Date: 11-18-2015
Is it possible to be a united Kentucky?
The News-Enterprise
In the state Senate, Dennis Parrett wants to be known for what he does, how he votes and where he stands on issues. He doesn’t want to be identified solely by the initial that frequently appears after his name.
Dennis Parrett, D-Elizabethtown, is in his second term representing the 10th Senatorial District, which covers all of Hardin County and a few precincts in southern Jefferson County. He recently was named to the transition team for Republican Ryan Quarles, the incoming agriculture commissioner.
Parrett and Quarles are from different parties, even different generations. But they can work together.
Parrett is calling for both parties to get past the R&D divide.
Some would say that’s a naive idea. With bully bosses such as House Speaker Greg Stumbo and former Senate President David Williams, the majority rules and squabbles attract more attention than issues of the day.
Yes, representative government needs people of conviction willing to stand on principles. But it also needs people whose principles include collaboration, teamwork and negotiation.
The more cynical among us might see Parrett’s call for cooperation as a necessity because he is in the Senate’s minority party.
Those folks don’t know Dennis Parrett. His actions do not differ from his words.
Working on Quarles’ behalf demonstrates his true nature. He’s shown this before when standing on the Senate floor to thank the new Senate president, Robert Stivers, for a more cooperative atmosphere.
It is rare and noteworthy when a Democrat openly praises a Republican in the Senate chambers, but it very much is in keeping with Parrett’s nature to offer praise without partisan consideration.
Another Kentuckian who says he wants to break this partisan division is Gov.-elect Matt Bevin.
In his election night speech, Bevin reached out and sought to put aside these historic differences by calling for a fresh start.
“This is your Kentucky. This is our opportunity,” Bevin said. “We will seek the future together but we will do it as one Kentucky, Republican and Democrat alike, independent, even those who didn’t vote.”
It sounds as if an opportunity may exist.
Frankfort must move beyond these Us vs. Them debates if Kentucky ever is going to improve the lives of We.
The answer is on the state flag: United We Stand. Divided We Fall.
