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Tuesday, August 30, 2005

Law - More on Kentucky Governor and that state's merit hiring laws

The ILB has had several entries on the recent controversy in Kentucky, where the Governor and Attorney General are of different parties and the Governor has been charged by the AG with violating the state's merit laws. Our coverage began with the legal issues and risks involved in the use of e-mail - see the initial Aug. 14, 2005 ILB entry.

The story in Kentucky has since evolved far beyond that. Enter "Fletcher" in the search box to access the entries. Yesterday the Louisville Courier Journal reported that Gov. Fletcher was set to appear before a grand jury. Some quotes:

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- When Gov. Ernie Fletcher launched his run for governor, he campaigned on pledges to "clean up the mess in Frankfort" and fight "waste, fraud and abuse."

Now, his administration stands accused of replacing the old Democratic disarray with a fresh mess of Republican making.

Tomorrow, Fletcher is scheduled to appear before a special grand jury investigating whether his administration illegally used politics in making personnel decisions, including the hiring and firing of state workers.

Today's Louisville Courier Journal story is headlined: "Fletcher pardons nine in state hiring inquiry." Some quotes:
FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Gov. Ernie Fletcher used the power of his office yesterday to pardon nine current or former members of his administration who were indicted in an investigation of alleged illegal hiring.

Fletcher also said he would not pardon himself or testify today during his appearance before the grand jury, which is investigating whether state jobs were filled on the basis of politics, not merit.

"I cannot allow state government to continue to be consumed by this game of political 'gotcha' paralyzing our ability to serve you, the people of Kentucky," he said.

The pardon Fletcher signed covers officials indicted so far and "any and all persons who have committed, or may be accused of committing, any offense up to and including the date hereof, relating in any way to the current merit system investigation." * * *

[Attorney General] Stumbo later issued a statement saying the evidence of wrongdoing gathered in the investigation is "overwhelming."

"His administration cannot afford to allow the evidence to come out in court," Stumbo said. "In pardoning these criminal defendants, the governor has slammed the door on the public's right to know what wrongs his administration has committed. He has ensured that the people of Kentucky will never know the truth."

Stumbo said at a news conference after Fletcher's announcement that he may challenge whether the governor can pardon people who are not yet charged.

Posted by Marcia Oddi on August 30, 2005 07:49 AM
Posted to General Law Related