Lexington Mayor's Race 2006

Herald Leaders Delusional Analysis of the Water Company Vote

2006-11-13T04:59:00.000-08:00

If you read Andy Mead's analysis of the water vote in the Herald Leader today, you'll be reminded a lot of the kinds of statements that Teresa Isaac has made over the last four years -- statements that have no connection to reality.

The article insinuates that voters' attitudes about the Herald Leader's condemnation push have changed over the past year, and that those changing attitudes led to an overwhelming, lopsided vote for "No" on the eminent domain issue. For example, he brings up the storm drain deaths and the fact that the referendum was this year rather than last year. He speculates that "The one-year delay produced a radically different campaign, and perhaps a different outcome."

What Mead fails to mention, which shows a clear pro-condemnation bias, is that Lexington voters in 2004 clearly expressed their "No" opinion on the water company takeover by throwing out a number of Herald-Leader sponsored, pro-government-condemnation, city council incumbents.

When will the Herald Leader realize that their values are not the mainstream values of this community?

Herald Leader Feature on Newberry Campaign Manager

2006-11-12T05:53:00.000-08:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader ...
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/15992620.htm

The Herald Leader has a nice profile on Shaye Rabold, a former UK Martin School student who was the campaign manager of Jim Newberry's campaign. The newspaper notes that "Newberry's victory has thrust Rabold into the spotlight, catapulting her from a little-known, first-time campaign manager to a rising name on Kentucky's political scene."

I agree. Rabold worked very hard during the campaign to build bridges with voters of varied political philosophies. Of course, I noted all of this a few days ago in my blog on the reasons why Newberry won by such a large margin.

Rebuke of Teresa Isaac & Lexington Herald Leader

2006-11-08T04:59:00.000-08:00

On an election night that was decidedly positive for liberals and Democrats, Lexington voters thankfully chose a more moderate direction. Within minutes of the polls closing in Lexington, LEX-18 called the mayoral race for challenger Jim Newberry. He trounced Mayor Isaac by a 63%-37% margin. You would have thought that he was the incumbent. I think yesterday's vote shows that virtually all Farmer & Martin voters in the May primary crossed over to Newberry. That crossover shows just how little influence Bill Farmer's endorsement of Teresa Isaac had on this race. Farmer's political career is finished.

Newberry's not a conservative by any means, but he's certainly not the crazy liberal that Teresa Isaac is. Newberry voted no on the water company issue and opposed -- as many did -- Teresa Isaac's weird suggestion to take over Lexington Mall. Hopefully he won't become a tax & spender over the next 4 years.

Why did Newberry win so convincingly? First, it didn't hurt that everyone was sick of Teresa Isaac. She continously made statements that were at odds with reality and was arrogant about her own performance. The reason I started this blog back in March was because Newberry & Farmer were sniping at each other, but no one was talking about Isaac's record. Second, Newberry ran a very smart campaign. His campaign team, headed by Shaye Rabold, reached out to Farmer & Martin voters and listened to their concerns. Mayor Isaac basically catered to the 51% who elected her four years ago, and ignored everyone else. Third, Newberry is a good candidate in his own right. I think he'll do a good job.

Voters rejected the forcible takeover of a well functioning private water company by almost equally large of a margin - 61% to 39%. The Herald Leader editorial today "Water Under the Bridge" claims a distrust of city hall and money spent by Kentucky American Water defeated the takeover attempt. They go on to portray the fight as one between a big money, for-profit corporation and a grass-roots movement. Huh? The Herald Leader and some liberals invented the water company takeover issue a number of years ago. Then the editorial board kept hammering away. Voters said no two years ago when they threw out a number of incumbents on the city council, including Gloria Martin in my own district. The Herald Leader persisted in pushing the issue, and endorsed a "Yes" vote on the ballot. The lopsided vote yesterday is a huge rebuke to the lopsided, unbalanced, liberal Herald Leader newspaper. Today's editorial doesn't mention anything about that. I wonder if the editorial board at the Herald Leader gets it - they don't speak for this community.

Last-minute desperation

2006-11-07T06:48:00.000-08:00

Three desperate candidates: Teresa Isaac, Jamie Millard & Justin Dobbs

The Herald Leader (http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/15947437.htm) reports that Teresa Isaac officially opened the Veterans Park fire station yesterday, even though it most likely won't be operational until the first week of December.

Isaac was campaigning door-to-door in Cumberland Hill (my neighborhood) last Friday. The signs in Cumberland Hill are overwhelmingly pro-Newberry, and in the May primary, Teresa Isaac did very poorly in our precinct.

Another desperate candidate is Jamie Millard, who is running for city council. He doesn't have a shot of winning, and even the liberal Lexington Herald Leader endorsed his opponent, incumbent Ed Lane. When I voted at Veterans Park Elementary school early this morning, I saw the following sign on the school property -- at the top of this post -- no more than 25 feet away from the voting booths. Folks, thats a big no-no! Don't you think you'd see all the candidates posting their signs if this were allowed? Not a good start to the day for Jamie Millard.

Note that I didn't take down Millard's sign, but I did take a picture of it with my camera-phone ...

One candidate for city council - Justin Dobbs - seems to be in some trouble for doing just that to his opponent, KC Crosbie. Jillian Ogawa and Cassondra Kirby report in their blog (http://polwatchers.typepad.com/pol_watchers/2006/11/dobbs_accused_o.html ) that District 7 Urban County Council candidate Justin Dobbs could face a third-degree criminal mischief charge for pulling campaign signs belonging to opponent K.C. Crosbie. From what I understand, Dobbs has no shot of winning, but this is as classless at it comes. What scum. Dobbs was the genius who was behind raising your taxes with the inefficient LexTran tax.

Teresa Isaac, Plagiarism & A++

2006-10-29T23:58:00.000-08:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader ... http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/politics/15870622.htm
Posted on Sat, Oct. 28, 2006

ISAAC CAMPAIGN AND PLAGIARISM
By Michelle Ku
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

An opinion piece submitted by Mayor Teresa Isaac's re-election campaign was plagiarized, Business Lexington told its readers yesterday in an editor's note on its Web site. The letter in question, titled "Everyone pays, few benefit from Newberry's education subsidy," was published under the name of Ralph Brown on Oct. 20. It was actually written by Doug Alexander, a Lexington-based public relations consultant, for Urban County Councilman Bill Farmer Jr.'s mayoral run, wrote Tom Martin, Business Lexington's editor. The letter was "submitted to Business Lexington without Alexander's knowledge or permission," Martin wrote.

[...]

Susan Hammond, Isaac's campaign manager, says the letter was ghost-written, not plagiarized. "Ghost-writing has been an honorable profession used by honorable people like John F. Kennedy over the years," she said.
[...]

The letter criticizes mayoral candidate Jim Newberry's proposal for the city to provide scholarships for high school graduates majoring in science, math, technology or engineering, or in teaching those subjects.

[...]

Brown, who yesterday said he wasn't sure what kind of publication Business Lexington is, said the Isaac campaign called and asked if he would submit the letter.

[...]

Newberry's campaign manager, Shaye Rabold, said this is another example of Isaac's lack of original ideas. "All campaigns should be about discussing, in an open way, the issues that matter to people," Rabold said. "And when people speak, you expect them to be doing so truthfully. Any kind of perception that something has been done to mislead people is just sad, disappointing and inappropriate. There's really no place for it in civic discourse."

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I guess my take is the same as Rabold's. Can't Isaac come up with her own ideas? Her campaign web site has barely been updated in the last 3 months. Why is she using the ideas from Bill Farmer's failed candidacy? You can see editor Tom Martin's clarification of this issue at http://www.bizlex.com/story.php?id=155 . You can see the original, plagiarized letter here: http://www.bizlex.com/story.php?id=140. Why the A++ in the title? Teresa Isaac likes to grade herself. She's pretty generous, giving herself an A+ or A++ for her performance. I don't know any teachers who would give an A+ for plagiarism.

Teresa Isaac's Meltdown

2006-10-12T18:13:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader ...
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/15742251.htm

Posted on Thu, Oct. 12, 2006
Isaac accuses Scanlon of trying to buy mayor’s seat for Newberry
By Sarah Vos and Michelle Ku
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITERS

[...]

Isaac said Scanlon couldn’t get elected mayor himself, so he was trying to buy the election for Newberry.

[...]

Newberry’s campaign manager said after the debate that the attack was desperate and false.
“The reality is she has absolutely nothing to say about the future of this community,” Shaye Rabold said. “And her choice of words is highly inappropriate, especially in front of a group of high school students.”

[...]

Scanlon said that he and Newberry have known each other for about 10 years through their wives and their affiliations with Georgetown College. He is financially supporting Newberry, but he is not an advisor and is not active in Newberry’s campaign, Scanlon said.

[...]

After the debate, Isaac revisited the issue of Lexington Mall. Two weeks ago, at another candidate forum, she said the city should use eminent domain to take control of the property and turn it into softball fields.

Thursday, Isaac said she “absolutely” did not support using eminent domain to get control of the property.

[...]

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I'm not sure that this election was ever truly a contest, given Teresa Isaac's weak showing in the May primary, but this race is over. Get prepared for Mayor Newberry.

Her comments about eminent domain are amusing. Even Teresa Isaac disagrees with Teresa Isaac! I wonder how Bill Farmer feels, having endorsed the wrong candidate.

Kentucky Progress: Lexington Jail Scandal Update

2006-10-10T17:56:00.000-07:00

Kentucky Progress: Lexington Jail Scandal Update

My friend at Kentucky Progress, David Adams, has a new post about the conditions at the Lexington jail and how Mayor Isaac's comments about the situation seem to deviate from reality. Its a good read, as is David's blog.

Mayor's Budget Priorities -- Not Tax Relief

2006-10-06T16:05:00.000-07:00

Snippets from Lexington Herald Leader ...
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/local/15673264.htm

Posted on Wed, Oct. 04, 2006
Mayor proposes $7.3 million for storm water projects, pay
By Michelle Ku
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

Mayor Teresa Isaac wants to spend $7.3 million of the city's budget surplus on storm water projects and pay equity for city employees.

[...]

Much of that surplus is already earmarked, but Isaac wants to use all of the $7.3 million that will be available on what some consider to be a last-minute attempt to curry favor with voters before the Nov. 7 election. Isaac will square off against challenger Jim Newberry.

Isaac's spending recommendation is clearly an attempt to sway voters, said Councilman Kevin Stinnett.

[...]

Councilman Dick DeCamp said it's the nature of things for Isaac to recommend that the money be spent in a way that could benefit her re-election run. "There's a lot of election posturing around the whole council. It's election time. ... We're all politicians."

[...]

Isaac's spending list doesn't take into account any appropriation requests from council members or any other departments in government.

[...]

After a mayoral campaign forum last night, Isaac declined to answer questions about whether her surplus spending recommendations were politically motivated. She referred questions to her press secretary, who did not return a phone call late last night.

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Is there any question that Isaac's budget is politically motivated?

Is Davis Right About Mayoral Leadership?

2006-10-06T15:52:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader ...
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/living/15673269.htm

Posted on Thu, Oct. 05, 2006
COMMENTARY
Mayoral race lacks leadership
By Merlene Davis
Herald-Leader Columnist

[...]

Mayor Teresa Isaac and her opponent, Jim Newberry, have generated as much excitement with voters as a sleeping pill.

[...]

But I'm not convinced that she knows how to run a government.

[...]

When she did suggest something new and innovative for the first time in years, it was to take over the abandoned Lexington Mall through eminent domain and build a softball field.

[...]

Does that mean I'm suggesting we all go out and vote for Newberry? I wish I could, but I don't have the slightest idea who the man is.

[...]

I see Isaac, a consummate campaigner, everywhere. She'll pop up at a 2-year-old's birthday party if there are enough voters there.

Where is Newberry? Certainly not on the north side, where I live. Has he conceded the north side to Isaac?

[...]
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If you go to the 2 candidates web sites -- www.NewberryForMayor.com and www.MayorIsaac.com -- there couldn't be more difference in terms of their visions, and I'm surprised that Davis didn't comment on that. For example, Newberry has an Issues page -- http://www.newberryformayor.com/issues.html -- where he talks about governing, creating jobs, education, protecting the community, uniting the community, conserving the environment, fixing traffic, enhancing neighborhoods, and growth.

See for yourself at:
http://www.newberryformayor.com/issues.html

How about Teresa Isaac? On her front page, the "latest news" is an endorsement from Bill Farmer in the middle of July. As for her "results" she list 4 results during her tenure, each with a short paragraph. It isn't even clear how many of those results were due to her leadership. The latest "news" was the Farmer endorsement in July. The latest campaign event are pictures of a St. Patrick's Day parade.

As for Teresa Isaac's vision for the future ... there's nothing on her web site about that.

How Teresa Isaac is spending your surplus

2006-10-06T15:49:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader ...
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/local/15673259.htm

Spending the city's $17.8 million surplus

[...]

$5.5 million: could go into storm water projects as recommended by Mayor Teresa Isaac. The exact project list has not been developed by city staff yet.

$1.8 million: could be used for back pay for some city employees as recommended by Isaac.
On Kentucky.com: Comment on this story.

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I'll bet that if the tragedy involving the UK students and storm drains didn't just happen, hardly any money would be going to storm water projects. That hasn't been Teresa Isaac's priority -- condemning private businesses is her mantra.

$17.8 Million Surplus - How about lower taxes???

2006-10-06T15:45:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader ...
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/15669881.htm

Posted on Tue, Oct. 03, 2006
City finds itself with budget surplus of $17.8 million
By Michelle Ku
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

The city is expected today to announce a preliminary budget surplus of nearly $17.8 million from the fiscal year that ended June 30.

[...]

The city had budgeted $7 million from the surplus to balance this year’s budget.
After that and the rainy day fund money are subtracted from the surplus, the mayor wants to use almost all of the remaining money for stormwater projects and pay equity.

[...]

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The sewers should have been upgraded years ago. Too little, too late. Rather than "pay equity" -- which are payoffs to city employees for being loyal to Isaac -- how about cutting taxes? Lower the 2.75 city income tax? Or reducing the taxes we pay for LexTran? Or cutting taxes to compensate for the cut in garbage service & quality?

What is the world coming to when I (occassionally) start to agree with LHL?

2006-10-06T15:41:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader ...
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/editorial/15645547.htm

Posted on Sat, Sep. 30, 2006
Tracking in mud
Isaac should lead, not blame flood victims

In the days after a flash flood took two lives near the University of Kentucky, Mayor Teresa Isaac slung blame at almost anyone.

She even blamed the victims, rather than shoulder responsibility for leading the repair of Lexington's flood damage and solving the long-term problem.

[...]

As Lexington residents mopped sewage out of their basements or fled apartments that lost electricity because of flooding, they deserved to hear something that sounds more like leadership, something like this:

"The needless loss of two promising lives will strengthen our resolve to deal with problems that have been many, many years in the making. These problems can't be fixed cheaply or overnight. Fixing old sewers will be disruptive and messy. But the problems can and will be fixed.

[...]

"So the burden of paying must fall on the residents and property owners of Lexington. It won't be cheap. But we're already paying a high price. Just ask those whose property was damaged by this latest flood. The cost of inaction will be even higher. More lives could be lost.

[...]

"And we will invite the Fayette County Neighborhood Council and the citizens who have brought a clean-water legal action against the city to join us at the negotiating table with the EPA. The neighborhoods and citizens know better than anyone where the problems are."

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You can see from my previous posts that I thought it was outrageous for Teresa Isaac to blame the victims.

Even Pro-Water Condemnation Group Opposes Teresa Isaacs' Mall Condemnation

2006-10-06T15:37:00.000-07:00

Snippets from Lexington Herald Leader
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/local/15645418.htm

Posted on Sat, Sep. 30, 2006
Water group opposes condemning mall
HERALD-LEADER STAFF REPORT

A Lexington group in favor of the city's taking ownership of the water company through condemnation made a statement yesterday against Mayor Teresa Isaac's proposed use of eminent domain to take Lexington Mall.

[...]

Issac suggested Thursday that eminent domain might be used to take the Lexington Mall property and turn it into a softball complex.

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Bit of a shocker, but this just shows how out of touch Teresa Isaac is with voters. Even those on the far-left can't agree with her on condemning anything she wants.

Mayor Teresa Isaac's Bold Faced Lie

2006-09-29T07:47:00.000-07:00

Eminent domain is a serious issue, one that goes against most citizens' notions of how the government should behave. We expect our politicians to take every step necessary before engaging in a discussion of eminent domain. Eminent domain -- if used -- should be an absolute last resort option.

The mayor of Lexington, Kentucky, Teresa Isaac insinuated that the city has contacted the developer of Lexington Mall, and hearing no response, is considering taking over the property:

Teresa Isaac: "The developer will not cooperate with anyone in town or return anyone's phone calls ... So we're actually looking at that site for a public use."

September 28th, 2006, in a mayoral debate against challenger James Newberry

Teresa Isaac: "If what I have to do to get this developer's attention is say I'm looking at it for eminent domain, that's a pretty good way to get a return phone call."

Reported in the Lexington Herald Leader, September 29th

This claim -- that the city has made efforts to contact the private owner before considering eminent domain -- is disputed by Saul Holdings L.P:

Saul Holdings L.P.: "Nobody (at Saul) has ever heard from anybody at the city, ... (Economic development director) Julian Beard has not called us; Teresa Isaac has not called us. ... We have never heard from them."

Reported in the Lexington Herald Leader, September 29th

Who is lying? Is it Teresa Isaac or Saul Holdings? The Lexington Herald Leader reports that city Economic development director Julian Beard confirmed that no one from the city had called Saul Holdings. It appears that Teresa Isaac has grossly exaggerated -- or outright lied -- about the efforts the local government has made to communicate with the owners of Lexington Mall.

Source: Lexington Herald Leader, http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/15635893.htm

For Once I Mostly Agree With the Herald Leader ...

2006-09-29T02:12:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader ...
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/editorial/15635940.htm

Posted on Fri, Sep. 29, 2006
Bombastic threat
Forget about grabbing mall site, Mayor

[...]

What do you hope to gain by floating a trial balloon about using the power of eminent domain to buy Lexington Mall?

While it is frustrating that an out-of-state owner has allowed such prime property to become a ghost town, there is no groundswell of support for building a softball complex there, as Mayor Teresa Isaac proposed at a candidate forum yesterday.

[...]

Governments routinely use the power of eminent domain -- under which a court sets a fair price -- to take private property for public uses, from roads to parks to airports to cultural venues.
Isaac's muscle-flexing certainly got the attention of the company, which has a bad record returning calls from Lexington. But bomb-throwing is not the same as leadership.

[...]

So, back to the pressing issue: What must the city do to update its aging and inadequate storm water and sewer infrastructure, Mayor?

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Other than the Herald Leader's advocacy for condemning a well-functioning private business, they hit a lot of good points. There is clearly no public-interest motivation for taking over Lexington mall, and Mayor Isaac has serious questions to answer -- rather than shifting blame -- about sewers, garages, and garage collection.

Teresa Isaac: Why Stop With Kentucky American Water When We Can Condemn Lexington Mall, Too?

2006-09-28T11:46:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Herald Leader ...
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/15630013.htm

Posted on Thu, Sep. 28, 2006
Isaac wants city to take over Lexington Mall property
By Sarah Vos
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

Incumbent Mayor Teresa Isaac wants to use the city’s power of eminent domain to take the Lexington Mall and turn it into a softball complex.

