KFTC Blog

The Letcher County chapter has worked hard over the past year to raise local visibility of their work, build collaboration with neighboring chapters, and increasingly plan and participate in local trainings and events.  With radio talk shows, newspaper ads and editorials, an increased facebook presence and more, the chapter is reaching and involving more and more people, from Blackey to Oven Fork.  Through work with the Appalachia’s Bright Future conference silent auction, the Letcher Chapter has already raised over three fourths of their annual fundraising goal! The last calendar year alone has included potlucks, water testing and citizen lobbying trainings, art raffles, voter empowerment drives, and countless appearances at fiscal court meetings to speak out for clean water and safe mining in our communities.

Just in the last month, Letcher County KFTC members spoke out at a Public Service Commission hearing about a Kentucky Power proposal to raise local electric rates.  They shared a message of vision, possibility and responsibility the company has to provide local ratepayers with the “least cost options” for long term, sustainable solutions. 

Secretary of State Allison Lundergan Grimes has been conducting a series of town meetings to gather input on election laws and practices. 

The exact times and locations of the final three events are now set:

June 3rd at 12:30 p.m. CST – McCracken County:  Robert Cherry Civic Center, 2701 Park Avenue, Paducah, KY
June 6th at 12:30 p.m. EST – Jefferson County: Muhammad Ali Center, 144 N. 6th Street, Louisville, KY
June 20th at 5:30 p.m. EST – Madison County:  Madison County Extension Office, 230 Duncannon Lane, Richmond, KY

The format of the input meetings is fairly straightforward.  It's a 60 minute discussion facilitated by the Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes. There is some context at the beginning and some recognition of county clerks' office representatives. 

But mostly, the event is focused on a series of questions like "What are your thoughts about our current voter registration process?" "18 states offer online voter registration. Should we try to move in that direction?" "What is your election day experience like?" and "32 states allow early voting. Should we allow no-excuse early voting in Kentucky too?"

Kentucky writer Mary Ann Taylor-Hall hosted an "extraordinary literary event" at her home on Saturday to the great enjoyment of all present and the benefit of KFTC.

The pleasant evening with more than 50 in attendance included music, refreshment and readings by Kentucky writers Susan Starr Richards, Maurice Manning and Richard Taylor.

"We think there needs to be a strong and vibrant voice for advocacy," said Susan Starr Richards, who read an essay recounting an experience on her neighboring farm where she and husband Dick have raised horses. "KFTC advocates across a range of issues. It is essential to have their voice."

Sean O'Donley lives in Hardin County and works next door in Louisville as a network maintenance technician for the cable company.  

He also works on racing car engines with his dad (at O'Donley Racing), likes to hunt, fish, and kayak when there's time.  

"Though mostly I work," he tells me, smiling.  "I stay pretty busy between my job and my family."

Sean grew up between McCraken and Caldwell counties in Western Kentucky and has lived in KY all his life.  "I like it here and can't say I've ever had a reason to leave," Sean says.  

He also follows politics. "Democrats think Democrats are smartest and Republicans think Republicans are the smartest," Sean says, laughing a little.  "But I think we've all got to work together."  

"Overall, I consider myself a Republican."

Although at 28 years old, Sean just recently got the right to vote for the first time in his life.