THE EDMONSON VOICE
  • Home
  • News
  • Community
    • VOICE Calendar >
      • About VOICE Calendar
    • County Schools Calendar
  • Obits
  • Sports
    • WildcatsLive/Schedules
    • Recorded Game Videos
  • Weather
  • Features
    • Recipe Of The Week
    • Opinion
    • Ask Mongoose
    • Arts/Entertainment
    • Legal/Professional Policy
    • Our Staff
    • Contest Rules
    • Our Sponsors
  • FAQs
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Edmonson County's Number One Source For Local News and Information

County Officials Continue Working On Working Together

5/23/2017

2 Comments

 
Picture
L-R: Judge Executive Wil Cannon, County Clerk Kevin Alexander, County Attorney Greg Vincent, and Sheriff Shane Doyle enjoy some laughs after hours at Walden's BBQ.
Darren Doyle, story and photo:
While in the mood for some good BBQ I looked down at my watch. It said 5:47pm. "Uh-oh, I hope Walden's hasn't run out of pork shoulder today," I thought. The demand for the local restaurant's specialties is continually on the rise and I knew it wouldn't be long before they'd be closing down as they ran out of the day's dishes. 

I saw only a handful of vehicles in the parking lot but the "open" sign was still brightly lit. The good news was there was still freshly smoked pork shoulder but what first caught my eye were the friendly waves of four elected county officials who were seated inside: Judge Executive Wil Cannon, County Clerk Kevin Alexander, Sheriff Shane Doyle, and County Attorney Greg Vincent.

Now, before you read any further, please understand that the rest of this is my account and contains my opinions, something that I realize in which many people aren't that interested. Please feel free to take it with a grain of salt, or in this case, a dab of BBQ sauce.

"What is this all about?" I thought to myself. I'd never seen four elected officials sitting together at the same place after business hours. "Have I missed something? What are they talking about?" These are things you think of when you try to cover the local news. I placed my order and sat down at a different table as I checked my phone messages. 

"Don't sit over there, come over here with us," said Judge Cannon. I told him I didn't want to interrupt anything and they assured me there was really nothing going on, and seeing how relaxed everyone was, it appeared to me that they were just eating BBQ together. (some more than others, but anyway,)...

I started working on my plate as the others were finishing up. County Clerk Alexander was checking his phone and began to update everyone on the latest University of Kentucky basketball recruits. After a short discussion about that, County Attorney Vincent shared a funny story about an old classmate. That reminded Judge Cannon about a story when he was in the Kentucky State Police Academy, and the laughs just kept going around the table.

At some point, still seeing this as a bit odd, I simply asked the question, "Ok, so is this an official after-hour meeting here with four local government officials or what's the deal?"

"Nah, we just get together every now and then and talk about what's going on in our offices, how we can keep trying to improve things here in the county," said Sheriff Doyle.

"Nothing official," said Attorney Vincent as he finished his supper. "Our offices really try to work together on everything and this is a good way for us to keep the lines of communication open."

Judge Cannon agreed. "I've been around a long time," he said. "I've never seen county offices working together like they are right now and we want to make sure we keep that up. I'm not saying this just because I'm in this office, but I truly believe that every one of our elected officials are doing their jobs because they are trying to put the county and its residents first. None of us are perfect. We all make mistakes and we'll continue to have bumps in the road, but I really believe everyone is doing it for the right reasons."

Attorney Vincent grinned. "I can tell you, I've seen plenty of times when it wasn't like this, and let me tell you, this is MUCH better."

County Clerk Alexander had to leave a little early but he encouraged the others sitting at the table to call him the next time they'd like to get together and wanted to make sure even more officials were invited on the next evening "meeting." He exited with a box of donuts that he said he was bringing to his two young sons; however, we could not confirm whether or not the donuts safely reached their destination.

​Vincent said, "I'm certainly not saying this is the first time good people have been in office, but in times past, different offices had difficulty communicating with other offices and that wasn't good. It's not about having the attitude 'if you disagree with me you're wrong,' it's about doing what's in the best interest of the people in Edmonson County."

Sheriff Doyle said communication was key. "If all of us as officials can communicate regularly on a personal level, it helps us in our work environments, too." 

Magistrate Mark Woosley came in and grabbed an order to go while stopping at the table. I don't even remember what was said while he was there, but he shared some laughs, too. 

Several more funny stories were exchanged between them and I had forgotten that I'd tried to wiggle into a political conversation. What little politics or county business that was discussed was much more boring than the funny stories Judge Cannon had shared from his past. 

Restaurant personnel started locking the doors, taking out the trash, and turning out the lights. Everyone started clearing their plates and began discussing their busy schedules for the next day as we all headed out the door. In some form or fashion, the schedules all connected with each other. I had nothing to write about except fly swatters, police academy sergeants, BBQ recipes, and mystery items found inside the walls of an old house.

