2008 Woodie Awards
Beshear speaks to full house
Governor visits Murray as part of lecture series
Robin Phelps
Issue date: 4/18/08 Section: News
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After an introduction by Farouk Umar, chair of the department of government, law and international affairs, University President Randy Dunn announced Harry Lee Waterfield, II to present the recipients of the Harry Lee Waterfield Governmental Studies Scholarships.
Waterfield's reminiscent oration of his collegiate and nepotistic relationship with Beshear set the stage for the governor as he began a hard-hitting speech about his vision for Kentucky's economy since the commencement of his term four months ago.
"This dream of mine is clouded right now by our state's immense difficulties," Beshear said.
As Murray State students, faculty, staff, administrators and the community listened intently within the crowded, newly-renovated Curris Center Theater, Beshear commented about the future generation.
"Inside this auditorium tonight are the very examples of reflections on my statements about coming together, working together and making good things happen together," Beshear said. "Great minds, inquiring minds and deep thinkers are among us tonight."
Emphasizing education, health care and economic development, Beshear constantly mentioned unselfish cooperation in the state rather than ranked partisanship.
"We can run state government better … we will be more efficient and deliver more services with less people," Beshear said.
The lecture concluded with a question and answer session with the governor and included a diverse range of topics with questions about coal operations, energy resources, mountain top removal, road construction, K- 12 education and Kentucky's legal drinking age.
Students and administrators alike rushed the theater's stage to speak with Beshear personally, take photos and exchange handshakes.
Linda Farza, senior from Tunis, Tunisia, said her interest brought her to the lecture.
"It actually shows that the power distance isn't that much," Farza said. People can actually do something about the problems and issues they have instead of just bickering. They can become informed."
Beshear informed the audience of his visions and goals to effectively managing the Kentucky economy, but also said he realized the complexity of his ambitions.
Said Beshear: "My vision is an optimistic one tempered by reality."
Robin Phelps can be reached at robin.phelps @murraystate.edu.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
chris
posted 4/19/08 @ 2:45 PM CST
The governor's speech was good at pointing out obstacles for Kentucky's progress. I'm not a native of the commonwealth, but he sure made me feel almost ashamed of being here, calling it a 'piecemeal state' that can barely take care of its own citizens. (Continued…)
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