Wednesday, April 30, 2008

324. Walking Precincts

It's that time of year - time to walk precincts - a semi-annual event in Kentucky, where save every fourth year we have an election every six months, not including the occasional Special Election for a local office here or there. Here along the Left Bank of the Ohio River near Milepost 606 we are having Primaries at all levels of government, and in all three branches of government, and for the first time in a number of years, many of the races are challenged in both Parties, both the Democratic and the Dark Side.

In the federal race for Chief Magistrate of the United States the Louisville area is expected to split or lean slightly toward Senator Barack Obama in his race against Senator Hillary Clinton. Other areas in Kentucky which are expected to support Senator Obama to some degree, although none in the majority, are parts of Lexington and Frankfort, Hardin County, Christian County, and perhaps Oldham County.

Other federal races here in Jefferson County include a Primary on the Republican side for both the United State Senate and the United States Congress, where the recently defeated Congresswoman wants her job back, even though a majority of the voters in her district rejected her in the 2006 cycle. She should have no problem winning her Primary as she is campaigning against two lesser-known and one unknown opponents. The Senior Senator from Kentucky also faces an opponent whose campaign address is a post office box in Jellico, Tennessee. The Senior Senator should easily be renominated.

Our democratically elected Democratic Congressman John Yarmuth is unopposed for his renomination.

At the state level, while there are no partisan races, there are judicial races, which in Kentucky are technically state officials and not county officials. We have races in Jefferson County to fill vacancies at the District, Circuit, and Appellate Judge level. At the District level, there are more than a dozen candidates running, four of whom work together in the Jefferson County Attorney's Office as Assistant Prosecutors.

Local Louisville-Jefferson County Metro Democratic Primary elections are being held four districts - maybe more, but I only know of four. Out in southwestern Jefferson County in the 14th District, the Democratic incumbent Bob Henderson is facing three opponents. There are also three or four Republicans wanting Henderson's job. With his three opponents splitting up the anti-Henderson crowd, he should have no problem winning both renomination and reelection. In the 18th, an open seat in eastern Jefferson County, Assistant County Attorney Kungu Njuguna, who is 29, is seeking office for the first time and has a Primary against an opponent who seems to be doing nothing. Kungu should win his Primary and will need a strong result this Fall in order to win. In the 26th, another open seat in the Breckenridge Lane corridor, two Democrats have filed although, again, only one seems to be running. Brent Ackerson, who is from a well-known Republican family in town, is the one Democrat who is mounting a campaign. He should win his nomination. This fall will be a challenging race as this district also leans Republican in most instances. Finally, in the 6th, challenger Ken Herndon is seeking office against the ten-year incumbent George Unseld. I am managing Herndon's race. We've been out knocking on doors since last July. We did so again tonight walking with one of the area's neighborhood association presidents in a precinct off W. Kentucky Street just southwest of downtown Louisville. We were in a precinct I've walked before for the same candidate, but in a different race. He lost that one; I am confident he will win this one.

Walking precincts was something I learned to do at a very young age. As a little kid, we lived in what was then called Precinct C-84, now a part of which is a part of B-148. The precinct boundary back then consisted of two streets, South Park Road and Blue Lick Road, and the Bullitt County line, a generally rectangularly shaped area that at the time was largely rural, with the few exceptions of some subdivisions off Blue Lick Road. Most of the voters lived on one of the two boundary roads. My grandmother would take me and some of the other kids in the neighborhood and start over on the Coral Ridge side of South Park Road, work our way up to the South Park side of South Park Road, and proceed east to the Okolona side of South Park Road, then turning south along Blue Lick to the newer areas with the subdivisions. We usually worked it twice, on consecutive weekends. This was in addition to my grandmother working the precinct throughout the year, noting when a "For Sale" or "For Rent" sign went up, and waiting for the "Sold" sign to appear or the "For Rent" sign to disappear, so she could go attempt to add another name or two to the Democratic rolls. If the new people wanted to be Republicans, as a courtesy, she referred them to the Republican captain of the area, Mrs. Bosse, who lived down the street and around the corner from my grandmother. I've been walking precincts every six months since then.

We'll walk again tomorrow, then take a day or two break for the Derby. No one really wants to talk politics when instead they could tell you they have an inside lead that the Grey Filly running in the 6th race is a shoe-in if the weather is right and she has an outside gate to break from. Put $2 to Show on #3. Make it a $4 Exacta Box, 2 and 3. See you in the Winner's Circle.




Happy Derby.

Monday, April 28, 2008

Lightly populated precincts and light posting ahead

I've been posting on fewer and fewer successive days lately - this attributable to two things. Either I do not have the extra money to go travelling or I have nothing new to add. Had I been babbling on and on as I am known to do now and then, this upcoming week would have been one of those that I would have given you the warning that there is light posting ahead. It is Derby Week which tends to fill up one's calendar.

The Left Bank of the Ohio River near Milepost 606 is celebrating Derby Week, culminating in the 134th Run for the Roses, America's premier horse race, The Kentucky Derby, this Saturday at Churchill Downs in Precinct I-127 in South Louisville. I doubt anyone has ever identified the track by its precinct number. The land the track is located on is actually divided between two precincts, I-103 and I-127. The track and most of the buildings are in I-127, which according to Secretary of State Trey Grayson's website has no voters living therein. I-103's territory includes the handful of buildings on the backside where a handful of horse-types are registered to vote. I-103 also includes the land north of the track known in the old days as the Heywood neighborhood.

You may wonder why there is a precinct with no voters in it. That's a fair subject. Jefferson County has six such precincts. They are B-167, H-130, H-140, the aforementioned I-127, M150, and N-135. The easy answer for most of these is simple geography. B-167 is found along the south side of Thixton Lane from Risen Lane east to Zoneton Road. A strip of land across the front of the lots along Thixton Lane, about 8/1000's of a mile wide (according to the State Highway Department, which maintains both Thixton Lane (KY2053) and Zoneton Road (KY1116), is the reason. That strip of land is physically in Jefferson County, in the 3rd Congressional District. But, the homes facing Thixton in that stretch are in Bullitt County in the 2nd Congressional District and they vote in a Bullitt County precinct. Nonetheless, every square inch of land has to be in some precinct, and the handful of square inches along Thixton Lane in Jefferson County are in Jefferson County precinct B-167.

We'll skip H-130 for a moment and move to H-140. H-140 is a rectangular piece of property accidentally created due to two things. The realignment of Minor's Lane (or Minor Lane as Louisville-Jefferson County Metro officially calls it) west of I-65 along with the southern boundary of a Senate District line drawn in the 1996 Redistricting caused the creation of H-140. Minor's Lane was realigned to the west but the precinct line follows the old right-of-way. The 1996 boundary had formerly followed the line of Southern Ditch but a part of it was redrawn to follow the right-of-way line of the Outer Loop. This created an area with no voters and about six acres of land, almost all of which is a part of the I-65/Outer Loop interchange in southern Jefferson County.

Skipping over I-127 takes us to M-150. M-150 is some luscious greenspace running along both sides of I-64 in the Irish Hill area near Lexington Road. It was cut-off from M-142 with the drawing of a Senate district in the 2002 Redistricting, and thus had to be assigned a new number. Much of is in the Lady Bird Johnson Greenspace which includes Beargrass Creek and a bikepath on the north side of Cave Hill Cemetery. M-150 could possibly acquire voters at some point since there are a few developable parcels on Lexington Road in this precinct. On the other hand, neither B-167 nor H-140 could ever have any voters, although someone registered at 2800 Outer Loop (which is a McDonald's) was once inadvertently placed in H-140 as opposed to H-134 where the McDonald's is actually located).

N-135 came about in the 2002 Redistriciting in an effort to extend the 43rd House district upriver toward Harrod's Creek, a plan which I would have opposed if anyone had asked me, but State Representative Larry Clark, who had a hand in that redrawing, didn't specifically ask me, although we did discuss it at a luncheon-date in the Fountain Room of the Galt House. It is a strip of land on the northwest side of the old River Road right-of-way, taking in riverfront property, much of which is industrial. At one time prior to the 1937 flood, this area was populated with two communities, one white, one black, separated by Beargrass Creek, which at that time was referred to as the Beargrass Creek Cut-Off, although no one calls it that anymore. Generally known as The Point, this area was inundated in the flood and never recovered. River Road has been widened just southeast of the precinct line to a boulevard, a widening which is scheduled to continue to the northeast eventually to Zorn Avenue. There is a development planned for this area, at the northwest corner of Beargrass Creek and the new River Road, which if ever built, would populate this precinct as well as a part of L117, the precinct of which those people living south of the old River Road right-of-way would be a part.

That leaves I-127 and H-130, neither of which have any voters nor can they. One is for Churchill Downs; the other for the Airport. I can tell you why I believe they are there, but I wont. I'll leave that to your imagination. They were drawn purposefully and for a reason. I'll add that the Fairgrounds, which the State no longer calls the Fairgrounds, but rather calls it the Kentucky Exposition Center, is in H-114, a precinct with 31 voters, 21 of whom are Democrats, 7 are from the Dark Side, 3 are independents, and all of whom are split among the sexes by a 17 to 14 margin in favor of the males. H-114 is a remnant of the old H-119, the old H-114, the old H-130, and part of the old I-104 when Highland Park was still a place and not just a memory. Eventually, with the buyout by the Airport of most of the land that is left H-114 will be voter-less. Until that time, the ability to sell alcoholic beverages on Fairgrounds property is technically in the hands of those 31 voters, if and when they might want to join the temperance movement and make a name for themselves.

Happy Derby Week.

Friday, April 25, 2008

322 - Friday Update

Early in the life in the blog, I would occasionally comment on the variety of locations from which people visited. The last time I made such a report appears to have been about a year ago. Since that time, I have documented visits from all 50 states and about 40 foreign nations. I know that some of the locations aren’t accurate. For instance, the town of Columbus, Indiana has recently begun appearing in the list, and I know exactly who it is when that city appears, but I also know they are reading on a computer here in Jefferson County. I do not know why they show up from Columbus, a cool little city about an hour due north of Louisville known for its architecture among other things. On one of my visits there, I attended a concert at the Saint Christopher Catholic Church where a Jewish festival of some sort was held, which included reading Hebrew from a rolled-up scroll. I have to admit I did not fully understand what was going on, but I did enjoy it.

Looking over the last one hundred visits to the blog, which only takes us back to the middle of the day on the 23rd, there are some interesting places. The most recent visit is listed as coming from 6,794 miles away in Seoul, Korea, followed immediately by visits from Poland and Germany, specifically Gotha Thuringen Germany.