“The developer will not cooperate with anyone in town or return anyone’s phone calls,” Isaac said at a debate with challenger Jim Newberry. “So we’re actually looking at that site for a public use.”

[...]

“The idea of condemning a piece of property simply so you can turn around and give it to somebody else and develop it is not my idea of the way eminent domain needs to be exercised,” Newberry said.

[...]

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I knew that when Teresa Isaac started talking again, she'd put her foot in her mouth.

If you want a forecast of what Lexington voters will get over the next four years if Teresa Isaac is reelected, her statements from the Herald Leader show you. Big government and more government. What is suprising is that during Teresa Isaacs leadership, many basic functions of government have declined. The storm sewers are inadequate, parking garages are crumbling and trash collection is incompetent. Instead of focusing on getting these basic functions right, Mayor Isaac has pushed a condemnation agenda - first of Kentucky American Water and now of Lexington Mall.

I wonder what other private entities the Lexington mayor would like to condemn. I'm sure these won't be the only two if she is reelected.

When Bill Farmer endorsed Teresa Isaac -- to the shock of most conservatives -- he said a number of things that I wonder whether he would stand by:

"She understands our storm sewer situation

and has worked to make it better. "

This is prominently posted on the Teresa Isaac campaign site: http://www.mayorisaac.com/News_About_Mayor_Isaac.html

Bill Farmer also said:

"Mayor Isaac and I have disagreed on occasion,

but the only issue of real contention between us was the water company. "

As someone who claimed he was the "true conservative" in the mayoral race, before getting trounced, Farmer has an obligation to those might listen to him to clarify whether he still stands by those statements. Does he support Teresa Isaac's agenda of recklessly using eminent domain and condemnation? Does Bill Farmer believe the storm sewer situation is UK's fault, or Jim Newberry's fault, as Teresa Isaac has recently claimed?

Teresa Isaac: Blame Newberry for Storm Drains.

2006-09-28T03:53:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader ...
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/15625000.htm

Posted on Wed, Sep. 27, 2006
Mayoral candidates spar at forum
By Michelle Ku
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

[...]

Responding to a question about taxes, Isaac said her administration has provided quality services while staying within the city's means. She told the audience to visit Newberry's Web site and add up the cost of all of the programs he lists. "There's no way he can do it without a tax increase."

In response, Newberry encouraged everyone to visit http://www.newberryformayor.comand/ to visit Isaac's site (http://www.mayorisaac.com/) as well. "I welcome that comparison," he said. " ... I've got a vision for the future of this community and I've got a plan to get us there. She has no plan."

At another point, Isaac said that Newberry did not assist Lexington in improving its sanitary sewer and storm sewer systems when he served as acting secretary for the state's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet.

"Our records are devoid of any action that he took during that time to work with Lexington. Nothing," Isaac said. "If you look at his track record when he had an opportunity to help the community, he did not do it."

[...]

During the 31/2 weeks he served as acting secretary, Lexington's sewer problems did not come up, Newberry said.

[...]
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Apparently the death of two University of Kentucky students has rightly touched a nerve in the mayoral campaign. Just the other day, Teresa Isaac tried to shift blame from the city of Lexington and her tenure as mayor to University of Kentucky, its construction activity, and UK safety officials. Last night, Teresa Isaac decided that Jim Newberry was at fault because he didn't take action during a 3.5 week stint as acting secretary.

What action has Teresa Isaac taken during her 4 years as mayor, and 8 years as vice-mayor on improving the safety of storm drains? There's nothing on her web site except hollow boasts of "Master of Disaster." It's time that Mayor Isaac stop blaming others for the deficiencies of her administration -- like taking her eye off improving fundamental safety issues like storm drains and city parking garages, -- and simply admit that she has different priorities -- like taking over the privately owned water company.

Teresa Isaac Blames UK For Student Drownings

2006-09-27T04:12:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Herald Leader ...
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/local/15617477.htm

Posted on Wed, Sep. 27, 2006
Mayoral hopefuls debate at UK
By Sarah Vos
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

The storm sewer runoff problems that led to the drownings of a University of Kentucky pharmacy student and a nursing graduate have been known for years but not dealt with, mayoral candidate Jim Newberry said at a debate last night with incumbent Teresa Isaac.

The two women who drowned were wading through knee-deep water near the intersection of Nicholasville Road and Alumni Drive early Saturday morning when they were swept into a culvert by the flooding waters.

[...]

Mayor Isaac said the city spent part of its budget every year to address storm sewer problems, but that part of the issue was runoff from parking lots.

"Each time the university constructs something new, they create more runoff," she said. "So that's something you have to discuss with them."

Isaac also said that campus safety officials need to educate students about the dangers of floodwaters.

"If you cannot drive through it, you cannot walk through it," she said.

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I recall that several years ago, the water company ran a commercial that made the point that the city of Lexington had many more urgent priorities than taking over the water company, and one of those urgent priorities was the storm drains.

Turns out they were right, yet nothing has been done, and now several innocent students -- Lauren Brooke Fannin and Lindsey Marie Harp -- have died.

I find Teresa Isaac's "blame others" political strategy to be outrageous. It is easy to say after the fact that no one should have been outside last Friday night, but according to reports, the two women were dropped off by a taxi that apparently had no problem driving in the water. This directly contradicts Teresa Isaac's statement "If you cannot drive through it, you cannot walk through it." Teresa Isaac shouldn't try to blame the victims or UK - the responsibility goes directly to her leadership. She has chosen to not make improving the sewers a priority. Some residents are prepared to sue about this, and the Herald Leader has editorialized about it (but surprisingly didn't mention that this is a more important priority than their pet project of taking over the water company).

Upcoming mayoral debates

2006-09-23T04:00:00.000-07:00

From the Herald Leader ...
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/15560797.htm

Upcoming public forums
The fall mayoral campaign gets into full swing next week with several of the more than 10 public forums that will be held before the election. Here's a list of the public forums that will be held over the next two weeks:

• Sept. 25, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Maxwell Street Presbyterian Church, 180 East Maxwell Street. Sponsored by the Maxwell Street Presbyterian Church's Men of Maxwell.

• Sept. 26, 8 to 9 p.m., University of Kentucky Student Center. Sponsored by the University of Kentucky Student Government Association.

• Sept. 27, 7 p.m., Marriott Griffin Gate, 1800 Newtown Pike. Sponsored by the Association of Builders and Contractors, Construction Financial Management Association and the National Association for Women in Construction.

• Sept. 28, 8 a.m., Lexington Convention Center Thoroughbred Ballroom, 430 West Vine Street. Sponsored by the Lexington Convention and Visitor's Bureau, the Alltech FEI 2010 Games Committee and the Bluegrass Hospitality Association. Forum questions will focus on tourism.

• Oct. 3, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Transylvania University Carrick Theater, 300 North Broadway. Sponsored by the African American Forum, the League of Women Voters of Lexington and Transylvania University. The event is ticketed because seating is limited. For a free ticket, call the African American Forum at 255-2653.

First formal mayoral event of fall season

2006-09-23T03:55:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader ... http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/politics/15560795.htm

Posted on Wed, Sep. 20, 2006
Muslim groups host forum
EVENT IS FIRST FOR LEXINGTON COMMUNITY
By Michelle Ku
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

Mayor Teresa Isaac and challenger Jim Newberry yesterday participated in the first-ever candidate forum sponsored by Lexington's Muslim community.

[...]

In addition to being the first mayoral forum held by the Muslim community, yesterday's also was the first public forum of the fall campaign.

[...]

In soliciting opinions of Muslims and other groups, Isaac said she has a program in which she goes out to every Urban County Council district and collects information from citizens.
She was also the first mayor to appoint a faith-based liaison whose job is to reach out to every religious group and address issues if they feel they are being discriminated against or if they want to be involved in community projects, Isaac said.

Newberry said he planned to be accessible to the community through a Mayor's Night Out, a quarterly event in which the public can sit down and talk with him and key members of his administration.

[...]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As the race heats up again, I'm sure I'll have plenty to blog about.

After the summer doldrums ... Mayoral campaign ads hit airwaves

2006-09-15T03:51:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Herald Leader ...
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/15521046.htm

Posted on Thu, Sep. 14, 2006
Mayoral campaign ads hit airwaves
By Michelle Ku
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

[...]

In recent days, TV ads for both mayoral candidates have hit the airwaves.

[...]

Challenger Jim Newberry said he started airing his ad because it was time to start getting his message out.

[...]

Newberry's 30-second TV spot called "Jim everywhere" began running yesterday. In it, he highlights portions of his Newberry's New Ideas platform on the economy, public safety and government efficiency.

Isaac's TV ads began airing Tuesday. She has two 30-second ads in rotation. In one, Isaac highlights Lexington's top rankings and how the city has changed in the past four years. The other is of Isaac with some Lexington firefighters.

[...]

The Fraternal Order of Police Blue Grass Lodge No. 4 yesterday officially announced its endorsement of Newberry for mayor.

In addition to Newberry, the FOP also endorsed Urban County Council at-large candidates Jim Gray and George Brown; district council candidates Marian Moore Sims, Kevin Stinnett, K.C. Crosbie, George Myers, Jay McChord, Richard Moloney and Ed Lane; a no vote on condemnation of Kentucky American Water; Alice Forgy Kerr for state senator; Bill Farmer for state representative; and Megan Thornton for district court judge.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I wonder whether Teresa Isaacs' television ads will perpetuate the myth that commuting times are wonderful in Lexington. She made the assertion that we have the 5th best commute in the county, but in a previous post, I showed how she doctored the numbers. I'm sure I'll see the ads on television soon enough.

Teresa Isaac Gives Financial Support To Water Condemnation Interest Group

2006-09-13T03:33:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader ...

http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/15505398.htm

Posted on Wed, Sep. 13, 2006
ONLINE
Water referendum campaign gears up
By Andy Mead
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

[...]

If the referendum passes, the city would resume condemnation proceedings that were started by the Urban County Council in 2003 and dropped last year.

[...]

Susan Lancho, a Kentucky American spokeswoman, said the company's polling has always shown the voters are on its side.

[...]

Rosenthal said FLOW will sell $100 raffle tickets, with the winner getting a new Toyota Prius, a popular hybrid sedan.

Twenty percent of the money cleared in the raffle will go to Vote Yes!, with the rest remaining with FLOW to counter the water company, he said.

After Rosenthal finished speaking, Pettit handed him a check for $100 from Mayor Teresa Isaac, who attended the meeting but did not speak.

It wasn't clear whether the check was intended as a Vote Yes! contribution or to purchase a raffle ticket.

"I'll check with her to see if she wants to be ticket No. 1," Rosenthal said.

Isaac ran four years ago on a campaign that called for condemnation of Kentucky American. Her challenger on the Nov. 7 ballot, attorney Jim Newberry, opposes condemnation but says he will abide by the voters' decision.

[...]

The city spent more than $1 million on condemnation before the court case was stopped last year.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It is no surprise that Teresa Isaac wants to expand the local government's influence by taking over private enterprise. I don't believe she has given financial support to the condemnation interest group in the past, however (I could be wrong). It still baffles me, however, how Bill Farmer could have endorsed her yet claimed that he is a true conservative in the primary.

The Most Deceptive ComAir Legal Web Site Yet

2006-09-03T04:25:00.000-07:00

The issue of tasteless advertising has come to the forefront in Lexington, since the ComAir crash exactly one week ago. A number of lawyers have adverstised in the Lexington Herald Leader, and even more advertise on Google and Yahoo.

The tactic might have hit a new low today. If you search on "ComAir Flight 5191", one of the advertisements comes up:

Comair 5191 Families
Info for Comair 5191 families
www.comair5191families.com
www.comair5191families.com

I clicked on that ad, wondering whether it was a legitimate web site or just another attorney. The web site, on the surface, looks legit -- it starts off with a quote by Hans Christian Anderson, and gives some links to grief conselors. It also has a link to the passenger manifest, and most deceptively, links for "Sharing Your Tribute & Photo" and "Message Board". The message board requires you to register with your email address, in order to post. All of this is, however, a front for the true goal of the web site -- to get the families to be represented by the lawyers who created the website.

In the corner of the page, the web site states "This website donated by Pangia, Anderson, Weber and Henry - advocates to victims." Clicking on it brings you to a profile of one of their lawyers who has a smirk on his face.

Their web site has a news section that states:

AWH Investigates Kentucky CrashDateline: 8/31/2006
Anderson Weber & Henry is actively investigating the crash of Comair Flight 5191 in Kentucky and is offering assistance to the families. The Firm has donated a website for families for grief counseling and to stay abreast of the latest developments in the crash investigation. Please visit our Aviation page to learn more about our practice and the Attorney and Staff page to learn more about our experience with aviation matters.

But have they really donated the web site? I simple check of the domain registration reveals the following:

Registrant:
Julie Sayers
233 West Mountain St.
Kernersville NC 27284
Kernersville, NC 27284

US Registrar: NAMESDIRECT
Domain Name: COMAIR5191FAMILIES.COM
Created on: 28-AUG-06
Expires on: 28-AUG-08
Last Updated on: 29-AUG-06

Administrative, Technical Contact:
Sayers, Julie jsayers@accessanderson.com
233 West Mountain St.
Kernersville NC 27284
Kernersville, NC 27284
US
336-993-7958

Domain servers in listed order:
NS1.NPSIS.COM
NS2.NPSIS.COM
End of Whois Information

According to FindLaw.com (http://pview.findlaw.com/view/2751797_1), the registrant -- Julie Sayers -- isn't a victim at all. She is an employee at Anderson Weber & Henry, P.C., and is Client Financial Advisor/Business Dev. Coordinator. Her profile can be found at: http://www.andersonkorzen.com/staff-detail.asp?id=3 .

In my opinion, this web site is a deceptive way of contacting victims -- especially because you have to register you email in order to post messages.

Herald Leader: We're Keeping the Profits & Hiding Behind Free Speech

2006-08-31T03:38:00.000-07:00

The Herald Leader today offered an incoherent editorial from Tim Kelly, editor of the paper, for running advertisements from ambulance-chasing lawyers only 3 days after the tragic loss of life on ComAir 5191, and before any of the victims have even been put to rest. You can see his response at: http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/editorial/15403467.htm .

Kelly hides behind "free speech" -- as if he didn't have any choice on whether to print those ads. He says "One of the foundations of our freedoms is that even highly repugnant speech is protected, most clearly demonstrated by the Larry Flynt-Jerry Falwell case decided by the U.S. Supreme Court." Yeah, it is free speech. But nothing in his editorial says that all ads -- assuming they are legal -- must be published. Clearly the newspaper has editorial discretion, which it chose not to use. Profiting from the victims tragedy trumped being sensitive to the community. An interesting article in The Courier Journal (Louisville) -- http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060831/NEWS01/608310435/1008 -- has the executive director of the Kentucky Bar Association stating that "all three ads violated bar rules." Anna Stipp -- vice president of advertising for The Courier-Journal noted that the Courier-Journal generally runs ads of any legal business, but reserves the right to refuse an ad.

To the extent that people believed the Herald Leader "spoke" for the community -- or at least a significant segment of the community -- that has been laid to rest with this disgusting incident.

I emailed Mr. Kelly this morning, because he "forgot" to tell us how much the Herald Leader profited from those ads. In the article, he boasted that the Herald Leader was keeping the profits from the ads, but they were "generously" donating the fees they charge for the obituaries.

More on money-grubbing lawyers: Shame on the Lexington Herald Leader

2006-08-30T10:32:00.000-07:00

Apparently I'm not the only one who is annoyed about the ambulance-chasing lawyers. I noted this with respect to online ads -- on Google & Yahoo (MSN doesn't seem to be running such ads).

LEX18 profiled the fact that the Lexington Herald Leader had a full-page ad soliciting victims' families. Tim Kelly, editor of the Herald Leader, called it free-speech. I call it disgusting.

You can express your opinion at www.lex18.com -- they have a poll asking "How do you feel about law firms taking out advertisements offering to represent the families of the victims of Comair flight 5191?" ... 93% feel it is completely inappropriate.

Why Can't Teresa Isaac Just Stop When She's Ahead?

2006-08-30T07:44:00.000-07:00

I found Teresa Isaac's press release on Sunday comforting; her thoughts perfectly reflected my view about the innocent victims on ComAir Flight 5191.

But today the Herald Leader (http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/editorial/15394460.htm) reports that Mayor Teresa Isaac boasted during a press conference about "blowing a few traffic lights along the way" to the Flight 5191 crash site. The HL editorial correctly notes that Isaac was not part of the rescue team, so there was no need for her to do what she did, or to boast about it.

Why couldn't she just leave it at the press release?

Law prohibits lawyers from immediate contact with crash victims’ families

2006-08-29T13:33:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader ...

Posted on Tue, Aug. 29, 2006
Law prohibits lawyers from immediate contact with crash victims’ families
HERALD-LEADER FRANKFORT BUREAU

Attorney General Greg Stumbo cautioned attorneys today against contacting family members of the 49 people killed in the crash of Flight 5191 Sunday in Lexington.

Stumbo, citing the Aviation Disaster Family Assistance Act of 1996, warned the legal community that grieving family members are protected from any unsolicited communication for 45 days after their loss.

[...]

The federal law limits contact by lawyers and imposes a $1,000 a day fine for violations. Even after the 45-day federal waiting period, Stumbo said, Kentucky court rules forbid direct contact where the lawyer has no prior direct relationship with the prospective client.

These rules do not apply to contact initiated by victims’ families.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The advertisements on Google, Yahoo & MSN that I wrote about yesterday clearly don't fall into "direct contact" category, but they are still tasteless.

Incidentally, when I typed in "ComAir Flight 5191" today, no ads came up on Google, 4 ads on Yahoo, and no ads on MSN. I'm not sure whether that means that Google & MSN decided that such ads were inappropriate, but if they did kick off those adverstisement, bravo to those search engines. Hopefully Yahoo will do the same.

Profiting off Lexington's tragedy: Lawyers already looking for payday

2006-08-28T06:50:00.000-07:00

As everyone knows, our city suffered a tragic loss yesterday with the death of 49 individuals on ComAir flight 5191. If you type in "comair flight 5191" into Google, you'll get at least 4 paid advertisements from attorneys looking to profit off this. For example,

Airline Crash Attorneys
Record settlements in plane
crashes. Nationwide practice.
www.

and several others (I won't give the actual URL).

There are also paid adverstisements on Yahoo & MSN. One of the firms is paying more than $5 to get victims to come to their web site. When I say "paid", what I mean is that the law firm pays when you click on that adverstisement. Also, someone bought the domain name comair5191.com yesterday.

I guess I shouldn't be surprised, but it would be nice if the dust settled before all of this happened.

Isaac's Appointee Confirmed With Objections

2006-08-24T04:41:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader ...
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/15300227.htm

Council confirms Jay Whitehead as chief administrative officer
By Michelle Ku
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

The Urban County Council yesterday confirmed Mayor Teresa Isaac's selection of Jay Whitehead as Lexington's second highest-ranking official by a vote of 10-3.

[...]

Council members who voted against Whitehead's confirmation were Vice Mayor Mike Scanlon, Dick DeCamp and Ed Lane. Councilmen Bill Cegelka and Jay McChord were absent.
Scanlon had been the most vocal critic of Isaac's selection of Whitehead.
"We just gave the keys to a $300 million, 3,000-employee corporation to somebody who has never done the job before and is not qualified to do it now," Scanlon said.

