The Unbridled World of Ernie Fletcher: Reflections on Kentucky's Governor

This book takes an unusual look at the life and times of Kentucky's Governor Ernie Fletcher. From Introduction: Introduction You may ask yourself, 'How did I get in here?' - Talking Heads I'm sure Governor Ernie Fletcher sometimes asks himself the question: How did I wind up being governor of Kentucky? The only consistent thing about Governor Fletcher's career path is that there has been no consistency. He was a doctor, a fighter pilot, a minister, a state representative, and a congressman before he was elected governor. Unlike several former governors, who dreamt of the office since grade school, Fletcher came into politics from a nonpolitical background. Lack of experience has accounted for a number of his problems. He came in with the message of "cleaning up the mess in Frankfort" and promptly got into a mess himself. From Book: Unbridled Etiquette "Don't you know about the new fashion, honey? All you need are looks and a whole lotta money." - Billy Joel Mark Hebert at WHAS TV in Louisville did a story about the Kentucky Labor Cabinet hiring a consultant to teach their employees proper manners. The employees were told they needed to bathe daily and wear real gold and silver instead of the fake stuff. The consultant said that "conservative dress was a symbol of conservative political beliefs." The story made me angry. I thought this was another example of Fletcher's team treating state employees like servants at their country clubs. Then I realized the problem. The consultant did not understand the techniques necessary to work in state government. For example, there is a proper way to greet a government contractor. A state employee needs to use phrases like "money is no object" and "your wish is my command" in the presence of any contractor who contributed to the governor's campaign. The governor's political staff needs to follow a different code when dealing with contractors. They should extend the right hand for a firm handshake and keep the left jacket pocket exposed so that the contractor can stuff a wad of checks in it.