Hello October! The tenth month of the calendar year is full of fall foliage, fun-filled Halloween baskets and fun facts.
Did you know that October came from the Latin octo, which means "eight," because this was the eighth month of the early Roman calendar. When the Romans converted to a 12-month calendar, the name October stuck.
October ends on the same day of the week as February every year and January in common years only (365 days). On the last week of October, it is the only time of the entire year when all four major American sports have games at the same time: the MLB, NHL, NFL and NBA.
Famous people born in October include Angela Lansbury, Bill Gates, Julia Roberts, Matt Damon, Kate Winslet, Julie Andrews, Hugh Jackman, Katy Perry, Arthur Miller, William Rehnquist, President Jimmy Carter, Kelly Ripa, Eleanor Roosevelt, Helen Hayes, John Lennon, Hillary Clinton, Tanya Tucker, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Marie Osmond, Usher, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Penny Marshall, Ralph Lauren, Lee Iacocca, Suzanne Somers, Emeril Lagasse, Christopher Columbus,Mickey Mantle, Evander Holyfield, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mike Ditka, Zac Efron, Ryan Reynolds...
And on my birthday, October 10, in 1973, Spiro T. Agnew (1918-1996) resigned the office of Vice President of the United States amid charges of income tax evasion on illegal payments allegedly received while he was governor of Maryland and after he became Vice President. He was later given a $10,000 fine and sentenced to serve three years probation. He was succeeded as Vice President by Gerald R. Ford, who went on to become President after the resignation of Richard M. Nixon.
October is also the month prior to Election Day 2020, when thousands of citizens will go to the polls or mail-in their ballots to engage in the most precious privilege afforded us - the right to vote. People are saying that this election is the most important one of our lifetime. Perhaps; but, I would argue that all elections are the most important, because elections have consequences! Each one of them.
I had a discussion the other day with someone who stated that the most important thing citizens can do is vote and get others to register and vote. I agree to some degree. Registering to vote and getting others to register is fundamentally a noble and responsible duty and a boon to democracy. However, I would strongly argue that as a registered voter, the most important aspect of exercising our right to vote is being INFORMED.
Despite all the unprecedented and entertaining events during this election cycle, most people have given little notice to the candidates’ specific policy proposals. Even this year’s predicted record turnout for the presidential election does not change this reality.
Democracies rest on the ability of the general public to elect candidates who will govern with the notion that to whom much is given, much is required. These same elected officials also must be held accountable for understanding that, in the words of Abraham Lincoln, government of the people, by the people, and for the people shall not perish from this earth. But what happens when a large segment of voters knows very little about today's policy debates or even the basic workings of American government?
In my opinion (and by now, you've come to know that I have plenty of that!), there is nothing more damaging to democracy than an uninformed voter. Voting just to exercise your right could be detrimental if you are choosing candidates like I choose Derby horses ---- by the color of the jockey silks. Elections bear grave repercussions when we vote for candidates because we like their surname or glossy campaign literature, but know nothing about their politics. To be honest, I'd rather people skip a category on the ballot if they are unaware of the candidate's stance on issues.
To help someone avoid voting for a candidate by eeny, meeny, miny, moe, I have dedicated most of this e-Newsletter to detailing items on the ballot, including the two amendments and the tax levy questions that require knowledge in order to make an informed decision. I hope you'll share this information with others.
The District 7 office is reducing roadside trash, promoting highway cleanliness and improving the environment in a clean-up event this Sunday, October 4th at 3:30, on the median at Brownsboro Road between Rudy Lane and the Northfield neighborhood.
With weed eaters in hand and trash bags in tow, we will clean up the roadside median from rock debris, weeds and litter. This is a fun way to be outside, breathe fresh air and make a positive impact on our community.
The median had become dangerous from dislocated rocks, and cars had to maneuver around them. Louisville Metro Public Works cleaned the larger debris from the median making the area safer to drive. Districts 7 is partnering with District 16 and the state representative from District 32 to clear the remaining debris and pull unsightly weeds from the cracks of the median.
Rocks and litter can be problematic for drivers and could clog storm drains. I encourage residents to avoid throwing litter onto roadways and call my office if you see an area that needs attention. Together, we can maintain the attractiveness of District 7.
