KFTC Voter Guide – Jefferson County 2020 Primary

JEFFERSON COUNTY EDITION

Kentuckians For The Commonwealth

Change Service Requested

VOTER GUIDE

Kentuckians For The Commonwealth P.O. Box 1450 London, Ky. 40743

2020 KENTUCKY PRIMARY ELECTION

Online at www.kentuckyelection.org

Because of the public health pandemic, voting will be different for the June primary. Voting by mail is the preferred way to vote, and available to all registered voters. Ballots can be obtained through GoVoteKY.com or from your local county clerk. Limited in-person voting also will be available on and before Election Day. See the back cover for details.

We do know – perhaps now more than ever – the importance of good political leadership. This voter guide will help us choose leaders who will show up with us and for us, and who want what’s best for all of us.

NON PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID LOUISVILLE, KY. PERMIT NO. 879

Primary Election Day has been moved to Tuesday, June 23

This Voter Guide contains election information about Jefferson County and federal races on the Kentucky primary election ballot in June 2020 Louisville Metro Council Districts 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 & 18.................. 5-22 Kentucky House Districts 30, 40 and 43 .................... 23-31 Kentucky Senate District 37 ................................. 32 U.S. House Districts 3 and 4...................... 37 U.S. Senate Democratic Primary............... 42

Election Day is Tuesday, June 23. Voting by mail ballot will take place up until Election Day.

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is a statewide grassroots social justice orga­­ni­zation working for a new balance of power and a just society. KFTC uses direct-action organizing to accomplish the following goals: • foster democratic values • change unjust institutions • empower individuals • overcome racism and other discrimination • communicate a message of what’s possible • build the organization • help people participate • win issues that affect the common welfare • have fun KFTC membership dues are $15 to $50 per year, based on ability to pay. No one is denied membership because of inability to pay. Membership is open to anyone who is committed to equality, democracy and nonviolent change.

MAIN OFFICE 131 North Mill Street P.O. Box 1450 London, Kentucky 40743 606-878-2161 | Fax: 606-878-5714 www.kftc.org LOUISVILLE FIELD OFFICE STAFF: Corey Dutton, Chandra CruzThomson, Alicia Hurle, Carissa Lenfert, E’Beth Adami 735 Lampton St., Suite 202 Louisville, Kentucky 40203 502-589-3188 www.facebook.com/JCKFTC Instagram: @jckftc Twitter: @JCKFTC

www.kftc.org | May 2020

We’re creating a healthy democracy Kentuckians For The Commonwealth (KFTC) is a community of people, inspired by a vision, building grassroots power and a better future for all of us.

For nearly 39 years KFTC has organized for a fair economy with good jobs, a healthy environment, new safe energy, racial justice, health care, housing and more. None of these goals are possible here in Kentucky without a healthy democracy.

A healthy democracy is one where everyone is included, elections are fair, voters have good candidates to choose from and those elected are responsive to folks in their communities. When we go to the polls, we don’t just choose between parties or candidates. We choose what kind of state we want to call home. We choose what kind of jobs we want, whether we can go to the doctor when we’re sick, and how we want to care for our seniors and kids.

We know this is an extraordinary time in our state, nation and the world. While we strive to remain healthy and take care of one another, we know that it is more important than ever that we continue this work toward building a healthy democracy. This voter guide is part of that effort.

This is an important election year in Kentucky and the nation. In November, Kentucky voters will choose a U.S. senator and six members of the U.S. House. Those races are included in this guide as we choose party nominees in the June 23 primary election. We also will elect 100 members of the Kentucky House of Representatives and 19 members of the Kentucky Senate, members of the Louisville Metro Council and vote for a U.S. president.

Through our Action for Democracy campaign, KFTC will engage 100,000 voters who share our values by November 2020. We’ll connect with voters in as many ways as appropriate and safe in this era of social distancing. We’ll change the political discussion to reflect our hopes, lift up issues our communities care about and solutions they believe in, train and encourage new political candidates and elect better leaders to represent Kentucky.

It’s going to take a lot of Kentuckians working together. That’s why we’re recruiting grassroots leaders who commit to connect with their neighbors, friends and family to register them to vote, share information about the candidates and help them vote on election day.

Working together, we can choose a bright future for Kentucky. Volunteer and take Action for Democracy, starting right now. Even a couple of hours a month can make an impact.

Sign up at https://WeAreKentuckians.org/volunteer To confirm your registration and request a mail-in absentee ballot, go here:

www.GoVoteKY.com To learn what precinct you live in and where your voting location is in Jefferson County, visit the County Clerk’s website here:

www.jeffersoncountyclerk.org/WhereDoIVote This Voter Guide is published by Kentuckians For The Commonwealth and mailed third class from Louisville, Ky. Please send feedback to P.O. Box 864, Prestonsburg, KY 41653 or jhardt@kftc.org.

www.kftc.org | May 2020

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The fight for Voting Rights for people with felonies in their past We believe that all Kentucky citizens should vote and that our Democracy is stronger when we hear from everyone.

In most states, after people serve their time they get their voting rights back automatically.

In Kentucky, even a class D felony is enough to cost someone their voting rights forever unless they got a pardon from the governor, or go through an expensive process of having their record expunged for a limited number of Class D felonies. Kentucky is one of the most difficult states for someone to get their voting rights back.

Even after Governor Beshear’s executive order in December 2019, more than 100,000 Kentuckians who have served their time can’t vote because of this barrier – disproportionately from low-income and people of color communities. This takes away tremendous voting power from these communities and hurts us all.

We Believe …

We believe that after someone has served their time, they should be given back their right to vote – be-

cause that’s the fair thing to do and because it makes Kentucky’s democracy stronger.

And it’s only fair that people who work, pay taxes, have kids in public schools and contribute in other important ways be allowed representation in our government.

Restoring voting rights even contributes to crime prevention. People with felonies in their past who vote are statistically half as likely to recidivate (commit future crimes) than those who don’t vote. When you think about it, it makes sense. When someone feels like part of a community, they’re less likely to act out against that community.

Solutions A change is needed in Section 145 of the Kentucky Constitution to correct this problem. This would start out as a bill passed by legislators in the General Assembly which would then allow Kentucky voters to decide whether to grant automatic restoration of voting rights to people once they have paid their debt to society.

Getting Involved Winning this issue will take a mass movement of people connecting with their neighbors, sharing stories of why this issue matters, being active online and finding new ways to engage as many voters as possible. If you’d like to get involved in this issue, please reach out to your local KFTC organizer or contact Dave Newton at 859-420-8919 or Dave@kftc.org. It’s especially important to us to have more people who have lost the right to vote because your voices are especially powerful.

VOLUNTEER WITH KFTC TO BOOST VOTER TURNOUT! In the days leading up to the election, we will contact KFTC members, neighbors, friends and registered voters to encourage participation in the June 23 primary election – and make sure everyone has the information and access to request a ballot and vote. Let us know if you are willing to volunteer by contacting voters or assisting in other ways. We’ll be doing it again for the November election. Contact the KFTC Louisville office at 502-589-3188 or coreydutton@kftc.org to get involved.

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www.kftc.org | May 2020

Who can vote and who can't vote in Kentucky elections To register and vote in Kentucky, you need to be at least 18 years old by Election Day (Tuesday, November 3, 2020), must live in Kentucky (temporary student housing works), and must be a U.S. citizen. The deadline to register to vote in the June 23 primary election is May 26, 2020.

Those are the basics, but things get a little trickier in Kentucky because our criminal justice system plays an unusual role in taking away people’s right to vote.

People in jails pre-trial who were charged with either a felony or a misdemeanor – Can Vote!

If you're in jail because you’re awaiting trial or sentencing for any offense (and you've never been convicted of a felony), you do have the right to vote.

That's a big deal, because in many Kentucky jails about 70 percent of the population is pre-trial.

People with felonies in their past – Many can’t vote … but about half can because of Gov. Beshear’s Executive Order.

Pre-trial folks in jail can legally vote by absentee ballot, though the logistics of that are tricky.

To vote absentee, there are a lot of hoops to jump through for anyone: You have to be registered to vote and you have to know what county you’re registered in. Alternatively, in this case, you can register at the jail, but then that's an extra step.

You have to make the request by phone, email or fax to the county clerk in the county where you’re registered for an absentee ballot, and you have to give a legally recognized reason such as:

•

• •

Kentucky’s constitution disenfranchises people with felonies in their past and is harsher than almost any state in the U.S. in that regard. Gov. Beshear restored the right to vote to 152,000 Kentuckians. To see if you were one of them, visit www.CivilRightsRestoration.ky.gov You can also use the decision tree graphic on this page to see if you got back your right to vote through the governor’s pardon – http://kftc.org/ resources/voting-rights-eo-decision-tree People who are not covered by the executive order but who have served their time can still apply to get their rights back individually with the governor’s office through a form found here: www.kftc.org/campaigns/ restore-your-right-vote. People who have had their record expunged of felonies also can vote.

KFTC's long-term goal is to change Kentucky's constitution so that people automatically get the right to vote back when they've served their debt to society, including prison time, probation and parole. But for now, this remains a barrier for more than 100,000 Kentuckians.

People with misdemeanors in their past – Can Vote!

If someone has a misdemeanor in their past, that doesn't stop them from voting in Kentucky. Many people in this situation may have been told that they can't register and vote, but they absolutely can.

People currently in jail serving for a misdemeanor – Can’t Vote This disenfranchisement comes from section 145 of the Kentucky Constitution, along with felony disenfranchisement.

People serving probation and parole for a misdemeanor – Can Vote!

Even though you’re still serving your time, there's nothing stopping you from registering and voting in this case.

• • • • •

Advanced in age, disabled or ill Military personnel, their dependents, or overseas citizens A student who temporarily resides outside the county A voter who temporarily resides outside of Kentucky and who maintains eligibility to vote in Kentucky, such as a “snowbird” Incarcerated, but not yet convicted of a crime (or a few other conditions)

The clerk will then check your name against the voter file and will mail you a formal application for an absentee ballot.

You’ll fill out that application and return it by mail, and the clerk's office will have to receive it soon for it to be valid.

The clerk will then mail you an absentee ballot, which you have to receive, fill out and mail back so that the clerk receives it by 6 p.m. on Election Day. That's a lot of mailing back and forth, so keep that in mind when planning to vote by absentee ballot.

To complicate matters a little more, jails have some restrictions on what people can get in the mail that might be challenging to navigate. And it’s not automatic that third parties will be able to gain access to jails to register people or help them through the process.

But it’s also not legal to disenfranchise people in jails who are pre-trial and it’s a misdemeanor to prevent someone from registering to vote. So the law supports voting by people who are pre-trial.

If you consider this Voter Guide a valuable resource, please consider a donation to support KFTC’s yearround Voter Empowerment work.

Online at: kftc.org/support Mail to: KFTC PO Box 1450 London, KY 40743-1450 Thanks!

www.kftc.org | May 2020

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Louisville Metro Council The merged city-county of Louisville and Jefferson County is governed by a 26-member Metro Council.

Council members serve staggered four-year terms with half the seats elected every two years (even-numbered seats in 2020).

Council Districts

In this guide we cover six districts (2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 18) where there is a Democratic primary election on June 23.

Louisville Metro Council – District 2 District 2 candidates RaeShanda Lias-Lockhart is challenging incumbent Barbara Shanklin in the Democratic primary for the District 2 Metro Council seat. Her responses to the KFTC candidate survey follow. Caroline Grundy and Curtis Wilkerson also are on the Democratic ballot.

The winner will face Republican Folly H. Aboussa in November.

RaeShanda Lias-Lockhart www.rae4district2.com -----www.facebook.com/ rae4district2

Barbara Shanklin Did not respond.

Caroline Grundy Did not respond.

Curtis Wilkerson Did not respond.

QUESTIONS What skills, values, and experiences will you bring to this position? What is your vision for Metro Louisville, and how will the lives of Louisvillians be improved as a result of your time in office?

RaeShanda Lias-Lockhart: As a veteran, business owner, and philanthropist, I am bringing a fresh perspective on how to make Louisville a top tier city. From the growing tech businesses to health care, Louisville is set to be just that. My vision is to move this city forward by investing big in small businesses and ensuring schools are properly funded to educate our next generation. Louivillians lives will be improved by knowing that there will be someone on the council that is passionate about buying local and growing a stronger school system.

Barbara Shanklin, Caroline Grundy and Curtis Wilkerson: Did not respond.

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Louisville Metro Council – District 2 What initiatives will you support to decrease the use of deadly force by law enforcement officers, particularly in communities of color? What is your position on an independent civilian review of any police shooting resulting in a death? What other resources should Metro Council provide to improve public safety in your district and across Louisville?

What are the main impacts of the global climate crisis in your community and what would you do to address the public health effects of this crisis on people in your district?

RaeShanda Lias-Lockhart: I will support the immediate release of videos of body cameras. In depth Diversity training is needed in the police academy and then every 3 months while on the force. I support the having an independent civilian review of police shooting. Fresh unbiased eyes make a difference in these tough situations. I also think ridealongs with civilians will help improve pubic safety by educating Louisvillians on how to interact with the police and vice versa.

RaeShanda Lias-Lockhart: The impacts of the global climate crisis can be seen in our utilities. The cost of heating and cooling puts a financial strain on households that are already struggling to make ends meet so when you have to run your a/c in the winter and then your heat it drives cost up. Flooding and droughts are also issues that come up because of the climate. The quality of air and the higher temperatures can also increase the formation of ground level ozone. Ozone has a variety of health effects, agitates lung disease such as asthma, and increases the risk of premature death. We have to severely reduce our carbon footprint. Transitioning from fossil fuel, updating building codes, and using solar power would all help.

Barbara Shanklin, Caroline Grundy and Curtis Wilkerson: Did not respond.

Barbara Shanklin, Caroline Grundy and Curtis Wilkerson: Did not respond.

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Jail overcrowding is a huge issue in Louisville, and one that disproportionately impacts Black Louisvillians. What role do you think that ending cash bail and supporting alternatives to incarceration can play in addressing this issue?

What is your plan for increasing access to safe, affordable housing and ensuring that long-term residents are not displaced from neighborhoods that are undergoing redevelopment? What is your position on tenants’ rights ordinances such as the proposed Clean Hands housing ordinance? Please explain.

RaeShanda Lias-Lockhart: I think ending cash bail would give much needed financial relief to the family of the accused. Lower income and African Americans are more likely to spend the night behind bars because they can not post bail. They would also be able to stay at home with their family while awaiting trial. With so many false arrests and wrongful convictions having ending cash bail would have a great impact on preventing overcrowding. Alternatives to incarceration such as like community service and house arrest would help correct behavior without contributing to the big business of the prison system.

Barbara Shanklin, Caroline Grundy and Curtis Wilkerson: Did not respond.

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How would you include constituents in your district and across Louisville in the development of the annual Metro Louisville budget? What area(s) of the budget would you prioritize funding?

What revenue increases would you propose to meet our city’s future budget needs?

RaeShanda Lias-Lockhart: Constituents would definitely be included in the discussion of setting the annual city budget. By holding open town halls to discuss where top funding will go you allow citizens to be involved in moving the city forward. Education and city maintenance should always be at the top of list.

To increase revenue we need to look at expanding gaming and hemp sales.

Barbara Shanklin, Caroline Grundy and Curtis Wilkerson: Did not respond.

RaeShanda Lias-Lockhart: My plan is to combat Gentrification of low income areas by working with developers to ensure more affordable housing projects are built. Residents will have trainings to attend to promote money management and eventually home ownership in those areas that are being underserved. Tenant’s deserve to live in places that are up to code no matter their background.

Barbara Shanklin, Caroline Grundy and Curtis Wilkerson: Did not respond.

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What are your plans to create and expand support and resources toward our immigrant population, undocumented or otherwise?

RaeShanda Lias-Lockhart: Our plan is to create a hub that will serve as a connection for immigrants to receive the Necessary people and information needed to build a flourishing life in Kentucky. This will be on going with meetings twice a month.

Barbara Shanklin, Caroline Grundy and Curtis Wilkerson: Did not respond.

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Louisville Metro Council – District 4 District 4 candidates There are six candidates seeking the Democratic nomination for the District 4 Metro Council seat that is currently help by Barbara Sexton Smith, who is not seeking re-election. All responded to the KFTC candidate survey. A seventh candidate, Dennisha Rivers, will appear on the ballot but has withhdrawn from the race and votes for Rivers will not be counted.

No candidates from the Republican or other parties have filed for the seat, so the winner of the Democratic primary will fill the seat.

The Democratic candidates are:

Jecorey Arthur

Ron Bolton

Adam Caperton

www.jecoreyarthur.com

http://bolton4council.com

http://adamcaperton.com

www.facebook.com/ jecoreyarthur

www.facebook.com/ Bolton4Council

www.facebook.com/ AdamCapertonforCouncil

https://twitter.com/ jecoreyarthur

Aletha Fields

Robert LeVertis Bell

Darryl Young

www.AlethaFields.com

www.bell4louisville.com

https://secure.actblue.com/ donate/darrylfor4

www.facebook.com/ aletha4metro

www.facebook.com/ bell4louisville

https://twitter.com/ aletha4metro

https://twitter.com/ bell4louisville

www.facebook.com/ Darryl4District4 https://twitter.com/gq_blu

QUESTION: What skills, values, and experiences will you bring to this position? What is your vision for Metro Louisville, and how will the lives of Louisvillians be improved as a result of your time in office?

Jecorey Arthur: My skills are in education, business, and organizing. My values are in youth, justice, and localness. I’ve served hundreds of schools, libraries, and community centers, teaching hundreds of thousands of children; composed music for percussion, orchestra, choir, theatre, film, television, radio, and studio albums, representing Louisville to an audience of half a million worldwide; and organized hundreds of community events, hiring thousands of local vendors, artists, and entertainers, while managing over $1,000,000 in funding. My vision for Metro Louisville is a Louisville For All, where everyone has a job paying livable wages, affordable housing, zero concerns with safety, youth have opportunities, arts are integrated into our society, residents have access to fresh food, and everyone is included. The lives of Louisvillians will be improved when I dedicate myself to seeing this vision through.

Ron Bolton: I have been a neighborhood leader for a few years now. I am in my third year as President of the Schnitzelburg Area Community Council. My top priorities are managing thoughtful development in our nerighborhoods, minimizing displacment of residents through assistance with home improvements and tax abatement, and eliminating the food desert. The last grocery in the 4th District closed in October of 2018.

Adam Caperton: Before I became a realtor, I was a social worker focused on working with underserved communities. In that role, I learned firsthand how important building and sustaining communities is. I’m going to focus on four key priorities for District 4 and the city as a whole. These are: public safety, affordable housing, investment and growth and quality of life. If our streets are safe, while at the same time our underserved populations don’t feel threatened by law enforcement, we can create a thriving community. That’s because the next step would be to create the affordable housing that every citizen deserves so that families can grow in their own home. This will allow us to encourage growth of small community businesses and investment from larger businesses and corporations that can employ our people. Which leads to a flourishing, economically stable environment that provides a quality of life that we all seek. That means access to the arts, sports, education and parks for our kids, our seniors and the community as a whole.

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Louisville Metro Council – District 4 ANSWERS CONTINUED: What do you bring to this position …

Aletha Fields: I am a 21-year veteran JCPS teacher and Jefferson County Teachers Association member. I am the past 6-year co-coordinator of the Fairness Campaign in Louisville. I envision my district as a place where people can earn a living wage commensurate with real-time food, housing, and transportation costs. My district‘s citizens suffer disproportionately from food apartheid. We deserve fresh, healthy food at affordable costs in our own neighborhoods. District 4’s constituents also deserve quality, affordable housing that is built with environmentally sustainable measures. Finally, Possibility City is not a reality for all people in District 4. I will work for more opportunities for marginalized people to create and experience success—success that reflects the entire community, not just a privileged few.

Robert LeVertis Bell: I am a longtime community activist and organizer. From a young age, I learned activist work, organizing with members of the Kentucky Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression and the Southern Organizing Committee. Later, as a young adult I was involved in Brat Magazine and was the founding vice-president of the BRYCC House. I organized actively for years against organized racists and fascists throughout the South and Midwest. I went on to be active in many organizations including Citizens Against Police Abuse (CAPA) and the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). I have been an activist union member both as a graduate student (University of Michigan GEO) and

QUESTION:

now as a member of JCTA. In recent years, I’ve been especially active in DSA and in my neighborhood, serving as the vice-president of the Shelby Park Neighborhood Association from 2016-2019. I am an English teacher at a challenged public middle school, and, as a teacher activist have been active in the Red for Ed movement locally and nationally. I believe that, with my copious experience and my political will and vision, I can be a lever for transformative progressive change for the city of Louisville.

Darryl Young: As someone who has served this city from the grassroots all the way up to City Hall, I have an intimate knowledge and understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities ahead of us. The 4th district is unique in that it contains a bit of everything that makes this city go. Our government sits in this district. Our downtown and business district are here. Historic neighborhoods from east to west are here. Some of the cities most prevalent initiatives are emanating from the fourth. I have worked with schools, churches, government, non profits and businesses to help move this city forward. Louisville will be better because I can work with ALL of Louisville, not just some. I know the power that happens when citizens feel listened to, heard and empowered to make a difference. I want to be their advocate, but also with them in the trenches and finding platforms that honor their voices and experiences.

What initiatives will you support to decrease the use of deadly force by law enforcement officers, particularly in communities of color? What is your position on an independent civilian review of any police shooting resulting in a death? What other resources should Metro Council provide to improve public safety in your district and across Louisville?

Jecorey Arthur: I will support Metro’s Synergy Project for strengthening public relations and LMPD’s Community Unit for quality outreach to our citizens. I will also support fair policing across neighborhoods and focused recruitment for black and brown police officers. When LMPD has strong rapport with citizens, fair policing in communities of color, and more police of color, their culture will change and so will the way residents view them. I support independent civilian reviews for police shootings resulting in deaths, but the board or committee needs to be reflective of the community where the shooting took place. This will help give a clear perspective of the officer’s trust and work in the area, which is important to consider in such serious circumstances. Alongside citizens we need to make sure businesses and tourism destinations are protected and appropriate presence is in place to deter crime.

