From staff reports

Jessamine County’s 5^th district will have two choices for magistrate at the polls on Nov. 6, incumbent Paul Floyd and Lindsay Pope Walker.

Candidates were given the same questionnaire they received during the primary election. However, this time, each candidate was given 100 words in which to answer their questions instead of the previous 50. 

Floyd is a republican and a graduate of Jessamine County High School. His professional background includes being the owner/operator at Floyd’s Greenhouse LLC, co-owner of P&C Properties LLC and over 20 years of experience as a buyer/manager of a local retail business Carpenter’s Dish Barn. His political experience includes serving as 5^th district magistrate since 2017. His civic involvement includes serving on the Jessamine County Parks and Recreation Board and the Kentucky River Task Force. He is a Kentucky Proud member and a member of Young Farmers. He previously served on the Stockholder Advisory Board at Southern States and is a supporter of 4-H, FFA and local school athletic organizations. He also attends Sulphur Well Christian Church. 

Walker is a democrat and a graduate from Jessamine County High School and Eastern Kentucky University with a degree in Agriculture management. She is a previous partner in a beef cattle and hog farm. She is a veterinarian assistant, merchandising representative and an assistant at a financial investment company. Her civic involvement includes 100 Women Who Care, Veterans and the Freedom Fest, Jessamine County Homeless Coalition and the Equine Humane Center.

JJ: What will be your top priority if elected to office?

PF: My top priority if elected to office is to represent the needs and wishes of the fifth district residents. Whether it be an elaborate task or a simple question and answer, I want the residents to know that I speak on their behalf. My decisions in fiscal court are based on what I believe is best for our county as well as the opinions of my constituents. It is my wish that my fellow fifth district residents will keep in contact with me so that we together can make the best decisions on the issues that mean so much to our community.

LW: To ensure the issues and concerns of the fifth district are heard and to work diligently until these matters are addressed.

JJ: What makes you the best candidate for the job?

PF: My experience as fifth District Magistrate over the last year and a half has prepared and qualified me for what is expected in the next term. Along with that experience, I can relate to our community on so many different levels. My concerns are the same as many of you – as I am a parent, a husband, a resident and a business owner. I want to see the necessary change in Jessamine County so that it continues to be a community that we are proud to call home. 

LW: Being semi-retired gives me time and flexibility to serve. I would consider it a privilege to devote that time to the duties and responsibilities of the fiscal court and to the resident of the fifth District. I have the passion and drive to be the kind of magistrate you deserve.

JJ:  What professional/political accomplishments are you most proud of in your life?

PL: The professional accomplishment that I am most proud of is that I was able to start & maintain a business in an economy that doesn’t guarantee success. I understand the needs and struggles of business owners and I want each business owner to know that I represent you and your needs as well. The political accomplishment that I am most proud of is having a hand in the installment of the Kendyl & Friends All Abilities Playground. Our children mean everything to us and I am so glad that we will have a community playground that every child will be able to enjoy. 

LW: My biggest political accomplishment is stepping up and running for office. I never thought I would be on this side of an election, but when you see a need you can either ignore it or you can stand up and make a difference. I chose the latter.

JJ:  What is the biggest challenge our community faces?

PF: The biggest challenge that our community faces today is the need for financial stability. We need to improve the roadways, as well as the appearance and atmosphere of Jessamine County. To do that, we must have financial stability as well as fiscal responsibility in order to make the improvements necessary.

LW: My job as magistrate is to voice what the residents of the fifth district feel is the biggest challenge. The voters I have spoken to have many legitimate concerns but by far the most voiced concern is the safety and condition of our roads.

JJ:  How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process in our town?

PF: I plan to involve residents in our town by listening. I am a down to earth guy and I’m very easy to talk to. If I don’t know an answer right away, I will figure it out and get it to you promptly. I can be contacted by phone, by email or on Facebook. I’d love to hear from you. For the past year, I have posted local events and notifications to my Facebook page to let the community know what is happening locally as well as some of the great accomplishments of our fiscal court. 

LW: This will be the easiest part of the job for me. I will talk to the residents and really listen to what they have to say. I will make myself available to them in person or by phone, text, email and Facebook.

JJ:  If elected, what three steps would you take to put our city on a firmer financial footing?

PF: In order to put our county on a firmer financial footing we must create a fiscally responsible budget, remove unnecessary spending and find ways to increase the county’s revenue. Among the ways to increase revenue are to improve the appearance and atmosphere of the county to bring new families, new businesses and local employment opportunities to our residents. Jessamine County is also one step closer to the National Park designation of Camp Nelson Heritage Park. National park designation will bring additional tourism and economic growth to our community.

LW: The county is a business and should be run on strong business principles: “Eliminate the fat” by cutting out wasteful spending. Renegotiate and shop out all current and future bids, interest rates and insurance policies. Establish an Emergency Fund. Not having one is dangerous and unacceptable.

JJ: Any additional comments?

PF: It has been both my honor and privilege to serve as your magistrate. I hope to have the opportunity to keep serving the residents of the fifth District of Jessamine County. I humbly and respectfully ask for your support on Nov. 6. Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns that you have. 

LW: I have a genuine love for Jessamine County. I know that with careful planning, we can preserve our rural environment, unique character, and rich history ensuring that Jessamine County will be a place that our future generations will be proud to call home. I respectfully ask for vote on Nov. 6.