Director, Commonwealth Policy Center

In order for a democratic republic to effectively work, it takes trust and lots of it. Voters must trust election results. They also must trust that elected officials will act honorably and obey laws that apply to them once in office. Unfortunately, trust in our state government is at a low. Last week an employee in Andy Beshear's office was fired for lying in court settings. The same week, an independent investigator released a report indicating that 16 political appointees under former Gov. Steve Beshear were pressured to donate to political campaigns—something prohibited under state law. Gov. Beshear vehemently denied the claims. But to have 16 individuals make this claim is big news. A former Beshear cabinet secretary has already been jailed on corruption charges. This latest report indicates there may be more indictments.