Most of the visits are honestly from the allegedly 16th largest really big town in America, a place called Louisville, Kentucky, that 16th largest line coming from the Mayor of Louisville – Jefferson County Metro, who governs the 386 or so square miles along the Left Bank of the Ohio River near Milepost 606. Another Kentucky city is my second most listed, Lexington. Some cities appearing on a regular basis are Cox’s Creek and Frankfort in Kentucky, constituting a few of my five faithful readers; as well Washington, DC, where a few more people are specifically monitoring words I write about a particular congressman. A few visits from the Nation’s Capital may be people monitoring what I say about the Senior Senator from our Commonwealth, as they have come from the Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee. Another city recently making the list more than a few times is Mountain View, California, where the link has on each occasion has been to www.google.com. I suppose that means someone at Google is looking in on the Left Bank here in Louisville, but I really don’t know that. Nearly all of the pictures that I have posted thus far have been taken from the Google Images site.

.I get lots and lots of visits from addresses ending in .edu, indicating a reader from an institution of higher learning is indeed involved in some higher learning reading the blog - maybe, maybe not. Among the last 100 visits are hits from the University of Louisville (which is a regular), the University of Kentucky, Georgetown in DC, Rutgers, Rensselaer in Indiana, Ohio Northern, and my alma mater, Spalding University. When I see an address I don’t recognize, I will more often than not go visit their webpage, which was the case with Ohio Northern. I’ve visited lots of college campuses (campi?) in this manner. Ohio Northern University is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and located in Ada, Ohio.

Locales from the last 100 visits have included, in addition to those already mentioned, the states of California, Oklahoma, New York, Virginia, Michigan, Alabama, Florida, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Kansas, and Illinois. The foreign countries include single visits from the UK, Canada, Tongji Chongqing China – the most distant at 7,598 miles, and finally someone in Vedelago Veneto Italy, who has visited on more than one occasion.

I know that some governments have famously blocked access to blogs, for whatever reason. The Louisville Metro Government address appears now and then although I know that certain readers are blocked from viewing the blog while others are not – something called either selective access or conversely selective enforcement.

So this entry can be marked as a report and thank you for your selective habit of reading the blog.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

321. Earth Day, Equal Pay Day, Election Day, and a few other thoughts

Today is Earth Day, something we learned about in elementary school, back in the days when elementary school included doing Nuclear Warning Drills which meant leaving the classroom with their humongous windows, and coursing into the safety on the interior hallways, where we were asked to do some contortions with our bodies so that our heads were between our knees and protected by our folded arms. This was before any of us knew what yoga was, which is exactly what we were doing, and it is also something none of us could probably do today, given that our weight and height ratios (or probably ratii) are much changed from those days gone by. Now that I really know what yoga is, I have no great desire to repeat the Nuclear Warning Drills I learned at Blue Lick Elementary School back when LBJ was deciding whether or not to seek reelection, a decision he did not announce until March 31 of that presidential election year.


. . . . .With America’s sons in the fields far away, with America’s future under challenge right here at home, with our hopes and the world’s hopes for peace in the balance every day, I do not believe that I should devote an hour or a day of my time to any personal partisan causes or to any duties other than the awesome duties of this office–the Presidency of your country.

Accordingly, I shall not seek, and I will not accept, the nomination of my party for another term as your President.”
The last two paragraphs of President Johnson's speech on March 31, 1968.



Today is also something called Equal Pay Day, which I learned only yesterday while listening to a speech by former State Representative and Louisville-area Congressional Candidate Eleanor Jordan, at a meeting of the Jefferson County Democratic Women’s Club held at the All Wool and A Yard Wide Democratic Club in Germantown. [For the sake of full disclosure, I was a consultant in the Jordan for Congress campaign in 2000 and I am an officer of the All Wool and A Yard Wide Democratic Club]. She was there to speak on behalf of the Barack Obama campaign, but being the director of the Kentucky Commission on Women, could not help but do her duty and, after extolling the merits of the Senator from Illinois, went on to announce the merits of Equal Pay Day for women, whether they are from Illinois or not. The bottom line here is that on average women make 77% of the pay of men in the same work-roles, something which should change, but thus far hasn’t. There was also something about wearing red today to bring notice to the event. For the record, after Eleanor’s speech, my good friend and very able volunteer coordinator from the Yarmuth campaign Ben Basil, made a presentation in that same meeting for Senator Hillary Clinton. Ben talked about recent polls showing Senator Clinton’s wide lead in Kentucky and offered to supply to anyone a Clinton sign for their yard. [Again, for full disclosure, Ben and I worked very closely together in the Yarmuth for Congress campaign in 2006, and I consider him a very capable campaign strategist. He has also recently loaned me his copy of Hemingway’s For Whom The Bell Tolls, a book which is honestly an unexpectedly difficult read for me. Like me, he too is an officer of the All Wool Club]. But, I digress.

Today is also Primary Day in Pennsylvania, Thanks Be To God. This Primary season, which started on the day after the last Presidential Election Day in 2004, should be evidence enough that our system of selecting a Presidential Nominee is, to be frank, royally fucked. Having a Super Tuesday serves little purposes for the states involved, other than a select few – namely those with this biggest hauls of delegates. Smaller states (like Kentucky and Indiana) are left out. Because our Primary, as well as Indiana’s, is presently later in the season, though not nearly late enough, attention will be paid by both presidential camps to the voters here along the Left Bank of the Ohio River near Milepost 606. It is my opinion the Primaries of the states and territories should be spread out over a much longer period of time, perhaps well into June or July. Kentucky’s Secretary of State Trey Grayson has sponsored a plan which is one of several I think would make much better the way we get to a nominee.

Evidence of smaller states’ roles after Super Tuesday arrives tonight with the closing of the polls in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania coincidental with the arrival of Senator Obama in Indiana, which holds its Primary on the Tuesday after Derby Day. He will be speaking in Evansville, which is downriver from here on the Right Bank of the Ohio River near Milepost 791. Evansville, by the way, is just below one of those places in the river where the state line follows the older course of water which is no longer the main course of the river, and hasn’t been since the series of earthquakes collectively known as the New Madrid Earthquake in late 1811 and early 1812. Quite a few acres of land lay north of the Ohio while still in Kentucky, including the Ellis Park Race Track, which is along US 41 between Evansville and Henderson. But, I digress yet again.

I was writing of the date of Kentucky’s Primary, an issue I wrote about not too long ago praising a bill (SB3) introduced in the recent General Assembly, where very little was accomplished and very little will be anytime soon unless the governor and others involved in the governance of the Commonwealth commit to a general tax increase to fund the basic operations of those governed, which is to say you and me, assuming you, like me, are a resident of the Commonwealth. This year’s Session of the General Assembly was the worst in recent history. Of course, the last one before this one was the worst upon its completion, as was the one before it. Jill Johnson Keeney, in Sunday’s Courier-Journal, spoke of the way the General Assembly ended in general chaos in both the Republican-held Senate and the Democratic-held House. To know how the laws which passed were forced through would make sausage-making a great and pleasant spectator sport by comparison. Leaders at both ends of the Capital should be hauled out to the woodshed for a respectable lashing from their overseers. But, who are their overseers?

That’s an easy question to answer. You and me – the voters of Kentucky. Many people are often critical of the overall legislature but praise their individual legislator. I like my legislator, Tom Riner, although there are issues on which we disagree. I often send emails to Tom telling him of legislation I either support or oppose and I regularly get a response, which I appreciate. Tom and his wife Claudia were early supporters of candidate John Yarmuth and remain supportive of Congressman John Yarmuth, for which I am grateful. But I will tell Tom the next time I see him how disappointed I am in the accomplishments of the General Assembly, as well as the process by which the General Assembly does what little it does do. I suggest you do the same.

On a side note, only tangentially related, my dear friend Jon Hurst has been named the Kentucky Director for the Hillary Clinton campaign. Jon is one of the smartest people I know and he will do a great job for Senator Clinton, and the truth is I absolutely adore him at times. I do not personally know anyone who knows the political intricacies of this state, from Pikeville to Paducah and Alexandria to Albany, as is sometimes said, anymore than does Jon, although there are a number of us wannabes.

Congratulations, Jon.

Two more thoughts. I mentioned above the 1968 Presidential Primary did not start until LBJ announced he wasn’t running on March 31, Can you imagine if today were only the 22nd day of this season’s Primary?

Finally, today is the 72nd birthday of former Alderman and Councilman Cyril Allgeier, who is frankly is very bad health, celebrating his birthday from a hospital bed in the Norton Audubon Hospital. Cyril, along with my Uncle Don Noble and Jim “Pop” Reddington, both of whom are deceased, introduced me to the rough and tumble, as well as the fun and joy, of old fashioned Ward-healer politics in the old City of Louisville, back in 1975 before people like the Senior Senator from Kentucky and the Mayor of Louisville – Jefferson County Metro forced change (and Republican office holders) on us on November 7, 2000. I would ask you keep Cyril and his wife Mary in your prayers.

Sunday, April 20, 2008

$3.59 a gallon

One of the things I most like to do is drive the backroads of Kentucky and southern Indiana and to an extent northern Tennessee. I've been doing it since I got my driver's license back when gas was 63 cents a gallon and milk was $1.68 a gallon. I still like to go camping, sometimes alone, sometimes with friends, but I haven't done much of that either. Last year on this weekend I was down in eastern Kentucky for the Hillbilly Days Festival in Pikeville.

Yesterday, I was at a picnic much closer to home, a political cookout for Ken Herndon in South Central Park, at Colorado and Weller avenues. It is in the neighborhood where my father was raised (on Homeview) when his parents' bakery was at Central and Colorado. After the picnic, we took the leftover burgers and franks down to B-J's Bar which is in the space where my grandparents bakery was fifty years ago. I played a few video games, drank a beer - my third this weekend, which is three more than usual - and left.

With gas at $3.59 a gallon, travelling even to South Central Park is getting expensive. Later today I get to go all the way out to my mother's house to do yard work. That's nearly 24 miles round trip. But, there is usually food, so I guess it is ok.

For me, the price of gas is beginning to take its toll. In the past I've not given it a second thought to venture out into the county and state highways with no agenda or map, ending up in places like Rugby, Tennessee; Belfry or Russellville, Kentucky; or Vincennes, Indiana. Now I know how much it costs to run up to Kroger for a gallon of milk, which is another subject all its own.

So, for the handful of you who visit for the occasional stories of here and there, I apologise for the lack of posting. Those stories will return, I promise. For the moment, you will just have to rely on my memory, which given they took a part of it out with the brain surgery in 2005, may not be what it once was. Maybe. Maybe not.

Saturday, April 19, 2008

319. Post-quake; post-modern political texting

Briefly.

The quake did little apparent damage here along the Left Bank of the Ohio near Milepost 606. Two buildings not very far apart suffered the loss of bricks - the Cosmopolitan Building at 3rd and Kentucky lost bricks from its south facing wall, while five blocks away the Inn At The Park Bed and Breakfast, at 4th and Park (and sporting a Ken Herndon for Metro Council sign in their yard) lost a chimney. The unapparent damage will take more time to uncover.

