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Seven out of ten local candidates agree to The Voice’s newspaper-style election debate

In Section B of this week’s Voice, readers can read local candidate responses to questions asked during The Voice’s newspaper-style debate.

With the November 8 general election rapidly approaching, The Voice offered all candidates running for office in contested races the opportunity to participate in a newspaper-style debate.  Although two candidates declined and one did not respond to The Voice’s invitation to answer questions, most accepted the challenge and responded to unrehearsed questions.

In order to make a newspaper-style debate as much like an actual debate as possible and to ensure fairness to all candidates, The Voice implemented the following procedures.

1. The Voice researched and also asked readers for input in developing questions.   The Voice did not give candidates access to the questions in advance. Candidates in each contested race were asked the same questions.
2. In an effort to ensure all answers originated from the candidates without outside help, candidates who participated were interviewed individually at the newspaper office.  If they so desired, candidates were given the option to hand-write their answers while in the office as questions were asked.
3. Debate interviews were conducted from October 6 through October 11, 2022.

The following local races are currently the only contested races (races having more than one candidate) appearing on the ballot in McCreary County’s November general election:  Sheriff, PVA, Magistrate in Districts 3 and 4, and School Board Member District 4.  All candidates for PVA and Magistrate District 4 agreed to participate in a newspaper-style debate.  The Republican candidate for sheriff, David Sampson, and the write-in candidate for magistrate District 3, Kathy King, declined to participate.  The Voice repeatedly attempted, in a variety of ways, to contact Estle Swain, candidate for school board member in District 4.  However, The Voice was unable to personally contact Mr. Swain or receive a response.

The following candidates agreed to participate in a newspaper style debate:  incumbent Sheriff Randy Waters, incumbent PVA Dwight Ross and his challenger Bruce Lominac, incumbent Magistrate District 3 Bobby Strunk, incumbent Magistrate District 4 Randy Maxwell and his challenger, write-in candidate Sue Ann Cooper, and incumbent school board member Division 4 Lori Foster.

The Voice encourages all readers to vote.  Study the issues, candidates, and let your voice be heard.

Excused early voting (for those who will be out of town, etc. on election day) in McCreary County is Oct. 26, 27, 28 (W-Fr) and October 31, November 1, 2 (M-W) from 8:30 -4:30.  Unexcused early voting (for anyone wishing to vote early) is November 3, 4, 5 (Th-Sat.) from 8:30-4:30 on Thursday and Friday and from 8:00-4:00 on Saturday.

General election day with the polls is Tuesday, November 8, 2022.

 

 

School Board Member District 4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Incumbent

1. Tell us about yourself, personally and professionally.

“I was born and raised here in McCreary County.  I went away to college, came back because I’ve always loved it here, and thought it would be a great community to raise my family.  I’m married to Wade Foster, and we have one son, Connor, who goes to McCreary County Middle School.  I have a small business in Whitley City-Simple Tymes-that opened in 2014.  We wholesale graphic Ts to other businesses across the country and currently ship to six different countries.  We have 11 employees and five of them attend McCreary Central and are learning skills for future careers.  I have been a case manager at USP McCreary for fifteen years.  I originally decided to run for school board in 2018 because I’ve always had a passion for schools, education, volunteering, and wanting to give back to the community.  Serving as District 4 Board Member has been a great honor, and I’m hopeful I will be able to serve for the next four years.”

2. What is your vision for education in this community?

“Realizing we are coming off the COVID slide, my shortsighted vision is knowing it has had a drastic impact socially and educationally on our kids.  We have to identify each student’s deficits and target those deficits to get them back on grade level.  Long-term, I would like for every student in McCreary County to receive the best education and opportunities possible to graduate and be college and/or career ready.  I hope our graduates will be able to return to McCreary County as future business owners and leaders.”

3. What do you see as the two major issues facing your school district?  Public education?

“The teacher shortage facing the nation is the number 1 issue in my district and in public education.  I have been a strong advocate for initiating an education pathway for our students, and I am happy to see that has been implemented for this school year.  The second biggest problem facing our district and nation is the COVID slide.  Many of our students are still behind grade level due to the pandemic.  We are making tremendous progress towards helping our students reach their grade level through various means of testing and interventions.”

4. What are your areas of concern regarding student achievement in the district?

“Again, the COVID slide where, unfortunately, students weren’t able to have in-class instruction.  In-class instruction is very crucial to a child’s education.”

