Economic development; Candidates for director lack needed experience

There are some days when it seems like everyone wants to push Kentucky forward so hard that the state will soon have a coastline.

Then there are other days when it seems like the real goal is to keep smiling as we sink into oblivion.

Tuesday, when the three finalists for the top economic development job in the state were released, was one of those bad days.

Nothing against these three guys personally, but by looking at their resumes, it's hard to believe any of them can plan and execute a bold strategy to improve, much less transform, Kentucky's economy.

Two of them have spent virtually their entire careers at only only one company; the third is a young man who has hopped from jobs in sports marketing and management to economic development to industrial real estate.

This group has heavy experience in marketing, sales and public relations. But there's not much evidence of vision or experience in supporting and encouraging technology development, entrepreneurship and small business.

This newspaper and others have pressed questions about Kentucky's economic agenda for some time. The discussion heated up after the retirement of longtime economic development secretary Gene Strong in January.

In the recent legislative session, lawmakers suggested changing the structure of the economic development cabinet and providing more public information about its activities and results. Transforming economic development has been a key theme in this year's crowded gubernatorial election.

But little of this seemed to translate into the search for Strong's replacement. Directed by the board that oversees the cabinet, it was conducted by a professional search firm in customary secrecy. The firm presented six candidates to the board, which chose three to send on to the governor, who has the final decision.

The Kentucky Association for Economic Development has written an open letter to the governor, saying it was essentially shut out of discussion about what kind of leader is needed and would like the opportunity to be involved.

Consider this: Kentucky ranked 44th among the states in per capita personal income in 1939, 1970 and 2004.

Will those numbers change with a better sales job, or do we need something more?

Gov. Ernie Fletcher should ask that question as he contemplates whether one of the three men presented to him is the right hire right now.

If he's not happy with the answers, he could choose another path. He could invite more discussion about the state's role in economic development and who should lead it. Then he could say the hire won't be made until the next gubernatorial term begins.

That's how a true public servant could help move Kentucky forward.