http://www.axtora.com/homesites/us/kentucky/elkton/ Elkton, KY News http://www.axtora.com/homesites/us/kentucky/elkton/content/c068e0d5b87e94eaddaa2f0f0d2ad65c.html Two Democrats will take the seats up for grabs in the state House of Representatives for District 16 and 22 Both districts lacked incumbents 045; Rep Sheldon Baugh RRussellville decided not to seek reelection and Rep Rob Wilkey DScottsville withdrew from the race with 100 days left to the electionMartha Jane King of Russellville will take Baugh8217;s seat for District 16 and Wilson Stone of Scottsville will take Wilkey8217;s seat for District 22King who beat Republican Tim Thompson of Elkton 8351 votes to 7156 according to unofficial vote totals said she plans to hit the ground running but has not yet decided if she will be headed to Frankfort before taking office8220;I8217;ll come if they ask me8221; she saidKing does plan to begin now working on issues important to residents of her district in Todd and Logan countiesIn Todd County she wants to help bring wider cell phone and Internet services to residents and is interested in establishing a facility in Logan County for 4H and Dream Riders a therapeutic riding programStone who beat Republican Shawn McPherson 10065 to 8750 said the campaign was intense for the two candidates who had little personal differencesStone8217;s district encompasses Allen Simpson and a few precincts in Warren countiesBoth races had fairly lowkey campaigns with candidate advertisements focusing on themselves rather than the negative ads that marked elections for US Congress and some state races8220;Shawn had a good campaign and we both worked very hard8221; Stone said 8220;I8217;m very humbled and feel very blessed to have won But we had a lot of help and it shows what happens when a lot of people work together8221;Stone with his background on the Allen County Board of Education and state School Board Association said he8217;s interested in serving on the education committee as well as the agriculture committeeHe also is interested in banking or small business8220;I know it isn8217;t a budget session but budgetrelated issues are going to be important8221; he said 8220;Candidate Steve Newberry brought up the issue first but I8217;d like to do something to help volunteer fire departments Even if that8217;s just a tax credit based on their outofpocket expense but these departments are so important to our communities8217; structures that we need to do all we can to support them8221;Stone said he wants to work to see that Master Settlement Agreement funds continue to go to farmers to transition from tobacco to other highvalue industries find more health care options and finetune Kentucky8217;s economic development process to establish jobsHis opponent McPherson said the two were friends before the election and will remain friendsTo Stone McPherson said he hopes that he continues his strong stand against expanded gambling a message consistent with what voters had to sayAnd what he wants most of the legislature is to create an environment for Kentucky to compete for jobs with surrounding statesAs for his further political future McPherson said he is a businessman first and ran this time because there was an open seat8220;I don8217;t plan to run against my opponent again as long as I am satisfied he is doing a good job8221; he saidLike many of the candidates Tuesday McPherson thanked his supportersKing8217;s opponent Thompson said while he would have liked to have won 8220;I wasn8217;t overly disappointed with the results8221; he said noting that the registration was overwhelmingly Democratic8220;I ended up with 46 percent of the votes so that is pretty good8221; he said 8220;I think I was successful because of the way I approached the campaign and I got a lot of numbers out to people about the state8217;s tax structure and laws that are hurting our business and driving our jobs out of the state8221;As for his political future: 8220;I plan to run again if that8217;s what the party feels like8221; Thompson said 8220;With everything in life you are never going to get everything on the first try But I was able to sway a lot of voters my way and have a big impact I8217;m not going to play dead and roll over8221;In the Logan and Todd races 644 percent of registered voters went to the polls In the 22nd District 618 percent voted http://www.axtora.com/homesites/us/kentucky/elkton/content/7e2f7e108c689eb6788fd1aadc11c2f2.html ELKTON Here among the cattle farms and tobacco fields along the Tennessee line the presidential race is little more than a rumor albeit a juicy one Voters here have been talking more about the presidential race in recent weeks arguing over who's ahead and why as well as about the backgrounds and beliefs of Republican John McCain and especially lately Democrat Barack Obama But unlike their brethren in rural areas of surrounding states Todd County residents and most Kentuckians haven't had the opportunity to see or hear from the candidates themselves Obama has stumped personally in rural areas where other recent Democratic candidates rarely ventured such as southwest