The Northern Kentucky Democratic League held its Pork, Pints, and Politics picnic for supporters and anyone who wanted to hear what candidates had to say on Saturday afternoon.
“This is our second annual picnic,” said Shawn Masters, Chairman and President of the Northern Kentucky Democratic League. “We have a beautiful day, and about the same crowd as last year. This year we decided to let the candidates speak for a few minutes, and I think it could have a big impact on the election in November.”
Despite the fact that the picnic had to vie with several other events occurring concurrently, Masters was pleased with the turnout. The picnic was held at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Ludlow, and the yard backing up to the Ohio river provided an idyllic setting for good food and music and the opportunity to listen to what the candidates had to say.
Retired Judge Frank Trusty served as Master of Ceremonies, and Masters presented the first annual Public Service award to Judge Raymond E. Lape, Jr. for his lifetime of service.
“Judge Lape is no stranger to any of us,” said Masters. “We wanted to honor those whose exemplary public life raises the bar for us to live up to.”
One by one the candidates were called up to the stump by Judge Trusty, and they had three minutes to speak. Michelle Keller, a candidate for Kentucky Supreme Court told the crowdshe thought Kenton County was the most important county, being her home county, and after serving for six years she asked for help in keeping her job. She faces a challenge from Teresa Cunningham.
Judge Allison Jones was the second candidate, and she stressed that her job on the Court ofAppeals was no place to learn to be a judge. She also cited her 8 years of proven service as a public servant. Her opponent for the job, Covington attorney Justin Sanders, spoke next, saying 8 years ago Jones didn’t have any experience when she took the job, and said he wanted to be elected because he was the only Northern Kentucky candidate for the job and he had experience litigating cases.
Kathy Lape, candidate for Circuit Court Judge, thanked everyone for honoring her dad, and said he was a great role model. James Redwine, also a Circuit Court Judge candidate, agreed with Lape that it is hard work being a judge, and stated that this is what he knew, that hiscourt is where life changing events occur.
Judge Chris Mehling, running for family court, spoke out strongly against the heroin epidemic and how it affects families, and declared he was sick and tired of it. District Court Judge Ann Ruttle stated that she didn’t know if there was an answer to the heroin epidemic.
Jason Steffen, candidate for Kentucky Senate, 25th district, declared that he would represent all of Northern Kentucky, and Ken Rechtin, who is running for Campbell County Judge Executive against incumbent Steve Pendery, promised a return to the two party system in Kenton and Boone County.
Mark Ramler, candidate for Campbell County Commissioner against Republican Tom Lampe, wants to ensure Campbell County’s future by transforming blighted areas. Covington Commissioner Chuck Eilerman told the crowd to stay tuned for new projects coming in Covington, and Warner Allen, a challenger for Covington Commission said leadership is a choice not a position and promised to do better when elected.
Bill Wells stepped forward to represent South Covington on the city commission, an area that he doesn’t feel is well represented, and stated he knew the neighborhood. State Rep. Arnold Simpson, who is running unopposed, spoke last and consolidated the feelings of the group when he shouted “Mitch has to go!” referring to the race between Mitch McConnell and Alison Grimes.
Judge Trusty summed up the afternoon of speeches with a quote that speeches should be like a woman’s skirt, ‘long enough to cover the subject, and short enough to be interesting’.
Story & photos by Patricia A. Scheyer, RCN contributor
