Thumbs up…to Gov. Matt Bevin’s order which gives job seekers with a criminal past a “fair chance.” The order — known as the Fair Chance Employment Initiative — means applicants won’t be required to check the box for criminal convictions on the initial state application. Bevin said the Fair Chance Initiative will offer a fair chance to willing workers and an opportunity to employers who may have trouble attracting enough qualified applicants. It does not apply to private employers — only to state agencies. The order also doesn’t prevent prospective employers at those state agencies from learning of the applicant’s background or asking about it.
Thumbs up…to Telmate honoring Richmond Police Officer Daniel Ellis’ memory. Ellis was chosen by the California-based company as the recipient of the company’s Fallen Heroes program. The program honors the memory of law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty by providing financial assistance to fallen officer organizations of dependents. Telmate donated an undisclosed amount to the Daniel Ellis Foundation Inc., a charitable organization founded by his widow, Katie Ellis.
Thumbs up…to the Richmond Police Department for hosting “Coffee with a Cop.” The goal of the event was to allow community members to ask questions, get answers and get to know the officers who serve them on a daily basis. Sgt. Josh Hale said officers heard a lot of “‘thank yous,’ ‘we’re glad you’re here’ and ‘thanks for serving us.’” Richmond Police Chief James Ebert said people also were bringing up their concerns. Ebert added “these interactions are the foundation of our community partnerships.”
Thumbs up…to the City of Berea and Berea Chamber of Commerce announcing the Spoonbread Festival will return. Mayor Steve Connelly and Berea Chamber of Commerce President Scott Thompson signed a contract during a recent city council meeting clearing the way for resumption of the annual Spoonbread Festival in late September. The contract contains a pledge from the chamber, which will apply to any organization that uses city property or receives city funds, “NOT to sell, display or give away, or permit any sub-vendor or attendee to sell display or give away, any merchandise that resembles the Confederate battle flag or bears its image.”
