FRANKFORT, Ky. — Attorney General Russell Coleman, Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell, Auditor Allison Ball, Treasurer Mark Metcalf and Secretary of State Michael Adams have jointly asked the Kentucky Supreme Court to rehear arguments in the Kentucky State Fair Board and Executive Branch Ethics Commission cases, according to a release from Coleman's office.
The constitutional officers argue the Supreme Court should respect their statutory responsibilities as independently elected officials rather than placing those powers under the governor. They are asking the court to reconsider its recent ruling that struck down laws governing appointments to the State Fair Board and the Executive Branch Ethics Commission.
“Kentucky’s Constitution is clear, the powers of the executive branch are divided between the governor and the Commonwealth's other statewide elected officers. We don’t work for Governor Beshear, and the State Fair Board and the Ethics Commission will operate more effectively out from under his thumb,” Coleman said.
According to the constitutional officers, before the court's decision became final, Gov. Andy Beshear attempted to replace members of the State Fair Board and removed longtime Kentucky Venues President and CEO David Beck. They contend those actions created unnecessary disruption just weeks before the opening of the Kentucky State Fair.
"This petition is about respecting Kentucky's constitutional system," Shell said. "At the same time, my focus hasn't changed. We're preparing for what will be the greatest Kentucky State Fair in our history as we celebrate America's 250th birthday. Agriculture built this Fair, and we're going to keep agriculture at the heart of this once-in-a-generation celebration."
The release states that Kentucky Venues successfully managed the Kentucky Exposition Center and Kentucky International Convention Center under Beck's leadership. It also says Beck and the recently removed Fair Board oversaw five of the most successful Kentucky State Fairs in recent history, setting attendance records and earning national recognition, while continuing to oversee a nearly $500 million modernization project at the Kentucky Exposition Center.
“Before the ink was even dry on the Court’s opinion, the Governor showed he always puts partisan politics first and cannot be trusted with the expanded power the Court sought to give him. They should reconsider their opinion,” Adams said.
“Kentucky families and taxpayers deserve a government where each elected officer can fulfill the responsibilities entrusted to them by the people,” Metcalf said. “As Treasurer, I have a duty to protect taxpayer resources and uphold the integrity of this office, and that duty depends on preserving the independence established by our Constitution.”
“This court ruling runs completely counter to 200 years of established precedent, attempting a partisan overreach that is entirely contrary to Section 93 of Kentucky's constitution," Ball said. “Kentucky deserves an Executive Branch Ethics Commission that upholds good governance and serves the public interest, not one beholden to partisan control. All of Kentucky’s independently elected constitutional officers will continue to stand up for the rule of law and fight for the people of this Commonwealth.”