Published: May 17, 2008 03:52 pm            

Primary Questions

Candidate’s name: David P. Givens

Party affiliation: Republican

Political background (Start with most recent office held):

No formal political experience.

Employment status: Employed 19 years with Central Farmers Supply

Employment background (Start with most recent):

Central Farmers Supply 1989 – current

Founding partner Green River Cattle Company 2001 – current

Beef cattle and grain farming 1989 - current



What are the three most important issues facing the 9th Senate District right now?

We must elect a State Senator that meets the needs of our citizens, grows our local economies and jobs, and protects the values we cherish.



How did you come to this conclusion?

Meeting the Needs. In my travels throughout the district I have met many citizens and elected officials with concerns. These range from families struggling to meet the cost of college tuition to County Judges trying to balance a budget strained by lack of state revenue and overburdened with prison costs. I will work passionately crafting solutions to these and other problems.

Growing our Local Economies. A vibrant local economy creates jobs, better wages, improved tax revenues and improved standard of living. The skills and work ethics of our citizens and the productive potential of our agriculture land represent our greatest resources. I will pursue investment and opportunity in agriculture expansion, alternative energy production, skilled manufacturing endeavors and small business growth to benefit our region.

Protecting the Values We Cherish. Our conservative values and beliefs create the social fabric that makes these communities a great place to raise our families. Some officials offer solutions that promise great economic returns yet overlook the hidden dangers. I will guard these communities by seeking solutions that do not threaten the values we cherish.



If you were elected to the state senate, what would be your first order of business:

Seeking economic development opportunities that utilize the skills of our people and the productive potential of our land constitutes my first order of business as State Senator. Promoting the development of alternative energy sources like switchgrass and competing for the energy conversion facilities that create jobs in our district serves as one specific example of my focus.



Do you support changes to the public schools’ testing policy as specified in Senate Bill 1? Why yes or no?

I support changing the public schools’ testing policy in a fashion similar to SB1. I applaud the advances our schools, teachers and students have made since the implementation of KERA. I believe however the testing and evaluation processes have not evolved adequately, are too costly in both dollars and time, and promote ‘test taking’ over learning.



Do you support changes to the state incentive program for business looking to move into or expand in the state? Why yes or no?

Kentucky business expansion and recruitment programs must compete with programs offered by other states while protecting our interests. First priority should be given to enterprises with good track records reflecting community involvement and long term commitments. The Fall 2007 Update of Kentucky’s Strategic Plan for Economic Development indicates progress in micro-loan programs, business research and technology incentives. Independent reviews of our business incentive programs should be performed periodically to evaluate effectiveness in both recruitment and retention.



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Candidate’s name: Horace F. Johnson

Party affiliation: Democrat

Political background (Start with most recent office held): I have never held political office. I have been a public servant for the last 31 years.

Employment status: Retired Law Enforcement Executive

Employment background (Start with most recent): Commonwealth of KY – Justice Cabinet – Department of Criminal Justice Training (Director 1999-2007)

Western Kentucky University 1976-1999 Police Department, (Police Chief 1991-1999)

Chrysler Corporation 1970-1976(Quality Control, Accounting and Personnel)

US Army 1966-1970, KY Army National Guard and US Army Reserve 1973-2002 (Retired Lt. Colonel)



What are the three most important issues facing the 9th Senate District right now?

Economy (Jobs and Employment, coupled with the rising cost of consumer good)

Education

Health Care



How did you come to this conclusion?

In my travels across the six counties in the 9th District, people have been candid about the issues and I have listened intently. I have received letters and emails as well and the issues are consistent. There are overlaps in federal, state and local issues; however the economy, the issues of education, and concerns over health care are the top three concerns.

People see industry and companies abruptly leaving their community, and thus, leaving them without a job and a way to provide for their family. Wages are low and the price of groceries and gasoline continue to rises with no end in sight.

Educators are frustrated by administrative tasks and unfunded mandates. Tuition is continuing to rise at our state universities. Tuition increases are nothing more than a tax on the students.

Seniors and children are being left without healthcare they need and some have to choose between food and medicine. More assisted living facilities will be required in the future.

These conclusions have been reported in the media but the individual stories are firsthand accounts of some of the problems we have in this district.



