By Patrick Crowley
The Cincinnati Enquirer

After weeks of intraparty wrangling, Gov. Ernie Fletcher has finally announced the appointment of Kenton County Judge-executive Dick Murgatroyd as deputy secretary of transportation.

"It's a tremendous honor to serve this administration," Murgatroyd said in a statement released Thursday afternoon. "I look forward to working with Gov. Fletcher and (Transportation) Sec. (Maxwell) Bailey as we develop innovative ways to improve the Transportation Cabinet and address the needs of every Kentuckian."

Murgatroyd's resignation from county office is effective next Friday, according to an announcement released Thursday afternoon by Fletcher's office.

The appointment clears the way for Republican home builder Ralph Drees to be sworn in as Kenton County judge-executive next Friday.

He is tentatively scheduled to be sworn in next Friday at 9 a.m. in the fourth floor Fiscal Court chambers of the Kenton County Administration Building in Covington.

Drees' appointment was also announced Thursday by the governor.

"Dick Murgatroyd is an individual who has a long history of effectiveness and getting things done," Fletcher said in a statement. "I know that he will be a tremendous addition to the Transportation Cabinet and I look forward to working with him and Secretary Bailey towards making our state a better place for every Kentuckian."

On Tuesday, deputy judge-executive Scott Kimmich dropped out of consideration for the gubernatorial appointment to Murgatroyd's seat.

Murgatroyd's appointment was originally scheduled to be announced Dec. 22. But a press conference to introduce him was abruptly canceled after Kenton County Republicans could not agree on a succession plan for his office.

Murgatroyd, Kenton County Attorney Garry Edmondson and other county elected officials favored Kimmich for the appointment. But other elected officials favored Drees.

Kenton County GOP chairman Greg Shumate said all of Northern Kentucky would benefit with Murgatroyd's move to Frankfort. The region is likely to receive more attention and increased funding for its growing list of road construction and repair needs.

"Drees, one of the nation's largest home builders, is expected to run in the November general election to fill out the remaining two years of Murgatroyd's four-year term.

E-mail pcrowley@enquirer.com