Lexington City Council Races 2006

Jim Gray: Anti-Growth, Anti-Progress

2006-10-06T16:14:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader ...
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/15686241.htm

Posted on Thu, Oct. 05, 2006
Council candidate calls for 4-year ban on expanding urban services boundary
By Jim Warren
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

Lexington should consider placing a four-year moratorium on expansion of its urban services boundary and new development, at-large council candidate Jim Gray said Thursday morning.

Most of the six candidates vying for three at-large citywide council seats in next month's general election have previously opposed expansion of the boundary, but Gray apparently is the first to suggest an outright ban on a change.

[...]

Gray, who is in the construction business, insisted he was not taking an anti-growth position.

[...]

Of Gray's opponents, only George Brown consistently has spoken in favor of expanding the boundary. He did so again at Thursday morning's session, contending that Lexington must "grow the pie," to boost economic development and raise tax revenue for future government needs.

[...]

They said the next council must cooperate more and argue less; they were united in opposing Mayor Teresa Isaac's recent proposal to acquire Lexington Mall by eminent domain and turn it into a softball complex.

[...]
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By limiting the urban services boundary, Gray's proposal could drive up the price of real estate within the boundary, which in turn could benefit Gray's construction business.

Gray is probably feeling pretty confident about getting elected to council - he has a lot of money, and doesn't mind spending it.

Herald Leader Pats Itself On The Back

2006-05-17T08:33:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader ...

http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/editorial/14597569.htm

Good day for Blevins, Roberts, Fayette voters
The commanding victories of Don Blevins for county clerk and Larry Roberts for county attorney tell us a lot.

They tell us that voters are much smarter than some candidates and their advisers think.

In each of these races, the victor represented a "real thing" challenged by a candidate relying on a heady media campaign.

[...]

Cegelka attempted to tar Roberts, a former commonwealth's attorney, as a homophobe who is hostile to women, using out-of-context excerpts from a sex education program Roberts taped for Fayette County schools in 1982.

[...]

Future candidates take heed: A slick, slightly misleading media blitz may sell junk food, but it will not satisfy voters.

[...]
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Only Democrats got to vote in the elections that the Herald Leader is referring to, and the Herald Leader had a coordinated campaign to smear both Cegelka and Angel. All this proves is the many Democrats get information spoon-fed from the Herald Leader. I'm sure Cegelka would have done much better in an election where Republicans had a say.

The excerpts from Roberts from 1982 were accurate. More recently -- this election season -- Roberts has tried to defend deadbeat dads from avoiding paying child support. Is that what Democrats and the Herald Leader stand for?

At-Large City Council Scorecard

2006-05-14T05:45:00.000-07:00

The Herald Leader has issued the following sheet containing the candidates' views on a number of issues:

http://www.realcities.com/multimedia/kentucky/pdfs/at-largequestions.pdf

If you think of yourself as moderate or conservative, the best candidates are: George Brown (who the Herald Leader does not even identify on the PDF file -- he's the last candidate listed), Bryan Coffman, and Al Mitchell.

The candidate whose BS factor is the highest is Jim Gray. Regarding the water company, he states "Our citizens deserve the chance to vote, and if the courts don't let it happen, I favor moving forward through eminent domain and allowing the courts to determine a reasonable price."

He's a member of BlueGrass Flow! Why hide it? He's one of the leading proponents for goverment condemnation.

Ryan Schneider

2006-05-10T06:48:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/editorial/14542149.htm

Posted on Wed, May. 10, 2006

Schneider will address issues
By Ryan Schneider

I have an understanding of how local government works and the issues facing it. I have been to Urban County Government meetings. My education at the University of Kentucky was geared toward government policy and the people who implement it.

[...]

I entered this race with the goal of improving services and communication within the 3rd District. We deserve:

[...]

• A representative who will fight for improved delivery of services such as street lights, garbage collection, speeding and parking problems, sewers, potholes and infrastructure improvements.

• Increased and better communication with all of the University of Kentucky.

[...]

Ten Commandments

2006-05-10T06:43:00.000-07:00

TEN COMMANDMENTS
Council OKs step toward exhibit
Religious rules would be posted with other documents
By Michelle Ku
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

The national debate over posting the Ten Commandments arrived at Lexington's city hall yesterday with surprisingly little fanfare or dissent.

[...]

The council tentatively voted 9-1 to draft a resolution accepting the display.

[...]

Mayor Teresa Isaac left the meeting before Wesley made his presentation. Mayoral candidate and Councilman Bill Farmer Jr. was not at yesterday's work session.

[...]

Earlier this year, the state legislature voted to return a Ten Commandments monument to the Capitol's grounds after it was removed by a judge's order in 2000. Last week, the ACLU filed a lawsuit, saying that the state would be in contempt of the 2000 order banning the display of the monument if it is returned.

[...]

Herald Leader Fluff For Pro-Condemnation Candidates

2006-05-09T09:19:00.000-07:00

Is it completely random that the Herald Leader overwhelmingly publishes fluff for pro-condemnation candidates?

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader ...

http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/editorial/14533701.htm
Posted on Tue, May. 09, 2006

Green-space supporters
Four Urban County Council members have championed farmland and park preservation and have worked to preserve green space. Three -- Linda Gorton, Sandy Shafer and Chuck Ellinger II -- are running for at-Iarge positions, and Dick DeCamp is the 3rd District incumbent.

[...]

Mary Diane Hanna Lexington

Qualities we need
[...]

I will vote for Linda Gorton, Jim Gray and Steve Kay because they have demonstrated in their work and in their civic and political lives the skills we want our leaders to possess. They are able to:

[...]

They listen, they strive for continuous improvement and they behave with integrity. These are true leaders, and we are very lucky to have them. I hope you will join me and vote for these three.

Debra. A. Hensley
Lexington

More Herald Leader Punishment To Bill Cegelka For Opposing the Water Company Takeover

2006-05-09T09:13:00.000-07:00

Can you believe the Herald Leader supports Larry Roberts, who defends deadbeat dads?

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader ...
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/editorial/14533701.htm
Posted on Tue, May. 09, 2006

Posted on Tue, May. 09, 2006
READERS' VIEWS

Roberts a plus

[...]

When Roberts was commonwealth's attorney, he spoke on a regular basis to elementary- and middle-school children about the hazards of drug abuse.

[...]

He worked tirelessly with our police department to help citizens learn how to protect their homes from burglary and vandalism.

[...]

