CITIZEN STAFF REPORT

INEZ — Dr. Lon Lafferty of Inez will be sworn in as Martin County/Judge Executive in a ceremony Friday in the Martin County Government Center.

Gov. Andy Beshear signed an executive order Wednesday appointing Lafferty as interim to replace Colby Kirk, who will resign from the position Friday.

Lafferty will serve out Kirk’s term that ends Dec. 31.

Following Kirk’s official withdrawal from the Nov. 8 General Election, Lafferty registered as a write-in candidate for judge/executive.

“This appointment is only to serve out the term that expires at the end of the year, and it does not impact the write-in vote for the full four-year term beginning next January,” Lafferty said.

Lafferty faces three other candidates in an unprecedented write-in judge/executive election: Jimmy Don Kerr, Marlena Slone and Benjamin York.

“The governor took a look at those who have come forward as write-in candidates, and he decided that my experience and qualifications made me the person best suited for the job,” said Lafferty.

“While I appreciate the appointment, I want to be elected by the write-in votes of the people of Martin County in the upcoming election. I am prepared to get to work on Friday to begin the process of moving Martin County forward because the job is big and there is much to do.

Lafferty has practiced family medicine in Inez for more than 38 years and served as Martin County Judge/Executive 1999-2003.

“I appreciate the prayers and support of all Martin Countians as we to get to work to make our county the best place it can be,” said Lafferty.

The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for 4:01 p.m.