Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Voters deliver upsets in House races
STEVENS DEFEATS DEDMAN; OVERLY RETAINS 72ND; STEELE WINS IN 84THBy Linda B. Blackford
Recent polls show that Kentuckians are dissatisfied with the state legislature, a feeling that resulted in some upsets in state House primary races.
Rep. Milward Dedman, D-Harrodsburg, was defeated by opponent Kent Stevens of Lawrenceburg in their second matchup in the 55th District.
The last time he faced Stevens in 2006, Dedman was a Republican. After that race, he switched to the Democratic Party, which he had belonged to up until 2004. Each man won his home county; Stevens won more votes in Anderson than Dedman could in Mercer.
"I'm a former school principal and I don't know a whole lot about elections," said Stevens, who will face Republican Timothy Gray in the fall. "I worked hard and I talked to a lot of people -- I think people are concerned with a number of things, especially with the legislature.
Another political newcomer took the 84th District seat, which is without a Republican challenger. Fitz Steele of Hazard has never held political office, but he defeated three other people, including Benny Ray Bailey, the son of Benny Ray Bailey, a longtime state senator.
Despite a race that got ugly, with anonymous fliers bringing up Bailey's former charges of spouse abuse, Steele convinced voters that he could help improve education, and solve environmental problems without hurting the coal industry.
"I'm a coal miner and a conservationist," said Steele, who also credited his victory with the number of boards and community groups he serves on. He said he will use coal severance dollars to bring clean water to his district, which encompasses Perry and part of Harlan County.
"No one in the 21st century should go without clean water and sewers, but we do, and that's about to change," he said.
Steele said he would also concentrate on improving health care and education in his region.
Eastern Kentucky was almost the scene of another big upset, this time in the 92nd District, where Rep. Ancel Smith, D-Leburn, managed to hold on to his seat by 161 votes.
Challenger John Sizemore said he would probably ask for a formal investigation of why Knott County held up voting for several hours doing recounts. The district also includes Letcher and Magoffin counties. Rep. Sannie Overly is an incumbent, but only just. She won her 72nd District seat in in a special election in January and successfully defended it from two challengers, Roy Baber and Jim Lovell.
Despite one legislative session under her belt, Overly said she still represented something new compared with her more politically seasoned opponents.
"I think they wanted a change and I think voters appreciated my message," Overly said last night.
Rep. Richard Henderson, D-Jeffersonville, who represents the 74th House District, had to answer questions about why he approved a legislative budget increase when so many state agencies were being cut. Nonetheless, he answered questions to the voters' satisfaction, beating challenger Billy Ray Fawns by a comfortable margin.
In other races, several incumbents won primaries and won't face opponents in the fall, including Rep. Tim Couch, R-Hyden, in the 90th District, Rep. Marie Rader, R-McKee, in the 89th and longtime Rep. Charles Siler, R-Corbin. Although he ended up in a tight race, Siler defeated challenger Dewayne Bunch.
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, April 15, 2008
Rep. Overly, Sen. Palmer Announce $1,410,500 for Nicholas water, sewer improvements
FRANKFORT - The state budget approved Tuesday includes $1,410,500 to improve water and sewer service to Nicholas County, said Representative Sannie Overly, D-Paris, and Senator R.J. Palmer II, D-Winchester.
"Nicholas County residents will greatly benefit from these water and sewer projects we were able to provide in the state budget," said Rep. Overly. "They will also improve our county's economic development potential, while enhancing the quality of life for all of our children and families. I am very proud that we were able to include these projects in the budget considering the difficult financial environment our state is operating under."
These funds will be used for the nine-tenths water line extension on KY 1678 ($90,000); one mile water line extension on KY 1308 ($95,000); Carlisle Regional Wastewater ($125,000), and Lake Carnico Area Sanitary System Project for the Nicholas County Sanitation District #2 ($1,100,500).
