Letters to editor on local political candidates

Tackett impressive

We support John Tackett for Fayette County District Court judge. We have followed his career over the past 15 years of his public and private service to our community.

He has practiced law in all the fields of district court — civil, probate, criminal, forcible detainer, juvenile and mental health. This makes him particularly qualified to serve as district court judge.

Tackett was appointed and served as a volunteer Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government hearing officer, judging housing and code enforcement appeals for 11 years. A Lexington native, he is a graduate of the University of Kentucky College of Law and dedicated to our community. Lexington Fair Housing Council is only one of several boards on which he serves.

We are fortunate to have Tackett running for district judge. His outstanding character, deep-seated respect for people and his fair treatment of them makes him the most qualified candidate.

Thurston for judge

I support the candidacy of Lindsay Hughes Thurston for the office of Fayette County District judge.

Thurston has spent all her legal career in public service, first as a prosecutor in state and federal courts, then as assistant secretary of state for Kentucky. She has also been extensively involved in community activities such as the Chrysalis House. Her professional and community activities clearly show her to be highly qualified for the office of district judge. I have known her for more than 15 years and I know she will make an outstanding district judge.

Shafer unflagging

I have lived in the 11th District for more than 15 years. In this time I have seen Sandy Shafer pour her heart and hard work into efforts that make her community a wonderful place to live. She is a tireless worker, an active voice, very responsive and cares about the people of Lexington. She will provide wonderful representation to the 11th District on the Urban County Council and I encourage my neighbors and community to vote for her.

Reynolds good fit

Without any doubt, Jennifer Reynolds is the better candidate to represent the 11th District on the Urban County Council. I first met Reynolds when she showed up at my front door. She was running in the May primary and wanted to personally introduce herself to voters. She was the only one of the five primary candidates to come to the door.

It was immediately apparent that Reynolds embodies the energy and optimism of youth complemented by a dedication to transparency and outreach. She listens intently, learns quickly and then acts decisively. Because she is bilingual and the 11th is one of the most diverse council districts in Lexington, her election will help ensure that the concerns of all our neighbors are heard.

It’s time for a change. Reynolds is the change we need.

Larson as judge-executive

Jon Larson, running for the position of Fayette County judge-executive, is an honest politician and a practicing lawyer who is experienced in this position. Larson has previously held the office and now is in the interim position.

Larson is one of the most honest and hard-working people I know. He is a steadfast champion of the underdog. He initiated the Veterans Treatment Court and donates his legal services, mentors and visits veterans every week. Larson will bring transparency and integrity to the position of judge-executive. I will be voting straight Democratic on Nov. 6 except for Larson. He’s the best man for the job.

Teacher for school board

Voters in Fayette County Public Schools Board District 2 in Lexington have a rare opportunity this election day. It’s their chance to improve Fayette County schools by electing an actual teacher to the school board.

Tyler Murphy is a fine person. He also a dedicated teacher, and, as such, he’s a practitioner, not a dabbler, in education. He knows what goes on in the classroom and in schools. That’s what we need in the leadership of our school system.

I am a retired Fayette County teacher, and I urge my friends in District 2 to vote for Murphy.

Mossotti accessible

Jennifer Mossotti deserves re-election to her current seat as Urban County Council 9th District representative. She is an all-around hero to Lexington, deserving the descriptions of family woman, neighbor, businesswoman and, above all, councilwoman.

Mossotti is one of the longest-serving council members, representing the 9th District from 1997 to 2018, interrupted only by a period of care for her mother in the early 2000s.

Mossotti has been a longtime champion of public safety, supporting increased funding for police and fire protection and improvement of public infrastructure, with emphasis on job creation, affordable housing and senior services. As a watchdog for smart development, she chairs the council’s important Planning and Public Safety Committee.

Mossotti is accessible to all and responsive to her constituents. She is proven to work well not only within her district but also citywide. Experience like hers is a rare and valuable asset to Lexington.

Outside agitators

In reply to a letter about congressional candidate Amy McGrath not being from the 6th District, I would like to know if the writer voted for Sen. Mitch McConnell (Alabama), Sen. Rand Paul (Texas), or Gov. Matt Bevin (New Hampshire). If so, the letter writer is a hypocrite.