Virginia western North Carolina and southeast Ohio http://www.axtora.com/homesites/us/kentucky/elkton/content/143530933eccfc95347d29dc4b995694.html The South Campus building on Nashville Road was evacuated earlier following reports that one or more persons were observed in the building with weapons Five people have been taken into custody http://www.axtora.com/homesites/us/kentucky/elkton/content/b55cc299f5cac45a0963f1370b45c4fc.html With the Nov 4 general election approaching the Daily News asked candidates in state and local races questions about a variety of issues Sunday8217;s Daily News will feature responses from candidates for state Senate in Districts 3 and 9; answers from candidates in other races will be published next week denotes incumbent STATE REPRESENTATIVE 16TH DISTRICT Encompassing Logan and Todd countiesMartha Jane KingLogan County Democrat Age: 53 Education: Adairville Olmstead schools Western Kentucky University1 Posted next to one area candidate8217;s campaign signs are: 8220;Drill here Drill now Pay less8221; But what realistically can a state lawmaker do to help solve Kentucky8217;s and the nation8217;s energy crisisThe energy crisis is everyone8217;s issue 045; legislators businesses farmers and individuals and NOW is the time to make changesThe first and the cheapest way to begin is to be responsible and to conserve energySecond if we have it in Kentucky I want to use it and improve it I support using our renewable fuel resources clean coal technology and coal gasification with carbon sequestrationThird I support drilling for American oil and natural gas I don8217;t care whose idea it is 045; Democratic Republican or independent if it is a good idea and will help us to bring down the high cost of fuel and petroleum products and reduce our dependency on foreign oil I will vote for it2 What do you hear from voters is their No 1 concern and what plans do you have to assuage their concernsThe one main concern I hear is the national economic crisis the high cost of gas and diesel and what a mess it is on Wall Street and in Washington Voters are upset mad worried 045; and so am I These are very serious times and fiscal irresponsibility and greed have turned us in to a debtor nationAs an individual and as a candidate I believe that we should not live and spend beyond our means I am conservative with money and I have concerns with the bailout and strongly agree that CEOs of failing companies should not receive millions of dollars as we the taxpayers are left with the bill There is nothing right about it3 As do many Kentuckians state government continues to be faced with declining revenues and rising costs Where do you think the state8217;s priorities should be in regard to funding programs and agenciesInheriting a budget deficit and dealing with a struggling economy creates a huge challenge for our elected officials A first priority is to use Kentucky tax dollars wisely finding ways to be cost efficient and when necessary cut and streamline expenses At the same time we must continue to find new ways to increase revenue and make our state financially stableExpanding economic development to bring more jobs to Logan and Todd Counties; investing in infrastructure improvements to better promote our area to business and industryMaking health care more affordable to everyone with focus on family children seniors and veteransIncrease funding for education and teachers8217; wages Expanding technical and vocational training for students entering the work force after high schoolMaintain KEES scholarship funding for our collegebound studentsReducing the price of gas and diesel by using Kentucky8217;s renewable resources switchgrass wood pulp corn vegetable oils and animal fats4 Gov Beshear has continued to say that the issue of expanded gaming is not dead and he believes the majority of Kentuckians want to vote on the issue What is your position of allowing citizens to vote for or against a constitutional amendment and whyThis is certainly a controversial issue in our counties but the majority of the people I have spoken with whether for or against are agreeable to letting the voters decide and I will honor the voice of the people5 Some people are questioning the efficiency of the state8217;s new approach to road projects 045; building only what is necessary But the fear is that only minimal improvements now to roads ultimately will be more of a cost later to state government How would you like to see the prioritizing planning and construction of road projects handledFirst and foremost we do have to plan improve and build our roads to maintain the working infrastructure of Kentucky New business and industry looking to move to our state must see that we are addressing their needs for transportationSecond rural counties now receive 222 percent of the gasoline tax in Kentucky We need to maintain that support for our secondary roads Trucks that deliver to our local merchants and farmers that move their equipment to support our great agriculture industry all depend on our state and county road departmentsThird while we work toward these goals we must work within