Meet the candidates
Published 7:58 am Friday, October 14, 2022
Angelia Doolin
Christine Killen
David Gambrel
Griffin Harness
J. Woods Adams
Kevin Carrier
Ronnie Detherage
Shawn Hines
Waylon Pendleton
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Below is a partial list of candidates running for office in Lincoln County. Remaining candidates who responded to The Interior Journal survey by the deadline will be published in a future edition.
Dan Gutenson
District 2 Magistrate
Please tell us about your background
I’ve been a lifelong resident of Lincoln County, serving as pastor of Watts Chapel Baptist Church for 33 years. Married to Shelia for 39 years, we have 2 children and 2 grandchildren. I am a graduate of LCHS, LTI, and Clear Creek Bible College. Actively involved in the community.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I offer proven leadership and involvement in our county: Little League sports, Variance Committee of the P&Z, Distribution of the Commodity Program. A person who works well with others. Experienced with the budget process @ Watts Chapel and personal finances. One who has a servant’s heart with a history of servanthood. A visionary of what can be and the drive to make it happen.
What do you think is the most pressing issue affecting us in this election cycle?
We live in a poor county. The most pressing issue for the Fiscal Court will be revenue, it affects our ability to provide the services that we need to provide to our county, Roads, EMS, Law Enforcement, Jail, Animal control, Internet, Infrastructure.
How would you address this issue in your elected office?
There are basically 4 ways to deal with the issue of revenue or the lack thereof. 1. Grants from the state, I want to go after whatever would be available, I would go to the grant writing seminars to learn to write grants that would give us the best chance to secure these grants.2. New Industry, I want to work with others to secure the infrastructure that would make us competitive for new industry, factories, ect. 3.Trim the Budget, take some time to see if there is a way, we can do some things more economically. 4. Raise taxes, only as a last resort.
David Gambrel
PVA
Please tell us about your background
My wife Kelly, son John and I live in Waynesburg. I am a graduate of LCHS and EKU.
I am the former Editor of the Lincoln Ledger, Lincoln County Post and Interior Journal.
I am an Eagle Scout.
I was elected PVA in 1998 and have served as a pastor since 1993
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I have kept the promises I made to the people of Lincoln County when I first sought this office.
I have demonstrated that I can do the job. And I have tried to honor the trust placed in me by treating every citizen with fairness, dignity and respect.
In my time as PVA the office and has made leaps and bounds in the implementation of the latest technology to make the office more efficient.
I am a proven public servant in many different areas. In addition to PVA and pastor I have served as a Boy Scout leader and worked hard to highlight and preserve the rich heritage of our county.
What do you think is the most pressing issue affecting us in this election cycle?
As it relates to the PVA office the record boom in the real estate market is a tremendous challenge. That is why my experience is needed.
How would you address this issue in your elected office?
I will continue to strive to make the office more efficient. Recently after several years of careful financial planning I was able to purchase 360 degree high resolution imagery that will enable not only the PVA office to better serve you but enhance safety by making this available to our county’s emergency personnel.
I have also this year switched to more efficient tax roll software with the goal of valuing property as fair and equitable as possible.
As I have demonstrated in the past I am always wailing to listen and respond to the concerns of the people of Lincoln County
Angelia Doolin
Lincoln County
Circuit Clerk
Please tell us about your background
Married to Jamie Doolin. I have two children Hannah & Jacob Napier and two bonus daughters Brooke & Kristin Doolin. I have lived in Lincoln Co. for over 25 years. I have worked at the Circuit Clerks office for over 24 years, 11 of which I was Chief Deputy.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I believe that I am the best candidate for this office due to my experience. While I agree that you have to a pass a test to be able to run for this job, that alone does not make you the most qualified person. The qualifications you get from doing this job does not just come from a manual. It comes from hands on experience. It comes from working at this office for over 24 years. Those are qualities that I posses unlike my opponent. I have dedicated over half of my life to this job and I would appreciate your vote and support on November 8th.
What do you think is the most pressing issue affecting us in this election cycle?
Low voter turnout.
How would you address this issue in your elected office?