5. Do you have specific suggestions for improvement of student achievement?  School district in general?

“One thing I have advocated for since being a board member is increasing tutoring services for all children in the District.  We’ve made tremendous progress in this area.  Whitley City Elementary now offers the Save the Children program, and all students, District-wide, can now receive additional instruction each day prior to the school day.  I think it is very important that we continue to test our children on their progress every 90 days or so to assess their progress and address their needs.”

6. Given all the issues that arise, how can the board stay focused on student achievement?

“I can confidently say that our Board has the childrens’ best interest at heart.  We always put their general well-being and their education at the forefront of any issues.  We always make sure the decisions we make are well researched and thought out even if that means we have to table an issue and hold special meetings while we conduct research and gather feedback from parents, teachers, and administrators.”

7. Why should voters choose you as School Board Member, Division 4?

“I hope the voters of McCreary County see that for the past four years, I have genuinely put what is best for our children first.  I’m not a politician.  I’m just a mom who has a child who attends school in this District, and I can genuinely say I want what’s best for all the children of the District.  I truly want our youth to have the best educational opportunities available.  I feel we have made tremendous progress in the past four years, and I would love the opportunity to continue that progress.”

 

Magistrate-District 4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Republican – Incumbent

1. Tell us about yourself, both personally and professionally. 

My biggest accomplishment in life is being Deacon at Oak Grove Baptist Church.  Then my family, my wife, son, daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, and grandbaby.  All the people in my District are my family and friends-not for political reasons-but for who they are.”

2. What is the role of the magistrate?

“To listen to everyone’s problems no matter what it is and to help anyway you can.  Then you have to work together as a team to make things happen.”

3. Why do you want to be magistrate?  If elected, what are your goals for the next four years as magistrate in District 4?

“It’s an honor to serve the people and be in this position.  We’ve got good people.  My biggest goal is to get something in the SPEC building.  I know a jail is not feasible right now but seems like the state would help counties like us with a jail and landfill.”

4. What do you consider to be the three most important issues facing the County today?  If elected, how will you address these issues?

“The first thing is to make the county grow with small businesses.  Next is educating our kids about drugs and teaching them about God.  Finally, to make fair wages for a fair day’s work like EMS and all the county employees.”

5. Explain your position/thoughts/ideas on dealing with the following items (that you will deal with or might face if elected magistrate.)

Garbage pick-up-“What can you say?  We must keep our county clean.  We need to give our senior citizens a break on their garbage rates.  Maybe someday, open the transfer station back up.”

County employee pay increases/benefits-“I think we have now got the pay and benefits where they need to be.  Now, let’s all work together and get it done.”

Animal control (especially dogs)-“The County Shelter has done a great job.  Things are improving.  We, as dog owners, have got to be considerate of our neighbors.”

County roads-“I think we have the best roads of all surrounding counties.  We have an outstanding county road department.”

Budget-“I think we have done great with the budget.  We’ve had money to roll over each year, and we will continue down the right track so the county can grow.”

Taxes (particularly occupation/property)-“We passed the compensating rate to make taxes as low as we could.  We manage our money in a way that, hopefully, we never have to raise taxes.”

Incarceration of prisoners-“We have gotten the prisoners closer to home, and we will continue to move them closer to ease the burden on families.  Hopefully, something will come our way to make a jail possible.”

Construction/operation/maintenance of county buildings-“They are being well-taken care of.  We have an ambulance bay project, trying to make the airport better, and working with the school district to make some things happen for them.”

Tourism-“Tourism in McCreary County is growing.  There are a lot of good things in the last four years that definitely show growth in tourism.”

Economic development-“We are working on something with the SPEC building.  Tourism is growing with car races, runs, etc.  We had 14 new businesses in August.  We are definitely improving.”

6. Why should the voters choose you as magistrate of District 4?

“I will listen to every problem.  I want to work together as a team to make District 4 better.  The new HWY 92 will help our district.  We, on Fiscal Court, gave the fire departments extra money, and District 4’s fire department is phenomenal.  I’ll work for good roads so ambulances, school buses, etc. can get to everyone’s house.  At the end of the day, I like to get things done.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Write In

1. Tell us about yourself, both personally and professionally.

“I have been married to Shawn Cooper for 27 years.  We have two sons, Dylan and Garrett Cooper, and one grandson, Ezra Cooper.  I’m a registered Republican, and I’ve lived in Pine Knot for 27 years and in McCreary County for all of my life.  Professionally, I worked at South Fork Medical for ten years, and I worked in Corina Gibson’s office for ten years.  From working with the public, I know the importance of communication, listening to others, and establishing relationships.”