Ron Bolton: The police must be held accountable for their actions. Further training in handling situations without the use of deadly force is needed. Any death at the hands of the LMPD should be scrutinized by Council and/or a civilian review board. These are human lives we are talking about.

Adam Caperton: I believe that we need to involve law enforcement with our

non-profit partners, our faith based institutions and our public health partners to create a community based policing program that looks at preventing both crime and profiling. Working with officers to know their communities where they are policing and the residents there, as well as the challenges and the cultural differences can break stereotypes or fears that create tragic outcomes for communities of color. I’m a collaborative personality who believes that no one person or entity has the right answer alone. We should be willing to trust our residents to participate in an independent review of police shootings. This provides greater transparency and accountability. I believe the best way to stop crime is to prevent it from ever happening. That means investment from Metro Council in better social programs that keep kids off the street, that look to provide employment for those looking for work so that they don’t turn to crime, to find treatment for those that are addicted to drugs rather than incarcerate them and let recidivism become the routine. When you invest in on the front end the right way, your cost in treasure and in life … answer exceeds word limit Aletha Fields: I support full transparency and independent investigations of all cases of deadly force by law enforcement officers. I believe Louisville residents answer continued on next page

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Louisville Metro Council – District 4 ANSWERS CONTINUED: Police and public safety … deserve and are past due an independent civilian review of any police shooting resulting in a death. Dash- and bodycams for police officers are a must, with a felony charge for an officer who turns hers/his off. Metro Council must hold public safety officers accountable to crisis intervention training and culturally responsive policing, especially in communities of color--often communities that are overpoliced and underprotected.

ier society more so than more armed police and mass incarceration. Regarding civilian review: It must be more robust. It should be automatic whenever a police weapon is fired or a use-of-force related complaint is filed. Our civilian review board needs substantial improvements to be effective. Non-exhaustively, these improvements would include disciplinary authority, increased funding, increased publicity about the board’s role and improving access to its complaint system.

Robert LeVertis Bell: In short and non-exhaustively, I support: a) decriminalizing drug possession and expunging possession-based criminal records b) abolishing cash bail c) expanding restorative justice initiatives d) allocating more funds into programs for youth, jobs, and community mental health. Maslow said that “if all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.” Many police shootings occur because armed police are the poorly-forged hammer we use to approach disparate problems that have far better solutions. We must re-evaluate priorities to secure a safe community. Initiatives that improve the quality of life for the most precarious members of our community -- the poor, the young, the housing insecure, jobless, and mentally ill -- will repay us in a safer and health-

Darryl Young: I support reviewing the city’s current policies on use of force by police officers and seeing if and where deficiencies are and how to correct them. I believe in a much more transparent process in the internal investigation of officer involved deaths. A citizen review board must be formed to provide oversight, but must also have subpoena power so that their findings hold weight. Lastly, we cannot jail our way out of crime. Crime is spurned by a lack of opportunity and second chances, usually not purely malicious people. Economic resources and job investment, along with restorative justice models have to be a part of our cities approach to crime.

QUESTION:

Jail overcrowding is a huge issue in Louisville, and one that disproportionately impacts Black Louisvillians. What role do you think that ending cash bail and supporting alternatives to incarceration can play in addressing this issue?

Jecorey Arthur: This issue relates to the policing question. When police and judges have racial biases, Black Louisvillians are arrested then incarcerated at higher rates. The ending of cash bail would be helpful, but a proactive solution would be to fix the economic conditions of Black Louisvillians, who like Black Americans across the country, have been locked into a bottom caste. An alternative to incarceration is appropriation. We need to appropriate funds for business loans that serve Black Communities instead of wasting tax dollars on destroying families, lives, and livelihood. If a drug dealer can sell drugs, they can sell fresh produce. If a drug dealer can organize kids to do crime, they can organize kids to do community service. If a drug dealer can successfully operate an illegal business, they can successfully operate a nonprofit or after-school program that benefits the neighborhood they live in. This would also help decrease other drug-related crimes such as homicide and robbery.

Ron Bolton: Cash bail only keeps the poor in jail and needs to be eliminated.

Anyone in jail for a non-violent offense should be released until their court date.

Adam Caperton: Cash bail is a tax on the poor and one that puts underserved communities at a disadvantage when dealing with the justice system. We need to realign this process so that the playing field is level for all. One of the main things I am concerned about is that we are trying to arrest our way out of a drug epidemic. We need to defer addicts to treatment centers not the city jail and we must stop putting people in prison for small amounts for marijuana. It costs to much in both money and in human capital as it effects their life by then stigmatizing them as a felon to the point that is difficult to rejoin society.

Aletha Fields: Ending cash bail is ending illegal debtors’ prisons. Cash bail must end immediately so that families can be reunited, innocence can be restored, and reduce the inequitable impact cash bail has on the economically disadvantaged.

Robert LeVertis Bell: My previous answer addresses this question but, to reiterate, I support abolishing cash bail. decriminalizing drug possession and concomitantly expunging possession-related drug offenses. This will help tremendously with jail overcrowding. In addition, I believe that prioritizing transformative and restorative justice and other alternatives to incarceration is essential. This is true for all offenders but especially for young, black and brown offenders. We need to transition from a carceral state to one that prioritizes practices of justice that are restorative and not retributive. We need to make youth engagement and providing opportunities for meaningful work a priority in order to holistically address the issues undergirding a large amount of violent crime and, when crimes have victims, we must need to take into account the needs of those victims and their communities in order to restore what was lost rather than to simply punish the offender.

Darryl Young: Cash bail has been proven to not be an effective form of detainment, but has been proven that it disproportionately effects Black and poor people in Louisville and around the country. Studies show that many times innocent people are sitting in and overpopulating jails because they can’t afford to make bail, which not only effects their current situation but can also create further complications in their life. I would be committed to ending cash bail and looking at other proven methods, such as risk assessment and diversion to replace it.

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www.kftc.org | May 2020

Louisville Metro Council – District 4 QUESTION:

How would you include constituents in your district and across Louisville in the development of the annual Metro Louisville budget? What area(s) of the budget would you prioritize funding?

What revenue increases would you propose to meet our city’s future budget needs?

Jecorey Arthur: As councilman I will start a District 4 Summit where our neighborhoods meet to discuss problems and solutions, including the city budget. All of my votes and decisions on council would be based on constituents. From what voters have shared with me so far we would prioritize funding for jobs, livability (housing), and public safety, with education closely after. We can increase revenue by legalizing cannabis, expanding gaming, and forming public/private partnerships that can help grow local businesses.

Ron Bolton: Townhalls are the best way to find out what the district wants in the budget. With the current level of self funding we are allowed by the state, we are in a rough place. The state must increase the city’s ability to create revenue. In the budget priority must be given to essential services such as Fire and EMS. Adam Caperton: I would want to bring together neighborhood and community leaders to discuss the needs and challenges that they see in the district and across the city. Together, we could create our own priorities to prosperity that I would advocate during the development of the budget. Public Safety and Affordable Housing would be two areas where I feel can make the biggest impact on fostering the kind of communities that our citizens deserve. I’m learning about the diverse revenue streams that the city uses and deploys to keep our community running. One of the things that I would like to see is for Frankfort to allow Louisville to have a local option sales tax that must be approved by voters. This way, we have a democratic process on deciding what the city’s priorities are.

Aletha Fields: I would hold public information and sharing forums in different formats and platforms at different times of the day in a diversity of community areas to include as many constituents as possible to gather ideas, understand the concerns, and directly address the issues constituents believe deserve priority.

Transparency and community buy-in are non-negotiables. I would prioritize funding to compassionately meet the most constituent needs in the quickest manner. I would work to legalize medical and recreational marijuana to meet our city’s future budget needs.

QUESTION:

Robert LeVertis Bell: As a democratic socialist, maximizing democratic input in the workplace, our neighborhoods, our government, and economy is the fundamental principle behind my work. This is my grounding philosophy for governance. Specifically, I will hold forums in every district neighborhood to educate citizens on the budget and to seek input to identify priorities. Where democratic institutions already exist -- say, activist, neighborhood and tenant organizations -- that can assist in identifying priorities, I will support them and work to increase equitable participation in them. Where such institutions do not exist, I will prioritize assisting community members in building them. We need to invest in initiatives that improve the quality of life for the most precariously dwelling members of our community: the poor, young, housing insecure, jobless, and mentally ill. And we simply can’t keep cutting social services when budget shortfalls occur. We must locate revenue and more judiciously manage resources.

This will mean fighting tax incentives and giveaways to corporations and, when cuts are necessary, locating them in places like the $250 million police budget rather than closing libraries and grounding ambulances. We need to aggressively seek revenue, in part, by imposing the most progressive taxes we can legally enforce under state law.

Darryl Young: I would work with the neighborhood associations in the district to come up with an advisory council so that citizens have a consistent platform to voice concerns, opinions and priorities. Neighborhoods shouldn’t be siloed and think they have to compete with one another. It should be an equitable process for all. I would prioritize offices like the Office for Safe & Healthy Neighborhoods to find more progressive solutions to public safety. I would also seek to invest more in the Louisville Affordable Housing Trust and Youth Services. I while I would be willing to look at measures that could raise revenue but also raise taxes, I would look for ways to redistribute our current budget in a way that invests equally in the things we say that matters in our community.

What are the main impacts of the global climate crisis in your community and what would you do to address the public health effects of this crisis on people in your district?

Jecorey Arthur: Louisville is the fastest warming urban heat island in the U.S. which leads to higher temperatures, more insects with diseases, a weaker tree canopy, increased allergy issues, and more rainfall. I would support the work of TreesLouisville, MSD, and other environmental efforts. It’s also important to make sure we have environmentally educated constituents so we can all fight the crisis together.

Ron Bolton: Our weather cycle has been in flux for about 5 years now. Warm winters and wet summers are the easiest changes to identify. I got my start

planting trees Adam Caperton: The impact of climate change is real and it’s scary and it’s not just about my district, it’s about the entire planet. Louisville has begun looking at being 100% sustainable and efforts by the Metro Council are being taken right now to move to a cleaner and more sustainable future. I am 100% supportive of this effort. I would encourage businesses and residents in my district to apply for state and federal grants to procure solar panels and other means of renewable energy practices. answers continued on next page

www.kftc.org | May 2020

KENTUCKY Primary ELECTION VOTER GUIDE – jefferson county Edition | 11

Louisville Metro Council – District 4 ANSWERS CONTINUED: Global climate crisis …

Aletha Fields: The main impacts of the global climate crisis are showing up in Louisville with more intense heat waves, bigger storms, and tremendous flooding. We must immediately reduce carbon and other harmful, erosive emissions; switch to solar power; cut waste; create a green infrastructure; create alternative green public transportation; and implement and monitor a more aggressive clean air act. I would hold public information and sharing forums in different formats and platforms at different times of the day to include as many constituents as possible to gather ideas, understand the concerns, and directly address the issues on the global climate crisis’ impact in my community.

communities wiped out. This is just one foreseeable devastation and not even the worst case. Perpetual environmental racism and dirty infrastructure are part and parcel of the systematic underdevelopment of poor urban communities.

The public health consequences are known and ongoing; the already dismal air quality and sky-high childhood asthma rates among working class Louisvillians are set to worsen. We need public health investments to ameliorate the damage and we need a Green New Deal to solve the crisis. We must rebuild our world in an equitable way that sustains life, builds and empowers working class, and that counters environmental racism.

Robert LeVertis Bell: Climate change is the battle for our lives. Some effects are here, more are coming, and yet more are unknown in character and valence. So any answer here will feel inchoate, even naive: Humanity may not survive at all.

That said, my district borders the Ohio. Engineers have predicted that climate change will bring significant floods to the river and its tributaries. Flooding could devastate my district. As with most consequences of climate catastrophe, locally and globally, the most precarious residents of the community will be the ones most directly and immediately affected: people will be displaced and entire

Darryl Young: District 4 contains some of the lowest life expectancies in the city.

Climate change’s effects in inclement weather, whether we are talking about brutal heat or cold, all impact the health of the people in this community. Climate change cannot just be viewed as a environmental crisis, but a public health crisis as well. From a policy standpoint, we can start leading the way in climate change prevention by investing in clean and renewable energy sources in the district, such as green office and building spaces in the public and government sectors.

QUESTION:

What is your plan for increasing access to safe, affordable housing and ensuring that long-term residents are not displaced from neighborhoods that are undergoing redevelopment? What is your position on tenants’ rights ordinances such as the proposed Clean Hands housing ordinance? Please explain.

Jecorey Arthur: I would support the work of current programs such as LHOME, New Directions, and others as well as seek private/public partnerships with developers to help all residents get access to affordable housing. I would work with state reps to protect renters and help neighborhoods not only understand the developments in their areas but also have a say in them. I would support the property tax change but work to revise it so renters and owners with fixed incomes aren’t displaced when they can’t afford repairs. I support the Clean Hands Housing Ordinance. We have been catering to exploitative tenants for too long at the expense of families suffering.

Ron Bolton: We need better controls on the creation of CUP’s for non-resident Air BnB’s. this lowers the available housing stock in any neighborhood. 1000 feet in between sounds good to me. We have to find a way to support those who want to fix up their homes in our changing neighborhoods. Some form of tax abatement for long time residents should be considered. Any ordinance that restricts a person from finding adequate housing is a non-starter.

Adam Caperton: We need to prioritize affordable housing every year in the budget. The LAHTF needs to see an increase each year to be able to do the necessary work the city needs to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to live in a home of their own that they can afford. Diverse communities create the strongest cities, in any redevelopment, we need to ensure that those residents who have a history of being in the neighborhood feel embraced and acknowledged as being a part of

it’s future as well. Tenants have a responsibility to their landlords to uphold the terms of their lease, however, a landlord must uphold their side of the agreement too. There are bad actors who choose to allow their properties to fall into disrepair all while collecting the rent, which is outrageous. A Clean Hands ordinance would hold landlords just as accountable for keeping up a safe property as it would be for the tenants to pay their rent.

Aletha Fields: As District 4 constituents, we deserve quality, affordable housing that is built with environmentally sustainable measures. When neighborhoods are redeveloped--from the starting phase to the finish--transparent, community voice must be the leading voice. Those neighborhoods deserve to be invested in for the good of the people who have lived there and built there. The housing must be affordable, high quality, and sustainable. Tenants and potential tenants deserve to be treated fairly and equitably. With a 31,000+ unit shortfall in affordable housing, property owners should not be able to discriminate against persons based on their arrest or conviction history, homeless status, lawful source of income, or military service record.

Robert LeVertis Bell: At last check, I’m the only local candidate to sign the Homes Guarantee pledge. I signed because it is my steadfast belief that housing should be a human right and not mere commodity. I will use whatever pulpit I have from the Metro Council to advocate national rent control legislation and answers continued on next page

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www.kftc.org | May 2020

Louisville Metro Council – District 4 ANSWERS CONTINUED: Safe, affordable housing … otherwise advocate for tenants. I reject donations from real estate developers and large landlords. This isn’t because I think all developers are bad but because I know that the developer community has far too great of a say in how this city is run and I am willing to amplify, listen to, and be accountable to the voices of tenants and low-income homeowners who are often the victims of development.

I support Clean Hands ordinances. I also support limiting winter-time evictions.

We must expand programs for property tax relief for low-income legacy homeowners whose higher, gentrification-linked tax assessments increasingly encourage them to sell their homes. Moreover, we must push a discussion of public and social, not simply “affordable,” housing. When homes are designated “affordable”

QUESTION:

for those earning 80% of the AMI while a majority of a neighborhood’s residents earn far below that even “affordable” housing can lead to displacement.

Darryl Young: I believe in additional funding for the Louisville Affordable Housing Trust. As development comes through the city, current residents should be provided protections and resources to remain in their homes instead of being shipped out. I believe in policies that would provide pathways current residences becoming homeowners and able to reap the benefits of the development. I support measures that decriminalize individuals and that don’t allow past mistakes to keep them in perpetual cycles of poverty and homelessness.

What are your plans to create and expand support and resources toward our immigrant population, undocumented or otherwise?

Jecorey Arthur: Louisville needs to be a sanctuary/safe city for immigrants and refugees. I would support our immigrant service providers such as Americana, Kentucky Refugee Ministries, and Catholic Charities of Louisville Migration and Refugee Services.

Ron Bolton: I was raised in the Southside neighborhood, the city’s most diverse neighborhood. Immigrants like most other residents need access to opportunity.

We can’t offer them opportunity if they are actively hiding from the government.

Sadly the state legislature continues to pass bills that criminalize merely existing.

Until we can change Frankfort, I do not see an easy path forward on this issue.

Adam Caperton: Louisville is a rich and diverse city of immigrants. From Bosnians to Somali’s, from Indians to Pakistani’s as well as Latin and South American nationalities. Our responsibility to these newcomers is to make them feel welcome and safe as well as providing them with opportunities to be a part of our community. That means working with them to learn the language, have access to educational assistance and job training and utilizing our government and non-profit resources to help them acclimate to their new home.

Aletha Fields: I would continue to work with and support groups that empower

and support immigrants of all statuses. I support Metro Council resolutions to prioritize legal, social, and economic resources to gain the security and stability of all immigrants.

Robert LeVertis Bell: I believe very strongly in sanctuary city legislation.Refusing to cooperate with the unjust, racist, and unconstitutional enforcement regime of federal immigration enforcement is an absolutely essential step to being a compassionate and safe city for all of our residents. Beyond that, a true sanctuary environment involves comprehensive reforms, especially in criminal justice, some of which I’ve outlined in this text regarding know that immigrants who travel on visas are especially vulnerable. Beyond that, I will solicit the advice from and listen to the immigrant communities in my city to determine the best ways I can meet their needs.

Darryl Young: I would propose additional funding for organizations that work with our immigrant population, as they are non profits and need additional support. I would also work with the business community to create job programs that would help incoming individuals find employment, but help them work through the barriers that make it difficult for that population to find and keep work (i.elanguage, transportation, obtaining correct documentation, etc.)

www.kftc.org | May 2020

KENTUCKY Primary ELECTION VOTER GUIDE – jefferson county Edition | 13

Louisville Metro Council – District 6 District 6 candidate David James is seeking to retain his seat representing District 6 on the Louisville Metro Council. His responses to the KFTC candidate survey follow. A primary challenger, Courtney Phelps, will appear on the ballot but has been disqualified and votes for Phelps will not be counted.

James will face Republican Kristi “Kristina” Smith in November. Smith has no primary opposition.

David James www.facebook.com/ Councilman-DavidJames-149531321781283

Jail overcrowding is a huge issue in Louisville, and one that disproportionately impacts Black Louisvillians. What role do you think that ending cash bail and supporting alternatives to incarceration can play in addressing this issue?

David James: I feel ending cash bail, would be a step in the right direction in justice reform. I also feel Restoritive Practices should be included to a greater degree in our justice system.

How would you include constituents in your district and across Louisville in the development of the annual Metro Louisville budget? What area(s) of the budget would you prioritize funding?

What revenue increases would you propose to meet our city’s future budget needs?

David James: I was one of two council members that instituted participatory budgeting a year ago as a test. I wish to do it again on a annual bases once we learn the best practices to make sure it works well. I hope to raise revenue through, a restaurant tax, increase in the bed tax , a alcohol tax and a local option sales tax. Then reduce our local payroll tax to better diversify our revenue streams. My priorities in the budget start with public safety, then everything else lines up after that.

QUESTIONS

What are the main impacts of the global climate crisis in your community and what would you do to address the public health effects of this crisis on people in your district?

What skills, values, and experiences will you bring to this position?

What is your vision for Metro Louisville, and how will the lives of Louisvillians be improved as a result of your time in office?

David James: Addressing climate change should be a plan that has measurable goals and out comes. Environmental Justice should be a primary concern for metro government. My district sufferers a decreased life expectancy from poverty’s effects, changing that narrative is vital.

David James: Life long Resident of Louisville, 30 years as a law enforcement professional, served in the US Army Reserves as a intelligence analyst and 9 years as the elected councilman of the 6th district. I’ve served as the Majority Caucus Chair of The Metro Council, Chair of the Public Safety Committee and President of The Metro Council for 3 Years. My vision for Metro Louisville is one that insures that all areas of Louisville are served equally and fairly. That we address our transparency, housing, education, equity, economic development , public safety , health equity, the budget , infrastructure, arts and culture and job training short comings aggressively.. If elected to serve the 6th district , I will continue to address these issues , which will lift all of our citizens.

What initiatives will you support to decrease the use of deadly force by law enforcement officers, particularly in communities of color?

What is your position on an independent civilian review of any police shooting resulting in a death? What other resources should Metro Council provide to improve public safety in your district and across Louisville?

David James: Yes, I support a independent review of police shootings. I will Continue to push the Mayor for new leadership at LMPD.

What is your plan for increasing access to safe, affordable housing and ensuring that long-term residents are not displaced from neighborhoods that are undergoing redevelopment? What is your position on tenants’ rights ordinances such as the proposed Clean Hands housing ordinance? Please explain.

David James: Due to state law , the clean hands ordinance can’t be implemented at a local level. Community based land trusts should be developed to help fight against gentrification and displacement. Implementing a plan to generate home ownership and skill trades development for local residents is one of my highest priorities. I also plan to continue funding the affordable housing trust fund, and focusing it on the lowest levels of housing needs.

What are your plans to create and expand support and resources toward our immigrant population, undocumented or otherwise?

David James: Supporting and protecting our immigrant population is one of my priorities. Supporting the non profits that support our immigrant families is essential.

14 | KENTUCKY Primary ELECTION VOTER GUIDE – jefferson county Edition

www.kftc.org | May 2020

Louisville Metro Council – District 8 District 8 candidates Shawn Reilly, Cassie Chambers Armstrong and Daniel Borsch are running in the Democratic primary to succeed Brandon Coan for the District 8 Metro Council seat.

