The Advocate-Messenger sent a survey to all local candidates running for office. This is a partial list of candidates for Junction City, Perryville, and school board. Candidates who did not respond to the survey are not included in this section. See previous weeks’ editions for Boyle County candidates, Danville candidates, and state and federal candidates.

 

Junction City Mayor

 

• Pete Kendrick

I was born and raised in JC and except for a handful of years in Richmond, Lexington and rural Boyle County I have always lived here.  I graduated from Boyle County high school in 1986 and from EKU in 1993.  I’ve been married for 31 years to my wife Susie and have 3 children.

• Why are you the best candidate for this office?

I’m not sure I am but I would like to try to help Junction City the best I can.  I care about where I live.  I’m proud to be from Junction City and love living here.  I have a concern that a lot of people view Junction as not a nice area of the county.  I’m proud to be from Junction and I want to help the rest of Boyle County know it’s a nice place with a lot of great people.  Our senior adult population, hard working middle class Americans and a great place for young families to start their lives together. 

• What do you think is the most pressing issue affecting us in this election cycle?

As far as Junction City goes, it’s our police protection, our school and the economy.  We have one of the best elementary schools in the state of Kentucky.

• How would you address this issue in your elected office?

We need to be able to keep our police force fully staffed.  Our Chief does a great job but he’s too often the only officer we have.  Our school needs to be protected and needs to get whatever support we can give it from the city.  Lastly we need to help our citizens with less of a tax burden.  We don’t have a lot of industrial land to bring in manufacturing jobs.  We need to be more retail business-friendly and look at all avenues of relieving the local tax burdens. 

 

• Denise Berry Curtsinger

I was employed in the Boyle County Clerk’s Office for 30 years. The last 11 of those years I served as the County Clerk.  I have lived in Junction City since 1985.  After being retired for the last 14 years I decided it was time to get involved.   

• Why are you the best candidate for this office?

I am offering myself as an alternative candidate.  I am for the people of Junction City.   The people of Junction City have to be heard and their problems need to be resolved or at least attempted to be resolved.   Junction City residents need to know they have a voice in City Hall and a Mayor that will listen.  There have been issues brought to my attention that are all equally important but have to be addressed one at time with the help of the City Council.

• What do you think is the most pressing issue affecting us in this election cycle?

The first issue that needs to be fixed in Junction City is law enforcement and the protection of the people of Junction City. I have always felt safe in Junction City until the last few years.  Keep in mind this is not the only issue, but I believe it is the most important.

• How would you address this issue in your elected office?

There needs to be a police department that is large enough to have sufficient coverage for the city of Junction City.  The department needs to have the equipment and training that is essential and required.   The department should be able to work with other agencies for the safety of the community.

 

Other Junction City mayor candidate is: Jim Douglas.

 

Junction City Council

 

• Ryan Owens

Over the past 20 years I have had the pleasure of working with city and county governments all over the state of KY. The last 11 years as General Manager of Stanford Waterworks.  In those years I have dealt with obtaining grants, preparing large budgets and managing large projects and employees.

• Why are you the best candidate for this office?

My broad and diverse experience I bring to the table will be a big plus for the citizens and taxpayers of Junction City. Being able to help apply for grants, helping prepare and review the budget and thinking outside the box to solve issues that arise during my term. We as a council need to have an open mind and listen to the needs of the taxpayers.  I also enjoy volunteering, I have been helping with the Boyle County Fair Board for 23 years and with the Senior Citizens Center for over 10 years. I look forward to serving on the Junction City Council again. 

• What do you think is the most pressing issue affecting us in this election cycle?

Having represented Junction City on the EDP Board for the last couple of years it has been identified that Junction City is the prime area for housing development. We as a city council need to work together to make sure the housing development in the city is done correctly.

• How would you address this issue in your elected office?

Having represented Junction City on the EDP Board for the last couple of years it has been identified that Junction City is the prime area for housing development. We as a city council need to work together to make sure the housing development in the city is done correctly.  With that being said, once the tax base continues to grow we need to look at our taxing rates for property and insurance and we need to lower those rates accordingly.

• Vicki Bowling

I am a life long citizen of Junction City.

• Why are you the best candidate for this office?

I have served 2 terms on Junction City Council and before I was elected to the council I worked 5 years for the Boyle County Ethics Board and I am involved with things in the city and I know most of the people here and I am available at anytime day or night which many people have used. I can be contacted at 859-583 0528.

• What do you think is the most pressing issue affecting us in this election cycle?

The economy is first for most people not just for Junction City but all across the US. Our town has been able to get the City a new Municipal Building due to our old building being unable to use and we did it without any grants or help from other areas. I hope to be able to work with the City Council and get the park renovated with new equipment.

• How would you address this issue in your elected office?

I would continue to work with the council to address these problems and help to address any issues that arise if it’s in our power to do. Most people are unaware that for the last 2 years we have been able to lower the taxes for 2 years in a row. We have had issues with Breathitt Dr in Shelby Green but it was due to miscommunication and our Mayor met with the developer and explained to him what the issue was and I think it’s been resolved. I am glad to see our city growing and I will continue to work towards helping to make our city continue to grow and improve.

