BY RACHEL DOVE
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — Martin County voters will elect the next judge/executive Tuesday by write-in vote.
The five candidates vying for the seat had little time to announce their candidacies and launch full-fledged campaigns. However, each candidate interviewed with the Mountain Citizen to better inform voters.
Here is what they said.
‘Doc’ Lon Lafferty
“Doc” Lon Lafferty did not expect to find himself as a write-in candidate for Martin County Judge/Executive but believes the providence of God puts people in places for a greater purpose.
Lafferty grew up in Martin County and graduated in 1975 from Sheldon Clark High School. He attended Prestonsburg Community College (1975-77), Transylvania University (1977-79), University of Kentucky Graduate School (1979-80) and the University of Louisville School of Medicine (1980-84). He then returned to Inez and opened Lafferty Medical Clinic.
“I had offers to work all across the United States, having graduated medical school with top honors,” said Lafferty. “But I knew from the first day of college that I would return to the place I loved – to help those who needed medical care. My heart has always been in Martin County, and my love for the area and its people has only grown through the years.”
Lafferty was elected judge/executive in 1998 and served from 1999 to 2003. He believes there is no substitute for hands-on experience that sets him apart from the other candidates.
“Experience is not something you can obtain by watching others. It can’t be bought, borrowed or sold. The only way to acquire experience is to actually be in that position and perform the work,” said Lafferty.
“I have the experience and knowledge to hit the ground running on the first day of taking office. I don’t need to waste time being trained or learning the ropes. I know how to lead the county.”
The candidate who wins the election Tuesday will be the fifth person to hold the position of judge/executive in five years.
“That creates a high level of instability in the county’s highest office,” said Lafferty. “Our county needs stability. The judge is supposed to provide vision and solutions to problems, not add to them.”
For Lafferty, the current budget deficit created by the property tax rate cut “is nothing new.”
“When I was judge from 1998-2003, the bottom fell out of the coal industry, and our coal severance funds took a direct hit,” explained Lafferty. “Coal was $200 a ton when I took office and dropped to an unheard amount of $22 a ton. I had to get creative and scrutinize every dollar we spent, but we made it through.
“This is just a small mountain for us to climb,” he said. “I’ll meet with department heads and all of our county officials, and we’ll make a plan to deal with the loss while searching for other funding sources. I’ll look for waste and account for every dollar spent.”
Lafferty prioritizes jobs, a dependable ambulance service, infrastructure and water, among other needs.
“We’ve got to have jobs. There’s no way around it. We have to expand our number of employed individuals in the county and improve our tax base,” said Lafferty. “We cannot continue to tax the heck out of those that work here now. It’s as if we are punishing them for staying instead of looking for ways to grow.”
The candidate believes infrastructure is essential to bringing new business to the county.
“We have to improve infrastructure, concentrating on areas we are lacking in, such as broadband throughout the county. That’s a must,” said Lafferty.
“Our water system has improved but still has a long way to go. People still do not trust the water quality as safe for consumption. Until such time that the public is no longer concerned about the quality of the water, we are still fighting a battle. We’ve got to get our act together.”
Lafferty brought in NetCare Ambulance Service as the primary provider for the county during his tenure as judge/executive.
“I will pursue every option available to accomplish that again and provide a dependable service for our residents.”
The doctor does not plan to forsake his patients and retire from medicine.
“I have several nurse practitioners and health professionals working for me that see most of our patient load on any given day, and we also utilize the telehealth option when possible,” he explained.
“Leading the county will be my first priority. I will not, however, be sitting behind my desk every day because that’s not going to accomplish my goal. I have the ability, knowledge and experience to know who to reach out to, who to ask for help on a state and national level, and will be strengthening relationships I’ve had for years in Frankfort and D.C.”
Lafferty plans to work with current staff and believes it essential to have competent, skilled staff who can share the workload and are willing to work together.
Lafferty discussed other visions for the county. He wants a recycling center and a stronger litter control program. He wishes to form a committee to rid the county of dilapidated structures.
