Herald-Leader endorsements in Tuesday primary

The Herald-Leader believes the tradition of candidate endorsements enhances interest and participation in the civic process, whether readers agree with the newspaper's recommendations or not.

The newspaper has unusual access to candidates and their backgrounds, and considers part of its responsibility is to help citizens sort through campaign issues and rhetoric.

An endorsement represents the consensus of the newspaper's editorial board, listed at the bottom of this page. Editorial board decisions have no connection to the news coverage of political races. The McClatchy Co., which owns the Herald-Leader, plays no role in any endorsements.

Below are our endorsements in the May 22 primary. Polls will be open Tuesday from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m.

6th Congressional District:

Democrat Jim Gray has a proven record of public service and effective problem-solving as Lexington's mayor and vice mayor. His leadership has been good for Lexington and would serve the district well.

Republican Andy Barr, a three-term incumbent, has supported the Trump agenda and pushed especially hard to deregulate the financial industry. His underfunded opponent is far to the left of the district's Republican voters.

Kentucky House, District 88

Democrat Josh Mers is well informed on the issues and has put his time and money where his mouth is on issues of family and social justice by being a foster parent and advocate for the LGBTQ community.

Republican Bill Farmer, Jr., seeking the seat he held from 2002 until 2012, stands out for his grasp of budget and tax issues and his civility and ability to work effectively with others.

Nonpartisan Lexington-Fayette races

Mayor (Two candidates will advance to the November election)

Linda Gorton, a former vice mayor and council member for 18 years, has an extraordinary ability to build consensus, no matter how hard or complicated the issue and was involved in almost every major advance made by Lexington's government in the 21st century.

Ronnie Bastin, a former police chief and public safety commissioner, has successfully tackled tough challenges in local government and describes himself as a builder of relationships.

Urban County Council at-large (Six candidates will advance to the November election, when three at-large seats will be up for grabs. At-large candidates run countywide.)

Harry Clarke, former director of the University of Kentucky's music school, was highly effective as a district council member and, since losing re-election, has broadened his view of Lexington's possibilities by serving on many boards and commissions.

Chuck Ellinger II, an at-large council member for 12 years before hitting the limit for consecutive terms in 2014, chaired the budget committee and advocated for public safety, the arts and recreation.

Arnold Farr, a University of Kentucky philosophy professor with a background in community activism, says poverty, addiction and violence are intertwined and wants to focus the city on strategies for eliminating poverty.

Vice Mayor Steve Kay, seeking a third term, has advanced affordable housing and programs to reduce homelessness, smart-growth strategies and local food and agriculture.

Richard Moloney, a longtime council member, brings many community connections and a deep knowledge of how local government works.

Adrian Wallace, who runs his own community-development nonprofit, has been president of the local NAACP and serves as a community chaplain for the police department, wants to encourage growth of small businesses.

Urban County Council, 11th District (Two candidates will advance to the November election.)

Jennifer Reynolds, organizer of a youth ballet program in Valley Park and fluent in Spanish, would bring an energetic commitment to the district and an ability to represent residents who are key to Lexington's economy but still in the shadows.

Sandy Shafer, who spent 12 years as the District 10 council member, has the know-how to carry through on city plans to revitalize the Versailles Road corridor, Oxford Circle and Cardinal Valley neighborhoods.

This story was originally published May 18, 2018 at 9:12 PM with the headline "Herald-Leader endorsements in Tuesday primary."