Why is Jeff Hoover running? Who cares.
Why is Anne Northup running? (Everyone now)… “Fletcher can’t win, Fletcher can’t win, Fletcher can’t win.”
From Pol Watchers:
Anne Northup is ready to go with her second television ad in her Republican campaign for governor. The new ad is called "Running," and tells why she and her running mate, House Minority Leader Jeff Hoover of Jamestown, are in the May 22 Republican primary election against Gov. Ernie Fletcher and Paducah businessman Billy Harper.
Monday, April 23, 2007
An Initiative… For the Education Governor
From the Kentucky Post:
Northern Kentucky University has launched a special scholarship program intended to make it financially possible for virtually all graduates of Newport and Holmes high schools to attend NKU. The new Holmes/Newport scholarships of up to $3,000 a year, when combined with federal and state grants, should cover the cost of NKU's annual $5,900 tuition in almost all cases, NKU officials said.
"This is about hopes and aspirations and opportunities," said NKU President James Votruba. "We want to make it possible for every qualified student in Newport and Covington to be able to go to college no matter what their financial circumstances. "My guess is that over the next few days there will be young people who never thought about going to college because they figured they couldn't afford it who will all of a sudden realize they can afford it."
Votruba said NKU will guarantee Newport and Holmes graduates up to $3,000 a year in tuition help, for four years, based on need, after the students have taken advantage of all the other financial aid they're eligible for. "Our financial aid office will calculate the difference and we will make up that difference up to $3,000 a year," he said. "In most cases, when students combine federal and state grants with this new program, they will find that their entire tuition costs are covered."
The new scholarships will be funded initially by NKU reallocating some of its current financial aid money. In the future, the school anticipates seeking private funding to support the program. "We don't know how many students this scholarship will attract," said Votruba. "We don't think it will be real large this first year. But we want to get started so the numbers do get large. Wouldn't it be a great problem if in three or four years we're sitting around saying, 'We can't handle this. There's too many. Where are we going to find the money?'"
To qualify for a Holmes/Newport scholarship, students must: Be federal Pell grant eligible. Be a graduate of Holmes or Newport high schools. Be a first-time college freshman. Submit an application for admission by May 15, 2007, or by March 1 in subsequent years. Be accepted to NKU. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form by May 15, 2007, or by March 1 in subsequent years.
Students must maintain a 2.5 college grade average, attend NKU full-time and remain Pell grant eligible to renew the scholarship each year. NKU is collaborating on the new scholarship program with Strive, a group of community organizations promoting education, and with the Northern Kentucky Council of Partners in Education and the Covington and Newport school systems. "This is part of our effort to help the urban core, including our schools," said Votruba. "You can't revitalize the urban core without revitalizing the schools."
Too many young people don't even consider college because they think the cost is so far beyond them, he said. "We want to create a sense of hope among these students and we think this scholarship is a good way to do it," Votruba said.
Imagine, allowing all graduates to attend college. You would assume “the education governor” champions this. Mr. Fletcher, why the silence?
Northern Kentucky University has launched a special scholarship program intended to make it financially possible for virtually all graduates of Newport and Holmes high schools to attend NKU. The new Holmes/Newport scholarships of up to $3,000 a year, when combined with federal and state grants, should cover the cost of NKU's annual $5,900 tuition in almost all cases, NKU officials said.
"This is about hopes and aspirations and opportunities," said NKU President James Votruba. "We want to make it possible for every qualified student in Newport and Covington to be able to go to college no matter what their financial circumstances. "My guess is that over the next few days there will be young people who never thought about going to college because they figured they couldn't afford it who will all of a sudden realize they can afford it."
Votruba said NKU will guarantee Newport and Holmes graduates up to $3,000 a year in tuition help, for four years, based on need, after the students have taken advantage of all the other financial aid they're eligible for. "Our financial aid office will calculate the difference and we will make up that difference up to $3,000 a year," he said. "In most cases, when students combine federal and state grants with this new program, they will find that their entire tuition costs are covered."