If you were elected to the state senate, what would be your first order of business:

After expressing my appreciation to the voters in the ninth district, my first order of business would be to meet with the Senate leadership to begin an assessment of what agendas are scheduled for the short session in 2009. Specifically, I would meet with the Senate Minority Leader, Ed Worley and discuss the issues of our 9th District.

I would also meet with the Senate President to express my willingness to work in a

bi-partisan fashion and to discuss committee assignments. I would meet with other legislators specifically in the representative areas of our 9th district to begin preparation of

legislation to benefit the citizens of our district. I believe it is important to establish rapport and communications with the leadership and other legislators, many of whom I have previously worked with, while serving on the Justice Cabinet Legislative team. I would do this as soon as possible to ensure the development of positive working relationships.





Do you support changes to the public schools’ testing policy as specified in Senate Bill 1? Why yes or no?

Yes, but not specific to SB1

I do support changes in the school testing policy. Senate Bill 1 passed out of committee with a vote of 22-17 on March 7, 2008. Upon arrival in the House it was assigned to Appropriations and Revenue and died in committee. There were some positive points in SB1, but it will have to be resurrected in 2009 for a new look and we will not know what version is cast until the session meets. I have spoken to teachers in this district who are extremely distressed with all the current testing. Testing 3rd graders with multiple tests within a short period of time stresses the children and teachers (one example). Teachers told me they spend more and more time testing and less and less time teaching. They believe they are teaching the test which results in no learning. Changes in requirements for the writing portfolios are also welcomed. Educators must play a role in making these and other changes, and a common sense approach to educate our children is necessary. School curriculum, assessment and accountability must be in the best interest of our children. The specifics of Senate Bill 1 are complex, but certainly it is time to improve upon KERA and deal with the unfunded mandates of No Child Left Behind. Education must be adequately funded and federal mandates must be accompanied with supporting funds.



Do you support changes to the state incentive program for business looking to move into or expand in the state? Why yes or no?

YES

Change is necessary to the incentive program for businesses moving into KY. As I understand it, we have had no change in a number of years. The Commonwealth and our nation are engaged in a global economy where change is necessary and inevitable. Our economic development goals and programs should have a strategic plan and reporting should be required annually on the money expended on economic development. We need an international reach and a permanent committee with LRC to address efforts to attract and maintain international business in KY along with opening foreign markets to Ky products.

Economic development is about more than bringing companies to KY with tax inducements and incentives. It should also include rewarding those companies that become a good community partner. We should include as a part of the inducement to come to Kentucky, the understanding that if a company leaves abruptly they will be required to compensate the community upon departure. Eligible companies involved in economic development should be required to invest a minimum amount in each project.



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Candidate’s name: Steve Newberry

Party affiliation: Democrat

Political background (Start with most recent office held):

Prior to this race, I’ve never held or sought elected political office. I have been quite actively involved in my community, having served as Chairman of the Glasgow-Barren County IDEA Board and I am a past president of the Glasgow Rotary.

Additionally, I have served as Chairman of Kentucky Educational Television (KET), President of the Kentucky Broadcasters Association, and Vice-Chair of the National Association of Broadcasters Board of Directors.

Employment status: I currently serve as the President/CEO of Commonwealth Broadcasting, which operates radio stations throughout Kentucky.

Employment background (Start with most recent):

1996-Present President/CEO – Commonwealth Broadcasting

1992 – 1996 Executive Director - Glasgow-Barren County Industrial Development

1984 – 1992 President/General Manager – Newberry Broadcasting, Inc.

1984 Legislative Analyst – Kentucky General Assembly

Office of the Speaker, Bobby H. Richardson



What are the three most important issues facing the 9th Senate District right now?

The Need for Economic Growth - Voters in our district have great concerns about the direction of the economy. Kentucky is operating under economic development programs that are over 17 years old, and our district and state are suffering from that disadvantage. We must update our state’s programs to be more competitive in the changing economy. NAFTA has not been good for our part of Kentucky, and I think it is critical to get Kentucky moving in the right economic direction.

A Strong Education System - A key to our economic future is a strong, well funded and efficient education system. We cannot let education be the victim to the bickering and fighting we saw in this last session of the General Assembly. Additionally, education cannot simply be defined as pre-school through college. We must have a very broad view, including worker training/retraining and early childhood development programs. Our students need great and safe facilities, but we must put the highest priorities on core education rather than bricks and mortar.

