I see where Burley has been getting some major hits for his job as magistrate and Judge Executive. He was elected to serve as Magistrate for 12 years by the people he represents and, I believe, won by significant margins each time.

If he has done such a poor job, how did he win reelection so many times, and I will add that he ran against some very good opponents too (including Don Estep).

When I see remarks such as these above telling how crooked a candidate is, that is a slap in the face for everybody that voted for him/her, especially one who has served multiple terms.

In Burley's, case, I think the people of Corbin deserve a little more respect than that. They are not fools.

Wow! Saved us????? Burley was Elected a few times and wanted to run this time around for Judge Executive, after testing the water he clearly understood the Massive fallout & damage from his mis-handling as Magistrate and the Bungling Job he did as Judge Executive.

Burley was one of the main Wheels in the Cog that put the County Government in 18 Million Dollars worth of Debt, one of Mike Patricks strongest supporters who voted with Mike 98% of the time according to Court Voting records.

Thanks to Burley our paychecks are now Taxed along with Higher 911 Fee's and a Host of other new fee's. Jerry Taylor was also Elected dozens of times but ya see what happened in the end, Burley should never ever be appointted by the Governor for anything after this Massive County Meltdown!

You can't run away from the Facts here, look closely at Burleys record, especially if he runs again, in 40 plus years of living, working, voting in Whitley County this was by far the worst performance by County Magistrates & Judge Executives in the history of the County.

Your Tax's have moved higher and faster over the last 6 Years than ANY period in our past, very little to show for all this wasted Funding, look closely and you will see Burley & Mike Patrick, Jerry Taylor and the other three Magistrates right square in the middle.

The Slap in the Face is when I look at my Paycheck and see the Occupation Tax, 911 Fee Increase and all the other NEW Tax's Burley helped put on me. Offended? Every Average citizen in Whitley County who earns a Paycheck here are the one's who should be offended, not Burley's Political Cronies!!!

Anonymous wrote:

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I see where Burley has been getting some major hits for his job as magistrate and Judge Executive. He was elected to serve as Magistrate for 12 years by the people he represents and, I believe, won by significant margins each time.

If he has done such a poor job, how did he win reelection so many times, and I will add that he ran against some very good opponents too (including Don Estep).

When I see remarks such as these above telling how crooked a candidate is, that is a slap in the face for everybody that voted for him/her, especially one who has served multiple terms.

In Burley's, case, I think the people of Corbin deserve a little more respect than that. They are not fools.

---

How did he win re-election so many times? How did Bush win the Presidential primary vs. John McCain in 1999? How did Bush win again in 2004? How did Bob Terrell lose in Whitley County in 2006? How did Jesse Ventura win the Governor's race in Minnesota in 1999?

Some additional questions - How does Jerry Springer win annually in the May Sweeps and overall daytime ratings? Why does the National Enquirer outsell many local newspapers? Why is McDonalds considered by many the best restaurant in the area? Why is porn #1 on the internet? Why does cocaine outsell deodorant in the U.S.?

The same people that make these items #1 are also voters. We act like because someone votes, they are automatically given genius status, but let me ask you - what percentage of voters would you let babysit your kids?

Just because someone wins an election, or re-election, doesn't mean they were the best person for the position. Our public has a history of voting poorly, and the examples are numerous, voting not for the best person and qualifications, but because they are Republican or Democrat, or because they were a local jock (or worse, an actor or wrestler), or because they spread a lot of verbal manure during their campaign that they never follow through on once elected, and so on. Many of these people live higher on the hog at our expense, but like idiots we keep electing them, buying the "it's bad everywhere" BS they keep throwing out as an excuse for debt, occupational taxes, and so on.

If we vote for someone for stupid reasons and they do a poor job that hurts many people, then maybe we deserve a verbal slap in the face. Something has to wake us up, because the poor economy, poverty, the war, and political corruption doesn't seem to be fazing anyone.

Quit buying the same old BS people - vote for the person, not the party.

