May 20, 2012: Our readers write

Real politics vs. campus politics

I want to commend Sherry Kelley on her recent letter in support of Jimmie Lee’s reelection. As a voting member of  the District, I too wish to add my support for Jimmie Lee. A man who already has proven himself to have and has practiced all the attributes and more portrayed by the letter writers from Madisonville, Danville, Bowling Green, New York city and Chicago. It is amazing how the letters from all those diverse places seem to read alike.

I don’t know Mr. Bryan but I am sure he must be a fine young man and that he did a fine job in campus politics while at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green. I suggest however, there is a vast difference between campus politics and the politics practiced in our state’s capital.

Sponsoring essay contests, spelling bees, slogan competitions and mock elections is fine for training children, but I would like my representative to engage in a little more serious business.

We already have such a man in Jimmie Lee. Mrs. Kelley’s letter pointed out the many awards and accolades he has received. So lets keep the experience where experience counts. Lets keep Jimmie Lee.

William L. Cox

Elizabethtown

Lucky to have Lee

Recently, we were in Somerset. I went into a local restaurant to pick up some sandwiches. While I was waiting in line, a man came in and got in line behind me. He asked if that was my car in the parking lot with Hardin County plates and a Jimmie Lee bumper sticker.

I told him that it was. He then asked me if I realized how fortunate we were in Hardin County to have Jimmie Lee’s voice in Frankfort.

I assured him we had known Mr. Lee for many years and were aware of how dedicated he was to his position in Frankfort.

He told me he knew Mr. Lee through his employment at Oakwood and considered him to be the most knowledgeable about the concerns of the mentally and physically challenged in the state. It is generally known that Jimmie Lee works tirelessly for all citizens but especially for seniors, veterans and those who do have mental and physical disabilities. Many times those with disabilities have no other voice to speak for them.

It is because of his tireless efforts, dedication and knowledge that it is imperative that we re-elect him to this position. I urge the residents of Hardin County to join me in voting for Jimmie Lee on May 22.

Diane Dalton

Rineyville

Change in Frankfort

Kentucky’s two major parties are having primaries on Tuesday, and I am writing in support of Kendrick Bryan for state representative.

I have enjoyed following his positive campaign because it is based on accountability and reform. It also is refreshing to see a candidate stand up to the political action committees and special interest groups. This election season should be about enhancing the Heartland and opposing negative ads and outside money.

I have known the young man for several years and I am glad he decided to run. He has a vision for Frankfort and a strategy to reform the legislature’s broken practices. Bryan loves being in the classroom, but he recognized that somebody must counter the gridlock and runaway spending in our legislature.

The area cannot expect different results if we keep sending the same individuals to address the state’s problems. Review what happened this year. The legislature had a costly special session for the seventh consecutive year and many of the elected officials did not donate their wages to local charities.

The establishment is nervous because Bryan plans to revise how legislators influence budgeting, pork barrel politics, and redistricting. The good ol’ boy network is content with gerrymandering and back-room deals and Bryan is calling for online transparency and open hearings.

We need a leader who will meet with voters. Bryan will do that through town-hall meetings, job fairs and a listening tour. Bryan also plans to host mock elections and essay contests for area students and I think we can all agree civic education should be a priority.

On May 22, elect an individual who is a proud graduate from this area and will fight for this district. Vote for Kendrick Bryan.

Melissa Bowles

Elizabethtown

Hundley in 19th District

Please allow me to say a few words about my friend, Phinis V. Hundley running in the Democratic primary for state representative in the 19th District, which includes LaRue, Hart and Edmonson Counties. I have known Hundley for many years and know him to be a hardworking and dedicated advocate for all working people regardless of their political stripe or background.

Your vote on May 22 will ensure working people not only will have a place at the table in Frankfort but their voices heard and their needs met. We have suffered too long from a polarized and crippled legislature that cannot work together to get even the least controversial of bills enacted. Let’s break the gridlock and get Kentucky's legislature working for the people again instead of special interests whose aims do not necessarily coincide with the needs of ordinary people. Phinis Hundley is just the person we need to, in his own words, “work for those things that benefit the average citizen.”

