Williams the better choice to lead Kentucky’s next four years
By JIM BROOKS
Nelson County Gazette
Monday, Nov. 7, 2011, 11:30 p.m. – Election Day is upon us, and Kentucky voters – the ones who show up, anyway – have the opportunity to change the course of the Commonwealth.
Gov. Steve Beshear is seeking four more years, and bringing along former Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson for the ride.
SEN. DAVID WILLIAMS
In the weeks since the Fancy Farm picnic, I’ve watched Senate President David Williams’ repeated attempts to gain traction in the race fail.
Williams’ choice of running mate – thought to be a move to soften his “bully from Burkesville” image – blew up in his face as the Kentucky Democratic Party ran to the media each and every time they saw something unusual in the ag commissioner’s office.
Beyond the headlines, I suspect the majority of Kentucky voters haven’t really felt the need to follow this race. They know only that the governor (as well as horse industry talking heads and those of other Democratic causes) have complained loudly for nearly four years about David Williams, who essentially has been doing his job as leader the Kentucky Senate.
And Gov. Beshear knows that he can blame lots of things on Williams, regardless of the facts of the matter. People will believe that somehow Williams single-handedly had the power to stop legislation not only in the state Senate, but also in the Democratic-controlled House.
Beshear remains the best governor money can buy – referring of course to the horse racing/expanded gambling lobby. His undying defense of expanded gambling appears to be the hallmark of his first four years as governor.
Beshear ran on a platform of promoting expanded gambling through an amendment to the state constitution and letting the people of Kentucky vote on it.
GOV. STEVE BESHEAR
However Beshear did not have 3/5 majority to get an amendment through the General Assembly in 2008 or 2009, so the governor switched tactics and pursued a state statute to allow slot machines at the racetracks.
In the summer 2009 Special Session, Beshear’s 2009 slots bill squeaked through the House with 52 votes – after House members were told they would not receive school construction and renovation projects unless they voted “yes.” The bill died in Senate committee.
It was after this defeat that Beshear famously said that he was “going to have to change the minds of state senators – or change some state senators.” Gov. Beshear handed out great jobs and appointments to several Republican lawmakers, prompting special elections – and creating an opening for Democrats to gain a seat in the Republican-controlled Senate. We all remember how that plan worked in our own state senate district.
To his credit, Gov. Beshear appears to have kept the ship upright and afloat during some spectacularly challenging economic times. But can one honestly say he’s been much more than a caretaker governor? Maybe in these economic times, that’s not such a bad role to play.
But Kentucky deserves better; we deserve more than Gov. Beshear’s lackluster vision. Williams understands that the way to build revenues is to make the state a more business-friendly one – and that means tax reform.
Small businesses are the engine driving our economy, and we need leadership at the top that understands that, and someone who will craft policies that will make Kentucky more competitive.
If you believe Gov. Beshear’s claims that his economic incentive program is sufficient, you’ll recall that it was just about eight weeks ago we learned that 500 jobs were leaving Northern Kentucky for Ohio, thanks to that state’s incentives and the company’s resulting tax savings.
It is time for a change of leadership in Frankfort, and we have the means to do so Tuesday. Please exercise your right to vote!
-30-