"This is a good stewardship that will ensure the quality of water and improve the sewer services in Nicholas County," said Senator Palmer. "Providing reliable, clean and safe drinking water and protecting the environment are top priorities. I am extremely proud of these projects. They are critical to the service to our citizens and growth of our community."
The projects announced this week are part of an ongoing statewide effort to improve water and sewer service. Legislators work closely with local officials in allocating dollars.
"I appreciate all the hard work and effort on Senator Palmer's part and Rep. Overly's part," said Nicholas County Judge-Executive Larry D. Tincher. "Even though it is a tight budget year, we appreciate what's coming our way for the County."
Representative Overly represents the 72nd district, which includes Bath, Bourbon, Nicholas counties, and part of Fayette County. She has served in the House since 2008. Senator Palmer represents the 28th district, which includes Bath, Bourbon, Clark, Harrison, Montgomery and Nicholas counties. He has served in the State Senate since 2001.
Wednesday, April 15, 2008
Rep. Overly, Sen. Palmer Announce $1.75 Million for Bath water improvements
FRANKFORT - The state budget approved Tuesday includes $1.75 million to improve water service to Bath County, said Representative Sannier Overly, D-Paris, and Senator R.J. Palmer II, D-Winchester.
"One of my main goals as a Bath County legislator is to see that all of my constituents have access to clean drinking water and sewer lines, and this budget moves us closer to that goal," said Rep. Overly. "I am very proud that we were able to include these projects in the budget for Bath County, considering the difficult financial environment our state is operating under."
These projects include:
- Bath County Water District - interconnect project, $206,250;
- City of Owinsville - US 60 East - Wyoming Road Elementary School project, $350,000;
- City of Owingsville - US 60 East/Wyoming Road A6 extension project, $450,000;
- Sharpsburg Water District - water sales machine project, $5,000;
- Sharpsburg Water District -water tank project, $720,000, and
- Gateway Area Development District - regional water interconnect - match/debt retirement, $18,750.
"This is a good stewardship that will ensure the quality of water and improve the water services in Bath County," said Senator Palmer. "Providing reliable, clean and safe drinking water is a top priority. I am extremely proud of these projects. They are critical to the service to our citizens and growth of our community."
The projects announced this week are part of an ongoing statewide effort to improve water and sewer service. Legislators work closely with local officials in allocating dollars.
Representative Overly represents the 72th district, which includes Bath, Bourbon, Nicholas counties, and part of Fayette County. She has served in the House since 2008. Senator Palmer represents the 28th district, which includes Bath, Bourbon, Clark, Harrison, Montgomery and Nicholas counties. He has served in the State Senate since 2001.
Wednesday, April 15, 2008
Rep. Overly, Sen. Palmer announce budget sets aside $1,757,900 for improvements for Bourbon water, sewer service
FRANKFORT - The state budget approved Tuesday includes $1,757,900 to improve water and sewer service in Bourbon County, said Representative Sannie Overly, D-Paris, and Senator R.J. Palmer II, D-Winchester.
"I'm very pleased that even in the face of tough financial times, we were able to include important infrastructure projects that will continue to move Bourbon County forward," said Rep. Overly. "Over the next two years these water and sewer projects will help grow Bourbon County economically and provide a better quality of life for our citizens. I'm proud that we were able to secure these important projects in the state budget."
The budget provides:
- $25,000, City of Millersburg, for various water lines;
- $425,000 for the Centerville sewer project;
- $485,000 for the Paris and Bourbon County Industrial Park wastewater expansion;
- $497,900 for the Bourbon Hills Sanitary Sewer Collection project;
- $105,000 for the North Middletown sewer system, and
- $220,000 for the US 68 Bypass Water Transmission Main Extension.
"This is a good stewardship that will ensure the quality of water and improve the sewer services in the community," said Senator Palmer. "Providing reliable, clean and safe drinking water and protecting the environment are top priorities. I am extremely proud of these projects because they will help to improve the quality of life in Bourbon County."
The projects announced this week are part of an ongoing statewide effort to improve water and sewer service. Legislators work closely with local officials in allocating dollars.