This clean-up is a small project and we have just the right number of volunteers to get the job done. However, another cleanup will be scheduled in the spring along Westport Road (date TBA), and volunteers will be needed. To sign up to be a part of the District 7 Clean Team, contact my office at 502-574-1107.
P.S. Motorists should be on the lookout for clean-up volunteers at the median, slow down and blow your horn in support!
Drop-off boxes will be available at all voting locations during voting hours
Kentucky Exposition Center DATE: October 13th through November 2nd ADDRESS: 937 Phillips Lane ~ Fairgrounds North Wing TIME: Monday through Saturday ~ 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ELECTION DAY: Tuesday, November 3rd ~ 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Free Parking)
KFC Yum! Center ~ Foyer DATE: October 13th through November 2nd ADDRESS: Main & 2nd Streets TIME: Monday through Saturday ~ 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ELECTION DAY: Tuesday, November 3rd ~ 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Free Parking)
Kentucky Center for African American Heritage DATE: October 13th through November 2nd ADDRESS: 1701 West Muhammad Ali Blvd TIME: Monday through Saturday ~ 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ELECTION DAY: Tuesday, November 3rd ~ 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Free Parking)
Louisville Marriott East DATE: October 13th through November 2nd ADDRESS: 1903 Embassy Square Blvd. ~ Commonwealth Ballroom TIME: Monday through Saturday ~ 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ELECTION DAY: Tuesday, November 3rd ~ 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Free Parking)
Voters should use a black pen to fill out their ballots. For each race, the voter should entirely fill in the circle next to their preferred candidate.
After filling out the ballot, the voter should place the ballot in the manila envelope, sign the envelope where instructed and then seal it.
Then, the voter should place the manila envelope in the white envelope, sign the white envelope where instructed and then seal it.
Absentee Ballot Voting Instructional Video
NOTICE: Currently, an absentee drop-off box is only available at the Jefferson County Clerk Election Center located at 701 W. Ormsby. Beginning October 13thadditional drop-off boxes will be available at the Kentucky Exposition Center, KFC Yum! Center, Kentucky Center for African American Heritage and the Louisville Marriott East. Drop-off boxes will be available at all voting locations on Election Day until 6:00 p.m.
Click Here to watch a video on filling out an Absentee Ballot correctly: https://youtu.be/x44X5SqjERM
Not every voter in Jefferson County receives the same ballot. Due to the number of small cities, legislative, metro council, and congressional districts, there are 1520 ballot styles in Jefferson County.
To view your ballot, click here: http://www.jeffersoncountyclerk.org/MyBallot/
Here's a picture of the front page of my ballot. Your ballot may be different depending on where you reside. The differences may be in the State Representative race and the suburban city race.
DON'T FORGET TO TURN BALLET OVER AND VOTE THE QUESTIONS ON THE BACK!
The 2020 General Election is just a few weeks away and we're bombarded with information from candidates - from television ads to literature in the mail to social media posts and tweets. That's only the beginning. The real work comes with filling out the ballot as an INFORMED voter. The ballot on November 3rd will be jampacked with local candidates, ballot questions, and judges. What’s a person to do with so many decisions and choices to make?
Here are a few tools to help you with research and prepare you for making an educated vote without having a law degree.
First: Explore candidates’ websites to see where they stand on hot-button issues.
Second: If one of the candidates is an incumbent in the House of Representatives or Senate, go to Congress.gov and research their voting records, find out what issues they concentrate on, and how to contact them. Consider what your views are on a topic and find out the views of each candidate. Vote for the one whose views are more in line with yours.
One of the simplest tools to figure out which candidates match your interests is Vote Smart’s Vote Easy quiz. Here, you’ll answer a series of questions about your views on topics ranging from abortion to social security. As you answer each question, Vote Smart gives you a best match for both the House and Senate based on your views. When you click a candidate’s profile, you can get a closer look at how they’ve voted (if they’re already in office) or how they responded to the same questions you answered. While the Vote Smart’s a little archaic in its design, this is the simplest starting point for most of us. You can dig a bit deeper if you'd like by visiting either of these sites: Propublica’s Represent and Ballotpedia.
