Election Tuesday

Nov. 2, 2009 — Voters will be going to the polls this coming Tuesday, Dec. 8, for the state representative special election to fill the unexpired term of now-Senator Robin Webb.

Barry Webb is running on the Democrat ticket and Jill York is the Republican candidate. Both are from Grayson.

Following are their answers to some questions to help our readers get to know them a little better.

QUESTION: Can you give us some personal information about yourself?

Jill York: Carter County is my home. The only time I've lived elsewhere was when I was in college. My parents are Sally Hunter York and the late James H. "Hap" York. I spent my childhood playing in the creek, fishing and following my grandfather Hunter around in the garden. I graduated from East Carter High School in 1984, have a Bachelor's Degree from

Transylvania University in Lexington and did my graduate work in journalism at Marshall University in Huntington. Once home from college, I got involved with community service through the Jaycees in Grayson. That turned into a lifelong joy as I served and led in organizations like the Carter County Fair Board, Grayson Area Chamber of Commerce, the Summer Bash Community Fundraiser, Junior Achievement and Venture Crew 160 at the Bayless Memorial Presbyterian Church. My business, PrintWorks, a small printing and design firm in Grayson, has been around for nearly 17 years. During that time we have worked to be a good community partner by donating time and talent to projects to make things better in Carter County.

Barry Webb: I grew up in Webbville, KY the son of Ella J. Estep Webb and the late Roy Webb. My Grandparents were Gobel and Edna Estep of Grayson and Toney and Sarah Webb of Webbville. I attended Louisa High School, Georgetown College and Morehead State University. I visited with my grandparents in Grayson frequently throughout my childhood and I have been a resident of Grayson for more than 20 years. I work at AK Steel's Coke plant and I am the Financial Secretary with United Steelworkers Local 523. My wife Karen and I have 1 son, 2 daughters and 7 grandchildren. I am a member of Brammer Gap Methodist Church.

Question: Will you name what you feel to be the top five issues you would like to work on as State Representative to help Carter County?

Jill York: First, we must work on job creation and retention. Second, we must combat the illegal drug epidemic by empowering law enforcement and our courts while we explore treatment options for those suffering from addiction. Third, we must equip our teachers will all the resources we can provide to enable them to be successful. Fourth, I believe that emphasis on fiscal responsibility in state government can allow citizens to keep more of their hard earned dollars. Then, finally, opening Kentucky health care options up for more competition can make those costs more affordable to all.

Barry Webb: Economic development, Employment, the Substance Abuse Problem, Education both school age and continuing education for adults, and improving conditions and opportunities for the police and fire departments

Question: How would you like to help Carter County as far as jobs and employment?

Jill York: We should adopt an "all options on the table" approach. Meaning that while we continue to entice companies to our industrial parks in Olive Hill and EastPark, we should be open to new horizons in the labor market. "Farmshoring" involves bringing to rural America the technical and records keeping jobs that went overseas a decade ago. These jobs are skilled and high wage. Appalachian communities in other states are taking advantage of this trend and I think it could be a good fit for our area as well. We must define what makes our area unique from other parts of the country and capitalize on it. Everything from Agri-Tourism to carbon sequestration is possible in Carter County. Those industries are just in their infancy and Carter County has opportunities for both.

Barry Webb: Assure that all government prevailing wage jobs are done under project agreements or require the contractor to hire employees from the local area when qualified employees are available. Use state economic development money to aggressively pursue any and all employers who want to start-up or relocate.

Question: What do you think should or could be done about the illegal drug dealing and drug addiction problems in Carter County?

Jill York: A national prescription drug tracking system, sort of a US version of Kentucky's eKASPER, would significantly reduce Kentucky's illegal prescription drug trade. Until that happens, we must support law enforcement and find penalties that shut down the profit for those who deal drugs. Getting the word out to our youth about the downward spiral associated with a life of drug dependency is an important part of the solution. De-tox and rehabilitation programs can pull those who want recovery out of their addictions. If we can curtail the profit, harshly penalize the dealers and eliminate the demand we can make a true difference in the drug war.