Representative Overly represents the 72th district, which includes Bath, Bourbon, Nicholas counties, and part of Fayette County. She has served in the House since 2008. Senator Palmer represents the 28th district, which includes Bath, Bourbon, Clark, Harrison, Montgomery and Nicholas counties. He has served in the State Senate since 2001.
Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2008
REP. OVERLY FILES BILL TO BOOST CHILD SUPPORT COLLECTION
Frankfort, KY - Rep. Sannie Overly (D-Paris) filed legislation today that provides additional tools for the agency tasked with aiding custodial parents in the collection of child support payments. The bill also conforms Kentucky law with federal statutes and regulations on child support collection.
The legislation, HB 405, was drafted in coordination with the Division of Child Support in the Department for Community Based Services. Under this measure, the threshold for driver's license and passport denial of those with past due child support would be reduced by 50 percent and the statute of limitation on child support collections would be extended.
"States across the nation are ramping up their child support collection efforts," said Rep. Overly. "This bill will improve the ability of the Division of Child Support to collect the payments that the custodial parents are due."
"This bill will help make sure our child support program has the tools it needs to better enforce child support orders," said Department for Community Based Services Commissioner Pat Wilson. "We look forward to working with Rep. Overly to help other members understand the importance of this bill."
House Bill 405 will be referred to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration.
Thursday, Jan. 24, 2008
REPRESENTATIVE OVERLY FILES CANDIDATE PAPERS
Representative Sannie Overly of Paris filed papers today to run for re-election to the 72nd House District.
Photo 1 - Filing for Re-election! I was honored to have Bath County Judge Executive Carolyn Belcher and Nicholas County Judge Larry Tincher sign my declaration paperwork.
Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2008
72nd DISTRICT GETS NEW VOICE IN AGRICULTURE, TRANSPORTATION POLICY
Representative Sannie Overly has been assigned to serve on the House committees on Agriculture and Small Business, Transportation, and State Government.
She will serve as vice-chairman of the Transportation Committee.
House leadership tailored the assignments to suit the needs of the 72nd House District, which has a strong agricultural base.
Representative Overly, who was sworn in last week after winning a special election, attended her first committee meeting yesterday, where the Agriculture and Small Business Committee took up legislation regarding the equipment used to test moisture in tobacco.
"With so many farm families in the district, I'm excited about the opportunity to affect the direction we take with agriculture policy," said Representative Overly, who grew up on a farm and whose parents still live there. "This new assignment is perfect for where I'm from."
With her background as a civil engineer, Representative Overly brings unique skills to her new seat on the Transportation Committee. She worked for the state Transportation Cabinet while attending UK and then for five years as a full-time engineer.
The State Government Committee is a high-volume panel that handles some of the most significant legislation filed in any given session. Representative Overly's background as an attorney will suit her well in the committee's deliberations.
"I am confident that Sannie will make an immediate positive contribution to each of the committees to which she has been appointed," said House Speaker Jody Richards. "I know that her constituents and the people of the Commonwealth will benefit from her hard work and expertise on these important committees."
House Majority Caucus Chairman Charlie Hoffman said, "Sannie brings hard-to-find talents to these committees. We're lucky to have her. I know she'll work hard and make the people of the 72nd district proud of their decision to send her to Frankfort."
The 72nd House District includes Bath, Bourbon and Nicholas counties, and three precincts in Fayette County.
Friday, Jan. 11, 2008
SANNIE OVERLY SWORN IN AS REPRESENTATIVE FOR 72ND HOUSE DISTRICT
Representative Sannie Overly was sworn into the state House of Representatives today.
At a ceremony in the House chamber at the state Capitol in Frankfort, Overly took the oath of office as her family, friends and new legislative colleagues watched. Supreme Court Justice Mary Noble administered the oath.
"It's a deep and humbling honor to be sent to Frankfort by my neighbors to fight for their interests," Representative Overly said. "I pledge to work hard every day to live up to this responsibility and make them proud."
