One thing is clear about the candidates seeking one of four seats on the Covington City Commission: Mayor Chuck Scheper and his 10-point plan are very popular with them. "I think Scheper is great and people are very impressed with him," said Mildred Rains. The former City Commissioner is seeking a full term at City Hall after being appointed in 2009 and losing in 2010's general election. Rains's support for the mayor and his 10-point plan, an initiative that he designed to solve Covington's financial crisis and other issues, was echoed throughout Thursday evening's candidate forum.
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"Scheper's plan is sound," said Greg Paeth while fellow first-time candidate Ed Faulkner affirmed that he also is a full supporter of the mayor.
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"I endorse what Mayor Scheper and the commission have done up to this point with the 10-point plan, I think it's a good plan," said Roger Hamilton. Fellow commission challenger Chuck Eilerman offered "tremendous credit" for "dealing with the financial crises that we faced."
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"We have got this town beginning to turn around," said incumbent City Commissioner Steve Frank. "I want to get this town moving before the yahoos get their hands on it again." Neil Gilreath, a retired Covington Police Officer, was the only candidate not present of the eight vying for four seats in November. All will automatically advance beyond the primary to the general election, though their names will be May 22's ballot offering an opportunity for bragging rights and possible momentum. Mayor Scheper is not seeking election to the office to which he was appointed following Denny Bowman's September resignation.
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Another plan was also unanimously, at least partially if not enthusiastically, supported by the candidates: The Covington Center City Action Plan, a newly unveiled roadmap to revitalize Downtown Covington and its surrounding neighborhoods. The forum, part of the monthly Covington After Hours, was held at the American Legion Hall in Latonia where no public speaking time was granted. Instead, each candidate, including City Commissioners Sherry Carran and Steve Casper who are running against each other for mayor, stood by a table greeting and talking with voters while passing out campaign materials.
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The River City News spoke with each commission candidate and their comments are below in alphabetical order (Watch for more on their positions in the coming days):
THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
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PRELIMINARY FUNDRAISING NUMBERS ARE TRICKLING IN FOR CANDIDATES
Candidates seeking a seat on the Covington City Commission were expected to send in their first quarter campaign finance reports by last Friday. So far, two candidates and one withdrawn candidate have information available through the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance:
Incumbent Steve Frank has raised $14,000 with $12,000 coming from himself, and $1,000 each from Bill Butler and his wife, Sue Butler. According to KREF, Frank has disbursed $7,868
Incumbent Shawn Masters, who has withdrawn from the race, had raised $5,065.15 and disbursed $1,600. Contributions of note: Attorney Bob Sanders ($200), financial adviser Brad Zapp ($500)
Former commissioner Mildred Rains is reporting an expenditure of $140 but no other financial information
As soon as information from other city commissioner campaigns comes available, it will be printed here. No information was yet available from any of the three mayoral candidates.
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WEBB-EDGINGTON SCORES 1-2 PUNCH IN ENDORSEMENT RACE
She may be trailing two judges-executive in fundraising but Alecia Webb Edgington scored two coveted endorsements this afternoon in Covington: Former US Senator Jim Bunning and retiring US Rep. Geoff Davis, whose seat Webb-Edgington is vying for, endorsed her candidacy:
“I’m here today to ask you to join Pat and me in supporting the person we believe to be the consistent conservative in the race for Congress and the very best person to take on the job we need done in Congress – Alecia Webb-Edgington,” Davis announced. Davis continued, “Alecia is a smart, tough, independent thinker who will stand-up for what is right and out-work any opponent she faces. She has proven that fortitude consistently at each stage of her career.” Just when the crowd was getting settled down from the shock of Davis’ announcement, he let them know the surprises weren’t quite finished. “There is someone else who has decided to join me today in announcing support for Alecia in this campaign. This man has been a great leader for Kentucky, a mentor to me in my campaigns, and is without question one of the finest human beings I’ve ever known. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Northern Kentucky’s own – Senator Jim Bunning!” In his remarks Senator Bunning said, “Mary and I have known Alecia for years, but it doesn’t take long to see that she has the character, strength and work ethic to be an effective Representative for us in Congress. In Frankfort she has built a solid conservative record and has shown that she will stand up to her own party when necessary. I have no doubt that Alecia has the toughness we need in Washington to stand up to the big spenders and change the status quo. Alecia will be a Congresswoman we can be proud of and Mary and I are thrilled to support her.”
Those are pretty big endorsements for a candidate trailing Boone County Judge-Executive Gary Moore and Lewis County Judge-Executive Thomas Massie in fundraising.
Former commission candidate says City of Covington caused $1 million in damage to his property; City Commissioner clarifies remarks on Brent Spence Bridge project; Plus, lots of photos from the first Mainstrasse antiques show of the season. Click it.
The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce has released a compelling video in which state political and business leaders appear to address the Commonwealth's educational struggles and deficit of skilled labor:
As student testing begins in the Commonwealth, the business community is urging educators and legislators to stay the course on the recently implemented academic standards.
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ALLIANCE DEFENSE FUND: KENTUCKY COMPANY IS BEING BULLIED BY GAYS
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SEE ALSO: Hands On Originals lays out defense in case Herald-Leader
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RICK ROBINSON: NOT SO SECRET SERVICING
The local author weighs in on the Colombian prostitution/US Secret Service scandal:
People love political sex scandals and this recent not-so-secret servicing is getting its fair share of press time. Yet, other than being the basis for future golf jokes (my foursome has more hookers than a Secret Service detail), the scandal does not even make the top 10 of American political sex scandals. In all honesty, a story about non-elected, GS employees cavorting with hookers barely ranks above Jimmy Carter lusting in his heart and way below former Congressman Anthony Weiner cyber-texting his junk. Truth be told, “Secret Service Gone Wild” is not even the biggest sex story of the month. In a trial starting this week, former Sen. John Edwards will try to convince a jury that being the biggest a-hole in America is not a crime.
The Daily Caller | SEE THE 2012 NCAA CHAMPION UK WILDCATS AT THE REDS GAME
SEE ALSO: Haven't you always wanted to recycle electronics with a member of the Cincinnati Reds? Players for the Planet
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A FABULOUS SEASON OF THEATER ANNOUNCED FOR COVINGTON'S CARNEGIE
Covington's signature performing arts center just keeps getting better and continues to raise the bar. Next season includes some ambitious theater and draws some exciting names from the Cincinnati theater scene. Expect some fun shows.
| SEE ALSO: The Carnegie hosts a benefit concert tonight for The World Choir Games:
The World Choir Games are coming to our region July 4 – 14, and to celebrate this incredibly important event, a benefit concert is being held tonight at The Carnegie! The Power of Song Benefit Concert will showcase local choirs participating in the Games and is sure to be an entertaining evening. Tickets are still available for just $75 each, with proceeds going toward promoting the World Choir Games regionally and sending Northern Kentucky students from the Gifted and Talented Programs (focusing on vocal studies) to attend the Games. Don't miss this great concert tonight! Contact the Box Office at 859-957-1940 for tickets