Even though my office does not handle voter issues. I believe as a candidate seeking an elected office, it is your duty and responsibility to inform the voters of polling information and locations. Only 17.1% of registered Lincoln Co. voters voted in 2018. Participating in elections is one of the many freedoms we have as Americans. Also as a woman the 19th amendment gave us the freedom to vote, and I was proud to register to vote when I turned 18. Registering to vote is a responsibility that we need to encourage our children, grandchildren and every eligible citizen to do.
Kevin Carrier
District 3 Magistrate
Please tell us about your background
I was born and raised in Lincoln County. My wife of 16 yrs is Sarah (Denny) Carrier. We have a 15 yr old son, Caleb. I’ve worked the last 25 years for Norfolk Southern RR as a locomotive engineer. Before that I had worked in various factories, grocery stores and on a few farms.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I am more than willing to devote the time necessary to focus on the needs of our county and serve my district faithfully. I feel that my willingness to listen to the concerns of the community and work with the other magistrates, along with the judge-executive, would be beneficial to moving our county forward. My youth would help bring a new perspective to both the problems and solutions that we face.
What do you think is the most pressing issue affecting us in this election cycle?
Our counties infrastructure and the lack of promoting our county for both new businesses and tourism.
How would you address this issue in your elected office?
Work with the judge-executive to try to secure funds for improvement of highways and high-speed internet in the county. We should try to bring in new businesses of manufacturing and hospitality industry such as restaurants and lodging to help promote the tourism in Lincoln County.
J. Woods Adams
Judge-Executive
Please tell us about your background
J. Woods Adams III-LCHS alum and ‘02 UK graduate with B.A. Finance/Marketing. Wife is Lezli Thomas Adams & we have 3 kids. Deacon at Moreland Christian Church. Employed by FS National Bank 2002-2018. Since ‘18 I’ve worked at Shelter Ins. Serve Lincoln Co.through several civic organizations.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
Earning a degree in Finance & Marketing from the University of KY makes me well-equipped to work with and oversee a county budget. My 16 years of banking experience, 4 years of insurance experience, 13 years of farming experience, and 5 years of owning a small business with my wife (daycare) have all formed my knowledge and background in balancing budgets, networking, communicating effectively, and listening. Living and working in Lincoln County for the past 42 years, I understand my community and the people that make it up.
What do you think is the most pressing issue affecting us in this election cycle?
As I travel the county campaigning,I hear these 3 main issues: a need to improve the condition of county roads, a need to lessen the amount of roadside litter, and the need to construct a new jail. I agree with all 3 issues. To me, the most pressing would be to improve the condition of county roads.
How would you address this issue in your elected office?
Our county road employees do a great job patching and keeping our roads safe, but we now have an influx of one-time money thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). I would like to use a portion of this money to resurface county roads that are in the worst shape and most traveled. We have to be careful with one-time money because some projects can come with recurring expenses that are not feasible to keep up year after year. However, road resurfacing is always a need and this will not bring any future burdens on the county.
Shawn Hines
Sheriff
Please tell us about your background
I am a 1992 graduate of LCHS and continued my education at SCC and EKU. I had a law enforcement career that spanned over 22 years. The last 10 of those years spent in leadership positions.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I am the candidate with the most law enforcement experience and the only candidate that has held a command position. Many years ago when the thought of being Sheriff came to mind I began preparing myself. I began the promotional process in 2008 and climbed through the ranks within the State Police until my retirement in 2018. I took advantage of every leadership training and opportunity that was available. I achieved the highest rank afforded to me and oversaw a 13 million dollar budget and at one time had over 300 Officers and civilian employees under my command.
What do you think is the most pressing issue affecting us in this election cycle?
Budget constraints. Without an operable budget the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office will never be able to be fully effective and efficient. A limited amount of funds that are provided from the Fiscal Court and increased expenses such as the ridiculous rise in gas prices are effecting many agencies.
How would you address this issue in your elected office?
The current budget for the Sheriffs Office is a little less than $900,000. My first budget that I present to the Fiscal Court will be for a $250,000 increase. This will allow to set a salary for a Chief Deputy, two detectives, and seven deputies. The current budget is for eight deputies. This will allow for road deputies to respond to calls more effectively, thefts to be investigated aggressively, and extensive drug investigations. We will seek out every grant opportunity and encourage community involvement in their Sheriff’s Office.
