Gubernatorial hopeful visits; would emphasize health care
Published 12:00 am Thursday, June 20, 2002
About 25 people gathered at Dero Downing University Center on Western Kentucky Universitys campus Wednesday to listen as Lt. Gov. Steve Henry talked about issues he would focus on if elected governor. Henry announced Tuesday in Louisville he was forming an exploratory committee for a possible run in 2003.Today begins a new episode to talk about my individual views for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Henry said Wednesday during a stop in Bowling Green. I think Governor Patton has done a fine job, but I think we can do more in Kentucky. Henry, a former Jefferson County commissioner, a surgeon and a WKU graduate, said one of his main issues will be health care. I want to enhance, revise, prioritize what the Patton administration has done, Henry said. Alongside his wife, former Miss America Heather French Henry, and their young daughter, Harper, Henry also said he wants to help veterans obtain more money for health needs, conserve more prime farm land, advance education and look at using alternative fuels in the future. His wifes Miss America platform focused on homeless veterans and she has since lobbied both the state and Congress on veterans issues. Henry pointed to his familys roots in farming and thinks it needs to be preserved for his children. One issue that doesnt make sense to me is to blacktop prime farmland in Warren County, Henry said. Going out and taking pristine farmland isnt productive for Kentucky. Henry has several other cities to visit this week, promoting his potential campaign. He joins Attorney General Ben Chandler, House Speaker Jody Richards of Bowling Green and Louisville businessman Charlie Owen, all of whom are exploring a run for the seat. The Republican side features U.S. Rep. Ernie Fletcher, state Rep. Steve Nunn of Glasgow, Jefferson County Judge-Executive Rebecca Jackson, state Sen. Virgil Moore of Leitchfield and educator Bert Minton of Somerset.