Speaker Richards responds to Wilkey's e-mail

House Speaker Jody Richards issued this response Thursday to Majority Whip Rob Wilkey's e-mail criticizing Democratic leadership and announcing his departure from the House:

"Rep. Rob Wilkey told me Monday about his decision to leave the legislature and informed me that he would issue a press release next week announcing his retirement.  We had a pleasant conversation, therefore I was surprised and disappointed by the tone and content of the email he sent to another legislator later that same day.

"I can only assume that this email was written out of frustration and in haste without appropriate attention to accuracy or consideration of the facts.  But since his email is now public record, I must respond on behalf of Leadership to some inaccuracies in his statements.

"I want to make clear that I and the rest of House Leadership worked closely with Governor Beshear on all aspects of his legislative agenda.  On the pension issue, for example, we loaned the Governor our actuary and spent hundreds of hours helping him fashion an excellent proposal which passed the House 95-0.  We also made the Governor’s ethics package a top priority, and it passed the House 94-0.  Along with the budget, the Governor’s priorities were our priorities through the waning hours of the Legislative Session.  In addition, the House sustained all 11 vetoes issued by Governor Beshear despite the Senate’s desire to override some of them.  I am proud of the way our Leadership worked with Governor Beshear.

"Rep. Wilkey’s perception that he was somehow excluded from Leadership decisions is also inaccurate.  But it was apparent during the session that Rep. Wilkey had personal pressures and professional obligations which sometimes interfered with his ability to be a fully engaged member of Leadership.  I believe his decision to retire, which was apparently made before this session even began, may have played a role in that.

"Due to the budgetary situation and a number of other factors, this session was tough for everyone.  I trust that Rep. Wilkey’s email merely reflects his frustration with the session, rather than lasting ill-will toward the rest of the members of House Leadership.  I will use this opportunity to continue to build a cohesive House Leadership team . . . one that will effectively serve our members and work with the Governor and the Senate to move our beloved Commonwealth forward."