Meet the candidates!
Published 1:21 pm Saturday, May 14, 2022
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A note from Associate Editor Warren Taylor: One of the hallmarks of good journalism is integrity and transparency. In the interest of both the following corrections need to be made. In the print edition of Thursday’s Journal one of magistrate candidate Tim Vaughan’s alma maters was listed as Auburn University, he graduated from Asbury University in Wilmore. State representative candidate Grayson Vandergrift was mislabeled as Jason Vandergrift in a photo. Sheriff Kevin Corman was mistakenly labeled as Matthew Lytle in a photograph. The Journal would like to apologize for these mistakes.
All answers below were the ones received by the Journal from candidates who chose to respond to its invitation to respond to its primary election survey.
A little under a week before Thursday’s May 12th edition of the Journal, an email was sent to all candidates running in a competitive primary election in Jessamine County. The email addresses were taken from online documents found on the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance’s website. A followup email was also sent. Journal intern Sophia Griggs followed up the day before the May 10 deadline with phone calls to all candidates who had not responded to the initial emails. The phone calls were made to phone numbers found on the same online documents from the KREF website.
With that in mind, it has come to the Journal’s attention that several candidates feel that they were not contacted about the survey and that several readers were concerned that candidates who did not respond were not mentioned at all. The Journal has taken our readers feedback under consideration and now understands the confusion that caused. As a result in the online version of the article all candidates running for office are listed below.
Also any candidate who did not fill out the survey may contact associate editor Warren Taylor by email warren@winchestersun.com or by phone at 859-447-5363. He will send it to them and update this article with their responses. The deadline to do will be 6 p.m. on Monday.
State Representative: 55th Representative District
Kim King (Republican)
Please enter your name and tell us about your background.
Cary and I own and operate 4 Kings Angus. Graduated Magna Cum Laude, Honors Scholar, from EKU in 2004. Served in the House 12 years. Serve as Tourism Chair and active member of Ag, Economic Development, Tobacco Settlement Committees, KY’s DDID Commission and CSG’s Economic Development Committee.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I’m the only Conservative Republican option. Endorsed by Right to Life, NRA & Commonwealth Conservatives. 100% NFIB voting record. Family Foundation KY, Family Champion and KY Realtors enthusiastically support my campaign. A national group gave me a failing grade for voting against 3 alcohol expansion bills and a slush fund for rich parents to send their children to private school. My solid record of Conservative Republican leadership and service. I read the bills and make the right decisions, for the right reasons. I don’t compromise my Conservative Republican values to liberals to Libertarians.
What do you think is the most pressing issue effecting us in this election cycle?
Libertarians trying to hijack the Republican Party of Kentucky. Social media misinformation, disinformation and propaganda peddling.
How would you address this issue in your elected office?
I will continue on my current path of Conservative Republican leadership and service: reading the bills, completing background research, casting the right votes for the right reasons and firmly standing up to liberals and Libertarians. I encourage voters to watch my Debate footage on Facebook or YouTube to see my in-depth responses to important local questions and the stark differences between me and my opponent first-hand.
Tony Wheatley (Republican)
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I spent 25+ years in the mortgage industry. I founded Constitutional Kentucky and teach the constitution to groups. I have 5 adopted daughters and believe that abortion is murder. I’ve been a member of the NRA and defended the right to bear arms.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I will follow the Constitution on every vote. The people that vote me in are who I will listen to. The time is now to hold all legislators, governors across America accountable for their actions including spending.
What do you think is the most pressing issue effecting us in this election cycle?
People are paying too much for food, gas etc. Many can not afford medicine and are going without just to provide food for their families. Many think the government is taxing us to bankruptcy.
How would you address this issue in your elected office?
Seek ways to truly lower taxes. As our housing market goes up so do our property tax. We need to cap it.
State Representative: 56th District
Grayson Vandergrift (Democrat)
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My name is Grayson Vandergrift and I’m running for state representative in the 56th district. I’ve been a businessman, a council member, and now a two-term mayor. I have a wife and two beautiful children, and I’m running to bring a true public servant to this important house seat.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I’m the only candidate in this race who has first served on the local level, so I’m not inclined to party politics but rather to real-world problem solving, and I have experience working with people who have different beliefs in order to get things done for my constituents. As mayor of Midway, we created a record surplus through job creation and invested in infrastructure, services, and parks and even cut property taxes by 40% and sewer rates by 25%.
