Judge Exec's Office Discusses Open Magistrate Position: State Accepting Applications

Governor Must Appoint Replacement

Judge Executive Wil Cannon speaks at a local function (EV file photo)

Darren Doyle, story:
Last Thursday, the office Edmonson County Judge Executive Wil Cannon announced the passing of District 3 Magistrate Clark Wood, after a lengthy illness. 

Not only was this a shock to Edmonson County's Fiscal Court, Magistrate Wood's passing came during the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, which raised several questions as to how the fiscal court would proceed. Under KRS 63, the vacancy of a magistrate in KY is appointed by the Governor's office; however, no official word came immediately from Frankfort due to the COVID-19 measures constantly changing from Governor Andy Beshear.
 
Governor Beshear's office has contacted Judge Wil Cannon's office with instructions on how to proceed. Simply put, the Governor's office will be accepting applications for those interested in the position.

“Clark will be missed, I missed seeing him at our Fiscal Court meeting Monday," said Judge Cannon in a statement . "Clark was always very diligent maintaining and improving the roads in his District. While we will all miss Clark, it is our duty to provide for the residents of Edmonson County and District 3."
 
Applications will be accepted through the Governor’s Office of Boards and Commission from anyone who currently resides in District 3 and also meets the remaining qualifications to be a magistrate in Kentucky.

"This is a not only a sad and unfortunate situation, but also one that Judge Cannon has never had to address in his time as Judge Executive," said a statement from Cannon's office. 
 
Candidates will need to apply through Governor Beshear’s website at the following link:
https://governor.ky.gov/services/application-for-boards-and-commissions
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