Perhaps Another Candidate for Oldham County PVA

I recently spoke with Jim Urban, the current director of Planning and Development, about the possibility of him becoming a candidate for Property Valuation Administrator.  He advised me that he intends to take the examination necessary to qualify to serve as the PVA.  The examination is given in November,

Urban stated that if he passes the examination he will "consider" running for the office.  I am sure that he will have many factors to consider.  If he were to remain in his current position, he would become subject to the "Hatch Act" that bars a person from being a candidate for public office at the same time that he/she is serving in a position in which federal funds are expended and the position has any control over the funds.

If the office of the Property valuation Administrator receives any federal funds, Barbara Winters could also be subject to the "Hatch Act".  However, I do not have any knowledge that it does receive  federal funds.

JUDGE DAVID VOEGELE TO SEEK REELECTION

In an announcement that will come as a surprise to nobody Judge David Voegele advised me yesterday that he will seek reelection to the office of Judge Executive of Oldham County.  At the present time I am not aware of anyone else who intends to seek the position.

Although there have been some people who have not been happy with Judge Voegele, there have been no glaring incidents that would threaten his reelection.  That is not to say that he cannot lose the election.  Anyone who follows politics knows Paula Gish was clearly the favorite to win the election for County Judge in 2010.  After all, she had plenty of money and the political machine behind her.  However, Judge Voegele overcame the odds through very hard work and loyal supporters.  There is no reason to believe that he will not work just as hard to be reelected if any one chooses to oppose him.  On the other hand, the office of Judge Executive is certainly one of the most coveted positions in the county and in the contest for the office could prove interesting.

There are some issues that could come to the forefront if a potential candidate had solutions.  Having solutions to the problems would be more important than just bringing the issues to the forefront.

BARBARA WINTERS TO SEEK OFFICE OF PROPERTY VALUATION ADMINISTRATOR

Although she has not made a formal announcement, Barbara Winters has told me that she intends to run for the office of Property Valuation Administrator.  She is currently the deputy PVA.  In order to be qualified to serve a person must pass an examination related to the office.  Winters has passed the examination before so that should not be a hurdle.  Ron Winters is the current PVA but he is expected to retire.

I also expect that Albert Harrison will run for the position as he has made it plain to me that rumors that he was not going to run were not true.  He also has passed the required examination previously.  I have heard a couple of other names mentioned but I have not confirmed that either of them will actually run for the office.