Fredrick and Charmaine Pfister Lexington
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Roberts has made headlines more recently for his school sex-ed tapes, where he puts the blame on female joggers for putting themselves in a position to get attacked. Very educational, huh?
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Backs Roberts, Gorton

We encourage the public to vote for Larry Roberts for county attorney and Linda Gorton for council-at-large in the May 16 primary election. Both have proven records of ability, integrity and independence of special interests.

[...]

George and Betty Mills Lexington
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Integrity? Defending deadbeat dads? Blaming females for getting attacked?
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Works well with police

As a Lexington police officer and supervisor, I worked closely on a number of cases with Larry Roberts, and his staff in the commonwealth's attorney's office.

[...]

Roberts is sincerely concerned about crime in Lexington and often met with citizen groups to discuss specific issues. I am confident that Roberts will operate a professional county attorney's office.

[...]

Richard Owen Lexington
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Granted crime is Roberts' business - literally. He makes money by defending murders.

Farmer vs. Brown - Backgrounds

2006-05-07T07:17:00.000-07:00

Snippets From the Lexington Herald Leader ...

http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/local/14521008.htm

Posted on Sun, May. 07, 2006

FRED V. BROWN
Born: Sept. 19, 1942

[...]

Public office: councilman, Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council, 1994-2004
Why I'm the best candidate: "I am very well qualified as a CPA and as a local representative of the council, and I see some real needs on the local level that we're not represented in Frankfort."

WILLIAM "BILL" P. FARMER JR.
Born: March 18, 1962

[...]

Public office: State representative, 2003-present
Why I'm the best candidate: "The entire political process is give-and-take. And it's based on the quality of relationships, and it takes a period of time to establish those relationships, so that people know who you are and they can work with you."

Farmer vs. Brown

2006-05-07T07:09:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader ...
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/local/14521010.htm

Posted on Sun, May. 07, 2006
ELECTION '06
Subplots enliven quiet race
Brown vs. the 'other' Farmer in 88th District
By Ryan Alessi
HERALD-LEADER POLITICAL WRITER

[...]

But a couple of interesting subplots have emerged beneath the quiet surface of the Republican primary in the 88th state House district in southeastern Fayette County.

Former Urban County Councilman Fred V. Brown surprised some Republicans by deciding this winter to challenge two-term incumbent, Rep. William "Bill" P. Farmer. That's created a rare primary race for state representative in which both candidates have government experience and records.

[...]

Farmer -- the state representative, who also runs a tax preparation service -- said when he's campaigned door-to-door several voters have commented that they just saw a TV commercial for him.

[...]

Brown, who is running radio ads, said he's not concerned about the double-exposure of the name of his opponent.

He said he's well-known anyway because he served on the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council for 10 years.

[...]

While Brown has touted his work on city transportation and budget issues during this campaign, at least one of his former colleagues criticized his performance.

"I just don't know what Fred Brown ever accomplished on council. He was on the budget committee for years and gave us horrible budgets," said Vice Mayor Mike Scanlon, a registered Republican who lives in the 88th House district.

[...]

Farmer's biggest role this session was serving as a key broker on a proposal to lessen an increased tax burden on small businesses caused by a tax change plan that passed last year.

[...]

The winner of the May 16 Republican primary will face Democrat Christopher Frost, a law professor at the University of Kentucky. Frost said he couldn't predict who would be the GOP nominee, but added that he believes the race could divide Republican voters.

[...]

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From my exposure to Rep. Bill Farmer, I think he's done a decent job. Yet, I'm not sure where his door-to-door campaigning is, since he hasn't come knocking at my door in the 88th district. Fred Brown did. I'm not 100% committed to Farmer, but I'm leaning that way.

Lexington Herald Leader Endorses Old-Timer Blevins

2006-05-06T05:06:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader ...
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/editorial/14515376.htm

Posted on Sat, May. 06, 2006
ENDORSEMENTS
Retain Blevins as Fayette clerk
Incumbent's record beats Angel's promises

[...]

Blevins may not run a perfect operation -- no one likes standing in line for a license plate -- but his clean and solid performance over the last 25 years recommends him for another term.

His challenger in the Democratic primary, Carol Angel, has been a behind-the-scenes player in local and state politics for 35 years.

[...]

In her debut as a candidate, Angel is promising to make the clerk's office more user-friendly. She wants to open branch offices, extend the hours and accept personal checks.

[...]

But everyone should remember that the clerk's most important job is chief elections officer.

Blevins has done a good job in that respect.

[...]

And Blevins has room for improvement; the shortage of Spanish-speakers on his staff comes to mind.

[...]

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The Herald Leader claims "But everyone should remember that the clerk's most important job is chief elections officer. Blevins has done a good job in that respect."

Decide for yourself: Go to http://www.fayettecountyclerk.com/ and see how long it takes you to find out that the election primary is on May 16th. If you don't even put the date of the primary ont he web site, that's not doing a good jobs with elections.

Lexington Herald Leader Endorse 2 Pro-Condemnation Candidates in 9th District

2006-05-06T04:58:00.000-07:00

Snippets From the Lexington Herald Leader
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/editorial/14515380.htm

Posted on Sat, May. 06, 2006
Francis, Mattingly in 9th District

[...]

Wanda Mattingly, a communications official at Spencerian College, does not have such a concrete agenda, but seems passionate about being accessible and responsive to residents.

[...]

Incumbent Jay McChord came into office supported by developers and others opposed to local purchase of the water utility. His support has not broadened, based on recent campaign finance reports.

McChord, who describes his role as a "cheerleader" for the city, did not meet with the editorial board to discuss his next-term agenda.

[...]

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Both Wanda Mattingly and Richard Francis want to see the government takeover the private water company. Not mentioned in the endorsement, surprising, huh?

The article failed to mention that in the November 2004 election, Jay McChord whipped Wanda Mattingly -- 56% to 44%! When the Herald Leader says "His support has not broadened," do they think that 56% is not fairly broad support? See this link. There's no reason to think the outcome will be different this timearound. You can learn more about Jay McChord at this link.

It does not appear that Wanda Mattingly has a running web site, but she is prominently features on the Change For Kentucky web site -- which, at the top of the page, quotes liberal politician Howard Dean.

