Public forum held for local candidates

By MELODIE PHELPS

News Editor

Candidates for County Judge-Executive and Monticello Mayor were featured in a forum, televised on the local cable Channel 8 last Tuesday evening. The candidate forum was held in the basement of City Hall, and was moderated by Reverend Harlan Ogle.

The evening began with questions directed to the mayoral candidates—Kenneth Catron, Thurston Frye, and Elmer Hancock. Each candidate opened with a statement to the people watching the forum then proceeded to answer questions provided by Ogle.

Frye was the first to give an opening statement and noted that he is running for mayor "to get the politics out of the Mayor’s office." He noted that if elected he will be responsible to the people of Monticello and the City Council.

Frye sited his experience in leadership and management, through his experience in community services organizations and at Monticello School. Frye worked at Monticello School for 27 years and spent the last four years as superintendent.

"During those four years I built up the morale in the Monticello School system and I left it in fine financial shape," stated Frye.

Frye said that accountability is a key issue in this race. He noted that the local community has experienced a rash of break-ins and other drug-related problems. "I will get police out into those areas...I will assure you I will do it 365 days a year," he stated.

Elmer Hancock, 51, is self-employed in small engine repair. He said he has no previous political experience.

"I have been a county resident most of my life, so isuses concerning water, septic systems will receive special attention," stated Hancock.

He pledged to make better decisions on where tax dollars are spent and to enforce stronger penalties for drug offenders.

Mayor Kenneth Catron thanked local residents for the opportunity to serve as mayor for 17 years. He noted that Monticello and Wayne County is the fastest growing community in the Lake Cumberland Area Development District.

He noted that issues in this campaign include jobs, as well as leadership and experience.

"My number one priority has been jobs for our people," said Catron. "We have created 1,200 new jobs, but we need more jobs...As Mayor I have worked diligently to bring those new jobs to the community."

Catron pointed out the new police station, the new Monticello Utility Commission building, and the new Electric Plant Board building that have all opened recently. "That’s just leadership," said Catron.

The candidates then answered a series of questions and made concluding statements.

The next portion of the forum saw candidates for County Judge-Executive answer a series of questions. Incumbent Bruce Ramsey and democratic challenger Shirley Artemis Mikel both made opening statements before the question and answer portion of the forum began.

Mikel said that she taught in the Wayne County School system from August 1965 to October 1986. During that period she estimated teaching about 4,000 students. She noted that teaching is a profession that requires many skills, including good decision-making.

During that time, she also did the bookkeeping for a construction company. In October 1986, Mikel was employed by the Department of Education in Frankfort. She worked there until June 1992.

Ramsey expressed his appreciation to voters who helped make his campaign of four years ago a success.

"I want to thank you for the opportunity to serve as the judge-executive in the county I grew up in," stated Ramsey.

He listed a number of accomplishments by county government during the last four years, including construction of four new bridges, a new detention center, a new Hope Center, a new rural fire department, a tri-county animal shelter, and a new judicial center.

He noted the airport has continued to grow, adding more hangers and adding the capability to sell jet fuel. Both these measures will mean more revenue for the airport. He noted that many of the houseboat manufacturers in Wayne County have customers who fly in to the local airport to make their purchases, so continued growth of the facility is important to the entire community.

Ogle presented questions to Mikel and Ramsey and both had two minutes to respond to each question. Each gave concluding statements at the end of the forum.

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