[...]

Whitehead also was questioned about his involvement in Isaac's re-election campaign.

Whitehead said he had been an active volunteer, picking up checks, putting up yard signs and helping out in any way he could. All of the campaign activities were done on his own time, he said.

Whitehead told the council that he would no longer be involved in the campaign because the CAO is a non-political position. He also said he would remove the "Isaac for Mayor" bumper sticker from his personal car.

[...]

Whitehead was still fielding questions from the media when Isaac walked up with a life-size cardboard cut-out of Brad Pitt and placed it between herself and Whitehead for a photo.

"Brad Pitt came down to congratulate Jay," Isaac said.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Brad Pitt photo shoot is just really weird on Isaac's part.

Facebook Comes To Lexington Politics

2006-08-15T14:09:00.000-07:00

Snippets From http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/15268566.htm

Politics' new ploy: In your Facebook
CANDIDATES FIND NETWORKING SITE SPEAKS TO STUDENTS
By Emily Yahr
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

With election season approaching, candidates are frantically looking for ways to appeal to the elusive 18- to 24-year-old citizenry. Now, thanks to the explosion of Facebook. com, politicians have finally found a place where two-thirds of college students -- whether avoiding homework or hoping to find romance -- are likely to hang out.

Starting Sept. 1, the online social networking site with nearly 8.5 million registered users will allow politicians to buy advertising space and set up personal profiles.

[...]

'We want their votes'

The trend has spread to Lexington. Shaye Rabold, campaign manager for mayoral candidate Jim Newberry, said University of Kentucky senior Jay Springate set up a group on UK's Facebook site, called Newberry for Mayor. It has almost 30 members and provides a link to Newberry's Web site and information about the campaign.

Newberry's opponent feels the same way. Mayor Teresa Isaac's campaign manager said she is eager to consider Facebook as an option to attracting voters.

[...]

Some who are enthusiastic are also wary. Rabold, who said Facebook could bring new supporters to Newberry's Lexington mayoral campaign, is cautious about overusing Facebook as a campaign tool.

"If candidates saturate the Internet with advertising, then younger people will be turned off," Rabold said.

However, students do agree that Facebook can be powerful because it has become a way of life for most college and high school students. Name recognition could sway younger voters when it is time to go to the polls.

[...]

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I find it odd that Teresa Isaac is embracing the internet, since she didn't even buy the domain name www.TeresaIsaac.com , www.TeresaIsaac.net , or www.TeresaIsaac.org . These were all available after she was elected mayor back in 2002!

Fraternal Order of Police endorses Newberry for mayor

2006-08-15T14:03:00.000-07:00

Snippets From http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/15279949.htm

By Michelle Ku
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

The Fraternal Order of Police endorsed Jim Newberry for mayor today.

The FOP Blue Grass Lodge No. 4 sent Newberry, a corporate attorney, a letter today officially endorsing him over Mayor Teresa Isaac. The two will face off in the Nov. 7 general election.
Newberry said he was pleased to receive the FOP’s endorsement.

“It’s the most significant endorsement in the mayoral campaign for our campaign because it shoots down the notion that the mayor is automatically going to receive all the city employee votes simply because she is the mayor,” Newberry said.

[...]

“Jim Newberry is our choice because he will bring a fresh approach and new ideas to City Hall,” FOP president Mike Sweeney said in a news release issued by Newberry’s campaign. “Jim fundamentally understands the challenges our officers face day to day and the needs of our neighborhoods.”

[...]

Susan Hammond ... said that Isaac has the support of the majority of individual police officers.

[...]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Isn't this a bit like Isaac's claim about talking to the voters in the primary who voted for Farmer? She said she already had their votes lined up back in May; instead what Isaac had was Farmer's endorsement lined up (and a job for Farmer's buddy). I have no idea how Susan Hammond can make a claim like this.

Fraternal Order of Police Endorse Newberry

2006-08-15T13:53:00.000-07:00

Contact: Shaye Rabold
HQ: 335-5539, Cell: 230-0990
shaye@newberryformayor.com

Fraternal Order of Police Endorse Newberry
Newberry, “I am proud to have the support of the men and women who do such a courageous job in protecting our citizens”

(Lexington – KY) Lexington’s Fraternal Order of Police announced today their organization’s endorsement of Mayoral candidate Jim Newberry.

“I am very proud to have the support of the men and women who do such a courageous job in protecting our citizens,” said Jim Newberry. “The number one job of the Mayor is protecting our citizens, and the men and women in the Division of Police, the Sheriff’s Office, and the Division of Community Corrections are on the front line every hour of every day protecting all of us. As Mayor, I am committed to seeing that our local government does a better job of supporting these men and women in the future then has been done in the past.”

During the primary campaign, Newberry proposed adding 150 new police officers without raising taxes as part of his Newberry’s New Ideas. For additional details, see www.NewberryForMayor.com.

“Jim Newberry is our choice because he will bring a fresh approach and new ideas to City Hall.,” said FOP President Mike Sweeney. “Jim fundamentally understands the challenges our officers face day to day and the needs of our neighborhoods. We are confident that his strong leadership and dedication to the safety of our community is exactly what Lexington needs.”

Lexington’s Fraternal Order of Police will make the official announcement of their endorsements for the 2006 election cycle on Thursday, September 14 at 11:30 a.m. at the Fraternal Order of Police Hall, 224 North Martin Luther Kind Boulevard.

Bill Farmer's Endorsement Doesn't Matter: Here's Proof

2006-08-10T07:36:00.000-07:00

For Immediate Release
August 10, 2006
Newberry for Mayor
www.newberryformayor.com

Contact: Shaye Rabold
HQ: 335-5539, Cell: 230-0990
shaye@newberryformayor.com

Newberry Leads Isaac by 14 Points – 50% to 36%
Latest poll shows Mayor Isaac with 29% re-elect

(Lexington – KY) Jim Newberry, candidate for Mayor of Lexington, released a poll today showing his campaign leading Mayor Teresa Isaac by a fourteen point margin (50% to 36%). The poll was conducted on August 5th and 6th of 402 likely voters by the nationally respected firm Garin, Hart, Yang Research Group.

“The fact incumbent Teresa Isaac trails by 14 points and is well below the important 50% threshold bodes extremely well for Jim Newberry,” said pollster Fred Yang.

The poll showed that Mayor Isaac has a re-elect number of 29%.

"These are encouraging numbers, and our campaign continues to gain momentum every day. We have been working hard to earn each and every vote, and we intend to continue that effort relentlessly until 6:00 p.m. on November 7," said Jim Newberry. "The response throughout the community during the summer has been tremendous because Lexingtonians know that we can do better."

Bill Farmer Sells Out - For $18,950 Job For His Buddy

2006-08-04T05:11:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader ...
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/local/15195194.htm
Posted on Fri, Aug. 04, 2006
Timing of city job hiring questioned
COUNCILMAN SUGGESTS 'POLITICAL FAVOR'
By Michelle Ku
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

The former campaign manager for mayoral candidate Bill Farmer Jr. has been hired by the city to work in a youth program connected to Mayor Teresa Isaac's office.

Michael McLaughlin, a long-time friend and volunteer in Farmer's runs for mayor and district council, filled out the city's job application form on July 12, the day Farmer publicly endorsed Isaac in her re-election bid.

McLaughlin began his 30-hour-a-week, administrative specialist job working for the Partners for Youth program five days after Farmer's endorsement. His annual salary is about $18,950.

[...]

Shaye Rabold, Newberry's campaign manager, declined to comment on whether McLaughlin's hiring was politically motivated.

"The facts speak for themselves, and the good news is, you simply can't fool the voters," Rabold said. "Ultimately, they're the ones who will have to decide if these sorts of hires are politically motivated."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Are we really supposed to believe the politicans who deny political favors? The timing couldn't be more suspect. I'm just surprised that Farmer sold out for so little. But I don't think his endorsement will pursuade those who voted for him in May, so maybe he got the better end of the deal than Teresa Isaac.

Bill Farmer Sells Out - I Wonder What He Was Promised

2006-07-13T04:44:00.000-07:00

The political season is pretty quiet right now, but Bill Farmer made news yesterday. The Herald Leader reported that Farmer endorsed Teresa Isaac, though he incorrectly thought her name was "Isaacs." This, after giving the mayor an "F" grade during her first term (in response to Isaac's own "A++" rating), and basically having nothing in common with the mayor's policy agenda.

In earlier commentary (see this link) I said "Whether Farmer makes an endorsement or not is pretty much irrelevant. He got thrashed in the primary, and it is hard to see that he has much of a political future. The people who voted for Farmer (or Martin) did so because of their conservative values on how government should be run -- maintaining free enterprise, lower taxes, fiscal discipline, and keeping government smaller."

I still think this holds true. No one who voted for Farmer did so because of his campaign's dirty tricks -- like having his campaign manager call into a radio show under a false identity. They didn't vote based on his personality either or his record of achievement in city government. Rather, they voted for him because of his claim of being a "true conservative" (and the fact that those voters thought that Charles Martin -- a real conservative -- didn't have a chance).

Farmer's career is finished, and this is just sore loser attitude.

City Council Shows Fiscal Discipline That Teresa Isaac Lacks

2006-06-14T12:10:00.000-07:00

http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/14812996.htm

Posted on Wed, Jun. 14, 2006
New police, fire positions are cut
COUNCIL SCUTTLES ISAAC'S PROPOSAL BY 11-1 VOTE
By Michelle Ku
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

The Urban County Council yesterday took the first step toward approving a proposed city budget that doesn't include hiring 79 new public safety officers that Mayor Teresa Isaac had proposed hiring.

By an 11-1 vote, the council tentatively ratified the proposed $258.3 million general fund budget, the city's main operating account, for the fiscal year beginning July 1.

[...]

The ratified budget does not include 49 new police officers and 30 new firefighters that Isaac had wanted to hire. The council's decision to eliminate those proposed public safety positions reduced the budget by $1.3 million.

[...]

If the city hired the new officers, the projected shortfall in fiscal year 2008 was projected to be as high as $16.1 million. Without the new officers, the deficit is estimated to be $11.4 million, according to the city budgeting forecasts.

[...]

During its budget deliberations, the council also chose not to take nearly $4 million out of the city's rainy-day fund, as the mayor had proposed. Instead, the council made cuts in other parts of the budget, including $350,000 the mayor had earmarked for economic-development projects.

[...]

With the fiscal year 2007 budget now out of the way, the council can focus its attention on solutions to the projected deficit in 2008, said Councilman Kevin Stinnett.

The city needs to explore all alternative forms of revenue before it even considers a tax increase, Stinnett said.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Teresa Isaac boasted in her campaign commercials about balancing the budget. I wonder if she'll continue to boast, given the poor fiscal conditions ahead.

Voters Forum

2006-06-13T12:01:00.000-07:00

Snippets From the Lexington Herald Leader

http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/14807354.htm

Posted on Tue, Jun. 13, 2006

Mayoral candidates to answer voters' questions at forum
HERALD-LEADER STAFF REPORT

City and state candidates for office will participate in a “Know Your Candidates” forum at 7 p.m. Monday at Central Christian Church, 205 East Short Street.

Lexington Mayor Teresa Isaac and her fall opponent, Jim Newberry, are among the candidates scheduled to attend the forum sponsored by the Clergy and Laity Network of Kentucky.

[...]

At 7:30 p.m., the first of two one-hour question-and-answer sessions will begin. The first hour will focus on local issues, the second on state issues. Questions will be taken from the audience.

[...]

Charles Martin Endorses Jim Newberry For Mayor

2006-06-13T09:52:00.000-07:00

For Immediate Release
June 13, 2006
Newberry for Mayor

Contact: Shaye Rabold
HQ: (859) 335-5539
shaye@newberryformayor.com

Martin Endorses Newberry for Mayor
Martin Says, “Change is needed. Newberry is the right choice to lead Lexington.”

(Lexington-KY) Jim Newberry’s Mayoral Campaign today announced the endorsement of small businessman and former mayoral candidate Charles Martin.

Jim Newberry said, “I am proud to have Charlie Martin’s endorsement. While we might not agree on every issue, we both agree that change is needed at City Hall. I respect anyone who puts their hat into the “arena” and over the course of the last year Charlie’s common sense approach struck a chord with voters throughout the community.”

Jim Newberry has asked Charles Martin to serve on a task force he is creating for small business owners. “We need to help our small businesses by cutting red tape and by ensuring a customer-friendly culture so that individuals and businesses receive courteous, fair, and friendly service,” added Newberry.

“I ran for Mayor because I felt like the ordinary citizen ought to have a voice in local government. I ran because I believe Lexington needs change in the Mayor’s Office and as importantly a change in attitude at City Hall. I believe Jim Newberry is the right choice to lead Lexington,” said Charles Martin.

###

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I respected Martin's campaign, and his endorsement shows Martin's sound judgement. Charles Martin had a pretty good showing in May, given the lack of funds & publicity.

Lexington's Budget Woes

2006-06-13T04:31:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader ...

http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/editorial/14804928.htm

Posted on Tue, Jun. 13, 2006

EDITORIALS
Budget dilemma
Study of city's revenue options would be wise

[...]

Projections for Lexington show more money going out than coming in during the next several years.

[...]

Mayor Teresa Isaac's budget proposed to balance the year that begins July 1 by taking money from the rainy-day fund, a cache of money the city uses when unforeseen disasters arise.

[...]

The council's budget committee, meeting last week, rejected Isaac's approach and proposed instead to save almost $4 million through, among other things, delaying hiring 49 police officers, 30 firefighters and two internal auditors; and bonding about $1.4 million in projects instead of paying for them outright.

[...]

The General Assembly, acknowledging the problem, created a Local Government Tax Task Force, which should report its findings soon. Hopefully, the task force will include a call for a constitutional amendment to give local governments, with the approval of voters, the ability to raise the money to create the types of communities their citizens want.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Herald Leader is hinting that higher sales taxes and income taxes would be a wonderful idea for Lexington. How about another idea? Let's look at the services we have, and decide whether we are providing them in an efficient way.

Is it sensible to condemn a private water company when the budget outlook is so bleak? Why didn't the Herald Leader point that out? Should LexTran run at all hours of the day, simply because their coffers are full from the increased property tax levied on homeowners in Lexington? That money could be redirected toward more pressing issues.

City seen facing budget deficit in less than 2 years

2006-06-10T10:16:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader ...
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/14786282.htm

Posted on Sat, Jun. 10, 2006

City seen facing budget deficit in less than 2 years
OFFICIALS UNLIKELY TO DISCUSS SOLUTIONS IN ELECTION YEAR
By Michelle Ku
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

[...]

At its current pace of spending, Lexington would have an $11.4 million budget deficit in fiscal year 2008, which begins July 2007, according to the city's most recent budgeting forecasts.

[...]

The economic picture doesn't look any better past fiscal 2008 because the city's expenses, driven by escalating personnel costs, are expected to rise at a much faster clip than revenues over the next few years.

[...]

Mayor Teresa Isaac attempted to balance the fiscal 2007 budget -- with a general fund of $262.5 million -- by taking nearly $4 million out of the city's rainy-day fund. Instead, a council committee this week tentatively voted not to hire 49 police officers and 30 firefighters and made a host of other cuts to avoid dipping into the savings account.

So far, Isaac's administration does not have a strategy in place for how to deal with the projected revenue shortfall.

[...]

On the other hand, Jim Newberry, Isaac's November opponent, says he's not convinced that Lexington will be operating at a deficit in fiscal 2008.
A lot of games are played during the budgeting process so people have money to do what they want, Newberry said. "I'm not sure we have a real clear picture of what the city's real financial situation is. But we've seen those surpluses appear in the past and I fully expect that's what's going to happen this time around."

[...]
Personnel costs rising
Since fiscal year 2003, the city's personnel costs have risen from 64.2 percent of the general fund, the main operating account, to 72 percent this year.

[...]

Taxpayers have seen two tax increases in recent years. In 2004, the council approved a property tax for the health department and voters gave the go-ahead for a tax for LexTran.

[...]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This alarming assessment emphasizes the need to have politicians clearly say what they will or will not do regarding taxes, services, and employee pay before the November elections. Services have already declined under Teresa Isaac's tenure, while taxes have increased.

Polarizing water spat could be headed to Lexington voters

2006-06-05T09:06:00.001-07:00

Snippets From the Lexington Herald Leader ...

http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/14734225.htm

Posted on Sat, Jun. 03, 2006

Polarizing water spat could be headed to Lexington voters
JEFFREY McMURRAY
Associated Press

[...]

The spat over whether the city should take over - or condemn - Kentucky American Water has polarized Lexington residents for nearly five years, but in November they could finally have the chance to weigh in at the ballot box.

[...]

And that's the one area where advocates on both sides seem to agree. Mayor Teresa Isaac and challenger Jim Newberry insist they'll abide by the wishes of the electorate, even though Isaac has long been a condemnation proponent while Newberry has signaled opposition.

[...]

But recent elections have tilted the council against condemnation - and, at least on this issue, against Isaac. She vetoed one attempt to cut off funding for the condemnation lawsuit, only to see the council override the veto, landing the spat in court.

[...]

But Warren Rogers, who leads the Coalition Against a Government Takeover, says consumers are actually going to be worse off if the utility transfers from private to public hands.

He contends there are few gripes - even from condemnation supporters - about the quality of water service Kentucky American provides. Rather, he says, water is merely a sideshow in the larger debate over growth in Lexington, which features notoriously congested roads and development hovering closer to the surrounding horse farms.

One way to restrict population flow is to restrict water flow, Rogers said.

[...]

Although Lexington is the primary customer for Kentucky American, also affected are parts of Scott, Bourbon, Jessamine, Woodford, Clark, Harrison, Owen, Grant and Gallatin counties in central Kentucky.

[...]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I wonder what would happen if Fayette County and the other 9 counties disagreed on condemnation. How would things work if Lexington voted to condemn, but other counties voted the opposite way. The advocacy group for condemnation -- Bluegrass Flow -- doesn't answer this important question in its FAQs (see http://www.bluegrassflow.org/faq.html).

More Herald Leader Water Company Propaganda

2006-06-04T04:48:00.000-07:00

Snippets From the Lexington Herald Leader ...
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/14737215.htm

Posted on Sun, Jun. 04, 2006
Water ownership battles playing out across U.S.
COMPANIES' THEMES, RHETORIC, TACTICS ARE SIMILAR, AS ARE COMMUNITIES'
By Andy Mead and Michelle Ku
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITERS

[...]

Last year, Felton, Calif., a community of 6,000 in the Santa Cruz Mountains, mobilized its troops, went up against California American Water, a subsidiary of American Water Works, and won the first round in an effort to acquire its local water system.

[...]

In the end, the community overwhelmingly voted to impose a property tax of between $600 and $700 per property owner to raise money to finance condemnation of its water system.

[...]

Lexington's battle resumes

On Nov. 7, Lexington voters will decide whether the city should restart condemnation procedures against Kentucky American Water. It will be the latest round in a battle that has lasted more than four years.

[...]

Lexington's referendum will be especially interesting because of the seesaw struggle that preceded it (condemnation proceedings were started, then stopped), and because voters will choose a mayor and a new Urban County Council on the same day.

[...]