Coan is not running for re-election.

No Republican or third party candidates filed for this seat, so the Democratic primary winner will be the new council member after the November election.

The candidates in the Democratic primary are:

Cassie Chambers Armstrong www.CassieChambers Armstrong.com www.facebook.com/ CassieChambersArmstrongCouncil8 https://twitter.com/ ArmstrongforD8

Daniel Borsch www.facebook.com/ daniel.borsch.92

Shawn Reilly www.reillyforcouncil.com www.facebook.com/ ReillyforCouncil https://twitter.com/ reilly4council

QUESTION:

What skills, values, and experiences will you bring to this position? What is your vision for Metro Louisville, and how will the lives of Louisvillians be improved as a result of your time in office?

Cassie Chambers Armstrong: I’ve spent my life advocating for policies to make my community stronger. I started my career at Legal Aid, representing low-income domestic violence survivors who couldn’t afford an attorney. In that role, I learned what it means to make bureaucracy work for people, and how to answer your cell phone in the middle of the night because someone has a problem that it’s your responsibility to solve. I know what an honor it is for someone to trust you to be their voice in a process. I’ve also advocated for change at a systemic level. I’ve worked in numerous policy environments, including in the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, the U.K. Parliament, and the Kentucky General Assembly. I helped pass Jeanette’s Law--which made it so that domestic violence survivors no longer had to pay the legal fees of their incarcerated spouses. I’ve worked on legal cases to ensure low-income Kentuckians have equal access to expungements. I want to use my experience in advocacy and policy to make District 8 clean, green, safe, vibrant, and inclusive. As a Metro Councilwoman, I will focus on things like increased walkability, public space recycling, and community-driven development. I believe our district … answer exceeds word limit Shawn Reilly: I’m a neighborhood guy who cares a lot about this community. I’ve never been a politician, but now I am running for Metro Council. I plan to be a neighborhood champion, and I’m ready to work so I can make a difference in our district. I’m a homegrown Louisvillian, husband, father, small business owner, President of the Tyler Park Neighborhood Association and active community organizer. I’m a graduate of the University of Louisville and Trinity High School and more recently, a graduate of the Center for Neighborhoods’ Neighborhood Institute. For more than ten years, I’ve served on neighborhood boards in the Highlands where I’ve worked to introduce a recycling program, launched a campaign to save the Tyler Park tennis courts from demolition and organized numerous park and alley cleanups. I’m also a founding member of B.I.G, (Bardstown Road Improvement Group) leading a citizens’ team in improving Bardstown Road through innovative actions and practical solutions. My goals for District 8 first and foremost are public safety, followed closely by quality delivery of basic services like garbage pickup, recycling, filling pot holes for all residents. I want to build a strong network of neighborhoods where each one supports and enhances the great … answer exceeds word limit Daniel Borsch: I am a long time resident of the Highlands and a proud fifth generation Louisvillian. My experience as a small business owner, running several neighborhood restaurants in multiple neighborhoods throughout Louisville including the Burger Boy Diner and Hillcrest Tavern, has shown me what happens when we make real investments in our community.

As an advocate for a more transparent government I’ve served in various oversite capacities in Louisville Metro government, including on the Urban Services Oversite Board and the Landbank Authority, ensuring out citdy’s residents are receiving the services they deserve.

I also believe my background in Democratic politics, including as campaign manager for Congressman John Yarmuth’s first campaign and Vice President of the Louisville Metro Democratic Club, has taught me the importance of cooperation and coalition building that are too rare in our city’s government.

My hope is by serving on Metro Council I could be part of a new group of voices who think ahead, prepare for the very real challenges we face and help place our community in a better position to succeed.

www.kftc.org | May 2020

KENTUCKY Primary ELECTION VOTER GUIDE – jefferson county Edition | 15

Louisville Metro Council – District 8 QUESTION:

What initiatives will you support to decrease the use of deadly force by law enforcement officers, particularly in communities of color? What is your position on an independent civilian review of any police shooting resulting in a death? What other resources should Metro Council provide to improve public safety in your district and across Louisville?

Cassie Chambers Armstrong: I support a multifaceted approach to decrease the use of deadly force by law enforcement officers. We should provide opportunities for the community to give feedback to the police about their perceptions and experiences through things like surveys and forums. I also support including citizens and stakeholders in the review of fatal shootings in order to make sure the concerns of the community are heard. I also believe that training on things like implicit racial bias, de-escalation tactics, and alternatives to deadly force would give our law enforcement officers helpful tools to utilize on the job. Finally, I believe that representation matters and that we should take steps to make sure that we have a representative police force.

Evidence suggests that black representation on police forces reduces police killings of black people. I believe it is important that police forces reflect the community that they serve.

Shawn Reilly: I want to look to other cities and established organizations like Campaign Zero for best practices that can be implemented here in Louisville.

Examples include de-escalation tactics (verbalization; creating distance, time and space; tactical re-positioning, etc.) whenever possible instead of using force. Also, banning chokeholds, strangleholds, hog-tying and transporting

QUESTION:

people face down in a vehicle. I fully support an independent civilian review of any police shooting that results in a death. Additionally, I like the idea of real community policing and having officers in plain clothes walking a neighborhood or a street as opposed to being isolated in the cars. The barrier that being in a car creates is much thicker than a pane of glass. Doing simple things like this will make police more approachable and the more a community sees the officers the more trust is built. I think every officer should have first aid kits and immediately render medical assistance to anyone in custody who is injured or who complains of an injury. There have been several occasions where officers are waiting on ambulance or other emergency responders before aid is rendered.

Daniel Borsch: An armed citizenry Interacting with an armed police force makes it practically impossible to eliminate officer involve shootings, including those that result in death. However, through increased training and increased accountability we can help ensure that the use of firearms is always the last resort. This includes increasing civilian review of officer involved shootings and emphasizing de-escalation training at every level of our police force. Additionally, body cam use should not only be continued but expanded.

Jail overcrowding is a huge issue in Louisville, and one that disproportionately impacts Black Louisvillians. What role do you think that ending cash bail and supporting alternatives to incarceration can play in addressing this issue?

Cassie Chambers Armstrong: Cash bail is based on the idea that people are more likely to show up for court if they have money on the line. Yet evidence suggests that cash bail does not increase the likelihood that an individual shows up for court hearings. In cities like Washington DC where they have reduced the reliance on cash bail, most defendants still show up for their court dates. On the flip side, cash bail often disproportionately impacts low-income individuals, who cannot afford to pay it. These individuals—who have not been found guilty of any crime—must often sit in jail for months, or even years, awaiting trial while wealthier individuals can buy their way out. Increasingly, cities and states are looking to use risk-assessment systems to replace cash bail. These systems may actually increase public safety, as they ensure higher-risk individuals cannot simply buy their way out of prison.

I would favor Louisville exploring some of these alternatives to cash bail. I think it is important that civilians, the police, prosecutors, defense attorneys, formerly incarcerated individuals, and other stakeholders all be a part of designing smart, effective policy options.

Shawn Reilly: I support the work and advocacy of The Bail Project here in Louisville. I think that ending cash bail will have a huge impact in jail overcrowding but more importantly in many cases, low-income people are detained simply because they can’t pay a few hundred dollars in bail. I want to see Louisville continue its partnership with the Bail Project.

Daniel Borsch: Jail overcrowding is a direct result of the systemic criminalization of poverty that has taken over much of our criminal justice system.

A cash bail system, which allows those with money to leave jail while those without means must remain, is undemocratic, inherently biased and also leads to the families, careers and lives of innocent people being destroyed.

Our cash bail system should be radically reformed to help ensure equity, if not out-right eliminated.

Additionally, we need to bring much needed reform to our probation and parole system which places far too many back into jail on technical violations which provide no real threat to our community.

16 | KENTUCKY Primary ELECTION VOTER GUIDE – jefferson county Edition

www.kftc.org | May 2020

Louisville Metro Council – District 8 QUESTION:

How would you include constituents in your district and across Louisville in the development of the annual Metro Louisville budget? What area(s) of the budget would you prioritize funding?

What revenue increases would you propose to meet our city’s future budget needs?

Cassie Chambers Armstrong: I support citizen engagement in the budgeting process. In District 8, I would follow the lead of Councilman Coan and use a participatory budgeting process to allocate a large portion of the District 8 discretionary funds. At a city level, I am committed to making sure that we fund the programs necessary to make sure every citizen has opportunities to grow and thrive. These include things like emergency services, public libraries, and programs that provide opportunities in historically marginalized communities. As our pension obligations continue to increase, it will be more difficult to fund these services. While I do believe that we can achieve some savings by looking critically at our current budget, it is likely that we will need to raise new revenue to be the compassionate city we aspire to be. I favor doing this in the least regressive way possible, and I’m committed to working with the Louisville delegation to the Kentucky General Assembly to explore legislation that makes sense for the city.

Shawn Reilly: First, I want to include every willing citizen in the budget making process, much like I have been doing in my campaign hosting listening events. I believe in a bottom up approach hearing what people want instead of a top down directive. For me, I want to see public services like police, fire protection, libraries, trash collection and road maintenance brought back

QUESTION:

to pre-budget cut levels. After that, I support public transportation, public health, our city and Olmsted parks. Louisville’s budget problems are not just in need of more revenue but could greatly benefit from not wasting public funds on handouts to developers and failed projects. Here in District 8 alone, the old Ballet Building and police station were sold by the city to a developer at a very discounted price of $425,000 while the city had an appraisal for $1.12 million in its hands. A short time later the developer re-sold the property without any improvements for $1.12 million dollars. This terrible deal cost the city $700,000 that could have gone to public pools, fire protection or filling pot holes. Louisville Forward, the government agency that negotiated this terrible deal, has a history of making deals that don’t benefit … answer exceeds word limit Daniel Borsch: Metro Council members must seek out the public and solicit their input into the city’s budget - not the other way around. By increasing community access through meetings, surveys, input from community organizations, I’ll work with other members of the Metro Council to craft a budget that not only meets the needs of our community but also reflects their priorities.

What are the main impacts of the global climate crisis in your community and what would you do to address the public health effects of this crisis on people in your district?

Cassie Chambers Armstrong: Climate change is having and will continue to have a real tangible impact on our Louisville community. Because of the climate crisis, we have recently had three of the largest rainfall years since we began recording data. This is particularly challenging for Louisville as a river city. Additionally, our expanding heat island—which is particularly harmful to vulnerable populations--is exacerbated by rising temperatures.

The devastating impacts of the climate crisis are why I support initiatives to make District 8 cleaner and greener. I support increased recycling, increased public/shared/alternative transportation, green building incentives, increased greening of public spaces, density of development, promoting walkability, protecting our public green spaces, and other policies that will help combat the climate crisis.

Shawn Reilly: First, the climate crisis is 100% real and I 100% support the Renewable Energy resolution that just passed Metro Council. In my neighborhood people are noticing their basements flooding when they had not before. Extreme temperature swings have caused pipes to freeze and burst.

The summers are hotter causing people to use more air conditioning, causing more pollution. People are walking less due to the heat and lack of street trees. Also, people with asthma are experiencing many more ozone warning

days. The work I have been doing focuses on tree planting initiatives with the Tyler Park Neighborhood Association, volunteering with Olmsted Parks and a tactical urbanism project showing the city how 25 new street trees could be added to one block of Bardstown Road in hopes of getting a commitment for hundreds of new trees. Again, I fully support the Renewable Energy resolution that passed Metro Council and I want to work on the implementation to achieving the goal of transitioning city operations to 100 percent renewable electricity by 2030.

Daniel Borsch: Our current infrastructure is not prepared to meet the needs of an impending global climate crisis. For communities like Louisville in the Ohio River Valley the most serious risk are floods increasing, in both number and severity, as well as the results of these floods such as the permanent loss of neighborhoods and an increase in mosquito-borne diseases. Louisville needs to immediately start long-term strategic planning for “when” this occurs and stop preparing for “if ” this occurs. Preparing communities for short term consequences of increased flooding, much like we have weekly tornado drills, needs being at once. I received a BS degree from the University of Michigan School of Natural Resources and Environment and that background has given me a deep understanding of the challenges we face as the climate changes.

www.kftc.org | May 2020

KENTUCKY Primary ELECTION VOTER GUIDE – jefferson county Edition | 17

Louisville Metro Council – District 8 QUESTION:

What is your plan for increasing access to safe, affordable housing and ensuring that long-term residents are not displaced from neighborhoods that are undergoing redevelopment? What is your position on tenants’ rights ordinances such as the proposed Clean Hands housing ordinance? Please explain.

Cassie Chambers Armstrong: During law school, I spent time working with an anti-displacement group in the city of Boston. This group used legal systems to advocate for affordable housing and fight against predatory evictions and foreclosures. This background has instilled in me the importance of ensuring that every member of our community has safe, affordable housing.

This is an ongoing challenge in Louisville, as estimates indicate we are 30,000 units short of housing that is affordable for those in the lowest income bracket. As a Metro Councilwoman, I will support efforts to expand affordable housing, including working to identify a dedicated recurring revenue stream to fully fund the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. I also understand the importance of protecting tenants, and I would support a clean hands housing ordinance.

Shawn Reilly: Money being allocated for affordable housing is not being used for people at the lowest incomes.The Affordable Housing Trust Fund should be focusing on people at 30% AMI and half of their funding should be going to people at or below that level. Additionally, I will commit to work toward securing a source of ongoing, dedicated public revenue of $10 million per year for the LAHTF. The current city budget approved in June, allocated $5 million. In the Highlands we are facing an onslaught of Short Term Rentals from Airbnb and other outside companies. This is driving up

QUESTION:

the cost of housing and changing the fabric of our neighborhoods by having commercial hotels operating next to single family, multi-family and long term rentals. This pattern of development and flooding of our neighborhoods with commercial hotels is not sustainable. My view is that Short Term Rentals are a commercial use and should be treated as such. I want to see all non-owner occupied STRs be located in a C-2 zone and out of neighborhoods. I will introduce a resolution not only ending STRs in neighborhoods but also taking away any conditional use permits that have been issued when the property is … answer exceeds word limit Daniel Borsch: Like a number of cities across the country, Infill housing and vertical growth are what will propel the growth of our city over the next 20 years. As the communities of Metro 8 consider projects such as multi-unit construction and retrofitting exsisting structures to multi-family housing we must insist on the inclusion of affordable housing. Additionally, we need to make certain that when developers, who will fight the inclusion of low-income housing at every turn, have a clearer definition of “affordable.” “Affordable housing” is to often code for “discounted yet expensive housing” and is instead truly attainable to the working families of Louisville.

I do not and would not support measure to allow housing discrimination to those involved in the criminal justice system.

What are your plans to create and expand support and resources toward our immigrant population, undocumented or otherwise?‚

Cassie Chambers Armstrong: I am fully committed to providing resources and support for our immigrant population, including individuals without legal status, in Louisville. These communities add incredible value to our city, and we should make sure that we are celebrating and supporting them. One way to do this is to fund great organizations such as Catholic Charities and Kentucky Refugee Ministries. We can also make sure that we are funding the city’s Office for Globalization, which works to enhance multiculturalism in our city. Similarly, I believe in keeping Louisville a compassionate, welcoming city. That is why I support the ordinance that prohibits our local police from assisting on immigration arrests absent a judicial warrant or a threat to public safety.

Shawn Reilly: The Highlands is a welcoming and inclusive community and we’re lucky that Kentucky Refugee Ministries is in our neighborhood. I want to support KRM as they work to resettle refugees and welcome immigrants.

I think it’s important for the Highlands to be a leader in welcoming immigrants and promoting awareness of diversity. Showing our compassion will benefit the whole community, not just District 8.

Daniel Borsch: Louisville has taken so very important and successful steps in helping make our community more welcoming to new neighbors from around the globe. For instance, the city’s Office of Globalization has done and admirable job of assisting new residents with programs like the Louisville Welcome Academy. However, as a community we have a long way to go in ensuring that foreign-born Louisvillians aren’t just welcomed but given real opportunities to succeed. I would do everything possible to work with Louisville Metro, existing non-profits, faith centers and cultural communities to ensure we’re meeting the needs of all our neighbors. The restaurant industry is dependent on immigrants and greatly enhanced by immigrant entrepreneurs, with my background in the industry I have first-hand experience with the struggles some immigrants have establishing new lives in our community.

Undocumented residents of Louisville, Kentucky and out nation are increasingly being used by the political far right as the pollical scapegoat to every perceived societal ill. I will not be a complicit voice in allowing the most vulnerable among our community to be exploited, denied services, medical care or any other resource that should be afforded a human being.

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www.kftc.org | May 2020

Louisville Metro Council – District 10 District 10 candidates Ryan Fenwick is challenging incumbent District 10 council member Pat Mulvihill in the June 23 Democratic primary. Both responded to the KFTC candidate survey.

No Republican or other party candidates filed for the seat, so the winner of the primary will be unopposed in the November election.

Ryan Fenwick

Pat Mulvihill

https://fenwickford10. com

www.councilman patmulvihill.com

www.facebook.com/ Fenwick4Louisville

www.facebook.com/ CouncilmanPatMulvihill

https://twitter.com/ RyanpFenwick

https://twitter.com/ CouncilmanPat

QUESTION:

QUESTION: What skills, values, and experiences will you bring to this position? What is your vision for Metro Louisville, and how will the lives of Louisvillians be improved as a result of your time in office?

Ryan Fenwick: I grew up in rural Western KY and moved to attend U of L. I studied law and urban planning at the graduate level and am a practicing attorney. I have volunteered countless hours as a grassroots activist. I am proud to have worked with JCKFTC on the Vision Smoketown report and People’s Guide to the Budget. I served on the KFTC steering and executive committee, and represented KFTC on the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee. I have knocked on thousands of doors during my run for Mayor, in which I earned 12,000 votes, and a couple thousand more to date in this race. I’ve listened to every single person who was willing to talk to me and have formed my platform based on working class priorities identified by voters. My experience has taught me leaders have to listen to make the right decision. I want to make sure city hall is hearing our communities’ lived experiences. My education and grassroots experience will inform how I make decisions as a Metro Council Representative.

Pat Mulvihill: I am proud to have served the past 4 years as Metro Councilman for District 10, where I grew up and continue to live with my wife and three children. I know government and how to get things done having had the pleasure and unique experience for over 20 years of serving the public in the executive branch as well as an assistant Jefferson County Attorney. Our office commits every day to improving the quality of life of our residents. We strive to ensure timely and effective responses to address resident’s needs. I want to give my children the opportunity to stay here if they desire and make Louisville their home. In order to do that, Louisville desperately needs revenue diversification to meet the basic needs of its residents while continuing to grow. I along with my colleagues will continue to ask and plead with Frankfort to give us the basic tools in order for our city to meet those goals. Our Metro Council has the unique distinction of bringing the first major league sports franchise to Louisville when our Louisville City women join the NWSL in 2021. This decision will have a positive impact on our City for years.

What initiatives will you support to decrease the use of deadly force by law enforcement officers, particularly in communities of color? What is your position on an independent civilian review of any police shooting resulting in a death? What other resources should Metro Council provide to improve public safety in your district and across Louisville?

Ryan Fenwick: Independent civilian oversight of police is essential to ensuring a trustworthy police force. Currently, the commission only has limited powers to review after internal investigation and litigation. Our review board should have investigatory power, including authority to hold hearings. They need access to witnesses and evidence.

I will support initiatives that make sure our officers and residents feel like they are a part of the same community. Officers need support from Metro to allow them to spend more time on foot and bicycle. We also need better de-escalation training, and training that disrupts implicit biases to destigmatize people of different races and backgrounds.

I will join the Metro Council members calling for the replacement of our police chief with one who can articulate and bring about a vision of community

policing and who will be serious about diversion and violence interruption. We should empathize with root causes and build a police force we feel will keep us safe.

Door to door the concerns I hear from residents of D10 largely deal with opportunistic theft. I want to work with officers who police D10 to identify appropriate, evidence-based solutions in the short- middle- and long term.

Pat Mulvihill: I have made it a priority for police to meet residents. The first interaction between residents and police should not be when there is an arrest or other police action. We have organized to do walks throughout the District so residents and police can get to know one another in an informal, positive and answers continued on next page

www.kftc.org | May 2020

KENTUCKY Primary ELECTION VOTER GUIDE – jefferson county Edition | 19

Louisville Metro Council – District 10 ANSWERS CONTINUED: Police and public safety … non-contentious way. The forming of these relationships has led to mutual trust and worked to improve our neighborhoods and solve crimes. Similarly, we also have actively participated in police events where residents can meet with police in an informal setting to build positive and healthy relationships. An independent civilian review committee may offer another set of eyes, ears and thoughts with respect to a police shooting; however, state law must be changed, which is

QUESTION:

Jail overcrowding is a huge issue in Louisville, and one that disproportionately impacts Black Louisvillians. What role do you think that ending cash bail and supporting alternatives to incarceration can play in addressing this issue?

Ryan Fenwick: We should end cash bail in Jefferson County because it is keeping people, disproportionately Black people, incarcerated while they await trial just because they can’t post bond. Cash bail means if two people are accused of the same crime, are assessed as having the same risk to society, and have the same bond one might walk free and the other waits in over overcrowded jail.

Robust evidence demonstrates the lack of connection between cash bail and the rate accused people return to court. We can certainly achieve better results with alternatives to incarceration.

Incarceration while awaiting trial greatly decreases a person’s ability to get a fair trial. They can’t fully participate in their own defense or earn money to pay for an attorney. Incarceration also frequently has physical consequences that can make a person look more guilty to a jury.

I will not support any candidate for County or Commonwealth Attorney or judge who does not support ending cash bail and continue to attempt to recruit public defenders willing to take the risk and run. I will sponsor a resolution calling for the end of cash bail.

QUESTION:

very difficult to do. The Citizens Commission on Police Accountability has been instrumental in examining and modifying policies with respect to investigations.

