, which includes four appointees from the executive branch, six from the legislative branch and 11 at-large members who represent universities, local governments, communities and the private sectors.

The board has a mandate to increase knowledge about issues on Kentucky's horizon, guide planning efforts throughout state government and engage citizens and policymakers in preparing for the future.

Former Fish and Wildlife Commissioner in Critical Condition

2008-07-02T04:03:40Z

Longtime Kentucky government employee and former state Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Tom Bennett is in critical but stable condition at a Louisville hospital suffering from an apparent tick-borne illness. And Bennett's family is putting out an urgent plea for plasma donations Bennett needs for treatment.

]]> Jamey Bennett says his brother first went to a hospital last Wednesday when he began feeling bad during a visit to Colorado Springs. He was discharged from a Colorado hospital and flew home Thursday, heading directly to Baptist East Hospital from the Louisville airport. Tom Bennett has been there every since, according to his brother, at one point "flat lining" before being revived. Bennett's platelets level got down to 1800 but has risen to 70,000 today. It's supposed to be around 150,000 according to Jamey. Tom Bennett is currently sedated and on a ventilator with no kidney function.

Jamey Bennett says there's still some question about the exact nature of Tom's deteriorated health. Some doctors believe he's suffering from a rare blood disorder called TTP. A disease specialist believes it may be something similar to Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and caused by a tick bite.

Jamey says his brother is undergoing apheresis, a type of plasma exchange that's designed to remove unwanted blood from his system. But he's in desperate need of rare AB positive or AB negative plasma from men only. Family and friends have put out an urgent country-wide plea for donors. Potential donors can call the Red Cross in Louisville at 502-540-7102.

Tom Bennett has worked in several state agencies and was most recently Fish and Wildlife Commissioner from 1993-2004. He and his immediate family live in Louisville though most of the rest Bennett's extra large family lives in Frankfort.

Cox Going To Work For Boswell Campaign

2008-07-02T03:52:01Z

Bill Cox has left state government for federal politics. Sen. David Boswell says Cox has agreed to work for his congressional campaign, perhaps as Boswell's campaign manager.

]]> Cox's abrupt departure as head of the Kentucky Revenue Department was announced by the Beshear administration the day AFTER Cox had resigned. Several sources say Cox left because of a medical "episode" and perhaps because he wasn't enjoying Frankfort politics as much as he expected. Boswell tells me Cox didn't explain why he was quitting his state government job after little more than six months. But the Owensboro democrat says Cox has agreed to raise money and help coordinate his campaign against republican Brett Guthrie. Boswell says he's asked Cox to manage his campaign and expects to get an answer when Cox returns from a trip to Florida.

Davis Leads Kelley By 13 in the 4th District

2008-07-01T22:43:11Z

Congressman Geoff Davis is leading his democratic opponent, Michael Kelley, by 13 points in the 4th District Congressional race.

]]> The Survey USA/WHAS11 poll shows Davis leading 54%-41% in the district that runs from Oldham County to Ashland. Kelley has raised little money and has little name recognition. He does lead among young voters ages 18-34 (49%-46%) but that's it. Davis is winning by a whopping 62%-35% among likely voters over 65 years old. Those who identified themselves as independents made up 10% of the polling sample and were about evenly split between the two candidates.