Yesterday, I received a political text-message on my phone, the first I have ever received, probably given that I am in too old a demographic for this to be a common occurrence for me. My phone company provider sent a message for me to "use my unlimited voice by registering to vote by April 21, 2008." It offered I could go online to their website to do so. I found that intriguing and refreshing. And I felt a little younger, now that I am in on the messaging craze.

Friday, April 18, 2008

Quake!

The truth is I am still a little shook up. At 5:39am I found myself on the floor as opposed to in the bed. Then my phone rang and my neighbor confirmed what I already suspected - we had had an earthquake. Then a friend called and asked what had happened. Then, honestly, I went back to sleep for a few minutes.

It took the local media not very long to report the same - a 5.4 magnitude centered in New Salem, Illinois, which is about 150 miles due west of Louisville. I've been there once - just drove through.

Here is the link to the United States government's report of the quake:

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/eqinthenews/2008/us2008qza6

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

317. On Deaths and Penalties

Back on January 20th of this year, I wrote an entry which stated, inter alia, my opposition to the Death Penalty. With the 7-2 ruling yesterday of the United States Supreme Court upholding Kentucky's method of legal injection - but importantly, not addressing the legality of the Death Penalty - I wanted to restate that opposition.

My life has not gone untouched by those who I believe should be in jail for the balance of their lives without the possibility of parole. My grandmother was brutally murdered in the summer of 1976 when we did not have the Death Penalty in Kentucky, and the two men who killed her were sentenced to 64 years in prison - this after killing two people, not just one.

But I do not believe the state or the nation has an inherent right to take a life in my name or anyone else's. And I would much prefer having those who would be punished with the Death Penalty spend the rest of their natural lives in prison without the possibility of parole, as none of us here on this side of Jordan knows what lays over there on the other side after we've crossed over.

Since I am something of a Universalist, and of the belief we are all God's children, and in the end he will want us back at his side, this broad net of mercy includes those who might find their makers at the hands of a government executioner. There is a old protestant hymn which begins "When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be." Since I believe that literally, it is not my desire to send anyone of their way any earlier than their natural life would take them. Rather, keep them locked up, fed a sustenance diet, and allowed few if any visitors. This would be a far greater punishment that sending them on to their eternal reward.

*****



Today, by the way, is the one year anniversary of the Virginia Tech massacre. May the souls of all thirty-three of those who lost their lives on that day Rest In Peace.

Monday, April 14, 2008

316. Obama, Clinton, Henry, an unnamed Clinton supporter, an unnamed blogger.

A few weeks back when Senator Obama opened his Louisville campaign headquarters, I did not make any mention of it here along the Left Bank of the Ohio River near Milepost 606. I was in attendance as were approximately 999 other brave souls as the weather was unseasonably cold early on that Saturday morning a few weeks back on March 29. For whatever reason, my next posting after the opening was about Area Codes, all the other blogs did cover the opening, many making mention of the presence of former Congressman Romano Mazzoli who was, as always, with his wife Helen, who is a wonderful person. That morning I got to see lots of old friends, lots of friends who are older than me, and a few newer friends made over the last few years or decades, including Chris Schulz who was in from Connecticut (I think that is what she told me), Keidra King, who works in DC in Congressman Yarmuth's office, as well as Kiran Bhatraju, another of the Congressman's DC staffers. A quick story about Keidra, who I met during the 2006 campaign. We were at a fundraising event at an artist's home on S. 6th Street where I ran into a woman I had worked with twenty-five years earlier at City Hall, Vanta King. After hugs and kisses, Vanta and I quickly caught up on where we had been and told her I was working with Yarmuth's campaign, to which she replied so was her daughter. When I heard Keidra address her mother, I was beside myself. I remember Vanta's pregnancy all those years before and had to admit once again I am getting old, which is a proposition I haven't fully settled in with. As for Kiran, a native of Pikeville, I had met him only a few months ago at a fundraiser for Jack Conway held at Congressman Yarmuth's home Nitta Yuma, in Harrod's Creek. After meeting Kiran, I posted a picture of his high school alma mater which remains here on the the blog way down deep in the column on the right. But, I digress.

Having said all that, I want to announce I've received an email from a long-suffering friend who right now shall go nameless. She is a very hard working attorney here in Louisville (or properly Louisville-Jefferson County Metro) who is a loyal and staunch Democrat who unfortunately lives in a Republican-held area of the County. She is also one of Louisville's Hillary Clinton boss-ladies. The email she sent is announcing the opening of Senator Clinton's Louisville HQ, which is located at 1357 Bardstown Road, which is two doors south of Midland Avenue on the east side of the road. The Grand Opening Event will be Wednesday at 6:30 pm and all are invited. I am hopeful the event goes well although admittedly I have no present intention of attending - I would only do so to see my longtime friends Jerry Lundergan, who is the Clinton Statewide chair and a good friend and good guy, as well as Jon Hurst, my friend of many years who since January has returned exactly zero of my several phones calls to him which has me a little miffed. But what's being a little miffed between friends.

Over on another blog another writer (who is also a friend) has made a statement which I think is a little strong and probably baseless, and it bothers me. I could have commented over their on his front page, but I am choosing to state my concern here, on my blog. Because the Clinton HQ is utilizing [leasing, perhaps] a building owned by the Future Fund Inc., a non-profit affiliated with former Lieutenant Governor Steve Henry and his wife Heather, both of whom are good friends of mine, the writer asserts, "we have significant reason to believe no lease or agreement for use of the property by the Clinton campaign exists . . . " Unless the writer has access to the financial records of either the Future Fund as Lessor or the Clinton campaign as Lessee, I do not see how he could have any significant reason to make such a statement. It is no secret that this other blogger has substantial differences with the Henry campaign and the Henrys themselves and whenever the former lieutenant governor or his wife are in the news he makes some derogatory comment, which is his right to do. But it concerns me, frankly for his sake, that making such a statement against a presidential campaign, may just be a little too risky. I could be wrong.

The building itself is an excellent location, right on Bardstown Road in the culturally significant Highlands area. A DairyMart closeby on Midland Avenue offers good cheap coffee and across the street a few doors to the north is an above-par restaurant with outdoor seating and Vernor's Ginger Ale on the menu. There is a storefront room which opens up into the original house, which has been divided off into offices. The upstairs is in need of rehab, as is the attic, which is a huge unfinished open space large enough to be a considerably-sized three-room apartment. There is ample parking in the gravel area in the back of the building. The point here is it is my opinion that the Clinton campaign should not dragged [drug?] into the ongoing and unresolved differences between Steve Henry and the unnamed blogger. And that's why I have a blog - to express my opinion.

Sunday, April 13, 2008

315. Saturday's results.

We held those elections I talk and write about a lot and no one ever seems to know what I am saying or meaning. I've been threatening (mostly myself) not to worry about them anymore. I've been telling people for years how easy it would be for anyone to take over the Democratic Party if they really wanted to. And that's the rub - no one has ever really wanted to apparently, up until yesterday.

In some parts of Jefferson County, the Obama for America presidential campaign [sounds like a campaign name in The West Wing] wanted to take over some parts of the Party, if only a position here and a position there, much as they did last weekend at the Precinct conventions. Their best takeover was in the 48th LD, Jefferson County's enclave of Republicans (but not necessarily republicanism - President John Adams said "They define a republic as a government of laws, not of men.") where they won each of the 11 delegate positions to go to the State Convention. In my district, we also had 11 delegates to elect, and more than a few came from the Obama campaign ranks, but it was not an issue in the 41st's election as it was in the 48th's.

In other news on the elections, and to further prove my point, only two Chair positions (out of 18) were challenged and in both instances the challengers defeated the incumbents. Again in the 48th, 19 year old University of Louisville undergrad Preston Bates, whose name has been printed herein before, defeated attorney Russell Lloyd. In the 42nd, longtime State Representative Reginald Meeks defeated longtime LD Chair Bill Johnson, a mainstay on the local Labor scene, by a considerable margin. No other districts had challenges. Nor was the County Chair challenged, as some had suggested it would be. Tim Longmeyer was unopposed for reelection as Chair of the Louisville-Jefferson County Democratic Party. Longtime Vice Chair Claudia Riner, whose husband serves as a State Representative, stepped down. Allison Amon, LD chair in southeastern Jefferson County's 29th District, was unopposed in her election as Vice Chair.

So, between now and April 2012, if you want to complain about the makeup of the local, state, and national Democratic Party, my only question will be "what part did you play on April 5 or April 12, 2008?"

Friday, April 11, 2008

314. More on LD Conventions - Weighted Votes - How many delegates to State Convention

I've been on and off the phone all day trying to answer questions people have about how much each precinct committee person's weighted vote is, and also about how many delegates to the State Convention in Lexington each LD gets. Here are some answers. I should point out these are the official numbers from Frankfort, given to be by Amanda Flanary of the State Party HQ. They were previously provided to the Jefferson County HQ.

First, Jefferson County's delegates to the State Convention are allotted as follows:

28th LD (A) - 9
29th LD (B) - 11
30th LD (C) - 11
31st LD (D) - 10
32nd LD (E) - 10
33rd LD (F) - 10
34th LD (G) - 13
35th LD (H) - 10
37th LD (I) - 7
38th LD (J) - 9
40th LD (K) - 10
41st LD (L) - 11
42nd LD (M) - 13
43rd LD (N) - 12
44th LD (O) - 11
46th LD (Q) - 11
48th LD (S) - 11
59th LD (T) - 1 (one, most of this LD is in Oldham County).

Also, below are the weights for each precinct committeemember, the number listed on the far side. For instance, if you are an precinct committee youth in L113 (PRECINCT 113, 41 DISTRICT), your vote tomorrow is worth 319.33333 of the total. There is no proxy voting so it is important for each member elected last week to show up. There will likely be races for the positions to go to Frankfort, so the weighted votes are important. To be a delegate to Frankfort, a person must be a registered Democrat in the District. They do not have to be a Precinct Committee member to get elected, but the only people who can vote are the Precinct Committee people elected last week.

The formatting below is bad. In the first line, the numbers are 786, with 1/3 being 262. In the second line, 434, with the 1/3 weight being 144.6666667 - and so on.