the means of the funding available with need and common sense prevailing until more revenue is available6 What experiences do you have including but not limited to political office that make you more qualified for the position than your opponentI grew up on a farm in south Logan where I learned the value of family faith and responsibility and throughout my life these values have been my guideline As a proud fifthgeneration Logan Countian two jobs in the past 34 years have made the most impact in my life First as a teacher with Head Start in Russellville and then as a transportation agent working with Logan Aluminum as my local client Negotiating through the vast differences between the classroom and the boardroom I have learned that my natural skill of finding common ground with people has enabled me to work successfully towards a goal for the greater good regardless of a difference of opinion I think this is a quality lacking in many politicians today and is needed now more than ever in FrankfortThe job of a state representative is not just about the work we do at the Capitol it8217;s about how we connect with you as individuals farmers and businesses In today8217;s political environment it is critical to have a strong representative that has indepth knowledge of the areas we serve and the teamwork it takes with elected officials at home and in Frankfort to accomplish what we need for Logan and Todd counties These are the skills I will put to work for you as your next state representativeTim ThompsonTodd County Republican Age: 48 Education: One year Business Management course Grand Valley State University; Computer Training courses Excel Word Access Grand Rapids Community College1 Posted next to one area candidate8217;s campaign signs are: 8220;Drill here Drill now Pay less8221; But what realistically can a state lawmaker do to help solve Kentucky and the nations8217; energy crisisState government can do many things to help with the energy crisis1 We can review all state laws and repeal any legislation that is having any negative effect on the state8217;s energy cost or production of energy2 We need to look at state regulations on mineral rights leases to see that land owners are protected also prevent companies from buying up mineral rights and sitting on them to control market prices In our area we have many natural gas and oil wells Forty or more wells have been drilled in north Christian County just in the past few years2 What do you hear from voters is their No 1 concern and what plans do you have to assuage their concernsThe economyI have years of experience in fixing financial problems in business During my 30year career I have created new jobs and businesses; I have a proven track record of eliminating wasteful spending and reducing cost in businessI have years of experience in creating and managing large corporate budgets like the state budget3 As do many Kentuckians state government continues to be faced with declining revenues and rising costs Where do you think the state8217;s priorities should be in regard to funding programs and agenciesOur root problem is the cost of managing the government and the programs are eating up most of the money We need to streamline the state government and make it more efficient This will require less money to operate and should free up more money for the programs Better programs and lower tax burden4 Gov Beshear has continued to say that the issue of expanded gaming is not dead and he believes the majority of Kentuckians want to vote on the issue What is your position of allowing citizens to vote for or against a constitutional amendment and whyWe have a form of government that was adopted years ago If we begin to find ways around the system that we have operated by all these years it undermines the system and will lead to failure5 Some people are questioning the efficiency of the state8217;s new approach to road projects 045; building only what is necessary But the fear is that only minimal improvements now to roads ultimately will be more of a cost later to state government How would you like to see the prioritizing planning and construction of road projects handledWell to start with our road tax is the highest in history We need to use the money efficiently bidding out ALL road improvements with strict compliance and time standard on each job This will stretch our road dollarsAs for the cost now or later it costs money to borrow money so this will have to be looked at also Is not borrowing the major problem with our nation8217;s economy today6 What experiences do you have including but not limited to political office that make you more qualified for the position than your opponentI can only speak of my qualificationsI have years of experience in working in the community; four years as a volunteer EMT and firefighter; 15 years as a Boy Scout leader; two years working with the cities of Elkton and Guthrie hosting community events; four years working with our county clerk organizing and recruiting poll workers and as a poll worker; four years Republican Executive CommitteeBusiness experience is critical for this position