What do you think is the most pressing issue effecting us in this election cycle?
The current majority has set our state up to face the largest budget shortfall in our history by cutting the wrong taxes. As a mayor, our city cut taxes that help everyday people most. The current majority wants to give the biggest cuts only to the wealthiest, leading to higher sales taxes.
How would you address this issue in your elected office?
I believe in cutting the sales tax, not the income tax. The truth is, most of us won’t feel the income tax cuts like we’ll feel the sales tax increases that are coming. I believe you can cut the right taxes and also invest in the right places, but the current majority has the commonwealth heading for the same calamity Kansas recently had to pull away from.
Other Democrats runnings: Ben Nolan
State Senator 22nd District
Andrew Cooperrider (Republican)
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Cooperrider is a Christian, family man, and small business owner. He has owned a diner in Wilmore and currently owns businesses in Lexington. He is married to his wife, Kara, and has one 10-year-old son, Leo. Cooperrider attends church at New Life Baptist Church.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
Andrew has been very active in the legislature as a common citizen over the last several years. He has constantly been taking a stand on important issues through activism on bills pertaining to individual rights and protecting the constitution. Additionally, Andrew Cooperrider has been the lead plaintiff in several suits that were aimed towards protecting rights of the people. Andrew’s track record as well as his ability to stand up to the corruption in Frankfort shows that he is who the people need in order to get Kentucky on track to larger freedoms and a smaller government.
What do you think is the most pressing issue effecting us in this election cycle?
For this primary, the most pressing issue is to get the state senate to thoroughly follow through on the conservative principles they claim to follow.
How would you address this issue in your elected office?
Other Republicans running: Donald Douglas
Sheriff
Kevin Grimes (Republican)
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My name is Sergeant Kevin Grimes and I have been a police officer with the Nicholasville Police Department for almost 23 years. I currently oversee the Community Services Division of the police department. I have worked as a patrol officer, a drug enforcement detective, general investigations detective and was promoted to sergeant in 2019. Prior to working for the City of Nicholasville, I was a police officer with the University of Kentucky Police for 13 years. While employed there I served as a patrol officer, detective and also was promoted to the rank of sergeant. I am currently the East and West Jessamine High School Archery Coach and have been in this position for 9 years.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I have spent my entire adult life serving the communities I live and work in. I have over 36 years of law enforcement experience and over 10 years of supervisory/administrative experience. I am the only candidate to have graduated from the Department of Criminal Justice Training basic training academy. I am a graduate of the FBI National Academy, class #174. The FBI National Academy is the premiere international academy for upper management law enforcement officers. Only 20 officers from Kentucky get selected to attend this academy each year. I am a graduate of the Department of Criminal Justice Training Academy of Police Supervision as well. I have close to 3000 training hours over the course of my career. As a law enforcement officer I have always held myself to a higher standard because as law enforcement officers we are always in the spotlight. As a leader you must set the bar and be the example. I have always felt that integrity was one of my main core values. As a leader you must always do the right thing regardless of the outcome. As a public servant we serve the people who have elected us to these important positions. That means being accountable for your and your department’s actions. I feel that my experience, my training and education and my commitment to make Jessamine County a better place for your family and mine make me the best candidate for Sheriff of Jessamine County.
What do you think is the most pressing issue effecting us in this election cycle?
From the perspective of the Sheriff’s office it is restoring faith and integrity back to the office. Over the last year or so there have been several incidents that have created doubt in the current leadership staff. This all goes back to leading by example and setting the bar high. Holding everyone accountable and to the same standard is paramount in any leadership position.
How would you address this issue in your elected office?
As leaders in law enforcement we must always hold ourselves to a higher standard, not only for the people we serve but for the people we lead.
If you are not holding yourself accountable then how can anyone else be expected to follow you. First, one must restore the trust of the community that has elected you. It is important to remember that you are elected by the people and you serve at their pleasure. By providing open dialogue and communicating your goals with the community you start to gain back trust. You must also focus on making yourself and your agency transparent. You are a sheriff for all the people, not just certain ones. This keeps everyone honest and shows that you treat everyone the same regardless of who they are or what their situation is. You also have to gain the respect and trust of your employees. This is as important as the first part as they are the people you will be counting on to fulfill your mission or goals. Allowing employee input makes them feel more involved and part of the team versus being given tasks without any input. Coming up with solutions to problems or tasks makes employees buy in faster and will make a happier workplace for everyone. It has been a long time since Jessamine County has had the opportunity to make a change such as this. By electing me as sheriff of Jessamine County you will take the first step in making this a better place for your family and mine.
