Kentucky governor’s crew’s air fare to Pike Co. over $7,000

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Gov. Steve Beshear took three planeloads of officials with him to Pike County at a cost of more than $7,000 for the first stop in a six-week statewide tour.

The Lexington Herald-Leader reports the flights came just days after Beshear suggested ways state workers could conserve on fuel when commuting.

Beshear, joined by all but two of his Cabinet secretaries, presided over the town-hall meeting in the eastern Kentucky town of Virgie to talk with constituents.

Three planes left Frankfort’s Capitol Airport Thursday bound for Pike County-Hatcher Field, according to the airplane tracking Web site FlightAware.com.

Political opponents criticized the move, pointing to the state’s budget crunch. The administration defended the flights, saying they saved officials’ time.

Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary Len Peters, who flew in one of the planes, said Beshear will likely take top aides with him to the other 12 planned stops in the tour slated to end in August.