The Poster is Correct:

The Current Gov. is completley Oblivious to what has unfolded here in Whitley County, surely the folks here will not support this Fumbling, Bumling Circus Act in the upcoming election. Look closely at the Job this guy has done and do not let your attention be diverted to some other Issue that you can not control.

Look at what you bring home (Your pay Checks) and how the Local & State Governments have sold one of the Poorest Counties in the NATION down the road.

Only a Handful of Area's on a NATIONAL level rank below us in Earned Income & Education! That's right folks, this is on a National Level!!!!

With all of this said, the County Government appointed by the Gov, slaps an Occuaptional Tax on it's citizens that only earn 18K-19K per year, which again is one of the Poorest in that Nation!!! What kind of folks in their right mind would further Tax a Region like this??????

Their are a Host of other tax's like the Restaurant Tax (Only A Type of Example), Special Option Sales Tax's, many other Tax's that would have not intruded into your Paychecks and would have been much easier on the Tax payers of Whitley County. On the other Hand a Payroll Tax is very easy to implement and can raise tax money quickly at the Expense of the Local Workforce only?? Remember this is a Workforce who Earns one of the Ten Lowest averages in the Nation!!!

This area should be supported, Built and Encouraged by the Federal , State & Local leaders with both Funding and Expertise to Grow and prosper, Taxing this WorkForce will backfire as Gas Prices Skyrocket and real take home money leaves your local paychecks, send a Message to Fletcher and this wild West Show!!!

SAY NO TO ERNIE"S WILD WEST RODEO AND SIDESHOWS!!!!!!

Only a Handful of Area's on a NATIONAL level rank below us in Earned Income & Education! That's right folks, this is on a National Level!!!!

With all of this said, the County Government appointed by the Gov, slaps an Occuaptional Tax on it's citizens that only earn 18K-19K per year, which again is one of the Poorest in that Nation!!! What kind of folks in their right mind would further Tax a Region like this??????

Their are a Host of other tax's like the Restaurant Tax (Only A Type of Example), Special Option Sales Tax's, many other Tax's that would have not intruded into your Paychecks and would have been much easier on the Tax payers of Whitley County. On the other Hand a Payroll Tax is very easy to implement and can raise tax money quickly at the Expense of the Local Workforce only?? Remember this is a Workforce who Earns one of the Ten Lowest averages in the Nation!!!

SAY NO TO ERNIE"S WILD WEST RODEO AND SIDESHOWS!!!!!!


YOUR WILD WEST RODEO AND SIDE SHOW STARTED AT CITY HALL WITH PEOPLE LIKE JOE SHELTON WHO KNOWS SQUAT ABOUT RUNNING A BUSINESS.

I certainly agree with the last poster, Mr. Shelton has nothing what so ever to do with the Bumbling & Stumbling Fletcher Adminsitration. That's silly to drag Shelton into this, why? Sounds like a Personal issue here.

This is about the current state we are in as a Region, again look at what our people make in earned Income, educational levels, where we rank compared to other states and areas.

I am impressed with former Lt. Governor Beshear and State Senator Mongiardo in the Democratic primary. Beshear was Lt. Gov. when Governor Martha Layne Collins was in office and they were able to get Toyota to come to Kentucky. That has been one of the most ourstanding economic development actions in the last 75 years. There are over 100 other plants that have located in Kentucky in order to service Toyota. Aisin in Lily is one of these excellent suppliers to Toyota.

I have been impressed with State Senator Mongiardo and his knowledge and ability to communicate on the complex issues we face today. I believe they will be able to jprovide outstanding leadership marked with integrity and deserving our trust.

Bob Terrell, Sr.

The recent editorial in the Times Tribune about Gov. Fletcher and his boys coming to the area to give out big cardboard checks was outstanding. I have never seen a group that tries to take credit for every nickel of the tax payers money it distributes. They act like it is their own money they are giving away. Thank goodness the Times Tribune has come alive since its new Editor has come to the area. Some of the nicest people in our area are those who grew up in some other state or area. The diversity is good for us. And it is valuable to hear their opinions about our area.