Endorsers of Bill Cegelka

2006-05-06T04:56:00.000-07:00

Source: http://www.billcegelka.com/ht/d/sp/i/783903/pid/783903

Endorsements and Supporters
Several labor unions chose Bill Cegelka as their choice for the next Fayette County Attorney.
Sheet Metal Workers International Association
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
Local 369Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 452
Lexington Central Labor Council
Fraternal Order of Police, Bluegrass Lodge

Citizens
State Treasurer Jonathan Miller
Congresswoman Lois Capps (CA-23)
Jim Gray
Luther Deaton
Ann McBrayer
Marshall Hixon
Todd Willard
Adam Edelen
Cecil Dunn
David Curry
Betsy Nowland-Curry

Lexington Herald Leader Endorses Supporter of Deadbeat Dads

2006-05-06T04:48:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader

http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/editorial/14515379.htm

Posted on Sat, May. 06, 2006

County attorney: Roberts

The hard fought race for county attorney pits councilman Bill Cegelka against former Commonwealth's Attorney Larry Roberts.

[...]

He has been on the council since 2003. In a rancorous atmosphere, Cegelka has remained calm and, as parliamentarian, has helped keep meetings on track.
In this campaign, he has offered valuable ideas about managing the county attorney's office to provide better and more efficient service to crime victims.

[...]

Roberts does have a history of occasionally sliding into glib or apparently thoughtless remarks. While we admire his willingness to engage in public discussion of sensitive issues, we hope that as county attorney, he will choose his words carefully.

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Why would the Lexington Herald Leader support Larry Roberts when he defends deadbeat dads, chastizes female joggers and runs a dirty campaign?

One reason, and one reason only: the water company. On city council, Cegelka voted to end the condemnation of the water company. This is the Herald Leader's payback. Plain and simple.

To learn more about Bill Cegelka, click here.

Deadbeat Dads: Vote For Larry Roberts & Avoid Paying Child Support!

2006-05-06T04:34:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/local/14515289.htm

Posted on Sat, May. 06, 2006
Race pits innovation versus experience
NEW IDEAS PITCHED FOR FAYETTE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
By Brandon Ortiz
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

County attorney candidate Bill Cegelka wants to work with deadbeat dads and moms, cajole them into paying child support and, if need be, haul them into court.

But if that fails, Cegelka promises to take it a step further: He'll shame the 1,000 non-custodial parents who are most behind on child support by publishing their names in a paid newspaper advertisement.

[...]

Cegelka, an urban county councilman and attorney, has made improving child support collections a centerpiece in his campaign for county attorney.

[...]

As for Cegelka's plan to print the names of deadbeat parents, Roberts sees it as nothing more than an expensive political ploy. He said it would hurt kids.

"That father has a child out there who goes to grade school," he said. "I'm not about to have somebody ostracized by another child. ... I'm not going to exploit people."

Ploy or sound policy?

[...]

The insert greatly exceeded expectations, increasing collections by $695,000 as of March, said Bill Patteson, a spokesman for Maze. Of that total, $204,000 was collected from parents who were not even on the list.

[...]

Cegelka said he could approach the Urban County Council for funds. He also thinks he could make the office run more efficiently.

[...]

If printing names doesn't work, Cegelka says he'd prosecute the non-custodial parents for flagrant non-support.

[...]

Cegelka has also said he'd like to hire more investigators.

[...]

Sees need for training

[...]

But Cegelka thinks Roberts will have a hard time working with police because he has been a defense attorney the last 22 years. Cegelka boasted of his support from the Fraternal Order of Police.

[...]
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Over the past few days, we have learned that Larry Roberts (a) thinks women who jog alone are dumb because they could get attacked, basically implying that it is their fault and (b) is worried about embarassing deadbeat dads when he should be worried about the children.

With regards to deadbeat dads, I have some personal reflections on that. In 1999, I married a woman who had three children from a previous marriage, and their father refused to pay child support. Roberts is completely wrong about kids feeling ostracized. My step-children (at the time, our marriage didn't work out) felt abandoned by their father not paying child support. I am 100% sure they would have been better off knowing their father fulfilled his obligation to them even if it meant a comment or two in school? Really, Larry Roberts -- you'd prefer a family to not get hundreds of dollars each month so the kid doesn't get picked on in school?

This race is a no-brainer: Cegelka is the only viable candidate, even though he is a Democrat. But of course, let's see what the Herald Leader has to say ... see above.

Roberts Tries To Hide From His Past

2006-05-05T13:21:00.000-07:00

ELECTION '06
Allegations fly in race for Fayette county attorney

SEX-ED TAPE IS CAMPAIGN ISSUE
By Brandon Ortiz
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

Lexington's nastiest race in this month's primary election is for the low-profile job of prosecuting traffic tickets, misdemeanors and enforcing child support: county attorney.

The race between Bill Cegelka and Larry Roberts is marked by charges of whisper campaigns, distortions, attack-style politics and name calling.
A shadowy e-mail address, NoToRoberts@yahoo.com, is sending video clips of Roberts talking about homosexuality for a sex education course in 1982.

[...]

Cegelka, an Urban County councilman, denied telling anyone that Roberts is anti-gay or anti-women, but said he was made aware of the video by community activists.

[...]

Roberts began with an advantage because of his name recognition, but Cegelka appears to have pulled even through television advertising, said Dale Emmons, a Richmond political consultant who follows Lexington politics.

'82 video emerges

[...]

On the tape, Roberts said a gay man causes great emotional harm to his family after the man's sexuality is revealed during an arrest for soliciting sodomy.

[...]

Last week, Roberts said Cegelka is trying to fool voters into believing that Roberts thinks all homosexuals need treatment.

[...]

On the tape, Roberts also talked about preventing rape.

"Let's talk about jogging," he said. "A female who jogs alone at 5 o'clock in the morning before school. Well, that's dumb, because that creates the possibility of her being attacked."

[...]

Roberts has also hammered Cegelka, a 1998 University of Kentucky Law School graduate, for his relative lack of legal experience.

Cegelka said Roberts is distorting the councilman's background. This week he mailed cards attacking Roberts for "cashing in" to become a criminal defense lawyer.

[...]

"Since then, Roberts has made millions representing murderers, rapists and corrupt Republican Party officials," states the postcard, which Cegelka said was mailed to 9,000 homes.

[...]

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Roberts statement about women joggers is definitely inappropriate.

Obscure Candidates

2006-05-05T04:51:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/editorial/14505679.htm

Posted on Fri, May. 05, 2006
READERS' VIEWS

Angel's promises

[...]

A review of Fayette County clerk candidate Carol Angel's Web site makes me wonder whether her list of campaign promises doesn't follow this same sad trend.

[...]

The promises sound appealing, but almost all involve increased expenditures.

[...]

Patricia Keeling Lexington
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Re-elect Blevins

[...]

Our efficient election system is due to the careful and conscientious work of our county clerk, Don Blevins, and the capable staff he supervises. He has been Fayette County clerk since 1981, and he is running for re-election.

[...]

