Jared Goforth
Age 28
Fluty Lick Road
My name is Jared Goforth. I am 28 years old and I have lived on Fluty Lick Road my entire life. I graduated from Sheldon Clark High School in 2012 and graduated from Big Sandy Community and Technical College in 2014, receiving my degree in electricity. I have received over 10 certificates, all in electricity.
To what extent have you been a part of the local government in Martin County?
In the past three years as magistrate, I have completed 130 hours of education training by attending conferences where presentations from all aspects of government are given. The government-based information I have acquired in the last three years has helped me grow to better serve the citizens of this county. My wife, Laken Whitt Goforth, and I are also members of Inez Freewill Baptist Church and serve diligently.
I have been a hard worker all of my life, began working at an early age. I began selling at the Martin County Farmers Market when I was 12 years old. I have been magistrate for the past three years. I have also worked as a carpenter and managed my own handyman business for the past 10 years. I have a small farm where we raise pigs, cows, chickens and lots of vegetables. I also manage a successful YouTube channel Fluty Lick Homestead.
What do you believe to be the top three issues affecting Martin County?
I believe the top three issues affecting Martin County are dependable utilities such as water and internet, job opportunities and community involvement.
If elected, what changes/goals would you advocate and why?
When re-elected I would advocate for our sheriff’s office. Law enforcement is one of the most important services of government and we need strong law enforcement presence to combat drug and theft activity in our community. I would also continue to be an advocate for tourism. Our tourism board has been doing great work with projects such as Christmas in the Mountains and the historic courthouse project. I believe tourism will play a major part in our future here and we have to use the resources we have been blessed with in this county, such as our beautiful trails, elk herds and wild horses. I would continue to advocate for the completion of Highway 645. I believe if the state of Kentucky would complete this highway, it would bring many economic opportunities to our county and would be a game-changer for us and the surrounding area.
In no more than 400 words, tell us why voters should choose you for this office?
I think voters should choose me for this position again because I am experienced, honest, dependable and a life-long resident of this district. I am not a politician. I am just an everyday working man working for everyday people. I have always been available for the people of my district and I have worked diligently to improve our district. Past neglect and flooding have made a real challenge for our roads, but we have made significant improvements to the roads and bridges in District 1 and will continue to do so.
I believe we must work together to make our county thrive. No one person has all the answers or solutions, but if we put aside our differences and work together I know we will make Martin County a place our children can live, work and be proud of.