Other Junction City council candidates are: Jackie Antle, Hershel Fletcher, Bill McCowan, Mary Hurst, Steve Martin.

 

Perryville Mayor

 

• Carlos Miller

I was born in Clay County. I am a Christian. I am married to my high school sweetheart Marie Miller.  I was a coal miner for over 16 years before graduating from EKU and moving to Boyle in 1995. I was on Perryville City Council for 3 years before becoming current Mayor.

• Why are you the best candidate for this office?

I care for our city and its people. I want to see Perryville progress and become what I know it can be. Being an “outsider” gives me a unique view that others may not be aware of. I care for the historic, as well as present day concerns. Together we can do this.

• What do you think is the most pressing issue affecting us in this election cycle?

Economy. Higher prices, falling savings, housing price increases. I believe all this affects small towns  even harder than larger cities. Small businesses especially are affected.

• How would you address this issue in your elected office?

I want to work with other local agencies to bring commerce into our area. This would create much needed jobs that would help the citizens and in turn help everyone concerned.

 

Perryville City Council

 

• Steve Bailey

Resident of Perryville since 2014. Married to Rita Jo Bailey. 2 term council member (2016-2018 and 2020-2022). Removed myself from council contention in 2018 due to health issues.

• Why are you the best candidate for this office?

Supported keeping property taxes low, in favor of purchasing a new fire truck for the City of Perryville, instrumental on implementing a 5% tax on all alcohol sold in the city of Perryville, worked with contractors to install new walk and drive bridge, and volunteered many hours to the city and Main St. during commemoration, Turtle Derby and other events in Perryville.

• What do you think is the most pressing issue affecting us in this election cycle?

Building a new City Fire Station to house the new fire truck and working toward a better relationship with Boyle County Fiscal Court and The City of Perryville.

• How would you address this issue in your elected office?

Listening to input from the citizens of Perryville choosing a site for the new Fire Station and reaching out to the Fiscal Court for help in bringing more businesses to our City.

 

• Michael Lankford

My family has lived in this area since the 1700’s. Graduated from UK with a degree in Business Administration/Economics and spent my entire working career in the Hotel, Restaurant, and Bourbon industries.

• Why are you the best candidate for this office?

I have a lifetime of business management experience; understand economics; bluntly honest.

• What do you think is the most pressing issue affecting us in this election cycle?

Budgets.  We are facing the worst potential economic situation in my lifetime.

• How would you address this issue in your elected office?

I point out questionable spending; stress saving our city’s funds for difficult times; and will not vote for ANY taxes increases.

 

• Darrel Lyons

I have 5 years of service with Corrections and am currently employed at a factory in Lebanon. I have never held a political office before, but have always stayed reasonably informed regarding politics.

• Why are you the best candidate for this office?

I am a firm believer in fiscal responsibility and an avid proponent of taking care of your own business before trying to take care of someone else’s. I am openly against unincorporation for Perryville, and am in favor of rebuilding our current Firehouse rather than moving it across the river. The Firehouse needs to remain on the same side of the river as PES.

• What do you think is the most pressing issue affecting us in this election cycle?

At the city level, we need to focus on public safety and fiscal responsibility. We need to come up with a concrete plan regarding the Firehouse, address our current arrangement regarding street lamps, and address speed limit enforcement.

• How would you address this issue in your elected office?

The Firehouse needs to be rebuilt in its current location. We need to seek bids on this construction and get this project started, while being as responsible as possible with the funds we have available. The contract we currently have regarding street lamps is almost predatory toward the city and needs to be either renegotiated, or other options for lighting need to be pursued. The speed limit in town needs additional enforcement, either from PPD or the BCSD. I plan on exploring options available to us there.

 

• Tim Simpson

I have lived in Perryville for the last 31 years. This will be my 4th term as councilman, artist in residence 8 years, caregiver, landscaper, gardener for 31 years.

• Why are you the best candidate for this office?

Common sense solutions for the citizens of Perryville.

• What do you think is the most pressing issue affecting us in this election cycle?

Inflation.

• How would you address this issue in your elected office?

Building up our businesses and buy local. Be a self sustainable community.

 

Other Perryville council candidates are: Larry F. Nunes, Jason Pruitt, Wayne Collins, Rob Kernodle, Chasity Britton Caldwell.

 

Danville School Board

 

• Patrick McClure

Lifelong Danville resident, Class of 92, attorney, and father of 2 students.

• Why are you the best candidate for this office?

I’m probably not, but it is going to take a lot of people and ideas to make us better.

• What do you think is the most pressing issue affecting us in this election cycle?

Accountability.

• How would you address this issue in your elected office?

Clear communication and willingness to listen, but also ACT.

 

Other Danville BOE candidates are: Glenn A. Ball, Jennifer Pusateri, Esther Rugerio, Kent Mann.

Boyle BOE candidates are: Ruth Ann Elliott, Jesse Johnson.