Annette Mayer Lexington
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A stand-up guy

Before I was a lawyer, Larry Roberts prosecuted someone I knew. I respected his directness and toughness.

[...]

Robert F. Houlihan Jr. Lexington
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Roberts also said that Cegelka was too young (age 36) to assume the responsibilities of the office. That certainly is direct, but I don't respect that.

Fayette County Clerk

2006-05-05T04:48:00.000-07:00

Posted on Fri, May. 05, 2006
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/14505585.htm

CAMPAIGN 2006
Fayette County clerk faces rare opposition
By Beverly Fortune
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

For the first time in a long time, Fayette County clerk Don Blevins faces an opponent in the May 16 primary. First elected in 1981, Blevins has run five times unopposed.

[...]

His opponent is Carol Angel, 58, a former art gallery owner, in her first run for public office.

"After 25 years of Mr. Blevins in office, I think people are ready for a change," she said.

[...]

A major campaign issue for Angel is the need for suburban facilities.
"We live in the second largest county in the state and we don't have branch office one," she said. "It's difficult for some people to go downtown, park, stand in line sometimes for 21/2 hours just to renew their license plates, especially when the office closes at 4:30 p.m."

She said she would have office hours two evenings a week and on Saturday mornings.

[...]

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The Fayette County Clerks web page -- Belvins' responsibility -- doesn't even have the election day on it.

LHL's 1st District Endorsements

2006-05-05T04:47:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader ...

http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/editorial/14505677.htm

Posted on Fri, May. 05, 2006

ENDORSEMENTS
Council primaries

Choose old hand, new face in 1st District

[...]

The strongest, clearest choices are newcomer Gwendolyn Godfrey and former Councilman Robert Jefferson.

[...]

Other first-time candidates also make strong impressions in this race.
Andrea James has a history of deep involvement in the district, including serving on the MLK association board.

[...]

The fifth candidate, Terrence Tichenor, did not respond to a request for a meeting with the editorial board.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Why should candidates take the time to suck up to the Herald Leader editorial board if they are not going to be endorsed? Does the Herald Leader punish those candidates by not reporting on them. Or giving one sentence, as they do with Tichenor?

LHL's 3rd District Endorsement

2006-05-05T04:44:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader ...
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/editorial/14505678.htm

Posted on Fri, May. 05, 2006

DeCamp, Brown deserve nod in 3rd District

Dick DeCamp is one of the wise heads on the Urban County Council -- someone who would rather get work done than jockey for the limelight.

[...]

Three energetic opponents insist they would do a better job responding to constituent concerns, such as traffic and housing code enforcement.

Ed Brown, an IBM employee and a leader of the Hollywood/Mount Vernon Neighborhood Association for 16 years, offers the strongest challenge.

[...]

His platform focuses on the nuts and bolts of governmental service: traffic, parking, zoning, sewer and storm-water infrastructure and making city hall more accessible and user-friendly.

[...]

Ryan Schneider, a political novice spending little on his campaign, has legitimate concerns about the speed of traffic along his street near the football stadium. But he has little knowledge of what the council does or the issues facing it.

We would like to see him channel his enthusiasm into his neighborhood association or other civic efforts before making another run for political office.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The editorial is pretty insulting to Schneider ... I wonder what issue he disagrees with the editors on that leads to such insults.

George Brown Vs. Mike Scanlon

2006-05-04T04:19:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader ...
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/14486804.htm

Posted on Wed, May. 03, 2006
Report on city's solid waste division stirs harsh words

SCANLON'S COMMENTS CALLED 'APPALLING'
By Michelle Ku
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

[...]

The report was an update on the department's progress in correcting an August audit's findings that some workers are paid for 10-hour shifts after working just four or five hours.

Vice Mayor Mike Scanlon said the solid waste department should be privatized because its service is bad and allows for inefficiencies.

[...]

Councilman George Brown, the only one to respond to Scanlon's statements, said the charges of racism and protectionism for inefficiencies were incorrect.

[...]

Brown also pointed out that the majority of black people who work for the city are in solid waste. If the department is privatized, the majority of those workers will lose their jobs, he said.

[...]

Brown, the District 1 councilman, is running for an at-large seat in this month's election. Scanlon is not seeking re-election.

[...]

Michael Page, a solid waste driver who attended the meeting, told Scanlon that if he finds his service lacking, he should report it.

"If there's something wrong in a neighborhood, call it in and we will correct it," he said.

[...]
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As much as Scanlon annoys me, he is correct that the service is lacking for trash collection. On 3 occasions in the last year, our garbage was not picked up on the right day. That is just plain incompetence. Why not just do it right the first time around?

How Much More Steve Kay Fluff Can You Take

2006-05-04T04:09:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader ...
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/editorial/14495943.htm

Posted on Thu, May. 04, 2006

READERS' VIEWS

Vote for Kay

We are supporting Steve Kay for Urban County Council at large.

[...]

He is above board in all of his dealings, keeps his word and practices integrity even when, in the short run, it may not be to his advantage.

A healthy community that can compete in a national and global marketplace must have leadership that does business on top of the table, rather than under it.

We ask that you also vote for Kay.

Margaret Verble, Judy Worth
and David Verble Lexington
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
At least this wasn't the same "form letter" that Kay supporters have used in the previous week. It's a new form letter!

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Trust Blevins

[...]

In the nearly 12 years I have worked with Fayette County Clerk Don Blevins, I have found him to be a man who reflects well his background and professional experience, a man of integrity whom all Fayette citizens can trust.

[...]

Ann B. Brown LaGrange
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The web site -- www.fayettecountyclerk.com -- is far below par. If you want to find voter information, it doesn't even tell you the date of the May primary! It's May 16th. That's pretty fundamental. Bill Farmer's web site -- http://www.billfarmer2006.com/whentovote -- even has that.

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For George Brown

District Councilman George Brown is an impressive candidate for an at-large seat on the Urban County Council. He seems to have a solid understanding of the issues, especially budget matters.

Brown is also to be commended for staying above the fray during the petty bickering we have witnessed so often during council meetings in recent years.

[...]

Timothy Chancellor Lexington
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With apologies to UPS, this is the real Brown.
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Retain Ellinger

Chuck Ellinger II is running for a second term as councilman at large.
Ellinger's business experience and experience on the council provide him with an excellent background for this office.

[...]

Dave Siegel Lexington
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Herald Leader didn't support Ellinger last time and he won. Herald Leader is backing him this time. Could that mean he loses?

First District Candidates

2006-05-04T04:04:00.000-07:00

Posted on Thu, May. 04, 2006
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/14495843.htm

A veteran faces four newcomers
By Jennifer Hewlett
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

[...]