In California, for example, two small communities -- Montara and Felton -- successfully gained citizen support to impose a property tax to pay for the purchase of their portions of California American Water. Montara has since bought its water system.

But American Water won in the Monterey Peninsula when voters handily rejected a ballot measure to spend $550,000 to study condemnation of the water company.

In Illinois, Peoria's off-and-on attempts to acquire its water system died last year when a panel of three appraisers put a price the city couldn't afford on the company.

[...]

Felton's campaign

In Felton, voters approved spending up to $11 million in bonds to purchase the water system in July 2005. Once condemnation proceedings -- which haven't begun yet -- are completed, Felton would join the neighboring San Lorenzo Valley Water District.

Felton began its condemnation effort in 2002 when the water company applied for a 74 percent rate increase over three years.

[...]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I've never thought of Lexington, Kentucky as having the same sort of community mentality as Santa Cruz, California. As such, I don't know why what happens in Santa Cruz regard the water company should have much bearing on Lexington. The report is not news, it is just another propaganda push by the Herald Leader.

Teresa Isaac Web Site

2006-06-03T06:17:00.000-07:00

Teresa Isaac now has a web site: MayorIsaac.com.

As of now, the content is pretty limited.

So the two relevant mayoral sites moving fowards are www.mayorisaac.com and www.newberryformayor.com

Farmer's Post Election Message

2006-06-03T06:16:00.000-07:00

From: http://www.billfarmer2006.com/

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

With EVERYONE WORKING TOGETHER...

Listening more, talking less.

Creating jobs with a future.

Keeping families safe and neighborhoods strong.

Working harder and smarter.

Supporting better schools. ...we can build a smarter, safer Lexington.

That is what my campaign was all about. On election night I said "When you do your best for Lexington, Lexington is at its best and a better place", I will continue to do my best for Lexington and work on the agenda set forth in my campaign as I finish my fifth term on the City Council. I can not express to you the honor I felt in asking to be your next Mayor. My work on behalf of this great city will not cease. Thank you to all of my supporters. You will always be in my heart and prayers. I could not have done it without your genuine, continued generosity. Without you this campaign would not have been possible. You will always have my gratitude.

For now my work continues on the Council. We have some very important issues in front of us that effect the future of Lexington. Passing a budget that is fiscally resposnible, eliminates waste and does not take from our "rainy day" fund is my number one priority. Then infrastructure, we have to have the Newtown Pike Extension completed before the 2010 World Equestrian Games, we have to address traffic in a meaningful way, we have to pave roads and we have to keep up the work to maintain and repair our sewer systems.

My door at the Council and at my family's business is always open for you to reach me about any matter you wish to discuss. If there is a way I can help you, please contact me.

Bill Farmer, Jr.

Newberrys Post-Election Message

2006-06-03T06:13:00.000-07:00

From http://www.newberryformayor.com/

Together We Did It!
!
With the help of so many people, our campaign has advanced to the General Election! Twenty months ago, we set out to build a broad coalition of support and to offer new ideas for Lexington. On Tuesday, all of this hard work paid off. Running as the outsider candidate against two opponents with more than 10 years at City Hall, we have emerged as one of the top-two vote-getters. The difference was just a little more than 500 votes! Thank you so much to all of you who have helped propel our campaign into the next phase of this election. We simply could not have done this without the thousands of people who helped build our grassroots volunteer organization by walking door-to-door, hosting houseparties and fundraisers, making phone calls, and talking with their friends and families. Thank you to the thousands of people who contributed financially to our campaign! Most importantly, thank you to those of you who believed in our message and came out to vote on Tuesday!Our work is not yet complete. We must work harder than ever over the next several months leading up to November. We will continue to run a campaign based on ideas about how, together, we can move Lexington forward! If you have not done so already, we hope you will join our campaign today. Please click here to get involved

Official upset by Lexington reaction to death at garage

2006-06-03T06:09:00.000-07:00

Snippets From The Courier Journal --
http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060529/NEWS0104/605290361/1008/NEWS01

Official upset by Lexington reaction to death at garage
Associated Press

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The city of Lexington is asking the state to strengthen building codes for parking garages and is calling for Lexington garage owners to inspect their facilities after a pregnant woman was killed by a falling concrete panel.

Mayor Teresa Isaac released the plan after Vice Mayor Mike Scanlon attacked Isaac over the city's response to the death of Stephanie Hufnagel, 22, who was killed May 16.

[...]

"I believe the comments of your administration regarding the parking garage tragedy reflected poorly on both your administration and the entire Urban-County government," Scanlon wrote.

Gerald Smith, Isaac's chief of staff, said that the accident is a civil situation but that the police accident reconstruction unit is "conducting the inquiry." Smith said a report should be ready in about four weeks.

[...]

UPDATE: Herald Leader Employee Who Posted Water Company/Slavemaster Comments Owns Up To Affiliation

2006-06-02T17:51:00.000-07:00

Not that there was ever much mystery, but the Lexington Herald Leader News Assistant posted again on this blog today, saying:

"I do not work for the Opinion page, nor do I write editorials. Nobody else at the Herald-Leader has asked me to post my opinions or has influenced me in any way."

Well we didn't say you worked for Opinion page, and thank goodness for both conservatives and liberals alike. When you initially posted:

"To want to stick with (Kentucky American Water) just because they're reasonable for now is like a slave wanting to stay with its master because he's pretty benevolent"

that's over the top. I am sure most people would think comparing the current ownership structure of the water company to slavery shows a mindset that is completely unrepresentative of the community.

Also, you sound offended in your latest post about not being able to post in peace. If you had been more forthright-- and by this I mean disclosing your affiliation rather than omitting it -- I would have no problem with you. Why you didn't do this baffles me.

Herald Leader Employee Now Posting On This Blog About The Water Company!

2006-06-01T02:57:00.000-07:00

We're pleased (not really) that a Herald Leader employee has decided to start posting nasty comments on this blog ... and of on all things ... the water company! She doesn't identify herself as working for the Herald Leader, but its pretty easy to find this out.

I would have thought there's enough space in the Herald Leader's pages for preaching about government control of water company, but their message needs to be spread to this blog, apparently.

If you go to the comment: http://lexingtonmayorsrace.blogspot.com/2006/05/mayors-race-water-condemnation.html
you will see a very rude message by a person calling themselves Squirrelly, and if you go to her blogger profile, under Geeky Mama, she has a little web page. She doesn't identify herself as associated with the Lexington Herald Leader; is this ethical?

As with her comment, the web page itself doesn't give away that she works for the esteemed Lexington Herald Leader, but the page does have a link called Complaints Department ; when you click on it you get the email address squirrellygirlie@hotmail.com.

Then what? On search engines, you can find that squirrellygirlie@hotmail.com posted a comment on a memorial site in 2004:

http://www.memorialobituaries.com/memorials/memgb.cgi?action=Guestbook&memid=138327&clientid=bairdf&decedent=Deborah+(+Deb)+K.+Kuckherman

Here it is:
Date:
11/26/2004
Name:
Heather Chapman squirrellygirlie@hotmail.com
From:
Lexington, Kentucky USA
Message:
D was a great friend and a wonderful writer. She was always so much fun to talk to, with her acerbic wit and passionate nature. My husband and I will miss her so much. May she have the peace that passes all understanding with her heavenly Father.--"Squirrelly"

So who is Heather Chapman listed on the memorial posting? If you search on Heather Chapman Lexington Kentucky, you'll find her on the Herald Leader News Staff! See http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/contact_us/contact_list/newspaper_staff_np1/ .
She has written for the Herald Leader about poetry slams and Harry Potter. Powerful stuff. Welcome Heather Chapman and the Herald Leader! Just be clear to the readers who you are!

November 7th Water Condemnation Question

2006-05-24T08:32:00.000-07:00

"Shall the proposed Ordinance which authorizes and directs the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government to purchase by the most cost effective and reasonable means, including by the exercise of the right of eminent domain, all the real and personal property of Kentucky-American Water Company located (1) within Fayette County and (2) within Jessamine, Woodford, Scott, Harrison, Bourbon and Clark Counties which is a part of the same integrated water supply and distribution system that provides water service to residents of Fayette County, but does not require that the Government purchase said assets if the cost of the assets cannot be repaid in a commercially reasonable manner solely from the revenues generated from the operation of the assets; which authorizes and directs the Government to issue its bonds, bond anticipation notes, and other financing instruments for the purpose of paying the costs; and which authorizes and directs the Urban County Council to adopt an ordinance creating a water authority for the purpose of operating and managing the assets of the water company, be passed?"

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Answer to this long question: Hell no.

Mayors Race & Water Condemnation

2006-05-23T19:02:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader ...

http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/14649765.htm

Water company drops suit; referendum on November ballot
By Andy Mead
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

Lexington voters will decide this fall whether the city will restart legal proceedings to acquire Kentucky American Water.

[...]

The company's move means voters will give a thumbs up or down on the long running controversy on the same day they chose between mayoral and council candidates who are divided on the issue.

[...]

But he said he is confident that his company's customers will say it is time to end condemnation "once and for all."

[...]

Teresa Isaac, the incumbent, said through a spokesman that she would have no comment.

"At this point we have not received any documents from Kentucky American or from the courts on this matter," spokesman Bruce Edwards said.

Challenger Jim Newberry, who finished 500 votes behind Isaac in last week's primary election, said he has long been in favor of letting people vote and following the direction spelled out in that vote.

"The important thing is the community will have the opportunity to express its opinion on the issue and will bring some finality to that issue," Newberry said.
Isaac is a condemnation supporter. Newberry opposes condemnation.

[...]

Warren Rogers, a businessman who joined Kentucky American in the attempt to have the referendum declared unconstitutional, said it would help Newberry.

[...]

"This city is divided enough," Rogers said. "The quickest way to heal the divisions is to vote down the referendum and to elect a new mayor."

[...]

Having the issue on the ballot means Lexington residents will be subjected to campaigns for and against the referendum, in addition to the campaigns for candidates on an already-crowded ballot.

[...]

The city spent more than $1 million on the case. Attorneys for the city said that some of the work already could be used if the case were picked up again.

[...]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When all is said and done, the water company isn't broken, and I think the voters in Lexington will see that. There's no compelling reason to condemn a well-functioning private company. It would send a chilling message to other private enterprises. No candidate who wants to condemn the water company can claim to be "pro-growth" or "pro-business."

Farmer Voters: Teresa Isaac Has Already Made A Deal With You, Apparently

2006-05-18T03:42:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader ...
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/politics/14606561.htm

Posted on Thu, May. 18, 2006
Mayoral candidates plunge in
ISAAC, NEWBERRY APPEAR ON TV, HOPE FOR FARMER'S ENDORSEMENT
By Michelle Ku
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

[...]

"I would love to have Charlie Martin's support and Bill's support as well," Newberry said. "Hopefully I'll get it. If I don't, we're still wonderfully situated to prevail in the fall."

Isaac said she was confident she will be able to pick up many of Farmer's voters because she has already courted them in advance.

Prior to the primary, she had spoken to many of Farmer's voters, asking for their commitment of support if Farmer didn't make it out of the primary, Isaac said. "Most of them said they would commit to me if he didn't come out of the primary."

[...]

But Farmer also was quick to point out that although he wants his backing to have an impact on the race, his "endorsement could have no effect."

[...]

Farmer entered the mayor's race just 10 months before the primary, putting him at a disadvantage in terms of campaign organization and fund-raising, Emmons said.

Farmer also didn't exhibit leadership when Brad Shattuck, his campaign manager, disguised his identity when he called into a radio show to ask a question of Newberry, Emmons said.

[...]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Teresa Isaac's actual wording was:

"I actually got committments from both Newberry's voters and Farmer's voters that if they didn't make it through the primary they would come to me so we plan to call all those people back today and get them to honor their committment."

So if you voted for Bill Farmer, Teresa Isaac is asserting that her campaign has already called you, and you have committed to voting for her in November. Since every Farmer voter that has emailed me has the feeling of "Anyone But Isaac," I find that statement to be the most outrageous one yet!

Jim Newberry Interview With WTVQ

2006-05-17T11:55:00.000-07:00

Note that unlike Teresa Isaac, no arrogance in Jim Newberry's interview.
See This Link .

On Newberry's Plan For Change
Teresa Isaac arrogant quote (3:07): "Well, what else can he say. He has nothing else to offer, except those words. So I think its important to look at what has actually been delivered and who has empty promises."

Newberry's response: Innovative proposals on traffic, Lexington First Fund, public safety, and other on www.NewberryForMayor.com .

Mayor Isaac Amazing, Arrogant Interview with WTVQ

2006-05-17T11:36:00.000-07:00

See This Link

Overstating Her Victory
Teresa Isaac Claim: Farmer and Newberry were running for number two
Fact: Less than 1 percentage point separated Isaac and Newberry; while Farmer lagged far behind.

Water Company Condemnation
Teresa Isaac Claim: Claims she's a leader on the water company condemnation.
Fact: That's true.

On Farmer and Martin Voters
Teresa Isaac Claim (3:00 into interview):

"Well I think you court 'em in advance. And so what I did is I campaigned, I actually got committments from both Newberry's voters and Farmer's voters that if they didn't make it through the primary they would come to me so we plan to call all those people back today and get them to honor their committment."

Fact: From those who correspond with me by email, the sentiment is "Anyone but Isaac." I'd be shocked if many people who voter for Farmer or Martin would find Mayor Isaac to be an appealing candidate. Those voters have had four years to look at her performance, and weren't happy.

Isaac's Victory Speech - Shades of Howard Dean

2006-05-17T08:47:00.000-07:00

http://multimedia.realcities.com/?kentucky/isaacspeech.mp3

"Jim Newberry - Get Ready To Rumble" -- Teresa Isaac's arrogant victory speech, May 16, 2006, while at the same time inviting Farmer and Martin voters to join her campaign.

Notice that Teresa Isaac cites a laundry list of Lexington achievements that have nothing to do with her mayorship. She conveniently dropped her lies about how great commuting times are in Lexington, something she was called out on by this blog.

See:
http://lexingtonmayorsrace.blogspot.com/2006/04/more-discussion-of-teresa-isaacs-half.html

and

http://lexingtonmayorsrace.blogspot.com/2006/04/teresa-isaacs-half-truth-on-commuting.html

Herald Leader's Self-Serving Commentary

2006-05-17T08:38:00.000-07:00

Snippets From the Lexington Herald Leader ...
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/editorial/14597570.htm

Posted on Wed, May. 17, 2006

Positive winners
[...]

Mayor Teresa Isaac might want to change that A-plus she gave herself to "needs improvement."

And challenger Jim Newberry should be working on a better pitch than "I'm not Teresa Isaac."

The primary results suggest that Isaac needs to start listening to more than just those who tell her what a terrific job she's doing. And Newberry cannot rely solely on the change theme to carry him through November.

Yesterday's results also served as a cautionary tale to those who might be tempted to turn what is supposed to be a non-partisan race into a partisan mudfest.

[...]

As he turns his focus to Isaac, he would be smart to refrain from trying to put himself or the mayor into any political pigeonholes.

He should express original ideas and flesh out his vision for Lexington.

[...]

We would especially like to hear the city's would-be leaders talk about the costs and infrastructure demands of development, within the city's core and at the edges.

How will they bring sustainable economic growth, local control of water, more efficient government or a healthier, more livable Lexington?

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As the water initiative hits the November ballot, you can expect a barrage of editorials by the Lexington Herald Leader attempting to influence the election. They will also endorse Teresa Isaac - mark my words.

Also, why shouldn't Newberry hold Isaac accountable for her actions? That's not negative campaigning, but you can bet the Herald Leader will spin it that way.

Newberry has expressed many new ideas -- see his website http://www.newberryformayor.com/. In contrast, Teresa Isaac is the one who hasn't put forth anything new, and is simply delusional about her performance during her tenure as mayor. A+? A++ more recently? 36% of the vote, especially for an incumbent, is weak.

Where Will Jim Newberry Run The Strongest In November?

2006-05-17T04:40:00.000-07:00

Here are the precincts with 200-plus voters in the May primary, and at least 70% of the vote against Teresa Isaac.

Precinct: CUMBERLAND % against Isaac: 0.75 May Voters: 370
Precinct: ROLLING CREEK % against Isaac: 0.74 May Voters: 338
Precinct: CASTLEGATE % against Isaac: 0.72 May Voters: 336
Precinct: EDGEWATER % against Isaac: 0.71 May Voters: 331
Precinct: BEAUMONT CENTRE % against Isaac: 0.7 May Voters: 329
Precinct: ECTON PARK % against Isaac: 0.78 May Voters: 325
Precinct: PINNACLE % against Isaac: 0.75 May Voters: 321
Precinct: BAYSWATER % against Isaac: 0.71 May Voters: 319
Precinct: KEITHSHIRE % against Isaac: 0.73 May Voters: 312
Precinct: CLEMENS HEIGHTS % against Isaac: 0.75 May Voters: 311
Precinct: SHRINE % against Isaac: 0.7 May Voters: 306
Precinct: SIR BARTON % against Isaac: 0.7 May Voters: 306
Precinct: HARTLAND % against Isaac: 0.75 May Voters: 302
Precinct: MINT HILL % against Isaac: 0.74 May Voters: 301
Precinct: WHITE PINE % against Isaac: 0.7 May Voters: 296
Precinct: SCENICVIEW % against Isaac: 0.81 May Voters: 284
Precinct: PALMETTO % against Isaac: 0.79 May Voters: 282
Precinct: HIDDEN SPRINGS % against Isaac: 0.78 May Voters: 267
Precinct: WHITFIELD % against Isaac: 0.72 May Voters: 267
Precinct: TABORLAKE % against Isaac: 0.73 May Voters: 263
Precinct: HELM % against Isaac: 0.72 May Voters: 258
Precinct: WYNDSONG % against Isaac: 0.73 May Voters: 257
Precinct: WAVERLY % against Isaac: 0.73 May Voters: 253
Precinct: WYNDHAM HILLS % against Isaac: 0.71 May Voters: 238
Precinct: TWIN OAKS % against Isaac: 0.71 May Voters: 233
Precinct: ROBINWOOD % against Isaac: 0.72 May Voters: 232
Precinct: CHINOE % against Isaac: 0.73 May Voters: 230
Precinct: GLENVIEW % against Isaac: 0.77 May Voters: 226
Precinct: PLANTATION % against Isaac: 0.71 May Voters: 222
Precinct: HIGHPLAIN % against Isaac: 0.72 May Voters: 211
Precinct: SHEFFIELD PLACE % against Isaac: 0.73 May Voters: 208
Precinct: SUNGALE % against Isaac: 0.82 May Voters: 201
Precinct: HARRODS VIEW % against Isaac: 0.79 May Voters: 201
Precinct: CHARWOOD % against Isaac: 0.78 May Voters: 201
Precinct: BRIDGEMONT % against Isaac: 0.78 May Voters: 201

And here are the most politcally involved neighborhoods (300+ votes)
Precinct: HOPEWELL PARK % Against Isaac: 0.65 Votes: 441
Precinct: CUMBERLAND % Against Isaac: 0.75 Votes: 370
Precinct: SHADELAND % Against Isaac: 0.67 Votes: 351
Precinct: WALTON % Against Isaac: 0.48 Votes: 349
Precinct: ASHLAND AVENUE % Against Isaac: 0.57 Votes: 347
Precinct: FONTAINE % Against Isaac: 0.51 Votes: 347
Precinct: ROLLING CREEK % Against Isaac: 0.74 Votes: 338
Precinct: CASTLEGATE % Against Isaac: 0.72 Votes: 336
Precinct: MONTICELLO % Against Isaac: 0.68 Votes: 335
Precinct: THE COLONY % Against Isaac: 0.61 Votes: 333
Precinct: EDGEWATER % Against Isaac: 0.71 Votes: 331
Precinct: BEAUMONT CENTRE % Against Isaac: 0.7 Votes: 329
Precinct: WOODLAND % Against Isaac: 0.48 Votes: 326
Precinct: ECTON PARK % Against Isaac: 0.78 Votes: 325
Precinct: CHEVY CHASE % Against Isaac: 0.69 Votes: 323
Precinct: PINNACLE % Against Isaac: 0.75 Votes: 321
Precinct: BAYSWATER % Against Isaac: 0.71 Votes: 319
Precinct: KEITHSHIRE % Against Isaac: 0.73 Votes: 312
Precinct: CLEMENS HEIGHTS % Against Isaac: 0.75 Votes: 311
Precinct: DUKE % Against Isaac: 0.69 Votes: 309
Precinct: SHRINE % Against Isaac: 0.7 Votes: 306
Precinct: SIR BARTON % Against Isaac: 0.7 Votes: 306
Precinct: HARTLAND % Against Isaac: 0.75 Votes: 302
Precinct: MINT HILL % Against Isaac: 0.74 Votes: 301
Precinct: LAKEVIEW % Against Isaac: 0.69 Votes: 300

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Given that Cumberland Hill turns out a lot of voters, and these voters are not happy with Teresa Isaac, I expect to see Jim Newberry walking around my neighborhood this fall!

