Saturday, 8 December 2007

The Crony Express V

Beshear on Thursday announced four new cabinet heads. Let's take a look at his choices:
Beshear named Robert D. Vance, a law school classmate and former business partner, as secretary of the Environmental & Public Protection Cabinet.

To head the Commerce Cabinet, Beshear chose Marcheta L. Sparrow, 60, the president and chief executive officer of the Kentucky Tourism Council.

The governor-elect said he chose Sparrow, whose husband, Herb, worked for Beshear when he was lieutenant governor from 1983-1987, because of her strength when it comes to tourism, a key component. Herb Sparrow contributed $1,000 to Beshear's general election campaign.
Nothing says cronyism more than giving your friends and business partners high paying state jobs. Especially when they don't have any expertise in the area.
Tom FitzGerald, executive director of the Kentucky Resources Council, said he knows little about Vance. But he added that he's not concerned by the appointment of someone who doesn't have a background in the environment but he doesn't expect Vance to oversee the environment for long. FitzGerald said he hopes Vance's first big job will be to divide the cabinet into two parts so that one cabinet focuses solely on the environment.
So not only is someone who knows nothing about the cabinet going to run it, but they are planning to split it up and make even more administrative levels. Man Beshear really is taking care of his own. He has that campaign promise down pat.

Next we have the newly formed labor cabinet
he chose Rep. J.R. Gray, D-Benton. Gray, 69, is the longtime chairman of the House Labor and Industry Committee.
Hmmm, another good ole boy being put in a place of power.

But we do finally have one appointment that is new to Frankfort!
As his Personnel Cabinet secretary, Beshear chose Nikki Jackson, 37, who most recently was director of human resources for Norton Suburban Hospital in Louisville. She is a labor and employment lawyer.
Yes what better way to "clean up the personnel mess" than to bring in someone with little experience. I am guessing that they are bringing her in as someone who is green with whom they can take advantage. No better way to skirt the hiring laws than to blame it on someone who "didn't know better". If I was her, I would be watching over my shoulder. She will be the scape goat for any "hiring discrepancies" this administration may have.

All in all, the crony express is chugging along nicely and picking up steam!
Posted by brians at 12:30 AM in Kentucky Politics
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The Manure Mandate

Well Beshear will soon be inaugurated the new Governor of the Commonwealth and to kick things off he is planning a spectacular parade with lots and lots of horses.
More than 25 horse units, with more than 150 horses, are scheduled to participate in the parade... The parade will include eight horse-drawn carriages carrying dignitaries. Gov.-elect Beshear and first lady Jane Beshear will ride in a green and gold carriage provided by the Kentucky Horse Park. The carriage will be drawn by two large Percheron horses. Other horse-drawn vehicles will include a large wagon pulled by two Clydesdales.
Now for the multiple choice part. What do you think the underlying significance of all of this horse pageantry is about? (One of these came from me, one from the Beshear camp, one from my wife, and one from my mother in law. Can you guess which is which?)

a) A tribute to Kentucky's signature industry and most enduring symbol.
b) A chance for Beshear to ride into Frankfort on his chariot like an emperor riding into Rome.
c) An opportunity to bring back the horse and buggy era when Democratic cronyism was king.
d) Is it just the Democrats bringing a load of horse shit to Frankfort.
e) All of the above

So if you plan on attending mull these choices over and see which one fits. Just be sure to watch your step.

Posted by brians at 12:12 AM in Kentucky Politics
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