Judge rules for, against Kentucky political rivals
When Kentucky’s legislature is not in session, the governor can shuffle the membership of state boards and commissions but he can’t give those members new jobs, according to a judge’s ruling as part of an ongoing dispute with two of the state’s top elected officials.
Judge Thomas Wingate ruled partially for and against both Republican Gov. Matt Bevin and Democratic Attorney General Andy Beshear, who have been tangled in court for more than a year in four separate lawsuits Beshear has filed challenging some of the governor’s executive actions. The lawsuits have been tinged with politics as Beshear is a potential candidate for governor in 2019 when Bevin could run for re-election.
For Bevin, the ruling means he can still use a state law to shuffle the membership of boards and commissions when the legislature is not in session, something he has done at least 37 times since taking office. For Beshear, it means Bevin’s order establishing a new process for teachers to appeal disciplinary actions and certification decisions is unconstitutional.
Bevin spokeswoman Amanda Stamper said the office was pleased with the ruling. She said the governor’s office respects Wingate’s decision to strike down the new teacher appellate procedure, adding she expects the legislature to address that issue next year.
Read more: http://www.state-journal.com/2017/11/16/judge-rules-for-against-kentucky-political-rivals/