House leaders welcomed Overly to the chamber.
"We are thrilled that someone with Sannie's intellect, talent, and integrity will be joining us in the House," said House Speaker Jody Richards. "With her background as an attorney and engineer, she brings many skills to the table which will make her an effective legislator. I am confident that Sannie will represent the 72nd District effectively."
House Majority Caucus Chairman Charlie Hoffman added, "Sannie Overly is one of the smartest and most talented, accomplished and compassionate people I've seen elected to the House in my 10 years in the General Assembly. It's been a real privilege to get to know her and now to welcome her into the caucus."
In her professional life, Overly is a lawyer and a civil engineer. She graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Engineering and the University of Louisville College of Law.
In the community, Overly chairs the board of her local hospital and serves as president of the Bourbon County Bar Association. She is the immediate past president of the Paris-Bourbon County historic society.
The 72nd House district includes Bath, Bourbon and Nicholas counties, and three precincts in Fayette County.
Representative Overly replaces former House member Carolyn Belcher, who was elected last fall to serve as judge-executive in Bath County.
Overly and her husband live in Paris with their two daughters.
DEMOCRAT OVERLY WINS 72ND SPECIAL ELECTION
Unofficial results show that Democrat Sannie Overly defeated Republican Bryan Beauman, sweeping all four counties in Central Kentucky's 72nd House District.
Overly received more than 3,200 votes to nearly 2,000 for Beauman, according to the Kentucky Board of Elections. Overly will keep the 72nd District in the Democratic Party's column, as she replaces Democrat Carolyn Belcher of Owingsville, who became Bath County's judge executive in November.
The four counties in the 72nd District voted this way:
- Bath County: Overly 952 to Beauman 276
- Bourbon County: Overly 1533 to Beauman 1454
- Fayette County (three precincts): Overly 66 to Beauman 50
- Nicholas COunty: Overly 684 to Beauman 274
About 18 percent of the district's 28,512 registered voters showed up to the polls for today's special election.
Democratic Party Chairman Jennifer Moore issued a statement congratulating Overly:
She handily won in all four counties represented in the district. As a Bourbon County native, Sannie knows the needs of her constituents. Her election ensures the people of the 72nd District will continue to be represented by a strong voice in the House of Representatives, just as they were by her Democratic predecessor, Carolyn Belcher.
- Ryan Alessi
Lexington Herald-Leader
DEMOCRATIC PARTY NOMINATES A WORKING MOTHER
PARIS – On Saturday the Democratic Party precinct officers from Bourbon, Bath, Nicholas and a portion of Fayette County met to select their nominee for the vacant 72nd District House seat. The vacancy came about as a result of former Representative Carolyn Belcher being elected to fill the vacancy of Bath County Judge Executive.
From a field of five candidates Democratic Party leaders selected a first time candidate over four candidates with a wealth of political experience. The field included a former two-term State Representative (Jim Lovell), a former two term Bourbon County Judge Executive and Mayor of Millersburg (Roy Baber), a former Paris City Commissioner (Janet Patton) and a long-time Bath County political activist (Earl Rogers, Jr.). Instead they selected Sannie Overly a working mother who is an attorney in private practice on the first ballot.
In remarks before securing the nomination, Overly emphasized her rural roots growing up on the family farm in Millersburg. She pledged work to help family farms, preserve the districts farming heritage and land. Overly, the mother of two daughters emphasized her priority of investing in Kentucky’s future. “As our new administration begins its work, it will be important for our district remain in the hands of a Democrat. We will be best served by someone who can forge a working relationship and help with this important work”, Overly stated. “As a daughter, a mother, a wife, a working mom and as an attorney working in this district, I have a unique understanding of the importance of the work of our legislature. I don’t have to look any farther than the faces of my two girls to remind me daily of just how important that future is to not only me personally but to all families”, Overly added.
In a Special Election on January 8th Overly will face the Republican Lexington lawyer Bryan Beauman.