Interview with Bert T. Combs

Partial Transcript: In the year 1955, Bob at that time was running for Superintendent of Public Instruction and I was running for governor, and we were on the same team, so I was with Bob quite a bit during that campaign.

Segment Synopsis: Judge Combs explains how he first met Dr. Robert R. Martin when Combs was running for governor of Kentucky. He goes on to describe the work that Dr. Martin and he did during their time in office together, the work with the minimum foundation, his work as superintendent and why he chose Martin to run his reelection campaign.

Keywords: 1955 election; governor race; Happy Chandler; Minimum Foundation; Superintendent of Public Education

Subjects: Bert T. Combs Dr. Robert R. Martin Kentucky Politics

Partial Transcript: How did Bob Martin get into politics?

Segment Synopsis: Combs briefly describes the political nature of Dr. Martin, and that although the Superintendent position is apolitical, Dr. Martin had to win the approval of influential members of the KEA and members of the previous superintendent.

Keywords: KEA; Politics; Superindendent

Subjects: 1955 Election Kentucky Education Assosiation Superindendent of Public Education

Partial Transcript: Do you remember anything about Dr. Martin's years as state superintendent of Public Instruction?

Segment Synopsis: Combs recalls Dr. Martin's election to superintendent and describes his time as strong and aggressive with a "fine record." Combs later discusses the Foundation Program which was implemented during Dr. Martin's tenure and conflicts with other state politicians.

Keywords: Conflicts; Education Bureau; Land rights

Subjects: Albert B. "Happy" Chandler Kentucky Foundation Program

Partial Transcript: There was some controversy on whether he should accept the position as campaign manager while he was still superintendent... I know a few Chandler supporters were quite critical of that decision.

Segment Synopsis: Judge Combs describes the reasons as to why Dr. Martin accepted the role as campaign manager and his effectiveness in the role. He explains that Martin was a great manager since he knew the state, was focused on education, and was a big part of getting Combs getting elected.

Keywords: campaign manager; governor race; Kentucky politics; political strategy

Subjects: Bert T. Combs Dr. Robert R. Martin Harry Lee Waterfield

Partial Transcript: You mentioned earlier your interest in education as governor in the campaign and then as governor, why were you so interested in improving education in Kentucky?

Segment Synopsis: Judge Combs details why he was so interested in education Kentucky. He explains that the situation with Kentucky education was critical, paying teachers a low wage, crumbling schools, and an exodus of teachers leaving the state for better pay he needed to take a stand. He goes on to say that putting Martin in the place as finance manager of schools helped bring some confidence back into the education system of Kentucky.

Keywords: crumbling infrastructure; education; funding; Kentucky; salary; teacher shortage

Subjects: Bert T. Combs Dr. Robert R. Martin

Partial Transcript: What part did you play in the appointment of President Martin to the post of president at Eastern Kentucky State College?

Segment Synopsis: Gov. Combs discusses Dr. Martin's appointment of university president. He explains that while he had some influence as a governor, Dr. Martin was hired mainly on his merits and his career so far.

Keywords: appointment; board of regents; university president

Subjects: Bert T. Combs Dr. Robert R. Martin Eastern Kentucky State Teachers College Eastern Kentucky University

Partial Transcript: In 1961 Lyndon Johnson made a trip to Eastern, I think you were there at the time, do you remember anything about that trip?

Segment Synopsis: Gov. Combs describes the trip that Vice President Johnson took in 1961 to Eastern Kentucky State Teacher College. He goes on to say that while Johnson was there he broke ground on the coliseum, and discussed issues of the time. Combs also explains that it was a good day for the school, and that Earl Clements had a big part in getting him to come.

Keywords: 1961; alumni coliseum; vice presidential visit

Subjects: Dr. Robert R. Martin Earl Clements Gov. Bert T. Combs Lyndon B. Johnson Vice President

Partial Transcript: What's been your relationship with Bob Martin after you left the governorship?

Segment Synopsis: Gov. Combs explains his close relationship with Dr. Martin after his tenure as Kentucky Governor. He goes on to describe how they both have the same philosophy of government, the importance of education and infrastructure to the state.

Keywords: friendship; retirement

Subjects: Dr. Robert R. Martin Gov. Bert T. Combs

Partial Transcript: What role did the veteran bonus tax play?

Segment Synopsis: Gov. Combs explains the role that the Veterans bonus tax played during his administration and the good it did. He goes on to describe that the state passed a bill so that the sale tax of the state would help pay the bonuses of these veterans resulting in a 3% sales tax.

Keywords: coal severance tax; food tax; sales tax; soldiers bonus bill; veterans bonus tax

Subjects: Gov. Bert T. Combs Gov. Wendell Ford Kentucky state tax

Partial Transcript: What type of relationship has Bob Martin had with the press?

Segment Synopsis: Gov. Combs describes Dr. Martin's relationship with the press especially the Louisville Courier Journal. He explains that Martin was not always happy with how the newspaper portrayed him, and has continued to have issues with them.

Keywords: Courier- Journal; Truck deal

Subjects: Bert. T. Combs Courier- Journal Dr. Robert R. Martin Louisville

Partial Transcript: How would you describe Dr. Martin's personality?

Segment Synopsis: Gov. Combs describes Martin's personality as outgoing, frank, and upfront. He goes on to say that Dr. Martin does not hide things, he is a firm believer of putting all cards on the table to get a deal, and is not deceptive.

Keywords: outgoing; personality; president; trustworthy

Subjects: Bert T. Combs Dr. Robert R. Martin Eastern Kentucky University

Partial Transcript: Bob has kept an active interest in the major problems of Kentucky through the years and has made a contribution, but not as an active practicing politician...

Segment Synopsis: Judge Combs describes three highlights of Dr. Martin's career and that overall Dr. Martin had made a lasting impact on Kentucky education. He later explains his and Dr. Martin's role in expanding education in the early 1960s.

Keywords: Contribution; Education; Legacy

Subjects: Dr. Bob Martin Kentucky Sales Tax