Letters to the editor on local political races

Murphy for school board

The Herald-Leader erred in its endorsement in the District 2 race for Fayette County Public Schools Board. While they gave Tyler Murphy a glowing review, they did not endorse him. He is an actual teacher in Boyle County schools who lives in Lexington. He cares passionately about public education, advocates for educators in every way and, most importantly, lobbies for the best interests of all our kids.

As a retired teacher, I believe the experience of practicing educators is essential in governing our schools. While his opponent is quite qualified, Murphy’s classroom experience, previous time as teacher representative on his school’s site-based decision-making council and work with the Governor’s Scholars programs give him rare qualifications and perspective. Murphy knows that public education is our best investment and our students’ best bet.

We should all get behind the teacher in this race.

Reynolds for council

Growing up Latino in Lexington, my school was majority white. It can be hard feeling that there aren't many people who look like you. I remember walking into a school office and having an administrator ask me, "Do you speak English?" Yes, yes I do. But despite that, what I love about Lexington is that I never felt judged because of my race. There are many allies in Lexington who want to help build a coalition with the Latino community and the many minority groups in our city.

And that's what I love about Jennifer Reynolds’ campaign for the 11th District Urban County Council seat. She may not be Latina, but has used her bilingual skills to build bridges with my community. Reynolds is an ally and an advocate for all of the diverse people in Lexington and exactly what we need on council.

Gorton has depth

There is a remarkable woman in our community who wants to be our next mayor. That is Linda Gorton, who served 16 years on the Urban County Council with one term as vice-mayor.

Let’s consider the depth of her background. Gorton is the wife of a veteran and has maintained a connection to veteran affairs. She became a nurse and practiced her profession beginning in 1971. But it’s her time as a public servant that took her to issues such as homelessness, the town-gown relationship with the University of Kentucky, her LGBTQ support that brought the Fairness Ordinance to fruition in 1999, preservation and financial issues in the city, and the addiction crisis. She supported our canine friends with her commitment to our stellar dog parks.

Gorton doesn’t face a learning curve in the mayor’s job, so we won’t watch chaos while she figures out what to do.

Messer qualified

On Nov. 6, Fayette residents should vote to keep Fayette County Family Court Judge Libby Messer because of her energy, experience and focus on protecting the rights of families and children. I have been practicing law for over 30 years and Messer is a true asset to family court.

Before her appointment to family court, Messer was an assistant Fayette County attorney concentrating on juvenile law and dependency, neglect and abuse cases. This background gives her unmatched knowledge of the various agencies and divisions of law enforcement that focus on families and children.

Messer is a mother of three who has dedicated her career to public service, but most importantly her strong credentials and experience as a children’s advocate stand out. I spend hours each week in family court and have personally observed her knowledge of the law and her demeanor. She is compassionate, firm and fair to all parties.

Reelect Mossotti

I have known Jennifer Mossotti, 9th District representative on the Urban County Council, for many years in many capacities. As an attorney, I have worked with Mossotti as a Realtor and have also known her as a client, public official and friend whose advice I value. In every capacity, she has proved to be a hardworking, honest, direct and thoughtful person who considers a range of options. She her husband, Ron, have owned and operated a number of businesses, including real estate, media and restaurants, so I am confident she knows firsthand how to create jobs in Lexington and help continue the economic prosperity of Lexington on an upward trajectory.

Mossotti has a long history in city government and her experience will be invaluable in the future. On Nov. 6, return Mossotti to the council.

Ellinger for at-large

I have lived in Lexington now for over 60 years and in that time have experienced it change, prosper and grow from a population of 55,000 to a community of over 300,000 people. One of the major reasons for this positive development has been the result of gifted leadership.

I encourage our citizenry to help maintain this type of leadership by voting for Chuck Ellinger II for Urban County Council at-large representative.

I have also observed his quiet service to our town throughout the years. A vote for Ellinger is a vote for knowledge, action and experience. We need these qualities in the council at time of this change in our urban county governing body.

Shafer comes through

In the years Sandy Shafer was my representative to the Urban County Council, I never had occasion to worry about her position on an issue. That’s because she was a visibly hard worker on her committees and in the council’s deliberations. I thought her studied take on issues and the votes that followed reflected sound judgment and a desire to do the city’s work responsibly, whatever the politics. She understood the importance and possibilities of a council member’s job.

