Mark Blackburn
Age 52
Beauty

Education/work experience:

Doctorate of Educational Leadership, Retired School Employee. Last position held with the Martin County Board of

Education: Director of Facilities & Maintenance- Relevant to Magistrate Position.

To what extent have you been a part of the local government in Martin County?

Worked closely with fiscal court when serving in the superintendent role for the Martin County School System.

Appointed Magistrate District 5 on April 14, 2021, by the Honorable Governor Andy Beshear.

What do you believe to be the top three issues affecting Martin County?

The top three issues affecting Martin County are: Infrastructure, Water, and Business Recruitment/Job Creation, and a fourth is the current tax rate.

If elected, what changes/goals would you advocate and why?

•The improvement of our infrastructure by improving roadways for citizens.

•To work with the water department to improve our current system for the betterment of our residents.

•To work on the recruitment of businesses for our area. The recruitment of businesses to our area will result in job creation for Martin County.

•It is important that we continue with the trail expansion.

•Review of the current tax situation, including the business and occupational tax.

In no more than 400 words, tell us why the voters should choose you for office.

The voters should choose me due to my experience and preparation in dealing with political issues. I have been a lifelong learner and use those skills to problem solve and facilitate solutions. I also use those skills to foster relationships. I have experience with technological systems that are required to complete many job duties for the position. I have spent most of my adult life in Martin County and have a good understanding of the needs of the community.

I am very familiar with the people of the community. It is my belief that Martin County is a great place to have a family and raise kids. The community is safe and fostering. I can continue to assist in this area by finding revenue sources for projects and departments.

I have also been involved with grant writing and the development of budgets. I have a good understanding of what it takes to lead people. The relationships that I have developed over the years will help to make the fiscal court a respected and appreciated board.

I respectfully ask for the residents of District 5 to place their vote for me in the upcoming election so that we may continue to work toward improving our district and Martin County.

Question for incumbent: In what ways have you individually contributed to the overall accomplishments of the fiscal court during your time in office?

During my short time in the office, I have made a conscious effort to get to know the requirements of the position. I have made myself available to the people of my district. I have physically performed many tasks to help improve the county. I have addressed the needs of everyone in a timely manner.

My door is always open and so is my phone line. I am accessible anytime for the needs of the residents in District 5.