From a former Republican: I hope young people realize what’s being planned for them.

Amanda Ferguson responds

I would appreciate your vote for my re-election as the 4th District member of the Fayette County Board of Education. The district has honored me by previously electing me to this position three times. I would again be a passionate advocate for my constituents – representing the best interests of the entire community, insisting on good governance and accountability, and seeking to ensure the wise use of district resources so that every student in the school district will be positioned to succeed. I promise to be a voice for those who feel they have not been heard – students, parents, teachers, support professionals, administrators, and concerned citizens.

I have lived within this district nearly my entire life, attending Maxwell, Morton, and Henry Clay. In addition to my service on the school board, I have been involved with the school system for nearly 20 years as a PTA member and officer, SBDM council member, volunteer and tutor, while my children attended schools within this system.

My parents instilled in me a lifelong love of education and learning, and I received a B.A. degree in Psychology from the University of Kentucky and an M.A. degree in Psychology from Vanderbilt University. My passion for education ultimately led me to take on the challenging role of school board member for 10 years and I am ready to serve again.

I have been and remain committed to the betterment of my community, especially its children. I am eager to work for you again and ask for your vote.

Rock Daniels responds

Lexington was ranked the third safest city in America four short years ago when my opponent was first elected. Today Lexington is near the top of the charts for murder rate in 2022. The Police Department is currently 115 officers short of being fully staffed. I have received the endorsement from the Fraternal Order of Police, because they know that I will take public safety seriously.

This year, because of being underfunded, overworked and understaffed, Emergency 911 has had over 1000 calls with a two-minute wait time. While prosecutors and judges are forced to bond out violent criminals because our corrections officers are 118 officers understaffed. This is all because of city council’s lack of focusing on public safety.

I challenge every member of the media and public to demand transparency by making an open records request to the city of Lexington. Ask to see all spending for City Council, have them include their cost center and neighborhood development funds. Have the request run from January 1st 2018 through the present. Make sure to ask that they include all receipts.

As a council member, I will make sure that we put the safety of our public first. I will be sure to work on economic development because we need an increase in funds to cover the expense of the historically large budget passed this year. I will support affordable housing and homeless initiatives. I will advocate for the proper use of taxpayer dollars.

On Nov. 8, ROCK THE VOTE.

Vote Republican

Just like president Biden in his speech on Nov. 2, I too am worried about democracy. Bu he failed to mention the true threats ! A government that tries to institute a dis-information board, woke cancel culture causing people to lose their jobs for speaking their mind, a press that serves as the public relations firm for democrats, big tech companies that censor conservative ideas and thoughts. There can be no democracy if there is no free exchange of ideas and beliefs! I urge everyone concerned about democracy to vote for Republican candidates that will stand up to these wrongs!

Paper ballots wrong choice

About two hours ago I participated in the early voting process in Woodford county. It involved the use of paper ballots. Purportedly this process was intended to improve the accuracy of voting counts.That’s a load of bull. It took me two attempts to enter a vote on one (important) candidate of my choice. I’m not stupid, this approach, was more cumbersome and worrisome than the electronic system used in recent years.

I believe this system was instituted to allow claims of doubt when counting votes. In Kentucky this may not matter since outcomes are going to be one-sided anyway. But for states where outcomes are marginal it amplifies the voices of opposition far beyond what is reasonable or even plausible.There will probably be few people in Kentucky who agree with my opinion but for those who are capable of looking past personal views and desire an honest and unbiased assessment of choices I hope they can express interest in a modern and less corruptible approach.

John Vance, Versailles

Say no to GOP

To the youth of the Commonwealth from a 1971 high school graduate who registered Republican in 1972: I hope you have been paying attention to what my party plans for your future. Constitutional Amendment 2 will give the government of Kentucky great control over your personal lives. Whatever they do accomplish is likely to be extremely hard to undo, in fact it may be permanent and you’ll have to live with it a lot longer than I will. So Tuesday you have a choice. Tuesday my choice will be a straight party NO.

George Weems, Lawrenceburg

Government overreach

Amendment 2 will put women in danger. It’s government overreach. All women, especially those of child-bearing years, should be outraged and worried. It’s not a question of, is abortion right or wrong. The question is why aren’t there any medical exceptions? It’s wrong on many levels for politicians to force other human beings to surrender to their desires. It borders on perversion. What’s next, a Hijab?

Mitch Tussey, Richmond

Bring back Child Tax Credit

Lots of politicians are campaigning on the importance of family values. If that’s the case, they need to do more to help children and families struggling to make ends meet.

Last year, the expanded Child Tax Credit (CTC) monthly payments put money back into the hands of American families, living millions out of poverty. This allowed families to choose how best to use it, which they did for rent, food, and childcare. And child poverty dropped by 46 percent (US Census).

The expanded CTC is a pro-family policy that works. After the election, some politicians in Congress want to pass tax credits for large corporations. It would be scandalous for Congress to pass tax cuts for the wealthy without expanding the CTC.

If lawmakers truly care about family values, they will permanently expand the Child Tax Credit to all low-income families, with a monthly payment option, in any tax legislation this year. Given the high rate of poverty in our state, millions of Kentucky families would benefit from this investment in our future.

Abigail Prang, Lexington

Basic decency

A challenge for our elected Republican leaders. A chance to step away from the politicized, punchline rhetoric circulating among the G.O.P. recently. Be the first in your party to utter this simple declaration of decency regarding the attempted murder of Paul Pelosi. “I am sickened by this despicable act.Let me be as clear as I can be. Violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society and I condemn this action in the strongest possible terms. Real change can only come about through nonviolent action, and anything else runs against our most deeply held American values. My hopes and prayers for a quick and full recovery”. That’s it. Be the first to jump this fairly low bar. If it will help, I’ll point out that it is basically the same statement issued by Senator Bernie Sanders(D) following the shooting of Rep. Steve Scalise (R). The decent thing to do, for sure. I’ll wait but I’m not going to hold my breath.

DeAeth Ross, Lexington