Years ago, I sought Shafer’s help when stormwater flooding damaged homes in my neighborhood. Viewing her advocacy up close as a solution was sought left me further impressed by her abilities.

Returning this bright and energetic Lexington native to a position she handled so ably in the past makes sense for the 11th District and will strengthen the council with a voice informed by decades of civic service.

Ellinger for at-large council

I have known Chuck Ellinger II for many years and was his neighbor at one time. I have great respect for him. Ellinger has a good work ethic and he would always be willing to do his best for us serving Lexington as an at-large representative on the Urban County Council.

Ellinger is an honorable man and I know we can count on him to return to the council and continue serving us with an open mind. I strongly recommend your vote for Ellinger.

Voice for students, teachers

While Fayette County Public Schools Board doesn’t have student representation, their needs can still be voiced by having a teacher on the board. Students are the focus of schools, but teachers are the school. Having a teacher on the board will ensure that all needs are met, as teachers know and understand the inner workings of schools better than anyone.

Tyler Murphy is the candidate to vote for District 2 school board representative. He is not just any teacher; he’s a dedicated public servant who has been active in his community all his life. His passion and commitment for education are backed by his impressive resume and involvement.

Murphy has received numerous endorsements for a reason. Not only is he qualified, but his sheer love for teaching is evident in his campaign videos, speeches, and when he talks one-on-one with the people in his district he hopes to represent.

Gorton set to go

We are fortunate to have a choice for mayor between two individuals with strong records of public service. But only one knows the job of mayor better than anyone other than Mayor Jim Gray himself, and that’s Linda Gorton.

Leading this city requires familiarity with many issues, from economic growth, infrastructure, public safety and housing, to traffic and even addiction. It also requires someone who knows how these issues overlap and sometimes conflict. Gorton has demonstrated an ability to work with the Urban County Council as well as civic and business leaders to get things done during her 16 years on the council and four years as vice-mayor. Her experience, familiarity with the issues and commitment to all of Lexington is apparent from the plans on her campaign website.

We are very lucky to have a candidate for mayor who can skip the learning curve.

Shafer improves things

Sandy Shafer is my choice for 11th District Urban County Council representative. I have worked alongside her for many years while she volunteered her time and dedicated herself to the youth and families of Lexington and Central Kentucky. Shafer coached local bowling teams during this time. Through this, I see her dedication, faith and hope for all citizens of Lexington.

Shafer has spent countless hours improving every situation that she or anyone she knows encounters, and will do the same for the 11th District. This is proven by her 12-plus years of experience as a councilwoman. She doesn't make decisions without first having the needed knowledge and thoughtfully processing situations. I have solid faith in her ability to lead our great city and locality into a bright future.

Gorton right choice

Lexingtonians who care about how our city grows should vote for Linda Gorton on November 6^th. As a lifelong resident, I want to ensure the balance between our city and the stunning farmland that defines our community is maintained and protected. Lexington is truly like no other place, and we need a mayor who is committed to preserving what makes us unique for our children and grandchildren.

That candidate is Gorton. She has a proven track record of supporting our signature agricultural industries and farmland. She has a record of protecting the character of our neighborhoods and ensuring our city grows in a smart way. She is a consensus-builder who is equitable, transparent, honest, inclusive and a true public servant.

She is the exact person we need to ensure we continue to move in the right direction. Our future is bright with Gorton.

Shafer well-qualified

Sandy Shafer has three strong qualities that make her the best choice for 11th District representative on the Urban County Council. She listens, pays attention to detail and has a record of representing the people in her district. Vote for Shafer.

Gorton aids horse, farm industries

For two decades I have worked with Linda Gorton while she served as vice-mayor and council member on the Urban County Council. As an equine industry advocate, her accomplishments are many, from leading the charge to conserve 50,000 acres of prime farmland by establishing and funding the Purchase and Development Rights Program, to being the first to oppose expansion of the Urban Services Boundary in 2006 and 2012, and on to pioneering the concept of an economic development commission.

While many talk, Gorton follows through with real results. She has proven to be a steadfast advocate for equine and agricultural business during her storied career in government.

As mayor, Gorton will grow our city and promote our farms to advance our quality of life, our economy and our environment. Such a stage is essential as we all work to strengthen the horse industry for years to come.