Third: Attend campaign events, including town halls (or participate in them by phone or online) and informal coffees and other stops the candidates might be making in the community. Local party offices, public libraries and other community organizations usually have information on such events.
Fourth: Find the campaign office and call or drop in. Candidates want your vote. Make them work for it. Ask to speak to the candidate or her or his representative and get your questions answered about the issues that matter to you.
Fifth: Check the answers of each candidate on important issues. Factcheck.org, which is run by the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania, keeps track of candidates’ statements and claims.
The Courier-Journal generally publishes a section in the paper called Kentucky Voter Guide. It highlights candidates and their answers to select questions. The pictures and contact information are included in the feature section. You can also learn about candidates through Café LOUIE, a partnership with the 2015 Bingham Fellows, the Leadership Louisville Center, and the Friends of the Library. These informal meetings with legislators are hosted on a Saturday morning at select local library branches. Also, the League of Women Voters hosts candidate forums during election season. Visit the League's website for details.
Sixth: Go to trusted sources, such as AARP, to find out more about federal candidates. For example, you can find out how lawmakers voted on key Affordable Health Care Act (ACA) legislation.
Seventh: You can also contact the Jefferson County Clerk's Office - our local election authority, for more information. If you’re not sure how to get a hold of them, Vote Smart has a list with web sites and phone numbers.
The simplest way to visit the Jefferson County Board of Elections website is here: http://elections.jeffersoncountyclerk.org/.
NOTE: Some of the information listed above is from the AARP website.
There are three special measures on our November 3rd ballot in the form of amendments and a tax increase initiative. While these three measures may seem like simple "Yes" or "No" questions, there's a lot more going on than meets the eye. A bit of research on everyone's part is in order.
Below are the three measures, along with information that will hopefully help you become more informed and comfortable with making a decision.
*Some voters say the ballot question for the JCPS property tax increase referendum is confusing.
The question reads:
"Are you for or against the Jefferson County Board of Education better supporting the education of students in Jefferson County Public Schools, including improvements to school facilities, by levying a real estate and personal property tax of seven additional cents ($0.07) per one hundred dollars ($100) valuation?"
But while the questions asks voter if they are "for or against," voters can only choose from the answer "yes" or "no."
That's because the Jefferson County Clerk's ballot software is not capable of printing "for" or "against" as referendum choices, only "yes" or "no," said Nore Ghibaudy, spokesperson for the office.
It's left voters such as Tim Bickel scratching their heads.
"I was confused whether it's 'Yes, am I for,' or 'Yes, am I against,' or 'No, I am for,' or 'No, I'm against,'" he said.
Here's what we found out:
Yes = for the property tax increase
No = againstthe property tax increase
Bickel declined to say whether he supports the property tax increase, which JCPS officials say will help them close the achievement gap and catch up on long overdue building renovations and new construction. But he is worried people could accidentally cast a vote that does not align with their intention.
The language was crafted by JCPS, said Superintendent Marty Pollio.
"We followed the statute," Pollio said. "We're very clear with our attorneys to make sure we wrote the language as the statute states. And so we had nothing to do with the 'yes or no' part of it but we're going to make sure we make the case to the community. I think if we do that we'll be fine."
*This information was extracted from the website of WLKY Television.
On April 14, 2020, the Kentucky Legislature approved a constitutional amendment that would add to the Kentucky Constitution specific rights for crime victims, together known as Marsy’s Law, for the November ballot. The specific rights include:
to be treated with fairness and due consideration for the victim’s safety, dignity, and privacy;
to be notified about proceedings;
to be heard at proceedings involving release, plea, or sentencing of the accused;
to proceedings free from unreasonable delays;
to be present at trials;
to consult with the state’s attorneys;
to reasonable protection from the accused and those acting on behalf of the accused;
to be notified about the release or escape of the accused;
to have the victim’s and victim’s family’s safety considered when setting bail or determining release; and
to receive restitution from the individual who committed the criminal offense.