Precinct District Total Weighted
PRECINCT 105 28 DISTRICT 786 262
PRECINCT 107 28 DISTRICT 434 144.6666667
PRECINCT 108 28 DISTRICT 815 271.6666667
PRECINCT 111 28 DISTRICT 643 214.3333333
PRECINCT 113 28 DISTRICT 737 245.6666667
PRECINCT 114 28 DISTRICT 640 213.3333333
PRECINCT 115 28 DISTRICT 650 216.6666667
PRECINCT 118 28 DISTRICT 380 126.6666667
PRECINCT 119 28 DISTRICT 569 189.6666667
PRECINCT 121 28 DISTRICT 757 252.3333333
PRECINCT 122 28 DISTRICT 462 154
PRECINCT 123 28 DISTRICT 783 261
PRECINCT 124 28 DISTRICT 829 276.3333333
PRECINCT 125 28 DISTRICT 648 216
PRECINCT 126 28 DISTRICT 599 199.6666667
PRECINCT 127 28 DISTRICT 353 117.6666667
PRECINCT 128 28 DISTRICT 521 173.6666667
PRECINCT 129 28 DISTRICT 882 294
PRECINCT 130 28 DISTRICT 378 126
PRECINCT 131 28 DISTRICT 590 196.6666667
PRECINCT 134 28 DISTRICT 589 196.3333333
PRECINCT 135 28 DISTRICT 593 197.6666667
PRECINCT 136 28 DISTRICT 362 120.6666667
PRECINCT 137 28 DISTRICT 533 177.6666667


PRECINCT 119 29 DISTRICT 750 250
PRECINCT 124 29 DISTRICT 490 163.3333333
PRECINCT 125 29 DISTRICT 445 148.3333333
PRECINCT 127 29 DISTRICT 189 63
PRECINCT 130 29 DISTRICT 673 224.3333333
PRECINCT 131 29 DISTRICT 517 172.3333333
PRECINCT 132 29 DISTRICT 497 165.6666667
PRECINCT 133 29 DISTRICT 644 214.6666667
PRECINCT 134 29 DISTRICT 524 174.6666667
PRECINCT 143 29 DISTRICT 347 115.6666667
PRECINCT 149 29 DISTRICT 436 145.3333333
PRECINCT 151 29 DISTRICT 587 195.6666667
PRECINCT 152 29 DISTRICT 458 152.6666667
PRECINCT 153 29 DISTRICT 714 238
PRECINCT 154 29 DISTRICT 532 177.3333333
PRECINCT 155 29 DISTRICT 468 156
PRECINCT 156 29 DISTRICT 615 205
PRECINCT 157 29 DISTRICT 844 281.3333333
PRECINCT 158 29 DISTRICT 533 177.6666667
PRECINCT 159 29 DISTRICT 638 212.6666667
PRECINCT 160 29 DISTRICT 360 120
PRECINCT 161 29 DISTRICT 293 97.66666667
PRECINCT 162 29 DISTRICT 747 249
PRECINCT 163 29 DISTRICT 635 211.6666667
PRECINCT 164 29 DISTRICT 510 170
PRECINCT 165 29 DISTRICT 521 173.6666667
PRECINCT 166 29 DISTRICT 391 130.3333333
PRECINCT 167 29 DISTRICT 0 0
PRECINCT 168 29 DISTRICT 591 197
PRECINCT 169 29 DISTRICT 424 141.3333333
PRECINCT 170 29 DISTRICT 419 139.6666667
PRECINCT 171 29 DISTRICT 425 141.6666667
PRECINCT 172 29 DISTRICT 582 194
PRECINCT 173 29 DISTRICT 515 171.6666667
PRECINCT 174 29 DISTRICT 250 83.33333333
PRECINCT 175 29 DISTRICT 434 144.6666667

PRECINCT 101 30 DISTRICT 889 296.3333333
PRECINCT 102 30 DISTRICT 406 135.3333333
PRECINCT 103 30 DISTRICT 636 212
PRECINCT 104 30 DISTRICT 519 173
PRECINCT 105 30 DISTRICT 476 158.6666667
PRECINCT 106 30 DISTRICT 1,148 382.6666667
PRECINCT 108 30 DISTRICT 1,008 336
PRECINCT 109 30 DISTRICT 419 139.6666667
PRECINCT 110 30 DISTRICT 658 219.3333333
PRECINCT 111 30 DISTRICT 1,113 371
PRECINCT 113 30 DISTRICT 316 105.3333333
PRECINCT 115 30 DISTRICT 1,068 356
PRECINCT 122 30 DISTRICT 424 141.3333333
PRECINCT 123 30 DISTRICT 490 163.3333333
PRECINCT 124 30 DISTRICT 715 238.3333333
PRECINCT 125 30 DISTRICT 591 197
PRECINCT 126 30 DISTRICT 786 262
PRECINCT 128 30 DISTRICT 592 197.3333333
PRECINCT 129 30 DISTRICT 376 125.3333333
PRECINCT 130 30 DISTRICT 485 161.6666667
PRECINCT 131 30 DISTRICT 327 109
PRECINCT 133 30 DISTRICT 715 238.3333333
PRECINCT 134 30 DISTRICT 541 180.3333333
PRECINCT 135 30 DISTRICT 562 187.3333333
PRECINCT 136 30 DISTRICT 335 111.6666667
PRECINCT 137 30 DISTRICT 306 102
PRECINCT 138 30 DISTRICT 358 119.3333333
PRECINCT 139 30 DISTRICT 594 198
PRECINCT 140 30 DISTRICT 433 144.3333333
PRECINCT 141 30 DISTRICT 522 174


PRECINCT 101 31 DISTRICT 451 150.3333333
PRECINCT 104 31 DISTRICT 448 149.3333333
PRECINCT 106 31 DISTRICT 503 167.6666667
PRECINCT 108 31 DISTRICT 625 208.3333333
PRECINCT 109 31 DISTRICT 652 217.3333333
PRECINCT 110 31 DISTRICT 568 189.3333333
PRECINCT 113 31 DISTRICT 700 233.3333333
PRECINCT 114 31 DISTRICT 507 169
PRECINCT 115 31 DISTRICT 581 193.6666667
PRECINCT 116 31 DISTRICT 618 206
PRECINCT 117 31 DISTRICT 478 159.3333333
PRECINCT 120 31 DISTRICT 828 276
PRECINCT 121 31 DISTRICT 457 152.3333333
PRECINCT 122 31 DISTRICT 582 194
PRECINCT 126 31 DISTRICT 841 280.3333333
PRECINCT 129 31 DISTRICT 314 104.6666667
PRECINCT 130 31 DISTRICT 560 186.6666667
PRECINCT 131 31 DISTRICT 354 118
PRECINCT 132 31 DISTRICT 863 287.6666667
PRECINCT 135 31 DISTRICT 526 175.3333333
PRECINCT 136 31 DISTRICT 760 253.3333333
PRECINCT 137 31 DISTRICT 483 161
PRECINCT 138 31 DISTRICT 801 267
PRECINCT 139 31 DISTRICT 654 218
PRECINCT 140 31 DISTRICT 651 217
PRECINCT 141 31 DISTRICT 426 142
PRECINCT 142 31 DISTRICT 294 98
PRECINCT 143 31 DISTRICT 491 163.6666667


PRECINCT 107 32 DISTRICT 368 122.6666667
PRECINCT 139 32 DISTRICT 667 222.3333333
PRECINCT 141 32 DISTRICT 391 130.3333333
PRECINCT 142 32 DISTRICT 434 144.6666667
PRECINCT 143 32 DISTRICT 718 239.3333333
PRECINCT 144 32 DISTRICT 505 168.3333333
PRECINCT 145 32 DISTRICT 498 166
PRECINCT 147 32 DISTRICT 255 85
PRECINCT 148 32 DISTRICT 568 189.3333333
PRECINCT 149 32 DISTRICT 592 197.3333333
PRECINCT 150 32 DISTRICT 573 191
PRECINCT 151 32 DISTRICT 391 130.3333333
PRECINCT 152 32 DISTRICT 503 167.6666667
PRECINCT 154 32 DISTRICT 470 156.6666667
PRECINCT 155 32 DISTRICT 729 243
PRECINCT 157 32 DISTRICT 368 122.6666667
PRECINCT 158 32 DISTRICT 334 111.3333333
PRECINCT 159 32 DISTRICT 280 93.33333333
PRECINCT 160 32 DISTRICT 431 143.6666667
PRECINCT 161 32 DISTRICT 169 56.33333333
PRECINCT 162 32 DISTRICT 225 75
PRECINCT 163 32 DISTRICT 407 135.6666667
PRECINCT 164 32 DISTRICT 439 146.3333333
PRECINCT 165 32 DISTRICT 682 227.3333333
PRECINCT 166 32 DISTRICT 515 171.6666667
PRECINCT 167 32 DISTRICT 705 235
PRECINCT 168 32 DISTRICT 384 128
PRECINCT 169 32 DISTRICT 728 242.6666667
PRECINCT 171 32 DISTRICT 386 128.6666667
PRECINCT 172 32 DISTRICT 520 173.3333333
PRECINCT 173 32 DISTRICT 470 156.6666667
PRECINCT 174 32 DISTRICT 860 286.6666667
PRECINCT 175 32 DISTRICT 332 110.6666667


PRECINCT 101 33 DISTRICT 402 134
PRECINCT 106 33 DISTRICT 436 145.3333333
PRECINCT 109 33 DISTRICT 499 166.3333333
PRECINCT 110 33 DISTRICT 315 105
PRECINCT 111 33 DISTRICT 9 3
PRECINCT 126 33 DISTRICT 578 192.6666667
PRECINCT 138 33 DISTRICT 328 109.3333333
PRECINCT 143 33 DISTRICT 665 221.6666667
PRECINCT 145 33 DISTRICT 576 192
PRECINCT 149 33 DISTRICT 533 177.6666667
PRECINCT 150 33 DISTRICT 568 189.3333333
PRECINCT 151 33 DISTRICT 562 187.3333333
PRECINCT 152 33 DISTRICT 491 163.6666667
PRECINCT 153 33 DISTRICT 559 186.3333333
PRECINCT 154 33 DISTRICT 352 117.3333333
PRECINCT 155 33 DISTRICT 154 51.33333333
PRECINCT 156 33 DISTRICT 574 191.3333333
PRECINCT 157 33 DISTRICT 776 258.6666667
PRECINCT 158 33 DISTRICT 248 82.66666667
PRECINCT 159 33 DISTRICT 382 127.3333333
PRECINCT 160 33 DISTRICT 376 125.3333333
PRECINCT 161 33 DISTRICT 321 107
PRECINCT 162 33 DISTRICT 578 192.6666667
PRECINCT 163 33 DISTRICT 372 124
PRECINCT 164 33 DISTRICT 326 108.6666667
PRECINCT 165 33 DISTRICT 382 127.3333333
PRECINCT 166 33 DISTRICT 338 112.6666667
PRECINCT 167 33 DISTRICT 497 165.6666667
PRECINCT 168 33 DISTRICT 372 124
PRECINCT 169 33 DISTRICT 256 85.33333333
PRECINCT 170 33 DISTRICT 399 133
PRECINCT 171 33 DISTRICT 249 83
PRECINCT 172 33 DISTRICT 403 134.3333333
PRECINCT 173 33 DISTRICT 474 158
PRECINCT 174 33 DISTRICT 446 148.6666667
PRECINCT 175 33 DISTRICT 262 87.33333333


