BOB HELERINGER TO ADDRESS ST. MATTHEWS ROTARY

BOB HELERINGER TO ADDRESS ST. MATTHEWS ROTARY; WILL PRESENT PROPOSAL FORBALANCING STATE BUDGET AND RESTORING FUNDS TO SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES

(Louisville, KY) July 28, 2008 -- Bob Heleringer, candidate for the Kentucky State Senate in Jefferson County's 19th District, will speak at the St. Matthews Rotary Club's monthly luncheon Wednesday, July 30, at 12:00 p.m., at the Breckinridge Inn.

Heleringer will offer his ideas on balancing the state budget and restoring funds cut from many of Kentucky's social service agencies during the most recent legislative session.

"We can restore funds for services for our most vulnerable citizens without any general tax increases if we have the will to dismantle our bloated personal service contract culture," said Heleringer.

Heleringer represented the 33rd District in the Kentucky State House from 1980-2002.
The 19th Senate district runs from the Germantown and Audubon Park areas east along the Watterson Expressway to the Stony Brook and Jeffersontown areas and takes in significant parts of St. Matthews, the Highlands and Hikes Point.

The Breckinridge Inn is located at 2800 Breckenridge Lane. The hotel's phone number is 502-456-5050.

For more information, contact Heleringer at 502-314-2675 or Craig Harrington, Campaign Manager, at 502-314-3662.

ANNE NORTHUP HEADLINES JEFFERSON COUNTY GOP PICNIC

Louisville - After a spirited reorganization, the Jefferson County Republican Party will show its support for all Republican candidates and officially unify under one banner at this Friday's GOP picnic. The 1st Annual Republican Round Up, this event will serve as the perfect opportunity for candidates to meet passionate grassroots supporters and party faithful as they gear up for their stretch run campaigns. The picnic will be held at Charlie Vettiner Park from 5-9 PM on July 25th.

"We are ecstatic about the idea of having Republicans from Valley Station to Prospect and everywhere in between gather in one place to socialize and get to know one another," Chairman Brad Cummings said. "In order to be successful this fall, we must forge a bond countywide and make sure Republicans know that no part of the county will go unnoticed by the JCRP."

Former Congresswoman Anne Northup will headline a list of speakers that will include County Clerk Bobbie Holsclaw, State Senate candidates Doug Hawkins and Bob Heleringer, State Representatives Bob DeWeese and Ron Crimm, and Metro Council candidates Graham Honaker, Bob Heuglin and Dwight Witten. Many of the current Jefferson County officeholders will be in attendance as well.

While meat and drinks will be provided, everyone attending is asked to bring a dish. Last names A-H bring a dessert, I-O salad and P-Z vegetable or side dish. There will be activities for the kids and an auction including a Richie Farmer basketball, a copy of Faith of my Fathers signed by John McCain and Republican themed jewelry.

Council Candidate Dwight Witten Stands up for South Louisville

Louisville – At last night’s Metro Council meeting, Southern Jefferson County was introduced to a dynamic new leader who listens to the concerns of his constituents. Dwight Witten, running for the District 12 Council seat against incumbent Rick Blackwell, let the voice of the grassroots voter be heard by standing firmly against an unnecessary bomb storage facility at Cardinal Hill.

“For years my beloved South End has been treated like a punchline of a bad joke, being used as a dumping ground for the cities unwanted projects,” Witten said at last night’s Metro Council meeting. “Recently, our city’s administration, led by Mayor Jerry Abramson, has shown not only in words but also in action its opinion of the residents of South Louisville by proposing the location of a bomb storage facility on top of our water supply on Cardinal Hill.”

Councilman and Senate candidate Doug Hawkins has led the charge on this issue since the spring and has garnered much support for his actions and his recently filed ordinance. Witten has heard the people in his district and has joined the call.

“It’s amazing to me that we are even at this point,” Witten said. “There is a tremendous outcry from all south Louisville Districts. We are completely united in opposing this action.”

The issue was brought up when Mayor Abramson and his staff tried to slip a bomb storage unit under the radar last spring. The decision was made hastily and without much input from other government agencies, most notably the Metro Council who voted to send Hawkins’ ordinance back to committee.

“For too long, our city’s Democratic leadership has taken for granted the hardworking people of South Jefferson County,” said Jefferson County Republican Chairman Brad Cummings. “These are the type of driven, responsible citizens vitally important to the economic engine of any successful city. Why Jerry and his cronies consistently ignore their needs is beyond me.”

“Perhaps it is time for Councilman Blackwell to step down. Dwight Witten clearly has the best interests of District 12 in mind and has been listening to his constituents. I suppose that’s what happens when you actually knock on their door and listen to their concerns,” Cummings said. “This issue is larger than the bomb storage facility. It is about how the South End of Louisville continually gets the short end of the stick in Metro Government decisions. The Democrats may take this part of town for granted, but as Chairman, I assure South Enders that the Republican Party sees the problem and will strive to be a part of the solution.”