Former Senator Alan Simpson to Speak at UK Nov. 19
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 13, 2014) — A man known for his plainspoken advocacy of fiscal responsibility and bipartisanship in the U.S. Senate for 18 years will be speaking candidly with members of the University of Kentucky community and the public Nov. 19. A Conversation with Senator Alan K. Simpson is set for 4:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Worsham Theater of the UK Student Center. The event is free and open to the public and is being sponsored by the Martin School of Public Policy and Administration, the Department of Economics, the Department of Political Science and the university.
"Senator Simpson's visit provides a great opportunity not just for Martin School students and alumni, but for attendees from Lexington and elsewhere across the Commonwealth of Kentucky to learn more about the challenges and opportunities to manage our nation's finances more effectively," said Merl Hackbart, interim director of the Martin School.
As one of the chairpersons of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, Simpson was co-author of the Simpson-Bowles federal deficit reduction plan. Erskine Bowles of North Carolina, the other chair of the commission, is former chief of staff for President Bill Clinton and president of the University of North Carolina System from 2005 to 2010.
Simpson, a Republican from Wyoming, served in the Senate for 18 years (1979-97) and over the years became a close friend of Democratic colleague Wendell Ford, who was Kentucky's governor before going on to Washington for four terms in the Senate. Ford is a Distinguished Fellow in the Martin School and has volunteered his time to speak to classes and meet with students to share his experiences and discuss possible futures for graduates in public service.
During his three terms in the Senate, Simpson chaired several important committees and served for a time as Republican whip.
Simpson's presentation is titled "The Moment of Truth." He is expected to give a 20-minute talk before taking questions from a panel comprising Martin School students and members of the school's Board of Visitors. Audience members also will get an opportunity to submit their questions.
Early arrival is suggested for those planning to attend the 4:30 p.m. event Nov. 19.
MEDIA CONTACT: Carl Nathe, 859-257-3200; carl.nathe@uky.edu.