To the Citizens of Kentucky’s 6th District:
After lots of prayer, family discussions and support from voters, I have decided to run for state representative in the 6th district. I intend to be a bipartisan voice for the people of Marshall, Lyon and a portion of McCracken County.
I have a passion for serving the public. I’ve served in different capacities for many years. They include four terms on the Benton City Council, 17 years as a member of the Benton Lions Club, six years on the Marshall County Chamber’s board of directors, and twenty five plus years working at WCBL and WCCK radio. I’m a lifelong resident of Marshall County and Murray State University graduate. I’m married to Lori Freeland who works as a dental hygienist for the University of Kentucky’s dental outreach team that serves several of our area school systems. My step-children are Drake and Leiren Jackson. My dad is Jim Freeland and my mom Colleen Freeland Stephano was a teachers aid for many years at Benton Elementary.
For the last 25 years my job has allowed me the privilege of working hand in hand with our area businesses, civic groups, churches, schools and charitable organizations.
A family owned local radio station is a rare find in today’s media market. It’s a model that the late Kentucky House Speaker and WCBL founder, Shelby McCallum, put in place back in 1954. I have always taken great pride in the way the station does business. I’ve met so many people from the 6th District along the way, and I’ve learned a great deal about the challenges we face and how we can overcome them and move forward.
This is my home. I want to see this district live up to its true potential. I feel that starts with sending a selfless representative to Frankfort. We pay the same state tax rate as Louisville, Lexington and Bowling Green. Our district doesn’t deserve to be pushed to the back of the line. Frankfort must look to western Kentucky, specifically the 6th District, when it comes to state funded projects, funding for infrastructure, economic development and so much more.
Our state government must also handle tax dollars in a much more responsible way. People should get to keep more of their hard-earned money. Deficit spending must be reigned in while savings and investment must take priority. The pension crisis in this state must be put front and center. 365,000 public employees face a shortfall in their pension system that is believed to exceed the initial estimate of $36 billion. Kentucky’s pension system ranks last in the nation in many reports and our teachers, state workers, first responders and their families are depending on the state to make good on its commitment. Years of just kicking the can down the roadmust end. People’s livelihoods are at stake. I am a conservative but know the role of any elected official is to serve and represent all of the people regardless of what party it might benefit, if everyone benefits then it’s a good idea.
I look forward to meeting so many new people in our district. That’s the best part of a campaign. I’m keenly aware that a state representative’s job is to represent you, the citizen, and not my own interests. Frankfort is in need of representatives with real world experience. It needs men and women that don’t have questionable ties that create a conflict of interest. It needs fresh faces and new ideas for the issues facing the state and our district.
I, like all of you, want to see our district flourish. We want a western Kentucky where our towns and counties are prosperous. We must use our strengths and assets to solidify a strong and lasting economy that allows opportunities for young people that want to stay in the region.
We all want to see positive change in western Kentucky. There is a better way forward. I ask that you begin to consider me for Kentucky’s 6th District State Representative.
Sincerely,
Chris Freeland