Why do you want to hold the office of Fiscal Court Magistrate?
John Gentry: I was born and raised in Woodford County, and serving as District 2 Magistrate has been an honor. I didn’t get involved for politics, I got involved because I care about this community and the people who live here. During my first term, I’ve worked to lower the county tax rate, improve access to water and internet, support our first responders and county employees, and protect what makes Woodford County special. I believe in listening, showing up, and being accountable to the people I represent. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, but there’s still work to do.
Chris Hooten: When the railcar tourism operation was wrecking quality of life for neighbors on Milner and Tyrone, many didn’t want to stand at a podium and take on a business or the county. I stood with them. That’s why I’m running. District 2 needs a magistrate who speaks for people who aren’t comfortable speaking up, and who asks hard questions. I was raised on a farm, served in the Kentucky National Guard, and have managed multimillion-dollar budgets in real estate and construction. That work teaches you to read every contract and question every number. I’ll bring that to every vote.
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?
Gentry: I support the young farmer program because agriculture is a big part of what makes Woodford County special. With rising land and equipment costs, it’s becoming harder for younger generations to get started in farming. I believe we should listen to those participating in the program and consider expanding eligibility or funding where there’s a demonstrated need. As with any program using taxpayer dollars, we need to make sure the money is being spent responsibly. If we want to preserve our farmland and agricultural heritage, we need to help give the next generation of farmers an opportunity to succeed.
Hooten: Yes. The biggest barrier for young farmers here isn’t desire or knowledge. It’s the cost of land and equipment in a county where every acre carries a developer’s price. District 2 is where farmland meets the edge of Versailles, so we feel that pressure first. A $2,000 grant won’t buy a farm, but it can be the difference between a young family getting started and giving up. At $50,000 a year, it keeps land in production and helps families put down roots. On expansion, I’d put more money in and raise the grant amount before widening eligibility.
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?
Gentry: I believe everyone deserves a safe, well-maintained home, whether they own it or rent it. Tenants shouldn’t have to live in unsafe conditions or struggle to get legitimate concerns addressed. I support the intent of this ordinance because tenants deserve reasonable protections and landlords should be held accountable for their responsibilities. I also recognize there are many good landlords whose rights matter too. I would support considering a similar ordinance in Woodford County, while reviewing its requirements and hearing from both sides. To me, it’s about fairness, protecting tenants without placing unnecessary burdens on responsible landlords.
Hooten: Yes. I own rental property here, so I’d live under this ordinance, not just vote on it, and I still support it. Midway adopted Kentucky’s URLTA, the same rules Lexington and Georgetown landlords have followed for years. It requires a safe, habitable home and a written notice process that gets repairs made without court. It also protects landlords with clear rules on notice and tenant responsibilities. Midway acted because seniors were living with leaking windows and soaked carpet. That shouldn’t depend on which side of a city line you rent on. District 2 renters deserve the same protection.