The Bluegrass Institute for Public Policy Solutions

View Original

A new era of transparency: Bipartisan investigation reveals department anything but 'Kentucky Proud'

His exploits on the basketball court will not be the only thing that remains "unforgettable" about former University of Kentucky basketball standout Richie Farmer's life in the limelight.

An audit by released today by State Auditor Adam Edelen of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture -- known for its Kentucky Proud food products -- under Farmer's leadership, who served from 2004 to 2012, revealed "a toxic culture of entitlement and self-dealing at Kentucky taxpayers' expense."

Edelen's report shows that Farmer used his position of influence that would result in free concrete being donated and state employees building a basketball court in our backyard on taxpayers' time? And who among the canine cult wouldn't want to be a member of Farmer's entourage, where dogs apparently get chauffeured?

In a rare demonstration of bipartisan cooperation in Frankfort, Edelen conducted the audit at the request of Republican James Comer, Farmer's successor as Ag commissioner.

Read the audit here. As Edelen said, you should be "outraged" after reading this. If you are not, rush to the doctor and get your pulse checked.