Finally, we are at a dangerous crossroads with our police force. We will have fewer officers on the street than in any time since merged government at the end of this fiscal year. We need to ensure through revenue diversification that we don’t continue to hemorrhage officers.

Pat Mulvihill: The Metro Council has worked to reduce jail overcrowding in several ways. First, we instituted a policy where police would no longer arrest individuals for possession of marijuana, which disproportionately impacted minorities. In addition, we have funded treatment programs at the Healing Place, Volunteers of America and Centerstone to combat substance abuse and reduce jail overcrowding. I supported the Living Room, a Centerstone program that supports adults dealing with substance abuse disorder and/or mental illness and operates as a compassionate alternative to jail, the emergency room or inpatient hospitalization. I was a cosponsor of the revenue measure to keep it intact, but unfortunately, a majority of the Council rejected that measure. I support the Bail project, a national nonprofit that works with public defenders, law enforcement, and the community to identify individuals who need financial assistance to get out of jail, and have been pleased with the results thus far. It’s important to work to continue to find alternative solutions, such as stable housing with drug treatment, rather than incarceration.

How would you include constituents in your district and across Louisville in the development of the annual Metro Louisville budget? What area(s) of the budget would you prioritize funding?

What revenue increases would you propose to meet our city’s future budget needs?

Ryan Fenwick: I will sponsor legislation to institute a Metro-wide participatory budgeting (PB) process with a meaningful portion of the city’s budget. Based on experiences in other areas, the small amount of money required to make PB programs exciting for residents is not so large as to be a burden even during our current budgetary crisis. This form of direct democracy will increase understanding of our budget and help show the direct relation between taxing and services.

My absolute first priority is funding affordable housing and maintaining services such as our libraries that benefit the working class.

I prefer increases in revenue that do not impact low-income residents, but constraints at the state level prevent finding a perfect solution under current constraints. I believe a comprehensive solution will require building a coalition

of Kentucky cities suffering similar budgetary problems. I would propose an increase in property tax, and special taxing districts to pay for services like our libraries, pools, or parks.

Pat Mulvihill: I have a 40 member District Advisory Board who is included in helping set priorities and funding for such initiatives. Our paramount responsibility to our residents is public safety. As stated earlier, we need to stem the hemorrhaging of our police force. We also need to ensure that our Fire and EMS services are properly funded and continue to provide high quality care and adequately respond to perform timely life saving measures to our residents.

To learn more about the Metro Council, visit: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council. You'll find contact information for council members, district maps, a schedule of meetings, minutes of meetings (including audio and video files) and other resources.

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www.kftc.org | May 2020

Louisville Metro Council – District 10 QUESTION:

What are the main impacts of the global climate crisis in your community and what would you do to address the public health effects of this crisis on people in your district?

Ryan Fenwick: Climate change will significantly affect Louisville because we have the fastest escalating urban heat island effect. That means that Louisville will get hotter even faster than average. This will lead to heat-related illness, cardiovascular failures, and deaths. If elected, I will advocate for a stronger tree ordinance, investment in our flood infrastructure, stronger green building requirements, and policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

We have to ensure adequate funding for our Health and Wellness department in the city. The department combines experts in public health with experts in the health equity and can coordinate responses suitable to our city’s needs. I support Medicare for All at the state and Federal level, and will continue to make the case for why we should elect representatives who agree.

We need universal coverage for all our residents, a goal out of reach for our

QUESTION:

Pat Mulvihill: Unfortunately, there are two Louisville’s when it comes to life expectancy. We need to ensure that all our residents have the same opportunity to live a healthy and prosperous life. In order to achieve that reality, we have to ensure adequate safety for all of our residents. It’s difficult to care about recycling or planting a tree or engaging in other ecological measures, when you don’t know where you’re going to sleep tonight, or whether you will have food or whether you will experience an act of violence against you or a family member.

What is your plan for increasing access to safe, affordable housing and ensuring that long-term residents are not displaced from neighborhoods that are undergoing redevelopment? What is your position on tenants’ rights ordinances such as the proposed Clean Hands housing ordinance? Please explain.

Ryan Fenwick: I want us to make investment in the affordable housing for those most in need our first priority, and make sure most of that money is really going to build housing for low-income residents.

I would support efforts to increase the homestead exemption to help lower the property tax burden on low-income residents. I also oppose our current topdown development model used in neighborhoods like Smoketown where large Federal program money is combined with municipal efforts at rapid gentrification with little input from residents. Even less effort is expended to make sure actual residents build real wealth in the process. A similar effort is likely to repeat with the same result in Russell Neighborhood.

I support expanding tenant rights. I’ve represented many tenants as an attorney and seen our packed eviction docket. Our tenant protections are count-

QUESTION:

municipal budget.

It is also essential we take proactive steps to clean the air, such as support for walking, biking and public transportation, and that we follow through with our decades long intention of increasing our urban tree canopy.

er-intuitive for people trying to deal with serious shortcomings in their rental property. I know first hand that too many of our landlords offering low-income rentals are ignoring their obligation to keep their properties livable.

Pat Mulvihill: I think it’s important to have safe and affordable housing. Since I have been on the Council, we have funded affordable housing at no less than $5 million and for multiple years allocated $10 million. We recently adopted an ordinance of which I am a sponsor to allow for no increase in tax assessment in areas of redevelopment if an affected resident there improves his or her property.

The proposed clean hands ordinance makes sense but Metro has the Uniform Landlord and Tenant Act. In order to impose the clean hands doctrine, it will require a change in state law.

What are your plans to create and expand support and resources toward our immigrant population, undocumented or otherwise?

Ryan Fenwick: Our immigrant population is a great source of community strength. I will insist LMPD adopts and honors procedures that make sure our limited local police budget isn’t used to enforce federal immigration laws. I support implementation of a cooperative development fund that will make it possible for residents of the city to start democratically owned businesses to fill gaps in services provided by traditional businesses. We should adopt regulations requiring translators be made available to people participating on boards and commissions so we can achieve greater representation. City services should be coordinated through an office for immigrant affairs. The office should provide financial literacy training, citizenship workshops, and access to ESL classes for Louisville immigrants. I will advocate for a municipal ID to allow undocumented people to access services like LFPL.

Pat Mulvihill: Louisville Metro has adopted an ordinance that does not require our local law enforcement to cooperate with ICE of which I was a supporter.

Unfortunately, our State Legislature seeks to change that policy. We need to embrace our city as a welcoming one which celebrates diverse cultures and ethnicities. As a son of an immigrant and first generation American, I understand and appreciate a tolerant and respectful city for all its residents.

Follow the Jefferson County chapter’s work on social media – Twitter: @JCKFTC • Facebook: www.facebook.com/JCKFTC • Instagram: @jckftc

www.kftc.org | May 2020

KENTUCKY Primary ELECTION VOTER GUIDE – jefferson county Edition | 21

Louisville Metro Council – District 18 District 18 candidates Mera Kathryn Corlett, Noah Grimes and Susan Jarl are running in the June 23 Democratic primary for the chance to challenge Republican incumbent Marilyn Parker in the November election. Corlett responded to the KFTC candidate survey.

Parker is unopposed for the Republican nomination.

QUESTIONS What skills, values, and experiences will you bring to this position? What is your vision for Metro Louisville, and how will the lives of Louisvillians be improved as a result of your time in office?

Mera Kathryn Corlett: I have spent my entire professional career serving Louisville. Through my work with Commonwealth Theatre Center, I have visited every elementary school within JCPS, along with multiple early childhood, secondary, and environmental schools. This has given me the unique opportunity to forge relationships with people throughout our city and collaborate with to address relevant needs in our community. As an elected Justice of the Peace, I dedicate my time to providing affordable services; I do not believe money should be a barrier to marriage.

Louisville is known as the Compassionate City, and I will respect that designation in every step of my leadership. It’s time we have a leader with a vision for District 18 that extends beyond pavement and sidewalks. We need to invest in social infrastructure. Research shows that if we do not, our population grows more isolated.

I want this to be a place where residents can thrive and feel connected. Some ways to make that happen are improving the tree canopy, attracting new business, holding community events, funding wraparound services in schools, utilizing smart data tools to more quickly assess issues, and develop more equitable systems so everyone is supported.

Noah Grimes and Susan Jarl: Did not respond.

Mera Kathryn Corlett http://MeraForMetro.com www.facebook.com/ MeraForMetro

_______ Susan Jarl Did not respond. _______

Noah Grimes Did not respond.

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What initiatives will you support to decrease the use of deadly force by law enforcement officers, particularly in communities of color? What is your position on an independent civilian review of any police shooting resulting in a death? What other resources should Metro Council provide to improve public safety in your district and across Louisville?

Mera Kathryn Corlett: Having an independent civilian review board when a police shooting results in a death is best practices and is essential to the public trust. But we should also examine the policies in place in other cities that can prevent such occurrences from happening. The Philadelphia PD’s policy states that deadly force can be used only after “all reasonable alternatives have been exhausted” and Las Vegas PD’s policy requires officers to intervene when they observe another using excessive force; these are both examples of preventative steps. I also believe that increasing training on techniques to de-escalate situations will keep both vulnerable communities and our officers safe.

Given the budget constraints facing our local government, it is important that we look at strategic, incremental improvements that can have a big impact on safety. The top places I see room in my district include improving lighting and posting clear signage. Much of District 18 is neighborhood associations and small cities.

Establishing quarterly meetings with these leaders allows us to streamline communication within the district and understand where to focus efforts, ultimately addressing public safety in a very direct system.

Noah Grimes and Susan Jarl: Did not respond.

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22 | KENTUCKY Primary ELECTION VOTER GUIDE – jefferson county Edition

www.kftc.org | May 2020

Louisville Metro Council – District 18 Jail overcrowding is a huge issue in Louisville, and one that disproportionately impacts Black Louisvillians. What role do you think that ending cash bail and supporting alternatives to incarceration can play in addressing this issue?

Mera Kathryn Corlett: Cash bail adds further strain to those who are already disenfranchised and creates a pathway to recidivism. Incorporating alternatives to cash bail for non-violent offenders would lessen the burden placed on our jail and would, in the long run, save taxpayer dollars. We should explore community service and restorative justice as an option whenever possible. Moreover, home incarceration as an alternative should also be explored. People’s rights and human dignity must be honored even when being detained. Jail overcrowding creates major problems to maintaining that promise. We must continually improve our system so that we are best serving everyone in our community.

Noah Grimes and Susan Jarl: Did not respond.

---------How would you include constituents in your district and across Louisville in the development of the annual Metro Louisville budget? What area(s) of the budget would you prioritize funding? What revenue increases would you propose to meet our city’s future budget needs?

Mera Kathryn Corlett: In lieu of our budget cuts, my biggest priority will be placed on returning funding to first responder and social support services. When these two areas are underfunded it impacts our community and ultimately contributes to bigger problems down the road. Something that has compounded the budget problem is that the state limits Louisville’s ability to generate revenue, and lobbying for change on that front is needed. Many are turning focus toward a local option sales taxes. A restaurant tax like the one filed by Councilman Brent Ackerson should be considered, but we must be certain that any revenue enhancement is not regressive in nature. I believe that we should collaborate with the GLI, a chamber of commerce that agrees that no more cuts should be made, to develop a comprehensive plan. I also oppose privatization and believe it is a dangerously short-sighted response to a long term problem.

When it comes to the budget, I believe transparency is imperative. It should be the goal of every council member that we are championing everyone in our community and no group’s interests are disproportionately represented.

Noah Grimes and Susan Jarl: Did not respond.

---------What are the main impacts of the global climate crisis in your community and what would you do to address the public health effects of this crisis on people in your district?

Mera Kathryn Corlett: In the last Metro Council meeting, the Council passed a resolution to move to 100% clean energy within the next 20 years. This decision is a step toward addressing our city’s impact on the global climate crisis, but in order to achieve this goal there is no room for passivity. We have to actively pursue it and motivate energy suppliers to champion this cause alongside us.

Converting energy production to renewable resources must be a part of that long term strategy. However, in the more immediate future we should incorporate

public transit lanes in high traffic areas similar to what is happening on Dixie Highway. In my district, there are two major thoroughfares where this could reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality (Hurstbourne Parkway and Shelbyville Road). We should also increase the tree canopy in District 18 and throughout the city of Louisville. We can reduce hospital admissions for children by doing something so basic. In that same vein, increasing access to affordable preventative health care for people suffering from respiratory problems can actually save the community money in the long term.

Noah Grimes and Susan Jarl: Did not respond.

---------What is your plan for increasing access to safe, affordable housing and ensuring that long term residents are not displaced from neighborhoods that are undergoing redevelopment? What is your position on tenants’ rights ordinances such as the proposed Clean Hands housing ordinance? Please explain.

Mera Kathryn Corlett: Limited access to affordable housing is affecting cities across our nation and we are seeing that in a very real way right here in our city.

It is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed at all levels of government, but especially at the local level. I am in favor of policies such as the Clean Hands eviction ordinance and other tenants right’s securities proposed by Councilwoman Green and Councilman Hollander. These are steps in the right direction towards creating a more equitable housing system in our city and protecting those vulnerable to eviction. Housing instability can be devastating both for the individual it impacts and the society as a whole. We should develop further programs like Community Land Trusts that will help lift residents out of poverty and produce more homeowners.

Noah Grimes and Susan Jarl: Did not respond.

---------What are your plans to create and expand support and resources toward our immigrant population, undocumented or otherwise?

Mera Kathryn Corlett: First and foremost, Louisville calls itself a Compassionate City and with that designation comes a responsibility to all citizens. In 2016, the Mayor proposed attracting more immigrants to our city and my councilmember responded that we should be taking care of our residents first. Responses like these contribute to a narrative that not everyone is getting their fair share. In truth, immigrants actually do more to create economic growth and that benefits everyone. This is personal, because my husband immigrated to Louisville with his family when he was in elementary school. He became an American citizen when he was eighteen and embodies the American Dream as a successful small business owner who employs over 20 local workers.

Last year’s Metro Council budget allocated funding to Kentucky Refugee Ministries for worker development, youth services, and through a Community Development Block Grant for housing coordination, and I would fight to keep these in all future budgets and expand funding for preventive health services.

Problems still exist around housing availability for immigrant populations, and some facilities that many live in are not well maintained. We need improved tenant rights for our minority and immigrant communities.

Noah Grimes and Susan Jarl: Did not respond.

www.kftc.org | May 2020

KENTUCKY Primary ELECTION VOTER GUIDE – jefferson county Edition | 23

Kentucky House of Representatives All 100 seats in the Kentucky House of Representatives are up for re-election in 2020. Some or all of 18 of those seats include parts of Jefferson County.

Kentucky House districts in Jefferson County

In many districts there is no primary election for either party.

Seven incumbents (Josie Raymond, Mary Lou Marzian, Lisa Willner, McKenzie Cantrell, Attica Scott, Reginald Meeks, Joni Jenkins) are unopposed for re-election.

We sent surveys to candidates in four districts where there is a Democratic primary; their answers follow.

Jefferson County House Districts Races 28 Ramona Jade Thomas filed to run against incumbent Charles Miller in the Democratic primary but since withdrew. Her name will still appear on the ballot. Miller has no Republican opposition in November.

29 There are no primaries in this district. Democrat Suzanne Kugler will face Republican incumbent Kevin Bratcher in the general election.

30 Democratic incumbent Tom Burch is being challenged by Daniel Grossberg in the primary. The winner will have no Republican opposition in November.

31 Democratic incumbent Josie Raymond is unopposed in both the primary and general elections.

32 There are no primaries in this district. Democratic incumbent Tina Bojanowski faces Republican G. Hunt Rounsavall Jr. in November.

33 There are no primaries in this district. Democrat Margaret Plattner will face Republican incumbent Jason Nemes in November.

34 Democratic incumbent Mary Lou Marzian is unopposed in both the primary and general elections.

35 Democratic incumbent Lisa Willner is unopposed in both the primary and general elections.

36 There are no primaries in this district. Democrat Jeff Grammer will face Republican incumbent Jerry Miller in November.

37 There are no primaries in this district. Democratic incumbent Jeffery Donohue is being challenged by Republican Jimmy Maricle in the November election.

38 Democratic incumbent McKenzie Cantrell is unopposed in both the primary and general elections.

40 Democratic incumbent Nima Kulkarni is being challenged by Dennis Horlander in the primary. The winner will have no Republican opposition in November.

41 Democratic incumbent Attica Scott is unopposed in both the primary and general elections.

42 Democratic incumbent Reginald Meeks is unopposed in both the primary and general elections.

43 Democrats David Snardon and Pamela Stevenson are running for this open seat, currently held by Charles Booker. The Democratic nominee will be unopposed in November.

44 Democratic incumbent Joni Jenkins is unopposed in both the primary and general elections.

46 There are no primaries in this district. Democratic incumbent Al Gentry faces Republican Bob Devore in November.

48 There are no primaries in this district. Democratic incumbent Maria Sorolis faces Republican Ken Fleming in November.

24 | KENTUCKY Primary ELECTION VOTER GUIDE – jefferson county Edition

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Kentucky House District 30 – Democratic primary

QUESTIONS

District 30 candidates Daniel Grossberg is challenging incumbent Tom Burch in the Democratic primary for the District 30 House seat, which includes a portion of Jefferson County. Since no Republican or third party candidiates have filed for the seat, the Democratic will have no opposition in November.

Grossberg completed the KFTC candidate survey.

Jefferson County

What’s your vision for Kentucky? How will the lives of Kentuckians be improved as a result of your time in office?

Daniel Grossberg: I envision a more equitable and prosperous Commonwealth where everyone has access to quality and affordable education, healthcare, and a job; a place where everyone is free to live to their full potential, free from fear of want or harm. I will be a bold progressive leader in advocating for economic, social, and environmental justice Tom Burch: Did not respond.

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Even after Gov. Beshear’s December 2019 executive order, over 170,000 Kentuckians with felonies in their past are still ineligible to vote. Do you support a constitutional amendment to automatically restore voting rights to all Kentuckians with felonies in their past once they’ve served their time, probation, and parole? Please explain.

Daniel Grossberg: Yes Tom Burch: Did not respond.

Daniel Grossberg http://grossberg4ky.com www.facebook.com/ grossberg4ky https://twitter.com/ grossberg4ky

Tom Burch Did not respond.

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What is your view on modernizing state election laws? Specifically, do you support allowing early voting, mail-in ballots, same-day voter registration, extended hours at polling locations, offering ballots in multiple languages, and other election reforms? Do you support legislation requiring that Kentucky voters present a photo ID on election day even though many Kentuckians do not have that kind of ID? Why or why not?

Daniel Grossberg: I support all of the reforms listed above, as well as automatic voter registration at time of driver’s licensing. I wholeheartedly oppose the back-door poll tax of mandating photo ID without a legitimate reason, because it disenfranchises poor people, the elderly, and people of color.

Tom Burch: Did not respond.

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Kentucky has a tax code that does not raise enough revenue to meet the Commonwealth’s budgetary needs – a problem that was made worse by the legislature’s tax shift of 2018. After years of budget cuts, the funding for pensions, public education, infrastructure, and other essential programs have reached dangerous levels of disinvestment. How would you work to create a more equitable state tax structure – where everyone pays their fair share – that raises adequate revenue, fights poverty, and invests in Kentucky’s under-resourced communities and the services we all need?

Daniel Grossberg: First, we need to start closing these corporate tax-giveaways that exempt more in taxes than they collect. Next, we need to find new sources of revenue like legalized cannabis and expanded gaming. Finally, by investing more in education, job training, and infrastructure, we will only grow our tax base.

Tom Burch: Did not respond.

www.kftc.org | May 2020

KENTUCKY Primary ELECTION VOTER GUIDE – jefferson county Edition | 25

Kentucky House District 30 – Democratic primary Many of Kentucky’s local governments have a policy that people will not be questioned about immigration status by local authorities, and that local police will only assist federal agents in enforcing immigration laws when there is a warrant signed by a judge or a risk of violence. What is your view of these types of policies and what would you do to expand support and resources toward our immigrant population, undocumented or otherwise?

Daniel Grossberg: As the grandchild of refugee immigrants, I take these issues seriously. “When a stranger resides with you in your land, you shall not wrong him.

The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as one of your citizens; you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” (Lev 19:33-34) This belief is deeply rooted in the Constitution. The 14th Amendment mandates that states provide equal protection to all persons “within its jurisdiction”.

There is deliberately no mention of citizenship when the 15th Amendment, written at the same time, includes it. Therefore, any efforts to deprive immigrants of equal protection, regardless of status, are as unconstitutional as they are ungodly.

As a State Representative, I will fight vociferously and passionately for the rights of all immigrants and provide them the resources necessary to assimilate into the American fabric.

Tom Burch: Did not respond.

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Is acting to address the climate crisis a priority for you? What policies do you support to ensure that solutions – such as clean energy jobs and reducing high energy bills – benefit all Kentuckians, including low-income communities, communities of color, and those who are most impacted by the changing climate? And what policies would you support to ensure that all Kentuckians have clean air and water, no matter the color of our skin, income, or zip code?

Daniel Grossberg: I believe there is no distinction between economic, social, and environmental justice. There is just “justice” and all all of these issues are deeply intertwined. I support a comprehensive approach to addressing the climate crisis, as well as a codified right to clean air and water.

Tom Burch: Did not respond.

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What is the role of the Kentucky legislature in opposing white supremacy, addressing racial inequality and supporting racial justice for Black people, Indigenous people, Latinx people, immigrants, those who are undocumented, and all people of color in our state?

Please identify at least two policy initiatives you would propose while in office to address racial and systemic inequalities.

Jefferson County

Kentucky has the ninth highest incarceration rate in the nation, is second in the nation for incarcerating women, and has the second-highest rate in the country of children separated from a parent due to incarceration. In addition, Black Kentuckians make up 8.3 percent of the state population but 21 percent of the state’s incarcerated population. Are you committed to ending mass incarceration in Kentucky? Why or why not? If elected, what will you do to make strides toward ending mass incarceration and reinvesting resources into the communities most impacted by this system?