The new scholarships will be funded initially by NKU reallocating some of its current financial aid money. In the future, the school anticipates seeking private funding to support the program. "We don't know how many students this scholarship will attract," said Votruba. "We don't think it will be real large this first year. But we want to get started so the numbers do get large. Wouldn't it be a great problem if in three or four years we're sitting around saying, 'We can't handle this. There's too many. Where are we going to find the money?'"
To qualify for a Holmes/Newport scholarship, students must: Be federal Pell grant eligible. Be a graduate of Holmes or Newport high schools. Be a first-time college freshman. Submit an application for admission by May 15, 2007, or by March 1 in subsequent years. Be accepted to NKU. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form by May 15, 2007, or by March 1 in subsequent years.
Students must maintain a 2.5 college grade average, attend NKU full-time and remain Pell grant eligible to renew the scholarship each year. NKU is collaborating on the new scholarship program with Strive, a group of community organizations promoting education, and with the Northern Kentucky Council of Partners in Education and the Covington and Newport school systems. "This is part of our effort to help the urban core, including our schools," said Votruba. "You can't revitalize the urban core without revitalizing the schools."
Too many young people don't even consider college because they think the cost is so far beyond them, he said. "We want to create a sense of hope among these students and we think this scholarship is a good way to do it," Votruba said.
Imagine, allowing all graduates to attend college. You would assume “the education governor” champions this. Mr. Fletcher, why the silence?
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Plastic Governor
Mailing campaign literature to college students: $277.50. Campaign buttons for each voting student: $650.00. Buying the mock primary: $1,650.00. Defeating Anne Northup: priceless.
There are some things money can’t buy. For everything else, there’s FletcherCard.
From Pol Watchers:
Republican Gov. Ernie Fletcher and Democratic Treasurer Jonathan Miller were the winners in a mock election of this year's governor's race sponsored by Secretary of State Trey Grayson’s office involving students at Kentucky’s public universities. The mock election began April 10 and ended today. More than 750 students participated, said a news release from Grayson’s office.
In the Republican primary, the slate of Gov. Ernie Fletcher and Robbie Rudolph got 44.6 percent of the vote, compared to 40.3 percent for Anne Northup and Jeff Hoover. Billy Harper and Dick Wilson got 15.1 percent.
There are some things money can’t buy. For everything else, there’s FletcherCard.
From Pol Watchers:
Republican Gov. Ernie Fletcher and Democratic Treasurer Jonathan Miller were the winners in a mock election of this year's governor's race sponsored by Secretary of State Trey Grayson’s office involving students at Kentucky’s public universities. The mock election began April 10 and ended today. More than 750 students participated, said a news release from Grayson’s office.
In the Republican primary, the slate of Gov. Ernie Fletcher and Robbie Rudolph got 44.6 percent of the vote, compared to 40.3 percent for Anne Northup and Jeff Hoover. Billy Harper and Dick Wilson got 15.1 percent.
Planting Priorities
From Blue Grass, Red State Blog:
Northup/Hoover released a very exciting position paper on Kentucky agriculture today. Anne Northup and Jeff Hoover plan to make agriculture and rural development a priority. They plan to make the most of every farm product. They plan to foster an economic and environmental climate conducive to Kentucky agriculture. Finally, Anne Northup and Jeff Hoover will truly appreciate Kentucky agriculture and not use it for political gain.
Agriculture as a priority? What about education as priority? Mine safety as a priority? Ethics legislation as a priority? Pension reform as a priority? Spending restraint as a priority? What about actual priorities as priorities?
Northup/Hoover released a very exciting position paper on Kentucky agriculture today. Anne Northup and Jeff Hoover plan to make agriculture and rural development a priority. They plan to make the most of every farm product. They plan to foster an economic and environmental climate conducive to Kentucky agriculture. Finally, Anne Northup and Jeff Hoover will truly appreciate Kentucky agriculture and not use it for political gain.
