HOOVER BIG ON EXPERIENCE IN CHOOSING GOP LEGISLATIVE TEAM

Speaker-Elect Jeff Hoover Names Transition Team

FRANKFORT, Ky. (November 17, 2016) – Speaker-Elect Jeff Hoover announced today the formation of a transition team that will help chart the future of the Kentucky House of Representatives.

Hoover’s transition team draws on his 20 years of legislative experience, and includes both Republicans and Democrats. The transition team will be co-chaired by former Representative Danny Ford and former Speaker Bobby Richardson.

“Rep. Ford and Speaker Richardson are highly skilled former legislative leaders with extensive knowledge of the legislative process, and are respected by members of both parties,” said Hoover, who will become the first Republican Speaker in nearly 100 years. “I’m honored to have them leading this transition.”

Danny Ford, a former Republican Representative from Mt. Vernon, holds the distinction as being the longest serving Republican legislator in the history of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. He was first elected in 1981 and served until 2013. During his tenure, he served in a variety of leadership roles, most notably as House Republican Floor Leader from 1995-2001. He is the owner of Ford Brothers Auction and Real Estate.

“We intend to run Speaker-Elect Hoover’s transition in a deliberate manner,” said Ford. “The Commonwealth is faced with a historic opportunity to truly change the direction for a better Kentucky. I am incredibly excited to contribute to Speaker-Elect Hoover’s transition into Speaker of the Kentucky House of Representatives.”

Bobby Richardson, a former Democrat Representative from Glasgow, served in the House of Representatives from 1971-1990. His service included a variety of leadership roles, most notably serving as the 82^nd Speaker of the House from 1981-1985. He is an attorney in private practice.

“I believe the composition of this transition team gives a good idea of the way Speaker-Elect Hoover will govern, particularly relating to the inclusion of members from both parties,” said Richardson.

Joining former Representatives Ford and Richardson is an expansive list of past and present legislators, including:

Senator Julian Carroll – Former Representative (D – Paducah), and current Senator (D—Frankfort), Carroll served in the House of Representatives from 1961 – 1971. During his House tenure, he most notably served as the 79^th Speaker of the House from 1967 – 1971. At that point, he was elected as Lt. Governor, and then as the 54^th Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, serving in that capacity from 1974 – 1979. He was elected to the State Senate in 2004, where he has been a member since. He presently serves as the Senate Minority Whip.

Bill Lear – Former Representative Lear (D – Lexington) served in the House of Representatives from 1985 – 1995. During his tenure, he served as Chairman of the House Economic Development Committee. He is an attorney with Stoll, Keenon and Ogden and currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.

Jim LeMaster – Former Representative LeMaster (D – Paris) served in the House of Representatives from 1975-1995. During that time, he served as the Majority Floor Leader for two terms. He currently serves as Vice-President of Business Development for Van Meter Insurance Group.

Senator Julie Raque Adams – Former Representative, and current Senator, Adams (R – Louisville) served in the House of Representatives from 2011 – 2015, and has served in the Senate since then. She is the current Chairwoman of the Senate Health & Welfare Committee. She previously served as a member of the Louisville Metro Council.

John Vincent – Former Representative Vincent (R – Ashland) served in the House of Representatives from 1997 – 2008. During his tenure, he served as Vice-Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. An attorney, he serve as General Counsel for the City of Ashland.

Alecia Webb-Edgington – Former Representative Webb-Edgington (R – Ft. Wright) served in the House of Representatives from 2009 – 2013. During her tenure, she served as Vice-Chair of the House Education Committee. She is a retired Kentucky State Police Officer and served as Executive Director of the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security. She currently serves as Senior Police Advisor for the U.S. Department of State.

“I’ve made it clear that I want to change the tone in the House, and this transition team is the first step in that direction,” said Hoover. “I want to continue working with members of both parties, and to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the governing process in Kentucky.”

Hoover’s transition team includes a collective legislative experience of more than 120 years, and will focus heavily on the logistical policies of the Kentucky House of Representatives.