In part to a response to calls from WTUK Radio and on-air personality Randy Walters, in Harlan, Commerce Lexington changed its 2010 policy statement to a strongly-worded statement acknowledging the importance of coal and calling pending energy legislation the "most immediate threat to Kentucky's business climate" while further stating the group’s efforts to "protect the viability of Kentucky's coal industry".
What brought about this positive revelation was an October trip to East Kentucky organized by Commerce Lexington of nearly 70 business leaders from the Bluegrass Region.
Given the fact that millions of dollars from East Kentucky patrons are spent in the Lexington area each and every year, it is refreshing to see the business community speak up for itself and let the people in East Kentucky know that the Lexington Herald-Leader Editorial Board does not set policy for the Lexington business community. The change in policy to a more pro-coal position is just the first step. Now, action must be taken that demonstrates a long-term commitment to keep the business from East Kentucky coming to Lexington and the Bluegrass Region.
A great next step would be for Commerce Lexington to get behind a long overdue improvement and that is to upgrade and improve the Mountain Parkway to a main transportation artery to central Kentucky.The proverbial saying that people vote with their pocketbooks aptly applies in this case. With competition come options. And, for the people of East Kentucky, improved transportation networks throughout the East Kentucky region give people options. Major business centers in Ashland, Kentucky; Charleston and Huntington, West Virginia; Johnson City, Bristol (Virginia), and Kingsport, Tennessee; and, Knoxville, Tennessee are options for starters that provide a diverse dining, shopping, and entertainment experience. In terms of available healthcare and other business opportunities, these regional business centers provide as much or more than the Bluegrass Region. Geographically, with the improved transportation network, the cities are closer and easier to travel to than Lexington.
Lexington must continue to earn the dollar of the people of East Kentucky through action in support of coal and the cheap electricity it provides industry, including Toyota, in central Kentucky. Without this long-term commitment, Lexington will suffer from the people of East Kentucky voting to do business where their region is appreciated.
A great next step would be for Commerce Lexington to get behind a long overdue improvement and that is to upgrade and improve the Mountain Parkway to a main transportation artery to central Kentucky. The expansion of the Parkway to a four-lane with multiple access points to Hazard, Paintsville, Pikeville, and Prestonsburg--all major centers of population and business in East Kentucky. This expansion would truly connect the Commonwealth and make us whole as a state. Commerce Lexington can be a voice of support for this effort and make the strong case that it will strengthen their business and industry; that it is vital to the long-term well-being of the Bluegrass Region.
And, let us not have the silly notion advanced that we need to put toll-roads on the Parkway. We have paid enough in coal severance tax and sales tax that more than makes up for the nearly 50 years of a lack completed East-West transportation artery to the Bluegrass Region. Some politicians, in an effort to grab headlines, promote this idea of toll-roads, but that's an insult to the people of East Kentucky. Sadly, it comes from some of our own politicians who think of themselves more than long-term solutions.
Now is the time to seize the day and have a solid partnership between the business community in East Kentucky and Central Kentucky. Let's take the next best step: complete the Mountain Parkway. Show your true support for coal and for East Kentucky is more than words.
East Kentucky awaits your answer.
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