Letter: Checks & balances of elected officials at the heart of road name debate

To the editor,

Mr. Bogert raises excellent points in his letter, people could find something to be offended about in pretty much anything these days. I hope Mr. Bogert has an open mind to my points.

Historically the northern section of the former Louisville Rd. was by default called “Bardstown Road” by some of the residents on it. It was never ever called “Salt River Road” prior to a questionable executive order (questioned by the executive giving the order). I am not sure the name of the road Mr. Bogert lives on, but if his road name were changed by “executive order” to something not even remotely used historically (without any public input) would he try and avail himself of the courts in order to actually affect a restraint on the lack of democratic input, especially after over 4 months of trying in vain to get the officials to let there be a public hearing? I just ask Mr. Bogert to put himself in my shoes, someone who has used those shoes to knock on a lot of neighbors doors to find out if they agreed about renaming to Bardstown Road vs Salt River Road.

In the end this is not about a road name change this is about putting a government official in check (as in checks and balances) when public input is quashed and ignored. Democracy is a beautiful thing that must be diligently guarded. The reason Dean Watts gave for not seeking public input is “Everybody would have a different opinion on the name.”

I am thankful I live in a country where everyone CAN have a different opinion on the name, but saddened that I live in county where that opinion and the opinion of fellow road residents doesn’t matter.

Don Thrasher
Coxs Creek, KY 40013