Say What You Want About The Courier Journal, But This Editorial On Richie Farmer Is, Shall We Say: Right On The Money -- No Pun Intended!
Editorial | Richie Farmer strikes again
If you're stumped trying to figure out a likely winner in this year's Derby field, shift your analytical attention to this enigma: Why does Richie Farmer behave the way he does?
Mr. Farmer, the Republican state agriculture commissioner and a former University of Kentucky basketball star, has been on a journey of serial embarrassments since Senate President David Williams tabbed him as his running mate in this year's gubernatorial contest.
He's upgraded his department's vehicle fleet, including his own taxpayer-financed ride. He's taken aides on an extended trip to a Caribbean conference. He resisted participating in the furlough program for government employees, though he finally relented. He received questionable reimbursements and payments from post-election contributions to his 2007 campaign. His wife, who recently filed for divorce, said in an affidavit that Mr. Farmer denied her access to the couple's funds.
It doesn't stop there. Reporters have now discovered that Mr. Farmer billed the state more than $1,576 for four nights in a suite and valet parking at a Lexington hotel during the Sweet Sixteen boys' high school basketball tournament last month.
His spokesman, who may have the most unenviable job in state government, says that Mr. Farmer attended the tourney to promote the Kentucky Proud program (it's a marketing effort to encourage Kentuckians to buy locally produced food), that he had long days and that regular rooms weren't available when he booked his accommodations.
That's all beside the point, of course. During a period when real people are being hurt by the recession and severe budget cuts, Mr. Farmer exhibits a sense of self-centered entitlement that is wholly inappropriate. In this instance, for example, his Frankfort residence is less than 30 miles from the hotel.
Sen. Williams should stop making excuses for his ticket partner and offer some clarifications. Would he tolerate this type of behavior from his lieutenant governor? If so, imagine what his transportation secretary could get away with.
If you're stumped trying to figure out a likely winner in this year's Derby field, shift your analytical attention to this enigma: Why does Richie Farmer behave the way he does?
Mr. Farmer, the Republican state agriculture commissioner and a former University of Kentucky basketball star, has been on a journey of serial embarrassments since Senate President David Williams tabbed him as his running mate in this year's gubernatorial contest.
He's upgraded his department's vehicle fleet, including his own taxpayer-financed ride. He's taken aides on an extended trip to a Caribbean conference. He resisted participating in the furlough program for government employees, though he finally relented. He received questionable reimbursements and payments from post-election contributions to his 2007 campaign. His wife, who recently filed for divorce, said in an affidavit that Mr. Farmer denied her access to the couple's funds.
It doesn't stop there. Reporters have now discovered that Mr. Farmer billed the state more than $1,576 for four nights in a suite and valet parking at a Lexington hotel during the Sweet Sixteen boys' high school basketball tournament last month.
His spokesman, who may have the most unenviable job in state government, says that Mr. Farmer attended the tourney to promote the Kentucky Proud program (it's a marketing effort to encourage Kentuckians to buy locally produced food), that he had long days and that regular rooms weren't available when he booked his accommodations.
That's all beside the point, of course. During a period when real people are being hurt by the recession and severe budget cuts, Mr. Farmer exhibits a sense of self-centered entitlement that is wholly inappropriate. In this instance, for example, his Frankfort residence is less than 30 miles from the hotel.
Sen. Williams should stop making excuses for his ticket partner and offer some clarifications. Would he tolerate this type of behavior from his lieutenant governor? If so, imagine what his transportation secretary could get away with.
Labels: News reporting
posted by KYJurisDoctor at 6:46 PM
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