The candidates are Andrea M. James, a physician liaison at St. Joseph Hospital; Gwendolyn B. Godfrey, a dental therapist at the University of Kentucky; Robert B. Dalton, operations manager at WBLU-TV; Robert R. Jefferson, a retired Federal Correctional Institution senior case manager and former 2nd District councilman; and Terrence D. Tichenor, a Lexington Housing Authority maintenance worker.

[...]

Jefferson, a 2nd District council member from 1988 to 2000 who served on the council's infrastructure committee and budget and finance committee, said he is concerned about redevelopment and crime. [...] Also high on his list is ownership of the local water company.

[...]

Dalton said the 1st District has been underrepresented on the council.
With better representation, he said, "We wouldn't have storm water problems. We'd have better types of businesses. We'd have a movie theater other than the Kentucky Theatre. We wouldn't have prostitution."

[...]

James, a member of the boards of the Martin Luther King Neighborhood Association and North East Lexington Initiative, said that as the 1st District council member she would work to untangle the "knots" within the community.

[...]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Herald Leader only boasted about one of the candidates' positions on the water company.

Why In The World Does UPS Care? This Is Stupid - Use FedEx

2006-05-04T03:56:00.000-07:00

Snippets From the Lexington Herald Leader
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/14495837.htm

Posted on Thu, May. 04, 2006
Ads by brown get ups frown
Candidate's materials concern shipper
By Michelle Ku
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

[...]

Urban County Council candidate George Brown can't use "Brown" -- the nickname for United Parcel Service -- to promote his run for an at-large seat, according to UPS.

[...]

Brown, the company, says Brown, the candidate, is infringing on its copyright and trademarks and must stop using the logo and slogan. UPS plans to send Brown "a letter asking him to refrain from the use of the logo and slogan," Diana Hatcher, a UPS spokeswoman, said in a written statement.

[...]

His brown and gold aren't the exact shade of brown and gold on the UPS shield. And a slanted line on his logo shield slopes in the opposite direction of a line on the UPS shield.

[...]

George Brown isn't the only council candidate who has latched onto the UPS angle. A second council candidate, Ed Brown, has also been doing a play on UPS on his yard signs.

[...]

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I think I'll use FedEx from now on. Does UPS think that any publicity -- even this -- is good publicity? Why is UPS meddling in politics?

Shocker! The Herald Leader Endorses Only Condemnation Candidates!

2006-05-04T03:45:00.000-07:00

Snippets From the Lexington Herald Leader ...
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/editorial/14495940.htm

Posted on Thu, May. 04, 2006

Council at large
[...]

Voters get three choices on the primary ballot to narrow the field of nine to six. In the fall, half of those will be elected to serve; the largest vote-getter will be vice mayor for the next four years.

Five of the candidates have demonstrated the mix of experience, interest, knowledge and temperament that would make them effective at-large members. In alphabethical order, they are: Chuck Ellinger II, Linda Gorton, Jim Gray, Steve Kay and Sandy Shafer.

[...]
They have to look to the future in planning for sewage treatment capacity, a secure and abundant water supply, transportation systems and parkland.

[...]

This paper endorsed Gray when he ran unsuccessfully for mayor four years ago and continues to believe he has a lot to offer Fayette County.

[...]

Steve Kay has served on the Lexington Planning Commission since 2002 and is now its vice chairman. [...] He ran unsuccessfully for an at-large seat four years ago.

[...]

George Brown Jr., who represents District 1, is also seeking the larger sphere of a council-at-large position. Neither his campaign materials nor some of his public appearances have spelled out a larger vision for the city.

[...]

Former council member Al Mitchell would bring considerable experience to the council, but his lethargic campaign suggests that he may no longer have the enthusiasm this job requires and deserves.

Bryan Coffman, a tax and securities lawyer with a record of community involvement, does not display a broad understanding of the issues affecting Lexington.

[...]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Check out the full text of the article. Not once in the article does the Lexington Herald Leader directly mention the water company takeover. All of the candidates they glorify -- including previous losers Gray and Kay -- want the government to take over the private water company. The candidates the Herald Leader insults -- George Brown, Al Mitchell and Bryan Coffman -- do not feel that government has the right to forcibly take over a private enterprise. Note how the Herald Leader says Coffman "does not display a broad understanding of the issues affecting Lexington" -- is that because he's against the takeover? Really ... the editors could have had a 2 sentence editorial that reads something like this:

We, The Great Herald Leader, blindly support the following pro-condemnation candidates: Gray (FLOW board member), Kay (FLOW board member), etc.

The editors could have save some page space if they did that!

Myers Quits State Job To Stay On Council

2006-05-03T05:59:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader ...
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/14486838.htm

Posted on Wed, May. 03, 2006

Myers resigns from state job
Will represent 8th council district
By Michelle Ku
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

Urban County Councilman George Myers has resigned from his position as ombudsman for the state's Cabinet for Health and Family Services.

Last week, the Kentucky attorney general's office issued an opinion that said Myers couldn't be executive director of the cabinet's Office of the Ombudsman and a Lexington council member at the same time.

[...]

"The residents of the 8th District deserve clarity and certainty from their elected representative, with no distractions," Myers said in a written statement.

[...]

Bill Farmer Endorsement From Herald Leader

2006-05-03T05:51:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader ...

http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/editorial/14486878.htm

Solid contributor

Keep GOP's Farmer in running for House seat

[...]

The incumbent, Rep. Bill Farmer, is a tax consultant. Challenger Fred Brown is a certified public accountant.

[...]

Brown touts his 11 years on the Urban County Council as making him more experienced than Farmer. But experience at the council level, while perhaps helpful, doesn't equate to state legislative experience.

Farmer's four years of solid service in the General Assembly make him the more qualified candidate in this race. Those four years have made him more knowledgeable in discussing such state issues as tax policy and economic development.

[...]

Farmer is the best choice for Republicans in the 88th District.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bill Farmer looked pretty solid in a recent debate on the Kentucky minimum wage ... see the link on my home page to the Feb 20 Kentucky Tonight broadcast.

Of Interest To University of Kentucky Students ... 3rd District Race

2006-05-02T09:12:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader ...
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/14477929.htm
Posted on Tue, May. 02, 2006
3rd District Council candidates focus on response to citizen needs

By Raviya H. Ismail
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

[...]

Incumbent Dick DeCamp, 74, hopes to continue working on issues such as agricultural land preservation.

[...]

His opponents include Don Pratt, 61, who unsuccessfully ran for the 3rd District seat in 2002.

[...]