The candidate would love to see an urgent care facility open its doors in Martin County with the capability of treating emergency cases in less time than it takes to transport patients to hospitals in surrounding counties. According to Lafferty, an option may be a “mobile emergency room,” a service that is becoming increasingly popular.
“I am a physician who has decades to my credit working in rural health. If you combine that with being a seated county judge/executive, you find yourself in a position where people will listen to you and be willing to help,” said Lafferty. “There is a great need for this type of treatment center in the county, and I will do everything I can to make it happen.”
Lafferty said obtaining funding to support county law enforcement is critical to overcoming illegal drug trafficking and reclaiming the county. He believes addiction treatment centers have an important role in winning the war.
If elected, Lafferty hopes to establish neighborhood watch programs to assist the sheriff’s department to identifying possible drug activity.
“These programs were successful in the past, and they can be again if done the right way.”
Lafferty wants to utilize the greatest asset in the county – its residents – as volunteers to expand the number of fairs and festivals. He would love to see a musical event that showcases local talent, special bluegrass festivals and gospel sings.
“Instead of us going to other counties to spend money and purchase tickets to support events they hold, let’s give them a reason to come here,” said Lafferty.
“There are so many opportunities to grow our county and to see it flourish, and I know in my heart that I’m the candidate to make that happen. I humbly ask that you cast your vote for me when you go to the polls and join me in building a better tomorrow for Martin County.”
Jimmy Don Kerr
Jimmy Don Kerr says he is the most qualified candidate for Martin County Judge/Executive and has been training for the opportunity to lead the county his entire life. He believes the stars have now aligned, and it is time to compete for the leadership role.
Kerr is a lifelong resident of Martin County and lives in Inez. He graduated from Sheldon Clark High School in 1993 and Eastern Kentucky University in 1998 with a major in economics and finance and a minor in chemistry. Following college, Kerr returned home, resumed his banking career and established his own business, My Hometown Mortgage, in Pikeville.
Kerr has served as chairman of the Martin County Water and Sanitation districts since 2018. He is on the board of directors for the Inez Volunteer Fire Department and the Roy F. Collier Community Center.
The recent sale of Kerr’s business has freed up time that he would otherwise spend behind his. He feels his years of working in financing and serving on boards have provided him with the qualifications to lead the county.
The budget deficit created by the magistrates voting to lower the tax rate is not the first setback Kerr has faced.
“This would be far from the first time I have been responsible for developing a plan to overcome financial setbacks and stretching dollars as far as they’ll possibly stretch,” said Kerr. “I would sit down with all department heads, and one at a time, we would go through every aspect of their individual budgets to see what, if anything, could be deleted or reduced. There were some one-time purchases made in 2022 that won’t be repeated in 2023, so that’s a good thing.”
Kerr said he would do everything possible to prevent the layoff of employees or a reduction of hours but added that he could not, in good faith, say it would not happen.
“Right now, if you do the numbers, we are looking at a budget deficit of almost $48,000 due to reduction in property tax,” explained Kerr. “But that amount is contingent on every property owner in the county paying their taxes.
“I’m sure there will be those that voice their displeasure with the outcome, and it won’t be without scrutiny, but as the leader of the county, the judge has to make some hard decisions that aren’t always the popular answer, but they are necessary.”
Kerr said he would meet with the owner of Patriot Ambulance to try to find a solution but would not compromise residents.
“It may mean bringing in a second company,” remarked Kerr. “There are several options we could look at, but the bottom line is I will not stop working on this issue until I’m comfortable that Martin County has proper ambulance coverage. What we have now is not working; lives are being lost, and that will never be acceptable.”
Kerr said he would be a full-time judge.
“That doesn’t mean I will be sitting behind my desk from 8 to 4 every day. I will be out pounding the pavement, networking and pursuing every opportunity there is to market Martin County, attract new businesses and industries and seek grant funding that will enable us to continue with projects already in place while searching for others.”