Kentucky voters approved a Marsy’s Law amendment in 2018 with 63 percent of the vote, but it was overturned in KACDL v. Grimes and Board of Elections. The Kentucky Supreme Court ruled that the ballot language did not provide enough information to voters, making the Marsy’s Law constitutional amendment invalid.
Proponents Arguments For:
Supporters argue that the rights of victims and their families deserve the same constitutional protections as the rights of the accused. The current imbalance leads to victim abuse like harassment, especially when the accused are out on bail and parole. Victims deserve to be involved as much or as little as they desire, including testifying at bail and parole hearings. As doing so can place victims at high risk, they should be provided appropriate protections. Attempts to protect victims in statute have not been successful, so the state constitution is the best place to ensure that victims’ rights are placed on equal footing with the accused, supporters of the amendment say.
Opponents Arguments Against:
Opponents argue that the rights of the accused are fundamentally different than victims’ rights. Primarily, the rights of the accused are there to protect citizens from the immense power of the state to arrest and incarcerate individuals accused of crimes. They protect parties that are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Opponents further argue that the threats and violence against victims and families that Marsy’s Law purports to protect against are already illegal. Stalking and harassment are illegal and those protections need to be enforced. Much of the justice process is already public and accessible to victims, though some jurisdictions need to improve how they keep victims informed, opponents say.
A "Yes" vote supports amending the Kentucky Constitution to make the following changes:
increase the office terms of commonwealth's attorneys from six years to eight years starting in 2030;
increase the office terms of district judges from four years to eight years starting in 2022; and
change attorney licensing requirements for district judges from two years to eight years beginning in 2022.
A “No” vote opposes amending the Kentucky Constitution to increase the term limits of commonwealth’s attorneys and district judge and to change licensing requirements for district judges.
Special general election for Kentucky 30th Circuit Court - Nonpartisan
“One Family, One Judge, One Court”
Family Court is comprised of 10 divisions and 10 judges. It is involved in the most intimate and complex aspects of human nature and social relations. For that reason, Family Court uses a case management process that distinguishes it from other trial courts. With the “One Family, One Judge, One Court” approach, cases are presented in a single court, allowing the same judge to hear all matters involving a particular family. This reduces the stress that can arise when individuals are shuttled between courts to resolve a variety of issues. Jefferson County’s Family Court was created in 1991, and it has garnered national attention for its cutting-edge approach and has served as a model for many other jurisdictions around the state and nation.
Incumbent Ellie Kerstetter, Lori Goodwin, and Daren Neel are running in the special general election for Kentucky 30th Circuit Court on November 3, 2020.
On Thursday, October 1, the Louisville Bar Association and the Women Lawyers Association of Jefferson County hosted a judicial candidates forum for Jefferson Family Court (Div. 3). The three candidates - Ellie Kerstetter, Daren Neel, and Lori Goodwin - discussed their qualifications for the position and answered questions from moderators.
The structure of a consolidated local government is different from a county form of government in that instead of being governed by a fiscal court and county judge/executive, the consolidated local government has a mayor elected at large and a legislative council composed of 26 members who are nominated and elected by district.
Members of the fiscal court and a county judge/executive are still elected because they are constitutional officers, but the new legislative council determines their duties and salaries by ordinance.
In Jefferson County, the office of County Commissioner is only an office in "title." Again, it is listed on the ballot because it is a constitutional office. People file for the seat and are elected every year, but when elected, the person holds the title, but has no responsibilities. So, in this case, does it really matter who you vote for in this category on the ballot?
Soil and Water Conservation - District Supervisors
The Louisville Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation, located in Louisville, KY, protects and improves Louisville soil and water resources. A government agency, the Soil and Water Conservation District provides resources on conservation and management for soil, water, and other natural resources. It aims to conserve land, water, forests, and wildlife in Kentucky state. In addition, the Soil and Water Conservation District Association and the Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) provides conservation support for Louisville residents and businesses.
You may contact Soil and Water Conservation Districts for questions about:
Louisville Soil and Water conservation programs
Conservation practices
Natural resources in Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville soil and water surveys
The Soil and Water Conservation Act
On the ballot, there are two names from which to vote, although there are four (4) supervisor positions open. You can choose to vote for one or both of these candidates, and you can decide to write in up to two or four names.