Fletcher has been great to some people in Whitley County. He has given a pardon to one of them that has gotten the person out of two indictments. He gave a top payiing job to a former County Judge who helped Whitley County come close to be taken over by the State. The sons of several of these Whitley County bosses have not had to face a jury for the laws they broke.

The Fletcher and Bush administrations have been corrupt, deceptive, and incompetent. But if they give a little money to Whitley County that washes away all their sins. To whom much is given, much is expected has been replaced with, to whom much is given, they want much, much more.

Mr. Estep unfortunatley has every right to say what he believes, the best defense here is a good offense from the times tribune. They just may start fighting back a little, the ball is now in their court now.

The people of Whitley County who work here must ask theirselves if they are better off after this Invest from Frankfort? Wish I knew the answer to that but I do know just a few things that effect my own Paycheck:

1. My healthcare expenses are continuing to rise, 79% Increase over the last 4 years.
2. Tax's are 45% higher than they were a few years ago
3. My paycheck raises are usually 3%-4%
4. Groceries & Food have risen 20%
5. gasoline up 58 Cents per Gallon in 90 Days

Where again is this Investment helping us, someone just refresh my memory as my wallet shrinks.

How Again is the New Expo Center & Golf Courses going to get these items under control???

The News Journal Editor and Reporters have every right to express their opinions on The Fletcher Administration. Freedom of Speech. However, every person that lives and works in Whitley County needs to ask themselves are they Better off now than they were about 3-4 years ago.

I see Whitley County still in Debt?
You still are paying a 1% PAYROLL TAX on your Paychecks?
You pay now more on your 911 FEES?
You pay more on Food sales Tax?

All this Money that is being handed out by the Fletcher Administration doesn't help the average common person who is being TAXED to no end.

Why not spend the 58 milllion on the Whitley County DEBT? Abolish the Payroll Tax?
Abolish the Excess 911 Fees? Nothing these folk's are doing is helping the common person in Whitley County. Nobody is talking about you the common person in Whitley County! Don't you find this strange around election time. All we here is New Roads,Upgraded delapidated theaters.

Do all these Money presentations help Whitley County get out of Debt and Abolish the UNJUST PAYROLL TAX you are paying?????

Anonymous wrote:

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I am now convinced that if Satin brought a few bucks to Whitley County, we would vote him into office. I'm sick of hearing from a few people that because these corrupt political leaders bring a few bucks to a few of their friends on a few mostly worthless projects, that they are doing good for all of us. They are doing good for a few of you, but for the people out in the county and low-income families, these folks don't do squat. Come on people, wake up and smell the politcal BS - its strong, and its deep. Quit letting these selfish bastards convince you that they are in it for the people. Very few run for honorable reasons, and we don't seem to want to elect many of those that do.

I think this post says it well, and Mr. Estep seems to have fallen into the same way of thinking - we should support crooks, as long as we get our share of the dirty money. This mentality is why we are so screwed up in the first place, being easily bought off for a few road dollars and "big checks". Boasting about a few roads that should have been handled without fanfare anyway - this is supposed to be their job - Mr. Estep acts like these clowns have really taken care of the people. What a joke.

The Times-Tribune's "Big Check" commentary is right on the mark - good story from today's Lexington Herald Leader


Governor's Travel Companions: Big Checks

AFTER DOLING OUT STATE FUNDS, HE HOLDS FUND-RAISERS

By Ryan Alessi
RALESSI@HERALD-LEADER.COM

GLASGOW --Tuesday afternoon, Gov. Ernie Fletcher delivered oversized checks representing $4 million in state funds for Barren County projects. That evening, he left Glasgow with at least $52,000 in donations for his re-election bid.

Several of the key campaign contributors manage companies that either have been hired to work on those state-funded projects or are possible bidders on other building projects Fletcher announced.

The powers to distribute state money and contracts are two of the prime advantages an incumbent governor has when running for a second term.

Kentuckians this spring are seeing for the first time how those powers can be used during a campaign because Fletcher is the first governor to draw a serious re-election challenge since a 1992 constitutional amendment allowed a governor to seek consecutive terms.

