September 19, 2004
Guest Column
The News Enterprise
408 W. Dixie Ave
Elizabethtown, KY 42701

PRO: Commissioner system gives voters more say

Often when someone cannot justify their position with facts they resort to mudding the water with misinformation. Last week's column opposing the commission form of government is an excellent example of spreading inaccuracies to cloud an issue.

However, every cloud does have a silver lining. In this case it's the writer's statement; "We need to focus on the vehicle that will best carry Hardin County forward." I couldn't agree more!

Do you want to continue voting only for the Judge/Executive and one magistrate, or do you prefer to vote for every member of fiscal court? Does voting for only one of eight magistrates provide you a better voice, or does having a say in selecting three out of three commissioners increase your representation?

Should we continue with a system that promotes divisiveness, or do we want a focused government where each elected official is accountable to every citizen in the county? Do we want a government where actions are influenced by "favors for friends," or do we desire a system where issues are addressed through priorities and unbiased evaluation?

Do we want government where territorial views result in turf battles and polarization? Or, do we prefer a system that promotes unified efforts toward mutual success, growth, and prosperity?

Misinformation: Rural areas will loose representation with a commission form of government.

Facts: Currently, magisterial districts Nos. 2 and 3 are the only predominantly rural areas. Elizabethtown, Radcliff, and Vine Grove precincts heavily influence our other six districts. With the commission system, simple mathematics will dictate boundaries resulting in two commission districts comprised primarily of city residents and one district with a predominantly rural population. As a result, the commission system produces one out of three districts or 33 percent with rural dominance where our current magisterial system provides two out of eight or 25 percent rural representation

Misinformation: Since only 15 counties in Kentucky use commissioners, the commission form of government must be inferior.

Facts: Magisterial county governments currently represent 58 percent of Kentuckians. Metro/urban governments now govern Kentucky's two largest counties, Jefferson and Fayette. Prior to becoming combined city/county governments, both utilized the commission system. They didn't abandon the commission form because it was inferior to the magisterial system. They combined governments to eliminate redundancies at the local level.

When these two metro/urban counties are removed from the mix, four of Kentucky's six counties with populations greater than 75,000 are governed by a fiscal court utilizing the commission system. Of Kentuckians not represented by a metro/urban government, 24 percent are governed by a commission form of government and represent many of the Commonwealth's largest counties.

Hardin is the most populous county in Kentucky still utilizing a magisterial fiscal court.

Misinformation: This is a Republican versus Democrat issue.

Facts: I know many Democrats supporting the commission initiative. There are also many Republicans wanting to retain the magisterial system. This is not a Democrat versus Republican issue.

Misinformation: The commission system is a power grab resulting in an imbalance of power in favor of the Judge/Executive and/or the Republican Party.

Facts: The authority of the Judge/Executive is the same under either form of fiscal court. Voter registration statistics will not change based on the outcome of this initiative. Registered Democrats in Hardin County outnumber Republicans by 1.6 to 1 no matter which type of government is used.

Misinformation: Commissioners will be paid $55,673.95 annually.

Facts: No Kentucky county pays commissioners anywhere near the statutory $55,673.95 maximum. Currently, Davies County has the highest paid commissioners with a base salary of $41,101. The average annual salary for the four most populous counties with commissioners is $35,558. In contrast, Hardin County's base salary for magistrates is $25,470.50. A savings of $148,243 to $175,575 per year in salary and benefits can be realized with a commission system.

Misinformation: Commissioners will result in increased costs for "three full-time administrative assistants with new office space for each" and "maintenance and operation costs for each commissioner and staff."

Facts: The seven largest counties utilizing commissioners do not provide any dedicated administrative support for their commissioners. Only one county provides individual office space, three provide one shared office for the commissioners, and three provide no office at all.

Misinformation: Commissioners would be less responsive than magistrates.

Facts: The vast majority of calls, questions, concerns and complaints are already addressed directly through the Judge/Executive's office. Most citizens do not know which district they live in or who their magistrate is.

Misinformation: The commission system will cause significant loss of constable support to the sheriff.

Facts: Constables are rarely called for "backup assistance at accident scenes or at other times to bolster the sheriff's deputies." If additional constable support is required, deputy constables can be appointed. Constables receive no funding or equipment from Hardin County government.

In summary, it all boils down to: Is county government better prepared to govern in the 21st century with magistrates making decisions based on districts, or are we better served by commissioners focused on unifying countywide efforts to capitalize on our attributes and resources? I encourage you to review the information and make an informed decision for the future of Hardin County.

Harry L. Berry
Judge/Executive