We asked ourselves after reading the press release (reprinted below) “Just who is CLAG”?
We don’t recall them publicly taking stands on issues or endorsing candidates before. We’ve never heard of them.
Are they some secret society of “ultra-elites”?
Well a little research shows that you can find a list of their members and you too can be a member for a payment of $50 in yearly dues.
By the way, after some careful thought we agree that a change from the commission system would not be in the best interests of the citizens of Campbell County and so we urge a vote against this goofy proposal.
Here is another link on this subject –
Campbell ballot initiative opposed
Following is the full news release discussed above attacking the magistrate government switch idea:
Campbell Leadership Action Group
LEADERSHIP ORGANIZATION OPPOSES CHANGE IN CAMPBELL COUNTY GOVERNMENT
CLAG: More government not better government
A group of Campbell County leaders have announced their opposition to a November ballot initiative that would dramatically increase the size of county government by saddling taxpayers with more elected officials, bureaucracy, politics and expense.
The Campbell Leadership Action Group (CLAG) opposes the initiative. If enacted by the voters on Nov. 2, Campbell County would revert to a justice of the peace form of government. That means the Campbell County Fiscal Court would grow from its current makeup of three county commissioners elected county-wide to eight justices of the peace.
The position of judge-executive would not be impacted.
"More government is not better government," said CLAG Chairman Bob Heil, a Campbell County business owner. "Some of the same people who want less government are pushing this initiative. It makes no sense."
The move would create mini-fiefdoms across the county, generate parochialism and penalize less populated, rural parts of the county with less representation in county government.
One of the leaders of the ballot initiative even admitted that one of the goals of the effort is to create "gridlock" in county government (Campbell County Recorder, 8- 17-10).
"A four-member Fiscal Court can be expected to operate more efficiently and economically that a nine-member Fiscal Court," said Heil, a Campbell County native and resident. "It is much more efficient to educate and inform a four-member Fiscal Court."
A justice of the peace/magistrate system of government would negatively impact Campbell County citizens and businesses by:
- Increasing costs. In Hardin County south of Louisville, switching to a justice of the peace system cost taxpayers about $200,000 more a year.
- Fueling gridlock. A justice of the peace form of government could lead to political "horse trading" with elected officials forming coalitions to fund pet projects and initiatives while ignoring or slightly the county's priorities.
- Setting the county back. Across the state justice of the peace forms of county government are found in mostly rural communities. Campbell County is one of Kentucky's largest counties with nearly 100,000 residents living in rural, suburban and urban areas.
- Reducing accountability. Currently, the three county commissioners are directly accountable to all of Campbell County's citizens. That motivates commissioners to act in the best interests of the entire county, not a piece of the community carved up by politicians seeking a geographic advantage.
- Fueling uncertainty. Even if the ballot initiative passes in November, there would not be a change in county government until 2015.
CLAG feels strongly that the justice of the peace ballot effort is ill-advised, unnecessary and a potential detriment to the people and businesses of Campbell County. CLAG pledges to aggressively oppose the measure and encourage other county voters to do likewise.
CLAG's membership of nearly 40 includes business, community, civic and government leaders from all across Campbell County. CLAG’s mission is to identify, discuss, and Comments can be posted or read by clicking on comments below this line.
public officials and community leaders to make informed decisions that positively influence the orderly growth of Campbell County.
Comments can be posted or read by clicking on comments below this line.