Sarah Elizabeth Sammons - https://www.facebook.com/sarahbethsammons
Jennifer Chappell - https://www.facebook.com/votejenniferchappell/
Suburban City Races
If you live in an incorporated area with a mayor and city council, find out if your city government is on the ballot, knock on the door of each candidate and get to know your neighbors!
Your Jack O'Lantern Spectacular ticket purchase directly supports the non-profit Louisville Parks Foundation and the community-driven projects they support in Louisville's 120+ public parks and community centers.
From the depths of Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory the ghosts and goblins have awakened to welcome the 5th Annual Home Run Halloween. This year the spine-tingling excitement happens every Sunday in October.
No ghouling around. Every Sunday will be spooktacular because kids dressed in costume receive a special Halloween mini-bat at the end of the factory tour and receive a pre-packaged bag of candy.
To make things even more spine-tingling, we’ve conjured a special treat for parents – no tricks here, kids get half-price admission every day in October when parents use the promo code BOO2020 when purchasing tickets at sluggermuseum.com. Advance tickets are required.
The World’s Largest Vampire Stake re-emerges for the fun. The 8-foot-tall stake was crafted here at the factory. Though the stake will have vampires shaking in fright, guests can pose with this marvel for a delightfully frightful photo-op. The stake fits right in with the theme of big things at the museum. The downtown attraction is already the home of The Big Bat (the largest in the world at 120 feet tall) and a giant ball and glove sculpture carved from limestone.
Guests can also learn about the spooky history of the building and hear about spine-tingling paranormal encounters employees have had in the museum during Ghost Stories of Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory.
Since re-opening its doors on June 11th, the museum has implemented additional safety precautions including social distancing floor graphics, reducing tour sizes, stepping-up sanitizing protocols and requiring masks for all guests and team members. Guests without masks can purchase them upon entering the museum for $1.00.
On October 1 – 30, 2020 (Thursdays through Sundays) join the Halloween party of the year! It starts at 5 p.m., and the route closes at 10 p.m. Special tickets are required for all guests ages 3+.
A LOUISVILLE TRADITION!
A Louisville tradition for over 35 years, Halloween transforms your Zoo into a living storybook, complete with some of your favorite characters brought to life, fun music and a safe place for trick-or-treating for kids 11 and under. This year, we’re celebrating with a new party experience designed to give you all the kooky you love with none of the spooky.
ALL THE FUN FOR ONE GREAT PRICE
Enjoy a spin on the Spooktacular Carousel.
Get up close to REAL creepy crawlies at the walk-through, free-crawling “not-so-itsy-bitsy” Spider House.
Hear the legendary tale of the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow
All included with your party admission!
Our reduced nightly capacity eliminates the scary traffic delays when arriving for the party. Parking is easy and convenient in the Zoo’s lot and FREE for party guests!
A SAFE TRICK-OR-TREATING EXPERIENCE
Get your same sweet treats with fewer stops along the way. To help provide social distancing and to reduce contact, there will be a limited number of treat booths throughout the Zoo. This year, rather than receiving one treat per booth, kids 11 and under will receive a pre-packaged goodie bag with multiple treats at each station! Treats will be handed out by Zoo staff members.
All staff members undergo a daily health screening and will be wearing masks throughout the party. Staff distributing treats will also be wearing gloves. In an abundance of caution and to help prevent the spread of Covid-19, crowd size at Boo at the Zoo will be reduced.
Public litter baskets are an important feature on city streets, especially in areas with pedestrian traffic and bus stops. A typical litter container has a capacity of 35-50 gallons, much less than a residential garbage container, and is also emptied only once per week. If these containers are used for bags of household or business waste, they get full very quickly. This leaves less capacity for normal pedestrian litter, which means more litter on the streets.
To prevent these overflows, the Department of Public Works often makes special trips to empty the containers, which costs both time and money. Residents and businesses should utilize their own waste containers and dumpsters.
Metro Council recently passed an ordinance that allows the Department of Public Works to fine individuals who abuse the litter containers by placing bags of waste in them, causing them to fill too quickly.
