Wednesday, October 27, 1999
Sheriffs irate over drug allegation
The Cincinnati Enquirer
HEBRON — Northern Kentucky's sheriffs are livid and baffled over an unsubstantiated allegation made Monday night by Republican gubernatorial candidate Peppy Martin that most sheriffs in Kentucky deal drugs.
“It's ludicrous, it's ridiculous and it's an insult to me and my brothers and sisters in law enforcement in this state,” said Boone County Sheriff Mike Hel mig, a Republican who said he won't vote for Ms. Martin in Tuesday's election.
“I can't speak for anybody else, but that's not going on in this office,” said Kenton County Sheriff Chuck Korzenborn, also a Republican who said Ms. Martin's comments may cost her his support.
“We've been working with the Covington police to eradicate drugs. It was foolish thing for her to say,” he said. “It's hard to take, and it was personally offensive to me.”
During a Monday night gubernatorial debate televised statewide on KET, Ms. Martin said 80 percent of sheriffs and 30 percent of the Kentucky State Police are involved in “bootlegging hard drugs.”
Ms. Martin offered no evidence and later told the Associated Press that her comments were based on “street talk across the state of Kentucky that under Paul Patton's administration there is an enormous amount of corruption.”
Mr. Patton is the Democratic incumbent governor who is running for re-election. He appeared on the debate with Ms. Martin, Reform Party candidate Gatewood Galbraith and Nailah Jumoke-Yarbrough of the Natural Law Party.
Campbell County Sheriff John Dunn, a Democrat, said he was “highly insulted” by the remark.
“I'd like to see what proof she has,” said Sheriff Dunn, who was clearly angered by Ms. Martin's accusations.
“I can't imagine somebody would say something like that. She has no credibility, and she hurts her party.”
Boone County Republicans held a rally Tuesday morning for Ms. Martin, who was in Northern Kentucky campaigning.
Sheriff Helmig did not attend.
“She is just so totally out of touch,” Sheriff Helmig said. “I'm embarrassed by that comment. I absolutely cannot support her.”
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