Fletcher's Follies

In regard to the state merit law, Governor Fletcher said:

From a October 29, 2003 letter to state employee:.

     "The current merit system has been very effective at keeping politics out of state government.  I believe that it would be a mistake to do anything that could potentially undermine the current system.  We must ensure that the current merit system remains strong and that we continue to keep politics out (of) state government."

From a 2003 Op-Ed submitted by, candidate for governor, Ernie Fletcher

     "I am running for governor to clean up the mess in Frankfort and end the bygone era of good-ole boy politics that has held our great commonwealth back for too long. Kentuckians are hungry for change in state government. We need new leaders with rock-slid values and integrity in Frankfort to end the cycle of scandals, waste, fraud and abuse."

From a July 14, 2005 press release from the Governor's Communication Office:

     "It was not entirely evident to most people that the merit system is outdated until recently," Governor Fletcher added. "...it is now apparent that Kentucky's Merit System is in serious need of substantial changes."

From a July 28, 2005 statement:

     "It is a sad story because many good people are being hurt by enforcing - in an unprecedented and vicious manner - a system that has been described as rigid, confusing, obsolete and ineffective."

From a July 12, 2005 Courier Journal Article:

     "The problems include "too many rigid, confusing statutes and regulations; inconsistent interpretation, enforcement of policies and procedures,"

From a speech made at a Harrodsburg Rotary Club meeting on Wednesday, August 3, 2005. (As reported on the Bluegrass Report.org)

     "These type of bitter politics is part of the mess I went to Frankfort to clean up,"

Other Fletcher statements about the merit system law or the Attorney General's investigation:

     "it's a partisan witch hunt,"

     "it's only letters of recommendation,"

     "everybody does it,"

     "it's only misdemeanors,"

     "misdemeanor is jaywalking,"  "And I guess, public drunkenness."