Edward Brown, 48, a board member of the Hollywood Mount Vernon Neighborhood Association says he understands the concerns of district residents. His campaign is focused on securing a flat-rate garbage collection fee and a more responsive local government.

[...]

Ryan Schneider, 41, has lived in Lexington for 33 years and is running on a similar for-the-people platform with a focus on strengthening communication between the University of Kentucky and the city.

[...]

The district includes UK and several surrounding neighborhoods in an area that is a mix of older residences, businesses and off-campus housing for students.

[...]

As of mid-April DeCamp reported $5,853.32 in campaign contributions and said he would file for a total of $13,700. Brown has reported $2,650 while Pratt has stayed below $500 and Schneider has accepted no funding.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The title of the article talks about responding to the "citizen needs." What about the Party Plan, which affects UK students? Dick DeCamp defeated Don Pratt by a 57% to 43% margin in 2002, so it is hard to believe that Pratt is a serious candidate this time around. Although the article didn't mention the Party Plan, you can find out about Dick DeCamp's activities by clicking here.

Councilman Myers Can't Work For State

2006-05-01T14:46:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader ...
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/14474169.htm

Posted on Mon, May. 01, 2006
Opinion says councilman can't work for state
By Michelle Ku
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

The Kentucky attorney general's office has ruled that Urban County Councilman George Myers, who is also ombudsman for the state's Cabinet for Health and Family Services, can't hold both jobs at the same time.

[...]

Myers was elected as the District 8 councilman in November 2004. He took office in January 2005.

Myers was appointed as the executive director of the Office of the Ombudsman of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services by Gov. Ernie Fletcher's administration. He began that job on April 1, 2005, and is paid $75,000. His council salary is $25,000.

[...]

Jim Gray: Money Machine

2006-05-01T04:19:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader ...
Posted on Mon, May. 01, 2006
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/14470244.htm

AT-LARGE ELECTION '06
Gray is tops in raising money - Some signed on to spending limit
By Valarie Honeycutt Spears
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

Jim Gray has raised past $100,000 for his campaign.

[...]

Steve Kay, a consultant on organizational development and public policy, has raised the next-highest amount in the field of nine with $55,697.

Other than a $5,000 contribution that Kay made to his own campaign, the majority of his individual donations have been less than $100 from people in a wide variety of professions.

[...]

Chuck Ellinger II, the only at-large incumbent in the race, has raised about $25,000 and has spent about $6,000 so far.

[...]

Brown has raised $17,000 and spent around $5,000. Former Mayor Scotty Baesler donated $300 to his campaign. About half of Brown's donations came from developers.
Brown attributed the support to his friendliness toward businesses.

[...]

Coffman, a Lexington attorney, had raised $13,200 and hadn't spent any of it as of April 14.

[...]

Linda Gorton, who now holds the 4th District Council seat, had raised about $13,120.

[...]

Sandy Shafer, who has held the 10th District council seat for 13 years, has raised $8,736.

[...]

Al Mitchell, former state fire marshal and former Sixth District council member, has raised $4,400 and spent about $738.

[...]

Lexington businessman Warren Rosenthal, who favors condemnation of the water company, gave $500 each to Gray and Ellinger, and $1,000 to Gorton.

Former Lexington Mayor Foster Pettit, also a strong condemnation proponent, gave $250 each to the Gray and Kay campaigns.

Warren Rogers, who is against government ownership of the water company, gave $1,000 each to Brown and Coffman, both of whom have taken an anti-condemnation stance.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jim Gray couldn't even buy himself a final-two spot in the mayor's race four years ago. I wonder if he'll be able to buy a city council seat this time around. Looks like the condemnation advocates love Jim Gray.

City Council Candidate Bios -- 9th District

2006-05-01T04:17:00.001-07:00

Snippets From the Lexington Herald Leader ...
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/14470258.htm

Posted on Mon, May. 01, 2006
CANDIDATE BIOS
Jay McChord
Born: Feb. 15, 1968, Lexington

[...]

Occupation: Business consultant
Public office: District 9 council member, one term
Family: Wife, Julie; one daughter, Riley
Web site: http://www.jaymcchord.com/

[...]

Top three issues: Public safety, more parks, improved traffic and roads.
Wanda Mattingly
Born: Feb. 12, 1950, Pikeville

[...]

Occupation: Communications director for Spencerian College
Public office: None. Unsuccessfully ran for the District 9 seat in 2004
Family: Husband, Tom

[...]

Richard Lee Francis
Born: Sept. 15, 1954, Lexington

[...]

Occupation: Retired area emergency manager. Works semi-annually as a tour guide at Shaker Village in Harrodsburg.
Public office: None
Family: Single

[...]

Council Candidates Priorities In 9th District

2006-05-01T04:17:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader ...
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/14470259.htm

Posted on Mon, May. 01, 2006

Council candidates rate safety, traffic top issues
By Cassondra Kirby
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

Jay McChord says he's seeking a second term as the 9th District Urban County Council member because he wants Lexington to continue making progress.

[...]

McChord said he is a "mascot and a cheerleader at heart." He is the 38-year-old owner of a company that advises other companies on how to hire, retain and motivate people under age 40.

[...]

On the water issue, McChord said the city should concentrate on taking care of what it is already responsible for, instead of adding the water company to the mix.

"I'm against the government takeover," he said. "I've made no bones about the fact, and never changed my stance on that. This is an issue that has done nothing but divide the city. The fact of the matter is, in the event of a drought, we don't have enough water. And we are sitting here arguing over who owns the pipes. That's crazy to me."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The article does a nice job of contrasting McChord's stands with those of his opponents. Both Wanda Mattingly and Richard Francis want to see the government takeover the private water company. The article failed to mention that in the November 2004 election, Jay McChord whipped Wanda Mattingly -- 56% to 44%! See this link. There's no reason to think the outcome will be different this timearound. You can learn more about Jay McChord at this link. It does not appear that Wanda Mattingly has a running web site, but she is prominently features on the Change For Kentucky web site -- which, at the top of the page, quotes liberal politician Howard Dean.

George Brown Flyer

2006-04-29T13:49:00.000-07:00

I received this flyer in the mail; I post it here because it is informative on the at-large city council race.

Front:
"Enough is enough ... George Brown Supports Moving Forward and Solving the REAL ISSUES Effecting [sic] Our Community."

Back:
"Only one candidate for LFUCG Council-at-Large voted against condemnation of the water company. That man is George A. Brown, Jr.

George Brown believes in free enterprise and opposes condemnation of a company that has done nothing wrong. If they want to sell the company, of course it should be considered. Otherwise, the issue has taken too much of our time and has divided our community for too long.