During my 30year business career I have 17 years in management and ownershipI started from the bottom and worked my way to the topI have experience in managing companies up to 036;45 million in sales volumeI have years of experience in creating and managing budgetsI have personally created new jobs and businessesI have a proven track record in business of eliminating wasteful spending and reducing costsI have managed million dollar equipment projectsI am a business owner and know the burden firsthand that is facing our companies to keep going and to keep their people employedSTATE REPRESENTATIVE 21ST DISTRICT Encompassing parts of Warren CountyJim DeCesareWarren County Republican Age: 42 Education: Attended St Petersburg Jr College and the University of South Florida; graduate of Leadership Bowling Green and Citizens Police Academy and professional development1 Posted next to one area candidate8217;s campaign signs are: 8220;Drill here Drill now Pay less8221; But what realistically can a state lawmaker do to help solve Kentucky8217;s and the nation8217;s energy crisisRealistically I helped push through comprehensive energy legislation with House Bill 2 during the 2008 session House Bill 2 encourages renewable energy biofuels which help our corn and soybean producers solar energy hydroelectric Energy Star programs and highperformance building standards for public facilities House Bill 2 will save millions in energy costs I was also instrumental in defeating a new governmentimposed gas tax that would have cost Kentuckians millions in additional energy cost2 What do you hear from voters is their No 1 concern and what plans do you have to assuage their concernsThe economy and gas prices are what most people are talking about these days The best way to address these issues is by serving the taxpayers and not government I will continue bringing new jobs to Warren County and helping small businesses while keeping state government from reaching deeper into our pocketsI8217;m one of just a handful of legislators who opposed a permanent gas tax hike and have successfully brought more than 900 new jobs to Warren County I8217;ve been endorsed by the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and the Kentucky Club for Growth a bipartisan organization dedicated to the Reagan ideals of lower taxes and less government I8217;m one of only four Kentucky legislators in history to earn their 8220;Defender of Economic Freedom8221; award for protecting your tax dollars3 As do many Kentuckians state government continues to be faced with declining revenues and rising costs Where do you think the state8217;s priorities should be in regard to funding programs and agenciesWhile revenues have started to show signs of slowing recently because the economy is faltering a larger problem has been increased spending I will continue to push for more accountability with the taxpayers8217; dollars and search for areas where state government is spending recklessly We can properly fund priorities like education infrastructure and human services with existing revenues if we pay closer attention to how our tax dollars are utilized4 Gov Beshear has continued to say that the issue of expanded gaming is not dead and he believes the majority of Kentuckians want to vote on the issue What is your position of allowing citizens to vote for or against a constitutional amendment and whyI believe a majority of Kentuckians want to vote on this issue However the people of the 21st district have told me they8217;re opposed to expanding gambling As State Representative for the 21st district I will continue to oppose all measures to expand gambling in Kentucky5 Some people are questioning the efficiency of the state8217;s new approach to road projects 045; building only what is necessary But the fear is that only minimal improvements now to roads ultimately will be more of a cost later to state government How would you like to see the prioritizing planning and construction of road projects handledFirst it8217;s not the state8217;s approach; it8217;s the governor8217;s approach The General Assembly is responsible for prioritizing road projects in cooperation with the Transportation Cabinet local and county authorities and the area development districts A judge recently ruled the current road plan is void and any plan being used now is not legal As for the cost of road construction it rises every day regardless of when it is started If rising prices were a stipulation in preparing a road plan every proposed project would become a priority6 What experiences do you have including but not limited to political office that make you more qualified for the position than your opponentIn my short four years in Frankfort I8217;ve been able to work in a bipartisan fashion and earn the respect of my colleagues on numerous issues My family is like most families in Warren County and I8217;m in touch with the community and share their conservative family values I8217;ve taken those values to Frankfort with me As a member of the Education Transportation and Economic Development committees I8217;ve been able to lead and