August 18, 2016

OKI Regional Council of Governments

President Kevin Lynch
First Vice President T.C. Rogers
Second Vice President Kris Knochelmann
720 E. Pete Rose Way, Suite 420
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

Dear President Lynch and Vice Presidents Rogers and Knochelmann:

We are writing to you today on behalf of the membership of Northern Kentucky United
regarding Mark Policinskis opinion piece published in the Cincinnati Enquirer on August 8,
2016. Mr.Policinski directly challenged Governor Bevins plans and timeline to study the Brent
Spence Bridge Corridor and possible alternatives.
In July, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet released a Request for Proposals for the study of
the corridor and possible solutions. Governor Bevin and his transportation cabinet established a
clear timeline and plan for reviewing the congestion challenges in the region and assessing the
possible solutions that will most benefit Northern Kentucky and the region.
The purpose of the study is quite clear, as is the timeline for completion. The final report is due
September 2017. The objective of the study is to review and verify previous analysis and
recommendations to date. Additional potential solutions (not previously studied or not studied in
adequate detail) will be explored, including traffic management strategies and the Eastern bypass
of greater Cincinnati. Three to four viable alternatives will be studied in greater detail to
determine potential benefits, impacts, and cost.
In response, Mr. Policinski has written a condescending opinion piece lecturing Governor Bevin
to proceed with all deliberate speed, if not quicker, and admonishing that the Governor will
have to find a way to finance the new bridge that is agreeable to both states.
Mr. Policinksis presumption that a finance plan for the current project is the next step
undermines the decision by Governor Bevin to identify the best approach to congestion in
Northern Kentucky. It has not yet been determined by Governor Bevin that the current plan for
the Brent Spence Bridge is agreeable to both states, and Mr. Policinksi has no business
lecturing a sitting Governor about how best to serve the public interest or protect taxpayer
dollars.

Mr. Policinskis public comments are unbefitting of the station of OKI. Under what authority
does Mr. Policinski author an opinion piece questioning, and undermining, the decisions of the
Governor of one of OKIs member states?
OKI is a quasi-governmental organization whose job is to serve the states of Ohio, Kentucky and
Indiana. Mr. Policinskis duties include being an ally and partner to the Governor of the
Commonwealth of Kentucky, not to treat him has a political opponent or author opinion pieces
intended to pressure a Governor who is simply responding to the wishes of his constituents.
As the head of the OKI, Mr. Policinski should not engage in chastising or questioning one of the
very governments he is supposed to serve, and he certainly should not be doing it without the full
permission and knowledge of the elected officials who comprise the Board of OKI.
This is not the first time Northern Kentucky United has felt obligated to rebuke Mr. Policinskis
attempt to politicize OKI. Our members are concerned that Mr. Policinskis involvement with the
501 (C)(4) political organization Build Our New Bridge Now is interfering with his ability to
fulfill his duty to objectively, and fairly, represent the Kentucky state government and its
constituents as head of OKI.
On behalf of Northern Kentucky United and its membership, we respectfully request that you
review Mr. Policinskis involvement with Build Our New Bridge Now and further limit Mr.
Policinskis public participation to a role in which he can appropriately represent all of the
constituencies served by OKI.

Sincerely,

Kenny Brown, Boone County Clerk

Charlie Coleman, Campbell County Commissioner
Cathy Flaig, Boone County Commissioner
Steve Frank, Covington City Commissioner
Lou Hartfiel, Mayor, Crescent Springs
Tyson Hermes, Mayor, Erlanger
Charles Kenner, Boone County Commissioner
Bryan Miller, Union City Commissioner

Joe Nienaber, Kenton County Commissioner

David Penque, Mayor, Cold Spring
Charlie Walton, Boone County Commissioner