George Brown makes the tough decisions. Vote for George Brown on May 16th. What can George Brown do for you?"

TABLE
Linda Gorton - Voted to condemn the water company
Sandy Shafer - Voted to condemn the water company
Chuck Ellinger II - Voted to condemn the water company
Al Mitchell - Voted to condemn the water company
George A Brown, Jr. - Voted against condemnation
Jim Gray - FLOW board member
Steve Kay - FLOW board member

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I guess if you want the government to take over the water company, you have lots of bad choices. On the other hand, George A. Brown Jr. is one of only three candidates who doesn't want the water company taken over.

Hmm ... but I'm still confused ... the earlier article in the Herald Leader said " But Coffman, Brown and Mitchell oppose condemnation as the route to ownership."

Did the Herald Leader get it wrong, or did Brown's flyer get it wrong. The evidence suggests the Herald Leader is not representing Mitchell's position accurately. Here's the evidence:

From Google's cached page of the "No Takeover" web site (http://www.notakeover.com/news/day307.html) ... just google "al mitchell" water company lexington ... and you should find the saved page.

Water: Rates, Polls & More Legal Expenses
A message from Coalition President Warren Rogers
April 30, 2004

[...]
In the same poll done by the water company, 60 percent of voters said Mayor Isaac and the nine members of Council who voted for condemnation should reverse their vote and end the takeover. Only 35 percent disagreed with that question. Why won't they do what the people want? The nine members of Council who voted to condemn are Gloria Martin, Dick DeCamp, Linda Gorton, Chuck Ellinger, Paul Brooks, Dr. David Stevens, Sandy Shafer, Jennifer Mossotti and Al Mitchell. Mitchell has left the Council and been replaced by Wanita Sipe Ellison, a candidate to replace Mitchell. She is a campaign supporter of Mayor Isaac and is pro-takeover.

Mayor Isaac and her nine supporters are nearing $800,000 spent on condemning the water company so that rates and service are owned and managed by the Mayor and Urban County Council. That bill is certain to go up fast over the next six months.
[...]

Either Al Mitchell has flip-flopped on the condemnation issue, or the initial Lexington Herald Leader article is misleading.

Another Pro-Water Company Letter To The Editor

2006-04-28T07:30:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Herald Leader, April 27

Kay for council

[...]

We have known and observed Kay for several years. He is an intelligent, hard-working, reasonable and compassionate person who will help make Lexington a better place to live, work and play.

[...]

Kay's main attributes are kindness and respect; his abilities to listen and think and to facilitate and mediate; and a passion for fairness and due process.

[...]

We urge everyone who wants responsible, intelligent and thoughtful representation on the
council to do the same.

George and Nawanna Privett, Lexington
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Is there a form letter for Steve Kay? The adjectives are almost identical to an earlier letter written about a week ago! How many times does Steve Kay want to remind us that he's intelligent?!? And a facilitator? Do you really this letter, and the earlier one, were written independent of each other? See snippets from: http://lexingtoncitycouncil.blogspot.com/2006/04/another-herald-fluff-piece-on-pro_22.html

At-Large Hopefuls Say Stop The Fights

2006-04-23T03:00:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader, http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/14408534.htm

Urban County Council candidates boast lengthy political resumes

By Valarie Honeycutt Spears

Herald-Leader Staff Writer

[...]

But eight of the nine at-large candidates who could take that post by getting the most votes in the fall Urban County Council election say a top priority is to stop public bickering at city hall.

And the ninth candidate wants to focus on a new way of planning for growth.

[...]

Five candidates are current or former council members, including one incumbent at-large councilman. There's also a businessman who ran for mayor in 2002, a defense attorney who has served on a number of city commissions, a well-known public policy consultant and a lawyer who ran for Congress.

[...]

Candidate Steve Kay has already brought up the contentious past four years in a campaign commercial, and businessman Jim Gray has coined the slogan, "Let's stop the fighting and start the progress."

Much of the discussion has focused on the tenure of Vice Mayor Mike Scanlon, who is not seeking re-election. Scanlon's time on council has been marked by feuding with the mayor and divisive fights among council members, one of whom sued Scanlon for defamation.

[...]

Voters can pick up to three candidates in the May 16 primary. Six of the nine will move on to the general election in November. Ultimately, voters will choose three. The big prize -- which goes to the top vote-getter among the three -- is the vice mayor's seat.

[...]

But the job will take more, such as the ability to build consensus on the 15-member council, candidate Bryan Coffman said.

"To get anything done," said Coffman, a lawyer, "you have to be able to persuade eight people to agree. It is embarrassing what has happened in the last few years."

Term limits boost field
George Brown, the current District 1 council member, aspires to be mayor one day. He says the at-large race will be a gauge of his support and a chance to see whether an African-American can win a countywide seat.

Both Brown and Sandy Shafer, the District 10 councilwoman for the past 13 years, are running at-large because term limits prevent them from seeking re-election in their districts.

[...]

Coffman ran unsuccessfully for the 6th District congressional seat in 2004 as a Republican.

Gray ran for mayor in 2002, but lost in the primary. Gray made headlines when he publicly acknowledged last year that he is gay. As a result, he said, he no longer is concerned that his sexual orientation would affect his campaign.

[...]

Kay, a consultant on organizational development and public policy, ran seventh in the 2002 at-large primary. This time, he touts the backing of former Mayor Pam Miller, former Councilwoman Debra Hensley, former Vice Mayor Isabel Yates and businessman Alan Stein, who all appear in a television commercial for him.

[...]

Many in agreement on issues
As soon as the infighting ends, the at-large candidates say, the council and mayor should focus on basic services, preservation and growth, traffic, education and the local economy.

[...]

All, for example, say they think the Urban County Government should own the water company. But Coffman, Brown and Mitchell oppose condemnation as the route to ownership.

Mitchell said that while the infighting at city hall must stop, it did not render the council as ineffective as some people think. "I do think that they have needed to do what they did or we would have been in financial ruin," Mitchell said.

[...]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Notice how the article first starts with pro-condemnation candiate Kay?

It sounds like Coffman, Brown and Mitchell are the ones who are most free-market oriented.

Another Herald Fluff Piece On Pro-Condemnation Candidate

2006-04-22T03:14:00.001-07:00

Snippet from the Herald Leader ... Letters to the editor http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/editorial/letters/14396371.htm

April 21, 2006

Kay's the way

We plan to vote for Steve Kay for council at-large. We have known him for several years, and we know of his integrity and genuine desire to maintain Lexington as one of America's finest communities while striving to make it even better.