move Warren County forward My leadership abilities and experience make me the most qualified candidate I would appreciate your vote on Nov 4 for State RepresentativeCharlene RaboldWarren County Democrat Age: 60 Education: Western Kentucky University bachelor of science master of arts and Rank I1 Posted next to one area candidate8217;s campaign signs are: 8220;Drill here Drill now Pay less8221; But what realistically can a state lawmaker do to help solve Kentucky and the nation8217;s energy crisisWe can no longer ignore the energy crisis Any hardworking Kentuckian who has recently filled his or her gas tank knows that the crisis is hitting in Warren County and it directly impacts our pocketbooks and family budgetsIt just makes good sense to take action now We must look at this issue in both long and short terms The decisions we make will impact our children and our grandchildren Renewable energy production needs to move to the front of the state8217;s energy policy I was raised on the family farm and know that our agriculture community is the backbone of our economy I will work to ensure that our family farms have the opportunity to play a key role in helping Warren County and Kentucky become a leader in the production of alternative forms of energy such as corn ethanol biodiesel from soybeans and cellulose waste from grasses and other agriculture waste I will also support legislation to immediately and fully fund research at our universities and encourage the study of alternative energy productionOn a more basic shortterm level I will encourage energy audits of state buildings and work to ensure that your taxpayerowned buildings are both environmentally and economically efficient And I will encourage home conservation 045; we all need to do our part to turn off lights adjust our heating and cooling temperatures and share rides with othersFinally as your legislator I will be your watchdog and challenge anyone who tries to price gouge you at the gas pump2 What do you hear from voters is their No 1 concern and what plans do you have to assuage their concernsThe biggest concerns for Warren County voters are the economy and jobsVoters are distressed by the tumbling stock market and the Republicanled bailout of the financial industry and they want to know in real terms how this crisis will affect their mortgage payments their retirement accounts and their ability to put food on the table Voters are also concerned about taxes and wasteful spending in FrankfortAs state representative it will be my responsibility to make sure that our state government is living within its means and I will be a watchdog for prudent spending on the issues that matter the most to us 045; our families our children You are being forced to tighten your budget belt and the same should be expected of our state governmentWhile we are tightening our belts we must invest in and strengthen our education system as education is the basis for all future economic development Unfortunately my opponent voted to cut funding for our public schools and Western Kentucky University In contrast when I go to Frankfort I will be a champion for education at all levels and I will work to provide funding for our schools We know that a strong public education system is the key to guaranteeing a prosperous future for our children and it is the solution to attracting and retaining new businesses to Warren County Finally I will continue to support business both big and small and fight for new highpaying jobs for our community3 As do many Kentuckians state government continues to be faced with declining revenues and rising cost Where do you think the state8217;s priorities should be in regard to funding programs and agenciesEducation should be our top priority It is the key to our future in Kentucky Education provides the foundation for children to achieve their goals Education also prepares us to enter the workforce and become successful citizens Education must be a priority in Kentucky if we expect our commonwealth to compete in a global market and we want to attract and retain new businessBeyond education we must fund essential services like public safety to maintain adequate police and fire protection We must also provide infrastructure funding to safeguard our roads and communitiesHaving said all of this Kentucky government must live within its means and be fiscally responsible My experience including growing up on a family farm and working as a teacher has given me the skills necessary to ensure that Kentucky stays within its budget4 Gov Beshear has continued to say that the issue of expanded gaming is not dead and he believes the majority of Kentuckians want to vote on the issue What is your position of allowing citizens to vote for or against a constitutional amendment and whyI trust the voters Period I am in favor of giving this issue to the citizens and allowing them to decide this matter The state constitution provides the opportunity for citizens to vote on this issue and it8217;s time we let their voices be heard5 Some people are questioning the efficiency of the state8217;s new approach to road projects 