Letters to editor on local races

Murphy for school board

Tyler Murphy has something that has been missing from the Fayette County Public Schools board: a classroom teacher’s perspective. Most importantly, I am certain he will bring to the board his passion and devotion to serving others.

As a retired special education teacher, I know how frustrating it is when administrators and policymakers seem oblivious to the work we do with our students. Murphy knows our challenges — he faces them each day as a classroom teacher.

I have witnessed Murphy’s passion in action. He volunteers in our downtown church to help the most vulnerable in our community. Within the school system, he is committed to helping every child succeed and reach their potential. He will be a valuable asset as the 2nd District school board representative because he demonstrates the knowledge and ongoing dedication necessary to be an effective board member.

Gorton a leader, nurse

As a registered nurse, Linda Gorton is accustomed to facing tough situations with little time for second-guessing.

It took a leader like Gorton to tackle our community’s terrible stormwater problem. Now, thanks to her leadership, Lexington’s stormwater program has won two national awards.

It will take a nurse’s knowledge and compassion to comprehensively address the opioid epidemic. Gorton understands that law enforcement cannot shoulder the burden of this crisis alone. Her plan is not only practical, it is sustainable.

Perhaps most importantly, Gorton understands the importance of weighing varying thoughts and opinions, making decisions based on what’s best for the whole body – not a particular group or special interest.

Gorton has accepted challenges no one else wanted to bother with, and delivered results no one could have imagined. I will sleep comfortably on election night knowing that a registered nurse will be our next mayor.

Mossotti dedicated

Jennifer Mossotti should be supported in her bid for re-election to the council 9th District seat.

I have watched Mossotti's efforts to improve quality of life for families in the district and city and have always found her to be energetic and accessible during her terms on the council. Sometimes I may not agree with her, but she always listens and is very respectful when I have contacted her.

As a veteran councilwoman, Mossotti has prioritized funding for public safety and led the charge for widening Clays Mill Road, while obligating developers to improve water management and increase green space and park land. Her efforts helped reinstate funding for the Neighborhood Action Match Program that preserves the identification of existing neighborhoods.

Mossotti deserves our full support and the 9th District needs her commitment and service for another term.

Ellinger great choice

Chuck Ellinger II is honest, committed, loyal, faithful, fiscally responsible and hard-working. Ellinger served the people of Lexington for more than 30 years as an at-large member of the Urban County Council. He is a lawyer, former restaurant owner as well as a citizen. Vote for Ellinger Nov. 6.

Dupont for legislature

In suggesting that recent budget cuts to Eastern Kentucky University merely trimmed the fat of underutilized programs, 22nd District state Sen. Tom Buford stated that some of the 17 programs suspended last spring had zero students enrolled.

Exactly two of the suspended programs enrolled no students last year. One two-year program, Associate of Nursing, had 195 students enrolled. Though aspiring nurses can still earn bachelor’s degrees at EKU, many students cannot afford four years at a university. The elimination of this program will exacerbate the long-term nursing shortage in Kentucky.

This past year’s budget cuts precipitated the closure of EKU’s extended campus in Danville and forced the reduction of the Lancaster extended campus to half-time.

Kentucky deserves leaders who will fully support public education rather than place it on the chopping block every year. Buford’s Democratic challenger, Carolyn Dupont, is a veteran educator in whom we can have great confidence.

Urie for 62nd House

We all know that education of our citizens determines our future. So why is education under attack?

Our current state legislature wants to cut educators’ pay, benefits and retirement. The legislature also wants to cut money for schools, classrooms and students. They cannot agree on tax reform, so they will cut anything including essential programs for our children.

We have a way to stop this craziness by acting together. Jenny Urie is running to become our state representative for the 62nd House District. She is a public school teacher and totally gets it. We can change priorities in Frankfort and have another vote for education and for real tax reform that will help the middle class, workers and farmers. Urie wants to repeal charter school legislation and strengthen public schools.

I urge you to vote for Urie for our state representative. The future of Kentucky is up to us.

Re-elect Evans

Several years ago I was delighted to work with a young lady whom I’d known for a number of years. Angela Evans was entering her first campaign for public office as the 6th District Urban County Council member. I was proud to support her.

Several years later, I am still proud of Evans and urge you to stand with me in supporting her re-election efforts. She has worked diligently and tirelessly to connect our community with the services we need to succeed. She always takes the extra step for Lexington-Fayette County.

The agenda for elected officials has become very difficult and time-consuming; however, she keeps a positive and upbeat attitude. Evans is a woman of integrity and her leadership can be trusted.

Each of us has been given the right to vote. Cast a vote for Evans.

Tackett for judge

The Fayette County District Court has a long history of excellent judges. To continue that tradition, I urge my fellow voters to elect John Tackett to the district court on Nov. 6. Tackett has the intelligence, temperament, and integrity required to excel at the job. He is experienced and well-respected, both by lawyers and the public at large, and will work hard to serve the people of Fayette County. Join me in electing Tackett to the Fayette County District Court.

Shafer experienced

I support my friend, neighbor and former 10th District councilwoman, Sandy Shafer, for 11th District Urban County Council. Shafer brings a wealth of experience from her previous 13 years on the council (1994-2006), as well as her unflinching commitment to public service. She is honest, hard-working and a trusted advocate for our 11th District neighborhoods. I hope you will give her your consideration and vote for Shafer Nov. 6.

Gibbs fair, open

Jake Gibbs is a local treasure; my hat is forever off to him. I worked for him years ago and was struck by his hard work, fairness, compassion and genial nature.

Recently, I’ve counted myself lucky to live in his district knowing that as our representative, he continues to employ these traits along with an earnest desire to learn everything he can about issues facing our district and city as a whole. I find Gibbs to be unfailingly engaged, honest, open, accessible and interesting. We are so fortunate to have him serving in government in our community.

He has my vote as the 3rd District representative for the Urban County Council.