Griffin Harness
Jailer
Please tell us about your background
Lifelong LC resident. Graduate of Lincoln County High School. Volunteer firefighter for 17 years. Have worked at three fire stations throughout the county. Have given back to the community since 2016 as a deputy. Currently reside in Waynesburg and is a District Chief.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I have given my heart to Lincoln County and want to see our county improve in every way possible. By working in Law Enforcement and seeing the struggles our county jail has gone through I feel I have the mindset to make the changes and recommendations for our county. I have the heart and drive to see Lincoln County succeed as the new jailer of the county I love.
What do you think is the most pressing issue affecting us in this election cycle?
For the office of the Lincoln County Jailer. I feel the pressing issue is finding a purpose.
How would you address this issue in your elected office?
I intend to use every resource possible to bring revenue back to Lincoln County through the Jailers office.
Ronnie Detherage
Stanford City Council
Please tell us about your background
My name is Ronnie Deatherage. I am married to Linda Deatherage and have lived and worked in Lincoln County for all of my life. I have 2 children and 6 grandchildren, I retired from LCBOE as Chief Deputy of Support Services and have been on the Stanford City Council for the past 8 years.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I am running for re-election because Stanford needs council members who have strong leadership qualities, high integrity and common sense, Stanford needs leaders who are invested in the growth and well being of our community. I am a proven problem solver, both while I was with the Lincoln County Board of Education and now as a veteran council member. I understand the importance of cooperation and teamwork within all aspects of city government so that we can achieve the goals and objectives that our mayor and council has set forth. I look forward to continuing to serve the people of Stanford.
What do you think is the most pressing issue affecting us in this election cycle?
In order for our community to grow and prosper, our people must have economic opportunities, and it is the responsibility of our local government to seek out and secure businesses to provide these services. Economic development, if done correctly, works to retain and grow jobs and investment.
How would you address this issue in your elected office?
Stanford is located in a unique location situated on the US 27 and 150 intersection. We are in close proximity to Danville, Somerset, Lexington and also to I75. This makes locating a business in the Stanford area ideal. We need to market this and show that Stanford is open for business. I want to work closely with the economic board, county, state and even federal governments to take advantage of any new business opportunity that is available to us. Stanford is a great place to live and work and we need to get that word out as much as possible. my motto is, “Why not Stanford?”
Christine Killen
School Board District 2
Please tell us about your background
I am a lifetime resident of Lincoln County with 55 years’ experience, skills and knowledge in teaching and administration, with the majority of my educational work being in the Lincoln County Schools.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I am highly qualified to know and understand what will make Lincoln County Schools exemplary. My credentials include a BS in Elementary Education and MS/Rank 1 in School Administration, Elementary Principalship and Supervision of Instruction. With these credentials, knowledge and experience, I will bring a unique and positive perspective to the role of Lincoln County School Board Member.
What do you think is the most pressing issue affecting us in this election cycle?
With a focus on public education, the most pressing issues are student safety, parent engagement, equality for all students, teacher shortage, teacher salaries, and facility upgrades.
How would you address this issue in your elected office?
As a school board member, I will:
• Work tirelessly to ensure all children are provided a high-quality education that will prepare them for their future.
• Believe and practice accountability, integrity, honesty and respect for all.
• Consider input from students, parents, staff and community before making decisions.
Waylon Pendleton
Constable District 4
Please tell us about your background
Hello, my name is Waylon Pendleton. I’m asking for your support and vote for the 2022 election in Lincoln County. I am running for the position of Constable 4th District. I have training in law enforcement and dealing with people. I am not a politician, I am for community and justice!
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
As we all know law enforcement can get stagnant at times or even non existent in our community needs. As constable I will be pro active in our district and county. If you call I will answer. I will be an extra hand that law enforcement needs in Lincoln County. I will bridge the gap between citizens and law enforcement for Lincoln County.
What do you think is the most pressing issue affecting us in this election cycle?
This election is important due to many new positions being filled. Usually these positions are filled for a while once candidates are elected. Be very particular in your votes, you may have these next electives in office for a while.
How would you address this issue in your elected office?
To put it simple, I will be proactive. My phone number and contacts will be public. I will do the work needed to keep our communities safe and protected.