Newberry Challenges Isaac To Weekly Debates

2006-05-17T03:58:00.000-07:00

Snippets From the Lexington Herald Leader ...
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/14597516.htm

Posted on Wed, May. 17, 2006
It'll be Isaac, Newberry in November election
Challenger wants debates; incumbent ready to 'rumble'
By Andy Mead
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

[...]

It was close. Isaac finished ahead of Newberry by 500 votes out of more than 46,000 cast for four candidates.

Newberry immediately challenged Isaac to weekly debates after Labor Day, and Isaac told him to "get ready to rumble."

The race sets up a clear choice on city condemnation of Kentucky American Water -- Isaac is for it, Newberry against -- on the same ballot that could give voters a say on the controversial issue.

[...]

"More than 60 percent of those who appeared at the polls today have said loudly and clearly that they want new ideas and a new sense of direction for our city," he said. "In short, they said, folks it's time for a change."

When he left the stage, Newberry hugged Scott Crosbie, who lost to Isaac in 2002. Crosbie said he has known Newberry since Crosbie was at the University of Kentucky. Newberry gave Crosbie his first job out of law school.

[...]

Eliminated from the race were Bill Farmer Jr., a five-term council member from the fifth district; and cigar store owner Charles Martin.

Newberry said he planned to get together with Farmer today.

Isaac said she's confident that she will be able to pick up many of Farmer's voters.

[...]

Although Farmer had billed himself as the conservative choice in the primary, Newberry carried precincts in the traditionally conservative south end of town, as well as in the heart of Chevy Chase, Farmer's council district.

[...]

Although the two differ diametrically on condemning the water company, both support letting the voters decide the issue on the same November ballot that will determine which candidate will run the city. (The water referendum is the result of a petition drive, but the courts haven't decided whether it can be on the ballot.)

[...]

Missteps hurt Farmer

[...]

Farmer's campaign suffered from at least two blunders that hurt his showing.

Brad Shattuck, Farmer's campaign manager, got caught calling a radio talk show and used a fake name and situation to question Newberry.

[...]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The good news for Jim Newberry is that whenever Teresa Isaac starts talking, she says something ridiculous. The main way that Teresa Isaac emerged from the primary was not showing up to debates, not responding to policy criticisms, and keeping her mouth shut. Assuming Teresa Isaac takes up Jim Newberry's debate challenge, it is exceeding likely she'll make incredible statements like being able to pick up many Farmer voters.

Bill Farmer: Die-hard conservative
Teresa Isaac: Die-hard liberal

Bill Farmer: Against government takeover of water company
Teresa Isaac: Pro government takeover of water company

Why in the world would Bill Farmer/Charles Martin voters migrate to Teresa Isaac when Jim Newberry is an alternative? It makes absoultely no sense. In the LHL article, it mentioned that Farmer was meeting with Newberry soon, but Farmer also hinted he may or may not endorse another candidate. Whether Farmer makes an endorsement or not is pretty much irrelevant. He got thrashed in the primary, and it is hard to see that he has much of a political future. The people who voted for Farmer (or Martin) did so because of their conservative values on how government should be run -- maintaining free enterprise, lower taxes, fiscal discipline, and keeping government smaller.

The voters that are up for grabs are the ones who didn't show up to the polls on Tuesday. They probably don't feel as strongly about the issues that were discussed leading up to the primary, and very well could lean towards Teresa Isaacs. Newberry will need to work hard on winning these voters over, and also reaching out to Farmer/Martin voters.

Isaac and Newberry Emerge Easily

2006-05-16T17:56:00.000-07:00

The polls I received yesterday were dead wrong.

Teresa Isaac and Jim Newberry move on from the primary, each with about 36% of the vote. Charles Martin did surprisingly well for someone who simply ran on his values but no money, and Bill Farmer collected just 22% of the vote.

How did things go so wrong for Bill Farmer?
1. Radio show fiasco
2. Delay in advertising on TV
3. Being conservative isn't popular right now (see President Bush's poll numbers)
4. Farmer's personality & proposals didn't excite people
5. The Lexington Herald Leader is very, very influencial.

I think all of them matter, but especially the radio show fiasco and the Lexington Herald Leader's influence. The radio show fake-call in was unprofessional and did not reflect kind of character I'd like to see in a campaign manager. I wouldn't underestimate the LHL, however. Virtually all of their picks won -- which shows just how powerful the small editorial board is at influencing the direction in Lexington.

Obviously the most motivated voters participate in the primary, and I would bet a lot of UK students didn't vote today but will in November. My best guess is that Newberry will be our next mayor, because I can't envision many Farmer or Martin voters bolting toward Teresa Isaac. But she is clearly the front runner, with the incumbency advantage and coming in first place in the primary.

Vote Today

2006-05-16T06:03:00.000-07:00

I voted at Veterans Park Elementary school around 8 am. There wasn't much of a crowd, which suggests to me that turnout will be a key issue. I saw one very obvious violation -- a Teresa Isaac sign was posted on the public property in front of VPE.

Based on the poll which I received yesterday, I would guess the race is a statistical dead heat between Newberry, Farmer and Isaac. We'll find out tonight.

Latest Poll - Very Close

2006-05-15T13:32:00.000-07:00

I received an email that reported some recent poll numbers; I don't have a citation yet, but I thought this would be of interest to the blog readers ...

From Prestons-Osbourne firm
Thursday-Friday 5/11-12
Newberry 35%
Isaac 31%
Farmer 28%

Compared to the Garin, Hart, Yang Research Group poll from April 22-24
Newberry 32%
Isaac 26%
Farmer 17%

Regardless of whether Mayor Isaac emerges from the primary, it seems like she will be in serious trouble in the November election. I can't imagine that many Farmer, Newberry or Martin voters are satisfied with Teresa Ann Isaac's leadership in the last 4 years.

Jim Newberry Election Day Public Schedule

2006-05-15T11:38:00.000-07:00

For Immediate Release
May 15, 2006
www.newberryformayor.com

Contact: Shaye Rabold
HQ: 335-5539, Cell: 230-0990
shaye@newberryformayor.com

Media Advisory

Jim Newberry Election Day Public Schedule
(Times and Locations Subject to Change)

6:45 A.M. (Voting)
Location: KET Television Building, 600 Cooper Drive, Montclair Precinct

7:30 A.M. (Campaigning along Richmond Road and Winchester Road)
Magee’s Bakery, Bob Evans, Krispie Kreme, Panera, Spaldings, etc.)
Locations and Times (TBA)

11:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M. (Campaigning downtown)
Locations and Times (TBA)

6:30 P.M. (Election Night Party)
Location: Lexington Center, Elkhorn Room (on the lower level overlooking Vine Street/Triangle Park)

To contact the campaign for any reason tomorrow regarding Jim’s location or the Election Night Party, please contact Shaye Rabold, Campaign Manager.

Shaye Rabold: Cell: 230-0990, HQ: 335-5539

In the event you cannot reach Shaye, please contact Mark Riddle at 615-957-5770

###

Bill Farmer's Web Site Mentions This Blog

2006-05-15T04:36:00.000-07:00

I was happy to see that Bill Farmer's web site -- http://www.billfarmer2006.com/ -- mentions some of the commentary on this blog with respect to taxes. Jim Newberry has proposed to lower the income tax rate and raise the sales tax rate in Fayette County. Although I endorse the first part -- lowering the income tax rate -- the second part is a bad idea; it has been proposed by both Jim Newberry and Teresa Isaac in the last few weeks.

Why are raising sales taxes a bad idea? The key issue -- one that is confronted by a lot of "border cities" such as Louisville -- is that consumers can vote with their feet and shop in nearby jurisdictions with lower prices. If you ever doubt that this is an important issue, just look at two adjacent gas stations that have a small price differential in their gas prices. For example, on my way to work I pass a Shell & Speedway on Nicholasville Road near UK's campus. The Speedway usually charges a couple of pennies less per gallon, and always has much longer lines for gasoline. People respond to price differences. Raising the sales tax would put stores -- especially ones near the county border like the ones in the shopping center at Man O War and Nicholasville -- at a competitive disadvantage. If people are willing to line up to save 2 cents per gallon on gasoline, they probably would be willing to trek another mile down Nicholasville Road to buy their clothing or groceries for less money.

Not Again

2006-05-14T05:55:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader ...

http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/politics/elections/14570133.htm

Posted on Sat, May. 13, 2006

Newberry worker calls Farmer on radio
VOLUNTEER USES REAL NAME, DOESN'T SAY SHE'S ON CAMPAIGN
By Michelle Ku
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

Corey Kline, a volunteer with Lexington mayoral candidate Jim Newberry's campaign, called Live with Lee on WLAP-630 AM yesterday to ask a question of candidate Bill Farmer Jr. about his proposed tax cut.

Kline, calling on her cell phone from Newberry's campaign headquarters, identified herself as a University of Kentucky student who works part-time at a restaurant. But she never said she was with Newberry's campaign.
Farmer's campaign contends that Kline lied when she didn't identify herself as a Newberry campaign worker.

[...]

Kline's call has some similarities to a call that Brad Shattuck, Farmer's campaign manager, made to a radio show last month to ask Newberry a question. But Shattuck said his name was "Eric" and lied when he said he was a parent.

[...]

Rabold said that while Kline was on the line, she handed Kline a note telling her to say she worked for Newberry if they asked her that.

[...]

Lee Cruse, host of Live with Lee, said he doesn't think she lied. He also doesn't have a problem with her calling in.

"I don't think we should disqualify people just because they work for a campaign," Cruse said. "It's that sort of gray area, but it's not quite as egregious as what Brad did."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I agree with Lee Cruse that this call-in was not quite as egregious as the one that Farmer's campaign did, but it is still inappropriate. The candidates have plenty of time in the debates to question each other on their policies. Or, if you're going to call in, have the mayoral candidate himself do it. I didn't like the call-in fiasco when Farmer did it, and I don't like it now.

5 Big Issues

2006-05-14T05:40:00.000-07:00

The Herald Leader has issued a convenient scorecard on 5 big issues -- the water company, immigration, growth, the smoking ban, and city council relations.

http://www.realcities.com/multimedia/kentucky/pdfs/mayorquestions.pdf

Note that the Herald Leader neglects to ask about transportation/commuting times or the LexTran tax. Also, Teresa Isaac's statements on illegal immigrants contradict her earlier tone on illegal immigration in the 2002 campaign.

Some Attention For This Blog

2006-05-14T05:32:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader ...
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/14575639.htm

Posted on Sun, May. 14, 2006
Candidates try to sway a few more voters in stretch
By Michelle Ku
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

[...]

Three of the four mayoral candidates -- Urban County Councilman Bill Farmer Jr., Mayor Teresa Isaac and corporate attorney Jim Newberry -- and their volunteers canvassed Lexington yesterday and called people, encouraging them to vote.

[...]

As he introduced himself to the voters, Farmer stressed that he's proposed a cut in the city's payroll tax and that he wants to implement reversible lanes on Harrodsburg Road.

Joe Osteen, a resident on Nutmeg Place, liked the idea of a tax cut, but a reduction in the payroll tax won't help him because he's retired. Instead, he wants Farmer to do something about LexTran's property tax.

"When someone comes along and wants to roll the (LexTran) tax back, I'm for it," Osteen said.

[...]

While Farmer was doing his walking, his campaign took another jab at Newberry's Wednesday suggestion of a possible local sales tax in a response to a tax modernization question on WEKU-FM radio.

Farmer issued a news release saying that local business owners and a University of Kentucky economist were opposed to the idea of a sales tax. In the release, Barney Miller, owner and president of Barney Miller's audio-video store, said the Newberry sales tax would be detrimental to the local economy because it could "steer customers into adjacent counties to shop."
[...]

Back in Farmer's district

Yesterday, Newberry spent much of his day walking the neighborhoods in the Chevy Chase area, which is Farmer's backyard. Farmer is currently the councilman for District 5, which includes Chevy Chase.

[...]

Unlike Farmer, who only knocked on the doors of the homes on his list and spoke to anyone out in their yards, Newberry and his team methodically approached every house, the three of them coordinating with each other to make sure someone knocked on every door.

[...]

Isaac goes for the crowds

[...]

Isaac started at 8 a.m. yesterday walking in the Idle Hour area off Richmond Road. She then moved on to Mayfest at Gratz Park. Isaac ended her morning at Harrison Elementary School for the Mayor's Academic Challenge Community Award, an academic competition with teams from 16 Lexington elementary schools.

[...]

Isaac had public appearance events scheduled through midnight yesterday and three events today.

[...]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who is annoyed by the inefficient LexTran tax. The UK economist -- no shock -- is me, but these are of course my views alone and do not reflect anything about UK or the economics department.

Growth

2006-05-14T05:20:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader ...

http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/14575672.htm

Posted on Sun, May. 14, 2006

ELECTION 2006
Getting a grip on growth
THE NEXT MAYOR COULD PLAY A BIG ROLE IN THE CITY'S DEVELOPMENT
By Sarah Vos
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER
Charles Bertram/Staff

Perhaps the biggest issue facing the candidates for mayor -- and the one that may affect Lexingtonians most directly -- is whether to expand the line that divides the city's suburbs from its horse farms.

[...]

Keep the line where it is, and Lexington could push new houses to the surrounding counties, which have fewer planning regulations. Housing lots inside the city would become more expensive and along with them housing prices, developers say.

[...]

Urban County Councilman Bill Farmer Jr. says that the Urban Service Area has to expand. "But you need to do so as incrementally as possible," he said.

First, he said, the city has to become more serious about promoting infill, building on vacant lots inside the city, and redevelopment, refurbishing abandoned and underused buildings.

[...]

Mayor Teresa Isaac says that the amount of land for development should increase and, at debates and forums, strikes the most pro-development stance of the four. She declined to be interviewed for this story, but said in an e-mail that protecting Lexington's horse farms should be a top priority.

[...]

Attorney and candidate Jim Newberry says that it's too early to tell, but, if the Urban Service Area is going to grow by more than a few hundred acres, there needs to be a community-wide discussion of where, when and how. So far, that has not happened, he said.

[...]

Candidate and cigar store owner Charles Martin Jr. says expansion needs to be considered on a case-by-case basis. He says he supports infill and redevelopment but is skeptical that older buildings need to be preserved. "Just because something is old or downtown, doesn't mean it's historic," Martin said.

[...]

While the mayor doesn't play a direct role in deciding where to expand, he or she appoints members to the planning commission and, perhaps more importantly in the short term, can set the tone for debate.

[...]

According to the city's planning department, residential housing has consumed an average of 630 acres a year over the past six years. At that rate, the 5,700 acres the city estimates are still available for houses would be used up in 9 years.

Part of the trade-off in 1996 was creating the Purchase of Development Rights program, which buys conservation easements from farmers, preserving that land from development. So far the program has purchased development rights for 15,900 acres on 141 farms.

[...]

During the last campaign, Isaac pledged to spend $2 million a year on the PDR program, but in 2003 she allocated $1.5 million in her budget. Because the program receives matching dollars, the cut would have reduced the program's funding by even more. The council restored most, but not all, of the cut.

[...]

Newberry & Sales Taxes

2006-05-11T15:23:00.000-07:00

The following is taken verbatim from the Farmer For Mayor web site:

BREAKING NEWS: NEWBERRY PROPOSES NEW LOCAL SALES TAX FOR LEXINGTON!

On a broadcast on WEKU radio, Jim Newberry proposed adding a new tax on top of the citizens of Lexington.

"Having a more diverse revenue source, such as the sales tax, is an appealing financial option for the city,” stated Jim Newberry. “So, If we can find a way to get the legislature to authorize a local sales tax and then implement that by lowering the payroll tax, I think that would be a real smart thing for the city to do,” continued Newberry.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR NEWBERRY'S COMMENTS TO STU JOHNSON AS AIRED MAY 10th ON WEKU 88.9FM

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My View: In general, I think taxes in Lexington are too high, and lowering one tax while raising anoher isn't a good idea. With that said, lowering the income tax and raising the sales tax is a particularly bad idea, because consumers could "escape" the sales tax by shopping in other counties. While escaping the sales tax might seem desirable, it means that Lexington would raise less in tax revenue. This, in turn, would mean that the income tax couldn't be lowered as much.

Besides, for anyone who considers themselves a "progressive" (e.g., Liberal), raising the sales tax is regressive, because the poor spend a greater share of their current income on consumption than do the rich.

Newberry v. Farmer

2006-05-10T06:59:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader ...
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/local/14542087.htm

Posted on Wed, May. 10, 2006

Newberry ad accuses Farmer of raising taxes, cuts in police
By Sarah Vos
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

The mayoral race turned uglier yesterday, as attorney Jim Newberry released a new television ad attacking Urban County Councilman Bill Farmer Jr. for "raising taxes, wasteful spending, cuts in police, deceiving voters."

[...]

Brad Shattuck, Farmer's campaign manager, disputed the characterizations Newberry made about Farmer, and said that Newberry was distorting his own words.

"Yesterday he released a statement saying he was going to focus on issues, and today he focuses on gutter politics," Shattuck said.

[...]

Rabold justified the characterizations, pointing to votes that Farmer, a longtime council member, made to raise property taxes and increase athletic program fees and sewer fees. The property-tax reference involves a 2004 vote to dedicate 2.8 cents per $100 of assessed value for the health department; at the same time, the council decreased other parts of the property tax 2 cents per $100.

[...]

Rabold also pointed to missteps Farmer's campaign has made: hiring models for a parade, and Shattuck's call to the Dave Baker show last month, in which he posed as someone else to ask Newberry a question.

[...]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I wonder whether Newberry and Farmer are attacking each other because they are competing for second place in the primary and Isaac has a lead? I wish there were timely poll numbers.

