Board member: Allegations against him were 100% false

I know that politics can be a nasty business, but I never imagined that I would be caught in the crosshairs of someone else’s political agenda right here in my hometown.

For the past four years, I have been serving on the Jessamine County/ City of Wilmore Board of Adjustments. I accepted this civic duty because I figured that my 34 years of professional experience working as a senior civil designer would be put to good use on a board that deals heavily in zoning ordinances and property law.

Two weeks ago, during a fiscal court meeting held on May 1, a vote on my reappointment was on the agenda. I was surprised to learn that I had not been reappointed to serve on the board as a representative of the 4th District, and I was even more surprised by the reasons why the magistrates had voted against me.

It has come to my attention that several false and defamatory statements about my character were discussed by the four magistrates who voted against me just before the official meeting had come to order. It is to my understanding that these statements painted me as a lackadaisical board member who regularly fell asleep during meetings and showed up under the influence of alcohol. 

I just wanted to clarify that these allegations are in no way a true representation of my conduct as a board member, or who I am as a person. I do not know why I have been targeted for these smear tactics. I have no intentions of pushing my own political agenda, or inappropriately using my position as a board member to do so. Instead, I am afraid that I have become collateral damage in someone else’s politics.

John T. Slugantz II

Nicholasville

Todd Gooch will serve all citizens equally and fairly

I am submitting this letter to show my full support for Todd Gooch who is running for 3rd District Magistrate. I have known Gooch for quite some time.

He is a kind and humble man known to help others and give back to his community. He does not require anything in return. He has been involved in organizations such as Wounded Warriors and other organizations honoring our Veterans, Big Brothers & Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity, our Senior Citizens, Taste of Jessamine County and many behind the scenes acts of giving which are not publicly known.

Gooch has worked very hard for over 35 years and become successful in his concrete and project management business. He has provided many jobs and revenue for communities all over the state.

Our county is in need of a man like Gooch to lead the people of Jessamine County into the future. He will bring a strong determination, good business sense, and make tough conservative decisions. He will hold those fiscally responsible for our county’s budget and stay the course. Gooch will seek solutions for our present issues, as well as listen to those that need to be addressed.

He will work with all those elected and give them the tools they need to do their jobs. He will work to combat the drug epidemic head on and will work with the jailer to remedy the over crowding in our jail facilities. Gooch is not taking any campaign donations. He has even offered to give part of his salary to help our Veterans. He is not running for the salary. He is running to help the people of our county and our community improve and continue to be a place that we want to live in, enjoy and love like he does. His fresh ideas, new energy, “out of the box” thinking and strong business sense will offer a good and positive change for our county.

I do not think we can pass up on what Todd Gooch has to offer. I urge you to go out and vote Todd Gooch for Magistrate, District 3, on May 22. This is a vote you will not regret. If you believe in term limits it is time for a change.

Nick Strong

Jessamine County