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GN1 staff
Barren County Fiscal Court is composed of eight members – the judge-executive and seven magistrates, the latter of which each represents a different district in the county. Jeff Botts and Ronnie Stinson, the candidates in the Nov. 8 general election for District 1 and District 6, respectively, have no opposition in their races, so they were not asked to participate with the questionnaire process. Only one other incumbent besides Botts sought re-election, so the fiscal court will have at least five, and possibly six, new magistrates for the four-year term starting in 2023, and the judge-executive may or may not be new.
Candidates’ responses are listed here in the order in which they were received within each district. Please see below* for more information on the process by which these responses were gathered. For No. 1, the person’s preferred name and date of birth to determine current age were requested, along with community of residence. The other incumbent is designated with a double asterisk.** The exact wording of the other requests for information was:
2. In no more than 250 words, please explain what experiences (education, work, life, etc.) you have that have prepared you to take on the role you are seeking. Incumbents will be designated as such, so please only include experiences BEFORE you took office the first time.
3. In no more than 100 words, why are you seeking this office?
4. In no more than 100 words, please list/explain any potential conflicts of interest you could anticipate occurring with your role in an elected office, if you win.
DISTRICT 2
Kristen Haynes, 41, Haywood — Democrat
Kristen Haynes
2. Hello, I am Kristen Haynes. I graduated from Barren County in 1999 and from Murray State University in 2005 with a BA in Business Administration.
I am qualified for this position because I have been running our family-owned business for more than 20 years making business decisions and budgeting for Lakeside Recycling. My husband and I also own a trucking company, KH Transportation. I spend my days talking with businesses and citizens getting requests done quickly. I am also on North Jackson Elementary’s Site Base Committee. I am seeking the seat of Magistrate in District 2.
3. I am running because I know I can make a difference! I want my children to be able to come back to Barren County/Glasgow to live and be able to make a great living for themselves and their families. It is time for a new perspective and a new influence for our wonderful County/City. I am here to do just that and accept the responsibility. My ultimate goal if elected is to bring our County/City together to help our community grow and bring back businesses and industries to help beautify our county and put us back on the map. Ultimately …. (exceeded word limit)
4. As far as any conflicts I would have none that I would be aware of. I am always available. I want to humbly ask for your consideration and vote on November 8th. Research the candidates and their qualifications, what they stand for and believe in; not just their political party! I am here to be your voice and “Committed to The Community and Dedicated to Progress”
Derek Pedigo, 54, Austin — Republican
Derek Pedigo
2. In my past I have farmed, worked in many supervisor positions in different factories and did mechanic work on the side. Working in the factory position gave me a sense of knowing how industrial work is done and the responsibility that comes with a higher working position. After working in the factory I started my own mechanic career and farmed full time working with community members on a daily basis. Working outdoors traveling these roads and talking with the farmers and other community members, I see firsthand what needs and concerns are in the community of not only District 2, but in the whole county. I travel to different farms across the county and even into surrounding counties working on various equipment. This job, by far, has been the way I have learned so much and met so many people. I strive everyday to help this district and the community with any needs. Having this career has made me aware of what needs to be done in the community and how to go about fixing them. Not making empty promises and striving to do everything in my power to help.
3. I am seeking this office because I want to better our district and better the county all together. It is important to me to make Barren County a place our children and future generations want to live and work. I will make myself open to your concerns, suggestions and requests. I will advocate for the needs of our community, while serving alongside our county Judge Executive. I believe it is time to put our political differences aside and do what is best for Barren County! It is my goal to build a positive future for our community.
4. If I am elected, I do not foresee there being any conflicts of interest that could possibly arise.
DISTRICT 3
Tim Durham, 60 — Republican
Tim Durham
2. I’ve been self-employed, as well as worked for a large utility co-op. I worked at SCRTC for over 32 years. I was honored to be the supervisor for the last 15 years of my employment there in the engineering department. Our department handled a large budget and worked together as a team to serve the members and customers, as well as solve their problems and attend to their concerns. I believe that experience, plus my ability to talk to and listen to others, will serve me well.