2. What is the role of the magistrate?

“I feel most people think it is only about maintaining county roads, but while that is important, the financial aspect is also important.”

3. Why do you want to be magistrate?  If elected, what are your goals for the next four years as Magistrate in District 4?

“I want to give District 4 a voice.  If I get calls, I will take each concern to Fiscal Court.”

4. What do you consider to be the 3 most important issues facing the county today?  If elected, how will you address these issues?

“Honestly, I’m scared we are going to face a tax increase.  I will make wise decisions and represent District 4 in a way that taxes aren’t raised.  I want to make sure roads in my district are maintained.  Economic development is also important. My son just finished a two year program at SCC for heat and air.  He’s made the decision to stay here in McCreary County instead of going to Lexington and making more money.  There needs to be an incentive or reason for our young people to stay in the County.  That’s something I want to work on.”

5. Explain your position/thoughts/ideas on dealing with the following items (that you will deal with or might face if elected magistrate):

Garbage pick-up– “I’ve spoken to Kathy King about this, and I would like to see the County have their own garbage pick-up.  We have the transfer station already and then add the bill on to utilities so everyone pays.”

County employee pay increases/benefits-“First responders definitely need pay raises.”

Animal control (especially dogs)-“We’ve got an animal control officer who is doing a good job.  We definitely want to keep an animal control officer.”

County roads– “I know several county roads in my District need work and tree trimming.  When I get calls with concerns about roads, I will work closely with the county road department to address all concerns.”

Taxes (particularly occupation/property)-“I will do everything to vote in a way that property and occupation taxes do not go up.”

Incarceration of prisoners-“Our County definitely needs a jail, but I have no answers now.  However, if elected, I will work with Fiscal Court members to get a resolution.”

Construction/operation/maintenance of County buildings-“We need regular maintenance, especially on the first responder buildings.”

Tourism-“Our County is a beautiful place, but we need better marketing and advertising.”

Economic development in the County-“I think tourism is bringing money in.  More educational classes need to be offered, in the trades especially.”

6. Why should voters choose you as magistrate of District 4?

“I have a voice.  All concerns will go to Fiscal Court and be addressed.  I’m very passionate about family, friends in District 4 and not raising taxes, maintaining roads, and staying in contact with everyone in the District.  Last, but not least, it would be an honor to represent and be the voice of all the citizens in District 4.”

 

Magistrate, District 3 Candidate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Republican Incumbent

 

1. Tell us about yourself, both personally and professionally.

“I have been married to Missy Marcum Strunk for 22 years, and we have four kids and six grandkids.  I have lived here all my life, and I am devoted to helping our county grow.  I have served the community for the last four years as magistrate in District 3 and hope to continue serving the county for the next four years.”

2. What is the role of a magistrate?

“Magistrates help with the budget, spending, and determining where the money goes.  We serve on boards.  We take care of the roads and road issues such as blacktopping, ditching, etc.  We try to help attract jobs to the County.  Basically, a magistrate is a public servant who represents his/her district.”

3. Why do you want to be a magistrate?  If elected, what will be your goals for the next four years as magistrate in District 3?

“I’ve worked hard for projects such as the Reservoir project in McCreary County.  I received a grant for a handicap playground in the Park that I would like to see finished.  I would like to continue to serve people in my district by getting better roads, more jobs, and a better way of living.”

4. What do you consider to be the three most important issues facing the county today?  If elected, how will you address these issues?

“Garbage contract-We’ve been working hard on negotiating with Scott Solid Waste for lower rates and getting the transfer station open a day or two each week.

Jail-We are trying to get closer to home by moving our prisoners to the jail in Whitley County.  They have a new jailer, and their judge is hoping we can get in there with our next contract.

Jobs-We are always looking to get new jobs to locate here.  In August, we issued 14 new business licenses.  We need to look at tourist related jobs for our county.  With things happening in Stearns, we look for tourism to really take off in the next two years.”

5. Explain your position/thoughts/ideas on dealing with the following that you will deal with or might face if elected magistrate.

Garbage pick-up-“We may look at moving away from mandatory pick-up and going back to universal.  We’ve had a lot of complaints about people burning garbage which is bad for people with breathing problems.  We hope that by going universal, instead of telling people they must sign up for garbage pick-up, we will actually be able to attract more people.”