PRECINCT 103 34 DISTRICT 737 245.6666667
PRECINCT 104 34 DISTRICT 629 209.6666667
PRECINCT 106 34 DISTRICT 467 155.6666667
PRECINCT 107 34 DISTRICT 497 165.6666667
PRECINCT 108 34 DISTRICT 378 126
PRECINCT 109 34 DISTRICT 703 234.3333333
PRECINCT 111 34 DISTRICT 601 200.3333333
PRECINCT 112 34 DISTRICT 997 332.3333333
PRECINCT 116 34 DISTRICT 700 233.3333333
PRECINCT 117 34 DISTRICT 804 268
PRECINCT 119 34 DISTRICT 352 117.3333333
PRECINCT 120 34 DISTRICT 417 139
PRECINCT 121 34 DISTRICT 452 150.6666667
PRECINCT 122 34 DISTRICT 345 115
PRECINCT 123 34 DISTRICT 177 59
PRECINCT 124 34 DISTRICT 734 244.6666667
PRECINCT 126 34 DISTRICT 424 141.3333333
PRECINCT 129 34 DISTRICT 257 85.66666667
PRECINCT 140 34 DISTRICT 789 263
PRECINCT 141 34 DISTRICT 409 136.3333333
PRECINCT 142 34 DISTRICT 332 110.6666667
PRECINCT 143 34 DISTRICT 757 252.3333333
PRECINCT 144 34 DISTRICT 590 196.6666667
PRECINCT 145 34 DISTRICT 582 194
PRECINCT 146 34 DISTRICT 636 212
PRECINCT 147 34 DISTRICT 523 174.3333333
PRECINCT 148 34 DISTRICT 264 88
PRECINCT 149 34 DISTRICT 267 89
PRECINCT 150 34 DISTRICT 272 90.66666667
PRECINCT 151 34 DISTRICT 326 108.6666667
PRECINCT 154 34 DISTRICT 552 184
PRECINCT 155 34 DISTRICT 625 208.3333333
PRECINCT 156 34 DISTRICT 441 147
PRECINCT 157 34 DISTRICT 175 58.33333333
PRECINCT 158 34 DISTRICT 490 163.3333333
PRECINCT 159 34 DISTRICT 462 154
PRECINCT 160 34 DISTRICT 277 92.33333333
PRECINCT 161 34 DISTRICT 368 122.6666667
PRECINCT 162 34 DISTRICT 251 83.66666667
PRECINCT 163 34 DISTRICT 355 118.3333333
PRECINCT 164 34 DISTRICT 298 99.33333333
PRECINCT 165 34 DISTRICT 239 79.66666667


PRECINCT 102 35 DISTRICT 725 241.6666667
PRECINCT 103 35 DISTRICT 665 221.6666667
PRECINCT 105 35 DISTRICT 587 195.6666667
PRECINCT 106 35 DISTRICT 556 185.3333333
PRECINCT 109 35 DISTRICT 298 99.33333333
PRECINCT 110 35 DISTRICT 576 192
PRECINCT 111 35 DISTRICT 333 111
PRECINCT 112 35 DISTRICT 599 199.6666667
PRECINCT 113 35 DISTRICT 264 88
PRECINCT 114 35 DISTRICT 22 7.333333333
PRECINCT 115 35 DISTRICT 331 110.3333333
PRECINCT 116 35 DISTRICT 501 167
PRECINCT 117 35 DISTRICT 681 227
PRECINCT 118 35 DISTRICT 563 187.6666667
PRECINCT 120 35 DISTRICT 718 239.3333333
PRECINCT 121 35 DISTRICT 330 110
PRECINCT 123 35 DISTRICT 209 69.66666667
PRECINCT 124 35 DISTRICT 238 79.33333333
PRECINCT 125 35 DISTRICT 355 118.3333333
PRECINCT 126 35 DISTRICT 390 130
PRECINCT 127 35 DISTRICT 570 190
PRECINCT 130 35 DISTRICT 0 0
PRECINCT 131 35 DISTRICT 338 112.6666667
PRECINCT 132 35 DISTRICT 195 65
PRECINCT 133 35 DISTRICT 86 28.66666667
PRECINCT 134 35 DISTRICT 457 152.3333333
PRECINCT 138 35 DISTRICT 953 317.6666667
PRECINCT 140 35 DISTRICT 0 0
PRECINCT 141 35 DISTRICT 623 207.6666667
PRECINCT 144 35 DISTRICT 656 218.6666667
PRECINCT 145 35 DISTRICT 915 305
PRECINCT 146 35 DISTRICT 487 162.3333333
PRECINCT 147 35 DISTRICT 476 158.6666667
PRECINCT 148 35 DISTRICT 682 227.3333333
PRECINCT 149 35 DISTRICT 224 74.66666667
PRECINCT 150 35 DISTRICT 0 0
PRECINCT 151 35 DISTRICT 2 0.666666667


PRECINCT 103 37 DISTRICT 311 103.6666667
PRECINCT 104 37 DISTRICT 258 86
PRECINCT 105 37 DISTRICT 457 152.3333333
PRECINCT 106 37 DISTRICT 456 152
PRECINCT 107 37 DISTRICT 688 229.3333333
PRECINCT 109 37 DISTRICT 392 130.6666667
PRECINCT 110 37 DISTRICT 276 92
PRECINCT 111 37 DISTRICT 835 278.3333333
PRECINCT 112 37 DISTRICT 721 240.3333333
PRECINCT 114 37 DISTRICT 496 165.3333333
PRECINCT 115 37 DISTRICT 660 220
PRECINCT 117 37 DISTRICT 629 209.6666667
PRECINCT 120 37 DISTRICT 367 122.3333333
PRECINCT 122 37 DISTRICT 581 193.6666667
PRECINCT 123 37 DISTRICT 912 304
PRECINCT 124 37 DISTRICT 498 166
PRECINCT 125 37 DISTRICT 872 290.6666667
PRECINCT 126 37 DISTRICT 573 191
PRECINCT 127 37 DISTRICT 0 0
PRECINCT 129 37 DISTRICT 362 120.6666667
PRECINCT 130 37 DISTRICT 329 109.6666667
PRECINCT 133 37 DISTRICT 839 279.6666667
PRECINCT 135 37 DISTRICT 84 28
PRECINCT 138 37 DISTRICT 33 11


PRECINCT 101 38 DISTRICT 772 257.3333333
PRECINCT 104 38 DISTRICT 921 307
PRECINCT 105 38 DISTRICT 354 118
PRECINCT 107 38 DISTRICT 1,042 347.3333333
PRECINCT 108 38 DISTRICT 799 266.3333333
PRECINCT 110 38 DISTRICT 492 164
PRECINCT 111 38 DISTRICT 600 200
PRECINCT 113 38 DISTRICT 689 229.6666667
PRECINCT 114 38 DISTRICT 715 238.3333333
PRECINCT 117 38 DISTRICT 618 206
PRECINCT 119 38 DISTRICT 434 144.6666667
PRECINCT 120 38 DISTRICT 687 229
PRECINCT 122 38 DISTRICT 438 146
PRECINCT 123 38 DISTRICT 700 233.3333333
PRECINCT 127 38 DISTRICT 769 256.3333333
PRECINCT 128 38 DISTRICT 693 231
PRECINCT 129 38 DISTRICT 917 305.6666667
PRECINCT 130 38 DISTRICT 289 96.33333333
PRECINCT 131 38 DISTRICT 445 148.3333333
PRECINCT 135 38 DISTRICT 525 175
PRECINCT 137 38 DISTRICT 458 152.6666667
PRECINCT 138 38 DISTRICT 196 65.33333333
PRECINCT 139 38 DISTRICT 183 61


PRECINCT 103 40 DISTRICT 550 183.3333333
PRECINCT 104 40 DISTRICT 458 152.6666667
PRECINCT 105 40 DISTRICT 837 279
PRECINCT 107 40 DISTRICT 622 207.3333333
PRECINCT 108 40 DISTRICT 869 289.6666667
PRECINCT 110 40 DISTRICT 478 159.3333333
PRECINCT 111 40 DISTRICT 383 127.6666667
PRECINCT 112 40 DISTRICT 395 131.6666667
PRECINCT 113 40 DISTRICT 429 143
PRECINCT 114 40 DISTRICT 678 226
PRECINCT 116 40 DISTRICT 113 37.66666667
PRECINCT 117 40 DISTRICT 447 149
PRECINCT 118 40 DISTRICT 1,064 354.6666667
PRECINCT 119 40 DISTRICT 545 181.6666667
PRECINCT 121 40 DISTRICT 896 298.6666667
PRECINCT 122 40 DISTRICT 821 273.6666667
PRECINCT 123 40 DISTRICT 965 321.6666667
PRECINCT 125 40 DISTRICT 307 102.3333333
PRECINCT 126 40 DISTRICT 459 153
PRECINCT 127 40 DISTRICT 755 251.6666667
PRECINCT 128 40 DISTRICT 541 180.3333333
PRECINCT 129 40 DISTRICT 523 174.3333333
PRECINCT 130 40 DISTRICT 461 153.6666667
PRECINCT 131 40 DISTRICT 564 188
PRECINCT 132 40 DISTRICT 283 94.33333333
PRECINCT 133 40 DISTRICT 410 136.6666667
PRECINCT 134 40 DISTRICT 319 106.3333333


PRECINCT 104 41 DISTRICT 1,210 403.3333333
PRECINCT 107 41 DISTRICT 1,651 550.3333333
PRECINCT 108 41 DISTRICT 441 147
PRECINCT 110 41 DISTRICT 466 155.3333333
PRECINCT 111 41 DISTRICT 625 208.3333333
PRECINCT 112 41 DISTRICT 483 161
PRECINCT 113 41 DISTRICT 958 319.3333333
PRECINCT 115 41 DISTRICT 123 41
PRECINCT 117 41 DISTRICT 1,005 335
PRECINCT 118 41 DISTRICT 764 254.6666667
PRECINCT 119 41 DISTRICT 712 237.3333333
PRECINCT 134 41 DISTRICT 391 130.3333333
PRECINCT 135 41 DISTRICT 731 243.6666667
PRECINCT 136 41 DISTRICT 569 189.6666667
PRECINCT 138 41 DISTRICT 327 109
PRECINCT 139 41 DISTRICT 665 221.6666667
PRECINCT 140 41 DISTRICT 595 198.3333333
PRECINCT 141 41 DISTRICT 538 179.3333333
PRECINCT 142 41 DISTRICT 449 149.6666667
PRECINCT 143 41 DISTRICT 331 110.3333333
PRECINCT 144 41 DISTRICT 591 197
PRECINCT 145 41 DISTRICT 1,180 393.3333333
PRECINCT 146 41 DISTRICT 496 165.3333333
PRECINCT 147 41 DISTRICT 862 287.3333333
PRECINCT 148 41 DISTRICT 361 120.3333333


