What diminished UK's power?

[Administrator]

A University of Kentucky supporter asked me last week:

"What has happened to UK? We used to be the big dog, got what we asked for from the General Assembly. It didn't make any difference who was governor - he or she was as Blue as could be. Now one obscure Western graduate who is a state representative can file a bill requiring that U of L and Western play a basketball game, and the other legislators line up like sheep. It could be the same if UK was involved in a dispute with Western.

"UK was promised that Rupp Arena would be renovated, but the promised money never came - and it may never come."

A lot of things have diminished UK's power.

[Tummygoat]

Thanks Spam, that was a good article.

I never thought about a lot of those things, but most are very correct.  UK has gotten better since Todd's first day, but we don't seem to have the same kind of importance as we once did.  That's a really good question and I one I will think about.

[TexasBlue]

I will not pretend to as qualified to speak on this subject as you gentlemen, my experiance only going back a few years, but UK did make a very nice addition to the football stadium. I will say, the football stadium is
no slouch at all compared to other top notch stadiums around the country. I have been to the likes of TCU, SMU, Texas Tech, U of Texas, Baylor, Houston and Rice serveral times and even though sometimes Kentucky football is compariable to my  (lordly) TCU Frogs, hope is always there. And a great time at the football games.  

[4uktrey]

IMO, there a conspiracy against UK and Lexington that seemed to start when Lexington merged with its county to become the largest city in KY(which helped Louisville merge with its county which the voters had voted against for the last 20+ years). Not trying to start anything but UK and Lexington will never be able to compete economically, which diminishes UKs power. I dont feel it would get worse for UK, but IMO it wont get any better either. ED

[papi_chulo]

UK is the showplace of Kentucky and should be treated as such. Only the Derby comes close to bringing the National and International attention that our great University has brought to the Bluegrass.   I'm not condoning waste of tax dollars, but if the University needs something that would enhance its stature in the Academic and Athletic community, then those in power in Frankfort should see that they do their best to deliver.  How can you that reside in the glorious Bluegrass state influence this?  By writing to your representatives when a financial issue arises, and letting them know that if they don't listen to the people now,  you will be heard later at the Ballot Box!