The Herald Leader's Campaign Against Bill Farmer

2006-05-10T06:51:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader

http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/editorial/14542141.htm

Posted on Wed, May. 10, 2006
False fronts
Attack on Newberry reflects badly on Farmer

If Bill Farmer were elected mayor, you'd have to wonder which of his personas would show up for work.

Would it be the Farmer who wants everyone to get along, prides himself on working well with others and building coalitions?

[...]

Farmer's desperate attempt to label Jim Newberry a liberal by linking him with New York Sen. Hillary Clinton is really kind of silly. Hard to create a liaison dangereuse when they've never met.

[...]

It seems more likely that Farmer has learned from Clinton's shifting political persona than that Newberry has been infected by her alleged liberalism

After all, Farmer is the guy who bobs and weaves, who isn't quite what he appears to be.

[...]

He's the guy who claims he has been a force in city government for a decade but complains that it is too big and too costly.

If Farmer has plans and policies to improve Lexington, he should talk about them.

[...]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Newberry's campaign had a press release; the Herald Leader basically regurgitated the complaints in that release. The editorial is perhaps the most partisan one yet from the Herald Leader -- they are actively campaigning against Bill Farmer. One particularly objectionable line is about Farmer's plans and policies. See the Farmer for Mayor site -- www.BillFarmer2006.com -- for his policies.

Teresa Isaac Thinks She Now Deserves An A-plus-plus!?!

2006-05-10T06:36:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader

http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/local/14542086.htm

Posted on Wed, May. 10, 2006

ELECTION 2006
Students quiz candidates for mayor
GAMBLING ISSUE SPARKS LIVELY TALK
By Sarah Vos
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

[...]

If Kentucky voters approved a constitutional amendment to legalize gambling, Mayor Teresa Isaac would support bringing gambling to Lexington.

[...]

Attorney Jim Newberry would be in favor of limited games at the Red Mile and Keeneland but not turning Lexington into a mini-Las Vegas.

Urban County Councilman Bill Farmer Jr. said he wouldn't support gambling in Lexington.

"I love my city too much to blight it with the scourge of gambling," said Farmer, a jewelry store owner.

[...]

Isaac explained that she didn't personally have any objections to gambling. "I grew up Catholic, and I grew up playing bingo," she said.

[...]

In honor of the high school setting, the candidates were asked to grade Isaac's performance as mayor. In an earlier interview, Isaac had said that she deserved an A+.

At the debate, Isaac defended her grade. She had just received a letter from a constituent giving her an A++, she said. "So I may be rating myself too low."

[...]

Farmer gave Isaac an F. "Lexington needs a leader, and this mayor is a very good politician; she's just not a good leader," he said.

Newberry, a lawyer, declined to give a grade, saying that he would be more generous than Farmer but wouldn't rate her as high as Martin had.

[...]

Newberry Top Fund Raiser

2006-05-10T06:33:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader

http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/14544622.htm

Posted on Wed, May. 10, 2006
Mayoral fund-raising tops $1 million
By Michelle Ku
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

The four candidates in Lexington’s mayoral race have raised more than $1 million for Tuesday’s primary election.

In all, the candidates have raised $1,024,501 and spent $777,192.

[...]

In all, Newberry has raised $501,251.

[...]

In all, Isaac has collected about $288,924, which is more than what she received for the 2002 mayoral general election.

[...]

In all, Farmer has received about $231,000.

[...]

Charles Martin Has Dim View Of Lexington Herald Leader

2006-05-09T09:12:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader ...

http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/editorial/14533702.htm
Posted on Tue, May. 09, 2006

Martin offers only chance for change

CHOOSE MAYOR WHO BELIEVES IN FREEDOM AND CHOICE FOR ALL

By Charles Martin Jr.

The Herald-Leader editorial board's mayoral endorsements came as no surprise to me. I have seldom agreed with the paper's editors.

[...]

Another is the removal or reduction of the real estate portion of the LexTran tax. This referendum was put to the voters in a dishonest manner and should be changed.
I'm also against government condemnation of the water company, and I favor a higher dam on the Kentucky River for the real issue: water supply.

Our so-called enhanced garbage collection does not work for all citizens. We need to return to twice-a-week pickup.

[...]

People who like the way city government has been run the last four years should vote for the candidates endorsed by the paper. Those who believe in personal freedoms and choices for everyone should consider casting their vote for me on May 16.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I hope that Mr. Martin decides to run for city council sometime in the future.

Conservative Vs. Liberals: Bill Farmer Responds to Herald Leader

2006-05-09T09:10:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader ...
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/editorial/14533704.htm

UNENDORSED CANDIDATES RESPOND

Farmer can make government work
MAYORAL CANDIDATE WANTS LOWER TAXES, BETTER GOVERNMENT
By Bill Farmer

[...]

Lexington voters have a clear choice in this year's primary election for mayor. They can choose me, a conservative who has worked for years to lower taxes and make government more responsive and efficient.

[...]

Incumbent Teresa Isaac has already put her stamp on local government by failing to balance the budget without tapping into the city's rainy day fund, and Newberry's only government experience is helping put together a failed health care plan that taxed doctors and reduced the choices for all Kentuckians.

[...]

I am the only candidate who led the fight to create the internal audit unit which has saved taxpayers more than $2 million.

[...]

On May 16, voters can choose between intangibles, more liberal politics, or a proven success
making government work.

Another Discrimination Lawsuit Names Teresa Isaacs

2006-05-09T09:09:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader ...

http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/14533673.htm

Posted on Tue, May. 09, 2006

Police accused in new lawsuit
Dispatchers claim bias, retaliation
By Brandon Ortiz
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

Three Lexington police dispatchers filed a federal lawsuit against the city yesterday, claiming their supervisors retaliated when they complained about alleged mismanagement and gender discrimination.

[...]

The U.S. District Court lawsuit names as defendants the Urban County Government, Mayor Teresa Isaac, Beatty, Assistant Chief Kevin Sutton, Capt. James Turley, Lt. Richard Willoby, training manager Rick Henninger, and communications shift managers Jeff Adams and Debra Jo Robinson.

The lawsuit's timing is not fortuitous for the police department. Less than two weeks ago, a former officer filed a lawsuit claiming that some colleagues had discriminated against him because he is Hispanic.

[...]

The dispatchers accuse Isaac and Beatty of negligent supervision. Both were told about the problems and failed to stop them, the suit states.

[...]

Campaign Issue: Illegal Immigrants

2006-05-09T09:07:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader ...

http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/14533636.htm

Posted on Tue, May. 09, 2006
LEXINGTON MAYORAL CAMPAIGNThe talk gets tougherFARMER SAYS HE'S CONSERVATIVE, LUMPS NEWBERRY WITH HILLARY CLINTONBy Michelle KuHERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

Lexington's mayoral race took on a sharper tone yesterday, with one week to go before the May 16 primary.

Urban County Councilman Bill Farmer Jr. went on the attack in a TV commercial with partisan overtones. It compares corporate attorney Jim Newberry to Democratic U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton.

[...]

"It's important to note I'm a conservative in the race sitting between two liberal Democratic lawyers," said Farmer, a registered Republican.

[...]

Newberry's campaign quickly shot back at the ad.

"It's simply a desperate attack from a desperate politician who's trailing in the polls," said Shaye Rabold, Newberry's campaign manager.

[...]

Farmer's ad also features trick photography, Rabold said, pointing out that it begins with a shot of Newberry standing behind a podium with a picture of Clinton, a heart and the word "Hillary."

[...]

Besides the conservative issue, many of the questions focused on illegal immigration.

Farmer said he welcomed legal immigrants in Lexington but that the "ones here illegally need to retool or move on."

The federal government needs to streamline the process for legalized status, Isaac said. Fayette County farmers say they can't run their farms without the Latino work force, she said.

Newberry said that lllegal immigration is a major problem, but a national issue with policy set in Washington, D.C.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Why isn't Teresa Isaac playing the race card with illegal immigrants like she did four years ago?

Last Week of Mayoral Campaign

2006-05-07T07:05:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader ...

http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/local/14521018.htm

Posted on Sun, May. 07, 2006

Busy finale for mayoral candidates
LAST WEEK INCLUDES SPEECHES, CAMPAIGNING AND THREE FORUMS
By Michelle Ku
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

[...]

Besides meeting with voters and speaking to civic organizations, the candidates will participate in three public forums this week.

[...]

On Monday, Urban County Councilman Bill Farmer Jr., Mayor Teresa Isaac and corporate attorney Jim Newberry are scheduled to attend a town-hall forum at the Kentucky Theatre, 214 East Main Street.

[...]

On Tuesday, The Dave Baker Show on WLAP-630 AM will hold a forum in front of a group of students at Tates Creek High School.

[...]

The final mayoral forum before the primary is WVLK-590 AM's live broadcast from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Joseph-Beth Booksellers.

[...]

Although there aren't any public forums for the nine council at-large candidates this week, a taped League of Women Voters at-large forum will air on Library Cable Channel 20, Monday through Saturday and May 15 at 10 a.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As long as you're not on vacation (like I am), participate in the democratic process by attending the debates & asking hard hitting questions.

Another Shocker: Teresa Isaac Is Endorsed By Herald Leader

2006-05-07T06:55:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/editorial/14515383.htm

Posted on Sun, May. 07, 2006
Pick Isaac, Newberry in mayoral race
Put strongest candidates on fall ballot

[...]

Our recommendation: Nominate incumbent Teresa Isaac and challenger Jim Newberry.

The third serious candidate, 5th District Councilman Bill Farmer Jr., has played a prominent role in his 10 years on the Urban County Council and done some good things. But Farmer is as much a part of city hall as the mayor.

[...]

Aside from that, Farmer has run an uninspiring campaign. His promise to cut the occupational tax from 2.25 percent to 2.15 percent, saving the average person $40 a year, should make voters wonder why he didn't push the idea harder as a councilman.

[...]

Farmer didn't fire a campaign manager who faked a critical call to Newberry on a radio program.

[...]

Newberry comes across as more thoughtful. And Isaac, to our surprise, has done well enough as mayor to warrant a shot at a second term.

[...]

She disappoints on the intangibles of governing. She's short on the leadership qualities that unite people behind a progressive vision.

[...]

She inspires little confidence that she has a firm handle on Lexington's infrastructure or economic needs and seems unwilling to steer development onto a more sustainable path. She's a less-than-effective voice on Lexington's behalf in Frankfort.

[...]

And Newberry has also published issues papers. We would like to see him put some sharper points on "Newberry's New Ideas" and draw clearer distinctions between himself and Isaac, especially on development, how to solve a growing city's sewer and water-quality problems and preserving Lexington's unique landscape.

[...]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Its not at all surprising that the Herald Leader believes Teresa Isaac's leadership has done well, given her support of the water company condemnation. And Newberry is more moderate than Bill Farmer, so they're trying to weed out the most conservative candidates. A real contrast would be between Bill Farmer and Jim Newberry -- they do have different ideas, and both would move the city in better directions than Teresa Isaac.

The Herald Leader's critiques of the Farmer campaign, however, are true. It has been uninspiring. Newberry's campaign is full of energy, with weekly issue papers, etc. Farmer's campaign doesn't seem to have put anything new on their website since April 20th. And the fake radio call was unacceptable. If Farmer survives the primary, his campaign manager should step down.

Lots of Action on the City Council Blog

2006-05-06T05:13:00.000-07:00

Check out http://lexingtoncitycouncil.blogspot.com/ . The Herald Leader endorses someone who defends deadbeat dads and a slew of pro-condemnation candidates.

Lawsuit Dropped Against Mayor

2006-05-05T04:41:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader ...

http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/14505610.htm

Posted on Fri, May. 05, 2006

Bias suit against mayor is dismissed

EX-IMMIGRANT SERVICES CHIEF CLAIMED FIRING WAS ACT OF RETALIATION
By Valarie Honeycutt Spears
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

U.S. District Judge Joseph M. Hood yesterday dismissed a lawsuit filed by former Urban County Immigrant Services Coordinator Abdon Ibarra against Lexington Mayor Teresa Isaac and Commissioner of Social Services Alayne White.

Ibarra, who says he is appealing the ruling, filed suit in August 2004 against Isaac and White, claiming he was fired in August 2003 as an act of retaliation because he spoke out about issues affecting Hispanics.

[...]

Ibarra's lawsuit claimed he was thwarted as he tried to speak out about racial discrimination, exploitation and mistreatment of Hispanic workers.

[...]

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

At least that's one distraction that Teresa Isaac has behind her. Maybe she can now lay out her agenda for the next term and respond to the other candidates' proposals.

Newberry Endorsed By Lexington Carpenters

2006-05-04T11:18:00.000-07:00

For Immediate Release
May 4, 2006
HQ: 859.335.5539
www.newberryformayor.com shaye@newberryformayor.com
Contact: Shaye Rabold

Newberry Endorsed By Lexington Carpenters
Newberry continues to gain momentum

(Lexington, Kentucky) - Jim Newberry, candidate for Mayor of Lexington, today announced that the Carpenters Local 1650 Union has endorsed his candidacy.

"I am honored to have the endorsement of Lexington's carpenters,” said Newberry. "Working families are the backbone of this great community. I have a tremendous amount of respect for the men and women of the Carpenters Local 1650."

The Carpenters Local 1650 represents approximately 300 carpenters.

"We felt that Jim Newberry has the integrity, ideas and vision to move Lexington forward in the right way," said Jerry Yates, President of the Carpenters Local 1650. "Jim has a history of uniting people, solving tough problems and fighting for working families and people who may not otherwise be able to fight for themselves. He will be the people's advocate as Mayor."

Who Do You Get To Vote On In The May Primary (Besides The Mayor's Race)?

2006-05-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

From http://www.fayettecountyclerk.com/fccweb/Candidates.jsp

LOCAL OFFICES

Urban County Mayor
Jim Newberry

Bill Farmer, Jr.

Charles F. Martin

Teresa Isaac

Urban County Council At-Large
George A. Brown, Jr.

Bryan Coffman

Al Mitchell

Chuck Ellinger II

Jim Gray

Linda Gorton

Sandra Shafer

Jon Larson

Steve Kay

Urban County Council - District 1
Robert B. Dalton

Terrence D. Tichenor

Gwendolyn Godfrey

Andrea James

Robert R. Jefferson

Urban County Council - District 3
Ed Brown

Don B. Pratt

Ryan Schneider

Dick DeCamp

Urban County Council - District 9
Jay McChord

Richard Francis

Wanda Mattingly

COUNTY OFFICES

County Judge/Executive
Charles E. Thomas (R)

Wade S. Littrell (R)

Sandra M. Varellas (D)

County Attorney
Bill Cegelka (D)

Larry S. Roberts (D)

County Clerk
Don Blevins (D)

Carol Angel (D)

Constable - District 2
Andrew Lynn (R)

Lynda L. Myers (R)

Howard V. Langston (D)

P. D. Harrison (D)

Constable - District 3
Crofton M. Bays (D)

T. Jack Hudson (D)

Patricia Ann Winburn (D)

Chevy Chasers Dominate Political Contributions

2006-05-03T08:19:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader ...

http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/14486816.htm

Posted on Wed, May. 03, 2006

Mayoral hopefuls tap funds from 40502 and beyond
By Sarah Vos And Michelle Ku
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITERS

One quarter of the money paying for this year's mayoral campaigns came from one Lexington ZIP code, 40502. But just as much came from people who live outside Fayette County and can't even vote on May 16.

[...]

But other interests are giving healthily. People with ties to real estate and development gave 19 percent of the total, or $174,000. Not surprisingly lawyers added in another $88,000 or 9 percent. Two of the candidates, incumbent Mayor Teresa Isaac and corporate attorney Jim Newberry, are lawyers. Those with farming and horse-industry ties gave $51,000 or 5 percent.

[...]

The campaigns have until Monday to turn in the final finance report due before the May 16 primary.

The givers include family and friends of the candidates, co-workers, former clients and the candidates themselves.

[...]

City commissioners and employees contributed the most, with $22,200. Most of their contributions went to Isaac.

[...]

In some cases, several family members gave the maximum to the same person. Isaac, for example, collected $1,000 from Leonard Lawson, the former owner of Mountain Enterprises. Lawson's wife, his son Steven Lawson and his son's wife also gave the maximum to Isaac.

[...]

Residents of 40502 -- the zip code of Chevy Chase, Ashland Park and other affluent neighborhoods -- contributed $225,000 to all three campaigns, 24 percent of the money raised.

[...]

People who don't live in Lexington and won't be able to vote in the primary contributed $220,258 or 23 percent of the total. Newberry raised $103,721 from people outside Lexington, Isaac raised $69,467 and Farmer, $47,070.

Those contributors include candidates' family members, people from their hometowns and business contacts.

[...]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

See the post below for further analysis.

A Valuable Herald Leader Contribution ... No Joke!

2006-05-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

http://www.heraldleaderonline.com/contributions06/

Quick analysis of Teresa Isaac contributions based on data accessed from Lexington Herald Leader web site.

The Lexington Herald Leader's web site list 1,883 separate donations to the Isaac, Newberry and Farmer campaigns. Over the next few days, I will analyze these donations.

There appear to be 1553 separate donors, based on name and location. Even this number of donors is too large, however, because some people donate using initials, etc. For example, D. Ball and Don Ball are likely the same person Also, husbands and wives are counted separately. The number of donations is larger than the number of people, because some individuals donated as many as five times.

It appears that Teresa Isaac is the largest single contributor to her campaign, donating $10000.

Overall, 136 different individuals contributed $1000 or more to Teresa Isaac's campaign. In total, $238,299 has been contributed to the Isaac campaign. This amount -- $238,299 -- differs from what the Herald Leader reports; I have no idea why except that I might not have found all the donors on in their database. Of those that I found in the database, $148,300 -- or 62% -- was contributed by large, fat-cat contributiors of $1000 or more. This percentage differs from the Herald Leader's report because there are probably some smaller contributors that I was unable to find in the database. They include a number of Lexington contributors but also some out-of-city or out-of-state contirbutors too. $69,782 -- or nearly 30% of the donations -- was contributed from individuals or PACs that didn't live in Lexington.

Out of state donors
$10664 was contributed by out-of-state donors.

