Published: July 18, 2008 05:35 am            

Pulaski County set for governor’s visit

Local News

Governor Steve Beshear will be in town on Monday to hear from the residents of Somerset.

The stop in Somerset is just one of more than a dozen the governor will be making in July and August on the “Beshear About Kentucky” tour, which the governor hopes will allow people to talk directly to him about his goals and at the same time voice their concerns.

The tour began in Pikeville last night. The tour will also make stops in Somerset, Winchester, Ashland, Madisonville, Shepherdsville, Bowling Green, Owensboro, Hazard, Northern Kentucky, Henderson, Murray and Paducah.

“Kentuckians are, by their very nature, a resourceful people,” said Gov. Beshear prior to the tour. “I am anxious to hear what they have to say and listen to their ideas on how we can work together to move Kentucky forward.

“I am excited about what we’re doing now and what we will be doing in the future. I believe that, despite the difficult economic times we are all facing, now is a great time to be a Kentuckian,” added Beshear.

All citizens are invited to attend and join in the discussions about ways to provide more with less. Beshear also encourages those who attend to bring questions, concerns and ideas to the discussion about how areas such as education, healthcare and economic development may be improved.

As well as Gov. Beshear, also at the meeting will be representatives from each cabinet, who will be able to address specific issues and meet one-on-one with guests who have particular concerns.

The town hall meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in the W.B. Jones Auditorium at Somerset High School.

Following the meetings, the Beshear administration will use the information to set goals for the state and determine the best way to achieve those goals.

Prior to the meeting, Beshear and Department for Local Government Commissioner Tony Wilder will present a check to Pulaski County Government and City of Ferguson officials in honor of both receiving a $1 million scattered housing grant.

The check presentation ceremony will be held at The Center for Rural Development at 4:30 p.m.

Representatives from Pulaski County and the City of Ferguson said they are excited about the grant.

The funds will allow homes to be rebuilt for the housing needs of low-income, elderly and disabled individuals — those whose home is badly in need of repairs. Those chosen would receive completely new homes.

A scattered site housing project is voluntary in nature, and only people who have owned their home for at least half a year are able to apply for the homeowner rehabilitation. Also, 100 percent of those involved would have to be in low- to moderate-income homes that need to be torn down and rebuilt.

“We’re just excited to be a recipient of the money for our scattered housing project,” said Ferguson Mayor Allen Dobbs. “We appreciate the governor and all those involved who choose Ferguson and we’re excited to be able to help some of our needy residents here in the city.”

Dobbs said he wanted to let everyone know they are invited to attend the event.

“It’s a great day for the citizens of Ferguson to receive this money,” said Dobbs. “I just want to encourage everyone to come out to the Center and be a part of the ceremony at 4:30 p.m. and welcome the governor.”

The City of Ferguson recently held a public hearing for the residents involved in the scattered housing project.

“We’re very excited that we are getting the scattered housing grant,” said Pulaski County Government Administrative Assistant Lorie Hines. “It’s been a long process and we especially appreciate Governor Beshear and Commissioner Tony Wilder for all their support in this endeavor.”

Hines said the county is in the process of taking contractor applications and getting the bid packages ready for the scattered housing project.

“We’re excited the governor is actually coming to Somerset and having a town hall meeting,” added Hines. “We encourage everyone to come out and support the governor, ask questions and welcome him to Pulaski County.”

        

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