PRECINCT 102 42 DISTRICT 833 277.6666667
PRECINCT 103 42 DISTRICT 1,377 459
PRECINCT 104 42 DISTRICT 621 207
PRECINCT 105 42 DISTRICT 819 273
PRECINCT 106 42 DISTRICT 666 222
PRECINCT 107 42 DISTRICT 716 238.6666667
PRECINCT 110 42 DISTRICT 548 182.6666667
PRECINCT 120 42 DISTRICT 1,021 340.3333333
PRECINCT 121 42 DISTRICT 492 164
PRECINCT 123 42 DISTRICT 1,056 352
PRECINCT 124 42 DISTRICT 770 256.6666667
PRECINCT 129 42 DISTRICT 329 109.6666667
PRECINCT 130 42 DISTRICT 771 257
PRECINCT 131 42 DISTRICT 423 141
PRECINCT 132 42 DISTRICT 864 288
PRECINCT 133 42 DISTRICT 1,003 334.3333333
PRECINCT 134 42 DISTRICT 351 117
PRECINCT 137 42 DISTRICT 358 119.3333333
PRECINCT 138 42 DISTRICT 722 240.6666667
PRECINCT 139 42 DISTRICT 555 185
PRECINCT 140 42 DISTRICT 242 80.66666667
PRECINCT 141 42 DISTRICT 289 96.33333333
PRECINCT 142 42 DISTRICT 861 287
PRECINCT 143 42 DISTRICT 424 141.3333333
PRECINCT 144 42 DISTRICT 404 134.6666667
PRECINCT 145 42 DISTRICT 25 8.333333333
PRECINCT 146 42 DISTRICT 786 262
PRECINCT 147 42 DISTRICT 445 148.3333333
PRECINCT 148 42 DISTRICT 643 214.3333333
PRECINCT 149 42 DISTRICT 551 183.6666667
PRECINCT 150 42 DISTRICT 0 0
PRECINCT 153 42 DISTRICT 991 330.3333333


PRECINCT 101 43 DISTRICT 911 303.6666667
PRECINCT 102 43 DISTRICT 833 277.6666667
PRECINCT 103 43 DISTRICT 930 310
PRECINCT 104 43 DISTRICT 1,113 371
PRECINCT 105 43 DISTRICT 938 312.6666667
PRECINCT 106 43 DISTRICT 1,050 350
PRECINCT 107 43 DISTRICT 1,107 369
PRECINCT 108 43 DISTRICT 1,211 403.6666667
PRECINCT 109 43 DISTRICT 920 306.6666667
PRECINCT 110 43 DISTRICT 585 195
PRECINCT 111 43 DISTRICT 567 189
PRECINCT 112 43 DISTRICT 563 187.6666667
PRECINCT 113 43 DISTRICT 601 200.3333333
PRECINCT 115 43 DISTRICT 664 221.3333333
PRECINCT 117 43 DISTRICT 1,021 340.3333333
PRECINCT 119 43 DISTRICT 863 287.6666667
PRECINCT 124 43 DISTRICT 7 2.333333333
PRECINCT 125 43 DISTRICT 418 139.3333333
PRECINCT 126 43 DISTRICT 239 79.66666667
PRECINCT 127 43 DISTRICT 113 37.66666667
PRECINCT 128 43 DISTRICT 427 142.3333333
PRECINCT 130 43 DISTRICT 671 223.6666667
PRECINCT 131 43 DISTRICT 341 113.6666667
PRECINCT 132 43 DISTRICT 346 115.3333333
PRECINCT 133 43 DISTRICT 304 101.3333333
PRECINCT 134 43 DISTRICT 633 211
PRECINCT 135 43 DISTRICT 0 0
PRECINCT 136 43 DISTRICT 324 108
PRECINCT 137 43 DISTRICT 188 62.66666667


PRECINCT 105 44 DISTRICT 1,037 345.6666667
PRECINCT 107 44 DISTRICT 1,037 345.6666667
PRECINCT 109 44 DISTRICT 734 244.6666667
PRECINCT 111 44 DISTRICT 594 198
PRECINCT 112 44 DISTRICT 579 193
PRECINCT 113 44 DISTRICT 606 202
PRECINCT 114 44 DISTRICT 791 263.6666667
PRECINCT 115 44 DISTRICT 734 244.6666667
PRECINCT 116 44 DISTRICT 750 250
PRECINCT 117 44 DISTRICT 685 228.3333333
PRECINCT 119 44 DISTRICT 787 262.3333333
PRECINCT 121 44 DISTRICT 612 204
PRECINCT 123 44 DISTRICT 442 147.3333333
PRECINCT 124 44 DISTRICT 482 160.6666667
PRECINCT 126 44 DISTRICT 617 205.6666667
PRECINCT 127 44 DISTRICT 759 253
PRECINCT 128 44 DISTRICT 630 210
PRECINCT 129 44 DISTRICT 828 276
PRECINCT 130 44 DISTRICT 605 201.6666667
PRECINCT 131 44 DISTRICT 497 165.6666667
PRECINCT 133 44 DISTRICT 615 205
PRECINCT 134 44 DISTRICT 657 219
PRECINCT 135 44 DISTRICT 626 208.6666667
PRECINCT 136 44 DISTRICT 540 180
PRECINCT 137 44 DISTRICT 788 262.6666667


PRECINCT 101 46 DISTRICT 977 325.6666667
PRECINCT 103 46 DISTRICT 743 247.6666667
PRECINCT 104 46 DISTRICT 314 104.6666667
PRECINCT 105 46 DISTRICT 921 307
PRECINCT 107 46 DISTRICT 735 245
PRECINCT 109 46 DISTRICT 676 225.3333333
PRECINCT 112 46 DISTRICT 744 248
PRECINCT 113 46 DISTRICT 311 103.6666667
PRECINCT 114 46 DISTRICT 609 203
PRECINCT 115 46 DISTRICT 608 202.6666667
PRECINCT 116 46 DISTRICT 675 225
PRECINCT 117 46 DISTRICT 513 171
PRECINCT 118 46 DISTRICT 673 224.3333333
PRECINCT 119 46 DISTRICT 832 277.3333333
PRECINCT 122 46 DISTRICT 626 208.6666667
PRECINCT 123 46 DISTRICT 1,116 372
PRECINCT 124 46 DISTRICT 1,034 344.6666667
PRECINCT 125 46 DISTRICT 751 250.3333333
PRECINCT 126 46 DISTRICT 327 109
PRECINCT 127 46 DISTRICT 419 139.6666667
PRECINCT 128 46 DISTRICT 620 206.6666667
PRECINCT 129 46 DISTRICT 784 261.3333333
PRECINCT 130 46 DISTRICT 250 83.33333333
PRECINCT 131 46 DISTRICT 845 281.6666667
PRECINCT 132 46 DISTRICT 429 143
PRECINCT 133 46 DISTRICT 537 179


PRECINCT 116 48 DISTRICT 404 134.6666667
PRECINCT 117 48 DISTRICT 784 261.3333333
PRECINCT 118 48 DISTRICT 482 160.6666667
PRECINCT 119 48 DISTRICT 585 195
PRECINCT 122 48 DISTRICT 660 220
PRECINCT 125 48 DISTRICT 660 220
PRECINCT 126 48 DISTRICT 426 142
PRECINCT 128 48 DISTRICT 435 145
PRECINCT 129 48 DISTRICT 434 144.6666667
PRECINCT 130 48 DISTRICT 458 152.6666667
PRECINCT 131 48 DISTRICT 614 204.6666667
PRECINCT 132 48 DISTRICT 660 220
PRECINCT 133 48 DISTRICT 805 268.3333333
PRECINCT 135 48 DISTRICT 717 239
PRECINCT 137 48 DISTRICT 513 171
PRECINCT 139 48 DISTRICT 697 232.3333333
PRECINCT 140 48 DISTRICT 358 119.3333333
PRECINCT 141 48 DISTRICT 738 246
PRECINCT 142 48 DISTRICT 393 131
PRECINCT 143 48 DISTRICT 393 131
PRECINCT 144 48 DISTRICT 335 111.6666667
PRECINCT 145 48 DISTRICT 448 149.3333333
PRECINCT 146 48 DISTRICT 455 151.6666667
PRECINCT 147 48 DISTRICT 357 119
PRECINCT 148 48 DISTRICT 190 63.33333333
PRECINCT 149 48 DISTRICT 533 177.6666667
PRECINCT 150 48 DISTRICT 378 126
PRECINCT 151 48 DISTRICT 491 163.6666667
PRECINCT 152 48 DISTRICT 316 105.3333333
PRECINCT 153 48 DISTRICT 402 134
PRECINCT 154 48 DISTRICT 553 184.3333333
PRECINCT 155 48 DISTRICT 442 147.3333333
PRECINCT 156 48 DISTRICT 380 126.6666667
PRECINCT 157 48 DISTRICT 316 105.3333333
PRECINCT 158 48 DISTRICT 369 123
PRECINCT 159 48 DISTRICT 115 38.33333333
PRECINCT 160 48 DISTRICT 288 96
PRECINCT 161 48 DISTRICT 370 123.3333333


PRECINCT 101 59 DISTRICT 583 194.3333333
PRECINCT 102 59 DISTRICT 821 273.6666667
PRECINCT 103 59 DISTRICT 158 52.66666667
PRECINCT 104 59 DISTRICT 414 138

Finally, remember, I am running for re-election to the State Central Committee, an election which will take place at the State Convention in Lexington in June. I would appreciate your vote if you are elected tomorrow.

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
State Headquarters in Frankfort 502-695-4828
Louisville Headquarters on Barret Avenue 502-582-1999

313. LD Conventions tomorrow in Jefferson County and Fayette County - County Conventions elsewhere

I was in the Obama for America HQ in Louisville where I heard the lady at the desk giving directions to a caller about what to do at the County Conventions tomorrow. Her responses to the caller were frankly incorrect. She was telling them that tomorrow is a repeat of last week, only at the County level. It isn't. There will be no Committeeman, woman, and youth elected tomorrow. In Jefferson County especially, the makeup of the County Committee, with the exception of the 42nd and 48th LDs, is a done deal. The Obama campaign doesn't seem to understand the process, which makes them like a lot of people. The State Party went to great efforts to get people involved this year, sending out postcards and pamphlets, and hosting a number of educational sessions across the state, including two in Louisville. Unfortunately, very few people attended and the Obama campaign folks didn't arrive on the scene until well into the process. Nonetheless, expect Obama folks at the conventions tomorrow in some degree of numbers. Few if any will know what they are doing, but there is strength in numbers and they will have the numbers.

The one thing that will happen tomorrow that the Obama campaign can and certainly will have an effect on will be the election of delegates to the State Convention. Each LD (and County) are allotted a number of delegates to the State Convention to be held in Lexington in June. If the Obama folks turn out in the numbers they did last weekend, they can effect a change in the makeup of the State Convention and the State Central Executive Committee.

