Letters to the Editor: Candidates respond to endorsements, voters picks favorites

Kloiber responds

The skills and practical experience I have gained outside of government make me uniquely qualified to address the issues facing Lexington today. These problems require a robust understanding of economic forces and the ability to bring our community together for a common cause, skills I have honed through years of investing in private equity and managing a local nonprofit. We have long known about these issues, but if you have not felt the effects of the rising cost of living, or have been so fortunate as to avoid the increased violence throughout our city, I make this appeal on behalf of those that have.

The public knows what they are going to get from the Mayor: a calm and steady hand that does not intend to rock the boat. However, many people in our community are already underwater, struggling to keep their heads up, and crying out for change. These issues have continued to swell over the last few years, pulling many of our residents into darker depths with increased violence, economic stagnation, and housing insecurity.

I know that leaving the safety of the known for the unknown takes a leap of faith, but the well-tread path never leads anywhere new. So with an ever-increasing number of people falling victim to the failings of our current policies, I offer not just a vision for change or a bright new energy, but the practical skills developed outside of government service to implement it.

David Kloiber is a member of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council and a candidate for Lexington Mayor.

Moloney responds

Wherever I go in Lexington, folks share their concerns about safety in their homes and neighborhoods. Although your editorial board didn’t endorse me, I am the only candidate endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police. That says a lot about my commitment to making public safety a top priority, just as I always have. I have the endorsement of the firefighters, corrections officers and sanitation workers too.

You say it’s time for new outlooks on the council, but that fails to consider that my experience brings an ability to get things done. I initiated the lawsuit against the drug companies and now we are getting the settlement money to help us heal from the devastation of opioids in our community. Prior to the pandemic, we were facing a significant revenue shortfall. I seem to be the only one who remembers this and is calling for fiscal responsibility as we allocate one-time recovery funds. I have always asked the tough questions and tackled the issues that others lack the political courage to take on. That outlook has worked well for our taxpayers.

I have said for many years that significant economic development opportunities exist along the interstates and that we must attract companies that draw a regional workforce of highly-skilled employees seeking good jobs. That is the kind of growth we need.

Endorsements are appreciated, but I count on the voters to pick their best representative and I am optimistic they will choose me on May 17.

Richard Moloney is a current At-Large member of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council.

Kathy Witt

I have known Sheriff Kathy Witt for 20 years and I support her as Fayette County Sheriff. Sheriff Witt’s dedication to serving and protecting this community is one of the many reasons why she has my support. I have seen first hand how she advocates for victims of abuse and violent crimes and continuously provides for the people in our community. Thank you Sheriff Witt for all that you do! Join me in voting to re-elect Sheriff Kathy Witt this May.

Nova l. McCoy, Lexington

Larry Roberts

I not only had the privilege of taking Fayette County Attorney Larry Robert’s Driver’s Training Course, but a few years later, I was an intern at his office. Mr. Roberts went to extraordinary lengths to make sure that all of us interns were exposed to as many aspects of the justice system as possible. He especially chose young women and disadvantaged youth to mentor. He dealt with everyone with respect, compassion, and integrity, without regard for how they began their interaction with the legal system. When it was time for me to apply to colleges, Mr. Roberts wrote me an amazing letter of recommendation. Without a doubt, the lessons I learned while interning with Mr. Roberts (which were: respect the system, respect all those who interact with it, and work your hardest to be fair to everyone) helped make me not only a better person, but hopefully someday a better advocate for those in need.

Anjali Gardella, Lexington

Larry Roberts

I had the pleasure of teaching Larry Roberts when he was a law student more than 50 years ago. He was dedicated to the study of law and has now been totally dedicated to public service for 50 years. I taught more than 6,000 law students during my career as a law professor, have watched hundreds of them spend most of their lives serving the public, and find it very easy to put Larry Roberts at or near the top of the list. He started his professional life serving the people of Kentucky, has provided remarkable service to the citizens of Lexington and Fayette County for decades, and is certain to continue those efforts once re-elected to the position of County Attorney. No one is more qualified for this position than Larry Roberts and no one is more committed to a judicial process that is effective and fair to all participants. He has proven to be a perfect fit for the position he seeks and for that reason alone deserves to be reelected to the position of County Attorney.

Robert Lawson, Lexington