Friday, April 11, 2008

Williams again trying to move cases out of Franklin County courts

This from C-J:
Williams amended three House proposals

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Thwarted in his attempt last year to strip Franklin Circuit judges of cases, Senate President David Williams is taking a more subtle approach this year.

Williams, R-Burkesville, amended three administrative cleanup bills this session to include provisions that change the venue for certain court cases from Franklin Circuit Court to the court in the county where the violations occur.

He said Kentuckians shouldn't be burdened to travel to Frankfort when they are involved in cases related to state government.

"We feel very strongly that the convenience of the citizens and the taxpayer is more important than the convenience of the government agency or enforcement agencies," he said.

Critics of the change, including Sen. Julian Carroll, D-Frankfort, a former governor, say Williams has been frustrated by rulings out of Franklin Circuit Court that have been unfavorable to Republican causes, including a 2005 ruling in a disputed Senate election in Jefferson County.

"I think the problem generally is that Sen. Williams -- and he knows this, he's said this -- has been dissatisfied with some of the matters coming out of our circuit courts here," Carroll said...

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