Daniel Grossberg: Yes, I am fully committed. With proper investment in education, job training, and drug treatment, we can greatly alleviate the social illness, as well as the burden of mass incarceration on the Commonwealth. I believe these resources should be most dedicated to communities of color.

Tom Burch: Did not respond.

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Do you support a statewide Fairness law to protect LGBTQ people (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, queer) from discrimination in housing, employment, financial transactions, and public accommodations based on sexual orientation and gender identity? What will you do to support LGBTQ Kentuckians?

Daniel Grossberg: Yes. And I also wholeheartedly support a ban on so-called “conversion therapy”.

Tom Burch: Did not respond.

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Nearly 400,000 low-income Kentuckians qualified for health care – including vision, dental and mental health – for the first time under the Affordable Care Act. But there are major challenges here in Kentucky. The Bevin administration failed to respond to Kentucky’s Hepatitis A outbreak, local health departments are underfunded and are slated to lose about a third of their workers, and the legislature has recently passed a bill restricting access to reproductive health.

The legislature has a role in getting Kentucky on track for better health. What would you do to build on the progress of Medicaid expansion and to ensure that all Kentuckians have access to quality, affordable health care?

Daniel Grossberg: It is actively, not just passively, the duty of the state to address hatred and discrimination. Therefore, I look forward to sponsoring KY’s first hate crime legislation, as well as a statewide Fairness law.

Daniel Grossberg: Honestly, I hope this is moot when we have a new President who successfully addresses this issue on a national level. Barring that, I would have KY avail itself to every benefit afforded by the ACA (vision, dental, and mental health), and would also fight to control prescription drug prices and expand access to nursing home and rehabilitation services.

Tom Burch: Did not respond.

Tom Burch: Did not respond.

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www.kftc.org | May 2020

Kentucky House District 40 – Democratic primary

Jefferson County

District 40 candidates

QUESTIONS

Nima Kulkarni is seeking re-election to the District 40 House seat she won from Dennis Horlander in 2018. The two are running again in the June 23 Democratic primary. No Republicans filed for the seat, so the primary winner will have no opposition in November.

What’s your vision for Kentucky? How will the lives of Kentuckians be improved as a result of your time in office?

Kulkarni responded to our KFTC candidate survey. Horlander did not.

Nima Kulkarni: My vision for Kentucky is a safe, healthy, place that fully invests in education, protects its environment, treats black, brown and all people with dignity and respect. I am working to fully fund education, stop attacks on the immigrant community and stand up for organized labor. My voting record shows my compassion, dedication, and proves my vision for the state.

Dennis Horlander: Did not respond.

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Even after Gov. Beshear’s December 2019 executive order, over 170,000 Kentuckians with felonies in their past are still ineligible to vote. Do you support a constitutional amendment to automatically restore voting rights to all Kentuckians with felonies in their past once they’ve served their time, probation, and parole? Please explain.

Nima Kulkarni: 100% Yes. Once someone pays their debt to society, they should to able to fully participate in society.

Dennis Horlander: Did not respond.

Nima Kulkarni www.votenima.com/ -----www.facebook.com/ StateRepresentativeNima Kulkarni https://twitter.com/ RepNimaKulkarni

What is your view on modernizing state election laws? Specifically, do you support allowing early voting, mail-in ballots, same-day voter registration, extended hours at polling locations, offering ballots in multiple languages, and other election reforms? Do you support legislation requiring that Kentucky voters present a photo ID on election day even though many Kentuckians do not have that kind of ID? Why or why not?

Nima Kulkarni: I support increasing access to the ballot box by offering early voting, ballots in multiple languages, and extended hours at polling locations.

I do NOT support additional measures that are designed to prevent Kentuckians from exercising their constitutional right to vote.

Dennis Horlander: Did not respond.

Dennis Horlander Did not respond.

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Kentucky has a tax code that does not raise enough revenue to meet the Commonwealth’s budgetary needs – a problem that was made worse by the legislature’s tax shift of 2018. After years of budget cuts, the funding for pensions, public education, infrastructure, and other essential programs have reached dangerous levels of disinvestment. How would you work to create a more equitable state tax structure – where everyone pays their fair share – that raises adequate revenue, fights poverty, and invests in Kentucky’s under-resourced communities and the services we all need?

Nima Kulkarni: Budget cuts that are the direct result of the 2018 tax cuts have have left our communities crippled. I support undoing the tax giveaways to the wealthy and working for a more equitable tax structure. I also answer continued on next page

www.kftc.org | May 2020

KENTUCKY Primary ELECTION VOTER GUIDE – jefferson county Edition | 27

Kentucky House District 40 – Democratic primary

Jefferson County

support ways of increasing revenue, including legalizing cannabis, sports betting and several additional proposals. I was proud to be a cosponsor on the medical cannabis bill, which is an important first step, as well as a comprehensive progressive tax reform bill sponsored by my colleague, Rep. Willner.

and policies that mandate the use of renewable energy in all government buildings. I will also continue to support policies that provide incentives for research and development in clean energy solutions, as these initiatives will provide a cleaner environment, new jobs, and strengthen our economy.

Dennis Horlander: Did not respond.

Dennis Horlander: Did not respond.

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Many of Kentucky’s local governments have a policy that people will not be questioned about immigration status by local authorities, and that local police will only assist federal agents in enforcing immigration laws when there is a warrant signed by a judge or a risk of violence. What is your view of these types of policies and what would you do to expand support and resources toward our immigrant population, undocumented or otherwise?

What is the role of the Kentucky legislature in opposing white supremacy, addressing racial inequality and supporting racial justice for Black people, Indigenous people, Latinx people, immigrants, those who are undocumented, and all people of color in our state? Please identify at least two policy initiatives you would propose while in office to address racial and systemic inequalities.

Nima Kulkarni: This is an issue I am very passionate about, being an immigrant as well as an immigration attorney. Immigration policy is a Federal issue and should not be enforced by our local law enforcement officers. Immigrants are the lifeblood of our state and our country. We cannot afford to erode trust between our law enforcement and our immigrant communities, which will occur if Kentucky enacts legislation like SB1. I am fighting against this bill and any other legislation that would result in racial profiling, discrimination, unlawful detetntion, or any other impact that is harmful to the hardworking immigrant families throughout Kentucky. For our economy, our workforce, our communities, our culture, and our future, we must invest in, engage, and lift up immigrants in our Commonwealth.

Immediately, both legal and undocumented people will be harmed with disastrous implications for workforce, skilled and unskilled, consumption of goods and services and every day businesses. Kentucky cannot afford this at all

Nima Kulkarni: As an immigrant I am working hard to stop Senate Bill 1, because it is so inhumane and damaging to the immigrant community. As a member of the Kentucky Black Legislative Caucus, I have worked with our black legislators and supported numerous policies aimed at criminal justice reform, including elimination of cash bail, automatic restoration of voting rights, sentencing reform, and expungement.

Offering amendments that will stop the heinous policies of SB 1.

Work with the black caucus on Judicial reform The Kentucky legislature has a responsibility to oppose injustices - racial, gender, sexual orientation, freedom of expression, to name a few. White supremacy is a cancer that needs to be stopped and the Legislature has a critical role in this.

Dennis Horlander: Did not respond.

----------------Is acting to address the climate crisis a priority for you? What policies do you support to ensure that solutions – such as clean energy jobs and reducing high energy bills – benefit all Kentuckians, including low-income communities, communities of color, and those who are most impacted by the changing climate? And what policies would you support to ensure that all Kentuckians have clean air and water, no matter the color of our skin, income, or zip code?

Nima Kulkarni: Climate and clean water are two of the most important issues of our times. While climate is a global issue we in Kentucky must do our part.

Clean and renewable energy solutions will not only help preserve and improve our climate but will also economically benefit all Kentuckians. I fully support the solar tax incentive bill, along with legislation supporting transparent utility rates and fair net metering rates, among other bills aimed at helping stem our climate impact. Kentuckians deserve clean drinking water, and clean waterways. I support all policies that will result in carbon neutrality as soon as possible

Dennis Horlander: Did not respond.

----------------Kentucky has the ninth highest incarceration rate in the nation, is second in the nation for incarcerating women, and has the second-highest rate in the country of children separated from a parent due to incarceration. In addition, Black Kentuckians make up 8.3 percent of the state population but 21 percent of the state’s incarcerated population. Are you committed to ending mass incarceration in Kentucky? Why or why not? If elected, what will you do to make strides toward ending mass incarceration and reinvesting resources into the communities most impacted by this system?

Nima Kulkarni: Mass incarceration is a scourge in our Commonwealth. We must give judges more discretion and focus on restorative justice.The system is inherently broken and needs to be reformed. I am also totally opposed to private prisons and private companies profiting from incarcerating our citizens. We must invest more in treatment centers and educational and vocational opportunities for our families.

Dennis Horlander: Did not respond.

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Kentucky House District 40 – Democratic primary Do you support a statewide Fairness law to protect LGBTQ people (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, queer) from discrimination in housing, employment, financial transactions, and public accommodations based on sexual orientation and gender identity? What will you do to support LGBTQ Kentuckians?

Nima Kulkarni: I fully support Fairness for all and have cosponsored legislation establishing statewide fairness every year that I’ve served. I am proud of the success of local Fairness ordinances throughout Kentucky, but I strongly believe a statewide Fairness law is necessary. I was endorsed by CFAIR in my last election, and I strongly believe in the equality of all people. I have many LGBTQ+ constituents and am proud to work for them.

Dennis Horlander: Did not respond.

----------------Nearly 400,000 low-income Kentuckians qualified for health care – including vision, dental and mental health – for the first time under the Affordable

Care Act. But there are major challenges here in Kentucky. The Bevin administration failed to respond to Kentucky’s Hepatitis A outbreak, local health departments are underfunded and are slated to lose about a third of their workers, and the legislature has recently passed a bill restricting access to reproductive health. The legislature has a role in getting Kentucky on track for better health. What would you do to build on the progress of Medicaid expansion and to ensure that all Kentuckians have access to quality, affordable health care?

Nima Kulkarni: 100% opposed Gov. Bevin’s horrific cuts. I believe in fully supporting our local health departments who are desperately in need of more state revenue. I applaud Gov. Beshear’s effort to support Medicaid expansion in Kentucky. I fully support the affordable care act and hope it gets expanded because I believe healthcare is a fundamental right. I have sponsored legislation to restore vision and dental care, which was cut by the former governor, and will continue to support legislation that will expand affordable access to healthcare for all Kentuckians.

Dennis Horlander: Did not respond.

Kentucky House District 43 – Democratic primary District 43 candidates David Snardon and Pamela Stevenson are seeking the Democratic nomination for the District 43 House seat currently held by Charles Booker, who is running for the U.S. Senate. The winner has no opposition in November.

Snardon and Stevenson both responded to the KFTC candidate survey.

David L Snardon

Pamela Stevenson

http://snardonforstaterep.com

http://www.stevensonforky.com

www.facebook.com/ Snardon4StateRep43rd

www.facebook.com/ stevensonforky

https://twitter.com/ SnardonDavid

https://twitter.com/ Stevensonforky

Jefferson County

QUESTION:

Jefferson County

What’s your vision for Kentucky?

How will the lives of Kentuckians be improved as a result of your time in office?

David L Snardon: I see Kentucky as a state that believes in equity, fairness, and compassion, and displays those values through our policies. In Frankfort we face a Super Majority that we must build bridges with in order to ensure legislation is obtained that lifts our highest ideals. When elected I will fight for those policies that give us better choices. From a woman’s right to chose what’s best for her body, to parents being able to pick from an assortment of quality public school; to addressing criminal justice reform, affordable housing, and healthcare, and bring more diversity to Frankfort so all our citizens have representation they can trust.

Colonel Pamela Stevenson, JD: Every voice heard. Every life empowered. Our Commonwealth will lead the Nation as an example of how we care for families. . Strong families are the key to strong communities. My priority would be to transform the government systems that serve families, children, the elderly, veterans and animals.

This includes “access to” and “transformation of ” the education, healthcare and legal systems. My national and international experiences have uniquely prepared me to resolve these challenges and ensure that every family wins. Together we can ensure that Kentucky is the leader for empowering thriving families.

www.kftc.org | May 2020

KENTUCKY Primary ELECTION VOTER GUIDE – jefferson county Edition | 29

Kentucky House District 43 – Democratic primary QUESTION:

Even after Gov. Beshear’s December 2019 executive order, over 170,000 Kentuckians with felonies in their past are still ineligible to vote. Do you support a constitutional amendment to automatically restore voting rights to all Kentuckians with felonies in their past once they’ve served their time, probation, and parole? Please explain.

David L Snardon: I support a constitutional amendment; automatically restore voting rights to all with felonies. The criminal justice system needs a complete overhaul; must first begin with a new philosophy. Instead of being punitive it should focus on restorative justice, part of that RJ is restoration of voting rights.

Colonel Pamela Stevenson, JD: Yes. I founded a nonprofit law firm to ensure that working families, the elderly and veterans have access to our legal system. This includes restoration of rights.

QUESTION:

The biggest principle of our legal system is restoration after “paying for your crimes”. I support restoration of rights after completion of punishment and probation. In 21 states, felons lose their voting rights during incarceration, and for a period of time after, typically while on parole and/or probation. Voting rights are automatically restored after this time period. Kentucky should investigate all models of restoration and at the very least adopt this model of automatic voting rights restoration

What is your view on modernizing state election laws? Specifically, do you support allowing early voting, mail-in ballots, same-day voter registration, extended hours at polling locations, offering ballots in multiple languages, and other election reforms? Do you support legislation requiring that Kentucky voters present a photo ID on election day even though many Kentuckians do not have that kind of ID? Why or why not?

David L Snardon: I support any legislation that helps instead of hinders all Kentuckians to exercise their rights to vote. I believer all barriers to voting should be eliminated. I do not support any legislation requiring voters to present a photo ID. Such legislation is suggested as a way to target the most vulnerable in our society who may not carry ID.

QUESTION:

Jefferson County

Colonel Pamela Stevenson, JD: I don’t support anything that suppresses our right to vote. Voting is the very foundation of this democracy. Our laws must allow for the most people exercising their right to vote. This includes early voting, extended hours and another well researched initiatives. If voter ID laws are implemented, we have to be smart and address the needs of each voter, without cost to the voter. No one who has voted before, should ever be denied the right to vote because of new voting legislation.

Kentucky has a tax code that does not raise enough revenue to meet the Commonwealth’s budgetary needs – a problem that was made worse by the legislature’s tax shift of 2018. After years of budget cuts, the funding for pensions, public education, infrastructure, and other essential programs have reached dangerous levels of disinvestment. How would you work to create a more equitable state tax structure – where everyone pays their fair share – that raises adequate revenue, fights poverty, and invests in Kentucky’s under-resourced communities and the services we all need?

David L Snardon: HB 263 filed by Rep. Jim Wayne outlines a plan to make taxes in Kentucky more equitable ensuring that those who can afford to pay more taxes do so, reducing the amount of taxes paid by those with limited income.

This bill is one I could support. Currently the tax structure tax the most wealth the least while KY looses out on needed taxes for services.

Colonel Pamela Stevenson, JD: Yes, we need a more equitable tax structure. .

We have to work tougher to find solutions that answer the concerns of those who have and those who don’t. We’ve got to find the money to ensure that all Kentuckians have the basics—medical and mental healthcare, food, shelter and access to a living wage. This includes ALL of us doing the best we can, we with what we have. Not equal giving, but equal sacrifice.

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Kentucky House District 43 – Democratic primary QUESTION:

Many Kentucky’s local governments have a policy that people will not be questioned about immigration status by local authorities, and that local police will only assist federal agents in enforcing immigration laws when there is a warrant signed by a judge or a risk of violence. What is your view of these types of policies and what would you do to expand support and resources toward our immigrant population, undocumented or otherwise?

David L Snardon: As reported by the Courier Journal the 2/11/2020 the Senate has passed a bill to the house that would disregard sanctuary like policies. These types of policies don’t make us safer but limites the rights and values in our city to show compassion to the stranger. I would push back against such legislation and support policies that supports the full integration of the immigrant population. I further believe that Kentucky should not follow the lead of Washington and our police should not have too work in kind with federal agents to enforce oppressive immigration laws.

QUESTION:

Colonel Pamela Stevenson, JD: We should not assist with the violent breakup of families and treating people in an inhumane way. All but Native Americans are immigrants in this Country. This Country was built on immigration. Immigration is embedded in the Promise of America. We must do all we can to honor the words of our founders “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” I am a lawyer and immigration laws are needed. But our laws don’t envision humans being caged like rats or given less than due process of the law. We’ve got work to do.

Is acting to address the climate crisis a priority for you? What policies do you support to ensure that solutions – such as clean energy jobs and reducing high energy bills – benefit all Kentuckians, including low-income communities, communities of color, and those who are most impacted by the changing climate? And what policies would you support to ensure that all Kentuckians have clean air and water, no matter the color of our skin, income, or zip code?

David L Snardon: I stand in solidarity with those fighting against environmental injustice and I work with a regional environmental justice organization focused on the south called Justice First. There should be incentives for those bringing clean energy jobs to Kentucky, and when energy is returned to the grid it should reduce electric bills. Being a resident that lives close to Rubber Town I support the Clean Air and Water Act. Colonel Pamela Stevenson, JD: Addressing the climate crisis is a priority for me.

QUESTION:

Jefferson County

Especially since this has a bigger impact on the homeless and the poor. Addressing the issues includes 3 parts: educating people so that small daily changes made by families make a huge difference for the Commonwealth, reimaging our energy sources like solar and wind as a part of our economic system and looking for best practices in highly effective states. There are necessary conversations to develop a viable, economic solution and make this issue real for people. I am willing to do that work so that Kentuckians can continue to have clean air and water.

What is the role of the Kentucky legislature in opposing white supremacy, addressing racial inequality and supporting racial justice for Black people, Indigenous people, Latinx people, immigrants, those who are undocumented, and all people of color in our state? Please identify at least two policy initiatives you would propose while in office to address racial and systemic inequalities.

David L Snardon: The Kentucky legislature should set the town for the rest of the state in being sensitive in passing policies that affect the most vulnerable in our society including minorities. I would work on a policy that would require a racial impact study for any that would affect the judicial system or law enforcement. Reported by the Pegasus Institute, 2016 64,123 non-violent, non-sexual defendants detained in KY due to not being able to afford bail. I would also work on bail reform.

Colonel Pamela Stevenson, JD: The government must vehemently oppose, in thought, law and action, any group that threatens a person’s right to exist and any action taken to unnecessarily diminish a person’s humanity. My policy initiatives would focus on the prison system and removing or changing systematic processes that provide for a discriminatory result.

www.kftc.org | May 2020

KENTUCKY Primary ELECTION VOTER GUIDE – jefferson county Edition | 31

Kentucky House District 43 – Democratic primary QUESTION:

Kentucky has the ninth highest incarceration rate in the nation, is second in the nation for incarcerating women, and has the second-highest rate in the country of children separated from a parent due to incarceration. In addition, Black Kentuckians make up 8.3 percent of the state population but 21 percent of the state’s incarcerated population. Are you committed to ending mass incarceration in Kentucky? Why or why not? If elected, what will you do to make strides toward ending mass incarceration and reinvesting resources into the communities most impacted by this system?

David L Snardon: I am committed to ending mass incarceration in Kentucky and will push policies that focus on crime prevention, and automatically restoring voting rights for all returning from prison. I support Ban the Box as a state wide policy.

Colonel Pamela Stevenson, JD: We can be the generation that ends homelessness and hunger, provides access to our health and legal and builds correctional systems that work. We have everything we need to be successful in this work. We need to stop mass incarceration. The correctional system needs work and this is one of the areas that I am interested in transforming. How? I will do the research

QUESTION:

and form foundational partnerships with the goal of powerfully returning people who are prepared to make a difference in their families and communities after incarceration. We will also look at the pipelines to prison to see what we do in Kentucky that allows for mass incarceration. This means looking at all aspects of how we live that are invisible to us and occur as a way of life. For example, how do 18-year-olds exit the foster care system? Are they empowered and set up to win? Do we intervene on behalf of children early or only after a tragic event?

Do we empower the incarcerated to win once released from prison? The Promise of America includes a “government for the people, by the people, to serve the people”. These are our people.

Do you support a statewide Fairness law to protect LGBTQ people (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, queer) from discrimination in housing, employment, financial transactions, and public accommodations based on sexual orientation and gender identity? What will you do to support LGBTQ Kentuckians?

David L Snardon: I believe that all people should be free from discrimination including sexual orientation and will fight for LGBTQIA people to be treated fairly and under the law.

Colonel Pamela Stevenson, JD: Every person has a right to live free from

QUESTION:

Jefferson County

discriminatory practices that infringe upon their right to exist, their mental and medical well-being and their ability to earn a living. I will stand for the LGBTQ communities because I have. The next step is to listen and see is needed instead of what we think they need. Every life empowered. Every voice heard.

Nearly 400,000 low-income Kentuckians qualified for health care – including vision, dental and mental health – for the first time under the Affordable Care Act. But there are major challenges here in Kentucky. The Bevin administration failed to respond to Kentucky’s Hepatitis A outbreak, local health departments are underfunded and are slated to lose about a third of their workers, and the legislature has recently passed a bill restricting access to reproductive health. The legislature has a role in getting Kentucky on track for better health. What would you do to build on the progress of Medicaid expansion and to ensure that all Kentuckians have access to quality, affordable health care?

David L Snardon: I commend Kentucky for supporting the Affordable Care Act under the Obama presidency and will work with others to ensure that affordable and accessible Health Care for all be a right.

Colonel Pamela Stevenson, JD: Absolutely! Healthcare is a basic right and our generation can make that so. People dying and suffering because they don’t have

medical or mental healthcare is something we can transform for Kentucky. This starts with the expansion of Medicare and ends with newly created ways to take it further.

