ELECTION: Abramson renews Shelby acquaintances

Jerry Abramson, former longtime mayor of Louisville, now running for lieutenant governor on the Democratic ticket, stopped in a couple of downtown businesses Monday in a meet-and-greet capacity.

By Lisa King

Former Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson (second from right), talks with Eileen Collins (left), his wife, Madeline, Shelby County Magistrate Hubert Pollett and political advisor Chad Aull at Fat Tony’s during a visit to downtown Shelbyville on Monday.

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Abramson, accompanied by his wife, Madeline, and political director Chad Aull, visited with patrons in McKinley’s Deli and Fat Tony’s Restaurant around lunchtime.

“It was wonderful to see him come in here; he was very well-received,” Teresa McKinley said.

Fat Tony’s owner, Tony Almeida, echoed those sentiments.

“It was a real pleasure to have Mr. Abramson here; it’s always a treat seeing great people get together for great food,” he said.

Abramson said he really enjoyed his visit.

“I’ve been working with the leadership of Shelby County for many years now in support of the industrial development out here, mostly recently working with the folks here on Harley-Davidson, which would have been a tremendous addition,” said Abramson, who served 21 years as mayor of Louisville. “But there have been other things that have been going exceptionally well, with many, many new jobs coming into this region, which includes Jefferson County, and the governor has said that all over the state, not just when he’s here.

“So it’s my hope, as lieutenant governor, to be able to help the economic development field, because I certainly know this area well.”

Tony Carriss, a fiscal court magistrate, who was having lunch at Fat Tony’s, said that though he didn’t get a chance to do more than say hello to Abramson, “It was great for him to come to Shelbyville to say hello to folks here.”

“Also, the governor will be here Thursday, and I look forward to seeing him, too,” Carriss said. “It gives people the opportunity to meet them and ask questions, if they want to.”

Gov. Steve Beshear, seeking re-election against Republican David Williams and independent Gatewood Galbraith,  will visit Shelbyville Thursday at 1:30 p.m. at Veteran’s Park at 5th and Main Streets.

That visit is part of a statewide bus tour that kicked off recently, which will include Jane Beshear, Attorney General Jack Conway, Treasurer Todd Hollenbach, Abramson, Adam Edelen, Alison Lundergan Grimes and Robert Farmer, the respective nominees for lieutenant governor, auditor, secretary of state, and commission of agriculture.

Fielding Ballard III, Democratic Party chair for Shelby County, like Carriss, said the tours are a great way for people to meet those running for office.

“We’re always glad to have the candidates come out, and it’s a good opportunity for everyone to come out and meet them,” he said.

Coming up

Starting Friday in The Sentinel-News, a series of stories will provide you insight on the candidates in all the statewide elections.