Random thoughts from sticking a TV camera in politicians and bureaucrats faces at transportation, appropriations and revenue, and various legislative committee meetings over the past 10 and half years. Not to mention going to countless transportation cabinet ribbon cuttings, press conferences, and public meetings. (Jeez, I quit my job and still can't escape Frankfort!)
The Commonwealth operates on a 6 year road plan
Many projects that make it on the 6 year road plan don't get built in 6 years
There is rarely enough money to carry out all the project in the 6 year road plan
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is a very political cabinet (I you don't believe me ask former governor Ernie Fletcher)
Kentucky loves to build and 'improve' road (ie every small town in this freakin' state has a by-pass)
Road contractors in this state seem to have always had an 'in' with the Cabinet
The best sort of opposition to these types of projects is local opposition (sorry to all you out of staters, but your $.75 Ale 8 purchases don't compete with votes)
Homeland security dollars have gone to some odd projects, agencies, etc (the Clays Ferry Bridge on I-75 is a major link the feds don't want disturbed. If interrupted how would the Rite Aid in Manchester get their prescription pills?)
Congressman Rogers can really bring home the pork, even in the minority party, and the people of his district love him for it
Politicians say a lot of things during a campaign (even if they don't have strong opponent)
There is always another side to an issue, explore that other side (see Wes' previous post)
Think locally
While attending public meetings and writing the Transportation Cabinet are all well and good, may I suggest going straight to the people who pass the budget. The local legislators. If you live in the state contact your legislator:
http://www.lrc.ky.gov/whoswho/county.htm If you're out of state I would also e-mail, write, or call these guys:
http://www.lrc.ky.gov/legislator/h074.htm
http://www.lrc.ky.gov/legislator/h071.htm
http://www.lrc.ky.gov/legislator/s025.htm
Their office will fill out a green slip from all the calls that come in, they seem to take notice when they get a lot of calls (for or against) a particular issue. Our Lt Governor and the First Lady are big on tourism so contact them too.