Agriculture as a priority? What about education as priority? Mine safety as a priority? Ethics legislation as a priority? Pension reform as a priority? Spending restraint as a priority? What about actual priorities as priorities?
OSI Interprets
This week's question is: Do you support a constitutional amendment that would automatically restore voting rights to felons once they have completed their full sentence? Here are their responses -- in their own words!
Ernie Fletcher: "I do not think that it is too much to ask of a person who knowingly committed the most serious of crimes to comply with a few simple steps to have those precious rights restored." Ernie does not support the automatic restoration of voting rights for felons.
Anne Northup: "No, I oppose a constitutional amendment to automatically restore voting rights for felons."
Billy Harper: "Convicted felons need to work their way back into society and earn their voting rights." Billy does not support automatic restoration of voting rights for felons.
That's all folks, the candidates in their own words, deciphered.
Ernie Fletcher: "I do not think that it is too much to ask of a person who knowingly committed the most serious of crimes to comply with a few simple steps to have those precious rights restored." Ernie does not support the automatic restoration of voting rights for felons.
Anne Northup: "No, I oppose a constitutional amendment to automatically restore voting rights for felons."
Billy Harper: "Convicted felons need to work their way back into society and earn their voting rights." Billy does not support automatic restoration of voting rights for felons.
That's all folks, the candidates in their own words, deciphered.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Fletcher: Special Session Soon, I Need the Votes
As previously stated, legislators would not when required. Good luck scoring laws via politics.
From the Lexington Herald-Leader:
Gov. Ernie Fletcher said he will decide in the next two weeks when to recall lawmakers to address projects they left unfunded and a measure that would provide incentives for production of alternative fuels.
If legislative leaders can get on the same page, such a special session could even occur before the May 22 primary election, in which Fletcher and one of those key lawmakers -- Democratic House Speaker Jody Richards -- are vying for their parties' respective nominations for governor. "I don't think we're ready right now to call a special session, but over the next couple of weeks, we have to decide whether we'll have one before the primary," Fletcher said. "And if it doesn't occur in the next few weeks, then I think it's appopriate to wait until after the primary."
The governor made those comments to reporters following his brief remarks to the blue ribbon commission he empaneled to look into stabilizing the state employee retirement system, which currently faces as much as $12 billion in debt. Fletcher charged the commission specifically yesterday with coming up with recommendations on: How Kentucky fulfills its retirement and health care obligations to current employees and retirees in the face of debt and rising costs. What the state could do to retool the system and benefits for future employees' retirements.
"This is probably one of the most significant fiscal endeavors we will have in the commonwealth of Kentucky in several decades," Fletcher told the group of business leaders, experts, lawmakers and key administration officials. "You have quite a task."
Fletcher later told reporters that it's unlikely any broad reforms to the retirement system will be included in a special session before 2008. The state Senate had pitched a plan that would have restructured benefits for future employees, but the House balked, saying it was something that needed more studying. That contributed to the impasse over projects, which included $9 million for a new runway at Bluegrass Airport and $38 million for construction of a new stadium at the Kentucky Horse Park in preparation for the 2010 World Equestrian Games. But, it's still possible that Fletcher might ask the legislature to approve several hundred million dollars in bonds that would cut down on some of the retirement system's multi-billion-dollar debt "if we could get an agreement," Fletcher said.
When pressed, Fletcher said little head-way has been made so far in getting House and Senate leaders to agree. "We've had some conversations, and I've talked to some folks on both sides," Fletcher said. "I think there's a period of cooling off. We'll have to wait and see."