Kerr said that as chairman of the water district, he frequented Frankfort seeking funding.
“During the five years I’ve held that position, I led the charge to bring in $14 million for water and sewer. They know my name in Frankfort, and they know my face. They know I will fight for this county with everything I have,” he said.
Kerr lives “with one foot on the ground with the older generation in the county and the other with those aged 40 and under.” He wants to protect the traditions and the foundation the county was built upon but said renovations and upgrades to the walls and roof have to take place to allow growth.
“Change isn’t popular for those age 50 and above, and I respect that, but we cannot continue on a path that leads nowhere,” he said.
“We’ve made great strides with the water department, and now we are concentrating on our sewer and sanitation. Our roads have to be repaired and be safe to travel on. We need to capitalize on our strengths and resources already in place, such as the ATV trails and the plans to have a trail system linking numerous counties together that is being modeled after the Hatfield and Mccoy trail system in Mingo County,” commented Kerr.
“New businesses are a must.”
Kerr said all areas of the county need access to broadband internet and dependable phone service to attract businesses. Litter control is also an issue that he feels needs a more aggressive approach.
Whether or not Kerr would keep the same employees in place would require “a lot of thought and consideration.”
“We will have to see how everyone works together and how well they fit the position they were hired for. I want the right people around me that are confident, committed and have the same desire that I do to move Martin County forward,” said the candidate.
“I ask that when you go to the polls, cast your vote for me and let my experience and knowledge lead Martin County into the future.”
Marlena Slone
Marlena Slone is the sole female candidate in the November General Election race for Martin County Judge/Executive, a position once held by her late husband, Victor.
Slone’s wish is to win the write-in vote and continue the work her spouse began to lead the county in the right direction.
Slone is a 1983 graduate of Sheldon Clark High School. She was raised in the Turkey community and is a lifelong county resident. Slone was with her late husband, Victor, for just shy of 40 years before his death.
Slone has 28 years of employment with the Martin County School District, where she has spent the last 16 years as the Family Resource Coordinator at Eden Elementary. Before that, she worked as the county occupational tax coordinator for four years.
Slone considers herself the best candidate for the judge/executive position.
“I was by Victor’s side during his years serving as District 5 Magistrate and as the county judge after being appointed by the governor,” said Slone. “I had a unique perspective as I worked along with him and gained a wealth of knowledge during those years. I watched my husband work tirelessly to see our county succeed. I met so many people in high positions whose influence and support is needed when developing programs and seeking funding for projects. I gained firsthand knowledge about what worked and what didn’t.
“I’m as passionate as he was about bringing adventure tourism to Martin County and to see a trail system established here that would not only be a source of income on its own but would bring jobs and new businesses to the area. We have to focus on our strengths and build on them, and our mountains and outlaw trails are a perfect example of how to do that. As the popular saying reads, ‘If you build it, they will come.’”
Slone described how she would approach the 2023 budget deficit.
“I plan to sit down with the county treasurer and carefully look at the entire budget, seeing where we could make cuts or save money and what we can possibly juggle and move around,” said Slone. “I would never agree to any cuts affecting key and crucial services that are the lifelines for our residents. It’s not going to be easy and will take a lot of thought and consideration, and input from all involved, but I’m confident that if we all work together, we can overcome.
“The county will start receiving payments from the solar farm project as soon as it is complete and operational, and that funding will be an asset as well and will be put to good use,” she added.
Slone said state and federal grant funding need to be explored for opportunities to prevent budget cuts that would affect jobs.
One of Slone’s responsibilities as a school resource officer is grant writing. She plans to utilize her grant writing skills if elected judge.
Slone sees infrastructure as the key to the county’s success, including water, sanitation, roads and bridges. She also noted the importance of police and ambulance services.