All of this should make for an interesting morning. My district meeting is to be held at the Dosker Manor Senior Citizen High Rise on Muhammad Ali Boulevard. There is no parking for non-residents in the complex and people typically park on the four city streets which surround the complex - Muhammad Ali, Preston, Liberty, or Jackson. However, because Thunder over Louisville is early this year to avoid a conflict with Passover, all of those streets will have "No Parking Anytime" tomorrow - the signs have already been erected. I have no idea where the three people from each of the 41st's precincts are supposed to park - that should be interesting as well.

Hold on - the process is getting interestinger and interestinger.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

312. Louisville Poll

This month’s Louisville Magazine features, among other things, its 23rd Annual Best of Louisville Awards ballot, sponsored by Hilliard Lyons, one of Louisville’s oldest businesses. I thought I would make my own list here, answering and commenting on the questions in their categories, and then inviting your comments. So, here goes.

Asian Restaurant – I do not eat much at any true Asian restaurants. A friend of mine, a Filipino guy who for simplicity same goes by Phil, has served as an assistant Chef at the Kobe Restaurant on Midland Trail in Shelbyville and I’ve eaten there with him a few times, so by default, that is my answer.

Bargain Restaurant – My kind of eating – cheap. Truthfully, I like to go to the little Chinese place, with a very small buffet, right down at the end of the Courthouse Alley on 5th Street. I have no idea what it is called but the daily special is $5.25 plus tax, without drink.

Gourmet Pizza – I don’t think there is any doubt the best gourmet pizza in this town is Wick’s, especially the one at Baxter and Highland avenues. But, I rarely go there because it is too loud and too crowded for my tastes. But when I do, I’m always sated. Also, Wick’s has played the good corporate citizen, taking a chance on a pizza parlor out Dixie Highway way past Valley High School. I’ve been told it has been an economic success. Good for them and good for the residents in the somewhat forgotten corner of the county.

Indian Restaurant - I can’t honestly answer this one. Someone enlighten me.

Irish Pub – Flanagan’s Ale House on Baxter Avenue is the place for me. It is local enough to still seem like a pub, and big enough to handle a nice crowd, especially with that wonderfully underdone Back Room.

Martinis – I don’t drink martinis, so I don’t know.

Middle Eastern Restaurant – Saffron’s on Market Street. I went there for the first time just recently at the invite of Marty Meyer, who works for Congressman Yarmuth. I’ve since been back. The food is good and the setting is appropriately Persian.

New Restaurant – There is an old saying that a good Republican would never do anything his grandmother hadn’t already done twice. As for restaurants, I am then rather Republican. I don’t do new restaurants as a habit. I did try to new Blue Nile on 5th Street just a few days ago, where you eat with your fingers using a bread-mixture of some sort. The food was good, but I needed utensils. The night before Easter a group of us ate at Rivue, the new top-class restaurant atop the Galt House Hotel on N. 4th Street. It was different, expensive, and interesting, but I’m not ready to give it a review here.

Outdoor Dining – Carly Rae’s at 1st and Oak has exceptional food, but their service has always been less than pleasant. My friend Migael works there and I hope his work is an improvement on the service. They have a large outdoor patio which is a great place to eat brunch on Sundays or enjoy a late night glass of wine. They are the 3rd or 4th restaurant at this site and they all have shared the contradictory issues – good food, poor service. Hopefully the upcoming outdoor season will be an opportunity for improved service because the venue is great.

Private Dining Rooms – I’m from Preston Highway where the term “private dining rooms” has no meaning. I have eaten once with Councilman Jim King in one of the private dining rooms at Cunningham’s on 4th Street, but one time doesn’t make me a good judge.

Restaurant Atmosphere – The Third Avenue Café at 3rd and Oak is my favorite place for atmosphere. They have music on some nights – most recently it was three students from YPAS who are going to be Peter, Paul, and Mary someday. Other times Celtic music is on tap, or guitar playing. There is a TV tuned to CNN but the sound is turned down so you have to follow the closed-captioning if it interests you. Plus, there are broad windows opening up onto 3rd Street and the intersection, offering a “real live” theater production now and then given the area characters who populate the “live stage” outdoors.

Restaurant for Desserts – I rarely eat desserts, so I’m not the one to ask.

Restaurant for Side Dishes – One of my favorite places to eat is the downtown café on 7th Street opposite the Police Station, known as Gavi’s. Gavi’s is a several generation family operated Russian/American café. Several of the side dishes are carryovers from the Fatherland. I especially like the Russian Potato Casserole.

Restaurant for a Splurge – Proof on Main, at 7th Street. The food is delicious, if minimal in amount; the atmosphere is bold and energetic.

Restaurant with a View РFor me, anything offering a view of the river is great. Even the Caf̩ Magnolia, with its small windows which actually overlook I-64, which overlook the river, works for me. As previously mentioned, a few weeks ago I dined at Rivue, high above the city, where two parts of the room rotate while you dine, offering broad views up and down the river as well as across into southern Indiana. Over in Jeffersonville, several restaurants have been established on the river, all offering great views.

South-of-the-Border Restaurant – Louisville has a large number of restaurants offering south-of-the-border fare, from cheap eats to high-end restaurants. I prefer the cheap and delicious eats of the Santa Fe Grill at 3rd Street and Heywood Avenue, across Heywood from Holy Name Church and across 3rd from the University of Louisville’s Jim Patterson Baseball Stadium.

Sports Bar – The March 28, 1992 basketball game between Duke and Kentucky, the greatest college basketball game ever played, pretty much broke me of watching ballgames in restaurants. I’ve never gotten over Christian Laettner’s last second jump shot, giving Duke a 104-103 game winning advantage in the East Regional Finals. In that game, Laettner made 10 of 10 shots from the field and 10 of 10 shots from the free-throw line. I watched that game with a friend in a Sports Bar of sorts. She and I both cried at the end. I still do when I think about it. I haven’t been back to a true Sports Bar since then with the single exception being last fall when I ventured through the Champions Sports Bar in the Marriott downtown at 3rd and Jefferson, while the University of Louisville football team was playing.

Sushi Restaurant – I haven’t acquired a taste for sushi yet.

Swanky Bar – I mentioned Proof on Main earlier. It also fills the bill in this category, for all the same reasons. There is a wall of pictures on one wall – John Yarmuth’s is one of them.

Wine By The Glass – When I drink, I regularly order “a cheap Merlot.” I do this most often at the previously mentioned Third Avenue Café. I can sit for hours in there doing absolutely nothing and enjoying every minute of it.

TV Anchorman/Anchorwoman/Weathercaster/Sportscaster – I don’t watch TV – haven’t done so regularly since the end of the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles in 1984. I could not tell you who the anchorpeople are in this town. I miss Livingston Gilbert, Bill Gladden, Bob Kay, and Cawood Ledford. And, on the radio, I miss El Metzo.

Elected Official Male - This is difficult as I know a lot of elected officials. My boss is the easy answer. Irv Maze is a great guy, great friend, and conscientious leader in Jefferson County. Among legislators, I’ll tip my hat to the Dean of the Legislature, State Representative Tom Burch of Jefferson County’s 3rd District. He is a great guy.

Elected Official Female – Again, a difficult answer to provide. I will offer that the Jefferson County Clerk, Republican Bobby Holsclaw is one of the nicest people in local government. Her predecessor in that office, Rebecca Jackson, also a Republican who went on to be the last Jefferson County Judge Executive with any duties, was also a very pleasant person. But, I have to offer that being nice is one thing, while casting votes that affect people’s lives and futures is another. First District Councilwoman Dr. Judy Green has been a breath of fresh air on the Metro Council, where fresh-air breaths are few and far between. In the State Senate, Denise Harper Angel, against whom I strenuously (and unsuccessfully) campaigned in 2004, has proven to be a very good legislator, although that isn’t all that difficult with the crop of folks we have in Frankfort. Nonetheless, I have told her several times how pleased I have been with her votes. Joni Jenkins and Mary Lou Marzian are good friends of mine on the House side, but the House’s overall role in determining Kentucky’s future isn’t helping their status.

Art To Buy – Although I haven’t bought much art, I know when I do I prefer to buy it off the walls of some of Louisville’s odder places to do so, places such as Jennica’s Restaurant on E. Market Street, or in any of the other funkier locales up and down East Market.

Bathing Suits – Gosh, I haven’t bought a bathing suit in years. When I did, it came from Target.

Beauty Supplies – Who needs ’em?

Beer Store – When I buy beer, I like a variety. I used to go to Our Place Liquors on Poplar Level Road. Lately, it’s been Barret Liquors at Winter and Barret avenues. But, honestly, I do not but much beer.

Birthday Cakes – My grandparents were bakers. My brother and I grew up with the coolest and biggest birthday cakes imaginable. All the neighborhood kids came to our birthday parties. The Noble’s Bakery closed in 1972. I haven’t seen anything comparable since.

Children’s Books – I do not have an answer here.

Fabric Store – Nor here.

Fresh-Baked Bread – Ermins at 1st and Oak or Nord’s Bakery on S. Preston Street. When Nord’s took over the old Klein’s Bakery, I was concerned they would change the old fashioned tastes of the place. Thankfully, I was wrong. They have great bread, donuts, and chocolate milk. As for Ermin’s, they offer large loaves of bread made fresh daily, plus an interesting menu on the side.

Gag Gifts – I’d have to ask my oldest nephew about this. I really don’t know.

Handbags – I’d have to ask my oldest niece about this. I really don’t know this one either.

Men’s Shoes – I’ve discovered S&K Menswear in the last year. I really like it. I go to the one in Okolona at Jefferson Mall on the Outer Loop.

Women’s Jeans – I have no idea.

Day Trip from Louisville – Oh my! There are so many. I’ve written about them in my blog. My favorite would be from Louisville to Lexington, along US60, in October, to Keeneland in the afternoon and Commonwealth Stadium that evening. A stop in Shelbyville on the way up to shop for antiques and take in a bite to eat in one of the Mexican places along Main Street. Between Keeneland and Commonwealth Stadium, maybe along Vine or Main downtown for a glass of cheap Merlot in one of Lexington’s hotels. Returning late in the evening usually requires gassing up – gas went up to $3.46/gallon today - at the Flying J off I-64 at the Waddy exit. They have pizza, which is cheaper than the gas.

Manicure/Pedicure – They didn’t teach us about this at Durrett.

Museum – The Frazier Museum downtown at 9th and Main is one of my favorite places, although I haven’t been there a lot. It combines history with military arms, and is like traveling back in time over several continents. It is one of the places I recommend to visitors. For pure research, although it isn’t technically a museum, the Filson Club, on S. 3rd Street, is without peer.

Weekly Newspaper or Tabloid – Given that Velocity’s sole purpose is to be like LEO, the obvious answer is LEO, Louisville’s Eccentric Observer.

