Secretary of State
Grayson Appoints Former Secretary of State Ken Harper to Kentucky Registry of Election Finance

(Frankfort, KY) Secretary of State Trey Grayson announced today that former Secretary of State Ken Harper is his appointment to the Registry of Election Finance.  Harper, a resident of Crestview Hills in Northern Kentucky, will begin his service on the Registry immediately upon his appointment.

“I am delighted that Secretary Harper has accepted this appointment,” stated Secretary Grayson.  “Through his past service as Secretary of State, he has gained knowledge about Kentucky elections that will be invaluable to the Registry.  It is hard to imagine someone more qualified to serve in this capacity than Secretary Harper.”

Harper, who attended the University of Kentucky and latter served in the United States Air Force, has dedicated much of his life to public service.  He served in the legislature for over 16 years, including a number of years in leadership roles, as well as service on the House Elections and Constitutional Amendments committee.  In 1971, he was tapped by the late Governor Louie Nunn to serve as Secretary of State after the death of Secretary Elmer Begley.

“I appreciate the appointment and the confidence that Secretary Grayson has shown in me,” commented Secretary Harper after his appointment.  “I am excited to once again to serve the people of Kentucky, and I thank the Secretary for the opportunity.”

In recent years, Harper served actively in the Northern Kentucky Community.  Most notably, he led the Northern Kentucky University Foundation as its chairman from 1997-2002, a time when the foundation and university began to see unprecedented growth. 

Harper currently works as a real estate broker in Northern Kentucky.  He is a member of the Northern Kentucky, Kentucky, and National Association of Realtors. 

“The dedication that Ken has shown to the Commonwealth and to our Northern Kentucky community speaks volumes about the job he will do as a member of the registry.  I look forward to the expertise and integrity that he will bring to the Registry,” Grayson commented.

 The Kentucky Registry of Election Finance is an independent 7-Member Board appointed to serve as the regulatory body for the administration, regulation, and enforcement of Kentucky's campaign finance laws.  The agency receives, compiles, and maintains Financial Disclosure Reports of elected officials and candidates for specified offices. 

A total of seven members are appointed to the Registry by the Governor, the Auditor of Public Accounts, the Attorney General and the Secretary of State. The board members serve four year terms and their appointments are staggered.

Harper and his wife, Eileen, have five children and seven grandchildren.  With his appointment, Harper replaces Richard Beliles whose term expired August 15, 2005.  Harper’s term expires August 15, 2009.

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