Derrick Stepp
Age 43
Tomahawk
Education/work experience:
•1996 graduate of Sheldon Clark High School
•Two years at Prestonsburg Community College, majoring in Business Management
•1996-1997 — Burger King food preparation/manager
•1997-1999 — Heilig Meyers Furniture delivery, repair, sales
•1999-present — Self-employed in commercial and residential janitorial/maintenance
To what extent have you been a part of the local government in Martin County?
•Currently in my fourth year as Magistrate for District #3
•Chairman of the Martin County Administrative Code Board
•Member of the Martin County Tourism Board
What do you believe to be the top three issues affecting Martin County?
In my opinion, Martin County has four major issues that need to be addressed by our local leaders. In no order of any particular importance, those issues include:
1) Safe water for all of our residents;
2) Infrastructure improvements to our roadways and bridges;
3) More and better-paying employment opportunities for our citizens; and
4) Enhanced broadband capabilities (a must not only for homeowners but students to further learning).
If elected, what changes/goals would you advocate and why?
If re-elected, I will continue to work diligently on all four major issues stated above that must be addressed. Continuing improvements to our county’s water system and roadways is a must for growth of our community. I will strive to bring in new and better occupations for our citizens, along with supporting broadband enhancements to bring our county into an employment market that larger businesses will admire. A few immediate goals that I will be addressing in my district include more improvements to Martin County Lake (i.e., a new walking trail to encompass the lake, and the demolition of the old Grassy Elementary School with future plans for a community center in its place).
In no more than 400 words, tell us why voters should choose you for this office.
Voters should re-elect me because of my hard work ethic and my continued desire to see improvements not just for my district but our entire county. In the past four years, our county has seen many improvements because of the leadership of myself and others who share the desire for improvements. We all wish things would change drastically and quickly. However, patience and that desire will get us farther faster. I will continue to work extensively for our county to lead us into a future most will be proud of. As the logo on my signs says, A “STEPP” in the Right Direction!!
Question for incumbent: In what ways have you individually contributed to the overall accomplishments of fiscal court during your time in office?
My accomplishments to the current Fiscal Court may appear plainly to some but may go unnoticed by others. I have always been and will continue to be very outspoken about anything affecting our county. I always voice my opinion on the county budget and how taxpayer money should be spent properly. I have worked with Judge Davis, Judge Slone, and now Judge Kirk to bring new and better equipment to our Road and Bridge Department. I have worked with our Emergency Management directors to assist our residents in the emergency situations our county has faced over the past few years. To be honest, I could go on for a bit, but there is not one department or fiscal court association that I haven’t been a part of to make improvements for our county and its citizens.