Affordable Health Care – There is something fundamentally wrong when one’s health insurance premium is more costly than their house payment or rent. The rising costs of health care is stressing out families and choking businesses. We have to adjust Kentucky’s laws to make basic health services more accessible and affordable, and to find the best ways to ensure every person, especially children and seniors, do not suffer from a lack of care.



How did you come to this conclusion?

I’ve come to these conclusions by listening to the voters I’ve met while campaigning. People are REALLY worried about the economy and health care. At the same time, most folks realize that education is the key to improving opportunities for our children and other family members.

I’ve spent tons of time working in the economic development field, I come from a family of educators, and I’m a businessman and father facing the increasing cost of health care every day.

This campaign has made it very clear that our residents need help with these issues, and that time is critical. We cannot afford to waste our time with silly bickering.



If you were elected to the state senate, what would be your first order of business?

I would take the steps to pre-file a piece of legislation to fulfill the ONLY campaign promise I’ve made. I would introduce a bill to give volunteer firefighters, who are current with their training and in good standing with their departments, a tax credit on their state income tax for their service to our community.

They pay for fuel, training and much gear out of their own pockets, and this would provide them $500 to $1000 per year in assistance. No volunteer does it for the pay, but I strongly believe this would be a great investment for our state to help ensure public service and safety in our rural areas.



Do you support changes to the public schools’ testing policy as specified in Senate Bill 1? Why yes or no?

No, I did not and do not. Without question, we can make improvements to our state’s current education system, but Senate Bill 1 was an effort to gut the system. As the parent of a 4th grader I know our current system is not perfect, but we have made great strides. Let’s acknowledge our system can be improved and let’s improve it….but let’s be VERY careful with our children and their futures.



Do you support changes to the state incentive program for business looking to move into or expand in the state? Why yes or no?

ABSOLUTELY. Kentucky’s economic incentive program is terribly stale and must be updated so our state’s economy can move forward in this new world.

I have introduced a 3-part economic plan for our state, and I would fight for this program if elected.

First, let’s make it VERY easy for companies to come to Kentucky. Our state’s incentive programs are not equally available throughout the Commonwealth, and companies are choosing other states because they cannot get the programs they need in the communities they want. Level the state’s incentive field, and give the more rural counties the legislative powers they need to compete against our biggest cities with stronger local programs.

Second, let’s make it VERY easy for companies to do business in Kentucky. We should reward our best and strongest existing industries with preferred and expedited services from the state. If they want to expand, we should turn around their applications with the highest priority, AND if they want to add more jobs they should be offered the same incentives we offer new companies to come to Kentucky. Kentucky should be widely known as a great place to do business.

Third, let’s make it REALLY HARD for companies to leave our state! If we use tax incentive programs to recruit an industry by paying for their building, that building should belong to the community if that company ever chooses to leave. Let them use it to employ our residents, but when they decide to move out, they SHOULD NOT be allowed to sell the building for profit. The building should go back to the community to entice new employers who might put those folks back to work.

NAFTA has been tough on lots of rural America, but Kentucky can do so much more to compete by updating our economic plans. We’ve got to have jobs where people create value by making products because those types of jobs create wealth and support the service sector.



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Candidate’s name: John Rogers

Party affiliation: Democrat

Political background (Start with most recent office held):

My interest in civic involvement began as a college student. My first significant involvement began while working for United States Senator Wendell Ford in his Washington office. I served as an Assistant Commonwealth Attorney to Herb Sparks and Phil Patton in Barren and Metcalfe Counties from 1993-99. I served as an attorney in the Finance Cabinet and Governors Office during the administration of Governor Wallace Wilkinson from 1989-91. For the past five years I have served as a member of the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance. I served as Chairman of the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance from 2003 until late last year when I resigned to become a candidate for State Senate.

Employment status: Small Business Owner, Attorney

Employment background (Start with most recent):

I have been honored to practice law in this area for over 17 years



What are the three most important issues facing the 9th Senate District right now?

Most of the pressing issues facing Kentucky are due to one simple truth; Frankfort is failing us.

Improving our economy, improving our schools and University’s while getting our people access to affordable, quality healthcare are the top issues facing South Central Kentucky. It seems everyday someone loses their job or a local plant closes their doors while prices are going up daily at grocery stores and gas stations.

