Improved Internet Framework, Clean Water, and Priority Responders: These are just some of the topics discussed at the Marshall County Commissioner Forum.
MARSHALL COUNTY, Kentucky — Improved internet frameworks, clean water and prioritizing first responders are just some of the topics discussed at the Marshall County Commission Candidates Forum on Thursday.
Organisers say it is more effective than the debate format. They said it was important to give candidates and voters a space to express their ideas.
Community members submit questions in front of the forum for candidates to answer.
Jerry Sells is a retired dentist in Marshall County. He joined this forum because he wanted to learn more about the people running for county governor.
“Give people who haven’t met the candidates a chance to talk to them, talk to them. I’ll be here to listen to them, but if they have questions, it’s also possible to talk one-on-one,” said Sell.
“Give them a chance to talk to them, talk to them, and I’m here to listen to them, but also talk to them one-on-one if they have questions,” Sells said.
Candidates talked about a variety of issues, including internet accessibility, road repairs for December tornadoes, and a focus on first responders.
Marty Barrett is running for Marshall County District 2.
He talked about how his business background trained him to make informed decisions, which will carry over to the committee.
“Something comes up and you have to make a decision and you have to do what you have to do to get it done,” Barrett said.
Rachel Yates is also running for the District 2 vacancy.
One issue she wanted to help with, she said, was actual treatment for December tornadoes.
“Our daughter and I were down the steps when the tornado hit, and we literally lost our home,” Yates said of her own experience with the tornado.
For voters like Sells, it’s about making sure you know the popular candidates will be influencing Marshall County.
“You need to be told who you’re voting for,” Sells said. “You need to look at what their position is and what they’re going to do for your community.”
“You need to be told who you’re voting for,” Sells said. “You need to look at what their position is and what they’re going to do for your community.”
For Regions 1 and 3, the incumbents for these positions are running for re-election.
However, incumbent Assemblyman Kevin Spraggs for District 2 is running for county magistrate.
The primary election is May 17.
District 1 has a Democrat, Mickey Darnall, running.
District 1 candidates also include incumbent Justin Lamb and incumbent Sheriff Eddie McGuire.
For District 2, the candidates are Dustin Thompson, Michael Gordon, Tammy Watkins McCullough, Rachel Laraine Yates, Keith Brinton and Marty Barrett.
Finally, for District 3, Monty Collins is running. He is the incumbent and has no opponents.