Experience defines Gorton

I have known and worked for many years with Linda Gorton, my candidate of choice for mayor. She is a person of great integrity, intelligence, and ability. She has had years of experience in every aspect of city government unlike her opponent, whose only experience is in the police department. He will have a steep learning curve while she can hit the ground running. Gorton has worked quietly over the years to bring opposing sides on various issues together. She is a patient listener and respectfully considers each side's point of view. I urge your support of Gorton. She will make a great representative of our city and a great mayor.

Gorton better of good choices

So many times in elections, voters have to choose between the lesser of two evils. However, Lexingtonians are lucky to have two excellent choices for mayor this year in Linda Gorton and Ronnie Bastin. But Gorton has it all: the experience and the temperament to make the best mayor of Lexington. She will look, listen and work with the best people available to make the decisions that will benefit the most people and our city. And with all her past experience on the Urban County Council, along with four years as vice-mayor, she will be ready to go to work immediately. Voters should do their research. Gorton will make a wonderful mayor for all of us.

Gorton gets it

Linda Gorton knows how invested we are in our homes and neighborhoods. She understands how policy changes there can rob us of peace and comfort, can impact our children and their schools, can take away the value of our homes and set our retirement at risk. She knows how we cherish our communities, and give generously of our time and talent to make them and keep them the best they can be.

Gorton has perfected the art of the possible. As Lexington’s mayor she will make the most balanced appointments to our critically important boards, including the planning commission. She can find people from every corner of our community, the great with the small: those rich not in personal wealth and influence, but in the knowledge and dedication to steer our community to the course that works best for Lexington as a whole. Gorton is as good as it gets.

Gorton for mayor

I met Linda Gorton at the launch of Horse Country in 2015. She was there in no official capacity — just to learn more about how to bolster the thoroughbred tourism industry. She was there because it was important to our community. She also took special interest in me because I was pregnant, and as a long-time nurse Gorton practically took my vitals during the event because she cares about people.

People call on her to seek advice and her common-sense approach. If Gorton is behind you, whatever you are doing must be good. She is well-respected in our community because people know Gorton has our collective interests at heart. She makes sure every voice in our city is heard and represented.

I am excited to cast my vote for Gorton for mayor because I know she will represent not just my growing family, but every family in Lexington.

Gorton honors history

Lexington is fortunate to have wonderful historic neighborhoods, buildings and other structures. Just like our beautiful Bluegrass farmland, these special historic places shape our identity and enhance the quality of life for our community. We need a mayor who understands the importance of historic preservation to our community. That candidate is Linda Gorton.

Gorton has a record of supporting the historic character of neighborhoods and places in our community. She understands that Lexington has many histories, all of which form the fabric of our community. As our city grows, it’s important we preserve our history for future generations.

In addition to ensuring our city grows in a responsible way, Gorton also has a record of supporting our farmland and agriculture. She is balanced, fair, honest and ready to lead our city forward.

Gorton farmers’ friend

We support Linda Gorton’s candidacy for mayor of Lexington. Gorton is a strong friend of agriculture in Fayette County and has a proven track record when it comes to issues impacting our farm. Viable farmland is important to the future not just of our city but the country and world. The countryside and the signature industries it nurtures are economic drivers benefiting countless Lexington residents. It is time that someone who understands and appreciates this simple fact is elected mayor of Lexington.

Gorton has been to our farm, is always happy to discuss issues important to us, and is willing to take action to help. Our family is pleased that by working together we have become friends and are glad to write this letter to support her.

Bob, Leslie, Robert, John, and Katie James

Lexington

Return Shafer to council

We have known Sandy Shafer at least since 1988, when we worked with her on building the Picadome Creative Playground. Many neighborhood associations are started because of a problem that needs to be addressed, but Shafer was instrumental in starting the Picadome Neighborhood Association in order to do something positive. Since then, we have witnessed her continued participation, volunteer efforts and proactive leadership in many ways that have benefited our neighborhood and the Lexington community at large. Having already served productive terms on the Urban County Council in the past, she has a proven track record and will again be an effective advocate for the people in the 11th District and our city.

