BROOKSVILLE — Displaying cooperation seldom found on the national level, local Democrat and Republican party members came together to host a candidate forum in Bracken County on Saturday.

Held at the Watson Building, attendees were given the opportunity to meet candidates and ask questions. Candidates were given two minutes to speak about their platform.

Bracken County Republican Party Chair Andrew Jones said the forum gave voters an opportunity to meet candidates.

“Elections are won by shaking hands and talking to people,” he said. “Today will give you an opportunity to meet your candidates and hopefully have your questions answered before the election.”

Bracken County Democratic Party Chair Craig Miller said he wanted to see the forum bring the county together.

“A county of our size, we have to work together,” he said. “It’s nice to see the two parties working together in a non-partisan way. We have Brooksville, Germantown, Augusta candidates here, coming together for this today.”

For the 24th District state senator race, incumbent Wil Shroder, Republican, and Rachel Roberts, Democrat, spoke on their platforms.

“Four years ago, I was a first-time candidate running for office. I said if you gave me the opportunity to be your senator I would fulfill three promises — I would treat each county equally and I would make decisions that were best for the people and not for me. We’ve seen a lot of success in the last few years. We’ve seen 17,000 jobs created, $2 billion in investment in last year alone, we’ve given law enforcement more resources. In the last budget cycle, we put $3.3 billion toward pensions, $2.4 billion went to the Kentucky teacher’s retirement system. ”

Roberts said she will work to help families and small businesses.

“I am a small business owner, mentor and community leader,” she said. “I’ve spent my life connecting people to services and opportunities. Over the last year, I have listened and I have learned. The people of Bracken County and I have the same issues and concerns. We all love our families and we’re all hard workers. We want to be paid fairly for our labor. We want strong schools and living wage jobs where we live. We want leaders who will fight for us. I’ve been listening.”

For District Judge, incumbent Jeff Schumacher spoke about why he should be reelected.

“I have been district judge for about a year and a half and in that time, I’ve heard about 7,000 cases,” he said. “About 70 percent of those are criminal cases. I’ve done those cases and even prior to becoming judge, I had 20 years in criminal law. I think law enforcement will tell you that’s something they think the judge should already know before getting on the bench.”

Kim Leet Razor talked about why she should be elected to district judge.

“I have over 30 years of legal experience as paralegal, attorney and trial commissioner,” she said. “Over the last eight years, I have heard cases, made findings of fact, conclusions of law and recommendations as the domestic relations commissioner for Bracken, Fleming and Mason Counties. I have also served as a trial commissioner and set bonds, issues arrest warrants and filed emergency protection orders. I’ve heard juvenile, civil and probate matters and presided over criminal matters in district court. ”

Bracken County Judge-Executive candidate, Gary Hicks Jr., Republican spoke about his qualifications for the position.

“I was born and raised in Bracken County,” he said. “I spent 20 years in the Navy and received a degree from the University of Phoenix. When I came back here, I started a construction business, did a little farming and I went to Northern Kentucky University. My degree is in labor relations management and I took business courses. People in Bracken County just get out and give and I am so thankful to live here. My leadership experience in the military and in running a small business makes me well suited for this position.”

Tina Teegarden, Democrat, also spoke on her qualifications.

“I have served the citizens of Bracken County for 21 years,” she said. “Working alongside four judges, has given me the knowledge of the ins and outs of the judge’s office. I am often on the front lines, managing resources, budget and working with people. Bracken County is very important to me. This is where I’ve chosen to raise my family. We have several issues here that need to be worked on. We have education, the opioid crisis, industry and infrastructure, reductions in our budget from state and federal levels. ”

For Bracken County Circuit Clerk, Crystal Dunn, Republican, talked about why she should be elected.