045; building only what is necessary But the fear is that only minimal improvements will be more of a cost later to state government How would you like to see the prioritizing planning and construction of road projects handledDuring these tough economic times the reality is our state budget is lacking the necessary revenue to continue to move full steam ahead on all road projects We must prioritize our projects so that critical needs are met especially those relating to public safety concerns and allocate the remaining dollars to sufficiently maintain projects that can be put off for full completion until more funds are availableI would strongly advocate for citizen input in the prioritizing process and fair distribution of funds across the stateWe must find ways to be more fiscally responsible in our spending across the board and focus only on the projects that are essential to the wellbeing of our community and commonwealth Being fiscally responsible is how we managed to make ends meet on my parent8217;s farm in my classroom and in my own home6 What experiences do have including but not limited to political office that make you more qualified for the position that your opponentI spent 36 years in the Warren County Public School system as an educator My entire career was dedicated to serving children and families and ensuring that people have the tools necessary to achieve their goals In this unstable economy our children and families face great challenges and they deserve a representative who puts their interests firstI was raised on the family farm and learned firsthand how to live within one8217;s means We bought everything with cash and took great care of what we had The values learned in the classroom and on the farm are exactly the kind of values we need in FrankfortUnlike my opponent when I am called to vote on issues that impact Warren County families I will always vote family first I will always support hardworking people and I will oppose legislation that slashes wagesFurther I will take my job as your representative very seriously I will not waste your taxpayers8217; dollars by sponsoring trivial legislation that has no bearing on the needs of Warren County When I go to Frankfort I will be there to work for the people and my agenda is simple 045; I am there to represent our families and childrenSTATE REPRESENTATIVE 22ND DISTRICT Encompassing Allen and Simpson counties and part of Warren CountyShawn McPhersonAllen County Republican Age: 42 Education: Bachelor of science in agriculture business from Western Kentucky University master of science in animal nutrition from WKU1 Posted next to one area candidate8217;s campaign signs are: 8220;Drill here Drill now Pay less8221; But what realistically can a state lawmaker do to help solve Kentucky8217;s and the nation8217;s energy crisisI think as lawmakers we need to encourage and clear the way for refineries to turn Kentucky coal into diesel fertilizer etc2 What do you hear from voters is their No 1 concern and what plans do you have to assuage their concernsJobs with good benefits I feel that Kentucky needs to become a righttowork state We need to encourage companies to come into the state by lowering our taxes on small business therefore encouraging more job growth and bringing more revenue to the state3 As do many Kentuckians state government continues to be faced with declining revenues and rising costs Where do you think the state8217;s priorities should be in regard to funding programs and agenciesCut government waste prioritize essential needs and then use resources to encourage job growth and build infrastructure4 Gov Beshear has continued to say that the issue of expanded gaming is not dead and he believes the majority of Kentuckians want to vote on the issue What is your position of allowing citizens to vote for or against a constitutional amendment and whyI feel our lawmakers and representatives should listen to the people in the districts in which they represent If this is voted on by the entire state the small towns which may oppose casino gambling might not have proper representation5 Some people are questioning the efficiency of the state8217;s new approach to road projects 045; building only what is necessary But the fear is that only minimal improvements now ultimately will be more of a cost later to state government How would you like to see the prioritizing planning and construction of road projects handledBuilding roads is a vital part of continued growth for the state and its economy The sixyear road plan needs to be aggressive and comprehensive to plan for the continued population growth of the eastern portion of the country We should look at the needs of the entire state and surrounding states in developing this comprehensive plan6 What experiences do you have including but not limited to political office that make you more qualified for the position than your opponentI am not a politician; however I have served as chairman cochairman andor board member of many civic boards within the community area I am a small businessman; I started my career as staff appraisernegotiator for the state