Kevin Corman (Republican)
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Sheriff Kevin Corman. I served in the US Army Reserves from 1975-1981. I started as a Deputy in 1986, promoted to Captain, then to Chief Deputy before being elected Sheriff in 2006. I am a member of the Kentucky Sheriff’s Association and served as President in 2017.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I am a proven fiscally responsible leader and have kept all my prior campaign promises and have remained accessible to the citizens of Jessamine County. I have addressed and will continue to work against the drug epidemic in our community. In doing so, I am proud to have established the Sheriff’s Office first Drug Enforcement Unit and First K9 Unit. I have helped secure funding and continue to support the School Resource Officer Program. Lastly, I have continued to maintain a tax collection rate of 98.7%.
What do you think is the most pressing issue effecting us in this election cycle?
I believe the drug epidemic is one of the most pressing issues. I will continue to combat drugs in our community. Drugs have impacted most citizens of this county and I will continue to utilize our resources to improve our success with the drug epidemic in Jessamine County.
How would you address this issue in your elected office?
I will continue to have my agency focus on this issue. I will utilize our deputies, Drug Enforcement Unit and K9 Unit in hopes of decreasing illicit drugs coming into Jessamine County. In addition, I will continue to have my staff address other challenges that face our community as well.
Coroner
Michael Hughes (Republican)
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I am a U.S. Navy Veteran, I have 45 years medical experience and training. I have been Jessamine County’s Coroner for the past 11 plus years where my office has investigated over 1,100 deaths. I have 691 hours of current training through the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
During my 11 plus years as Jessamine County Coroner, I’ve had the opportunity to investigate every possible manner of death. The experience and wisdom that I’ve gained while investigating 1,100 plus cases has prepared me for any type of tragedy that the citizens of Jessamine County may face.
Additionally, these experiences have allowed me to spend precious time with grieving families of those who have lost their loved ones. This is a priority for me, as well as my Deputies, as it allows us to stand by our motto, “Dignity for the Deceased, Compassion for the Bereaved.”
What do you think is the most pressing issue effecting us in this election cycle?
Our number one most pressing issue, pertaining to the Coroner’s office, is the current, ever growing, opioid epidemic. Another very serious concern is the rapid increase in the number of suicide cases we are seeing.
How would you address this issue in your elected office?
Currently, I am a member of the Jessamine County ASAP (Agency For Substance Abuse Prevention) which concentrates our efforts to curtail the use and abuse of both legal and illicit opioids.
Obviously, I will continue in this effort as well as making available more educational resources through our office. In addition, I will continue to volunteer to speak to various groups (schools, rehab, drug court etc.) For the future, we are looking forward to becoming officially involved with providing a source of renewed support for individuals who are in recovery that have experienced recent loss.
Amy Dove (Republican)
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My name is Amy Dove. I am running as a Republican candidate for coroner in Jessamine Co. I have been working in Jessamine Co as a Nurse Practitioner for the past 6.5 years. I graduated with honors from East TN State University in 2008 with a master’s degree in nursing.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I am the best candidate for this office because I have current medical experience and work with the people who live in this county every day. My plans for the coroner’s office include arriving at death scenes in a timely manner, being diligent with determining the cause of death, and having a chaplain on call 24/7. I have created a pamphlet that will guide the family of the deceased on what to do in the first 24 hours after a death. I will have two people go to death notifications and have EMS on standby. I will follow up with families 24 hours after death to assist with problems that may arise.
What do you think is the most pressing issue affecting us in this election cycle?
I believe the most pressing issue in the coroner’s office currently is there is no transparency. While there are good things about the office, I believe I have a plan that can improve the services provided to the community and make the office more accessible to families.
How would you address this issue in your elected office?
