Kenton County:
Let's make no mistake, current Judge Executive Steve Arlinghaus was a disaster waiting to happen when he won the seat four years ago. His bogus use of the court system in a political race, his bald faced lies about his opponent, his history of distrust in his personal life, his party switching, his failed record of public service all combined to suggest that a big name, from a big family with a big campaign war chest was about to win and take the county down with him. It all played out just like that.
Arlinghaus has embarrassed the county with the airport shenanigans. A parody website Steve Arlinghaus Airlines chronicles the failures, embarrassments and boonedoggles of his first and hopefully only term as Judge Executive.
On the other hand Kris Knochelmann represents not only a breath of fresh air after the stench left by Arlinghaus, but his experience on fiscal court, his business experience in the community and the quality associated with him and his family's name make him the clear choice for a brighter future for Kenton County.
Boone County:
Gary Moore has presided over the greatest period of growth and prosperity in Boone County history. And while no one in their right mind would suggest that he alone deserves credit for this, the fact remains, an elected executive who would no doubt get the blame if things went wrong, deserves to enjoy the credit when things go right. Moore deserves to enjoy the benefits of Boone County's success. But that's not the question. Does he deserve another term in office?
Again, if old political battles set the course of my opinions I could find a few reasons to oppose Gary. And if a perfect record of making all the right decisions was the litmus test for election to office, I would have to say he wouldn't qualify. But then again, who would under those circumstances?
The question here is given the choice between Gary Moore and Matt Dedden, who will be the better choice as the CEO of Boone County Kentucky? That was the question Dedden had to answer, and he didn't.
Given the opportunity to outline his plans and vision for the future, Dedden ducked. He avoided debates, avoided answering direct questions about his plans and his campaign fizzled.
Could Dedden have made the case that Moore needs to go? Who knows? He didn't and since elections are about choices and Dedden didn't give anybody any reason to choose him, it has to be Moore.
Is this a weak endorsement? It's not intended to be. Moore has the institutional experience, the political savvy and the know how to continue overseeing Boones growing prosperity and with a newly re-formed, more TEA party oriented fiscal court watching his every move, his moment to shine may really be just a few months away. The choice has to be Gary Moore.
Campbell County:
Steve Pendery has ticked off republicans. Steve Pendery has ticked off democrats. Steve Pendery has ticked off Kevin Sell and from a distance this appears to be all of what this race is about.
Pendery enjoyed the celebration of the GOP at a time when Campbell was thought to be too democrat for republicans to do well. With the help of county resident Jim Bunning that turned around and Pendery was the beneficiary of some historic recognition.
Kevin Sell served with distinction as Geoff Davis' choice as Fourth District Chairman of the Republican Party. He has worked tirelessly for the GOP and earned many friends along the way. Quite frankly his experience in government relations means he has a good working knowledge of how things get done and who it takes to do them.
This is a bit of a close call. Both men have been friends for a long time. In fact this one is too close for me to call as a prediction except to say the people of Campbell County are fortunate to have two such fine choices.
Sounds more like the author simply does not like Steve Arlinghaus. I don't think his remarks are honest or respectful.
Posted by: Paul Metzger | May 14, 2014 at 11:02 PM