Key Issues and Policy Priorities
Transparency in Government
I believe constituents deserve open and honest government. Information should be shared freely, without unnecessary nondisclosure agreements or closed-door meetings. We cannot solve complex problems when decisions are made without public knowledge or scrutiny, especially when influenced by large corporate interests. Citizens have the right to review proposed legislation, research its potential impact, and determine whether it serves their best interests. Voters in District 27 deserve full visibility into proposed legislation and meaningful opportunities to oppose measures that may negatively affect their communities.
A Voice for All
Before voting on any legislation, I believe it is imperative to provide citizens with an opportunity to be heard. I will take proactive steps to share information about upcoming bills and gather constituent feedback whenever possible. As an elected official, my responsibility is to represent the will of the majority, even when it differs from my personal views. Public service means putting the interests of the people first.
Responsible Growth
I will carefully consider the demographics and long-term needs of Meade and Hardin Counties when evaluating new industrial development. My priority is to ensure that growth aligns with our rural character and community values. Large-scale developments such as data centers and solar farms may not be suitable for our region, as they can disrupt our landscape and place significant strain on utilities.
Tax incentives should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and structured with accountability measures, including reimbursement provisions if a company relocates after incentives expire. Radcliff’s experience demonstrates the risks of overreliance on a single economic driver such as Fort Knox; when military operations shifted, the community suffered lasting economic consequences. Hardin County has significant opportunities for revitalization and sustainable growth, which can also benefit Meade County residents by bringing jobs, goods, and services closer to home.
Protecting Our Agricultural Economy
Rising costs for inputs, equipment, and repairs are placing immense pressure on our farmers, often making the sale of family land feel like the only option for survival. Without local farmers, food prices will continue to rise as we become more dependent on imported products. Once farmland is sold, it is rarely recovered.
We must address monopolistic practices among seed and fertilizer companies and discourage price gouging. Farmers deserve a reasonable profit to offset years of unpredictable yields and crop failures. This is not only a local concern, but a nationwide issue. I will work to protect farmland, ensure foreign entities comply with land ownership laws, and collaborate with farmers to address high costs and pursue fair, sustainable solutions.
Affordable Housing
The rising cost of land and construction has made homeownership unattainable for many families. I will work with local magistrates and county officials to develop practical solutions that expand access to affordable housing. This may include lower-rent programs, grants to offset construction costs for landlords, and zoning flexibility to encourage affordable development.
Thoughtful planning around lot sizes, multi-family housing, and utility capacity is essential. Potential solutions include higher-density subdivisions, smaller homes on modest lots, and innovative sanitation options where appropriate. Expanding county water access, especially in outer areas, should be a top priority, as the cost of drilling wells often makes new construction prohibitively expensive.
Education
Education policy must support all students, not only those who plan to attend college. I will advocate for programs that expand access to trade education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship opportunities, particularly for students who may not thrive in traditional academic settings.
This approach also supports individuals with criminal records who face barriers to employment after incarceration. Additionally, substance abuse education should begin earlier, paired with greater access to low- or no-cost recreational activities that offer healthy alternatives. While Kentucky has made progress in improving student-to-counselor ratios, further gains can be achieved through parent volunteer initiatives and targeted support for students facing challenges outside the classroom.
Military Members and Veterans
With Fort Knox in our backyard, Meade and Hardin Counties are uniquely positioned to advocate for expanded services for active-duty military members and veterans. The upcoming VA hospital in Louisville may open the door to additional government-supported projects and services.
Our region is home to many veterans and service members, and while active-duty personnel may not rely on VA facilities, veterans often face long travel times for essential care. I will support efforts to expand satellite clinics and local access points so veterans can receive the medical services they have earned without unnecessary hardship.