County employee pay increases/benefits-“I’d vote the same way I did even if it cost me my position.  You can’t ask some of these people to put their lives on the line for under $13.00 per hour.  We need to keep trained, qualified workers in McCreary County.”

Animal control (dogs especially)-“That is probably the judge’s #1 call throughout the week.  We have a new animal control officer filling in, and he is on top of the situation.  He answers calls, and we have a good working relationship with the animal shelter in the county.”

County roads-“Personally, I think we have some of the best roads in our area.  They are in pretty good shape.  I wish we got more state money to blacktop.  I answer all calls on roads in a timely manner, and they are repaired in a timely manner.”

Taxes (particularly occupation/property)-“This year, we took the compensating rate which should lower dollar amounts.  We look out for our citizens and don’t want to overcharge on land taxes.”

Incarceration of prisoners-“I wish the number of prisoners would come down.  We are trying to move closer to home to Whitley County to save on transportation and liability costs.  I wish the courts would do more virtual hearings.”

Construction/operation/maintenance of county buildings-“We are always repairing what is needed.  Now, we are building a new bay at the ambulance service and getting ready to put a new roof on the Courthouse.  The biggest part of the roofing project will be paid for through federal funds.”

Tourism-“Tourism is an untapped revenue stream that we can use.  The tourism dollar circulates seven times over in a county.”

Economic development-“We have a great IDA board working diligently to get somebody in the SPEC building.  IDA works hard on small business loans and reaches out to other counties for ideas and assistance.”

6. Why should the voters choose you as Magistrate of District 3?

“I’m passionate about my job and have enjoyed the past four years as magistrate.  I answer all my calls.  I may not always be able to tell you what you want to hear, but I truly care about making McCreary County a better place to live.”

 

PVA Candidates

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Republican – Incumbent

1. Tell us about yourself, both personally and professionally.

“I am married to my wife Stephanie, and we have two children, son Cody and daughter, Megan.  We have one grandson, Tucker.  I am a member of White Oak Junction United Baptist Church.  I will be 58 years old next month, and live in the Bear Creek area.  Professionally, I am retired through the teacher retirement system.  I am a CPA and have received my certified KY Assessor’s certificate.”

2. What does the PVA (property value assessor) do?

“The primary job is assessing properties for taxation purposes.  It does go farther as far as who owns properties and being able, in the event of a catastrophe, to provide ownership data for damaged property.  We can also adjust vehicle valuations based on high mileage, damage due to wrecks, etc.”

3. What background prepares you for this job?

“I’ve dealt with taxes about all of my life.  I’ve been PVA for the past four years which entails a lot of training.”

4. What do you see as the most important responsibilities and duties of the McCreary County PVA?

“To provide a fair and equitable assessment of properties for our citizens.  And also, to provide any information requested that we are able to provide.”

5. What is the biggest challenge now to the PVA’s office, and if elected, how will you work to solve it?

“The biggest challenge right now is trying to keep up with the constantly changing market values of homes being sold.  By law, we are supposed to assess properties at fair market value, so one of the biggest things is trying to keep assessments as low as possible and still remain within the limits of the law.  We keep up with legislative changes because we have to meet some rates by legislative law.  There is currently some legislative relief taking the volatile market of real estate into consideration.”

6. How will (do) you ensure property values are assessed to fair market value?

“We have ratios calculated by the Department of Revenue comparing sales that have been made over time.  Those are compared to the assessments of all other properties.”

7. How will (do) you help property owners with questions/concerns about their property assessments?

“I will listen to anyone who has an issue with their assessment.  I will sit down and explain how I came up with an assessment.  They can tell me how they justify what they think it should be.  If we agree, it is great.  If not, we still have the option to go to an appeals board.”

8. What types of public information are (or should be) given to the public about how property assessments are conducted?

“I want our office to be transparent on any and all information.  We do advertising for homestead exemptions, disability exemptions, etc.  We try to put out information about farm valuation schedules, commercial valuations, etc.  We do notifications for open inspections and appeal procedures, etc.  Along with this, we try our best to be as candid as possible and work with people on their assessments.  I want anyone to call or come in and speak to me or my staff if they have a question.”