Department of Highways and for the past 13 years I have been a small business owner starting a number of small businesses including an appraisal business assisted living facilities and a homesitting service I know the regulations that a small business person must go through to grow a business from the ground up I have been successful in these ventures and feel that my decisionmaking process can be beneficial in recruiting and creating jobs for KentuckyWilson StoneAllen County Democrat Age: 55 Education: 1970 graduate Allen County High School 1974 bachelor of science degree in agriculture from Western Kentucky University 1978 master of science degree from WKU in animal science; 1996 member of Leadership Kentucky class1 Posted next to one area candidate8217;s campaign signs are: 8220;Drill here Drill now Pay less8221; But what realistically can a state lawmaker do to help solve Kentucky and the nation8217;s energy crisisKentucky is blessed with rich coal reserves Clean coal technology recently developed allows us to produce significant energy and at the same time improve Kentucky8217;s economyAlso Kentucky has recently provided incentives for power plants to locate in Kentucky This provides cheaper energy to Kentucky and also high paying jobsI also support continued use of ethanol biomass and biodiesel production in Kentucky to lessen our dependence on foreign oil and to provide cheaper fuel alternatives to the citizens of KentuckyFinally as a state legislator I will work with our agencies to conserve unnecessary fuel consumption I will push for an audit of all fuel usage within state agencies which I believe will point out any waste of fuel by the commonwealth2 What do you hear from voters is their No 1 concern and what plans do you have to assuage their concernsVoters in the 22nd District are primarily concerned that they maintain quality jobs that pay a living wage Voters want jobs for themselves and they want to be able for their children to continue to live in their home communities and have good paying jobs In order to accomplish this voters in the 22nd District know that we must provide a quality education for our children and that we must provide a business friendly atmosphere in the commonwealth I will work hard to bring these quality jobs to the 22nd District3 As do many Kentuckians state government continues to be faced with declining revenues and rising costs Where do you think the state8217;s priorities should be in regard to funding programs and agenciesAs legislator my No 1 priority will always be education Without it none of my other priorities can be realized I will also push to bring quality jobs to the 22nd District and will work to ensure that all persons especially the elderly receive quality health care Finally I will work hard to keep our taxes low and provide more efficient services by the state4 Gov Beshear has continued to say that the issue of expanded gaming is not dead and he believes the majority of Kentuckians want to vote on the issue What is your position of allowing citizens to vote for or against a constitutional amendment and whyThe Kentucky Constitution Section 226 Section 3 provides for and limits gambling and I believe the existing constitution is sufficient Kentucky8217;s revenue should not be dependent on gambling Because of this I oppose expanded gambling within the commonwealth5 Some people are questioning the efficiency of the state8217;s new approach to road projects 045; building only what is necessary But the fear is that only minimal improvements now to roads ultimately will be more of a cost later to state government How would you like to see the prioritizing planning and construction of road projects handledFor too long rural Kentucky has received less than its fair share of road and bridge projects I will work hard in Frankfort to see that southern Warren County Simpson County and Allen County receive adequate funding to build necessary roads and bridges in my district I think that safety and maintenance of our existing roads is always our first priority Highway 100 between Scottsville and Franklin is an area of particular concern to me I will work hard to rebuild and modernize Highway 100 especially the Trammel Creek Bridge There are also several bridges in Warren and Simpson counties that need immediate attention6 What experiences do you have including but not limited to political office that make you more qualified for the position than your opponentI have spent 24 years on my local school board and have served as president of the state School Board Association I think that this experience has prepared me to understand education on a statewide level I will work hard streamlining and updating the current testing requirements in Kentucky to make our schools more efficient and to make our students more successfulI have been a farmer my entire life I graduated from Western Kentucky University with a degree in agriculture and I taught agriculture at WKU I have served on the Farm Bureau Board of Directors These experiences have helped me to understand the needs and concerns of Warren Allen and Simpson counties8217; farmers