“Of course, as I mentioned before, adventure tourism is vitally important to the growth of the county, but we need to use a multifaceted approach,” said Slone. “I would love to see factories choose Martin County as the location to open their business. If we improve our infrastructure, then we will be in a place where we can compete with other counties and be on a level playing field, especially now since we will have an array of skilled vocational students ready to step into the job market in areas such as heavy equipment operators, mechanics, electricians, plumbers, HVAC techs and much more.”
Slone has no plans to make any changes to current employees. “I need their experience and knowledge to keep the office running effectively and efficiently.”
Slone plans to resign from her position at the school district and work as a full-time judge.
“I plan to be in the office when there’s a need, but the bulk of my time will be spent networking and pursuing opportunities to move Martin County forward,” said Slone. “I don’t believe in doing any job halfway or without being fully committed, and this would be no different. On that same note, I am not one to quit or throw in the towel when things get rough. If I am elected, I will be there for the duration.”
Slone said throughout the years, she and Victor had several opportunities presented that would have allowed them to relocate to other areas, but they chose to stay where they were born and raised. She believes the younger generation deserves the same chance.
“If my grandson and your grandchildren want to make Martin County their permanent home and raise their families here, I want to do my part now to make sure they have that opportunity,” stated Slone. “What we do today affects tomorrow. We have to make wise decisions and think of those who are following in our footsteps and who will one day be the leaders of our county. We owe it to them to leave this place better than we found it. They should not have to pay for our mistakes but deserve a firm foundation upon which to build.”
Slone promises to do her best to lead the county in the right direction.
“Unity is the key to success, and if elected, I will strive to bring all our residents together because until we stand as one, we will not succeed,” she said.
“Victor had a dream – and sadly, he did not live long enough to see it fulfilled. Although he left big shoes to fill, I know I am prepared to see this through and pick up where he left off. It’s time for Martin County to shine.”
Benjamin York
A newcomer to the world of politics has registered as a write-in candidate for the office of Martin County Judge/Executive and says he is an “ordinary man who wants to do extraordinary things.”
Benjamin York is a 36-year-old blue-collar worker who believes his financial struggles and “life on a different playing field” than his opponents give him a perspective and understanding of what Martin County residents need.
York is a lifelong county resident and resides in Hode with his wife and two children. He attended Sheldon Clark High School and obtained his GED after stepping out of the classroom to find employment to assist his single mother, who struggled to make ends meet. He has worked in construction and retail and says he does not shy away from hard work.
“I’m about as far from a silver-spoon baby as you can get,” began York. “I have lived below the poverty line my entire life, and nothing opens your eyes to your needs and the needs of those around you quicker than a hungry stomach or a utility disconnect notice. I feel that I’m a member of the majority in Martin County, as I see more and more individuals and families struggling and suffering, especially our elderly that live on a fixed monthly income. With the economy in the shape that it’s in and predicted to get worse, we need a judge that knows how to pinch pennies, cut out access spending and who will prioritize where every dollar is spent.”
York said he would deal with the budget deficit created by the county’s recent tax decrease by prioritizing needs above wants, cutting waste and responsibly spending taxpayer money.
“The last thing I’d do would be cut jobs,” said York. “But I would look at the salary scale to see if anything could be saved there. Anyone that works deserves payment for work performed, but those salaries need to be set with the budget in mind and the financial condition of the county.”
York said the first county issue he would address if elected would be the ambulance problem. He noted that he had a good friend who died waiting for an ambulance to arrive.
“What we have now as far as an ambulance service goes is not acceptable. We none know when a member of our family may be the next person needing medical help, and we deserve to know that they will get it,” said York.
He also spoke of the need for jobs.
“Jobs are needed in the worst of ways, and I’m talking better-paying positions with benefits,” stated York. “Right now, we have more people employed in retail than we do in any other field, and the majority of those are minimum-wage positions. Unless we are able to attract factories and other industry to Martin County that will afford workers a better way of life, we will never break the cycle of being dependent on state and federal assistance.”
York said now is the time to throw time and energy into promoting tourism.