9. Why should the voters choose you for McCreary County PVA?

“People should choose me because I’m fair.  I’m easy to deal with.  It’s not a personal issue if someone gets mad at me.  My best friend and I can disagree and still be friends.  I’ll always have respect for the other person’s point of view.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Independent

1. Tell us about yourself both personally and professionally.

“I’ve been here most of my life.  Most people knew my mom and dad and my kids.  I’ve been an attorney for 30 years and was PVA in McCreary County for twelve years.  I’ve been in McCreary County, left and came back!  I’m a Senior KY Assessor and an attorney. When dealing with interpretation of statute, I don’t mind at all disagreeing with the Department of Revenue.”

2. What does the PVA (property value assessor) do?

“PVAs come to a fair and equitable value of property by considering all conditions that affect the property including condition of the property, location, and legal ownership of the property. As an attorney, I always read every deed because I can read deeds as legal documents which is what they are.  There is property in this county that has never been surveyed, leading to continuous arguments by the Federal government saying they own property they really don’t own.”

3. What background prepares you for this job?

“I’ve bought and sold property here in McCreary County since I was in my early 20s.  Being an attorney, I’ve taken all kinds of legal action concerning properties.  As a former PVA, I’ve seen it all.  I bring being able to know the legal ramifications of who owns the property which eliminates the possibility of the true owner having to spend thousands to clear up a clouded title.  I do all this because I like doing it!”

4. What do you see as the most important responsibilities and duties of the McCreary County PVA?

“Number one is making sure property rights of the true owner are protected.  Number two is ensuring that the assessments are fair and equitable.”

5. What is the biggest challenge now to the PVA’s office, and if elected, how will you work to solve it?

“The biggest issue was, is, and will be outside influence by the Department of Revenue.  I will, as I have before, if necessary, file legal objection and go to court.”

6. How will (do) you ensure property values are assessed to fair market value?

“It is a process.  The process goes through what has sold in a reasonable amount of time, how long the property was on the market, condition of property, location, who bought it…the whole process has to be considered.”

7. How will (do) you help property owners with questions/concerns about their property assessments?

“I talk to them like they are human beings.  God gave me my brain, but what I do with it is up to me.  You have to help people.  If I don’t help people, it’s on me.  With my training and background, I can help people.”

8. What types of public information are (or should be) given to the public about how property assessments are conducted?

“I personally feel, as PVA, I have a responsibility to explain how assessments are reached.  I should listen to what you’ve got to say.  A person shouldn’t leave my office without understanding.  That’s the point of my job, as I see it.”

9. Why should people choose you as McCreary County PVA?

“First and foremost, in my opinion, my legal training and years of experience as PVA coupled with my experience in buying and selling property here in McCreary County makes me the best choice.”

 

Sheriff Candidates

The Voice invited both candidates for Sheriff to participate in a newspaper-style debate.  However, the Republican candidate for Sheriff, David Sampson, declined.  The Democratic incumbent, Sheriff Randy Waters, accepted.

 

The Voice invited both candidates for Magistrate in District 3 to participate in a newspaper-style debate.  However, write-in candidate, Kathy King, declined.  The Republican incumbent, District 3 Magistrate Bobby Strunk, accepted.

 

The Voice attempted numerous times to contact Estle Swain, a candidate for Division 4 School Board Member.  We regret we were unable to personally contact him or receive a response.  Incumbent Division 4 School Board Member, Lori Foster, accepted.

 

For information regarding how The Voice conducted its newspaper-style debate, please see this week’s front page article, “The Candidates Speak.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Democrat  – Incumbent

1. Tell about yourself both personally and professionally.  

“I have been married 42 years.  I have one son, Kevin, and one granddaughter, Madison.  I enjoy hunting, fishing, golf, any type of sport.  I want to continue being sheriff because my goal is to help every single citizen in McCreary County-every man, woman, and child.  I want to put a damper on the drug problem that’s in McCreary County and all surrounding counties.”

2. What are the job responsibilities of a sheriff?

“The job responsibilities of a sheriff are to collect taxes and to protect and serve the people.  A sheriff has to do MIWs (mental petitions).  We bailiff the court and are over court security.  A sheriff takes responsibility for his deputies and makes sure they take all their paperwork to the Grand Jury.  A sheriff also does some transport from other jails and out-of-state.  We work car wrecks and direct traffic at times.  A sheriff must answer calls coming through 911 plus what comes through the Sheriff’s office.  As Sheriff, my office has answered 12 to 15,000 911 calls per year.  The sheriff must do search warrants and work with all other agencies-state, federal, and other counties.  I have deputies in the schools covering for SROs.  As Sheriff, I have visited schools and talked with kids.”