We won’t stop until the well-being of people drives the healthcare system and not excessive profits. Profits are good for our economy, just not over people’s lives.Together we can make this happen.

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Kentucky Senate Ten of Kentucky’s 38 Senate seats include areas of Jefferson County. Senators serve four-year terms with half of the Senate seats up for election every even-numbered year. In 2020, elections are in the odd-numbered districts.

Jefferson County senate seats up for re-election in 2020 19 Democratic incumbent Morgan McGarvey is unopposed in both the primary and general elections

Kentucky Senate districts in Jefferson County

33 Democratic incumbent Gerald Neal is unopposed in both the primary and general elections 35 Democratic incumbent Denise Harper Angel is unopposed in both the primary and general elections 37 Democratic incumbent Perry Clark is not running for re-election. Four candidates are running in the Democratic primary to succeed him. The winner will be unopposed in the November election. Candidate responses begin on the next page.

866ourvote.org/state/kentucky

www.kftc.org | May 2020

KENTUCKY Primary ELECTION VOTER GUIDE – jefferson county Edition | 33

Kentucky senate District 37 – Democratic primary

Jefferson and Oldham counties

District 37 candidates Four candidates are running for the Democratic nomination for the Kentucky Senate District 37 seat currently held by Perry Clark, who is not seeking re-election. Since no Republicans or other candidates filed for the seat, the winner of the Democratic primary will become the next senator.

The district includes a portion of southern Jefferson County.

The three candidates who responded to the survey and David Yates are on the May 19 ballot.

Katie Brophy

Garrett Dean

http://www.katieforky.com

www.DEANforKY.com

www.facebook.com/Katie4KY

www.facebook.com/ DEANforKY

https://twitter.com/katieforky https://twitter.com/ DEANforKY

David Yates Did not respond.

QUESTION:

What’s your vision for Kentucky? How will the lives of Kentuckians be improved as a result of your time in office?

Katie Brophy: Major goals: address poverty, green new deal, improve animal shelter Garrett Dean: My vision for Kentucky is simple: it’s one where economic opportunity, healthcare, safety, and education are available at the highest level regardless of race, gender, social class, or zip code. I know I speak for many in my part of Louisville when I say it’s time the South End gets its due.

The interesting thing about our race in the South End is that while District 37 will elect a Democrat, Republicans hold a supermajority in both Kentucky’s House and Senate. It will take a candid, forthcoming, honest, relatable individual to work with the controlling Republican members in any meaningful way.

And that individual is me. I’m not an attorney, I have no ties to the political establishment, and as an engineer I love nothing more than working with a diverse team to solve complex problems. A new voice, I am the candidate to put aside partisan politics, make the tough decisions, and fight for the South End’s fair share.

Di Tran: I believe that everyone should be a small business owner, or the least have the small business mindset. We will increase small business ownerships throughout our community via intentionally developing, invest and track the progress of these initiatives.

Small businesses are the bloodline of our community, and if we foster these well, we can solve multiple social challenges such as homeless, employments, and many others.

This country, state, city, community and more importantly these community people has the capability to develop a country kid from 3rd world country like me into who I am today, and I can testify and advocate that we can literally do anything, and help any community people to move to next level if we really want to. I have the passion, experience, and capabilities to do it now - but on a small scale. Together, we can really do a lot more.

The KY Senate Chamber and so the KY House Chamber needs a good mix of young blood, hungry to contribute and highly appreciate this community, city, state, and country. I owe this to our community, and I am paying forward. answers continued on next page

Di Tran http://ditran.net www.facebook.com/ DiTran4KYStateSenate37 https://twitter.com/di_an_tran

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Kentucky senate District 37 – Democratic primary QUESTION:

Even after Gov. Beshear’s December 2019 executive order, over 170,000 Kentuckians with felonies in their past are still ineligible to vote. Do you support a constitutional amendment to automatically restore voting rights to all Kentuckians with felonies in their past once they’ve served their time, probation, and parole? Please explain.

Katie Brophy: Yes with the possible exception of violent (as in very violent) offenders Garrett Dean: It is time for Kentucky to pass a constitutional amendment automatically restoring voting rights to all felons once they have served their time, probation, and parole. Most states have already done this. An executive order is a good start, but we are not finished.

QUESTION:

Di Tran: Yes, American is an American, regardless of their life situation. They have their American right just like anyone. True freedom and democracy are just that, the individual right as an American, and cannot be taken away because of individual life mistaken or life taken wrong turn

What is your view on modernizing state election laws? Specifically, do you support allowing early voting, mail-in ballots, same-day voter registration, extended hours at polling locations, offering ballots in multiple languages, and other election reforms? Do you support legislation requiring that Kentucky voters present a photo ID on election day even though many Kentuckians do not have that kind of ID? Why or why not?

Katie Brophy: I support all of those examples in the first section and do not support the requirement for voter ID presentation Garrett Dean: I support all actions to make voting more accessible to registered voters. Voter fraud is extraordinarily rare, and a voter ID law will only serve to deter registered voters from casting a ballot.

QUESTION:

Jefferson County

Di Tran: I believe in making the voting process easier and way more accessible to everyone, BUT WITH CONTROL. I am one of the top-level engineers at a Fortune 54 company, with 18 years of programming experience. We are in the age of Artificial Intelligence now, and the topic of apply technology to ease these types of processes is not being discussed. We are way behind. Our KY government needs a good mix of expertise in those chamber - more importantly a good mix of young community advocates

Kentucky has a tax code that does not raise enough revenue to meet the Commonwealth’s budgetary needs – a problem that was made worse by the legislature’s tax shift of 2018. After years of budget cuts, the funding for pensions, public education, infrastructure, and other essential programs have reached dangerous levels of disinvestment. How would you work to create a more equitable state tax structure – where everyone pays their fair share – that raises adequate revenue, fights poverty, and invests in Kentucky’s under-resourced communities and the services we all need?

Katie Brophy: Legalize and tax marijuana sales with dedicated portion for pensions, teacher salary increases and first responder salary increases as a start.

Garrett Dean: By all accounts, both Louisville and Kentucky are short on funds.

Mismanagement is certainly a contributing factor, but our politicians need to have the courage to make tough decisions when faced with cutting vital services in our community. The long-term health of Louisville and Kentucky is at stake, and we need decision-makers who will prioritize their community above all else when considering additional sources of revenue.

Di Tran: I am 20 years experienced, serial small business owner. Revenue, expense and budget management is critical, and our KY government needs more small business owners in those KY chambers.

I want to boost our economy via boosting the entrepreneurship community to the next level (turn everyone into a small business owner or at least with that mindset if he/she so choose). When our community makes money and keep it local, then apply tax where it make sense. Apply revenue generation strategies where other states already proved works, such as legalize gambling and others.

I believe in this theory - help our community generate money, so we can tax (a form of government generating more money).

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KENTUCKY Primary ELECTION VOTER GUIDE – jefferson county Edition | 35

Kentucky senate District 37 – Democratic primary QUESTION:

Many of Kentucky’s local governments have a policy that people will not be questioned about immigration status by local authorities, and that local police will only assist federal agents in enforcing immigration laws when there is a warrant signed by a judge or a risk of violence. What is your view of these types of policies and what would you do to expand support and resources toward our immigrant population, undocumented or otherwise?

Katie Brophy: I am not in favor of SB1 and if passed will work to repeal it. Improvements in public school funding will also assist our immigrant populations.

Garrett Dean: Priority No. 1 is opposing Kentucky Senate Bill No. 1. Ultimately, providing an easier path to US citizenship is in everyone’s best interest. As a platoon leader, I will never forget celebrating the Naturalization of a young Soldier in my formation who immigrated to America from Mexico. It was immensely meaningful for him to finally be recognized as a US citizen despite wearing a camouflage uniform with “U.S. ARMY” embroidered on his chest.

QUESTION:

Di Tran: I am a Vietnamese immigrant, and it’s important to have an immigrant a type of representation in the Senate Chamber now. The least of this can do is allow to share a positive perspective and value that immigrants contribute to this community. There has to be an immigrant voice in those chambers to soothe the anger, hatred, and bring about the most practical policy that everyone can win.

Win-win situation building is what small business owner does best. Immigrants with the highest level of appreciation to this country, and literally community people (even when he/she adversely feels about him) can really do some damage on hatred, and I am one of those immigrants.

Is acting to address the climate crisis a priority for you? What policies do you support to ensure that solutions – such as clean energy jobs and reducing high energy bills – benefit all Kentuckians, including low-income communities, communities of color, and those who are most impacted by the changing climate? And what policies would you support to ensure that all Kentuckians have clean air and water, no matter the color of our skin, income, or zip code?

Katie Brophy: YES! YES! YES! YES! Ramp up the Ky Environmental Department and take action on all fronts to reduce carbon emissions, recycling and work toward a solar panel farm like Georgia has but locate it in eastern Kentucky on reclaimed mountain tops perhaps Garrett Dean: While addressing climate change is a top priority, I am immediately concerned for rural Kentuckians that still do not have access to clean, affordable tap water (ex: Martin County). It is easy for us Louisvillians to take for granted our award-winning tap water but a select few in our Commonwealth are not so fortunate; these Kentuckians are no better off than the residents of Flint, MI. We owe it to them to resolve this issue immediately.

QUESTION:

Jefferson County

Di Tran: I would not word it acting. We have to do it now. We have to start talking technology (AI, cloud computing, green energy and ...) now. I was 18 years experienced, and one of the top-level engineer out of 7000 engineers in a fortune 54 company. I am also an computer Adjunct professor, and can simplify technology to common English to share the importance of these topics. I support all these bills, but we cannot just do it all at one time. It is about educating people, developing more professionals in these fields, and invest in these community initiatives to carry these out. So bills to promote things like these, I would highly support and advocate for.

What is the role of the Kentucky legislature in opposing white supremacy, addressing racial inequality and supporting racial justice for Black people, Indigenous people, Latinx people, immigrants, those who are undocumented, and all people of color in our state? Please identify at least two policy initiatives you would propose while in office to address racial and systemic inequalities.

Katie Brophy: pre-k availability to all potentially at risk children beginning at age 3 Increase minimum wage to living wage college and technical school assistance allow driving privileges to undocumented workers improve county animal shelters

Garrett Dean: The most significant action the Kentucky legislature could take to address racial inequality, empower minorities and stifle discrimination is to fully fund public education at every level. A proud product of public education, I am a better citizen for having developed in a diverse environment alongside a variety of backgrounds and cultures.

Although resource intensive, providing high-quality universal pre-K and answers continued on next page

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Kentucky senate District 37 – Democratic primary

Jefferson County

RESPONSES CONTINUED: White supremacy and racial inequality … full-day kindergarten should be Kentucky’s 10-year goal. Studies show that engaging young minds – both academically and socially – has a dramatic effect on cognitive and future learning ability. This is a national trend and Kentucky cannot afford to be behind the curve; research shows these programs have the greatest impact on low-income and minority families.

Di Tran: I am an Immigrant, and I believe in this concept of having an immigrant voice next that white supremacy, and we can sooth the anger, and oppose

QUESTION:

feeling. Let’s the practical here, immigrant and equality advocate is a minority in the Senate Chamber now. It is not about opposing and showcase the opposition; it is about getting buy-in, collaboration, and find common ground on this topic so everyone can win. That’s how we can create bills that matter to immigrant and under-represented groups.

It’s not about specific here yet, it is about the mindset, and the capability to implement that mindset inside each and every bill. That’s what matters, and I have the catalyst to do exactly that.

Kentucky has the ninth highest incarceration rate in the nation, is second in the nation for incarcerating women, and has the second-highest rate in the country of children separated from a parent due to incarceration. In addition, Black Kentuckians make up 8.3 percent of the state population but 21 percent of the state’s incarcerated population. Are you committed to ending mass incarceration in Kentucky? Why or why not? If elected, what will you do to make strides toward ending mass incarceration and reinvesting resources into the communities most impacted by this system?

Katie Brophy: Yes as well as decriminalizing addiction and making use of facilities allowing moms to be with their children.

afford bail, while allowing the wealthy to effectively buy their freedom, is only one example of the inequities built into our justice system.

Garrett Dean: My wife, Kaitlin, served as a Jefferson County Assistant Public Defender for two years. During this time, she experienced first-hand the policies disproportionately affecting our low income and minority populace, which stem largely from outdated and prejudicial laws built into our justice system. I would follow the lead of other states and advocate strongly for legislation eliminating the cash bail system, relying instead on pretrial detention based on court and pretrial risk assessment. Awaiting trial behind bars simply because one cannot

Di Tran: Yes for a short answer, but I am a specific and practical candidate. It boils down to the HOW more than just simple support. I am a business person, and I believe in enabling others to the level of value that he/she is actually are as an individual. To do that, we have to invest, re-educate/re-equip people with what they need to be a value to the community again, and provide them the confidence to do so, measure and keep each other accountable and go from there.

There has to be a plan for these things than simply letting people loosed

QUESTION:

Do you support a statewide Fairness law to protect LGBTQ people (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, queer) from discrimination in housing, employment, financial transactions, and public accommodations based on sexual orientation and gender identity? What will you do to support LGBTQ Kentuckians?

Katie Brophy: Absolutely Garrett Dean: Much like the Fairness Ordinance signed into law in Louisville in 2004, the state of Kentucky needs to follow suit. While I am optimistic that the US Supreme Court will rule in mid-2020 that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 includes protection for the LGBTQ community in matters of employment, I will advocate for additional measures here locally. It is simply the right thing to do.

Di Tran: Yes, absolutely. Again, this is more than just support and saying we support it. It’s very much about the HOW. I believe in raising awareness and educating people about the LGBTQ community/individual lives and tell stories.

I would focus on promoting and sponsor education and raise awareness about these in school, and in companies.

Get involved with KFTC to help turn out the vote in June and November, and to work year round to improve life for everyone in Kentucky.

Join our Jefferson County chapter www.facebook.com/JCKFTC Corey@kftc.org • 502-589-3188

www.kftc.org | May 2020

KENTUCKY Primary ELECTION VOTER GUIDE – jefferson county Edition | 37

Kentucky senate District 37 – Democratic primary QUESTION:

Jefferson County

Nearly 400,000 low-income Kentuckians qualified for health care – including vision, dental and mental health – for the first time under the Affordable Care Act. But there are major challenges here in Kentucky. The Bevin administration failed to respond to Kentucky’s Hepatitis A outbreak, local health departments are underfunded and are slated to lose about a third of their workers, and the legislature has recently passed a bill restricting access to reproductive health. The legislature has a role in getting Kentucky on track for better health. What would you do to build on the progress of Medicaid expansion and to ensure that all Kentuckians have access to quality, affordable health care?

Katie Brophy: I am interested in the Colorado model which made pregnancy prevention services available free of charge. And if we stop incarcerating so many people for addiction, perhaps we will have funds to assist in that area too.

Garrett Dean: Well, there’s a lot packed into this question, and there are certainly a plethora of health issues facing our Commonwealth. I’ll start by saying we have a duty to empower Kentuckians to make their own pregnancy decisions – including access to safe and legal abortion – as established in Roe v. Wade.

I would also like to take this opportunity to talk about mental health. As a combat veteran, I know those that struggle daily. The military has done well to address mental health within its ranks in the last decade and it’s time for society to do the same. One way Kentucky can do this is to ensure local health departments are staffed and equipped to handle the demands of their counties and municipalities.

While expanding quality health care to all Kentuckians is certainly the goal, we are largely at the mercy of federal health care reform due to eligibility restrictions and the cost of funding such an endeavor. Until then, controlled expansion of Medicaid within federal limits, and thereby insuring Kentucky’s most vulnerable citizens, is the easy answer.

Di Tran: I believe that Health Care is one of the biggest challenges in our community. I believe that Health Care should be the top-level topic for the social aspect of things and it should absolutely be affordable and slowly lead to freedom for all. Again, I am a business person and I believe that you cannot spend what you don’t have. I would focus on increasing revenue first, and make this as the top topic to bring about the discussion when revenue is increase so we can realize this goal instead of only talking.

U.S. House of Representatives All six Kentucky seats in the U.S. House of Representatives are up for re-election in 2020 (and every two years). Most of Jefferson County is in the 3rd Congressional District. A small portion of eastern Jefferson County is in District 4.

In District 3, Mike Craven, Waymen Eddings and Rhonda Palazzo are running in the June 23 Republican primary for the opportunity to challenge Democrat incumbent John Yarmuth in the November election.

Yarmuth has no primary opposition.

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U.S. House of Representatives – District 4 The 4th Congressional district includes a small portion of eastern Jefferson County. There are two candidates in the Democratic primary for this House seat. The winner will face the Republican nominee, either incumbent Thomas Massie or his primary challenger Todd McMurtry, in the November general election.

The Democratic candidates are:

Shannon Fabert

Dr. Alexandra Owensby

www.fabert2020.org

www.amowensby.com

www.facebook.com/ fabert2020

www.facebook.com/ amoforthepeople

twitter.com/ Fabert2020

twitter.com/ amowensby

U.S House District 4 includes the following counties: Boone, Boyd (part), Bracken, Campbell, Carroll, Gallatin, Grant, Greenup, Harrison (part), Henry, Jefferson (part), Kenton, Lewis, Mason, Oldham, Owen, Pendleton, Shelby, Spencer (part) and Trimble.

QUESTION:

What’s your vision for Kentucky?

How will the lives of Kentuckians be improved as a result of your time in office?

Shannon Fabert: We need a Kentucky that is moving into the future. At the federal level, I will focus on growth in education geared towards 21st century learning. We are at the of the technology revolution and need to support learning techniques and programs that recognize how to create an environment of excellence for every child. This includes safety in schools. It is imperative that we acknowledge the mental wellbeing of children when we force them to participate in active shooter drills but do not have the fortitude to address the person with the gun. It’s time to evaluate new avenues of economic growth and remove barriers to entry for research and development in new technologies such as sustainable energy sources and new cash crops. I will advocate for policies that support new technologies and level the playing fields for renewable energy to be available to more than just the rich. This includes supporting infrastructure actions that support 21st century commerce. Lastly, I would advocate for real action to reduce the costs of medical care and increase availability in rural areas.

Dr. Alexandra Owensby: One of the things most of us love best about Kentucky is the sense of community here. Our current political environment threatens that sense of community. When elected, I will pull Democrats and Republicans together to find common ground on our most pressing issues. Only by finding common ground can we truly move Kentucky forward. I will also fight to resolve pressing public health issues such as the exorbitant cost of medical care compared to income, the opioid epidemic, insulin pricing, and mental health issues. Kentuckians deserve an affordable healthcare system that works for all citizens. Furthermore, I will fight to ensure adequate funding for public education in Kentucky. My two children both attend public schools, one attends a brick and mortar school, and one attends an online public school. I understand different children have different learning needs, but at the heart of all these needs are our teachers. They, too often, put their own needs and their family’s needs on hold to provide their invaluable services. I will fight to give teachers the funding, respect, and resources they need, knowing it saves America money in the long run.

QUESTION:

How would you create a more equitable federal tax structure – where everyone pays their fair share – that raises adequate revenue, fights poverty, and invests in under-resourced communities and the services we all need?

Shannon Fabert: The current federal tax structure supports the debunked theory of trickle down economics and that just doesn’t work. It continues to widen the gap between the rich and poor and right now the middle class is the one that is carrying the tax burden. This must stop. There is a saying that with great power comes great responsibility. I believe there is a middle ground where we can actively incentivize companies after they have shown they are making strides to do the “right thing” for their employ answers continued on next page

www.kftc.org | May 2020

KENTUCKY Primary ELECTION VOTER GUIDE – jefferson county Edition | 39

U.S. House – District 4 Democratic Primary RESPONSES CONTINUED: An equitable federal tax structur … ees and our community. Companies that pay a living wage, provide active investments in community and the environment, and make health care affordable to all of their employees should be rewarded. The tax cuts passed during the current administration put the cart before the horse on this and we have to correct that.

Dr. Alexandra Owensby: By electing representatives who represent working and middle-class families, we place the power back in the hands of real, everyday people. Kentucky needs to get away from electing rich, white men who only represent the whims of their privileged social groups. It has always been somewhat

QUESTION:

What would you do to make sure that every Kentuckian has quality, affordable health care? What are your top health policy priorities, and what approaches to health care coverage do you support? Do you support Medicare For All?

Shannon Fabert: Every person in Kentucky deserves quality, affordable health care. We need to work on the middle man in this. Doctors should not have to worry about making ends meet because an insurance company has underbid a service. Kentuckians should not have to worry about rationing insulin or other medicine. Kentuckians and doctors should not have to fight for procedures that have been denied as “business decisions” not medical ones. We need to hold insurance companies responsible for profiteering. I support Medicare for All as a competitive option within the mix. Currently, people do not have options. It’s either through their jobs or if they meet the poverty threshold. I would like to see interstate laws on insurance relaxed so that individuals can shop for options that work for them. This combined with a Medicare for All option would allow constituents and businesses to explore the best coverage options.

Dr. Alexandra Owensby: As a nurse and a healthcare provider, this issue is near

QUESTION:

ironic to me that when affluent people hire accountants to maximize their tax deductions and reduce their taxes through any means possible, they are “savvy.”

However, when low-income citizens maximize the benefits allowed to them, they are “taking advantage of the system.” The reality is we need to ensure no citizen, affluent or not, takes advantage of the system. We need to close tax loopholes, and we need to acknowledge corporations who place their money in offshore bank accounts to avoid taxes are traitorous and should be held accountable for their treason of depriving America of the resources owed to us.

and dear to my heart. Top healthcare priorities for me are affordable healthcare, mental health access, addressing the opioid epidemic, and advancing technology in health care. I believe it has become increasingly harder for average Americans to take time off work to visit a healthcare provider in person. Ultimately, we need to get to a single-payer system. The social structure of America has changed. No longer do employees work for one company their entire lives, motivating the insurance company to address preventative health, knowing they will be the ones responsible for the employee twenty years down the line. Having a healthcare system responsible from birth to death will motivate the company to address issues in advance, and help keep all citizens healthier. However, the government has not proven itself worthy of providing quality healthcare yet. Undoubtedly, there will be some bumps in the road getting there. I am in favor of citizens being able to purchase private insurance until the single-payer system becomes competent enough to replace private insurance.

