The Kentucky Senate has voted overwhelmingly to open up a section of Capital Avenue between the State Capitol building and the annex. Governor Beshear ordered barriers to be placed there in the fall of 2021. Northern Kentucky Senator John Schickel said the bill still allows for the temporary closure of the section of roadway, just not permanently.
“We must always remember that we need to balance the need for an open government with protection against threats,” said Schickel.
Schickel said the road closure is more than a minor inconvenience for visitors who may want to view the floral clock along with building features in their vehicles.
Governor Beshear has said the closing off of a section of Capital Avenue came at the recommendation of law enforcement and federal homeland security officials. Lexington Senator Reggie Thomas voted no.
“The decision to close the roadway was made upon the recommendation of the Kentucky State Police, United State Department of Homeland Security, and United States Secret Service. With those kind of heavyweight security agencies recommending closure, I have to their decision, their expertise,” said Thomas.
The bill heads on to the House.
**In a sea of partisan news, WEKU is your source for public service, fact-based journalism. Monthly sustaining donors are the top source of funding for this growing nonprofit news organization. Please join others in your community who support WEKU by making your donation.
