July 1, 2005
Opinion Letter
The News Enterprise
408 W. Dixie Ave
Elizabethtown, KY  42701

Playing political games

Some Democratic leaders in our state must believe Kentuckians never get tired of hearing hollow attacks on Gov. Ernie Fletcher. Now they are singing the chorus that Gov. Fletcher is eliminating preferential treatment for veterans in state hiring. This is the most absurd and obviously political claim yet in a coordinated campaign to smear the governor and his administration.

Gov. Fletcher, who served with distinction in the U.S. Air Force during the Cold War, continues to give "every allowable preference" to Kentucky veterans in his administration's hiring policies. His administration's reclassification of jobs allows more veterans to be eligible for state employment, just the opposite of claims accusing the governor of shutting veterans out. Rather than force state employees to jump through outdated bureaucratic hoops, the governor is streamlining hiring practices and making reasonable, objective judgments when filling state jobs.

Moreover, updating personnel procedures is a routine action done in every administration. Most of the time, state agencies begin the process by requesting changes in the job classifications based on actual needs instead of red tape. These proposed changes are reviewed by the Personnel Cabinet, and new requirements are established. This is not a grand conspiracy to hire Republicans; it is just common sense and good management.

A significant number of top administration officials served in the armed forces. Lt. Gov. Steve Pence and Personnel Secretary Erwin Roberts are active today in the Army Reserve. To say our state leaders do not value the contributions veterans made to our nation is the worst kind of political rhetoric. To do so without any proof, but instead slinging mud rather than presenting facts, shows just how shameless opponents of the governor have become. Unfortunately, this is just the kind of bitter politics Kentuckians have come to expect. But Gov. Fletcher's leadership is working to make those tactics the politics of the past.

This latest grandstanding by the governor's partisan opponents on an issue involving veterans is happening just in time for the Independence Day weekend. What a coincidence. These liberal partisans could be communicating a positive vision and working with Gov. Fletcher on issues vital to Kentucky. Instead, they consistently choose to make up for their own shortcomings with wild accusations and political games. The fireworks won't be the only things producing smoke this Fourth of July.

Harry L. Berry
Judge/Executivew