Mossotti hands-on

I have lived in Lexington’s 9th District since 1986 and have known Urban County Councilwoman Jennifer Mossotti since 1997. She has lived and worked in the district for 40 years. Mossotti has good judgment, excellent communications skills and is dedicated to the residents in her district. She regularly meets with the Monticello Neighborhood Association, of which I am president. At one meeting, she advocated for organizing a Neighborhood Watch system in our neighborhood.

Most recently, Mossotti was supportive of appeals to the council to limit the number of houses to be built on Saybrook Court because of existing severe storm and sanitary sewer backup. She is working with the Division of Water Quality to repair and replace the aging and overloaded sewer system in the Monticello and Robinwood neighborhoods. Mossotti cares.

Reynolds cares

I have known Jennifer Reynolds for over 10 years and have continually been impressed by her hard work, her passion, her fluency in Spanish and her excellent relationships with the Hispanic community.

Reynolds has spent years learning how to build positive relationships with diverse people, first during her time living and co-owning a business with her husband in Mexico, as well her time teaching a bilingual ballet class in Valley Park and working as a medical interpreter.

In all of these endeavors, Reynolds works tirelessly to serve others, to listen carefully and compassionately to people’s needs, and to work to make her community a better place. She is focused, practical, and achieves excellent, tangible results.

She is exactly the kind of person we need to represent the 11th District on the Urban County Council.

Murphy knows education

In Lexington, voters have the unique opportunity to elect a well-informed, passionate advocate for the Fayette County Public Schools Board. Tyler Murphy is a strong advocate for public education and will stand up for our students, teachers, parents against the attacks on public schools. He understands how our schools could be undermined by the threats of charter schools and vouchers and will not be blindsided by false claims. Instead, Tyler is solution focused and offers experiences from his teaching background that will help the FCPS Board move forward in a positive direction.

Tyler’s election to the FCPS board as District 2 representative is crucial to our public school community. His grasp of education issues will only add more awareness of what is needed to help our educators close achievement gaps, better prepare our students for future success, and reach out more effectively to the parents as stakeholders in the community.

Ellinger experienced

I am pleased to see Chuck Ellinger II is seeking election as an at-large candidate for the Urban County Council. Lexington is very fortunate to have a candidate for this important position who is honest, intelligent, experienced and a proven winner. Ellinger brings to the council experience as a small business person, public servant and attorney.

Shafer helped neighborhood

Until last year, I was president of the Picadome Neighborhood Association for three years and during that time I had the opportunity to work closely with Sandy Shafer on beneficial projects for our neighborhood and for Lafayette High School. Sandy has good ideas, knows how to implement them, and the energy to get things done. She genuinely cares about the people and for the environment we live in.

In addition to these qualities, her previously successful experience on the city council gives her a leg up in the race.

I have known Sandy for many years and trust her to provide the positive representation and leadership that the district deserves and needs. I ask you to come out and support her with your vote in the November election.

Clients praise Tackett

I am an attorney who has practiced in a shared office space with John Tackett, candidate for Fayette County District Court judge, for five years. Tackett is a dedicated advocate, as demonstrated by these client testimonials, saying that he:

“showed compassion, empathy, sincerity, and is an asset to our judicial system. He is a proven advocate for veterans, as well as anyone with health challenges … (and) was always polite, knowledgeable, fair, and honest.”

“would make an excellent judge. He is a trustworthy, knowledgeable, hard worker. His expertise made all the difference in my case.”

“has restored my life.”

“is well-versed with the legal system and respected by his colleagues.”

“took our case when no one else would.”

“provided me with nothing but the most excellent service in guiding me through one of the worst experiences of my life.”

Tackett is the superior candidate for district judge.

Mossotti valuable asset

I would like to ask the voters of the 9th District to re-elect Jennifer Mossotti to the Lexington-Fayette County Urban County Council. Mossotti is hard-working, dedicated and responsive to her constituents. She is pragmatic and reasonable and uses her experience to get the right people together to work out compromises and get things done.

Mossotti’s integrity and leadership make her a true asset to the council. The neighborhoods of the 9th District need her calming presence on the council as we work through the issues facing Lexington going forward.

Shafer tireless worker

Over the years, Sandy Shafer, 11th District candidate for Urban County Council, has demonstrated her untiring dedication to our community in her work with our city council and with many other humanitarian projects.

Shafer is the kind of person we need as our city moves forward in a positive direction.