Why do you want to hold the office of Fiscal Court Magistrate?
Donald Mitchell: I was born and raised in the Midway area and have lived and worked in District 1 my entire life. My family has farmed here for five generations. This is home, and I care deeply about our community. I’m not a politician. I believe in common sense, listening, and working together regardless of party. My service on local, state, and national boards has taught me to ask questions and make responsible decisions. I’ll work to protect our rural character, maintain infrastructure, and respect taxpayer dollars. I’ll be accessible, listen, and represent our neighbors. People Over Politics.
Liles Taylor: I am seeking re-election after two productive terms because there is still work to do. I’ve proudly led Woodford County’s rural high-speed broadband expansion, providing an essential utility for education and economic growth. We’ve also dramatically increased government transparency, moving from streaming meetings on my cell phone to launching a dynamic website where citizens can access budgets and report concerns at woodfordcountyky.gov/RequestTracker.Moving forward, I want to further implement data-driven asset management to ensure we maximize taxpayer dollars. Finally, I will continue equipping our incredible county workforce with the best tools possible to serve our community effectively.
Fiscal Court has funded a young farmer program over the last two budget years. Do you support this? Would you expand it with additional funding or widen the qualifications to widen the scope for the applicants?
Mitchell: Absolutely, I support the Young Farmer Program. As a fifth-generation Woodford County farmer and a former state president of the Kentucky Young Farmers Association, I understand the challenges young farmers face. My son is working to become one of the sixth generation of our family to farm here. I’ve seen firsthand the hard work and financial commitment it takes to get established.
I would consider additional funding or expanded eligibility, but first want to evaluate the program’s results, demonstrated need, and financial feasibility. We can support the next generation of farmers while being responsible with taxpayer dollars.
Taylor: I vehemently support the young/new farmer program. Our significant efforts to preserve farmland are futile if we don’t have future generations willing or financially able to farm in our community. Agriculture often operates on thin margins, especially for less established farmers. This program attempts to help farmers getting their start. I’m proud to have led our investment in the Woodford County Rural Land Board, helping to not only conserve farmland, but while doing so, also reducing the tax liability and purchase costs of that farmland by 30%-50% of the previous total market value.
Midway recently adopted a Landlord-Tenant ordinance which incorporates a Kentucky statute that provides significant protections to tenants and a non-court process to resolve disputes. Would you support the Fiscal Court adopting such an ordinance?
Mitchell: Everyone deserves safe, fair housing, and both tenants and property owners have rights and responsibilities. I’m open to considering an ordinance, but would first consult the County Attorney, hear from landlords and tenants, and examine Midway’s experience. We must consider whether additional regulations could increase costs for property owners, potentially raising rents or reducing affordable housing options. I believe more government is not always the answer. We need to determine whether there’s a demonstrated need and find a practical balance between protecting tenants, respecting property rights, and being responsible with taxpayer dollars.
Taylor: I would absolutely support the adoption of an URLTA ordinance for Woodford County. I’m thankful for Midway, again, leading on an important issue to protect some of our community’s more vulnerable residents. I understand some local landlords may be hesitant, but I encourage them to study the issue and look to our neighbors in Fayette County. This is about setting a framework for all parties to work within. And, as always, I’m available to discuss this with anyone interested in the issue.