The turn out is certainly touching and it's nice to see loyalty. Unfortunately, it's unfounded because all these poor supporters will be watching their man head the hoosegow.

Friends turn out for official indicted in hiring inquiry

Murgatroyd saluted at N. Kentucky event

By Patrick Crowley
Cincinnati Enquirer



FORT MITCHELL, Ky. -- Even as Dick Murgatroyd faces misdemeanor charges in the state hiring investigation, he has no concerns about being alienated from his supporters, friends and fellow officials.

A crowd of more than 400 packed a large ballroom at the Drawbridge Inn last night for an emotional two-hour salute to Murgatroyd, deputy chief of staff to Gov. Ernie Fletcher and a former Kenton County judge-executive.

"I simply can't tell you how much this means to me," Murgatroyd said at the conclusion of the event.

"Throughout the years, whenever darkness has touched my life, it has been a strong faith in God and a great network of friends that have carried me through the troubled waters and given me the strength to carry on," he said. "Your presence here today is an inspiration to me as it symbolizes the friendship and love we have shared throughout the years."

Murgatroyd, 67, is among nine current or former members of the Republican governor's administration who have been indicted on charges of violating of state hiring laws. Murgatroyd was indicted on 16 counts of political discrimination, two counts of violating the rights of an executive employee and one count of criminal conspiracy, all misdemeanors. He and the others indicted have pleaded not guilty.

The indictments came amid an investigation of allegations that the Fletcher administration was breaking merit-system hiring laws. Those laws are designed to protect state workers and jobs from political influence.

Yesterday's event was a show of support for Murgatroyd, said Anita Carmack, who helped organize the event.

"Look at how many people showed up," she said. "Murg is so humbled. This means everything to him, and it shows how many lives this man has touched."

Murgatroyd was clearly touched by the outpouring of support.

He dabbed at his eyes during many of the speeches and momentarily broke down when talking about the support he has received from Fletcher and his wife, Glenna.

"He wanted to be here tonight, but he told me he didn't want to take away from my evening," Murgatroyd said, his voice breaking with emotion. "He's a good friend."

Two top officials did attend: Commerce Secretary Jim Host and Secretary of State Trey Grayson, a Northern Kentucky resident.

"I just wanted Murg to know I'm one of the people who are behind him right now, and I wanted to be here for him," Grayson said.

Several legislators and local officials from across Northern Kentucky also attended.

The evening was mostly devoid of politics, although Murgatroyd made a reference to Attorney General Greg Stumbo, a Democrat leading the investigation.

"I assure you … the political ambitions of an overzealous prosecutor" won't disrupt the work of the administration, Murgatroyd said to loud cheers.

Among the speakers and performers last night were Rob Reider, Nancy James and Mary Ellen Tanner, who worked on the "Bob Braun Show" in Cincinnati.

Murgatroyd produced the television program and remains close to the cast and crew. It went off the air in 1984.

"I don't know dip squat about politics," Tanner said. "But I'm in your corner … because you were always there for me."

Former Northern Kentucky University basketball coach Ken Shields also spoke.

Shields and Murgatroyd met in the late 1960s, when Shields was coach at the old St. Thomas High School in Fort Thomas and Murgatroyd was active in the athletic boosters and parish.

"Tough times don't last, but tough people do," Shields said. "Murg, you'll see this through because so many people believe in you."


Response

It's killing me to see what Fletcher's follies are doing to Kentucky. He promised to clean things up and he's made it even worse than it was before. Many are saying the "Democrats did it before." It doesn't make what they did better or right. They're levelling the playing field? That's a good thing. Two wrongs don't make a right.

posted by Stithmeister @ 10:18 PM
 
0 Comments:


Post a Comment

<< Home