Speak Up, Jackson County- History in the Making: A Totally New Fiscal Court

Jackson County is heading into an election unlike anything most of us have seen.

Starting in 2027, all three magistrate seats will have new faces. The primary elections have already decided who will be on the ballot, and none of the current magistrates are among them.

The Judge Executive race is changing too. Earlier this year, Shane Gabbard resigned before finishing his term. Governor Andy Beshear appointed Paul Hays to serve as Interim Judge Executive until the election. This November, voters will decide who will serve as Judge Executive for the next four years.

When you step back and look at it, this is a big moment for Jackson County. Every seat on Fiscal Court will have someone new. Most people I have talked with can’t remember another time when the entire Fiscal Court changed at once.

Here’s where things stand heading into November.
Jason Lainhart is running as an independent. He has announced that, if elected, Betty Hays will serve as Deputy Judge Executive.

Paul Hays is the Republican nominee. He is currently serving as Interim Judge Executive after being appointed earlier this year. Tony Boggs is serving as Interim Deputy Judge Executive during this transition. As of now, nothing has been announced about who would fill that position after the election.

Come November, voters will choose between Jason Lainhart and Paul Hays for Judge Executive. Whoever wins will be working alongside three magistrates who will all be new to those positions. That part has already been decided by the primary election.

I keep coming back to one thought. Most elections have at least one familiar face. Someone has already served in the position, and people have a record to look back on. This election is different. Every person serving on Fiscal Court will be new in that role.

That means it’s up to us to learn about the people asking for our vote. Listen to what they have to say. Ask questions. Compare their ideas. Don’t vote just because of a name you’ve heard before or because someone else tells you who to support. Take the time to make your own decision.

Between now and November, we’re all going to hear promises, opinions, and campaign messages. My hope is that people will ask questions, listen to both candidates, and make the decision they believe is best for Jackson County.

No matter who wins, this election will mark the beginning of a new chapter for our county.

Until next week, God bless, and remember: If we want better, we have to do better. Speak up, stay involved, and never stop caring about Jackson County.