Wednesday, September 06, 2000
CROWLEY: Turnabouts spice up political landscape
By PATRICK CROWLEY
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Democrats hitting Republicans for raising taxes? Gex Williams trying to get a job from a Democratic administration in Frankfort? A presidential candidate calling a reporter a bad word?
Oh, yeah, it's going to be another wild campaign season in Northern Kentucky.
What comes around
The Republican-controlled Kenton County Fiscal Court is once again getting roasted by Democrats for raising taxes.
This time Edgewood lawyer Ed Worland, the vice chairman of the Kenton County Democratic Party, has smacked the court for increasing the county's property tax. This follows other court-approved increases on the payroll tax and the county's
telephone tax.
Mr. Worland says the court should hold off on raising any more taxes until an efficiency study on the county's operations is completed.
Funny, isn't it? Now that the Republicans are in pow er, they are finding how difficult it can sometimes be to meet a budget or pay for urgent needs.
In supporting the latest tax increase, Kenton County Judge-executive Dick Murgatroyd said the county needs money to pay for a new jail, roads and parks.
Hey, those weren't good enough reasons for Republicans when Democrats — whether on the city, county or state level — raised taxes over the years. The GOP was always quick to attack.
That won't be quite as easy now for Republican candidates.
And for the Dems, a little jabbing is fine, but don't be too quick to jump on the Republicans. Don't forget, Democrats have voted for plenty of tax increases around here and in Frankfort. The voters' memories aren't that short.
You've got to be kidding?
That was pretty much my reaction upon learning that former Boone County state Sen. Gex (Jay) Williams wanted a $120,000 a year computer-related job with Gov. Paul Patton's administration.
Not only was Mr. Williams a thorn in Mr. Patton's side — among other places — but he was always one of the first Republicans to leap on Frankfort Democrats for handing out patronage jobs.
Oh how things change when the money is on the table.
I play one at work.
How about George W. Bush getting caught by an open mike while calling a New York Times reporter a “major league” (rhymes with glass bowl)?
Besides the fact that the slip will probably help him in the polls — everybody hates the media — I wondered if any of my sources or the folks I cover ever refer to me in such a profane manner.
“Well, I've never called you one,” Kentucky GOP Vice Chairman Damon Thayer assured me. “But I know people who have.”
I'm shocked. Actually, that's probably the longest list in Northern Kentucky.
Patrick Crowley covers Kentucky politics for the Enquirer. He can be reached at 578-5581, or (502) 875-7526 in Frankfort.
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