Denise Bentley leaves Metro Council

The Courier-Journal reported that Denise Bentley will join Governor Fletcher's staff. Is this a reward for endorsing Anne Northup for Congress?

Metro Council member Denise Bentley, a West End Democrat whose support of Republicans estranged her from her own party, will resign today after accepting a job with Gov. Ernie Fletcher's administration.

Bentley started Feb. 16 as an executive assistant to Fletcher, working as his liaison to Louisville Metro Government and Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, Fletcher spokesman Doug Hogan said.

It's a newly created position that will pay her $75,000 annually, $33,000 more than she makes as a council member.

Fletcher said in a statement that he created the job because the state's two largest cities deserve more of a voice in Frankfort.

But some Democrats called Bentley's appointment payback for supporting Republican candidates and positions.

Fletcher is wasting state money for a job that was not needed. Reactions from other caucus members:

Yesterday, some of those Democrats criticized Bentley's appointment and said her hiring by Republicans was expected.

Tim Longmeyer, chairman of the Jefferson County Democratic Party, called Bentley's hiring "an obvious and blatant quid pro quo."

Metro Council member Bob Henderson, D-14th, who was one of Bentley's biggest critics on the council, said yesterday that he believes Bentley's new job is the result of "good politics and good maneuvering."

"I'd like to see her move on, provide for her family and do a good job," he said.

Hogan said her appointment had nothing to do with politics.

"Our goal is to find the best and the brightest," he said.

Council President Barbara Shanklin, D-2nd, said she would miss Bentley.

"Denise is a very smart young lady, and she has been helpful in a lot of ways," Shanklin said.

Republican caucus Chairman Kelly Downard agreed.

"She has worked both sides of the aisle, and that makes her perfect for this job," he said.

Who will replace Denise Bentley? Thirty days until we know...are they business days or full weeks.
Dr. Judy Green--West End Dentist
Lawrence Montgomery--former Alderman, 70 years old
Eboni Neal Cochran--33 years old, Sen. Gerald Neal's niece
Margaret Leavell Harris--62 years old, former aide to District 4 Metro Council member Willie Bright and a former State Rep. candidate
Nilaja Meeks--a legislative aide to Shanklin and Rep. Jerry Meek's daughter

Not interested:
Eleanor Jordan