Why do you want to hold the position of county clerk?
Amanda Centers: I am running for Woodford County Clerk because current experience matters. For six years, I have worked at the clerk’s office. Also, as the current clerk’s Executive Assistant, I have gained firsthand experience in daily operations, election integrity, recordkeeping, and serving residents. I know this office, its dedicated staff, and the responsibilities of leading it. I am prepared to provide experienced leadership from day one. I believe elections must be fair, accurate, and secure, and politics should never interfere with public service. Guided by faith and supported by family and friends, I am ready to serve Woodford County.
Jackie Anthony: We have the best Clerk’s office doing an exceptional job upholding the best customer service in the state. With my years of customer service skills and leadership in the restaurant industry, I realized while working in the clerk’s office from 2017 – 2022 that if she ever retired, I wanted to give back to the community that helped shape me. We need a leader with the skills to manage high-stress environments, expertise in customer service, and maintains clear communication with the community. I have built many relationships serving for years on multiple boards and through volunteering. I’m prepared and ready.
The assistant county clerks serve at the pleasure of the elected clerk. Do you pledge to keep all existing deputy clerks on your staff who wish to remain?
Centers: Yes! I am committed to retaining every existing deputy clerk. The Clerk’s Office is a family, and I am proud to be part of it! I would put our staff up against any Clerk’s Office in Kentucky. Their knowledge, dedication, and commitment to Woodford County are exceptional. As a current Deputy Clerk and Executive Assistant, I work alongside this team every day. We respect, support, and depend on one another to serve our community. Keeping this experienced team together will ensure a smooth transition and continued dependable service for every Woodford County resident.
Anthony: As Woodford County Clerk, I pledge to keep every existing deputy clerk. To ensure operations continue to run smoothly, it is essential to retain all current employees. When taking the position as GM of Holly Hill Inn in 2022, I kept the existing employees and continued to build on that team. It takes a team to run the day-to-day operations in the Clerk’s office, and for a new Clerk taking the position, we would need all current deputy clerks to remain for a smooth transition.
During the forum you each said you would be open to a possible new location? If you do choose to do this, how will the funding for the new location and staff be funded?
Centers: As I mentioned at the forum, Midway is one location where a branch office might be worth considering. However, exploring an idea is different from committing taxpayer dollars. Any changes to operating hours or employee assignment would require Fiscal Court approval. Before moving forward, we must evaluate community needs, accessibility, staffing, and operating costs. If a genuine need exists, I would work with the Fiscal Court to explore locations and develop a responsible, sustainable funding plan. I am open to considering changes, but my priority is providing dependable, accessible service while responsibly managing taxpayer dollars.
Anthony: As far as a new location for the Woodford County Clerk’s Office, I don’t think it is necessary at this moment or for many years to come. The Locust Street location was a great addition and at the moment it is working to help have faster service for registration and car transfers. I would, however, consider opening up possibly once or twice a month for half-days on Saturdays to extend the County Clerk’s services to our community.