Do you support comprehensive immigration reform with a pathway to citizenship for young people and adults? What are your plans to expand support and resources for immigrants and refugees, undocumented or otherwise?

Shannon Fabert: As the child of an immigrant, I firmly believe that the United States should truly be the land of opportunity for all. This includes a pathway to citizenship for everyone. Over the course of the current administration we are now at some of the lowest levels in history in allowing people into the United States. We have to stop fear mongering that we “don’t have enough space.”

Being pro-immigration still leaves room to support reforms that decrease illegal immigration but we must be open to more legal avenues of immigration. We need to work with the businesses and communities that most deeply affected by immigration to not just understand how the current policies affect their business but then translate this into a partnership with the government to help them grow. When we recognize that we are hurting farming, construction, and labor by drastically reducing available work force, we will see that the current policies are actually affecting our infrastructure. We need to redirect funding from these massive detention facilities, add more immigration judges to reduce backlogs and STOP treating immigrants and refugees as criminals.

Dr. Alexandra Owensby: America is a land of immigrants. The desire to reach outside of our comfort zone, rebel against authority, and say ‘I want more than what I have, and I will do WHATEVER it takes to get there’ is the very foundation of America. The diversity and wisdom of varied cultures make America stronger on every level. I do know, as a healthcare provider, the reality of compassion fatigue. America is unable to help others if we are not in a healthy place ourselves. If America cannot afford our current citizens, we should not add on additional citizens. The tricky thing is that I believe America CAN afford our current citizens. While we have a national deficit, the deficit is a making of our corporations and wealthiest members not paying their fair share. It is a deficit of elected officials taking an excessive number of vacations. Regardless of whether we plan to reduce immigration or not, our current policies on immigration are unethical. Children should be with their parents. People fleeing unsafe situations should not be turned back to end up murdered. America must remain the land of opportunity.

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U.S. House – District 4 Democratic Primary QUESTION:

Is dealing with the climate crisis a high priority for you, and if so, do you support federal legislation for a Green New Deal? How would you ensure that solutions to the climate crisis benefit all Kentuckians – no matter the color of our skin, income, immigration status, or zip code?

Shannon Fabert: I come from a generation that has even at our earliest school days have been aware of the growing climate crisis. This is more than just a high priority , this is vital to not only our success as a country, but our survival and security. You will certainly find that every position in my platform runs parallel with or supports reforms that will help mitigate and reverse, if possible, the damage that has been done. We need to support legislation that is backed by a plan to get from where we are to where we need to be. Every person should be able to afford solar panels, new insulation, energy efficient windows. For our farmers and coal workers, we must be exploring replacements for single-use plastics, textiles and for home use in hemp, cornstarch and bamboo and other sustainable resources. We need to be committed stewards with deliberate actions promoting active participation.

QUESTION:

What is the role of the U.S. Congress in opposing white supremacy, addressing racial inequality and supporting racial justice for Black people, Indigenous people, Latinx people, immigrants, those who are undocumented, and all people of color in our country? Please identify at least two policy initiatives you would propose while in office to address racial and systemic inequalities.

Shannon Fabert: Growing up as a minority in the South, I’ve seen so many forms of racism; overt, subconscious, or institutional. What we have to recognize is the behavior that doesn’t just condone racism but actually tries to reset the bar.

First and foremost we must address gerrymandering. The ridiculously drawn lines to wash out the minority vote are evident. Exposing these maps and making it a mainstream topic allow the general public to openly discuss and decide how we handle this. Next, we need to evaluate the electoral college. I am not in favor of abolishing the electoral college but the original intent of one representative for every 30,000 has blown up to 1 per 700,000, hyper skewing the representation of the populations we have been elected to represent and unfairly diminishing the minority community.

Dr. Alexandra Owensby: Congress has a role in addressing any terrorist orga-

QUESTION:

Dr. Alexandra Owensby: I have children, so most of what I do is based on ensuring their future is protected. Climate change is essential for us to address.

As a mother and as a scientist, this cannot be ignored any longer! Climate change begins with every one of us. We all have a personal responsibility to reduce our environmental impact. Climate change is also the responsibility of the government.

We need to ensure standards are in place to ensure corporations do the right things for our environment instead of what saves them the most money. The Green New Deal is a high starting point… while I understand the fears of how to finance the Green New Deal, I would argue that the cost of ignoring climate change is beginning to surpass the cost of addressing climate change. Natural Disasters have increased significantly over the last three years, with the total cost of natural disasters in America in 2018 being about $91 billion. While some may argue we cannot afford to address this crisis, I would say we cannot afford to ignore it.

nization. White supremacists are, undoubtedly, included in this category. The solutions to racial justice are as complex as the problem itself. Racial injustice spans many domains, including health, environment, economic, legal, political, and educational disparities. Therefore, there is no one solution to solving this problem. However, because our system is so broken in regards to racial equality, there are many solutions to get America heading in the right direction. The first policy I would address is ending the system of cash bail for non-violent offenses.

Cash bail disproportionately disadvantages African-Americans and those of lower economic standing. Studies have shown that not being able to post cash bail has effects on the defendant years down the line, including making conviction more likely, and higher rates of unemployment and further criminal behavior. The second policy involves making sure every child has a right, regardless of race or class, to quality education.

Do you support restoring voting rights to Kentuckians with felonies in their past? Specifically, do you support the Democracy Restoration Act to restore voting rights to people upon release from prison for purposes of voting in federal elections? Do you support restoring the Voting Rights Advancement Act to ensure strong federal oversight of state and local governments with a history of voter suppression aimed at communities of color? Please explain.

Shannon Fabert: I fully support the Democracy Restoration Act. Once an individual has completed their sentence, denying them the basic rights of citizens is counterproductive to reformation. You cannot say, go forth and be a good citizen but deny them the ability to exercise their rights. Further restoring the Voting Rights Advancement Act is important. We are 55 years removed from the voting rights act yet continue to see pointed legislation to erode voting capabilities.

This just shows that we are still fighting for fair representation. Unfortunately, state and local governments who attempt to suppress votes should be subject to federal oversight to protect every vote.

Dr. Alexandra Owensby: Yes, yes, and yes. All citizens deserve a voice. I will fight to retain their voices.

www.kftc.org | May 2020

KENTUCKY Primary ELECTION VOTER GUIDE – jefferson county Edition | 41

U.S. House – District 4 Democratic Primary QUESTION:

Kentucky has the ninth highest incarceration rate in the nation, is second in the nation for incarcerating women, and has the second-highest rate in the country of children separated from a parent due to incarceration. In addition, Black Kentuckians make up 8.3 percent of the state population but 21 percent of the state’s incarcerated population. Are you committed to ending mass incarceration in Kentucky and in the United States as a whole? Why or why not? If elected, what will you do to make strides toward ending mass incarceration and reinvesting resources into the communities most impacted by this system?

Shannon Fabert: I am a huge proponent of criminal justice reform starting with the elimination of for-profit prisons. It has become increasingly clear that companies working on a census are not interested in reform but recidivism. Historical evidence continues to show that drug related sentencing is one of the most unequal and is almost exclusively along race lines. It is time that we decriminalize recreational marijuana use and expunge the records of individuals that fall under those guidelines. We need to support and better track programs that are second opportunity programs when re-integrating individuals into the communities.

Further, Kentucky should support community based policing especially in those areas that most impacted by crime. We have to start working together and not against each other and that starts with mutual respect and trust.

QUESTION:

Do you support proposed Just Transition bills in Congress to take care of coal miners and communities by investing in abandoned mine land reclamation (H.R. 2156 and H.R. 4248) and extending current funding for the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund for another 10 years (H.R. 3876 and S.3171)? Why or why not?

Shannon Fabert: I believe in the opportunities that are laid out in Just Transition bills are worth taking up. The government has a responsibility to protect us as citizens and this includes not just funding the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund but also protecting pensions that are subject to invalidation because of bankruptcy and poor planning. These companies have made their money forsaking the health and well-being of the people on the front line and we should hold them accountable. I also believe we have the opportunity to get private

QUESTION:

Dr. Alexandra Owensby: I am committed to ending mass incarceration. While I do believe people should pay the price for breaking the law, the price should be comparable to the crime and should not seek to disadvantage the person for years down the line. The focus of the penalty should be consistent with keeping the person active in society and reducing the chances incarceration will lead to unemployment down the path. Mass incarceration adds to the federal deficit on several levels, from the cost of retaining inmates to the cost of an unemployment/underemployment as a result of the imprisonment. As mentioned above, I support ending the system of cash bail. Furthermore, I support the legalization of marijuana and the automatic release from imprisonment and expungement of records for those jailed for personal possession marijuana-related offenses.

businesses to take action now to support future endeavors. Investing in these communities after companies have exploited their natural resources is shortsighted of opportunities to have corporations be stewards of the community and implement programs that support ALL stakeholders not just shareholders.

Dr. Alexandra Owensby: Yes. These workers and communities have earned our support.

What will you do to support LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, queer) Kentuckians? What will you do to protect people from discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations based on sexual orientation and gender identity?

Shannon Fabert: I am a firm believer that love is love and that an unjust law is no law at all. The LGBTQ community deserves the same protections that were fought for and enumerated in the Civil Rights Act. I am not tolerant of hate or discrimination in any form. Ordinances and laws designed to segregate or marginalize a law-abiding person must be challenged and not because it is the popular thing to do but because it is the right thing to do. We need to clearly support and establish that Title VII includes the community.

Dr. Alexandra Owensby: The number one thing I promise to do is listen. I will also fight to ensure the right to claim one’s true identity will not be infringed.

Once elected to Congress, I will fight to ensure their medical rights are not restricted, that public bathrooms are accessible and welcoming for all, and to ensure the antiquated biases of the past are forever put behind us.

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U.S. Senate – Democratic Primary One of Kentucky’s two U.S. Senate seats, currently held by Mitch McConnell, is up for re-election in 2020. There are both Democratic and Republican primary elections on June 23 to select the candidate for each party to run in the November 3 General Election.

Ten candidates are seeking the Democratic nomination. Eight responded to the KFTC candidate survey. Their answers begin on the next page.

Jimmy Ausbrooks

Charles Booker

Mike Broihier

Maggie Jo Hilliard

www.jimmyforkentucky.com

www.bookerforkentucky.com

www.mikeforky.com

www.ElectMoJo.com

www.facebook.com/ jimmyforUSSenate

www.facebook.com/ Booker4KY

www.facebook.com/ mikebroihierky

www.facebook.com/ ElectMoJo

@jimmy4congress

Twitter handle: @booker4ky

Twitter: @mikeforky

Twitter: @ElectMojo

Photo not provided

Amy McGrath

Eric Rothmuller

John R. Sharpensteen

Bennie J. Smith

www.amymcgrath.com

www.ericrothmuller.com

benniejsmith.com

www.facebook.com/ AmyMcGrathKY

www.facebook.com/ ericrothmuller

www.facebook.com/ BJSMITH4US20

Twitter: @AmyMcGrathKY

Twitter: EricRothmuller

@BennieJSmith1

www.kftc.org | May 2020

KENTUCKY Primary ELECTION VOTER GUIDE – jefferson county Edition | 43

U.S. Senate – Democratic primary QUESTION:

What’s your vision for Kentucky? How will the lives of Kentuckians be improved as a result of your time in office?

Jimmy Ausbrooks: My vision for Kentucky is one of prosperity and renewal. I want to see economic growth for our communities. I want Kentucky to engage in and invest in Green / Renewable Energy so we can bring sustainable jobs to Kentucky.

Provide equal opportunity for education and training to meet the needs of this expanding transition from fossil fuels and insure miners of employment and wages.

I would like to see true representation by our leadership, expanding equality, human rights, and social justice across the Common Wealth. We will secure living wages for our hardworking families and every single Kentuckian. I want healthcare coverage with affordable prescriptions so Kentucky families do not have to worry about putting food on the table or buying insulin. I want to see lives saved by responsible and affordable healthcare. I want to mandate changes for pharmaceutical companies. They no longer should be allowed to continue putting profits over the lives of Kentucky families.

I see our family farms being supported and provided opportunities for growth and sustainability. Securing high yields and unprecedented prices by protecting farmers in Trade Deals that benefit our farmers and their families.

Generation family farms that are working hard and doing the … [response exceeds word limit] Charles Booker: My vision is a Kentucky where people from every corner of the Commonwealth; no matter who you are, where you come from, who you love, how much money you have in your pocket, what you believe, what pronouns you use, whether you are walking or in a wheelchair; that you know that your lives matters. It is a vision where everyone is heard and accounted for and is represented by a government that elevates your voice over corrupted interests. This campaign is about building a movement where Kentuckians are encouraged to stand, lock arms and lead for the changes we deserve.

By taking this stand not only will we beat Mitch McConnell, but we will win our future. We will no longer die because we choose to feed our families over buying necessary life saving medicine. As U.S. Senator I will lead by creating a process for transparent and authentic engagement to ensure the voices of Kentuckians are the priority. As a result of our leadership in Washington we will stand to end generational poverty, address structural racism and inequity, and build pathways of opportunities for all the people of Kentucky.

Mike Broihier: My vision is one where the nation acknowledges its centuries-old extractive relationship with Kentucky where first timber, then coal, were stripped out of the state and the residents were abandoned with ill-health, pollution, crumbling infrastructure and poverty. My vision includes a federal plan that addresses the wrongs done, not just to Kentucky, but all of Appalachia’s coal producing states, were the entire region’s infrastructure (roads, waterways, bridges, schools, hospitals) are rebuilt or improved in a comprehensive manner where the work is done by union workers or workers getting paid the prevailing wage.

Instead of working underground, retrained workers would work in the solar and wind powered energy field on the grounds of reclaimed coal mines. In my vision of Kentucky, we are a commonwealth where our education system, infrastructure and skilled workers instead of tax breaks are a lure for businesses.

Maggie Jo Hilliard: In my practice, I hear individuals’ stories about the effects of government inefficiency, systemic discrimination, corporate corruption, consumer fraud, financial distress, injustice and healthcare policy every day. Our Senator ranks number one in legislative seniority, but Kentucky is 45th in the nation for high school graduates, 47th in the nation for the number of bachelor’s degree-holders, leads in opioid and cancer deaths, and it is home to over 30 sites where drinking water has tested positive for PFAS and PFOA cancer-causing toxins. Kentucky is also home to corporate pollution leftover from coal extraction methods that have toxified our environment. Kentuckians need to feel heard and understood, but 58% of registered voters do not vote. Mitch is not advocating for election security, universal healthcare, free college education, net neutrality, raising the minimum wage nor acting on the environmental crises here at home. Kentucky deserves a fighter that will bring the people’s many issues to the forefront and seek to address them in democratic fashion. Senator McConnell’s cynical viewpoint is not helping everyday people, but I hope to bring innovation, optimism and empathy to Washington.

Amy McGrath: I’m running because like most Kentuckians, I’ve had enough of the D.C. establishment and the dysfunction where nothing gets done. If we keep the same people in power, nothing will change. Mitch McConnell is everything that is wrong with Washington. Kentucky needs a new generation of leaders, specifically someone who has worked in the 21st century global economy and world.

I am running for Kentucky’s future, for my kids’ future. Working Kentucky families demand and deserve respect, and I will work to ensure their voices and concerns are heard in D.C. Let’s just take one example, many Kentuckians have to decide whether they can pay the rent or pay for their prescription medication each month. I’ll be a senator who will not be bought off by Big Pharma and will actually fight to get these prices down. We need to put country over party and take on the special interests running Washington.

Eric Rothmuller: My campaign isn’t just about Kentucky, the vast majority of Americans are struggling. America is the wealthiest country in the world but we’re also world leaders in income and wealth inequality. Over 500,000 Americans are homeless every night, nearly half of all workers make less than $30k a year, credit card debt is over $1 trillion, student loan debt is over $1.5 trillion, and while productivity and corporate profits are at record highs, most Americans still live paycheck to paycheck.

It’s not just income and wealth inequality either, it’s political inequality. The Supreme Court’s decisions on Buckley v. Valeo (1976) and Citizens United (2010) have allowed big money to flow into the political process which has led to the literal buying of elections and a government that doesn’t reflect the will of the people.

Research clearly shows that today in America the bottom 90% of income earners have virtually zero impact on legislation passed.

All of my policy positions are aimed at reversing our current trajectory, restoring democracy, and transforming our system into one that works for all Americans.

As one of the poorer and more disenfranchised states in the union, Kentucky will be positively affected more than others. answers continued on next page

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U.S. Senate – Democratic primary RESPONSES CONTINUED: Vision for Kentucky …

John R. Sharpensteen: Better health care, equal treatment under the law, better and more job opportunities, education, better treatment for Veterans, cleaner environment, more opportunities for senior citizens, etc.

Bennie J. Smith: My immediate vision for Kentucky is to change the external and internal perception of Kentucky by implementing more 21st century ideas while addressing the health, education and socio-economic needs of its citizens.

We will focus on closing the achievement gap of students; focus on getting citizens more healthier so they can feel better and cut into health care costs; focus on climate change while implementing renewable energy and energy efficient

QUESTION:

technology jobs for urban, rural and Appalachian areas; offer Universal Healthcare via a single payor system for Kentucky residents that includes pre-existing conditions; more funding for public schools and more funding for the arts; investment in jobs skills training while encouraging high school students not entering post-secondary education options to learn a trade or skill; restoration of the air, water and land with cleanup of polluted areas of the states affected by fossil fuels and carbon emissions.

Andrew J. Maynard: Did not respond.

Mary Ann Tobin: Did not respond.

How would you create a more equitable federal tax structure – where everyone pays their fair share – that raises adequate revenue, fights poverty, and invests in under-resourced communities

Jimmy Ausbrooks: The first thing I would do is repeal the Trump’s Tax Cuts for the Wealthy 1% and corporations. Companies like Amazon that reported over $10 Billion in profits and somehow did not pay a dime in taxes has to stop.

I would look at a defined tax structure that insures families making less than $55,000 a tax credit and a 7% federal tax rate for families making less than $100,000. I would also favor a flat tax rate for families making over $100,000 a year. I would also demand a fixed federal tax rate for corporations making over $500,000 a year, I do not want to increase the burden small business, but I do want major corporations to pay their share. I would remove loopholes and unwarranted tax credits for major corporations and the elites.

I would increase the minim wage, this is imperative to working families. The increase in wages will drive additional tax revenues. I would seek a 0% tax for individuals and families making less that $25,000 to aid in decreasing poverty.

I will advocate for additional federal resources to expand rural community agencies by offering grants and incentives for economic growth … [response exceeds word limit] Charles Booker: Our federal tax structure is broken. This problem was made even worse by the 2017 Republican tax bill that Mitch McConnell helped shepherd through the Senate. Now, those of us near the bottom are paying a greater portion of our income in taxes than rich folks like Donald Trump. Kentuckians and all Americans deserve real action on tax reform that will provide relief for struggling families, and ensure that large corporations and the wealthiest few pay their fair share. It is time to address our regressive structure, so that Kentuckians can thrive and live gainful lives.

As Senator, I would press for an overhaul of the federal tax code that undoes the harm caused by the 2017 tax law, closes loopholes that corporations and the wealthy use to avoid paying their fair share, and eases the burden on working families in communities like mine and all across Kentucky.

My campaign and this movement is focused on ending structural racism, gross inequity, and generational poverty. I believe that no Kentuckians should have to decide between paying the rent, or buying a life saving prescription. I believe that all Kentuckians deserve the security of a good paying, unionized job.

And yes, I … [response exceeds word limit] Mike Broihier: I envision a tax structure where all profit is taxed in a graduated

system, not just the income of those who work. Whether it’s an individual or corporation, if you’re net value is more on Dec. 31 than it was on Jan. 1, you’re going to be taxed. By removing exemptions and loopholes, like allowing the very rich to pay a lower Capital Gains tax vice income tax, I’d ensure that the very wealthy are paying their fair share. I also believe that the tax system can be used to reinforce positive behavior. For example, green energy improvements, climate change mitigation actions, savings for higher education are all areas that I’d feel comfortable in incentivizing.

Maggie Jo Hilliard: I favor many existing proposals to tax extreme wealth to fund individuals’ childcare needs, college education and resolve the student loan crisis (Sen. Warren’s proposal). I also find Andrew Yang’s VAT (Value Added Tax) to work similarly, yet more directly, to combat corporate tax avoidance and pay citizens directly for corporate exploitation of our shared resources. Bernie’s plan acknowledges the more urgent need to close the wealth gap by reducing billionaires’ wealth by half over 15 years. All these plans acknowledge the problem – Mitch McConnell’s promises to deliver a trickle-down of wealth to the people have been broken. In McConnell’s office, money talks and people are ignored, so I would also approve plans to tax lobbyists at high rates when spending over $500K to influence government policy, similar to Warren’s plan. Federal taxation policy must consider America’s past errors and correct the many complex results of systemic inequity.

Amy McGrath: Kentucky deserves a leader who will work toward fair and comprehensive tax reform. The only thing Sen. McConnell did when he led his party and it had the full power of both chambers and the presidency was to pass a massive tax scam that showered tax cuts and benefits on corporations and the wealthiest 1 percent. I am not bought off by special interests and will work toward a more equitable tax structure that will benefit everyone, not just the wealthy few.

Eric Rothmuller: In order to ensure corporations and the wealthy pay their fair share, I will vote for and fight to: - Pass an annual tax on the extreme wealth of the top 0.1% of U.S. Households (which will only affect roughly 200,000 families whom hold about 20% of the entire wealth in this country). answers continued on next page

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U.S. Senate – Democratic primary RESPONSES CONTINUED: Equitable federal tax structure …

- Establish a progressive estate tax on multi-millionaire and billionaire inheritances.

