Interview with Lawrence W. Wetherby, March 28, 1980
Project: Lawrence W. Wetherby Oral History Project
Interview Summary
Governor Wetherby begins by defending his public persona as being an avid sportsman, but quells any beliefs of him not being interested in politics during his time in office. He takes this opportunity to discuss his pursuit to promote tourism in Kentucky as well other hunting and sporting events in this state. Wetherby spends a majority of this interview discussing the economic state Kentucky was in during his time as governor. He recalls the construction of various entities, Kentucky's Labor laws stance that prohibits labor groups from becoming autonomous, and his promotion of industrial development to bring several large companies and factories into the Bluegrass State. Because of which, he also speaks about the opposition to industry he was facing from horse farms in the Bluegrass area. Because the emphasis on transportation shifted from railroads to aircrafts, Wetherby remembers the efforts made to develop Kentucky's first airport. Governor Wetherby shifts topics slightly and speaks about being an fiscally conservative governor, and compares/contrasts himself to Chandler, who was also considered an economic conservative. He speaks about the tax structure during his term being favorable towards industry and promoting a sin tax when extra revenue was needed. When asked, Wetherby opinionates his reason why Kentucky hasn't seen more economic growth. Lastly, Wetherby shifts from economics to judiciary, and speaks of his excellent relationship with the Kentucky Court of Appeals, which was at the time the highest court in the state. He speaks of the revised court system, and concludes by talking about his late brother, George Wetherby, who was running for Jefferson Country Judge and the Governor's support for him.Interview Accession
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Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.Restriction
Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.
All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.
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Wetherby, Lawrence W. Interview by John Kleber. 28 Mar. 1980. Lexington, KY: Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.
Wetherby, L.W. (1980, March 28). Interview by J. Kleber. Lawrence W. Wetherby Oral History Project. Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries, Lexington.
Wetherby, Lawrence W., interview by John Kleber. March 28, 1980, Lawrence W. Wetherby Oral History Project, Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.
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