I plan to make the coroner’s office transparent by encouraging community members to stop by the office with questions or concerns they may have. I am open to new ideas and making changes that would improve the office and serve the community to the best of my ability. I also want to do 24-hour follow-ups with families, not only to see if they are okay, but to see if they need assistance from me or the chaplain. I feel having a pastor as a deputy will allow pastoral counseling to families that has never been used in this county to help families cope with the loss of a loved one.
Magistrate
2nd Magisterial District
Tim Vaughan (Republican)
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I’m a Wilmore resident, Asbury University ‘97 graduate, married to Joy, have one daughter and am a mortgage loan officer serving local families. I have served on many local boards (Wilmore Com Dev., Leadership Jessamine, High Bridge Festival, Wilmore Family Center and am a Church of the Savior member.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
My current work includes: Lock 7 area improvements, opening a boat ramp in High Bridge, discussing with Judge West the merits of fleet management for saving expenses on county vehicles and keeping the US 68 corridor beautiful through strong support of the land use plan. I will continue to respond quickly to phone calls/emails and listen to the concerns of residents and persistently work to follow up. I have advocated for several public hearings to allow for community input since I believe that seeking input and listening with genuine empathy are important traits for public servants.
What do you think is the most pressing issue effecting us in this election cycle?
There are many pressing issues which include wage inflation, spending ARPA money wisely, keeping our county as one of the lower taxed counties, needing road improvements for Brannon Road, 169 and Catnip Hill Road, and keeping county roads well paved.
How would you address this issue in your elected office?
Wage inflation is being addressed through a survey to inform us of competitive salary rates. Survey results will guide our response. I will urge for a public hearing for citizen input on effective use of the ARPA money. Keeping Jessamine as a lower taxed county will require opposing, as I’ve done, the creation of new taxes. The road improvements above are state roads and will require that I urge the state decision makers to put those roads at the top of their priority list. For the county roads, I’ll continue to drive the roads to monitor and support repairs.
Other Republicans running: Ben D. Riffell
3rd Magisterial District
Darrell York (Republican)
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Graduate J.C.H.S.1978 and E.K.U. 1984 Business owner Quality Built Homes and Courtland Hall Antiques
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
With my education and building experience, I am better suited to see the problem and readily come up with a solution.
What do you think is the most pressing issue effecting us in this election cycle?
Term limits and Government Overreach. My opponent asks the voter to re-elect him to 45 years.
How would you address this issue in your elected office?
I have promised not to ask for your vote 41 years from now. Also I am against Government Overreach, Mask Mandates, and forced Vaccinations and will only support policies that reflect this.
Terry Meckstroth (Republican)
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I have served this county as a public school teacher, principal, and as a county magistrate.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I’ve had years of experience working with the public in a variety of situations, from teacher to principal to county magistrate. I have enjoyed working with people and find it challenging to find solutions to problems that arise. I’m aware of what county officials are able to accomplish as well as their limitations.
What do you think is the most pressing issue effecting us in this election cycle?
One of the most pressing issues is competing with surrounding counties in pay scale in order to retain high quality skilled employees to provide public services to the people.
How would you address this issue in your elected office?
We need to raise the salary scale of our county employees and be more competitive with surrounding counties.
4th Magisterial District
April Rose Prather (Republican)
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Previous Magistrate in District 4 from Jan. 1, 2015 to Dec. 31, 2018.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
Lifelong Conservative Republican with the experience and knowledge to represent our district with dignity and strength.
What do you think is the most pressing issue effecting us in this election cycle?
Taxes, infrastructure, transparency, accountability and raising the bar to put our families first.
How would you address this issue in your elected office?
We need to raise the salary scale of our county employees and be more competitive with surrounding counties.
It will take some time to fix the mistakes that have been made in the last three years of a representative who didn’t research votes as I did. I have a long list of issues that I will address immediately if I am re-elected. I will do this with the help of my constituents and it will be transparent
Other Republicans running: Kent Slusher.
5th Magisterial District
Adam Teater (Republican)
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Hello I am Adam Teater, a lifelong resident of Jessamine County. I have been married for 15 years to my wife Heather, together we have two kids Kinsley and Colton. A dedicated public servant for over 20 years, as a Police Officer and Firefighter. Actively engaged in youth programs for over 15 years.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I am the best candidate for the office because I have spent my life helping others. As a public servant, I have been the person that this community has called upon in its time of need. I have always been there to answer that call. I have served this community with dignity and respect. I strive to make Jessamine County a better place for you and me. As Jessamine County continues to grow, I see the issues that we are faced with every day and feel that I will have the insight to overcome any obstacle that I am presented with. Making Jessamine County a great place to live and work.
