Some thumbs up & thumbs down in KY

Thumbs Down: To Kentucky Gov. Ernie Fletcher, who faces a tough battle to be nominated for a second term. Politicians have been known to say contradictory things, but it was a bit hypocritical for Fletcher to say he doesn't see the Kentucky Derby as political and then have campaign literature that, guess what, shows him at last year's Derby. And they're off and running.

Thumbs Up: To Lindy Blankenbuehler, who is retiring after 13 years as swimming coach at Covington Catholic High School, where her teams won six straight regional championships and sent many individuals to the state tournament. But that's not all. She also was English department chair, producer of several school plays and the assistant tennis coach. (Thanks for this suggestion goes to Enquirer reader Rick Robinson of Fort Mitchell.)

Thumbs Up: To the idea of a Mental Health Court to serve Boone, Kenton and Campbell counties. Regional cooperation is an efficient, productive way to address a need. Such a court not only can deal more effectively with accused people who are mentally ill but also has potential to reduce the overcrowded jail population. The proposed court would be Kentucky's second and the first to cross county lines.

Readers are invited to submit “Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down” items by replying to the “Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down” post at this blog. I’ll suggest some in this space from time to time. We’ll publish some of the best ones on the Community Forum page of The Kentucky Enquirer as well.