By Kirk Laughlin

The political makeup of the University of Louisville and the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees is in violation of state law; according to a letter sent by Ky. Attorney General Greg Stumbo to Gov. Ernie Fletcher on Aug. 27.

“The citizens of Kentucky are entitled to representation on these Boards that faithfully reflects their own political choices and makeup,” Stumbo said in the letter.

“By creating a Republican majority among gubernatorial appointees to those boards, you have denied the people their guaranteed voice.”

According to state law, the appointments should reflect the political makeup of Kentucky. Using the state’s voter registration, 57% of Kentuckians are Democrats and 37% are Republicans.

On the U of L board, where the political makeup is 9-8 in favor of Republicans, Stumbo’s letter insists that the makeup should be 7-10, which would require replacing two Republican trustees with Democratic ones.

In 2006, Fletcher appointed four trustees to the U of L Board: Rebecca Jackson, who sought the Republican nomination for governor against Fletcher, Ronald Butt, Jonathon Scott Blue, and reappointed J. Chester Porter, a long time member and current chairman.

However, the significance of party affiliation on the Board of Trustees has been called into question.

“My own experience as a board member for the past year suggests that political party matters very little to those who serve as members of the board,” Dr. Beth Boehm, a Trustee member, said.?”I would be unable to name the political persuasion of most board members, and I believe this is a board that works conscientiously with the best interests of the university, rather than each member’s political party’s interests in mind.”

Stumbo’s letter was sent in response to a complaint by Rep. Frank Rasche, (D-Paducah) who chairs the House Education Committee.

In the past, Rasche and the House Democratic majority have complained about Fletcher’s appointments.

House Speaker Democrat Jodi Richards has called it “a significant problem. It’s a problem first because he’s not following the law. …But it’s also reflective of the governor’s attitude toward loading up everything with members of his own party.”

At UK, the current ratio is 9-7 in favor of Republicans, when it should be a 10-6 Democrat advantage.

During his term, Fletcher has appointed 19 trustees at all of Kentucky’s universities, 15 of whom were Republicans and four were Democrats.

Fletcher has until Friday to act before Stumbo threatens to take the issue to court. This all comes during a time of incredible political tension, due to the gubernatorial elections being just two months away.

Steve Beshear, Fletcher’s opponent in the November election, said this is another example of the governor considering himself above the law. “It would be nice for a governor to follow the law for a change.”

Fletcher spokeswoman, Jodi Whitaker, said “Governor Fletcher is committed to appointing the best and brightest individuals to serve in these positions,” adding that, “the governor has followed the law.”

“The Board of Trustees plays a vital role at the University of Louisville,” stated U of L President Dr. James R. Ramsey.

“We hope this issue can be resolved quickly without affecting the board’s ability to lead the university. We value all our trustees and appreciate the dedication and service they offer the university.”

“At this point, we’re hoping for a quick resolution from the Governor’s office, since the Trustees are appointed by the Governor,” U of L Provost Shirley Willihnganz said.

“For myself, I believe we have a great Board of Trustees, regardless of party affiliation.”

Willihnganz continued, “this is more of a tension between the Attorney General and the Governor’s office than a direct tension between the university and Frankfort, but the resolution of this could have implications for us.”

“Right now we’re waiting for further word from Frankfort.”