Steven L. Wright

Hodgenville

A tireless worker

Select Kendrick Bryan as the 25th District’s next state representative.

Bryan has worked at LaRue County High School since 2009, and his passion for helping others is evident.

Bryan assists our Beta Club, Y-Club and volleyball program. He also has helped students apply for the Governor’s Scholars program. His experience as a GSP alumnus has helped students in the application process and the LaRue County High School delegation won a chapter award at the Kentucky Youth Assembly in Louisville.

Outside of the classroom, Bryan has served Western Kentucky University with honor and integrity. He recently was  honored as a recipient of the Dero Downing Award for outstanding service to WKU, and he has been a vocal advocate of higher education in Frankfort. Bryan also is an alumnus of Hardin County Schools, and he continues to volunteer for the district.

Bryan displays bold leadership and that is needed in the legislature. He easily could have competed for funding and other contributions from political action committees and special interest groups, but he made the right choice to oppose corruptible influences.

I also support Bryan’s pledge to usher in a new era of transparency. If elected, he will launch a new website for constituents to view his voting record and other files. In addition, Frankfort will benefit from his pledge to hold town-hall meetings and hearings for the state budget and legislative redistricting.

Bryan’s teaching background is in social studies, and he will utilize his experience to promote civic education initiatives such as essay contests, job fairs, mock elections and spelling bees. Many residents would benefit from an office that provided these initiatives.

Bryan is a strong candidate in the race, and I encourage you to consider his candidacy on May 22.

Paul Mullins

Hodgenville

Bryan for the House

The House race for the 25th District presents us with three outstanding candidates, but I will be supporting Kendrick Bryan, a lifelong resident of Glendale, in the upcoming election. He has the skills, traits and vision to represent our district in Frankfort.

Bryan is principled, and has refused to accept donations to finance his campaign; he has promoted his platform via face-to-face interaction and social media.  This commitment to refuse donations from PACs or special interest groups is an admirable trait in a public servant and one that will help him maintain our best interests in the Kentucky House.

He understands the problems that face Kentuckians and seeks to address the state’s debt crisis and educational budget that both need to be debated and reviewed thoroughly to promote the economic health of the state. We must live within our means, and Bryan understands that; he is committed to bipartisan relationships to resolve these issues.

His call for openness regarding his voting records on a personal website dedicated to reaching constituents and hearing their concerns is a welcome addition to his platform, and gives credence to his commitment to serve his district openly. His call for public hearings on the budget and town-hall meetings for residents to have their concerns heard and addressed is an important step for Kentucky to get back on the right track.

I have known Bryan for 10 years now; I met him as a student at Central Hardin High School, and have observed his intelligence, leadership and his outgoing nature firsthand. Even then, I have never told him in person what I am writing here publicly: I have never met a more tireless worker than he is. When it comes to politics, government, history, economics and leadership, I have never seen an individual take it all in so eagerly and readily.

If you are looking for the right candidate to serve you in Frankfort, I encourage to you elect Kendrick Bryan as your next State House Representative.

Aaron Pawley

Cecila

Bryan values education

The only local race on Tuesday is the contest for state representative. I support Kendrick Bryan because he values education and he will fight for our future.

Bryan has worked for two local school districts as well as Western Kentucky University. If we are going to send an individual to Frankfort to address education, poverty and other issues, we should consider Bryan’s life experiences in the community and in the classroom.

Our students need support from the legislature and Bryan will not back down regarding education. Legislators across the country cut university resources and endowments and it is time we rally to save the institutions that train our workforce.

Bryan, a lifelong resident of Hardin County, is passionate about education funding and library development. The state is recovering from the recession and the academic mission of our schools should not be ignored by leaders. Bryan fought for higher education at WKU and he will be an ally if elected.

When voters head to the polls Tuesday, let’s consider starting a new chapter together. It is time to enhance the Heartland by focusing on education and supporting lifelong learning. Vote for an educator. Vote for Kendrick Bryan.

Jason Thomas

Elizabethtown