Civic Duty

In 12 days, thousands of Jessamine Countians will head to the polls for what promises to be an eventful primary election. To help its readers make an informed decision, The Jessamine Journal is proud to present a primary election special section. Several months back, the Journal mailed out a questionnaire asking each candidate to fill out and return. Of the 75 questionnaires mailed, 63 were returned. Every election is important. This primary election features 69 local participants, which is a mind-boggling number.

LIBERTY- State Rep. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, remembered his father, Cecil, a Korean War veteran, as he spoke Monday at the Casey County Memorial Day observance. Higdon's father died Memorial Day weekend three years ago. Higdon called his father a "true American patriot who served his country and loved his community and family. " Higdon called Memorial Day a special day for all war veterans and said sacrifice is meaningless without remembrance. "Far too often, the nation as a whole takes for granted the freedoms all Americans enjoy.

To those who have been critical of our current commissioners, let me say that one doesn’t know all the circumstances without having walked in those shoes. I would suggest that you contribute and fulfill your civic duty by running for office and serving a term. Walk the walk, and then you can talk the talk. From one who has been there. Hugh Coomer Danville

Dear Edtior, I think this new voting "scheme" is pure stupidity. I am disabled and had to circle the parking lot seven times to find a place close to the door, then had to walk farther than should be necessary to get to the lack-of-information desk, where I was sent to the wrong area, where I had to wait until one nice poll worker noticed the pain I was in and offered me a chair. Then after voting, I faced another long, for someone handicapped, walk to my car. No matter though, I will continue to vote because it is my civic duty, but I do not think the people responsible for this voting hardship can count on me to vote for them.

Victims of Hurricane Katrina, who need to be hospitalized, may be coming to Harrodsburg and Danville. Both Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center and James B. Haggin Memorial Hospital are voluntary members of the National Disaster Medical System. "We felt it was a civic duty, and responsibility to help those in need," said Earl Motzer, chief executive officer of Haggin Hospital. Lexington Veterans Affairs Medical Center will coordinate the effort for this region. Once the system is activated, hurricane victims from Louisiana and Mississippi will be flown to the airport in Lexington.

Dear Editor, For those city employees that have called and feel it is a “courtesy” and my civic duty to purchase coffee for city employees, it is NO taxpayer's duty nor obligation to provide coffee or any item that is not necessary to do the job. If they think purchasing coffee is the least taxpayers can do, they you need to start by getting rid of the attitude that I have a "duty" to them or any public servant. It would certainly seem to any logical person that those receiving the taxpayers money have the OBLIGATION to the taxpayer, instead of vice-versa.

This Tuesday is primary election day across Kentucky. Tens of thousands will head to the polls for what promises to be an eventful primary election in our state. Every election is important as the office of the governor and many other state candidates are up for grabs. This is just the first phase of the election process, as those who survive will move on to the November general election. One often overlooked aspect of just about every election is voter turn out. In the 2004 presidential election, 18,801 of the 28,049 or 67.03 percent Jessamine registered voters turned out to cast a ballot, according to documents obtained from the county clerk's office.

Meredith McCann won't celebrate her 18th birthday until June 7, but she plans to be at the polls on May 16 for the primary election. The law allows citizens who will be 18 by the Nov. 7 election to register and vote in the primary. Monday is the last day to register to vote for the May primary. Those who miss that date still can register to vote May 23 to Oct. 9 for the general election. McCann stepped out of her government class Wednesday at Boyle County High School to talk about the local races along with her classmates, Ryan Marshall, an 18-year-old registered voter, and Liz Congleton, who won't be eligible to vote in this election but is still an interested party.

Dear Editor, I did my civic duty on election day and voted. But, I must confess that I held my nose and did so. It has nearly gotten to the point that it is not worth casting a vote anymore. Democrats disappoint me with their spine of Jell-O. Republicans scare me with their extreme radicalism. There is no other choice. Still, I perform my duty as a citizen and vote. I cannot deny that I’m dismayed that the people of Kentucky elected Rand Paul to the U.S. Senate. I have this to say: Rand Paul is an ultra extreme radical.

To the editor, My first grader was involved in Jessamine Youth Football Association this fall. I say was, because our season ended early, due to yet another conflict and our coach ended up quitting, right before our post season tournament. There were some great games this season, very exciting for this level of football. There is nothing cuter than a 6-year-old in a football or cheerleading uniform. It had potential to be a great season. However, our season was completely overshadowed by so many bad experiences that we will not participate in this league again.

