Judge Gabbard Decides Not to Seek Re-election

In 2014 when I was elected to serve as Judge Executive, I told our citizens I would do my best to keep everyone informed on what was going on within our community, concerning County Government, as best I could. In 2015 I began writing these articles to do just that and have continued over the past 11 years. The local newspapers have been nothing short of awesome in helping me do so.

This Thanksgiving week I want to share something that so many of you have been asking me about. The timeline to file to run for public office has officially opened and after much consideration and prayer, I have decided that I will NOT be seeking re-election.

I chose Thanksgiving week to share this news because I am very thankful for the opportunity to have served as Judge Executive. When I say I have been praying about this I am not exaggerating as I have been seeking the Lord's guidance on what to do for over a year. My family and myself feel like this is the best thing to do for myself and Jackson County. Jackson County has always been my home. I am thankful to have served and been a small part of the wonderful things we have seen happen these past 11 years, none of which would have been possible without the support and hard work of the citizens of this great County.

In 2017 we became a "Work Ready Community in Progress" and later in 2023 Jackson County received the full certification of a "Work Ready Community" which is an important tool for Economic Development. This has led to our Industrial Park in Annville, particularly the old Mid-South site, becoming a Build Ready location. We currently have a grant application with the State to construct a new building on that site that will house a manufacturing facility if approved. I have my fingers crossed and prayers going up that this will happen if it works in Jackson County's favor. Thank you to the Jackson County/Mckee IDA, CVADD and community leaders for working so hard on this initiative.

County road maintenance has been a challenge these past 11 years as we have limited funding available for the over 500 miles of County roads we maintain. The cost of blacktop has almost doubled. However, in the last 11 years, we have invested over 7 million dollars in our local roads in an effort to resurface pavement, repair slides, repair bridges, replace drainage tiles etc. The magistrates, the road department and contractors have made a lot of progress but the next Judge Executive will face a lot of challenges as county roads are still the most requested service we have. I want to thank the Magistrates for their hard work and dedication to improving roads, economic development and the efforts they have made to improve the quality of life in Jackson County. I also want to thank our road department staff as well as road foreman, Robbie Belt, for always addressing concerns as best you could. It is a thankless job most days but I appreciate you all greatly.

County maintained parks have been something we have worked to improve. Flat Lick Falls park has the first county owned RV sites. The falls are an attraction to many visitors from around the state and nation as well as a local favorite. The shelter at Flat Lick stays booked for reunions and gatherings and the campground stays busy as well. The County offers reservations on shelters at Flat Lick, Sand Gap Park, Worthington Park in Annville as well as Gray Hawk Park. Worthington Park is still under construction for refurbished softball fields and we hope to receive some grant money to update playground equipment there as well. In 2022, the County entered into an agreement with the City of McKee to construct the very first splash pad park in Jackson County. This has become a very popular place for families, especially those with smaller children.

One of my favorite events in Jackson County is the County Fair. In 2015 the Fiscal Court reformed the Jackson County Fair Board with members full of ambition, love for community and motivation to put together a County Fair that would appeal to locals as well as bring visitors from around the state. That board has evolved into one of the hardest working groups of volunteers in the County. The County fair keeps growing yearly and sponsorships of local and regional businesses and organizations from around the state prove the worth of the County Fair. The events they lead don't just encompass the fair, they also coordinate Christmas on the Square, breakfast with Santa as well as many other past and future community events.

The work of the Fair Board also has been a major contributor into the new 4 million dollar Jackson County Fairgrounds project that is currently under construction. State Representative Timmy Truett and Senator Robert Stivers saw the community engagement as an opportunity to secure state funds for a major investment in Jackson County that will host fair activities, travel ball tournaments, disc golf, community gatherings, walking trails and the list goes on.

Tourism is a hot topic in the state and will be an important part of Jackson County's future growth. Many of our citizens have made private investments in constructing overnight rentals listed on AirBNB and other rental sites for nightly accommodation purposes. This stems from adventure tourists visiting the National Forest, riding ATV trails, spectators enjoying Backroads of Appalachia events, horseback riding as well as many other activities. Recently Jackson, Owsley and Clay Counties joined together to develop a regional tourism approach that has the support of our state legislatures. Together, we are developing a plan that will possibly bring in more visitors to our region and grow our economies through tourism dollars. This is still in the early stages but has great potential.

Jackson County is a wonderful place. We are made up of people from all walks of life. It has been my honor and privilege to serve as Judge Executive these past 11 years. I am glad to have been a small part of the great things our citizens, organizations and volunteers have been able to do. We survived a pandemic together, shared smiles, laughter and tears.

It has also been my great pleasure to work with some of the best people on Earth. The Clerk's office, PVA, Sheriff's Department, County Attorney's Office, Jailers Staff and work release inmates, City officials and workers, members of the Fiscal Court and all departments have become some wonderful friends and colleagues. Shay Hacker and Kaleb Spence have put up with me daily and they will never know how much I appreciate their work and dedication to our community. Our EM staff, 911 staff, first responders and EMS are dedicated individuals and your work is greatly appreciated as well. I have worked with too many volunteers to name individually, however, if we have appointed you to a board or you just came in to lend a hand I appreciate you greatly. Thank you to PRTC, Jackson Energy and Jackson County Water for always working with the County on development and community initiatives.

Amanda Holt was our right arm in County Government. We were blessed with her on earth for 36 years. Cancer came and Amanda needed rest so she graduated to Heaven. We will always love and miss you Amanda. Also, Julia Vickers was a friendly face in the Courthouse that God delivered from Cancer shortly before Amanda. We love and miss you Julia. I'm sure they are enjoying Heaven together with my Mom, who passed in 2023, and countless other loved ones and friends.

Thank you Jackson County for entrusting me these past 11 years to serve as Judge Executive.I have kept my family and my faith as the most important things in my life. My wife and children are a blessing from God and have been my biggest supporters. I love them more than life.

I ask you when you vote for the next Judge Executive to consider someone that loves this community and its citizens. Someone that treats people respectfully and will believe in the greater good of our community and not sling mud in the process. Someone that will continue working with state and federal leaders. Keep moving Jackson County forward. I don't know where I will go from here, I'm just waiting on God to open a door.

There are rumors that my family purchased Town and Country Shell in Annville. Those are just rumors. My brother and nephew work there but we do not own the business. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!!

May God Bless You