Herald-Leader endorsements in Tuesday election
Nonpartisan races
Mayor: Linda Gorton is a proven leader and extraordinary consensus builder. She has been in the trenches, if not the front lines, for almost every advance city government has made this century.
Council at-large: Steve Kay* has led efforts to improve life in Lexington and as vice mayor has nurtured good working relations among the council and with the mayor’s office. Adrian Wallace has served in diverse volunteer roles, has grown in his understanding of issues and would represent citizens left out of Lexington’s progress. Chuck Ellinger II, a long-time former council member, understands the budget and has smart priorities.
District 1: James Brown* has accomplished some good things, started others and earned the right to see them through.
District 2: Joseph Smith* is caring, knows the district and has earned the opportunity to build on his experience since being named to a vacant seat.
District 3: Jake Gibbs* has been an advocate for pedestrians and trees and is easily accessible to constituents.
District 4: Susan Lamb* is thoughtful, thorough and pays attention to details.
District 5: Bill Farmer* wants to encourage infill development that’s compatible with neighborhoods and has the knowledge and experience to do it.
District 6: Angela Evans* has learned during her three years on council how to get things done for her district and how to make city government work better.
District 7: Preston Worley* has learned a lot about the district’s needs since being appointed less than a year ago; his expertise in affordable housing could help the whole city.
District 9: Jennifer Mossotti* is one of Lexington’s most capable, experienced and independent local officials.
District 11: Sandy Shafer, a tireless public servant when she represented another district for 13 years, knows the ropes at city hall and will be able to get things done sooner for an oft-neglected district.
District 12: Kathy Plomin* has worked to protect farmland from development while building connections with the neighborhoods in her district.
School Board, Division 2: Shambra Mulder, a long-time advocate for minority children, has the background to become an effective contributor on the board.
Court of Appeals: Pamela R. Goodwine has ably presided over every kind of criminal trial and civil dispute in her 19 years on the bench and would bring great legal knowledge and life experience to the appeals court.
Circuit judge, Division 1: Libby G. Messer* has done a commendable job in the almost nine months since being appointed to the bench and has the potential to grow into a leader on policy questions affecting children and families.
Circuit judge, Division 3: Lucy F. VanMeter is highly respected by the legal community and has earned a reputation for being diligent and committed to justice.
District judge, Division 3: Kim Wilkie* was foiled in his move to pass along this judgeship to his son; but has a strong record, especially in creation of a mental-health court focused on treatment.
District judge, Division 5: Melissa Moore Murphy will bring sterling qualifications and compelling life experience to the bench.
Partisan races
Congress, 6th District: Amy McGrath is smart, brave and the kind of independent, moderate problem-solver a polarized Congress desperately needs.
Senate 12: Paula Setser-Kissick, a public school teacher running an ambitious grassroots campaign, wants to revive Kentucky’s commitment to education and close tax loopholes.
House 45: Josh Hicks, an attorney, Marine Corps veteran and former police officer, speaks eloquently about the need to support public schools and public employees and the plague of big-money politics.
House 70: Susan Westrom* has been a responsive representative and effective advocate for consumers, health, children and ethical government during 20 years in the legislature.
House 76: Ruth Ann Palumbo* has served her district compassionately for 26 years and can be counted on to defend women’s and consumer’s rights and accountability in government.
House 77: George A. Brown Jr.* is standing up for social-justice causes, including voting rights and a safe gun-storage law.
House 88: Cherlynn Stevenson, seeking an open legislative seat, would be a high-energy advocate for education, access to health care, workers’ rights and renewable energy.
(* incumbent)