Also on a possible special session agenda is funding for the 120 counties to cover the cost of a runoff election, that appears likely to kick in at least for the Democrats. The state's first runoff since 1935 would be triggered if no candidate in a primary for governor receives at least 40 percent of the vote. In that case, the top two finishers would face off as early as June 26 for an overtime election that will cost counties at least $5 million. Fletcher said he could authorize up to $1.8 million to help but wants lawmakers to at least approve funds to cover the rest or eliminate the runoff altogether.
From the Lexington Herald-Leader:
Gov. Ernie Fletcher said he will decide in the next two weeks when to recall lawmakers to address projects they left unfunded and a measure that would provide incentives for production of alternative fuels.
If legislative leaders can get on the same page, such a special session could even occur before the May 22 primary election, in which Fletcher and one of those key lawmakers -- Democratic House Speaker Jody Richards -- are vying for their parties' respective nominations for governor. "I don't think we're ready right now to call a special session, but over the next couple of weeks, we have to decide whether we'll have one before the primary," Fletcher said. "And if it doesn't occur in the next few weeks, then I think it's appopriate to wait until after the primary."
The governor made those comments to reporters following his brief remarks to the blue ribbon commission he empaneled to look into stabilizing the state employee retirement system, which currently faces as much as $12 billion in debt. Fletcher charged the commission specifically yesterday with coming up with recommendations on: How Kentucky fulfills its retirement and health care obligations to current employees and retirees in the face of debt and rising costs. What the state could do to retool the system and benefits for future employees' retirements.
"This is probably one of the most significant fiscal endeavors we will have in the commonwealth of Kentucky in several decades," Fletcher told the group of business leaders, experts, lawmakers and key administration officials. "You have quite a task."
Fletcher later told reporters that it's unlikely any broad reforms to the retirement system will be included in a special session before 2008. The state Senate had pitched a plan that would have restructured benefits for future employees, but the House balked, saying it was something that needed more studying. That contributed to the impasse over projects, which included $9 million for a new runway at Bluegrass Airport and $38 million for construction of a new stadium at the Kentucky Horse Park in preparation for the 2010 World Equestrian Games. But, it's still possible that Fletcher might ask the legislature to approve several hundred million dollars in bonds that would cut down on some of the retirement system's multi-billion-dollar debt "if we could get an agreement," Fletcher said.
When pressed, Fletcher said little head-way has been made so far in getting House and Senate leaders to agree. "We've had some conversations, and I've talked to some folks on both sides," Fletcher said. "I think there's a period of cooling off. We'll have to wait and see."
Also on a possible special session agenda is funding for the 120 counties to cover the cost of a runoff election, that appears likely to kick in at least for the Democrats. The state's first runoff since 1935 would be triggered if no candidate in a primary for governor receives at least 40 percent of the vote. In that case, the top two finishers would face off as early as June 26 for an overtime election that will cost counties at least $5 million. Fletcher said he could authorize up to $1.8 million to help but wants lawmakers to at least approve funds to cover the rest or eliminate the runoff altogether.
Selling Yourself For Friends
Selling your signs? Sweatshirts, t-shirts, I understand those are marketable. However, free yard sign distribution is tradition. This is both arrogant and ridiculous. Obviously, committed voters are the lone lawn sign advocates. With that stated, this policy screams Queen Anne.
From Bill Bryant’s Blog:
In an interesting twist… Republican candidate for governor, former Congresswoman Anne Northup is now selling yard signs on her website. Northup’s camp is charging $9.95 for a Northup-Hoover sign that could adorn your yard. It’s not unheard of for campaigns to sell merchandise these days… such as sweatshirts, caps, etc… in fact, it’s technically illegal to give away items of that much value… because it can be construed as vote buying. But signs? That seems to be a new one in a Kentucky governor’s race. Ted Jackson’s Spalding group has sold signs in other campaigns including President Bush’s… right now they’re also offering up Rudy Guilliani material.