What Frankfort is doing now is not working; we are not keeping pace with our workers needs. It is time to help our people improve their quality of life from childhood through retirement.

It’s time to help people get back to work with better paying jobs and get them access to healthcare so they can afford and enjoy life again.

It’s time we give our kids a solid education and stop under funding our University’s so they don’t have to raise tuition every year.



How did you come to this conclusion?

Talking to my neighbors and watching what goes on in Frankfort has been very telling. It is time for Frankfort to listen its citizens on where we spend the limited state resources we have. It’s all about priorities; for example do we spend tens of millions of dollars on a Horse Arena for Lexington, a basketball arena and two bridges for Louisville; or do we pay our teachers and other state workers what we promised? Which is more important?

For me this is an easy answer. Providing the best possible education for our kids, paying our teachers and other state employees what we promised.



If you were elected to the state senate, what would be your first order of business:

Work to change the stale partisan atmosphere in the Legislature and tighten government’s belt so we are spending our limited state resources to help our people. Raising taxes on an already overtaxed state and wasting your tax dollars are things that must stop.



Do you support changes to the public schools’ testing policy as specified in Senate Bill 1? Why yes or no?

I oppose the use of purely partisan tactics like this. I oppose retreating on our commitment to improving Kentucky schools. The State Senate should fund public education and stop wasting money on pork barrel projects. The provisions in this legislation are nothing more than a gimmick; smoke and mirrors to distract away from doing what is needed to improve our schools. The leadership of the State Senate needs to quit playing politics with KERA and step up to equip our children for a global job market.



Do you support changes to the state incentive program for business looking to move into or expand in the state? Why yes or no?

Yes, I will fight to protect and grow local jobs. 80 percent of our districts jobs are local small business jobs. Corporate America is not going to come in and save us if we continue to allow them to take our incentives and move your jobs to Mexico or China in five or ten years. We need to develop programs to help grow our already existing small businesses and offer incentives that attract good corporate citizens that will build real jobs with healthcare and retirement benefits with a future.



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Candidate’s name: Bob Bryant

Party affiliation: Republican

Political background (Start with most recent office held): I am a first-time candidate.

Employment status: Business owner, OOPS! Carpet and Duct Work Cleaning, Back Country Archery, Clear Print Business Forms

Employment background (Start with most recent):

Small Business Owner (see above)



What are the three most important issues facing the 9th Senate District right now?

1) Kentucky’s high taxation rates

2) Economic downturn

3) Need for more infrastructure including roads, water and sewer



How did you come to this conclusion?

1) Every Kentuckian who receives a paycheck knows how withholding taxes affect the take-home pay. In addition, we pay a sales tax on goods. High taxation robs families of income which can be used to stimulate economic activity.

2) The loss of hundreds of manufacturing jobs in just the Barren County area led me to this conclusion. It is obvious to everyone that our local economy suffers.

3) The construction of roads and water and sewer lines promotes economic growth in any area. We should begin to improve in our provision of these items, and economic growth will follow.



If you were elected to the state senate, what would be your first order of business:

The first order of business should be to complete funding for the construction of Kentucky Highway 90 from Glasgow to Burkesville. I would hope to gain a seat on the Transportation and Appropriations and Revenue Committees to influence the completion of the project.



Do you support changes to the public schools’ testing policy as specified in Senate Bill 1? Why yes or no?

Yes.

We have tried the KERA and its associated programs, and our children are receiving no substantial benefits from it. The CATS test is not successful, and we should adopt a national standardized test.



Do you support changes to the state incentive program for business looking to move into or expand in the state? Why yes or no?

No.

We spend too much time and too many resources recruiting businesses which accept the incentives for a specified length of time. Once the incentives expire, many of these plants choose to relocate to receive renewed incentive programs from other localities. It is a terrible situation.

We should be able to compete for industry without having to pay them to come to Kentucky. We can do this by making ourselves a low tax state. If business owners know the state will encourage them to innovate and compete and keep their profits, they will be encouraged to locate in Kentucky.

Of course that is only one step. We must review administrative regulations and change or eliminate those that are disincentives to business recruitment.

If employees realize that they will keep a larger portion of their paychecks they will have a greater economic incentive to live here and make a better life for their families.

This seems simple, but we must improve the business climate to retain our present companies while convincing others that Kentucky is a good place to locate. The very best way to do that is to overhaul the tax system in Kentucky.

        

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