Ernie Take Ronnie for a Ride

On those days when you've run out of email jokes and need a quick laugh, surf on over to Ernie's web page. The press releases are always good for a guffaw. Here's today's:

GOVERNOR FLETCHER DEDICATES ‘RONALD REAGAN MEMORIAL PARKWAY’ IN LEWIS COUNTY
Investment paves the way to new jobs at local industrial park

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Governor Ernie Fletcher today joined community leaders and citizens in Lewis County to dedicate Ronald Reagan Memorial Parkway, a $10.5 million investment that will bolster job growth and economic development in northeastern Kentucky.

“I am honored to join the people of Lewis County in dedicating the Ronald Reagan Memorial Parkway,” said Governor Fletcher. “It is highly appropriate that a road which provides such great promise for the future will forever memorialize one of our nation’s most optimistic and revered leaders.”

The 1.17-mile parkway provides direct access from the AA Highway to Black Oak Industrial Park, and links area businesses and industries to Kentucky’s modern highway network. The road will eliminate unnecessary commercial traffic in downtown Vanceburg, improve safety and reduce congestion on city streets.

Sen. Charlie Borders (R-Grayson) led the effort in the Kentucky Legislature to name the new road in honor of the nation’s 40th president.

“This is a historic day for Lewis County,” said Borders. “This road will not only provide new opportunities for economic prosperity and safer mobility, but it will serve as a constant reminder of a great American who served our country with honor and vigor. I want to thank Governor Fletcher for his unabridged commitment to this project and I proudly stand together with him as we christen Ronald Reagan Memorial Parkway.”

Direct access to the AA Highway will be a boon to the industrial park’s effort to attract new business and jobs to the community. The new road is also a welcomed improvement for the 120 employees who commute to the park’s existing industries – Coroplast and Superior Fibers.

“This project will help bring new jobs and economic opportunities to Lewis County,” said Rep. Robin Webb (D-Grayson). “With increased competition among communities trying to attract new business and economic growth, the direct connection from Black Oak Industrial Park to the AA Highway is a critical improvement that will be attractive to prospective businesses and industries.”

“President Reagan recognized our nation’s boundless potential when he spoke of the ‘shining city on a hill’,” said Governor Fletcher. “My administration is working to capitalize on Kentucky’s vast potential by investing in highway projects that will bring new jobs and economic opportunities to our state.”

The parkway is nearly completed and is expected to be open to traffic by mid-November.

Note the grandly named "Parkway" extends a total length of - wait for it - one and one-fifth mile. You could fit the whole thing inside the Costco parking lot.

I could make a comment about how Ernie's need to exaggerate the size of his - er - accomplishments probably reflects a more personal - um - shortcoming.

But I won't.

Cross-posted at BlueGrassRoots.