I thought to myself, "This didn't have anything to do with local politics." But maybe that's why all these guys get along. If sharing some laughs at the local restaurant helps what happens the next day, then I applaud it. Under the current administrations, Clerk Alexander's office has turned over more money to the county than any other Edmonson County Clerk in history, the Sheriff's office has already made more arrests than any other administration, Judge Cannon has tackled some uncomfortable issues that many would not, and Greg Vincent has hit the ground running since returning as County Attorney in February.

No doubt, some will think, "they're all in it together," or "it's just another clique." You can call it whatever you want, but results are results, and so far, despite their faults, these offices have achieved results.

I'm not endorsing any of them, and I'm not asking you to, either. I'm just telling you that Edmonson County is a great place, with Edmonson County people making decisions for Edmonson County voters, and sharing a good meal at an Edmonson County restaurant seemed like a good place to see these guys at 5:47pm on a Tuesday evening.
Picture
2 Comments
Dist.2 Constable Office
5/24/2017 01:47:09 pm

We need to keep moving forward and making progress.
Having leaders that respect the state Constitution and abide by it , is always a good thing.

The community as a whole has shifted in its opinions of late. May have become disassociated by "politics as usual". I hope Judge Cannon can see some of the points of interest of people.

For instance, people of the Lincoln district have petitioned to have a Constable of their choosing, via public petition, appointed in that area due to the need for extra law enforcement presence needed in that area. " We don't need Constables" isn't going to cut it any longer. That is no longer a valid response. and the public mood has shifted about this issue, especially around the lake areas, where drugs, thieving and assaults take place on a regular basis.

The people have tried to send a petition to Judge Cannon. If I am not in error, it was file 13'ed.
It is STILL the will of the people around here, not the will of 7 people.

That is why we vote folks. When elected leaders choose to no longer do the will of the people, then they simply can no longer be allowed to be in office.
Hey, if Constables can be of use, even as a visual deterrent against crime, or to reassure the public, then why do we have three missing and one not actively doing his elected duty?

ANY Constable, whom is elected, MUST do his sworn duty or he is malfeasant in his office. Its not a toy badge you pin on, its a REAL one with ALOT of power. It deserves ALOT of respect, no matter what a handful of people will say. It represents THE LAW and leaders generally do support good, working Constables. I say, effective leaders would also look into finding qualified candidates to fill those empty Constable positions and do the will of the people.
If people are fed up with "no" or "because that's how its going to be because I say so"....... we may have many changes in Edmonson Co next election cycle.
Working together, also means working for the will of the people.
Working together also means ALL public ELECTED officials, not just the ones deemed relevant, by some others.
Together, as a team, Edmonson Co can be made to shine.

Lets all do the working together thing and make it happen !!

Reply
Dist.2 Constable office
5/24/2017 04:55:26 pm

I would like to clarify publicly, that my comments are not directed at our sheriff, county atty, clerk or any other persons mentioned in the article above.
Some magistrates of our county,( being the fiscal court), are the only officials,with whom I can not understand their treatment ,nor position against Constables. Some magistrates feel Constables should not exist period, some have personal issues with them and some do support good trained constables.

I am in now way against or upset with the people mentioned in the above referenced article.
It spoke of working good together, which is what I ultimately seek, and better days coming for our county.

We all want the same thing. A safer Edmonson Co for everyone.

Some officials have went out of their way to support, advise and work with my office.
They are greatly appreciated !!

I simply feel its high time , two and a half years later, for fiscal court to recognize, there is a difference in Constables and their level of service to the people. Up to now, some just can't.
Fairness is all I ask or have asked for.
Don't lump me in with another Constable whom has sued the county and threatened to do so again. I should not be made to pay for his actions or deeds. We are ALL SEPERATE Districts, as are our magistrates. One magistrate is not responsible or liable for what another does. Neither is the elected position of Constable.
Separate the Constables, not lump them in together!

Judge me by MY deeds and services as Constable, NOT by what others have done. ( or MIGHT do).

I have earned state wide respect for my office in Dist.2, by working with our county and city law enforcement and most other elected officials and will continue to work and train hard to do so.
Will, Kevin, Greg and Shane work hard to help our county grow and prosper.
I hope this new "work together" attitude continues and catches on.

Thank you !

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    COMMENTING/LEGAL
    Deadline INFO
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    Archives

    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
HOME
NEWS 
COMMUNITY


OBITS
FEATURES
WEATHER
​​
WILDCATS LIVE
​
SPORTS
CONTACT
copyright 2014-2023 The Edmonson Voice.
Call or text: 270-597-6550 ​editor@edmonsonvoice.com
PO BOX 94
BROWNSVILLE, KY 42210
CLICK HERE FOR DEADLINE INFO
  • Home
  • News
  • Community
    • VOICE Calendar >
      • About VOICE Calendar
    • County Schools Calendar
  • Obits
  • Sports
    • WildcatsLive/Schedules
    • Recorded Game Videos
  • Weather
  • Features
    • Recipe Of The Week
    • Opinion
    • Ask Mongoose
    • Arts/Entertainment
    • Legal/Professional Policy
    • Our Staff
    • Contest Rules
    • Our Sponsors
  • FAQs