BY EARNEST WINSTON
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Larry Burcham will fill in until after the November general election is decided.
(Patrick Reddy photo)
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BURLINGTON -- Businessman Larry Burcham didn't show much emotion Thursday when he learned of his appointment as interim Boone County judge-executive.
After all, Mr. Burcham says, he is not a "politician." Nor does he aspire to become one, when his four-month tenure ends in November. The appointment is effective July 12.
The judge-executive position opened last week when Ken Lucas resigned after nearly seven years as the county's top elected official. Mr. Lucas resigned to run his 4th District congressional campaign against Boone County State Sen. Gex "Jay" Williams.
Mr. Burcham will fill in until after the November general election is decided between county administrator Jim Collins, a Democrat, and Republican Gary Moore.
"I think it's a grand slam appointment. I think the governor really hit one out of the park on this one," said Walton attorney Mark Guilfoyle, a member of Mr. Lucas' campaign team, who described Mr. Burcham as "honest" and "straightforward."
"If you ask people in Boone County about Larry Burcham, they have nothing but positive things to say about him."
Gov. Paul Patton's appointment Thursday of Mr. Burcham, a Democrat, to lead one of the state's fastest growing counties modeled his selection earlier this year of Independence businessman Rodney "Biz" Cain as Kenton County judge-executive.
In both decisions, Mr. Patton sought to keep politics out of the appointment process and subsequent county elections. Mr. Patton said Thursday, "We believe Larry will provide the needed guidance and leadership to serve in this interim position and work in the best interests of the people of Boone County."
Mr. Burcham, 53, of Burlington, plans to use his nearly 40 years as an auctioneer and 32 years in real estate to serve the county. "It's a big task and it's a short time. I want to do a job that Boone County citizens are proud of," said Mr. Burcham, a lifelong Boone Countian and broker for Burlington-based Clore & Burcham Inc. Real Estate Sales.
"My goals are to make good decisions on a daily basis. I don't think we intend to dodge any issues because I'm an interim appointment. We'll deal with what needs to be dealt with."
Said Boone County Commissioner Irene Patrick, "I think Mr. Burcham will do a fine job. I think he's a fine person."
Mr. Cain, who has known Mr. Burcham for 30 years, described him as a "good, solid citizen."
"He's a self-made, self-employed businessman. I'd like to see more of that in government. I find that having made it (in business) gives you a good work ethic. I think Gov. Patton made a really wise choice. I look forward to working with him."
Mr. Burcham and his wife, Beverly, have two grown daughters and two grandchildren.
He is an active member of the Boone County Fair Board, where he has managed the horse show for 27 years, and is a deacon at Burlington Baptist Church. He is also a founding member of Heritage Bank in Boone and Kenton counties.
"I think highly of him," said Vic Harrison, the minister of Music and Senior Adults at Burlington Baptist Church.
Former Boone County judge-executive Bruce Ferguson said Mr. Burcham was an excellent choice, partly because of his native roots and because he has a good knowledge of politics, but has never sought public office.
"I think that's the type of person they wanted. I think the public would prefer to see it be someone from the ranks of the citizenry. Larry, as I understand, is very well-regarded by the people of the county."