“I’ve worked in the public sector for 11 years,” she said. “I’ve worked with attorneys for years and I respect what they do. Sometimes things come up and I will work with attorneys and individuals in any way I can. I have a degree in criminal justice with an emphasis in legal studies. I’m a member of the Kentucky Paralegal Association. I have decided to obtain my master’s in business administration to help give me the knowledge I need for the business side of this position. If you’re going into the circuit clerk’s office, and you’re not renewing your driver’s license, you’re probably not having a good day. My goal is to assist you efficiently with a smile and hopefully make you a little happier than you were when you came in.”

Heather Rectin, Democrat and incumbent, said she wants to be reelected to the position of circuit clerk.

“On July 3, I passed the court clerk’s exam, was sworn in and started working that same day,” she said. “Since being appointed, I have extended office hours on Fridays to 5:30 p.m. for the convenience of the citizens of Bracken County, I’ve created a website called drivebrackencounty.com which is a source of information on driver’s license, permits and state IDs. I try to get license renewals out to those who haven’t renewed. I have 19 years of experience working closely with the public, judges, attorneys, court personnel. I think my experience and knowledge qualifies me for this position.”

Chatham magistrate, incumbent Scott Lippert, spoke

“This is my fifth elected term,” he said. “I represent the people not only in my district but all of the county. People will call you and tell you they disagree with you, but there are other people in this county. I’m looking forward to four more years.”

Germantown magistrate, incumbent Dennis Jefferson said he appreciated the support of everyone.

For Brooksville City Council, Janet King, spoke about why she should be elected.

“I have lived in Brooksville and the supporting area for over 40 years,” she said. “I’m the mother of three and grandmother of eight. If elected, I will be proud to serve and will work hard for the citizens of Brooksville.”

Melinda Kurtz, incumbent, said she is running for reelection to Brooksville City Council.

“I think I have the experience to continue,” she said. “I enjoy serving the community. We’ve accomplished the safe routes to school sidewalk project, we keep our city streets paved and in good condition. We’re working to restoring our old cemetery near Kentucky 19. A future project we’re working on is that we’ve applied for a grant to remove dilapidated buildings and put up a community center.”

Sarah Fryman said she is seeking election to the Brooksville City Council.

“I’m a lifelong resident of Bracken County,” she said. “I am an employee in the Bracken County courthouse in the PVA office, and I’m a deputy PVA there. I’m a graduate of Bracken County High School. If I’m elected, I will strive to work with the citizens and business owners to make our city a cleaner, safer and more enjoyable place.”

For Augusta City Council, Jay Yingling talked about why he should be elected.

“I am not a native. I grew up in Alexandria, Va.,” he said. “My parents bought a home here in 1975, so I’ve been coming to this area since that time. My wife and I love Augusta and chose to make it our retirement home. I’m a 35-year veteran of your Army. I rose to the rank of major general. We love this area and love Augusta. In the Army, we had a saying, ‘we are here to protect democracy, not practice it.’ Now, I would like to practice it.”

Todd Kelsch spoke on the reason he should be elected to Augusta City Council.

“Families are my top priority,” he said. “I want to keep families there, bring families into Augusta and bring them to experience what we offer in Augusta. The city pool was what first made me want to run. That pool is now underway. There are other things I want to update, including branding and marketing of our city. I think it’s important to attract 25-40 year olds to our town — it would generate some extra tax revenue that would help us to renovate some of our streets and buildings. We also need more transparency in government — to update our citizens via social media and print media, because not everyone can make it to our meetings. I will engage in open discussion with other council members. I want to see us commemorate more of our Native American heritage and the Underground Railroad”

Rolland Tongret talked about what was important to him as a candidate for Augusta City Council.

“I think it’s important for council members to have a good history of what they’ve done for a living,” he said. “I’m a Vietnam veteran. I moved to Augusta and bought a house on Riverside. If anyone remembers, in 1974, most of the houses down there were falling down. My family bought some of that property and restored them. We have a sense of history and saving the area around there. I’m concerned about the future of Augusta and keeping people and jobs there. Most of our opportunity is in tourism. Several of us in town made the decision to start a group to help promote Augusta that’s making an impact on the city. I want to also help maintain the infrastructure in Augusta.”

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Christy Howell-Hoots

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