Solid Waste Ordinances about public litter baskets:
Section 51.510 relating to Prohibited Activities:
(B)(4): Public solid waste receptacles placed on sidewalks and streets by or with the approval of Louisville Metro Government shall be used only for such solid waste materials as a pedestrian may have for disposal. Such receptacles shall in no case be used for the disposal of solid wastes accumulated in residences or places of business.
“The escalation here in Kentucky continues to get worse and we have to wear masks – all of us,” said Gov. Beshear. “This week is going to shatter last week’s record for number of cases. We have to do better.”
Case Information As of 4 p.m. Oct. 2, Gov. Beshear said there were at least 70,727 coronavirus cases in Kentucky, 1,039 of which were newly reported Friday. One hundred fifty-one of the newly reported cases were from children age 18 and younger, of which 33 were children age 5 and under. The youngest was only 5 days old.
“Folks, today’s news that the President and First Lady have tested positive for COVID-19 along with some of their advisors shows you that anybody can get this,” said Gov. Beshear. “We wish them the best and a speedy recovery, and this is an example of why we all have to be wearing masks. We all have to do our part.”
Unfortunately, Gov. Beshear reported six new deaths Friday, raising the total to 1,197 Kentuckians lost to the virus.
“The situation is getting very dangerous in Kentucky. If you care about your economy, if you care about getting your kids into school, if you care about the lives of those around you, put on your mask,” said Gov. Beshear. “Socially distance; wash your hands; follow the rules. We’ve got to be Team Kentucky right now. We need your help and I know you’re going to come through.”
Gov. Beshear urged people to look over and take to heart updated guidance on 10 Steps to Fight COVID-19.
As of Friday, there have been at least 1,507,046 coronavirus tests performed in Kentucky. The positivity rate was 4.30%, and at least 12,041 Kentuckians have recovered from the virus.
More Information Read about other key updates, actions and information from Gov. Beshear and his administration at governor.ky.gov, kycovid19.ky.gov and the Governor’s official social media accounts Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
In the early days, votes were not cast by a secret ballot but by raising hands or by voice. By the mid-1800s, some states were using paper ballots but voters or party leaders were responsible for bringing the ballots to the polls and the votes were public.
Gerald Ford is the only person who served as president and vice president without having been elected to either office.
Election Daywas designated as the Tuesday following the first Monday in November back in 1845. At the time, officials calculated that farmers needed a day to get to the country seat to cast ballots but did not want to interfere with church day on Sunday, so they chose Tuesday.
The first woman to run for president was Victoria Woodhull, a leader of the Suffragette movement in the US, in 1872.
Two presidents won 49 out of the 50 states: Ronald Reagan in 1984 and Richard Nixon in 1972.
James Monroe received every electoral vote but one in 1801. A New Hampshire delegate wanted George Washington to be the only president elected unanimously.
Eight presidents have died in office: William Henry Harrison (pneumonia); Zachary Taylor (gastroenteritis); Abraham Lincoln (assassination); James Garfield (assassination); William McKinley (assassination); Warren Harding (heart attack); Franklin D. Roosevelt (cerebral hemorrhage); John F. Kennedy (assassination)
In August 2016 Louisville Metro Emergency Services teamed up with Bullitt County, Oldham County, and Washington County to create a regional emergency notification system – Louisville Emergency Notification System (LENSAlert). Its enhanced capabilities include using all communications modes to send alerts – mobile phones, landlines, email, text, social media, IPAWS-OPEN. Take another step in being prepared for disasters and sign up for LENSAlert today.
In addition to receiving notifications, individuals can create a Safety Profile for themselves and their household that can include any information they want 9-1-1 and first responders to have in the event of an emergency. When individuals make an emergency call, their Safety Profile is automatically displayed to the 9-1-1 call taker, allowing them to send the right responders to the right location with the right information. Information about medical history, allergies to medication, number of residents in a home and even a picture of the family dog can all be added to a Safety Profile.
NOTICE: All Metro Council meetings are carried live on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184 and U-verse Channel 99.
The meetings are also available online at the Metro Council home page at http://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council/metro-council-clerk.(Click here and click on the “Watch Meetings Online” button.)