Outdoor Playground – I’ve written several times of the Jefferson Memorial Forest, which lies to the south of the Gene Snyder Freeway, between I-65 and Stonestreet Road, in far southern and southwestern Jefferson County. If an outdoor playground means the opportunity to fish, hike, and learn, this is the place. For those with kids – thankfully not me – the playgrounds in Waterfront Park on E. River Road are always packed, a testament to their popularity.

Product Made in Louisville – There used to be so many, but most are gone. I played baseball in high school and still enjoy the game so a Louisville Slugger is an easy response. But there is also beer. Louisville has a number of microbreweries making local beer. I like to go to Browning’s at Main and Jackson streets. There is of course Louisville’s signature classic foods, Derby Pie, the Hot Brown, and Benedictine Spread. Derby Pie is an exclusive product of Kern’s Kitchens. It is a luscious combination of chocolate, walnuts, and filling. The Hot Brown, created by the Brown Hotel, is a turkey and bacon open-faced sandwich topped with a Mornay or cheese sauce, served piping hot. Benedictine, created by Louisville restaurateur Jennie Benedict in the late 1880s, is a combination of cucumbers, cream cheese, and onion juice. I used to eat Benedictine sandwiches regularly at the Four Sisters Tavern on Poplar Level Road, which closed in 1987. A meal consisting of a Benedictine sandwich as the appetizer, a Hot Brown as the entrée, with Derby Pie for dessert would be an ultimate celebration in Louisville gastronomy. Maybe served with a local beer – and another Benedictine sandwich.

Small Theatre Company – My friend Gil Reyes is involved in a small theater company and I’ve attended a few of his plays. I also get invites from Mark England for various small theater productions. The Victor Jory Theatre at Actors Theatre of Louisville on Main Street offers an intimate setting for small-stage productions. Many years ago, I regularly attended plays at the Youth Performing Arts School on S. 2nd Street, which were excellent works.

Yoga Studio – Never been in one.

Reason to Live in Louisville – Overlooking the dearth of real political and fiscal leadership on the part of the Mayor of Louisville-Jefferson County Metro, there are a number of good reasons to live in our big town along the Left Bank of the Ohio River near Milepost 606. Many of them have been listed herein. This is where I was born – in the old Norton’s Infirmary at 3rd and Oak. Other than a few months of diversion in Lexington and Frankfort, it is where I have lived now for 47½ years. I do hope to live someday, at least for a little while, in Washington DC. And I’ve tentatively planned to retire to downtown Frankfort, where I can sit in the Kentucky Coffeetree Coffeeshop, ordering coffees from Eric the barista while reading old books on Kentucky history, among other things. But, until then, Louisville is a great place to live.

Incidentally, they turned on the Fleur D' Lis fountain in Jefferson Square this morning.

Monday, April 7, 2008

311. Transition to Spring


The temperature sprung up to the mid 70s today as the Left Bank of the Ohio River near Milepost 606 finally makes the transition to Spring. In Louisville, that means that everything that is scheduled in the next several weeks is based on a particular imaginary line, or event, demarcating time - The Kentucky Derby.

While the rest of the Commonwealth (with school age kids) is celebrating Spring Break, Louisvillians are making plans to buy clothes, attend parties, and plant gardens. Tomatoes and peppers are best when planted "by Derby Day." The new shirt you've been putting off buying through the Winter will go good with what you plan to wear "on Derby Day." And, for politicians knocking on doors who are asking folks if they can put a yardsign in their yard, the oft-heard reply is "after Derby Day."

The Kentucky Derby Festival kicks off this Saturday with Thunder over Louisville, an extravaganza beyond belief which starts early in the morning and culminates with the world's largest fireworks display down on the Ohio River (at Milepost 605) at 9:30 pm. I usually try to be out of town as I tend to get claustrophobic. Approximately 1,000,000 will make their way downtown (where I live) to attend the events. I have to be at a political meeting at 10:00 am Saturday morning, but after that I will probably go get a bank loan to fill the car up with gas and then take to the backroads.

It is nice to be in Louisville now that it is Spring.

Saturday, April 5, 2008

Election News and Commentary from Precinct L113


Today was Election Day for the Democratic Party in Kentucky. This blog and others have written several entries about it over the past few weeks. Today's election, theoretically held in each of Kentucky's precincts, began the quadrennial process of democratically rebuilding the Democratic Party from bottom-to-top (in that order). Today's elections were held for the precinct level. In my precinct, L113, which votes at the Phoenix Hill Apartments Complex Clubhouse, the following happened.

First, more than one person showed up. Over the years, I've attended every one of these for my home precinct. This was my eighth Reorganizational Election. At more than one of those, I was the only one present. Today, that was not the case. The second item of news is that in one of the positions, the Committeewoman, an actual election took place where those of us present had to choose between the two women who were nominated for the position. The third item of news is that the incumbent Committeewoman was defeated in her race for re-election, bested by a new activist who had never gone through this before. Finally, we had a 17 year old observer watch the entire proceeding, which I do not know if that is a good or bad thing, but it is an interesting one.

That's the news part. The following is commentary.

Of the eight voters who showed up at L113 (there were nine to start with but one left, plus the 17 year old onlooker), four of them (as well as the 17 year old onlooker) sported Obama stickers. They were there because the Obama campaign sent out notices telling them to be there. I received one of those myself. One person, a neighbor of mine who I just met a few days ago, came as the Obama Precinct Captain for L113, bearing papers which could have been used if the officially-appointed Temporary Chair failed to show, papers which would have been very helpful in such a situation. I do not know if the Clinton campaign made similar efforts. I do know of several Clinton supporters, who on their own, made efforts at getting people involved in this process - I do not know if Senator Clinton's national campaign put the same effort into this as her opponent's did. Paying attention at this lowest level of grassroots organization may be one of the reasons Senator Obama is currently leading the delegate count, albeit not by a decisive margin. It was certainly effective in those non-primary Caucus states in the Midwest, all of which he won, and probably played a role today throughout the state.

In L113, the Temporary Chair, long-time Phoenix Hill activist and businessman Tom Nolan , did show up, and ran the meeting very smoothly. Mr. Nolan was unopposed to be Committeeman, a position he has held for several terms. His wife, Sally Nolan, was opposed by Amy Ellswick for the Committeewoman position, and Amy was eventually elected. My close friend Keith Dickerson, Jr., was unopposed for Committeeyouth, and was thus elected. Mr. Nolan was also elected as the Committeechair for the next four years.

Their role is, in the short term, two fold. The three of them, committeeman, committeewoman, and committeeyouth, are to attend next week's 41st District Convention, which is to be held at the Dosker Manor Building A Lunchroom. There their first responsibility will be to elect a Chair and Vice Chair for the 41st Legislative District, people who will serve on the Louisville-Jefferson County Democratic Executive Committee. Only one person filed for each of these positions (incumbent Claudia Riner for Chair and Gordon Studemire (who was the ninth person above who left my precinct meeting early) for Vice Chair), as such they will be elected by acclamation. Their second duty next week will be to elect delegates from the 41st Legislative District to attend the State Convention, to be held in Lexington the first weekend of June.

Each Legislative District in Jefferson and Fayette counties, plus each of the other 118 counties, have been assigned a number of people to represent them at the State Convention. Those people will be elected next week. For me, this is important as these state convention delegates, as well as all the other state convention delegates in the 3rd Congressional District, are the voters who will be eligible at the State Convention to elect the 3rd Congressional District's two Committeemen who serve at the state level. I currently hold one of those seats and hope to be re-elected come June.

As I said, this is a process from bottom-to-top. The first rung, the bottommost at the precinct level, was this morning. And while the process doesn't involve nearly as many people as it should and could, it is an open and democratic process and it is an important and vital part of our political and Political system.

Thursday, April 3, 2008

309. An Open America

General Colin Powell receiving the Medal of Freedom from President Ronald Wilson Reagan.

I have just left the Kentucky Convention Center in downtown Louisville where tonight the World Affairs Council of Kentucky and Southern Indiana (http://www.wacaky-in.org) had as its guest speaker former United States Secretary of State General Colin Powell. Secretary Powell spoke for about an hour in a very comfortable style to the several hundred of us seated in the audience, giving us a little history about himself, and offering insights into some of the world playing fields on which he has had the opportunity to serve the United States, both in the field of the military as well as that of diplomacy. He indicated that diplomacy is the better of the two in solving the problems of the world. More than once he anecdotally referred to immigrants who had come to America to find a better life, including his own parents, of Jamaican heritage, who arrived in Brooklyn eighty-one years ago. He affirmed his belief that America is a safer place due to safeguards put in place after September 11, but offered that he spoke to the president not long after those events, warning him that America seemed to be putting up the "Not Welcome" sign at our front doors, turning away especially students whose time in America may have lead to a better future for either their country of origin, or if they stayed here for our our sovereign land, and that he felt and still believes that is wrong, as do I. He spoke of several foreign leaders to whom he referred as personal friends, telling of how they each arrived where they were in the diplomatic intercourses which have changed the political face of the earth over the last twenty years, especially his dealings with former Soviet President Michael Gorbachev while he served under President Ronald Reagan. He went on to talk, at length, about education, economics, and the ascension - an opening up - of democracies and peace throughout most of the world. He spoke especially of Africa, India, China, and Japan, and then of our own Western Hemisphere where only Cuba remains as an anomaly. He spoke affectionately of France, saying America and France had been in a marriage for 230 years, albeit one which now and then needed marriage counselling. Whether or not he was aware that the naming of our town here along the Left Bank of the Ohio River near Milepost 606 was inspired by LaFayette's help for America by France in the Revolution he did not make clear, although he did reference it. (By extension, even the name of this blog is French inspired). An additional by-the-way, he referred to Louisville [correctly] as a "town" and not as the 16th Largest City in America, a title erroneously bestowed upon it by the Mayor of Louisville-Jefferson County Metro, who was in attendance to here the General refer to our town). He spoke mostly of openness, openness for opportunities not only for the people of America, but for those outside of America who look to us as a beacon and leader. It was a thoroughly enjoyable speech.

I was given tickets to the speech by my friends David and Mary Pat Sexton. I work with David in the County Attorney's Office and I have known his wife Mary Pat since college. Thanks to both of them for this educational opportunity.

The Archives at Milepost 606

Personal

Louisville, Kentucky, United States
Never married, liberal Democrat, born in 1960, opinionated but generally pleasant, member of the Episcopal Church. Graduate of Prestonia Elementary, Durrett High, and Spalding University; the first two now-closed Jefferson County Public Schools, the latter a very small liberal arts college in downtown Louisville affiliated with the Roman Catholic Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. My vocation and avocation is politics. My favorite pastime is driving the backroads of Kentucky and southern Indiana, visiting small towns, political hangouts, courthouses, churches, and cemeteries. You are welcome to ride with me sometime.