The Kentucky Horse Park Commission would be trimmed from 17 to 9 members under a bill passed by the state senate Monday. Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer sponsors the measure. He says there are management issues needing attention at the horse park. "The secretary of the finance cabinet has taken the extraordinary step of reducing the horse park’s purchasing authority from $20,000 to $1,000,” said Thayer.
Lexington Senator Reggie Thomas defended current horse park director Jamie Link. Thomas told fellow members it’s been Link who has taken steps to make the park more profitable and improve management. Henderson Democratic Senator Doris Ridley voted against the measure. “It is a point of bluegrass pride to be quite honest, Mr. President," said Ridley. "But today the horse park and its commission are under attack. This type of legislation does not help our icon. Senate Bill 200 and its reorganization effort is simply moving too fast.”
That bill now heads over to the House for its consideration.?