They were:
Zogby, James -- Washington DC -- TREASURER -- ARAB AMERICAN LEAGUE -- $1000
Ferreri, Caroline -- Naples FL -- ATTORNEY -- FERRERI & FOGEL -- $1000
Wantuch, Anthony -- Avoca NY -- OWNER -- ANTHONY PROPERTY MANAGEMENT -- $1000
Wantuch, Mark -- Avoca NY -- CONTRACTOR -- MARK WANTUCH -- $1000
National City Corporation -- Cleveland OH -- $1000
Edwards, Peter -- Columbus OH -- DEVELOPER -- EDWARDS COMMUNITIES -- $1000
Macke, Cynthia -- Moscow OH -- NOT EMPLOYED -- $1000
Isaac, Samuel -- Long Beach CA -- CATERER -- SAMUEL ISAAC -- $500
Arab American Leadership PAC -- Washington DC -- $500
McClelland, John -- Charlotte NC PARKS DEPARTMENT -- CHARLOTTE CITY GOVERNMENT -- $500
Dotson, Judith -- Knoxville TN -- HOMEMAKER -- $500
Dotson, Terry -- Knoxville TN -- PRESIDENT/CEO WORLDWIDE EQUIPMENT -- $500
Merchant, John -- Cincinnati OH -- ATTORNEY -- PECK SCHAFFER $250
Snapp, Dairell Stuart -- FL -- RETIRED -- $200
Correctional Medical Services, Inc. PAC -- St. Louis MO -- $150
Hock, Thomas -- Cincinnati OH -- OWNER -- PTM -- $150
Welt, Mark -- Cornelius NC -- EMPLOYEE -- ASTRA SOFTWARE CORP. -- $100
Unknown -- $314

Excluding the mayor, $11,627 was contributed by LFUCG employees.
These include:
Casey, Larry -- POLICE OFFICER -- $1300
Beard, Julian -- ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR -- $1000
Deboer, Kathleen -- COMMISSIONER -- $1000
Hendricks, Robert -- POLICE DEPARTMENT --$1000
Holmes, David -- ATTORNEY -- $1000
Langston, Rebecca -- COMMISSIONER -- $1000
Smith, W. -- ADMINISTRATOR -- $1000
White, Alayne -- CITY OFFICIAL -- $1000
Whitehead, Jay -- COMMISSIONER -- $1000
Counts, Donna -- DIV. OF FINANCE -- $927
Clark, Timothy -- COMMISSIONER -- $700
Fogle, Willard -- ADMINISTRATIVE AIDE -- $250
Milward, Charles -- EMPLOYEE -- $250
McConathy, Betsy -- ASSISTANT TO CHIEF OF STAFF -- $200

Has Teresa Isaac Flip Flopped On Illegal Immigrants?

2006-05-03T05:32:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader ...
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/14486825.htm

Posted on Wed, May. 03, 2006

CAMPAIGN 2006
Immigration: Candidates can't ignore it
Lexington politicians forced to take position on the issue
By Valarie Honeycutt Spears
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

[...]

But after thousands of immigrants rallied in downtown Lexington, it's a question that candidates running for mayor and at-large Urban Council Council seats can't ignore -- or avoid.

[...]

Should the city refuse to help illegal immigrants at all?

[...]

Previously, Mayor Teresa Isaac has said development of the Hispanic labor pool is critical to the economy. Susan Hammond, a spokesperson for the mayor's re-election campaign, said that at the same time, Isaac is opposed to people coming or working here illegally.

[...]

In February, the Latino Support Group for Mayor Teresa Isaac said it had raised at least $15,000 toward her re-election campaign.

[...]

"We need tighter border control and clear rules for those who wish to come to America legally," Newberry said through a spokesman. "We must welcome people who work hard and play by the rules in seeking to live here and earn citizenship."

[...]

"If you are here legally and are on the tax rolls, we welcome you," said Brad Shattuck, a Farmer spokesman. "If you are here illegally, it's time you find a way to become a law-abiding citizen or move on. It's a crime to be here illegally. We can't take a laissez-faire approach."

Mayoral candidate Charles Martin has a similar position: "If they want to be productive, working citizens, they need to follow the rules just like everyone else."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Teresa Isaac's tone seems to have changed a bit if she is now representing her position as opposing "people coming or working here illegally." According to a Lexington Herald Leader article on Oct 31, 2002, in a debate Mayoral Candidate Scott Crobie said about illegal immigrants "When I go to a movie theater and try to sneak in through the back door they send me out of the movie theater. We have rules and laws in place that we have to honor.” On the other hand, Teresa Isaac tried to make the illegal immigration issue into a race issue. The article reports that Teresa Isaac said she wouldn’t support rounding up immigrants simply “because of the color of their skin.” In addition to trying to change the issue from a legal issue to a race issue, to me, it sounds as close a politician will come to saying that she won't enforce the laws on the books.

You can find the cached version on the article about the 2002 debate by searching here.

Newberry Campaign Releases Quality of Life Platform

2006-05-02T13:02:00.000-07:00

From: http://www.newberryformayor.com/index.php?name=Sections&req=viewarticle&artid=17&page=1

Enhancing Our Neighborhoods and Our Quality of Life

The Lexington tapestry is a rich blend of unique neighborhoods with an assortment of attributes that contributes to our outstanding quality of life. Our neighborhoods are distinct and diverse areas within our larger community. Neighborhood activists can and do have significant impact on the quality of life in their neighborhoods by reducing traffic problems, correcting sewer and water problems, creating and maintaining pleasant and attractive surroundings, dealing with building and code enforcement issues and an array of other problems that affect individual neighborhoods. When our neighborhoods work together, they can have a profound and positive impact on the overall quality of life in our city.

Our quality of life depends on our maintaining and expanding those cultural and aesthetic features which make Lexington such a special place to live, work and raise a family. For Lexington to attract and retain the individuals necessary to sustain our economy, we must offer superior schools, we must offer an attractive array of arts and cultural offerings, cultural and entertainment opportunities, superior health care, great schools, efficient and effective public services and infrastructures, and a physically attractive city.

As mayor, Jim Newberry is committed to enhancing both our neighborhoods and our quality of life. To do that, Jim has identified the following five goals for Lexington.

Jim Newberry is committed to creating an Office of Neighborhoods within the Mayor’s Office to support existing and future neighborhood and homeowners’ associations. During or before Fiscal Year 2009, Jim proposes to create the Office of Neighborhoods. In collaboration with the Fayette County Neighborhood Council, the Office of Neighborhoods would assist in:

Coordinating neighborhood involvement in Urban County Government activities, especially proposed developments that impact existing neighborhoods.

Advising the mayor of matters that are of concern to neighborhoods.

Encouraging and promoting the development of effective neighborhood leadership and representation.

Creating new neighborhood associations in areas of the community where none presently exist.

Providing neighborhoods with information about funds available for neighborhood improvements.

Facilitating the prompt resolution of neighborhood nuisance complaints with the Office of Code Enforcement and other appropriate Urban County Government agencies.

Providing information to neighborhood leaders about ways to monitor environmental issues affecting their neighborhoods.

Jim Newberry is committed to holding an annual Neighborhood Summit involving leaders of the Fayette County Neighborhood Council, neighborhood and homeowners’ associations and representatives of the Urban County Government agencies involved with the neighborhoods.

An annual meeting of neighborhood leaders and Urban County Government officials will:

Facilitate the exchange of ideas for making all of our neighborhoods stronger.

Build positive working relationships between neighborhood leaders and key local government officials.

Provide a forum at which the efficient and cost-effective delivery of local government services to the neighborhoods can be implemented through the elimination of duplication of efforts and the identification of gaps in service.

Address new urbanism design concepts and other types of neighborhood enhancement programs to strengthen our existing neighborhoods and to provide information about design alternatives for new neighborhoods.

Enable the community to better understand the critical role of neighborhood and homeowners’ associations in making Lexington a better place to live.

Identify common concerns of neighborhoods so that Urban County Government can respond to those concerns in a prompt and unified fashion.

Jim Newberry is committed to preparing an annual quality of life report card for Lexington. In 2001 and 2002, New Century Lexington compiled a review of a variety of indicators of the quality of life in Lexington. This survey, call the Report on Community Livability, provided a snapshot of our community’s quality of life, but for such an effort to reach its maximum effectiveness, we need to regularly monitor a broad number of indicators which reflect how our community is faring. Jim believes a survey similar to the one conducted by New Century Lexington can provide our community with a means of measuring the results of our efforts to enhance the quality of life in Lexington.

Jim Newberry is committed to using the Mayor’s Office to support Lexington’s arts and cultural activities. To attract and retain the employers and employees to sustain our economy, Lexington must offer a variety of arts and cultural activities. As Mayor, Jim will support our existing arts and cultural activities and work with the Lexington Arts and Cultural Council to expand those activities in the years to come. Specifically, Jim is committed to:

Collaborating with the Lexington Arts and Culture Council and the Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau to make the arts a significant economic generator in Lexington by:

Developing an arts festival in Lexington which will, in time, be similar in size and scope to the Spoleto Jazz Festival in Charleston, South Carolina, but with a focus on bluegrass music, sacred music and art, equne art or other area of artistic endeavor that would be strongly supported by Lexington artists, composers, performers, sculptors, photographers and others in the art world.
Coordinating efforts by the Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau to promote arts activities in Lexington as reasons for visitors to come to our community so that our arts community can soon become a significant generator of tourism jobs.

Assisting Lexington’s arts groups to obtain funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Kentucky Arts Council and other sources of external funding.

Working with the horse industry to promote arts activities in conjunction with racing at Keeneland and the Red Mile and in conjunction with sales events at Tattersall’s, Fasig-Tipton and Keeneland so as to expose Lexington’s vast array of arts offerings to visitors from around the country and around the world.

Jim Newberry is committed to providing funding for youth activities, such as scouting and summer employment opportunities, especially in our low income neighborhoods. Investing in our young people improves our quality of life both now and in the future. By providing summer employment opportunities, Urban County Government can keep its grass mowed and keep our kids off the street and out of trouble. By providing activities such as scouting, we can help our kids to develop great character traits that will make them better citizens in the future. These experiences can help many of our young people to see new opportunities and to find a vision for their future. The cost of not investing in our kids far exceeds the cost of summer jobs and scout uniforms.

Links
[1] http://www.newberryformayor.com/index.php?name=Sections&req=viewarticle&artid=17&allpages=1&theme=Printer

[2] http://www.newberryformayor.com/index.php?name=Sections&req=listarticles&secid=1

[3] http://www.newberryformayor.com/index.php?name=Sections&listsections

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When any of the candidates put out a press release, I'll try to get it up on the blog. I don't think that Teresa Isaac or Charles Martin have web sites, so it is much more difficult to do this for them.

Mayoral Candiates Positions On Taking Over Private Enterprise

2006-05-02T08:51:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader ...
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/14477972.htm

Posted on Tue, May. 02, 2006
4 support a referendum, but only 1 would vote yes

Where the mayoral candidates stand on condemnation and on the prospect of a water company condemnation referendum, and how they would vote on the referendum if it made it to the ballot:

[...]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three of the mayoral candidates -- Councilmember Bill Farmer Jr., Attorney Jim Newberry and cigar store owner Charles Martin -- oppose a government takeover of the private water company. All support the right of the people to vote on this issue, and they will personally vote "No" to such a takeover. Mayor Teresa Ann Isaac supports the government taking over the private water company, supports the referendum, and would vote "Yes" on it.

Some of my earlier criticisms about Bill Farmer and Jim Newberry now seem unwarranted. They have now clearly laid out their position on taking over private enterprise.

Herald Leader's Pet Project - Taking Over Private Companies

2006-05-02T08:38:00.000-07:00

Snippets From the Lexington Herald Leader ...
Posted on Tue, May. 02, 2006
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/14477975.htm

ELECTION '06
Water war quiet now - but wait six months
CANDIDATES DIFFER; REFERENDUM POSSIBLE
By Andy Mead
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

[...]

For the first time in four years, Lexington is in the midst of a political campaign -- the field for mayor and several Urban County Council seats will be narrowed in 14 days -- in which the pros and cons of condemning Kentucky American Water are not center stage.

[...]

That's expected to change dramatically before the November general election, especially if the courts decide that the question of who should own the utility will be on the ballot in the fall.

[...]

In the mayor's race, for example, Mayor Teresa Isaac favors condemnation, while her three challengers, Bill Farmer Jr., Charles Martin and Jim Newberry, all oppose it. The one area of agreement among the four: The condemnation referendum should be on the ballot so everyone can have their say.

[...]

Now the courts are being asked to settle a question they didn't get around to last year: Whether a petition-driven referendum is ever permissible.

The issue is before the Kentucky Court of Appeals, which is scheduled to take it up in August.

[...]

Referendum on public mood

[...]

Pro-condemnation forces argue that it's good public policy for a local government to control a resource as precious as water. They point out that more than 90 percent of American cities own their water systems.

Those on the anti-condemnation side say the city has no right to buy a company from an unwilling seller, especially since no one claims the company is doing a poor job providing water.

[...]

But the 2004 council elections -- which saw large amounts of campaign contributions and heavy advertising from pro- and anti-condemnation forces -- sent four anti-condemnation candidates to the council, shifting the balance of power.

The dynamics have changed

[...]

Rogers, the coalition leader, thinks having that question on the ballot will spell trouble for Mayor Isaac.

"This city is still largely against condemnation," he said. "If that's on the ballot, people will come out and vote against the mayor on that issue."

[...]

Of the nine at-large candidates, the group said, five (Chuck Ellinger, Jim Gray, Linda Gorton, Steve Kay and Sandy Shafer) support condemnation. Two (George Brown and Al Mitchell) oppose it, and two (Bryan Coffman and Jon Larson) didn't respond. Coffman has said he opposes condemnation.

[...]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In an earlier story, this another Herald-Leader reporter also said that Al Mitchell opposes condemnation (see this link), but a flyer I received from George Brown claims the opposite. George Brown's claim seems to be supported by an earlier report from the "No Takeover" web site. So I'm not really sure where Al Mitchell stands.

Letters to the Editor - Opinions

2006-05-01T04:59:00.000-07:00

Letters to the Editor - Opinions

Of interest to UK students ... commentary on the mayoral debate

Mayoral forum benefit to students

The radio forum that was held Wednesday night was a great way for candidates to reach students. Personally, I was in no way interested in politics.

However, due to persuasion from family and friends, I have tried to become involved, and show my interest for politics. The current story in local politics is the mayoral election. In the beginning I could have cared less about who won, but when I heard of the radio forum that was going to be held, I decided to tune in and see what the three of out four candidates had to say. Two candidates, Newberry and Farmer, took an interest in the student population on campus; not only because they want our votes, but because they think politics is important and they wanted to give students a chance to voice their opinions, and I think that is amazing.

Far too often, students are overlooked - yes we may still be young, but we are old enough to vote; and we too, like adults, have interests in politics. For them to come to campus and talk to students shows not only that they are dedicated to their campaigns, but they are also interested in discussing issues that relate to students with the students, by not just talking at them but with them. I think that this event was the start of something amazing, and hopefully it can continue on in the following years and encourage people to vote!

Kelly Wiley
journalism freshman

Teresa Isaac Compares Herself To Congresswoman/Ultimate Fighter Cynthia McKinney

2006-05-01T04:44:00.000-07:00

Snippets From the Lexington Herald Leader ...
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/business/14470249.htm

THE BUZZ
Isaac remembers to pass the mike
By Jim Jordan
HERALD-LEADER BUSINESS WRITER

After last week's mayoral debate at WKYT-TV, Mayor Teresa Isaac handed her clip-on microphone to a reporter and quipped: "I don't want to pull a Cynthia McKinney."

McKinney is the Georgia representative who leaped into the spotlight in March for scuffling with a Capitol Hill cop, and again about a week ago when she left a TV microphone on after an interview.

[...]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Is Teresa Isaac gearing up to join Cynthia McKinney in Congress after the mayor's election?

Teresa Isaac Pork Barrel Politics, City Council Holds The Line

2006-05-01T04:15:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader ...
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/editorial/14458275.htm

Posted on Mon, May. 01, 2006

Replenishing rainy-day fund crucial to city's fiscal security

By Ed Lane

[...]

Last month, by a vote of 13-1 and after an extended period of evaluation, the council approved a revised economic contingency account: the rainy-day fund. Its targeted balance is set at 10 percent of the city's general fund revenues, or about $25 million.

[...]

Why is the rainy-day fund essential?

[...]

• Lexington is self-insured. All health care, disability, liability and casualty insurance claims are paid by local government on a "pay as you go basis."

[...]

• Lexington's Police and Firefighter's Pension Fund has a long-term unfunded actuarial accrued liability of $165.2 million. The city's part of this liability is $19.1 million, based on the city's June 30, 2005, financial statement.

[...]

• Lexington had $263.4 million in bond debt on June 30, 2005.

[...]

• Lexington's rainy-day fund cash balance is $8 million. [...] The fund balance now equals only eight days of operating expenses.

[...] actual tax revenues and budget surpluses are often considerably higher than the mayor's estimates. Should Lexington take money out of the rainy-day fund when our government has a budget surplus and projects an increase in revenues for the coming year?

[...]

Isaac's proposed 2007 budget takes $4 million from the rainy-day fund and eliminates any payments into the fund. This action will reduce the fund's minimum anticipated balance at the end of next fiscal year from $9 million to $4.2 million. By comparison, the Louisville-Jefferson County Metro Government has more than $64 million in its rainy-day fund.

[...]

This issue is not "another political squabble with the mayor." The rainy-day fund is a major philosophical difference between the fiscally responsible approach of the council and the spend-and-tax policies of the mayor.

[...]

Ask Lexingtonians if they give the mayor an A-plus rating regarding her recommended exploitation of the rainy-day fund.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Obviously many people in Lexington are upset with Teresa Isaac's "A+ arrogance." Teresa Isaac's latest television commercials boast that she has turned the city's deficit into a surplus, and tries to convey the image of an independent, strong leader. Councilmember Ed Lane clearly illustrates why her claim is inaccurate, misleading and irresponsible. Teresa Isaac raided the rainy day fund (as well as raising taxes). I wonder why she didn't put that in the TV commercial?

Teresa Isaac Part Of Discrimination Lawsuit File By Hispanic Employee - Lawsuit Details

2006-04-29T13:08:00.000-07:00

The actual lawsuit can be found at: http://www.realcities.com/multimedia/kentucky/pdfs/fernandez.pdf

Regarding Mayor Teresa Isaac:

(p. 11, Count VII, Negligent Supervision)
"78. Defendant Isaacs and Defendant Lexington-Fayette County Urban Government owe the highest duty of care to the public to supervise their employees, agents, authorized representatives and/or independent contractors to ensure that they follow established Statutes and state and federal laws.
79. The Defendants breached their duty by failing to supervise its management team despite having actual and/or constructive knowledge of the practices administered by its Supervisors that were contrary to State Law and Federal."

(p. 12, Count VII, Negligent Retention)
"81. Defendant Isaacs and Defendant Lexington-Fayette County Urban Government had a duty to exercise ordinary care in employing personnel who would follow State Law and not discriminate against Hispanic employees."

Teresa Isaac Part Of Lawsuit

2006-04-29T03:39:00.001-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader, http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/local/14458224.htm
Posted on Sat, Apr. 29, 2006

Hispanic ex-police officer sues
Says department forced him to quit
By Brandon Ortiz
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

A former Lexington police officer alleges he was forced to resign because he is Hispanic and that some officers targeted Hispanics "for easy arrests," according to a federal lawsuit filed yesterday.

[...]

The lawsuit alleges that some officers violated Fernandez's due process, liberty interest and First Amendment rights; discriminated against him because he is Hispanic; inflicted emotional distress; forced him to resign through coercion; and libeled him by making false accusations.

The Urban County Government and five police officers are named as defendants. Mayor Teresa Isaac is named for alleged negligent supervision and negligent retention.

[...]
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The reason this article is on here is because the lawsuit involves one of the mayoral candiates -- Mayor Teresa Isaac.

Jim Newberry Transportation Plan

2006-04-28T13:59:00.000-07:00

I'll offer my opinions on this in the next few days ...

For Immediate Release
April 28, 2006
www.newberryformayor.com

Contact: Shaye Rabold
HQ: 859.335.5539, Cell: 859.230-0990
shaye@newberryformayor.com

Newberry Release Traffic Platform
Part Seven of Newberry’s New Ideas Platform Rollout

(Lexington, Kentucky) Today, Jim Newberry, candidate for Mayor of Lexington, released the seventh part of his platform entitled “Newberry’s New Ideas” with the release of “Fixing Our Traffic”.

