Anne Gernstein apparently was very unhappy that County Judge/Executive Duane Murner did not consult with her regarding his selection to fill the interim County Attorney position. Thus, she chose to be spiteful and not consult with him on the selection of a person to replace John Fendley on the November ballot.
The problem is that with both Gernstein and Murner wanting their way, the people of Oldham County became the loser in the selection process. This is especially true for Galen Clark who had nearly won the May 2010 Republican primary. As a result of all of the posturing by Gernstein and Murner, Clark apparently did not receive proper consideration. From comments made by Gernstein and aired on this blog, it is obvious that she was not going to consider Clark. It is now obvious that Murner did not consider Clark for the interim position either. Both already had someone in mind for their respective selection. Gernstein and the executive committee of the GOP had the time to conduct interviews but did not do so.
Had interviews been conducted the information regarding John Carter’s shooting incident may have come to light and could have been considered. Also, I do not believe that Murner conducted any interviews of prospective candidates for the interim position of County Attorney.
Keep in mind that when Murner appointed Courtney Baxter to the interim County Attorney position he stated that he was appointing her to keep politics out of the selection, thereby insinuating that she would not be seeking the position on the November ballot. It is now apparent that he was less than candid with those remarks. His term cannot end too soon. I am sure that if he were confronted with this, he would give his usual “deer in the headlights” look as though he didn’t know what you were talking about. The people have become accustomed to that look.
There was nothing illegal done by Duane Murner or Anne Gernstein but their actions reflect deceitful behavior and should not be tolerated. Once again, Anne Gernstein should step aside as chairperson of the Oldham County Republican Party. She has alienated so many people that she cannot be an effective leader.