Dear Editor, For those city employees that have called and feel it is a “courtesy” and my civic duty to purchase coffee for city employees, it is NO taxpayer's duty nor obligation to provide coffee or any item that is not necessary to do the job. If they think purchasing coffee is the least taxpayers can do, they you need to start by getting rid of the attitude that I have a "duty" to them or any public servant. It would certainly seem to any logical person that those receiving the taxpayers money have the OBLIGATION to the taxpayer, instead of vice-versa.

To those who have been critical of our current commissioners, let me say that one doesn’t know all the circumstances without having walked in those shoes. I would suggest that you contribute and fulfill your civic duty by running for office and serving a term. Walk the walk, and then you can talk the talk. From one who has been there. Hugh Coomer Danville

Dear Editor, I did my civic duty on election day and voted. But, I must confess that I held my nose and did so. It has nearly gotten to the point that it is not worth casting a vote anymore. Democrats disappoint me with their spine of Jell-O. Republicans scare me with their extreme radicalism. There is no other choice. Still, I perform my duty as a citizen and vote. I cannot deny that I’m dismayed that the people of Kentucky elected Rand Paul to the U.S. Senate. I have this to say: Rand Paul is an ultra extreme radical.

LIBERTY- State Rep. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, remembered his father, Cecil, a Korean War veteran, as he spoke Monday at the Casey County Memorial Day observance. Higdon's father died Memorial Day weekend three years ago. Higdon called his father a "true American patriot who served his country and loved his community and family. " Higdon called Memorial Day a special day for all war veterans and said sacrifice is meaningless without remembrance. "Far too often, the nation as a whole takes for granted the freedoms all Americans enjoy.

This Tuesday is primary election day across Kentucky. Tens of thousands will head to the polls for what promises to be an eventful primary election in our state. Every election is important as the office of the governor and many other state candidates are up for grabs. This is just the first phase of the election process, as those who survive will move on to the November general election. One often overlooked aspect of just about every election is voter turn out. In the 2004 presidential election, 18,801 of the 28,049 or 67.03 percent Jessamine registered voters turned out to cast a ballot, according to documents obtained from the county clerk's office.

Dear Edtior, I think this new voting "scheme" is pure stupidity. I am disabled and had to circle the parking lot seven times to find a place close to the door, then had to walk farther than should be necessary to get to the lack-of-information desk, where I was sent to the wrong area, where I had to wait until one nice poll worker noticed the pain I was in and offered me a chair. Then after voting, I faced another long, for someone handicapped, walk to my car. No matter though, I will continue to vote because it is my civic duty, but I do not think the people responsible for this voting hardship can count on me to vote for them.

To the editor, My first grader was involved in Jessamine Youth Football Association this fall. I say was, because our season ended early, due to yet another conflict and our coach ended up quitting, right before our post season tournament. There were some great games this season, very exciting for this level of football. There is nothing cuter than a 6-year-old in a football or cheerleading uniform. It had potential to be a great season. However, our season was completely overshadowed by so many bad experiences that we will not participate in this league again.

In 12 days, thousands of Jessamine Countians will head to the polls for what promises to be an eventful primary election. To help its readers make an informed decision, The Jessamine Journal is proud to present a primary election special section. Several months back, the Journal mailed out a questionnaire asking each candidate to fill out and return. Of the 75 questionnaires mailed, 63 were returned. Every election is important. This primary election features 69 local participants, which is a mind-boggling number.

Meredith McCann won't celebrate her 18th birthday until June 7, but she plans to be at the polls on May 16 for the primary election. The law allows citizens who will be 18 by the Nov. 7 election to register and vote in the primary. Monday is the last day to register to vote for the May primary. Those who miss that date still can register to vote May 23 to Oct. 9 for the general election. McCann stepped out of her government class Wednesday at Boyle County High School to talk about the local races along with her classmates, Ryan Marshall, an 18-year-old registered voter, and Liz Congleton, who won't be eligible to vote in this election but is still an interested party.

Victims of Hurricane Katrina, who need to be hospitalized, may be coming to Harrodsburg and Danville. Both Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center and James B. Haggin Memorial Hospital are voluntary members of the National Disaster Medical System. "We felt it was a civic duty, and responsibility to help those in need," said Earl Motzer, chief executive officer of Haggin Hospital. Lexington Veterans Affairs Medical Center will coordinate the effort for this region. Once the system is activated, hurricane victims from Louisiana and Mississippi will be flown to the airport in Lexington.