3. I want to work for this county, to help make it a place that you can raise your children and grandchildren. I want them to have the same opportunity to live here and have a good paying job in this area. I have been visiting all I can during the past months to introduce myself & listen to concerns. I’ve lived in Barren County all my life and have lived with my wife Kim for 43 years in my current location. My parents were Max and Betty Durham, in-laws Buck and Patty Brown, and have 2 daughters and 2 grandsons. Barren County is home for myself and my family and I I will work hard to be a full time magistrate if elected.
Dennis Stephens, 57, Kino-Eighty-Eight – Democrat
Dennis Stephens
2. My earliest work experiences took place on our family farm, raising crops, Holstein cattle, and operating a diary. This work experience taught me the value of hard work and gave me an understanding of the importance of farming families to our county and our country. I believe strongly that the farmers built this community and are still the backbone of our county. Transitioning from farming full-time, I worked at Glass construction as a heavy machinery operator doing site work and roadwork. This occupation provided me insight into what is involved in the infrastructure and maintenance of county roads. I spent the next 18 years working at a local manufacturing company advancing from welder, to manufacturing engineering, shipping supervisor then floor supervisor. During this time, I attended many classes and seminars gaining knowledge about logistics, cost-cutting, production efficiency, and the Kaizen continuous improvement model of improvement.
Currently, I am the sales manager for a semi-truck and heavy equipment dealership. For the past 12 years, I have
worked with customers from all over the world in financing and purchasing semi-trucks and heavy equipment. Beyond my work life, I have been an active member of the District 3 community through my church and involvement in school, and youth programs. I have coached and officiated little league teams in our community and also served as the Director of the Barren County Little League Football Program.
My work and community involvement have provided me with valuable skills to serve this community.
3. My decision to run for magistrate was based on my desire to serve a community that has provided so much for me and my family over the past 40 years. I appreciate all the valuable qualities our county possesses, and I recognize the potential to make it better. I pledge to work diligently for District 3 to represent the whole community and not just a few.
4. At the present time, I do not foresee any personal or professional conflicts that would hinder my ability to represent the people of District 3. It is my personal belief that local government positions should take a bipartisan approach to move our county forward. We must put any personal agendas aside and work together to come up with solutions.
DISTRICT 4
Tim Coomer, 62, Hiseville — Republican
Tim Coomer
2. Life long resident of Barren County Live near the Hiseville Community
* USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service- 15 years (Supervisor 14)
* Farm Service Agency County Committee- 6 years
* Farm Manager for local Family Farm- 22 years
* Lifelong Farmer
*Barren County School System- 20 years
*Manufacturing- 19 years
As a life-long resident of Barren County, I have always had a desire to see our citizens prosper. My background in agriculture, manufacturing, and education allows me to make knowledgeable and sound decisions concerning funding for the needs of our county and initiatives to move our county forward. As your District 4 Magistrate, I will serve you with integrity, and be your voice while listening to your concerns and thoughts.
3. Former mayor, Luska Twyman once said, “There are always people who feel you should have done more or done differently. Usually those whom you have done the most for are the ones who complain the most and expect most. No one has ever satisfied all people, so I try to do the best for the most people. That’s all I can do.” I am looking forward to the opportunity to remain your District 4 Magistrate. Your vote and support are appreciated, and I will do my best.
Christopher “Chris” Brian Eaton — Democrat
No responses submitted.
DISTRICT 5
Marty Kinslow, 64, Beckton — Republican
I ask for your vote for Magistrate District 5 Barren County.I’ve lived in the Beckton community of District 5 all my life .I grew up on a small farm where I still live with my wife Lisa.I recentely retired from the USPS so I could run for this office.I have no conflicts of interest that would hamper me in this office.
I am financialy responsible in my life and will be with taxpayer money.I am a proven leader when it comes to business ,leadership and working with people.I studied accounting and business in college.I was a manager and Area Manager for Pizza Hut and Taco Bell in the area opening over a dozen locations .I managed millions in revenue and hundreds of employess over 21 years.Then I worked for the United States Postal Service for over 24 years.There I served as a Rural Carrier,Supervisor and Union Steward.