and the advantages that agriculture can bring to us I will work hard to save our area8217;s family farms and to ensure that the next generation of Kentuckians has the opportunity to work in agriculture hereI have an existing relationship with Gov Beshear and other members of the Kentucky State House I have served as an officer in my local chamber of commerce and have been actively involved in promoting my county These experiences will assist me in bringing quality jobs to Allen Simpson and Warren countiesI am an elder in my church and have served on the YMCA Board of Directors These experiences have allowed me to understand the issues that older Kentuckians face I will work hard to make sure that our elderly can receive quality insurance at a reasonable price I will work hard to make sure that the high costs of fuel and food don8217;t require our seniors to choose between these necessities and prescription medication http://www.axtora.com/homesites/us/kentucky/elkton/content/699eeedcaee9e348abbb269ee8b9204e.html On Monday Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity chapters on US college campuses started selling Real Men Wear PinkTshirts in hopes of raising thousands of dollars for breast cancer research and the whole project was conceived at the University of KentuckyWill Stahl president of the Alpha Gamma Rho chapter at UK said he hit on the idea of selling pink Tshirts for breast cancer last fall while trying to come up with a fraternity charity project Pink of course is the color used by many groups support breast cancer researchStahl and his fraternity brothers developed two shirt designs Real Men Wear Pinkfor guys and My Man Wears Pinkfor girls and sold 530 shirts to members of other UK Greek organizations in 2007 The chapter ultimately raised almost 2700 for Susan G Komen For the Cure the organization dedicated to conquering breast cancer http://www.axtora.com/homesites/us/kentucky/elkton/content/3167a99a6c789fdc9074df1e93da4918.html On Monday Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity chapters on US college campuses started selling Real Men Wear Pink Tshirts in hopes of raising thousands of dollars for breast cancer research and the whole project was conceived at the University of Kentucky Will Stahl president of the Alpha Gamma Rho chapter at UK said he hit on the idea of selling pink Tshirts for breast cancer last fall while trying to come up with a fraternity charity project Pink of course is the color used by many groups support breast cancer research Stahl and his fraternity brothers developed two shirt designs Real Men Wear Pink for guys and My Man Wears Pink for girls and sold 530 shirts to members of other UK Greek organizations in 2007 The chapter ultimately raised almost 2700 for Susan G Komen For the Cure the organization dedicated to conquering breast cancer http://www.axtora.com/homesites/us/kentucky/elkton/content/dd67e3c02a5ef597c5716599ba70645a.html An Elkton man indicted for an alleged investment scam in Logan County is now facing additional charges Joseph Martin Pewitt 42 was indicted Tuesday in Todd County on three counts of selling securities without a license and three counts of selling unregistered securitiesPewitt was indicted in late June in Logan County on two counts each of selling securities without a license and selling unregistered securities All 10 charges are class D felonies punishable by one to five years in prisonThe three victims in Todd County lost more than 036;290000 in the scheme according to a report from the Kentucky Attorney General8217;s Office which is prosecuting the case along with Gail Guiling commonwealth8217;s attorney for Logan and Todd countiesThe two Logan County victims are alleged to have lost 036;200000 in the scheme where Pewitt claimed he had invested in 8220;point of sale8221; credit card terminals and promised them 1 percent interest on their investment each month according to the Attorney General8217;s officeEach of these indictments will be tried separately said Joe Ross assistant commonwealth8217;s attorney for Logan and Todd countiesConsumer Protection in the Attorney General8217;s office began investigating after being contacted by an attorney who represented two elderly widows in Logan County according to the report The attorney had concerns about investments the two had made in TMT Management Groups LLCOther sellers from TMT Management have had criminal or civil actions taken against them in Texas and Florida and by the US Securities and Exchange Commission In Florida there were approximately 300 investors nationally whom the scheme cost 036;22 millionThe case is still being investigated Anyone who has had contact with Pewitt and has concerns is asked to contact the Attorney General8217;s office said Allison Martin spokeswoman for the attorney general8212; Call the Attorney General8217;s Office in Louisville at 502 4297134 http://www.axtora.com/homesites/us/kentucky/elkton/content/c9a8a069cc69139d3402b6ff99c45bd5.html Joseph Martin Pewitt is charged with three counts of selling securities without a license and three counts of selling unregistered securities