KY Economic Development Secretary Resigns

As reported in the Lexington Herald Leader Tuesday, Sept. 2 edition, Hindman offered his resignation to the Kentucky Economic Development Partnership Board on Tuesday. The board, which is chaired by Beshear, is made up mostly of businesses executives. Secretary of the Cabinet Larry Hayes will become acting secretary of the Cabinet for Economic Development while continuing to serve as secretary of the cabinet. He will not receive any additional compensation.

During the 2008 Legislative session KFTC's High Road Initiative worked to introduce two bills that would have required greater transparency and accountability for Kentucky's economic development system. It also worked with Rep. Don Pasley to introduce HB 718  requiring the Cabinet for Economic Development and its governing body, the Partnership Board, to undergo a new visioning and planning process.  HB 718 also specified expanding the Partnership Board to include greater citizen involvment.  Secretary Hindman personally testified against HB 718 when it came before the House Economic Development Committee.

Jason Bailey, the Policy Director for the Mountain Association for Community Economic Development, MACED, responded to the news, "I hope the Partnership Board takes this opportunity to reassess the Cabinet's mission and direction." 

By statute, The Partnership Board must do a national search and submit three candidates to the Governor for final selection.

To read the Herald Leader article go to: http://www.kentucky.com/210/story/510761.html