Letters to the editor on local races

VanMeter for judge

I support Lucy Ferguson VanMeter for Fayette Circuit Court judge. Over the years, she appeared in my courtroom (I am a retired Fayette Circuit Court judge) representing many clients and I have served with her on community boards.

Recently she served as board member and president of the Fayette County Bar Association when I was its executive director. I’ve seen her dedication to improving our community in projects as varied as teaching high-school students attending the FCBA’s Law Camp and leading a project to educate media professionals to more accurately report on trials and the courts. I have developed the utmost respect for her, both professionally and personally.

VanMeter is extremely qualified to serve as judge and will be a dedicated public servant. She has the intellect, experience, demeanor and work ethic required for this important position. She knows and cares about this community and will serve with integrity.

O’Brien for judge

I served as Fayette County domestic relations commissioner, as circuit judge and as a Kentucky Supreme Court justice, writing many controlling family law cases and developing the Family Court Rules of Practice and Procedure. I care about how the courts treat parents and children.

I endorse Eileen O’Brien for Fayette County Family Court judge. A family court judge must know the law through experience; have patience and compassion; be neutral but fair. O’Brien is all these. She has true experience from having been a family lawyer for over 30 years dealing with almost every family situation, experience her opponent does not have.

O’Brien practiced in Fayette County Circuit Court and the state Supreme Court, thus I have first-hand observation of her advocacy, coupled with strict adherence to the law. Her integrity is beyond question; opponents respect her positions. She is smart, experienced, compassionate and efficient.

Evans communicates

I support Angela Evans for the 6th District council seat. As a former commissioner of finance for Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, I am keenly interested in my district’s council member. Evans has focused on several priorities that are important to me — youth, environment and communicating with citizens.

Her efforts on the Youth Citizens Academy Program will help engage our young citizens in their future roles as voters, community leaders and active citizens.

The Kenawood Park Walking Trail, Brighton Trail, Dixie Park, Pleasant Ridge Park and the Mary Todd Park pedestrian bridge projects all add excellent recreational opportunities for all ages. The Liberty Rail Trail, Old Park Pike paving and the Liberty Road expansion demonstrate her commitment to transportation and the environment.

Public service also includes keeping constituents informed. The neighborhood associations are crucial communication opportunities and help citizens engage with local government.

Hicks to Frankfort

We need to elect Josh Hicks as our next state representative for the 45th District. He believes that our tax dollars need to be spent for the public good, not for private interests. He promises that our public employees will be heard and their voices included when decisions are being made regarding their jobs and futures; and that promises to them will be kept. And he believes that the addiction problems in Kentucky are real and in need of real, lasting solutions. We need his experience in Frankfort as a former Marine, small business owner, police officer and current lawyer.

Tackett for judge

John Tackett is the strongest candidate for Fayette County District Court judge because of his integrity and independence. He has the right temperament, the professional and educational experience and the dedication to public service that Fayette County needs.

In the years that I have known Tackett, he has demonstrated energy, intelligence and a capacity for hard work that recommend him to the people of Fayette County. I trust his judgment and his fairness. He has a servant’s heart and loves God. He strives to serve others. His value system is like mine and yours. I know he will be an outstanding district court judge if we grant him the honor of serving the public.