Governor’s visit marks courthouse policy change By Joe Redmon The visit of Gov. Ernie Fletcher to Meade County Nov. 1 has precipitated a change of policy for the public’s use of the courthouse generally and courtroom, specifically. As Fiscal Court and well-wishers awaited the arrival of the governor, this reporter enquired of Judge Executive Bill Haynes why 60-70 of our fellow citizens were huddled in the crowed lobby when they could be seated in the courtroom to await the governor. He told me the courtroom was locked upon the order of Senior Circuit Court Judge Samuel Monarch. This precipitated further questioning, and it quickly became clear the judge executive believed Judge Monarch controlled Meade County’s Courthouse and Judge Monarch viewed the governor’s visit as a campaign event which was strictly forbidden. Judge Haynes described how Judge Monarch had visited him the previous afternoon to inform him there could be a trial scheduled and that the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) leased the property and thus controlled it. When asked for comment, Circuit Clerk Debbi Medley didn’t seem to know much about this and directed all questions to Judge Monarch’s office. When reached via telephone, Judge Monarch confirmed the facts as stated by Judge Haynes. Monarch asserts the public property is controlled by him regardless of the time of day or status of use by the courts. “When you rent property, you control that property and partisan activities are forbidden.” When informed that partisan activity had always occurred within the courtroom, that campaign rallies had been held there, that regular meetings of the Democratic Women’s Club were held there, he replied that he hadn’t known that. He clarified that all such activity hadn’t been properly cleared by the appropriate authority, his office. It was unclear who would determine future proper uses for this public space. As of our deadline, Judge Executive Haynes retains a key to the courtroom doors. The procedures to be followed for future public use of the courtroom space remains unclear; however, Judge Monarch made it clear he had only banned partisan and advocacy groups from using the public space. When asked for comment, Commonwealth’s Attorney Kenton Smith was circumspect. While pointing out that he didn’t support restrictions being placed upon the use of this public space, he offered no solutions, referring the matter directly to Judge Monarch. Rumors that the governor’s helicopter was prevented from using the helipad at Meade County are false. The pilot, flying under condition of instrument flight rules, made a decision for safety reasons to land at Fort Knox and drive to Meade County.
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