Friday, February 11, 2000
Vote on sewer bill delayed
Politicians riled over proposal
BY PATRICK CROWLEY
The Cincinnati Enquirer
FRANKFORT — The fight over a proposed sewer plant in Boone County has spilled into state politics.
The vote this week by Boone County Fiscal Court to study privatizing some operations of the regional agency that operates sewer systems has stalled legislation in the General Assembly designed to give the county more voice in the operation of regional sewers.
At the urging of House Majority Caucus Chairman Jim Callahan, D-Wilder, Rep. Charlie Walton, the bill's sponsor, agreed to a delay in a vote on the legislation for at least a week.
Mr. Walton's bill would give Boone County another voting seat on the board of directors of the Sanitation District No.1 of Northern Kentucky, which manages and operates Northern Kentucky's sewer systems.
But Mr. Callahan and Mr. Walton are concerned about the fiscal court resolution, particularly since its author — commissioner Robert Hay of Florence — introduced the bill without informing Boone County Judge-executive Gary Moore, state lawmakers or officials from Kenton and Campbell counties.
Called "pure politics'
“What Robert Hay did was pure politics,” Mr. Callahan said. “Maybe we don't need to pass this bill if Boone County doesn't want to be involved with the sewer district, or maybe the fiscal court needs to rethink what it did.”
Fiscal court members have been upset that the Sanitation District has proposed building a large sewage treatment plant in western Boone County over the objection of residents in that part of the county.
Mr. Walton said he has been told by county commissioner Rob Arnold that he was misled about Mr. Hay's proposal and was not aware that Mr. Moore had not been told it was going to be voted on.
“I think it's only fair that we hold it over,” Mr. Walton said. “I personally don't see what my bill has to do with Boone County passing a resolution to study privatization, but I understand their concerns.”
Mr. Hay reacted by trying to turn the situation on lawmakers in Frankfort, including Sen. Dick Roeding, R-Lakeside Park.
Challenge issued
Mr. Hay is challenging Mr. Roeding, the Senate President Pro Tem, in the May GOP primary. Mr. Roeding represents the 11th Senate District, which covers all of Boone County and a portion of Kenton County that includes Fort Mitchell, Park Hills, Fort Wright and Crestview Hills.
“I call upon (Mr. Roeding) to work to ensure passage of this bill to give more representation on the Sanitation District to Boone,” Mr. Hay said in a statement released Thursday.
“This is an opportunity for Sen. Roeding to show his dedication to an issue of importance to Boone County,” he said.
Mr. Roeding was in Frankfort and could not be reached for comment.
Mr. Callahan said he is not going to get into a political fight with Mr. Hay.
“The Boone County Fiscal Court, in particular Mr. Hay, needs to start communicating with people,” Mr. Callahan said. “He is trying to destroy the regionalism we have built with an unrealistic proposal that is politically motivated.”
Housing group made deals with insiders, relatives
Genesis established to give West End residents a voice
Police work to stem rise in auto thefts
Victims push for more clout in court
Insurer deaf to ear device
OKI looks at plan for new bridge
Hamilton man charged in girl's death years after shaking injury
Hat sellers battle city's ouster order
Hospitals improve performance
Hotel tax hike finds a local foe
Jail staff addresses needs of next Kenton facility
MRDD overpaid for two houses, county says
Queen City's moments to shine reflected in book
BockFest poster gets an artful goat
CSO youngsters shine
For love, she gave up her life in Mexico
GET TO IT
100+ years in business: These firms do it right
8 violations in wall collapse, injuries
Blackwell champions census
Hamilton Co. park district to hold jobs fair
Kids help raise renovation cash
Nuclear parts stored at plant
Ohio near pact on tobacco windfall
Safety week focus: car seats
Suspicious ballots topic of hearing
TRISTATE DIGEST
Vote on sewer bill delayed
