DRAFFENVILLE – The Kentucky Lake Chamber of Commerce held a candidate forum on Wednesday featuring those who are seeking the office of County Judge-Executive. Candidates Charlie Hatchett, Chris Freeland, Troy English, Jeanne Lovett and Rory Brewer participated in the forum, held at the Ponderosa Steakhouse in Draffenville.
Each candidate had five minutes to speak on the subject and topics of their choosing. First to speak was candidate Charlie Hatchett.
Hatchett began by clarifying that he seeks only to be an “interim candidate” – adding that if elected, he only intends to fulfill former Marshall County Judge Executive Mike Miller’s unexpired term and will not seek re-election.
Hatchett said he would be working for minimum wage and will be putting the remainder of his salary in an account to be used for non-profit and community-based organizations. “We will put $60,000 per year in fund that could be used for special needs in the county.
“You can neuter some puppies or kittens or have Haven of Hope save some babies – maybe do scholarships or whatever,” he said of the fund which he felt should be administered by a separate board or individual.
As to his priorities, Hatchett said “The first thing I want to do is get non-skid roads in the area.” He referenced a friend who passed in motorcycle accident saying, “Think of how many people have died on our roads.” Hatchett proposes to use river gravel to pave roadways which he maintains will prevent them from becoming slick. “Limestone polishes and you cannot stop on it,” he added. “The state is kicking paving roads down the road. When you go for or five years without paving, they get slick and you cannot stop on them.”
Hatchett says that currently, “We have a problem – all of the asphalt plants are owned by one family and there is no competition.” However, Hatchett says that soon, his brother will be working for an asphalt plant within the region that will open up the ability to be competitive in the process.
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Next to speak was Chris Freeland.
Freeland addressed the crowd by saying, “Out of the six people here, one of these will be chosen as your next Judge Executive, so it is important to choose the right person for the job.” Freeland said he has a Bachelor’s degree in advertising and two masters degrees from Murray State University – one in history and one in communications
“I have served two terms on the Benton City Council and currently serve on the Police Board where we have just completed the annual budget process,” he said. “I have served two consecutive terms on the KY Broadcasters Association Board of Directors who serve the interest of television and radio stations throughout the Commonwealth where we meet regularly with state and federal legislators.”
Freeland said he has more than 20 years’ experience in business management having been involved in the purchase of the WCBL radio station. “When we started, we had four or five part-timer employees and today, we have over 22 full-time employees and have acquired three other radio stations in Calvert City and west Tennessee, as well as recently acquiring the Marshall County Daily newspaper.”
Freeland said he is proud of the fact that his company offers retirement and health care benefits to all of their employees. “Our secret is simple – we serve our community better than anyone else and we treat our employees the way we would want to be treated. There isn’t a job at the station I haven’t done, from being the janitor to hosting Coffee Call and doing Swap Shop – if it is at the station, I have done it.”
Of his qualifications and experience to do the job, Freeland said, “When you are in private business, you know the importance of balancing the budget – it’s very important, it’s essential to succeed.” He said he wants to use the same model to be successful in county government, adding that the county has been very good to he and his family and he wants to be able to “give back.” Freeland said he feels good management will be key to finding success on the court, adding that job creation is paramount.
“It’s one thing to stand up as a candidate and say you are going to create jobs and balance the budget, but those are things that I have actually done.”
Of primary issues needed to be addressed, Freeland cited the following:
– The need for clean water
– The need for an industrial park – “This is something everyone is talking about but the cost and logistics could make this near impossible. I have heard estimates from $50 to $100 million of taxpayer money would be needed – this is a lot of money and something you have to take very seriously. I think it is a good idea if it is something the county can feasibly do.”
– More and better- paying jobs
“I believe the thing that separates me from other candidates, is that I want to be a voice for our small businesses here in the county. With 20 plus years’ experience in working with more than 300 companies and individuals to help them with marketing and all aspects of their business, I’ve learned their from their successes and their concerns.”
Freeland added that small business accounts for some 75 percent of the local economy. “I want to keep good infrastructure – from roads and healthcare to the chemical plants and their workforce and I want to keep taxes as low as possible while keeping services for citizens as great as possible.”
He concluded by saying that the position of Judge Executive is not a popularity contest, “You certainly want to have the best person you can in this position and if elected, I promise to always be open and accessible and fair to everyone.”
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Next up to address the crowd was Troy English.
English began by telling listeners he is the son of Jerry and Bonnie English adding that he and his wife have three boys and two grandchildren.
“In my household, growing up watching a man like Jerry English, who was in politics for 28 years -he has been a part of so many programs in this county and he has been a part of so many things like Mike Miller Park, the Veterans Honor Plaza and the Sheriff’s Ranch.
English said it was his father’s sense of public service that impressed upon him a desire to serve. Speaking of their differences in height, but relating to his admiration of his father, English said, “I am 6’6 and he is maybe 6′ but I look up to him every day.”
English said he was elected to the West Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative Board of Directors in 1999, where he has served for the past 16 years. He added that it was an honor to be elected by his peers, and said he currently serves as chairman of the board for the $169,000,000 million dollar company.
English spoke of his leadership roles with WKRECC in being sent to Frankfort as a representative where he had the opportunity to meet with elected leaders and develop new relationships. He also spoke of his role as the director of the county’s 109 Refuse taxing district.
