Republican Gov. Matt Bevin has abolished the Kentucky Horse Park Commission and replaced it with a new one. The move comes after Democratic Attorney General Andy Beshear issued an opinion saying Bevin cannot remove members from the commission that oversees the equestrian facility until their terms have expired. Bevin has ignored Beshear's opinions.
Bevin's order reduces the number of members on the commission to 15 from 17. He reappointed five members and left two seats vacant. He did not reappoint former first lady Jane Beshear. Former Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear appointed his wife to the unpaid position shortly before leaving office. A Bevin spokeswoman called the appointment an "embarrassment."
The order continues Bevin's replacement of boards and commissions. He took similar actions with the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and the Workers' Compensation Nominating Commission.