From Bill Bryant’s Blog:
In an interesting twist… Republican candidate for governor, former Congresswoman Anne Northup is now selling yard signs on her website. Northup’s camp is charging $9.95 for a Northup-Hoover sign that could adorn your yard. It’s not unheard of for campaigns to sell merchandise these days… such as sweatshirts, caps, etc… in fact, it’s technically illegal to give away items of that much value… because it can be construed as vote buying. But signs? That seems to be a new one in a Kentucky governor’s race. Ted Jackson’s Spalding group has sold signs in other campaigns including President Bush’s… right now they’re also offering up Rudy Guilliani material.
Reaping Our Ignorance
From the Kentucky Post:
Officials in Frankfort are cringing over the future of an underfunded state retiree benefits system predicted to run out of money in 2022. But in cities and counties across Kentucky, the crisis is already squeezing budgets like a massive vise. Struggling to meet dramatic increases in contribution rates caused by rising pension and retiree health insurance costs, local governments are desperately looking for ways to cut costs and raise revenue for already tight budgets.
The crisis is outlined in black and white: In 1988, local governments paid an amount equal to 8.22 percent of employee salaries into the state-run retirement benefits program for their nonhazardous-duty employees and an amount equal to 18.85 percent for their hazardous-duty workers. For the fiscal year that ends June 30, those contribution rates have risen to 13.19 percent and 28.21 percent, respectively. For the fiscal year that begins July 1, they will go to 16.17 percent and 33.87 percent, and by 2013, they're projected to be a whopping 30.75 percent and 60.99 percent. "It's like a meteor and you can't get out of the way," said Newport Finance Director Greg Engelman, who predicts the crisis, left unchecked, will force cities to merge, consolidate services, dissolve, go bankrupt or leave retirement plans unfunded.
Obviously, we should have solved pensions. However, we prioritized. We raised our speed limit.
Officials in Frankfort are cringing over the future of an underfunded state retiree benefits system predicted to run out of money in 2022. But in cities and counties across Kentucky, the crisis is already squeezing budgets like a massive vise. Struggling to meet dramatic increases in contribution rates caused by rising pension and retiree health insurance costs, local governments are desperately looking for ways to cut costs and raise revenue for already tight budgets.
The crisis is outlined in black and white: In 1988, local governments paid an amount equal to 8.22 percent of employee salaries into the state-run retirement benefits program for their nonhazardous-duty employees and an amount equal to 18.85 percent for their hazardous-duty workers. For the fiscal year that ends June 30, those contribution rates have risen to 13.19 percent and 28.21 percent, respectively. For the fiscal year that begins July 1, they will go to 16.17 percent and 33.87 percent, and by 2013, they're projected to be a whopping 30.75 percent and 60.99 percent. "It's like a meteor and you can't get out of the way," said Newport Finance Director Greg Engelman, who predicts the crisis, left unchecked, will force cities to merge, consolidate services, dissolve, go bankrupt or leave retirement plans unfunded.
Obviously, we should have solved pensions. However, we prioritized. We raised our speed limit.
One Three Word Agenda, No Money
From the Kentucky Kurmudgeon:
Former U.S. Rep. Anne Northup's first TV ad suggested to me that she is having trouble raising money. Watching the ad, I was struck by the way the length of her hair went up and down in the various video clips. That was a clear indication that she was recycling pieces of ads from past congressional races rather than shooting a lot of new footage. That's the sort of thing a candidate might do when money is tight.
“Fletcher can’t win, Fletcher can’t win, Fletcher can’t win” has not inspired people? I am shocked.
Former U.S. Rep. Anne Northup's first TV ad suggested to me that she is having trouble raising money. Watching the ad, I was struck by the way the length of her hair went up and down in the various video clips. That was a clear indication that she was recycling pieces of ads from past congressional races rather than shooting a lot of new footage. That's the sort of thing a candidate might do when money is tight.
“Fletcher can’t win, Fletcher can’t win, Fletcher can’t win” has not inspired people? I am shocked.
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