What do you think is the most pressing issue effecting us in this election cycle?
I feel that there are multiple issues affecting voters this election cycle. From deteriorating infrastructure to rising taxes. Most importantly, voters feel like they have no voice when it comes to issues addressed by governing bodies. Voters feel like elected officials are not listening to them.
How would you address this issue in your elected office?
I would encourage open lines of communication by reaching out to the community to seek insight. By adopting a policy of transparency and understanding with regard to decisions that influence us daily. I would give the voter a voice, by putting my personal preferences aside and applying a change that would lead Jessamine County into the future. No one can lead without the understanding that decisions are everlasting and widespread. Those decisions have to be rooted in truth and devotion.
Paul Floyd (Republican)
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My name is Paul Floyd, lifetime resident of Jessamine County. Owner of Floyds Greenhouses , co-owner P & C Properties, family farmer attends Sulphur Well and Little Hickman Christian Church. Member of Jessamine Co. Beef Cattle Association and Young Farmers, Kentucky Proud Member. Supporter of 4-H and FFA.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
My experience as fifth district magistrate over the last four years 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.
What do you think is the most pressing issue effecting us in this election cycle?
To continue my work as a member of the Nicholasville-Jessamine County Parks Board to build upon and ensure that youth and adults have ample opportunities for recreation. Public safety is also a goal with prior investments in new ambulances and equipment being available to serve our citizens.
How would you address this issue in your elected office?
With the American Rescue Plan funding, Jessamine County is in a unique position to make investments in key areas that will take our community to the next level of service. Planning the expenditures of these funds will be one of my primary focuses in the next term. Bringing community members together, listening to the desires of the people has always been and will continue to be a priority.
6th Magisterial District
Gary Morgan (Republican)
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I am a life-long resident of Jessamine County. I am the owner-operator of GEM Construction for over 50 years. I am married to Susanne Peel Morgan and together, we have raised four children and have three grandchildren. I have served as 6th District magistrate since 2008.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I am the best candidate for Magistrate because of my experience and dedication to Jessamine County. I have attended over 800 hours of training certified by the Ky Department of Local Government. This training helps me gain a better understanding of how to fulfill my job as 6th District Magistrate. I also serve on the State Board of Directors of Ky Magistrates. I have proven that I can help set, and achieve goals that will improve and enrich the future of Jessamine County and its residents.
What do you think is the most pressing issue effecting us in this election cycle?
We have many areas of concern. The opportunities for our youth, the safety of our public, and attracting new businesses to create more jobs are my priorities.
How would you address this issue in your elected office?
Jessamine County Fiscal Court has already started to address these concerns. We have earmarked money to improve the facilities for our youth. We are investing in the Ambulance Service, 911, and the Sheriff’s office to make Jessamine County a better place to live. We have established a new Industrial Park to attract new businesses.
Burt Ladd (Republican)
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I’ve lived in Nicholasville since 1989 when I married Melanie Wells. I’m a retired Transportation Safety and Training Coord. at Fayette County Schools. I was on planning and zoning for 14 years. I’m committed to my church, have mentored children, worked the polls and enjoy helping my community.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I’m out in the community daily and hear the concerns of the people. I am not a “yes man” to anyone, I want to serve and represent the people in the Sixth District, as well as make my community, as a whole, a better place to live and call home. One could look at my work on planning and zoning and know that I try to do what’s right for the people as long as it’s within the law. I also question and expect answers. I AM the best candidate for the job.
What do you think is the most pressing issue effecting us in this election cycle?
Keeping the tax rates down while dealing with the rising costs of running the county government.
My platform’s been that we need to find industry to come to town and occupy some of the land which the city or county set aside for economic development. The school is producing students and touts that we are a “work ready” community. We owe it to the citizens to try and make that reality. If we can find industries to come in, maybe we can get them to pay some taxes rather than reaching deeper into our pockets. I stand by that, let’s make it happen.
How would you address this issue in your elected office?
While looking at the current economy in the United States, whether I’m elected or not, it’s going to be a rough four years. Everyone is struggling.
Other Republican candidates: Daron Willis.