Barry Webb: The doctors and pharmacies need to be regulated by the federal government to see how many prescriptions they write per month. A national drug monitoring system such as Kentucky‚s Kasper system needs to be put into place and done so now. Doctor’s should be criminally prosecuted when they purposely prescribe medication they are sure is going to be used illegally.

The individuals selling these drugs should have their property seized when convicted or upon entering a plea bargain for trafficking. Any and all property should be sold and the proceeds be used to establish drug treatment centers to help those who want to get treatment.

Question: Do you think it is needed and would you help Carter County get a drug rehabilitation center?

Jill York: Treatment options are definitely needed for Carter Countians. However, research shows that the more successful programs are those that remove the addict from their environment. To become healthy, they need separation from all those things that made it easy for them to feed their addiction. A residential, medically-based treatment center can be an asset to our community but that alone will not guarantee success for those who attend it. In that regard, an exchange program of sorts with another treatment center, located elsewhere, might give our people the best chance at recovery. I would support all viable options for helping turn lives away from addiction.

Barry Webb: I do believe a rehab center would be beneficial to Carter County and I would support one as long as it was set up in conjunction with drug court and was available to everyone regardless of ability to pay.

Question: How do you feel about corruption in politics and among elected officials? Should they strive to live above reproach and be role models for everyone else?

Jill York: All of us should live our lives as examples -- all the time and everyday. Your faith, your character, your values should be evident in everything you do. I think that corruption or dishonesty creeps in when people begin to feel that they are above the rules. A "me first" mentality sets in that somehow allows them to do rotten, unfair things as long as they get what they want. Sadly, this isn't just a symptom of politics as I think it can happen anywhere.

Barry Webb: With the development of so many media sources I feel corruption is less widespread than it used to be and although no one is perfect and everyone makes mistakes, bad or uninformed decisions on occasion those in politics should try their best to set as good an example as possible.

Question: Do you think Grayson, Olive Hill and/or Carter County should be voted wet (to serve alcohol)? Why or why not?

Jill York: This issue must be decided by the people and therefore should be on the ballot. A "wet" initiative would never be successful countywide. Wet in that regard would mean that alcohol sales by the drink and in packages would be allowed anywhere in the county. The economic benefits of additional businesses, jobs and tax revenue from a "moist" (by the drink in restaurants) initiative in certain precincts may have merit, but must be decided by voters.

Barry Webb: No not really, but for that to every happen it should be by a vote of the citizens and be very limited to only areas where food is sold like in surrounding areas in an effort to draw some of the bigger chain restaurants to locate here.

Question: How do you feel about the Governor’s proposed plans to expand gambling in Kentucky?

Jill York: That the decision must be left to the people of the commonwealth to decide. If a constitutional amendment is necessary to bring it before the voters, then that's what we should do. I resist the notion that the only way for our state to meet its financial goals is for Kentuckians to lose money.

Barry Webb: I would be in favor of additional gaming options only at racetracks where gaming is already available.

Question: Are you pro-life or pro-choice? Explain why.

Jill York: I am pro-life. If we can't place value on human life, then what exactly should we value as a society?

Barry Webb: Pro-Life, I personally oppose abortion and absolutely oppose tax dollars being used for that purpose.

Question: Do you think it is needed and would you help Carter County get a homeless shelter?

Jill York: Carter County is blessed with several community and faith-based organizations that work to assist those who are in need in our area.

They work valiantly to help people better their circumstances and put them in touch with the government services that are available. In this economic downturn, I hope the need for a homeless shelter does not make itself apparent.

Barry Webb: Any time you have levels of high unemployment you will have people who need help, I am not sure if there are enough residents of Carter County needing shelter to make one necessary. I believe the area churches could add enough input and advice as to if and when a shelter would be necessary or if other methods of assistance would be more beneficial and I would do whatever is necessary to try and help all citizens of Carter County.

Closing remarks from Barry Webb - I believe with hard work and a coordinated effort Carter and Lewis counties best days are still ahead of them. Our area consists of hard working people who know how to succeed if given the opportunity, and working together we can obtain any goal. Thank you very much!

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