There are many challenges for Barren County and Glasgow and we need to think of them as one .What is good for one is good for the other.But our top priorty should be industry and jobs.We have lost lots of them and need new ones . To attract them and keep them we need good transportation systems ,building location and an educated workforce.We need safe streets with increased law enforcement ,fire and ems services .And increased entertainment and recreational activities that will increase the quality of life for us and our future citizens.We must do all this while maintain our strong agriculture,retail and heath industry base that we already have.
3. Pleases vote for me Marty Kinslow and lets see what we can do for Barren County and Glasgow.
4. (within text above)
Ben Nuckols, 41, Glasgow-Beckton area – Democrat
Ben Nuckols
2. I graduated from Barren County High School in 1999, went to the BC Vocational School and studied welding and machining. I was involved in 4-H, Boy Scouts and Little League baseball. My wife, Ashley works at TJ Samson Community Hospital as a RN and we have a 19, 16, and 4 year old daughters. The older daughters are involved in 4-H and FFA and show dairy cattle at the local, district and state levels. Growing up and living in this county all my life, working on the family farm and family concrete construction business instilled a work ethic and love for this area. The concrete construction business took us on many roads in Glasgow/Barren County providing the foundation for many family homes. Also, I worked at a previous position at the city in the maintenance department, learning the layout of the city and how it operates and was trained under very qualified and knowledgeable people. And the willingness to give 110% to help our community to be the very best is a top priority !
3. I want to make a difference in the lives of our constituents, to set reasonable goals, to unify and support our city and county. I want our children and grandchildren to be proud to live, work and stay in this community. It’s important to have people in office with excellent communication skills, work ethics, a good listener and one with patience, and I feel the time is right for me to seek this position.
I will work hard for well maintained roads/infrastructure, housing, clean water for all county residents, agriculture, industry and maintaining a sound budget.
4. There will be conflicts and heavy discussions over many projects, but my goal is to study the situation, learn the issues and problems and be a team player to get this county moving !
DISTRICT 7
Brad Groce,59, South Fork Rd area — Democrat
2. Married for 27 years to my wife Beth and have three kids Cheyenne Mercer(Joe), Clay
Groce(Samantha) and Connor. Two grandkids Quaid and Cami. Graduate Barren County High school class of 1981, attended WKU, worked at RR Donnellys 17 years, local agent for Shelter Insurance past 21 years. Have a small family cattle farm with my dad Bobby Groce and brother Bruce. Had the honor of serving on the Glasgow City Council for 16 years and that gave me a real understanding of what it takes to be a public servant and the responsibility that comes with it.
The experience of working in a factory, for myself in business, the farm and serving on city council gives me a wide view of Barren county and would benefit me greatly if elected.
Also was past president of the Glasgow Kiwanis club, past president of TPA, past member 6 years of the Glasgow Water commission, member of the Barren County Cattlemen Association and currently President of the Barren County Alumni Association.
3. I am seeking the office because I hope and believe my time on the city council will let me be a bridge between the city and county and bring more unity between the county and city. I have always believed what is good for Barren County is good for Glasgow as well as Cave City and Park City and all our communities. I want to see our communities prosper, grow and work together. If elected I will strive to work to insure the stability, growth and financial future of our county for not only us but for our kids and grandkids.
4. I don’t see any conflicts of interest if elected but I would like to see the court go back to two meetings a month. I believe Covid had a lot to do with only doing one meeting but I believe two meetings would be better. I also believe the meetings should be at least at five o clock in the afternoon where the public has a opportunity to attend and voice their concerns. Many of the public cannot attend a morning meeting.
Mike Haynes — Republican
No responses submitted.
*Glasgow News 1 sent letters to these candidates via U.S. Postal Service regular mail the afternoon of Monday, Oct. 17, with a request for them to send responses by email by 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 24. The deadline was then extended to 9 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26, and at least one attempt was made to contact by phone each of the candidates from whom a response had not been received, and voicemails were left with those who did not answer, to advise them of the extension. With the extension, candidates were advised that no handwritten responses would be accepted, as some had submitted or tried to submit. The letter with the questions advised candidates their responses would be copied and pasted word for word, with no editing other than if they went over the allowed number of words. Numbers to correlate with the questions have been added in some cases where the candidate did not have them; in some instances, it was left to the discretion of Glasgow News 1 to determine where one answer left off and the next began.
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