3. Why do you want to be Sheriff of McCreary County?

“I’ve been sheriff for eight years.  I feel I’ve done a great job working on the drug and theft problem.  I’m the only sheriff who has had six paid deputies on the roads and a staff with a total of 168 years of law experience.  I have made a difference in McCreary County, and I want to continue making a difference by protecting and serving the citizens 24/7.”

4. What are your goals for the Sheriff’s office during the next four years?

“I intend to continue building my department by adding more trained deputies to our staff.  Now, we have the highest number of certified deputies McCreary County has ever had.  I will continue to be firm, fair, and impartial to all I serve in helping stop our drug problem in McCreary County and protecting our citizens.”

 

5. The public interacts closely with the employees (deputies, office manager, etc.) of the Sheriff’s office.  If elected, can you tell us who your employees will be?  What process will be used to retain or release current employees?

“I will keep the same staff I have today.  If any complaints come in on my staff, I follow up.  I reprimand or send to the house if needed.”

6. What do you see as the primary crime-related issues or problems facing McCreary County?

“95% of all crime in McCreary County falls back to drugs with # 1 being meth in some way.”

 

7. How will you address those issues/problems?

“By putting deputies on the street and continuing to work closely with the Lake Cumberland Drug Task Force, DEA, and federal agencies to get control of the drug problem we have in the County.  In 2016, I put 18 people in federal prison with them serving a total of around 160 years.  I have done numerous search warrants on drugs and will continue to do so.”

8. Outside of protecting the public and fighting crime, what role does the Sheriff’s office play in the community?

“A sheriff must be friendly, helpful, and gain the trust of the community.  I want to lend a helping hand wherever needed.”

9. Describe your work ethic.  Are you prepared to work weekends, nights, etc. as sheriff?  Give examples of your work ethic during your experience with law enforcement.

“In my eight years as Sheriff, I have worked whatever hours it took to do the job.  If I have to work 24 hours, I will and have done so.  I have worked seven days a week when needed because of short staff.  If called-night or day-I have answered calls no matter what time.  If re-elected Sheriff, I will continue to do so.”

 

10. What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?  Why?

“I have helped people who were on drugs get in rehab and turn their life around.  There’s nothing better than helping someone’s loved one who has an addiction.  There’s nothing I’m more proud of than that.”

11. What is your greatest strength?  Greatest weakness?

“My greatest strength is that I’m a work-a-holic.  My greatest weakness is that when someone is sad, I’m sad.  I guess you could say my heart.  I’m soft-hearted.”

 

12. In today’s world, law enforcement officers must face COVID in dealing with the public, risk facing active shooters, domestic disputes that go awry, and other dangerous, potentially life-threatening situations.  What concerns you the most about being Sheriff?  Do you believe you are courageous?  Explain.

“When you put the uniform on, you’ve got to realize in the world today, any corner you turn, there could be danger.  We take an oath as law enforcement officers to protect and serve the citizens of our counties.  If you aren’t willing to step forward and do your job, you should not be in law enforcement.  What concerns me most is seeing that my deputies come to work and get back home.  I don’t think I’m courageous. I’ve just got a job to do, and I do it.”

 

13. Describe the worst situation you have faced in law enforcement?  How did you deal with it?

“The worst thing I’ve ever faced is going to someone who has lost a loved one.  I just try to reach out some way with prayer, a hug, or a helping hand.”

 

14. We have another candidate running for Sheriff.  What makes you the best person for the job?  Why should the voters choose you as Sheriff of McCreary County?

“I have been Sheriff for eight years.  When first elected in 2015, I pledged to give 110% of my time to help stop the drug and theft problems, have 24/7 coverage, and be a working sheriff.  I feel I have accomplished that.  If re-elected, I will continue to do so.  I have six years of military police experience, twelve years in law enforcement, eight years in the PVA’s office which helps us collect taxes, and I have an open door policy.  I try to answer all my phone calls.  I also think I am a better candidate because my staff has a total of 168 years of law enforcement experience.  In the first sheriff’s debate, my opponent sounded like he already has a department picked to bring in with him.  But when you hire a deputy, you have one year to put them through the Academy-whether you have one or ten.  If you are putting more than one person through the Academy, you have no one to work the roads. It is very important to have trained and experienced officers already in place.   Hands down, I’m the best choice for Sheriff in McCreary County!”