Fletcher has been busily traveling the state throughout the spring with oversized checks and sometimes followed those presentations with fund-raisers nearby, just as he did in Barren County.

Some critics say having such an event after delivering state funds makes it appear that both government and voters' support is up for sale. Backers of the governor insist the campaign donations are necessary ways to show their appreciation and help the incumbent win a second term.

"It's no secret in politics that whether you're running for president of the United States or city council, that if you're an incumbent it's easier raising money," said Marty Ryall, Fletcher's campaign manager. "In the governor's case, it's because the governor has done a good job, and he's been fair."

Barren County Judge-executive Davie Greer, a Republican and Fletcher supporter, described the governor's day in Barren County after Wednesday's fiscal court meeting this way: "He brought $4 million down here today, and we're sending some of it back to Frankfort with him."

"Well, we did," Greer said later in an interview.

She said the 75 people who attended the fund-raiser at Robert and Kelly Oliver's home gave "at least $52,000" for the re-election fund.

When asked whether it gives the wrong impression to voters if a governor doles out money for projects, then collects campaign donations from people seeking those lucrative contracts in the same day, Greer paused to think.

"Hasn't it always been like this?" she replied. "That's nothing new."

County Magistrate Carl Dickerson said he doesn't have any qualms with Greer or the Barren County doctors who attended the fund-raiser writing checks to Fletcher's campaign.

But he said he had questions about company executives who are seeking contracts with the state opening their wallets for the governor -- especially the same day Fletcher announced the funding.

"I think the contractors are wanting to give some money back and send it back to Frankfort because they're getting it from Frankfort," said Dickerson, a Republican who supported Fletcher in 2003 but is now backing Anne Northup in the GOP primary.

Larry Dean Glass's firm, for instance, landed a contract to provide stone and asphalt and manage the expansion of the Trojan Trail, a two-lane road in Glasgow that passes several schools and the potential site for a telephone call center that has considered moving to the area.

More than $1.36 million of the money Fletcher delivered this week was tagged for that project, following $650,000 allotted last year.

Glass said his company placed the only bid last year for that job -- which happens to be the first of its kind in Barren County.

Such road projects there have never before required an outside firm to manage them. That is normally a function of the state Transportation Cabinet.

But Glass said it was done to "fast-track" the project. He said no deal or arrangement was made with the administration for him to land the job in exchange for his support.

"I don't feel any obligation. My obligation is what's best for this community," he said. "I'm supporting the governor because he has been really good to Barren County."

But Glass, as well as several other key donors who attended Tuesday night's event -- including road contractor Henry Hinkle and American Engineers Inc. president Ben Quinn -- can't even vote for Fletcher in the GOP primary. They're registered Democrats.

Dickerson, the magistrate, said it's ironic Fletcher is finding some of his strongest support from Democrats and contractors whom Fletcher broadly referred to during the 2003 race as the backbone of the Democratic Party's "good ol' boy" system.

"When Ernie Fletcher said he was going to Frankfort to clean things up, it became pretty obvious later that he was in with the good ol' boy network -- the same old crowd," said Dickerson.

Ryall, Fletcher's manager, said the governor has "absolutely not" made deals with contractors in exchange for campaign support. And he said any support from Democrats is genuine.

"You've got a lot of folks all across the south who are conservative-minded and registered with the Democrats," said Ryall, an Arkansas native. "Then in the fall, they can vote for whoever they want."

David Dickerson, Carl's brother who put on a $19,000 fund-raiser for Northup last Monday, said Kentucky voters should be skeptical of Fletcher's check presentations.

"I see little difference between handing out $5 or bottles of whiskey to people in exchange for their votes and Ernie Fletcher bringing these big checks to people, saying 'I bring the money back, vote for me,'" Dickerson said. "I think Ernie Fletcher is trying to tell the people what they're worth: Barren County is worth $4 million."

"I resent it," he added.

Wow!

I Guess the Democratic Administrations never ever would or have done anything like this, now would they.

let's take a little trip down memory Lane and look at our friend Julian Carroll and a few More, I'll see if I can find that Information and refresh your very short term memories.