Nicholasville City Commissioners (Non-Partisan)
Clint Sullivan
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Born and raised in Nicholasville. Upon graduating from East Jessamine High School in 2007, I opened a small business in the machine industry and powder coat painting with my father. My wife and I reside in the city with our 2 small children, and I am actively involved in youth sports.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I am a talker. I have always enjoyed connecting with people. Whether I’ve known them from my childhood, or they are new to the city, I love getting to know people. I’ve always loved my city, however I do feel things can be better. This is an exciting time to have a good amount of new people in office this year. I am strong, willing to listen, yet able to negotiate and fight for what is best for Nicholasville citizens.
What do you think is the most pressing issue effecting us in this election cycle?
The population and tax base in the city is growing tremendously. However, the citizens are not benefiting from this. The growth Nicholasville has could support large businesses. The tax money could also do more to invest in multiple things around the city to make it more attractive.
How would you address this issue in your elected office?
I feel strongly that new blood in office is the most important thing that can make changes within the city. New ideas will be flowing, a new Mayor will be in office, and that gives the city a huge opportunity to brainstorm for improvements.
Dexter Knight
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I am a lifelong resident of Jessamine County. I have served the community as an agriculture teacher, and for the last 17 years Principal of the Jessamine Career and Technology Center.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I am interested in providing a prospective to city government that ensures that we are good stewards of the city resources, while pursuing opportunities to improve our basic infrastructure. I would like to work to revitalize downtown, create educational programs and services for our youth, while working with local officials to bring high wage, high demand jobs to our area.
What do you think is the most pressing issue effecting us in this election cycle?
The needs of our growing community are placing a strain on our infrastructure (i.e. basic services such as Police, Fire, EMS) as well as streets, roads, and safe sidewalks. We must work to constantly evaluate and improve these important services to our community.
How would you address this issue in your elected office?
I would work to learn all I can about our current budgets, while providing all the necessary services to our community. I would spend time learning where our deficits are and then work to “shore up” those needs while working to constantly and consistently improve our city. Examples would include working to revitalize downtown, as well as improving our sidewalks, streets, parks, and roads. I would provide leadership to city services through fair and equitable distribution of resources to all our departments.
Ernie Lafferty
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My name is Ernie Lafferty and I am running for City Commissioner. I am retired from the Federal Government and specifically the Department of Justice – FBOP. When I retired my assignment was a Regional Correctional Services Specialist providing oversight to 20 Federal Prisons.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I am a US Army Veteran and a local business owner on main street.
What do you think is the most pressing issue effecting us in this election cycle?
The economy! We need high wage jobs. So much of our downtown property is sitting vacant and owned by the city. Government does not need to expand and this should be sold to encourage more downtown business.
How would you address this issue in your elected office?
Sell the unused government property, encourage and recruit businesses by offering a temporary tax reduction. Recruitment would also have to include numerous infrastructure upgrades to our community such a rec center, domestic violence shelter, road and traffic control upgrades.
Bethany Davis Brown
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Bethany Davis Brown. I am a native of Nicholasville. I am 28 soon to be 29. I am married and have two chocolate labs. My husband and I love to play softball, and I love to coach kiddos. This town is my home, and I just want to make it a better place.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
When I started my journey a few years back to run for city commissioner, I noticed that there wasn’t anyone my age on the commission, and that there seemed to be the same 4 people in office. My vision for the city was to bring a new perspective and give my hand at tackling some of the issues that I had noticed while being a citizen. I have a lot of energy and determination to keep moving forward and bringing fresh ideas to the table. I will listen to the citizens of Nicholasville and do my best at helping fulfill their wishes, all the while being fiscally responsible.
What do you think is the most pressing issue effecting us in this election cycle?
Downtown and the revitalization. We have many older buildings downtown and our citizens want to see us do something to help fix that and bring new business in. We are working diligently and making plans to try and make that happen sooner rather than later. I look forward to what is to come.
How would you address this issue in your elected office?
If re-elected I believe that tax breaks, along with community grants will help this. Along with having a good working relationship with planning and zoning, the fire marshall and these building owners. When the relationship is well established, and we can help the building owners to know what is expected and what is required in order to be up to code and safety standards set at both the city and state levels, we can really fast forward the process to getting these buildings up to par for development sake.
Johnny Templin
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