[...]

As a professional facilitator, Kay has built his career around bringing opposing groups together so they can work toward a common goal.

Kay's intelligence, training, experience and integrity will serve all of Lexington well.

Vote for Kay.

Bill and Sally Johnston Lexington

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pretty insightful endorsement on the Lexington Herald Leader letters page, huh? Notice how Bill & Sally avoid any issues that are actually relevant to voters. He's running for Council-at-large, so all voters have a say in this. The top six finalists in the May primary will run in the November General Election. Registered voters will again be able to vote for up to three of the candidates. The three top vote-getters will serve four year terms as representatives of the entire Lexington-Fayette County area.

I did a little digging and here's why the Herald Leader published that fluff piece:

"Steve supports local ownership of our water supply and water system. ... Steve serves on the advisory board of For Local Ownership of Water (FLOW). ... Steve believes that the city’s purchase of Kentucky-American Water Company makes sense. Many astute businesspeople believe that the water company can be purchased at a price that makes the investment clearly worthwhile."

Unbelievable. He's insinuating that pro-free-market forces support a government takeover of the water company. If he were honest, he would just say he wants bigger government and some voters won't agree with his position. But really, is he really trying to claim that the business community is for bigger government?

Is that the best you have, Steve Kay?

Voter Information For The May 16, 2006 Primary In Lexington Kentucky

2006-04-21T06:30:00.000-07:00

Election primaries often have low turnout, and this will probably be true for Lexington's primary. Here is some practical information so that you can participate in our democracy. If you search on the Fayette County Clerk's web page, some of the information is hard to find!

1. When is Lexington's election primary?
Tuesday, May 16, 2006.

2. When are the polls open?
6 am to 6 pm

3. Am I registered to vote?
Go to https://www.fayettecountyclerk.com/fcchats2/iojsp/voterInfo.jsp#inquireByVoter to find out. You will need to input your Social Security number and date of birth.

4. Where do I vote?
Go to https://www.fayettecountyclerk.com/fcchats2/iojsp/voterInfo.jsp#inquireByStreet to see your polling location. You will need to type in your address.

5. Where can I get voter registration support?
859-255-VOTE (859-255-8683), open on Monday to Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm.

6. What are the voter registration requirements?
* Be a U.S. Citizen and a Kentucky resident for at least 28 days.
* Be at least 18 years old by the date of the next general election. If you will be 18 by the November general election, then you can vote in the prior May primary election. Yes, 17-year-olds in the May primary!
* Not be a convicted felon or, if you have been convicted of a felony, your civil rights have been restored.
* Not have been judged mentally incompetent in a court of law.
* Not claim the right to vote anywhere outside Kentucky.

7. Can I still register for the May 16th primary?
No.
You must have completed a voter registration card and be registered at least 28 days prior to an election. You may register through the following sources.
* County Clerk's office
* Driver's License office, if you are applying for or renewing your driver's license.
* AFDC, Food Stamp, Medicaid, WIC and state funded offices serving those with disabilities, if you are a client of these Public Assistance offices.
* Armed Forces Recruitment offices, if you are a prospective member of the armed forces.
High School students may register at school.
* Kentucky mail-in voter registration form.
* Federal mail-in voter registration form.

8. Must I choose a political party?
You must choose a political party when registering to vote. Kentucky allows registration for three political distinctions.
1. Republican Party
2. Democrat Party
3. Other (designate political organization)*

9. Can I vote for any candidate in the primaries?
No.
Kentucky has closed party primary elections, which means you must register as a REPUBLICAN or DEMOCRAT to be eligible to vote in that party's May primary election.
If you register as OTHER, you cannot vote in the Democrat or Republican party primaries but may vote for all non-partisan offices, such as judicial, school board and urban county council primaries.
All eligible voters can vote in the November general election.
After you have registered, you will receive a notice in the mail, which lists your precinct name and your voting location address. The polls are open from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., local time.

10. Can I vote by absentee?
If you are unable to get to the polls on election day, contact the Voter Registration office at 859-255-VOTE for information about obtaining an absentee ballot.
If you meet any of the following requirements, you may request a paper absentee ballot be mailed to you:1. Due to advanced age, disability, illness or medical emergency.2. You are a member of the Armed forces, the dependent of a member of the Armed forces or a citizen residing overseas.3. You are a student attending schools outside the county of your voter registration.4. You temporarily reside outside the state but are still eligible to vote in Kentucky.5. You are incarcerated in jail and have been charged but not convicted of a crime.

11. When must I apply for an absentee ballot?
The deadline for applying for a paper absentee ballot is 7 days before an election.
You may apply for a paper absentee ballot due to a medical emergency up to the day of the election. You may request an application in person, by mail, by phone, or by fax.

12. What if I'm out of town on election day?
If you are going to be out of the county on election day and you do not qualify for a paper absentee ballot, you may vote in the County Clerk's office the 21 business days preceding the election.

Who Is Running For Lexington City Council?

2006-04-21T06:28:00.000-07:00

Lexington City Council Primary Candidates

Urban County Council At-Large
Jim Gray
Al Mitchell
Chuck Ellinger II
Linda Gorton
George A. Brown, Jr.
Sandra Shafer
Jon Larson
Bryan Coffman
Steve Kay

Urban County Council - District 1
Robert B. Dalton
Terrence D. Tichenor
Gwendolyn Godfrey
Andrea James
Robert R. Jefferson

Urban County Council - District 2
Jacques Wigginton
Tom Blues

Urban County Council - District 3
Ed Brown
Dick DeCamp
Don B. Pratt
Ryan Schneider

Urban County Council - District 4
Julian Beard
Bill Roberts

Urban County Council - District 5
David B. Stevens
Marian Moore Sims

Urban County Council - District 6
Kevin O. Stinnett
Wanita Sipe Elison

Urban County Council - District 7
K. C. Crosbie
Donnie Hall
J.D. Dobbs

Urban County Council - District 8
George G. Myers
Robert Moreland

Urban County Council - District 9
Jay McChord
Richard Francis
Wanda Mattingly

Urban County Council - District 10
Scott White
Don Blevins, Jr.

Urban County Council - District 11
Richard Moloney
Ellen K. Hollon

Urban County Council - District 12
Ed Lane
Jamie Millard

First Entry ...

2006-04-21T06:25:00.000-07:00

Given the interest in the Lexington Mayor's Race (http://lexingtonmayorsrace.blogspot.com/ or www.TeresaIsaac.com), I thought I would create a separate blog to comment on the Lexington City Council Races. By doing so, I can keep the focus of my original blog on the Mayor's race.