What could be news in 2013 in Bullitt County?

 The new year is upon us and we wonder what might happen in the next 12 months.

It might be easier to recognize some things that won’t happen in the coming 12 months.

One thing we know won’t happen is a return to the polling places.

There are no scheduled elections in Kentucky during 2013.

A relief to election officials but a real drag for us media folk who like the advertising.

Another thing that won’t happen this year is a merger of fire departments.

Wouldn’t it be a wonderful thought to merger entities like fire departments and police departments.

Don’t look for that to happen in 2013 or 2113. It is just too difficult to work out a plan that is fair and equitable to all.

In 2013, don’t look for any decrease in the amount of criminal activity. Indictments continue to rise as theft and burglary seems to be running neck and neck with drug-related charges.

Think there might be some correlation there?

OK, let us think of some things which could occur in the coming months.

Shepherdsville employees could get pay raises. (Oops....already happened. See next Monday’s paper for details.)

Shepherdsville and the county will work together on the federally-mandated stormwater program (oops...that happened Monday night and Tuesday morning).

OK, I will look at some things that haven’t already been approved.

In 2013, expect the Bullitt County Parks committee to come up with some masterful ideas for the future.

The group, like its predecessor, has seen the need for more than youth activities.

The question is what will happen to the plan once it is submitted to fiscal court. 

Expect a long year for Hillview officials who are still battling over an $11 million judgment. The matter has been taken to the Court of Appeals.

That is still a large, dark cloud that looms over the city’s horizon.

Look for the Bullitt County Comprehensive Land-Use Plan to finally reach approval.

But don’t look for it to be an easy document to adopt.

With no changes to the mapping since 1997, the plan revision will draw close scrutiny, especially for those still in possession of large tract of land ready for development.

Look for the Bullitt County Public School System to continue to seek ways to better protect its students and staff.

With the recent events in other states, the pressure is on the  county to do something. I’m sure the steps taken will be calculated.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see state and federal funding come along for school resource officers, which were part of the landscape in the past.

Look for the Bullitt County Economic Development Authority to have a hard time finding a new executive director.

The only thing that changes that picture is increasing the salary, which sits at just over $60,000 without benefits. At least that it what Bob Fouts earned.

While the county is a perfect spot for someone to improve a resume, it is also a place where the salary and benefits are less than other opportunities.

We’ll see how long interim director Nicky Rapier is sitting the EDA chair.

Look for no action to be taken during the regular session of the General Assembly on redistricting.

However, that is an issue Bullitt Countians cannot let die.

Something must be done to improve the makeup of the representation.

The county has gotten excellent representation over the years from those elected. Unfortunately, three of the four representatives have just a small portion of the county.

Last year’s plan, which would later be declared unconstitutional, was excellent. It would allow the county to share a senate seat with Nelson County and would have two House districts, with the county making up all or a majority of the voting numbers.

Look for basketball fans in the county to have a real excellent opportunity to celebrate a state title. 

The Bullitt East Chargers expect to be one of the top contenders for the Sweet Sixteen title in March.

Look for the word transperancy to be uttered at least 122 times by governmental officials in the county through the end of the year.

The funny thing is that transperancy always existed. You may have had to dig a little harder but information has always been available.

Transparency may become the most overused work in governmental circles.

And it is kind of funny when the agencies that preach that will whisper to colleagues, not allowing the public any clue on what is being said.

Of course, there are always those decisions that are not discussed and all of the sudden a vote is taken and there is no input taken -- or solicited.

Look for the players to begin figuring out what positions they might run for in 2014.

And look for a few donkeys become an elephant, especially after the past two elections.

If you don’t know by the end of this year whether you are running for a big position in 2014, you’re probably too late.