“When I took that department over, it was borrowing $100,000 annually just to survive. We turned that department from having to borrow $100,000 to within six months, being self-sufficient. A year later, we put $179,000 in the bank. Today, that $2 million government entity will have a half a million in the bank.” English said if compared to the county’s current financial status, he felt confident he knew which would be in better standing.
English concluded by saying he is running on “accountability and transparency in county government” which he maintains opens opportunities for job growth and other community development.
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Next to speak was Melonie Chambers.
Chambers began by first speaking of her involvement in numerous local organizations as she took to the podium, telling first of her involvement in local organizations including: Marshall County Caring Needline – Chair, Marshall County Exceptional Center – Board Member, National Day of Prayer – Coordinator for Marshall County, Marshall County A & I Fair Board – Member and Past Chair, Marshall County Democratic Executive Committee Member, Marshall County Democratic Women’s Club – Member and Past Chair, Marshall County Chamber of Commerce – Past Director, Marshall County Habitat for Humanity – Past Chair, Marshall County Humane Society – Past Chair, Leadership Marshall County Graduate, Purchase Area Development District – Board Member, PADD – Commodity and Food Distribution Task Force – Chair, West KY Allied Service – Board Member, Kentucky Farmworkers Programs – Regional Area Council – Chair, Kentucky Farmworkers Program – State Chair, and Leadership West Kentucky Graduate.
Chambers said she has been employed for over 31 years in the judge’s office working under Judge Miller. “I have seen so many improvements to this county,” she said. “That man did more than people can even imagine – things he never wanted people to know about.”
Chambers said Miller named her Deputy Judge Executive four years ago. “With that responsibility, it was understood that if anything were to happen to him, I was to step into that position,” which proved necessary after his passing last December.
She went on to say that she has the same goals as many of the other candidates including:
– Potable water – “It is not a luxury, it is a necessity. I lived out in the Harvey area. Our well water was so bad it would eat through one water heater a year even after it was treated.”
– Industrial Park – “We are in need of an industrial park where we can actually have a product to sell these folks who want to locate in our county. if you don’t have something to sell them or offer them, they are not going to be here.”
– Completion of the Riverport Project – “We have a river port that is under development now, we need to make sure that is completed.” She added that offering the option of river, road and rail transportation to companies would be an asset.
– A court that works together and a community that works together – “With a leader that can work with everyone, many things can be accomplished.”
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Candidate Jeanne Lovett spoke next.
She began by saying she is a Marshall County native and is a graduate of Murray State University with a degree in history and a secondary degree in education. Lovett said she worked in the Judge’s office for 14 years and during the time she attended college.
“I found I had a real interest in local government and learned the office of Judge Executive belonged to the people of Marshall County,” she said. “Since 1992, I have taught history at Marshall County High School. “I learned to listen, talk to people, solve problems, create budgets and learned the art of flexibility.”
Lovett told the audience that she is approachable and easy to talk to adding she feels these are important qualities for the office.
“The next Judge Executive needs to understand that we have to create jobs. I would like to see local incentives for new and existing businesses and would work hand-in-hand with state government.”
Government and education are working hand-n-hand to produce a labor force that is either prepared to enter the workforce or continue their education at the college level. Marshall County Schools are producing an available workforce and now government must produce jobs.”
Lovett referenced the importance of the county’s recent “Work Ready in Progress” certification which she said “will boost local economic development and will play a huge part in our county’s appeal to potential industries. “We have invested many hours and many dollars into the youth of Marshall County only to have them leave,” – she said adding that she would like to find a way to retain talent in Marshall County. “Let’s make our investment pay off.”
“I want anyone who chooses to live and work in Marshall County to be able to do so without having to go somewhere else to make a living for their family. My experiences in both local government and education allow me to see both sides of the equation.”
Lovett said she would like to make the office of the Judge Executive more readily available to people including:
-Having a user-friendly website – stronger internet presence needed. “We are 21st Century citizens and we have grown accustomed to having 21st Century technology.”
– Holding at least one meeting at nighttime each month so those working during the day can attend
“Overall, I think Marshall County is the best place to live, work, raise our families and to retire, so please help me move Marshall County forward while maintaining the charm that makes Marshall County here our home.”
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Last to speak was candidate Rory Brewer.
Brewer began by saying he is a lifelong resident and union electrician for DC Electric. “I cut my political teeth at 11 years old with Mike Miller,” he began telling stories of how helping Judge Miller shaped his passion for politics.
Brewer touted Miller’s accomplishments in building county infrastructure adding, “For forty years, Judge Miller worked to build the infrastructure in this county. That is something we must always work to better. We must work to better the living conditions in this county. But the next 40 years of this county’s existence has to be about economic development and job growth. “We must become a leader in regards to those areas.”
Among his priorities if elected, Brewer said:
-Develop an industrial park, ready made site must be available
– Teamwork – work to ensure city, county and state officials work together
– Be proactive
“As your Judge Executive, I will get in front of companies and showcase the greatness that lies within Marshall County,” he said. “This country was not built on fear; it was built on courage, imagination and on unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.”
He continued by saying those were the tools used by Judge Miller and the tools that must be employed to move the county forward and create new opportunities. “A rock pile ceases to become a rock pile when someone looks at that pile and imagines a cathedral. One must have the determination and willpower to roll up their sleeves, get in there, pick those rocks up and build that cathedral. Ladies and gentleman, I promise you I will roll up my sleeves, get my hands dirty and build that cathedral, a cathedral you will be proud to live in for years to come and I will move this county forward.”
The primary election is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19th.
(Photo Credits – Ann Beckett)