Newberry said, “Our traffic problems did not arise overnight, and we will not be able to fix them overnight. However, we must begin to address both our immediate and future transportation needs now. Additional delays only make the cost of improvement much greater.”

Jim Newberry is committed to the following proposals:

Jim Newberry is committed to expanding the role of the Traffic Management Center. The Traffic Management Center currently operates during morning and afternoon rush hours on Monday through Friday. During those times, members of the Urban County Government’s Traffic Engineering staff monitor road conditions and traffic flow, and when accidents, congestion or other problems occur, the staff can adjust light sequencing to improve traffic flow. Jim supports:
Expanding the hours of staffing to address weekend and special event traffic problems.
Utilizing data from the Traffic Management Center to re-evaluate light sequencing, especially in off-peak travel times. Specifically, Traffic Engineering will be directed to annually update selected groupings of traffic signals in heavily congested areas.
Continuous equipment and software updates to keep the Traffic Management Center and our existing traffic infrastructure operating at the highest levels of efficiency.

Jim Newberry is committed to working with state and federal officials to get needed Lexington traffic improvements designed, funded and constructed. Some badly needed projects have been on the drawing board and should soon be under construction, such as the Newtown Pike Extension, the widening of Leestown Road from Masterson Station Park to New Circle Road, the improvement of the Todds Road and Liberty Road intersection, and the completion of Citation Boulevard. Other projects have yet to be designed, such as the widening of New Circle Road within the existing rights-of-way from Versailles Road to Newtown Pike and the improvement of New Circle Road from Newtown Pike to Richmond Road. How and when these projects could be implemented has much to do with the availability of state and federal funds for those projects, but the sooner we start to seek those funds and begin the design process, the more quickly those improvements will be implemented. As noted in Part One: Governing Effectively, Efficiently and Ethically, Lexington must work closely with our legislative delegation and our congressional delegation to obtain state and federal funding for these critical improvements.

Jim Newberry is committed to mixed use developments in residential neighborhoods that will enable residents to complete many trips without the necessity of getting into a car. By reducing our community’s dependence on cars for every trip and creating neighborhoods where errands can be completed by walking or biking, we can lessen the strains on our existing streets and roads. Encouraging mixed-use developments will reduce the number of automobile trips for each household by bringing restaurants, retail shops, groceries, and services closer to homes.

Jim Newberry is committed to making LexTran a more convenient and more attractive transportation alternative. Expanded use of public transit is another means by which we can reduce our current traffic levels. As mayor, Jim will appoint individuals to the LexTran board who are committed to improving both the frequency and quality of LexTran’s services in order to increase ridership. Specifically, Jim will work with LexTran to promote circulator bus or trolley service to connect Transylvania University, downtown and the University of Kentucky. A circulator service will contribute to downtown revitalization efforts as we need to provide residents, employees, students, and tourists a way to move around downtown safely, efficiently, and inexpensively.

Jim Newberry is committed to expanding regional efforts to address transportation planning. Land use planning decisions made by our neighbors can have a profound impact on traffic flow in Lexington. Jim will work with our neighbors through public entities, such as the Bluegrass Area Development District and the Metropolitan Planning Organization, and through private entities, such as Bluegrass Tomorrow, to address regional transportation needs. Not only will such cooperation assist in improving traffic flow on major arteries, but it will also help to provide the regional collaboration necessary to enable state and federal policymakers to provide financial assistance to address our traffic problems.

Jim Newberry is committed to developing a comprehensive transportation and land use plan to guide regional transportation planning agencies in their decisions. The Comprehensive Plan update process is presently underway, and in the past the Comprehensive Plan has consisted of an analysis of land use, community facilities and the transportation network. However, Lexington must be far more proactive in assessing future transportation needs and in developing a comprehensive transportation plan to guide decisions by the Metropolitan Planning Organization, a key element in getting transportation projects addressed by state and federal policymakers. Jim will work with the members of the Metropolitan Planning Organization to ensure that Lexington’s transportation needs are evaluated annually and that our funding priorities are updated annually so that our transportation issues can be promptly addressed in Frankfort and Washington. Until we connect Lexington’s Comprehensive Plan process with the long-range planning efforts of state and federal transportation agencies, we will not be proactive in addressing our transportation needs.

The entire Fixing Our Traffic platform will be available on the Newberry for Mayor Website: www.newberryformayor.com and is attached to this email.

Upcoming Mayor Debates

2006-04-28T09:09:00.000-07:00

Source: http://www.billfarmer2006.com/events/debates/

May 1, 7:00-8:00 pm
Eastland Parkway Neighborhood Association
Specerian College auditorium
1575 Winchester Road
2006-05-01 19:00:00-20:00:00
Sponsored by the Eastland Parkway Neighborhood Association.

May 8, 5:15-7:15 pm
Downtown Mayoral Debate
Kentucky Theater
2006-05-08 5:15 - 7:15
Sponsored by Quadrant 2 Consulting, Nougat Magazine, and Preston-Osborne.

May 9, 8:30 AM - 12 noon
Dave Baker Radio Show Debate
Tates Creek High School Theatre and Broadcast LIVE on WLAP-630AM
2006-05-09 8:30 - 12:00
Dave Baker will host all four Mayoral candidates, live for his entire show. Broadcasting live from the Theatre at Tates Creek High School. You can listen live on the radio or attend in person.

May 11, 7-8 pm
WVLK-590AM Mayoral Debate
Joseph-Beth Booksellers and Broadcast LIVE on WVLK-590AM
2006-05-11 7:00 - 8:00
Sponsored by News Talk WVLK-590AM.

Bill Farmer's Interview With Business Lexington

2006-04-28T07:27:00.000-07:00

Some snippets from Tom Martin's question & answer with Bill Farmer
BUSINESS LEXINGTON
Apr 21, 2006

On Political Philosophy:
Bill Farmer :Well, I think the easiest word is conservative, without assigning a letter to that. I think the idea that the government can be efficient and smaller and more responsive all at the same time kind of sums it up.

On Small Business:
Bill Farmer :As mayor, the most important thing you can do is set the tone, not just for the entire government but for the entire city, and I think the important thing there is to realize the huge economic development engine that the University of Kentucky is. It takes kind of two forms there. One is the newly developing Medical Center core that’s really going to change the entire south end of the campus and that area of Limestone. ... But then you kind of step back to central campus and look at what goes on in the ASTeCC Building and what kind of emerging technological and information-driven businesses are going to spin out of there and go to Coldstream and take root there. … That’s the innovative edge that Lexington can continue to court and take advantage of.

Farmer has proposed lowering the local income tax by 1/10%. This could also be viewed as a move to stimulate the economy and encourage businesses to locate in Lexington.

On Tax Increases For Schools
Bill Farmer :No, sir, I don’t. I think there are other things you explore first before you call for a tax increase. … I’m not going to stand up and make the first thing out of my mouth to call for a tax increase. There’s a call for more efficiency, there’s a call to spend more time with our relationship to understand what the needs are… What I want to do is find a way to break this down to some building block pieces that we can accomplish on so we can forge that tighter, better partnership that we haven’t had, so that everybody can become part of it. Not everybody that you sit down next to is a big proponent of helping the schools because they may not have a child in school, they may not see the use in us having the best schools around to attract the next best set of entrepreneurs.

On the Smoking Ban and Water Company:
Bill Farmer :Let me give you a broad answer. I think on smoking right now, the best thing to do is just let it continue to work. I think there are certain members on the council who want to propose some potential changes or to look at that legislation. … I’m not against having those conversations or looking at that legislation. … On the water issue, right now we are spending our time to be diligent to understand what’s going to happen with the parent company of the local water company being for sale. I think it’s important for us to be in a position where if we decide we want to enter in and make a bid or make a play for this industry to bring it locally, that we can do so.

As with other candidates, Farmer's answer is too wishy-washy on the water company issue. Either you want to condemn, or not. Either you want it to remain private, or not.

Of Interest to UK Students - Part 2

2006-04-27T05:12:00.000-07:00

Students encouraged to vote before leaving town for the summer'

Evan Israel

Posted: 4/27/06

UK students who are registered to vote have a way to cast their ballot for the May 16 primary election ahead of time, before the skip out of town for the summer. There is still a way for those students to vote, however, said Dave Newton, a member of the group Kentuckians For The Commonwealth." If they're going to be out of the county on Election Day, they can vote early," Newton said. He suggests that students take a half-hour off from studying and walk down to the County Clerk's Office, which is under the parking structure downtown near the Kentucky Theater.

Mary Kitts, Voter Registration Manager for the County Clerk's Office, says that students wishing to vote can come any time during the week from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to fill out an absentee ballot, but must come between now and May 15, since that is the day before the election.

She says the option is an important one."It just gives people who would not be able to vote the ability to cast their vote," Kitts said. Only students who will be out of the county on Election Day are able to vote early. Any student who wants to contact the County Clerk's Office for more information may call 255-VOTE (255-8683). Students who are interested in learning more about the candidates before voting may check the Kentuckians For The Commonwealth Web site starting May 2 for survey answers, at www.geocities.com/ckkftc .

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I checked out the Geocities page, and there's not much there. They do have a Yahoo group -- http://groups.yahoo.com/group/KFTC-CKY/ -- which states their mission:

"Kentuckians For The Commonwealth (KFTC) is a statewide grassroots organization. We are a progressive activist group that believes in the power of citizens, working together, to challenge injustices, right wrongs and improve the quality of life for all people. Take this opportunity to join KFTC and make a difference."

For example, Dave Newton -- mentioned in this article -- posted at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/KFTC-CKY/message/862 about living wage demonstrations. I have studied such ordinances extensively -- see http://www.epionline.org/study_detail.cfm?sid=90 and http://gatton.uky.edu/faculty/yelowitz/albuquerque.html , for example. Citywide ordinances can have adverse effects on the labor market, especially for less-skilled workers.

I find it surprising that the article didn't mention KFTC's agenda, but rather just plugged their web site.

Of Interest to UK Students - Part 1

2006-04-27T05:07:00.000-07:00

From: http://www.kykernel.com/home/index.cfm?event=displayArticlePrinterFriendly&uStory_id=da689fbe-fdf8-44df-8c56-733752e51b6a

Radio forum draws two of four mayoral candidates
Dariush Shafa
Posted: 4/27/06

A semester's worth of work on local politics by a UK journalism class culminated in a live radio Q&A session with three of the four Lexington mayoral candidates yesterday afternoon. Journalism professor Buck Ryan and his JOU 499 class, "Lexington and the Mayor's Race," set up yesterday's session in a partnership with the radio show "Campus Voices" on 88.1 WRFL-FM. Ryan said projects like this are all about getting citizens - especially college students - involved in the political process. I think that only through face-to-face interaction will anyone, young or old, get turned on to politics," Ryan said.

Two of the four candidates - Lexington-Fayette Urban County councilman Bill Farmer Jr. and local lawyer Jim Newberry - came in person for the session and a third candidate, cigar store owner Charles Martin Jr., phoned in to the radio show on WRFL. Incumbent Mayor Teresa Isaac did not participate.

The live radio session covered topics that reflected student concerns, including the Lexington Area Party Plan and "brain drain" - the loss of professors to other universities and the loss of students to jobs in other states after they graduate." Many of the interests the students have are similar to the interests of the community," Newberry said. Both Farmer and Newberry turned out early for the event, which kicked off with a cookout and a mock-debate by students in Ryan's class, four of whom role-played as the candidates and argued for their issues.

Journalism senior Cara Blevins played Farmer, journalism junior Khaled Ahmed played Isaac, journalism junior Keith Brooks played Martin and journalism junior Erin Schmitt played Newberry. Having the students take on those roles and having their follow students observe, Ryan said, was where some of the best learning was taking place." The real learning is happening with these students as they defend their position," Ryan said.

Newberry said his experience at the event yesterday was a pleasant one."I've enjoyed having a chance to visit with Buck and the folks in his class," Newberry said. "Plus, it's a chance to visit with some students who are politically active and will be likely to vote." Newberry, who was president of UK's Student Government in the 1977-78 school year, said he feels like he's on familiar ground, which will help him when it comes time for students to vote." It feels like 30 years ago. It's a very familiar setting," he said. "I can establish some relationships and some rapport now and it will serve me well in the election, and they (students) will be a potent force."

While the primary election will take place on May 16, after the spring semester is over, Ryan said other methods of voting are just as good."I think absentee ballots, early voting, they're all important ways to exercise the franchise in a very modern way, so I'm all for it," he said.

Farmer said he thought the session was well put together. "They made a happening out of it," Farmer said. "I've had a great time. It's always a pleasure to be on campus." Farmer also said he was happy with the turnout, but wanted to see it grow even larger. " A chance to be out here on campus with undergraduates is a great opportunity," he said. "I just wish there were more. The whole idea is to get students involved in the process."

Jim Newberry Profile

2006-04-27T03:00:00.000-07:00

Snippets from the Lexington Herald Leader ...
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/local/14438827.htm

Lawyer Newberry is heavy on focus and experience
By Sarah Vos
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER
Posted on Thu, Apr. 27, 2006

[...]

Friends say Newberry is low-key, more policy wonk than politician.

[...]

Background of experience

[...]

Part of the attraction, Newberry said, was that Jones wanted Newberry to work on creating the Kentucky Health Care Access Foundation. Now called Health Kentucky Inc., the group matches poor people who need medical care with providers who agree to work for free.

[...]

First shot at politics

[...]

In less than eight years, they grew from three attorneys and a part-time secretary to 28 attorneys with offices in Lexington, Nicholasville, Frankfort and Washington, D.C.

[...]

By 1998, [...] Newberry was already running for Congress.

[...]

A critical moment -- and one that people still remember -- came at a debate hosted by KET. Newberry went after Scorsone, a defense attorney, for representing "drug dealers, child molesters, church embezzlers and wife beaters," and accused him of not being tough on crime as a legislator.

[...]

Primary groundwork

[...]

In September 2004, he announced that he was running for mayor. [...] More recently, he's been knocking on doors and releasing his nine-part platform. In television commercials, he emphasizes that he's a deacon at his church and a newcomer who hasn't been tarnished by the bickering at city hall.

[...]

Newberry says that his understated manner won't hurt him in the voting booth.

[...]

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sarah Vos' article for the Herald Leader focused much more on his personality and far less on his current policy positions. Contrast that with Ku's article on Teresa Isaac.

Although personality (compared with policy positions) is a relatively minor factor in my voting decision, I detest arrogance. Teresa Isaac's "A+" arrogance really bothers me, because it shows she's out of touch with voters. I would prefer "understated" and "policy wonk" to "no regrets" and "A+".

I wish the reporter had discussed the policy issues more in the article. For example, taxes, schools, commuting, water company, etc. People who vote in the May primary probably care about those.

Why did I highlight the "Healthy Kentucky" blurb? See http://www.healthyky.org/grantees%20AHC05.htm . No names are listed on the grants, but you can figure out why I highlighted them.

Fight Against Smoking Ban Tops Martin's Priority List

2006-04-27T02:55:00.000-07:00

Some snippets from the Herald Leader ...
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/14429599.htm

Posted on Wed, Apr. 26, 2006
Fight against smoking ban tops Martin's priority list
By Michelle Ku
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

[...]

Martin [...] figured there was so much anger and outrage over the Lexington smoking ban that people would flock to his cause -- and his campaign for mayor.

[...]

The other three mayoral candidates -- Urban County Councilman Bill Farmer Jr., Mayor Teresa Isaac and attorney Jim Newberry -- have said they think the smoking ban is working well, but they're not opposed to reviewing it.

[...]

He particularly disliked the passage of the smoking ban, reduction of garbage collection to once a week and the LexTran public transit tax levied on real estate.

[...]

Smoking: Let owners decide

[...]
His business hasn't been hurt by the ban, but many small businesses are suffering, Martin said.

His first choice would be to repeal the ban and let business owners decide whether to allow smoking. If they do allow smoking, businesses would be asked to place a sign outside so people will know before they enter, Martin said. The second option would be to amend the ban to allow smoking in bars after 10 p.m., a time when children shouldn't be there, Martin said.

[...]

Martin also wants the LexTran tax to be switched from real property to either a gas tax or a commuter tax.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I like many of Charles Martin's stands, but he is a protest candidate. He shouldn't be surprised that people don't know his stands -- attendance at all mayoral debates is essential for a serious candidate. Also, as far as I can tell, he doesn't have a web site. That can't help. I would hope he would consider running for city council in 2008.

Jim Newberry's Interview With Business Lexington

2006-04-27T02:54:00.000-07:00

http://www.bizlex.com/story.php?id=586

Business Lexington editor Tom Martin’s question & answer with Jim Newberry

BUSINESS LEXINGTON

Apr 7, 2006

On Small Business

Jim Newberry: I want to create a more business-friendly environment with local government. Try to facilitate the permitting processes that a lot of businesses have to go through down there so that it works better … and the role of local government doesn’t become a major impediment for small business owners. Having started and operated my own small business here in Lexington, I know how frustrating that can be, and we can make a lot of improvement on that front in particular. But I also think one of the things that local businesses, small businesses particularly, encounter is a very difficult time gaining access to capital. … Putting in place some structures where you can get the folks who need the money together with the people who have the money would be an enormous help for the community.

My view: Lower taxes, no threats of government takeover, and rebuking citywide minimum wages would be a start towards a pro-business city.

On Tax Increases For Schools
Jim Newberry: I don’t think that Stu has come to that conclusion just yet. There are a lot of funding issues presently pending in Frankfort, and the outcome of how those things are resolved is going to have a big impact on whether or not additional local funding is going to be needed for our school system. One of the big problems that Fayette County Public Schools experience under KERA is that the funding formula, at the state level, puts us in a huge disadvantage compared to virtually all other school systems in Kentucky. I was talking with Superintendent Silberman this morning, and he indicated that we’re right at the bottom of the list for all the school systems in Kentucky in terms of funding from the state. So, we’ve got to find some sort of way to address those funding inequalities that arise from the state’s funding formula. If we do that, then we can avoid the necessity of a tax increase.

My view: Why hasn't Teresa Isaac lobbied the state? That seems more desirable than raising taxes.

On the Smoking Ban and Water Company
Jim Newberry: Well, to talk about the water company in particular, I think there’s a good chance there’s going to be a referendum in the fall - I hope there is. Whatever the outcome of that referendum is should be the direction in which the community goes. … I believe the smoking ban issue is in large measure behind us. There are, from time to time, folks who make suggestions about some minor modifications, but I think that one’s behind us. …

My view: I don't like Jim Newberry's answer to the water company question -- he shouldn't hide behind a referendum. A simple "Yes, I want to condemn it" or "No, I don't want to condemn it" would be much more satisfactory.

On the Next Mayor

Jim Newberry: I think they’re looking for deep perspective. Wherever I go in this community it is remarkable how high the dissatisfaction level is with what’s been going on in local government over the last several years. There’s no doubt in my mind what people want to see - a fresh approach taken. I think people are looking for a lot higher level of accountability. … I think they’re interested in seeing somebody who has a vision for the future of this community that can help bring people together as opposed to finding ways to drive wedges between us.

My view: There's no doubt about that one. Teresa Isaac's spin aside, the last four years have definitely not been an A+.