He also noted there are more families in need of subsidized housing than there are available units.
“I know for a fact that a decent number of the families who moved out of the county to other locations had no choice due to the inability to afford rent and there being no apartments in public housing open at the time they needed it,” said York. “This takes children out of our school system, and as we all know what happens when that occurs, the board of education is forced to raise the school tax to compensate.”
York said there is a need for a litter control program in the schools to educate students and stop the generational cycle of improper garbage disposal. He would also like to see more activities for the area youth and would look at possibly reopening the county swimming pool. York remarked that he would like to see a facility like a YMCA offering after-school tutoring and child care for the “latch-key” kids who come home to an empty house because their parents are working. According to York, the need for additional police officers is a priority because no one is safe without adequate police protection.
York said he would keep the current staff and would only consider a change if an employee was not performing their duties or was not a team player.
York stated he would be a full-time judge if elected and commit every waking hour to learning everything possible about the ins and outs of county government.
“I have never been afraid of hard work, and I certainly don’t intend to start now,” said York. “I am ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work for Martin County. It takes more than a sizable bank account, a large house and expensive vehicles to be able to understand the plight of the majority of those living in this county. It takes someone who has been in the trenches with them. I am that man, and I ask that you carefully consider your choice for judge before you cast your vote.”
Mitchell Crum
An Inez resident born and raised in the Beauty community has added his name to the list of Martin County Judge/Executive write-in candidates
Mitchell Crum is no stranger to Martin County politics and has previously sought the magistrate position for his district. Crum sees a great need in the county for impartial leadership to represent all the residents, “not just a select few.”
The candidate is a 1989 graduate of Sheldon Clark High School. He is working toward a criminal justice degree.
Crum has worked various jobs, including heavy equipment operator for the county for a number of years in the parks and recreation department. He has also served as an auxiliary deputy under Sheriff John Kirk.
Crum believes it’s time to elect a judge with no personal agenda, one who cares about the welfare of the county and its residents and is willing to work with a team pursuing a common goal.
Crum believes he’s the best choice among his opponents and is his “own person,” not easily swayed by others or controlled.
“I have never allowed anyone to dictate to me how to live my life or talk me out of doing something I knew was right,” said Crum. “I would run the office of judge in the same manner.”
Crum said there is only one way to overcome the budget deficit created by the magistrates lowering the tax rate: Working with all county officials and department heads to cut out unnecessary spending and prioritize the greatest needs of the county as a whole
The last thing Crum would ever agree to do would be laying off employees.
Crum believes the county’s greatest need is infrastructure, such as water, broadband, roads and bridges. He said infrastructure must be attained so businesses would consider Martin County a destination.
Crum added that Martin County residents need jobs, and he’s tired of hearing about families being forced to leave the area to make a better life.
The candidate is concerned about the county’s lack of a reliable ambulance service. He said that is one of the first issues he would work on.
“We have so much to offer tourists. We have beautiful mountains and outlaw trails, places to fish and hunt, and a variety of events such as our festivals that always attract crowds, but we can improve on that,” said Crum. “We must create a plan to compete with our neighboring counties. There’s no excuse for them growing and prospering and Martin County just spinning its wheels. It’s time we make a stand.”
If elected, Crum plans to be a full-time judge. He would depend on his staff to carry their share of the workload but would lead by example.
Crum is in favor of keeping current staff, saying it’s not fair for individuals to lose their jobs just because a new judge is elected, as long as they can perform the tasks required.
Crum said he is not a quitter and was raised that if times get hard, you work harder at finding a solution.
“When you consider who you’d like to have as the next judge for Martin County, I ask you to carefully look at all the candidates and question why they want to be in that position. Are they running with hopes of making positive changes in the county, and will they work to move it forward, or do they have a personal agenda that will benefit them at the expense of our residents?” stated Crum.
“I can honestly say that my heart is in the right place, and I have no ulterior motive. I simply want to see our county be the success story I know it can be. I ask for your vote.”