- End special tax breaks on dividends and capital gains for the wealthy.

- Establish a Wall Street speculation tax.

- Eliminate many tax loopholes that allow corporations and the wealthy to avoid paying their fair share of taxes.

- Eliminate all tax havens that allow corporations and the wealthy to hide money from taxation.

- Increase the top marginal tax rate on incomes above $10 million.

The revenue generated from ensuring the wealthy pay their fair share will help fund many programs that benefit normal Americans like guaranteeing tuition-free public college, universities, trade schools, and minority serving institutions; eliminating student loan debt; creating millions of good paying jobs by investing in green renewable energies and our infrastructure; eliminating medical debt; and providing universal healthcare for all Americans though Medicare For All. John R. Sharpensteen: I would do away with ALL tax deductions and set a fair tax rate for all citizens based upon the ability to pay. This would include all busi-

QUESTION:

nesses. With the possibility of those earning at the poverty level or less not paying any taxes at all.

Bennie J. Smith: I would offer to deschedule and legalize marijuana-cannabis for medicinal and recreational purposes. Also set up licensed dispensaries and tax appropriately to generate revenue as well as fairly offer other hemp growers an opportunity and create the unlimited products made from hemp with manufactirers based in Kentucky. Build hotels in regional Kentucky counties modeled after Hotel Louisville and Wayside Christian Mission to aggressively address the homeless issue. This will assist many of our homeless citizens and veterans get the health and wellness treatment needed and offer job skills training in various service and hospitality careers to get them back on their feet to being productive citizens.

Andrew J. Maynard: Did not respond.

Mary Ann Tobin: Did not respond.

What would you do to make sure that every Kentuckian has quality, affordable health care?

What are your top health policy priorities, and what approaches to health care coverage do you support? Do you support Medicare For All?

Jimmy Ausbrooks: I will support the best healthcare program that meets the needs of Kentucky families. I do not care if it is called Medicare For All, Medicare For All That Want It, or the expansion of Obama Care. I am going to fight for Healthcare For All. I am committed to no individual being denied healthcare because of cost or any pre-existing conditions. Healthcare should never again be viewed as a privilege, but rather as the human right it is. I will demand that any healthcare program also include expanding of mental health care services and substance abuse treatment, and in addition, a truly affordable if not free prescription care program. No longer will pharmaceutical companies profit off the lives of hard working Americans and their families. Life is to precious, no amount of profits should ever be valued higher than a human life.

pharmaceutical companies. Second, I’d reauthorize all of our healthcare agencies (HHS, CDC, NIH, etc.) to return to science-based policy making, getting rid of ideological proscriptions against gathering data on gun violence, benefits of marijuana use, etc. Lastly, while I don’t specifically oppose Medicare For All, I can’t see a path forward without an intermediary step like enhanced ACA.

Charles Booker: As a Type 1 diabetic, I personally know the reality of having to ration insulin because there isn’t enough money. That is unacceptable. I believe that healthcare is a right for all Kentuckians and Americans, regardless of how much money they have in their pocket. When Kentuckians are healthy and productive, we all benefit. With this being said, I am an advocate for Medicare for All. Like many families, I had to make the choice of whether to take care of my family or buy my expensive medication. I chose my family, and almost died.

Kentuckians deserve so much more than that.

When I say I support Medicare for All, it is rooted in a core belief that your zip code or financial status should not determine your health prospects. Our lives are not commodities. We need a Senator who fully understands this, and not someone who would call themselves the ‘Grim Reaper’ we continue to die.

Maggie Jo Hilliard: I support any plan that makes it possible for every American to receive affordable, adequate and accessible universal health care coverage, including preventative care, dental care, eye care, mental health treatment, emergency treatment, annual exams, medicine and physician-guided treatment.

Too many people do not get medical assistance because of economic hardship and administrative mazes. Medicare For All is a very viable solution to eliminate the administrative headaches of private insurance eligibility, enrollment, renewal, coverage, deductibles, benefit/coverage confusion and would not prevent Medicaid coverage extension for vulnerable populations against the high out-of-pocket costs. Some MFA proposals would eliminate nearly $200BN in state spending on Medicaid, saving state’s the trouble of administering 50 different systems across the nation. The Affordable Care Act was created so we all would fund a national plan to assure everyone was covered by all choices, but provisions (i.e. the mandated funding, for example) have been chipped away leaving sick Kentuckians in limbo. Kentucky’s health is poor and we rank 47th in poverty, with far lower median incomes and higher income inequality than other states. Healthcare workers’, families’ and patients’ voices are being ignored, and I would fight to change that by inviting more people to the table … [response exceeds word limit]

Mike Broihier: I support a single-payer health care system and I think the fastest way there is through expanding the ACA with a Medicare Option. My first priority would be to authorize HHS to negotiate prescription drug prices with

Amy McGrath: I remain committed to fixing, in a bipartisan way, the problems with the Affordable Care Act, which brought down Kentucky’s uninsured rate answers continued on next page

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U.S. Senate – Democratic primary RESPONSES CONTINUED: Affordable health care … in a dramatic way. Every Kentuckian needs access to high-quality, affordable health care and that includes a government insurance plan like the one I purchase for my family as a military retiree. A public option would lower premiums and guarantee that in those counties with just one or two insurers, rates would not artificially spike with a lack of competition.

The average Kentuckian spends over $2,000 annually on prescription medications—the second highest in the nation. We must address the rising cost of prescription medications. There are bipartisan bills to fix this issue sitting on Sen. McConnell’s desk that he is actively blocking. That is inexcusable.

version or another of a single payer system, they cover all of their people, pay about half the price as us, and no one goes bankrupt or dies because they lack health insurance. Medicare For All is a single payer system and it’s a damn good one.

Eric Rothmuller: I fully support Medicare For All. Our current health care system leaves us paying the most in the world, 32,000 - 45,000 Americans dying because their either uninsured or underinsured, and over 500,000 Americans going bankrupt with medical bills being a contributing factor. Those advocating for simply expanding the Affordable Care Act are advocating for a system that still leaves millions of Americans uninsured, tens of thousands dying, hundreds of thousands going bankrupt, and Americans still paying the most in the world, all so that the Health Insurance Industry can rake in hundreds of billions in profit.

I believe it is beyond time that we join the rest of the industrialized world in providing healthcare to all Americans through a single payer health care system.

For those whom don’t know what single payer system is, it simply means that the government is the sole insurer. Every industrialized country in the world has one

Bennie J. Smith: I support Universal Healthcare with a Single Payor System (SPS) that would allow insurance companies to compete across state lines and help reduce costs in prescription drugs and premiums. We can address that by keeping AFFORDABLE CARE ACT and tweak it to allow those who already have coverage who like their coverage to keep it. No person should go without health care regardless of your age, class, economic or social status. I also support Paid Maternity Leave and FMLA.

QUESTION:

John R. Sharpensteen: My plan for health care is to introduce legislation that would mandate the ENTIRE health care system to become a non-profit. Possibly with the formation of health care Co-Ops. I believe in health care for all but do not support Medicare for All. However taking the profits from health care could be a way to finance Medicare for All of it becomes a reality.

Andrew J. Maynard: Did not respond.

Mary Ann Tobin: Did not respond.

Do you support comprehensive immigration reform with a pathway to citizenship for young people and adults? What are your plans to expand support and resources for immigrants and refugees, undocumented or otherwise?

Jimmy Ausbrooks: I recognize we need comprehensive immigration reform. We are a nation of immigrants. I am proud of my long family history in America, but I recognize we came here as immigrants too.

I would immediately get children out of cages at our boarders and reunited them with their family. No human being deserves to be treated like an animal, no family should be separated, and especial children separated from their parents when they are looking for a better way of life and a safer living situation for their families. The need to trek across countries or find passage across continents demonstrate both commitment and need. We need to offer these individuals and families mental healthcare services and medial care at our boarders.

I will support Dreamers receiving citizenship. Not just a pathway, but actually provide them with citizenship. I recognize that we will have a task before us in having comprehensive immigration reforms, but with diligence and stewardship we can and will address immigration. We have to also recognize that we are going to have to demonstrate change to make any attempt of build back and obtaining the trust of illegal immigrants, refugees and undocumented workers in our country. We … [response exceeds word limit] Charles Booker: I fully support comprehensive immigration reform with a pathway to citizenship for young people and adults. In fact, I believe we need immigrants and refugees to bring their skills, talents, resources, and hard work to the United States in order to continue to grow our economy. Our nation thrives on the multiculturalism that comes with immigration. Embracing this truth is

exactly how we will win our future.

I fully support comprehensive immigration reform with a pathway to citizenship for young people and adults. In fact, I believe we need immigrants and refugees to bring their skills, talents, resources, and hard work to the United States in order to continue to grow our economy. Our nation thrives on the multiculturalism that comes with immigration. Embracing this truth is exactly how we will win our future.

Progressive, comprehensive immigration reform starts with undoing many of the harsh, inhumane policies of the Trump Administration. As Senator, I would support legislation that makes it illegal to separate children from their families at the border, end the “Remain in Mexico” policies, reassess legal immigration quotas, codify Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals and Deferred Action for Parents of Arrivals, and create a path to citizenship for … [response exceeds word limit] Mike Broihier: Immigrants, migrants, refugees and asylum seekers are all unique cases despite the Trump administrations attempt to paint them all as one evil mob. The first step is to rebuild and refund the Department of State which has been under attack for the last three years. Engaging with all four groups should start overseas with a fully functional State Department not at points of entry. The latter two are protected under international conventions to which we are signatories. We need to follow existing law on their protected status and stop answers continued on next page

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U.S. Senate – Democratic primary RESPONSES CONTINUED: Comprehensive immigration reform … contributing to conditions that cause them to flee their homes to start with.

As America ages and we approach full employment there is a growing need for both migrants and immigrants to keep our economy afloat. I’d rather see labor organizations for both skilled and unskilled work helping to obtain migrant visas than individual companies. For immigrants, I’d open the door to anyone who is of good character and wants to contribute to our nation.

Maggie Jo Hilliard: Yes, we need reform and a pathway to citizenship for everyone living in America. Human DNA is over 99% similar, so there is no reason to deny kindness and compassion to everyone regardless of their heritage. I am disturbed that post-9/11 racism and the extreme-right’s lack of compassion for non- citizens have seeped into 2020 politics as though it were the 1940’s. President Trump, similar to Hitler,seeks to blame immigrants for the many problems Americans’ face today as a result of governmental, corporate, environmental, economic and international policy disasters. Torturing asylum-seekers, preventing resident reentry, complicating lives for Dreamers, forbidding immigrant employment, denying healthcare to children or any denial of civil rights to any human being is wrong. A wall will not fix our lack of jobs due to automation; disallowing Muslim Americans does not assure anyone’s safety; separating a child from her mother will have no positive societal nor psychological consequences; and American citizens commit more crime than non-citizens. If I were elected, I would vote to modify policies to reflect actual data, not racist traditions and restore funding to the many existing government administrations and nonprofit entities which lost federal support after the 2016 elections.

Amy McGrath: I’ve been to the border. I’ve talked with Border Patrol officers.

The entire immigration issue is manageable if we’re just sensible about how we handle it. We need leaders with the courage to stand for secure borders but who will do so in a humane way in accordance with our American values. We will only solve this issue if Congress is willing to act on meaningful, comprehensive immigration reform.

Eric Rothmuller: I fully support comprehensive immigration reform with a pathway to citizenship. We are a nation of immigrants. Outside of the native

QUESTION:

american people, all of our families came here from somewhere else. America has consistently been world leaders on the amount of legal immigrants and refugees we accept into our country. In believe this tradition is morally correct and extremely beneficial to us all. Here are some of the policies I support: - Reinstate and expand DACA and DAPA. - Provide a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants.

- Stop construction on the ineffective U.S.-Mexico border wall and invest in more innovative methods to counter the threats of drug importation and human trafficking.

- Overturn the Trump administration’s Muslim Ban and pass legislation that’ll limit the President’s ability to target classes of people and restrict or suspend their entry.

- Protect sanctuary cities from being denied Federal funding.

- Eliminate ICE and CBP (both were created in 2003) and have their responsibilities go back to their previous departments.

- Establish a more humane and fair review process for asylum claims.

- Appoint more immigration judges to hear asylum and immigration cases quicker.

- End for-profit immigration detention facilities and ensure …answer exceeds word limit John R. Sharpensteen: Yes. We need to get all immigrants registered and into the system and treat them as any others citizen.

Bennie J. Smith: Absolutely. This immigration policy is broken and we should do all we can in providing resources to assist in processing those human beings who work in this country a pathway to citizenship. Business owners who knowingly thwart the rules and employ undocumented immigrants should make arrangements to speed up the process to assist their workers to become U.S. citizens. I am also a DACA supporter. The current policy of the criminalization of immigrants wanting a better life for themselves and their families should offer more humane measures to address the legal process.

Andrew J. Maynard: Did not respond.

Mary Ann Tobin: Did not respond.

Is dealing with the climate crisis a high priority for you, and if so, do you support federal legislation for a Green New Deal? How would you ensure that solutions to the climate crisis benefit all Kentuckians – no matter the color of our skin, income, immigration status, or zip code?

Jimmy Ausbrooks: Climate Change is real and climate change has to be a priority.

We have a limited opportunity to redirect this crisis. This crisis is not just a crisis bases on your skin, social economic status, or zip code. This crisis is blind to prejudices and is not bias. We are all impacted by climate crisis, farmers, families, etc.

I do not only support a Green New Deal, but I want to engage Kentucky in being a center for Green/Renewable energy jobs, technology, and educational opportunities. We have an opportunity to educate, train and bring innovation to Kentucky. We should bring the Kentucky fossil fuel industry leadership to the table, they should utilize their resources to aid in developing technology and sustainable jobs. Together, through collaboration and commitment we can find solutions, aid in transition, and provide valuable opportunities to hardworking

men and women in Kentucky. We need to save the planet and our Kentucky.

Generations to come need to be able to enjoy rural Kentucky. We have some of the most beautiful landscapes I have ever seen. I want generations to come have the opportunity to witness a green meadow with wildflowers in Simpson County, a stag walking across … [response exceeds word limit] Charles Booker: Make no mistake, we are in a state of emergency. The movement we are seeing in Kentucky, and across the country, is an urgent declaration that we must lead now. I have two young daughters, and I want them to grow up and thrive in a Commonwealth that can support them. I believe addressing answers continued on next page

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U.S. Senate – Democratic primary RESPONSES CONTINUED: Green New Deal … the climate crisis is not only one of the greatest imperatives of our time, but also one of the greatest economic opportunities for Kentucky. Further, addressing environmental injustice and racism is critical to protecting our families and our livelihood. That is why I’m an enthusiastic supporter of the Green New Deal, and why I’ve signed the No Fossil Fuel Dollars pledge. This is not a time to be politically calculated, or shirk away from the real challenges we face. This is not about outsiders telling us what we should do. This is about us taking a stand. For me, it is not simply that we need a Green New Deal, but we need a Kentucky New Deal. It’s time for us to lead the way.

Make no mistake, we are in a state of emergency. The movement we are seeing in Kentucky, and across the country, … [response exceeds word limit] Mike Broihier: Climate change, ultimately, will respect no boundary. Leading the world in transitioning to a green economy will be a great first step in mitigating climate change but also provide huge economic benefits for working Americans, raising wages and increasing awareness for the need for better education as we move into a post-industrialism era. The Green New Deal annunciates a vision where good jobs at good wages are a solution to our growing climate crisis and I support it.

Maggie Jo Hilliard: The climate crisis is my highest priority because Earth is our only home. Poor farming practices, pesticides, corporate pollution and our dietary preferences are causing the destruction of our natural resources, killing wildlife species, eroding beaches, melting polar ice, polluting water and contaminating food. Citizens alone cannot fix the problem, as 71% of the problem is corporate-caused. Smart voters acknowledge that blame games aren’t fixing problems, and The Green New Deal will require our sacrificing of many spoils of the industrial age like convenient plastics. We must work together to change the way we live so resources will sustain future generations. During WWII, Americans made sacrifices for the war effort to defeat fascism and genocide, and we can, again, acknowledge our common evil and join together to resolve it. To deny science in the face of floods and fires is foolhardy. I would like to see a growth in worker cooperative companies, which would grant ownership rights, voting rights and fair pay to employees. These entities, which are common throughout the world, consider human and planetary needs over corporate profits.

Amy McGrath: Climate change is intricately tied to our national security. Climate change and resource scarcity are with us today—we already have climate change refugees in America. Scientists around the world know it, and the United States military is already testing, adapting, and researching how to operate and succeed in these rapidly changing environments.

Our naval bases around the globe are seeing the effects now. In the past 10 years, nine major floods crippled Norfolk Naval Shipyard. Key West Naval Air Station (where I learned to dogfight in the F/A-18) will be almost completely under water in the next 80 years. Weather patterns are changing as well, with tragic effects. We are seeing hurricanes, floods, and fires in ways we’ve never seen

before. Large parts of the world (the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia) are experiencing dramatic desertification at an alarming rate. This means less food will be produced and large migrations of people will be forced out of the lands they occupy today. In the 20th century, we fought wars over values or economic clashes. In the 21st century, it will be over water and resources.

This is the world we will live in. This is the world our children … [response exceeds word limit] Eric Rothmuller: The science is settled. Climate change is real and we must take immediate action. It’s a global emergency and the United States should be leading the fight. It’s the right thing to do morally, logically, and economically. There are millions of jobs waiting for us in the renewable energy sector if we choose to be leaders in this fight. I will vote for and fight for the following: - The Green New Deal.

- Rejoining The Paris Agreement.

- Investing in the research and development of green renewable technology which will lead to millions of new jobs here in America.

- Setting progressive limits on carbon emissions to get our companies and consumers to cut carbon pollution in half by 2030 and achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

- Financial support to the Green Climate Fund.

- Ensure displaced fossil fuel and coal workers (not executives) get preferential treatment in the hiring process for new jobs created in the renewable energy sector.

We only have one planet Earth and we all call this home. All countries must come together and work together to solve this problem.

John R. Sharpensteen: I am a firm believer in Global Warming. I don’t know a lot about the Green New Deal so I will hold my comments. I will work with other like minded Senators to find the best solutions possible. I view all citizens of Kentucky equally regardless of race, creed or religion. I will not bow to the rich or ignore the not so rich. what is good for one Kentuckian I hope will be good for all Kentuckians.

Bennie J. Smith: First of all, fire-powered plants that spew out green gas emissions affects the health of all within the areas of the facilities. I want to ensure that we create and lure renewable energy and energy efficient technology jobs to our urban, rural and Appalachian areas. With the continuous decline of the coal industry, we have to offer those miners and their families alternative sustainable options for an economic rebirth for their respective areas and their families. We can train and license those citizens, including immigrants and refugees, who want to work, go to school, and improve their lives.

Andrew J. Maynard: Did not respond.

Mary Ann Tobin: Did not respond.

Primary Election Day is Tuesday, June 23. Make sure your absentee ballot is mailed on or before that day.

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U.S. Senate – Democratic primary QUESTION:

What is the role of the U.S. Congress in opposing white supremacy, addressing racial inequality and supporting racial justice for Black people, Indigenous people, Latinx people, immigrants, those who are undocumented, and all people of color in our country? Please identify at least two policy initiatives you would propose while in office to address racial and systemic inequalities.

Jimmy Ausbrooks: The role of the U.S. Congress is to serve the people and protect the constitution of the United States. I accept their is a imperfect and sometimes bias world we live in, but I hold true to basic fundamental rights of equality. I believe all men are created equal, our constitutions states that, but it has been hundreds of years in the making and we have not yet perfected it.

As a member of the U.S. Congress I would have to accept that Freedom of Speech is a fundamental right and it will take diligence and fortitude to overcome injustices and inequality that has played out on the stage of life for centuries.

We have to strive and work tirelessly to oppose discrimination and inequality. I feel that it is imperative that we bring education to the forefront of addressing racial inequality, negative stereotypes of people of color, and indigenous people, and immigrants. Education is key, openly expressing hate is usually more about fear, insecurities and a lack of knowledge. Encouraging inclusion and opportunity for engagement is beneficial.

I would initiate an Educational Inclusion Act, this policy that is directed at and for every public school and every … [response exceeds word limit] Charles Booker: I believe we cannot move forward as a nation until we come to terms with our past. This requires us to acknowledge our structural ills, and dedicate our policy and budgetary decisions directly toward removing inequity that has continued for generations. I’m a lifelong Kentuckian, and several generations of my family have called the Commonwealth home. I’ve had relatives who were enslaved in Kentucky. I’ve had relatives lynched in Kentucky. My grandparents were redlined in Kentucky. I understand intimately the legacy of slavery and white supremacy isn’t in our distant past; we still grapple with it today.

I’m running my campaign because I believe it’s time for Kentuckians to stand up for system-level change and tackle structural racism and inequity headon. I also believe we need real criminal justice reform, including an end to the war on drugs, as well as expungement opportunities and automatic restoration of voting rights to all people with felonies in their past. This belief is why I have been a relentless advocate in the Kentucky State Legislature for amending the Kentucky Constitution to allow for the automatic restoration of voting rights.

I am grateful to have worked alongside KFTC in this effort during my time … [response exceeds word limit] Mike Broihier: For decades, tracking the growth and behavior of White Supremacist groups has fallen solely on non-governmental groups like the Southern Poverty Law Center, the Jewish Defense League and the NAACP when it should have been the portfolio of the FBI and national anti-terrorism agencies. Those selfless groups should continue to provide oversight, but the burden of tracking all hate groups and those who espouse violence should be done by the federal government.

Congress needs to be wary of prior restraint, free-speech and privacy concerns but legislating against ideologies that espouse violence and discrimination is surely constitutional. If elected, I’d have two priorities in addition to environmental and voting issues discussed in this questionnaire. The first, readdress the status of our treaties with indigenous nations. I’d form an independent commission to exam-

ine all existing claims of tribal sovereignty and associated treaties with the United States to ensure that the promises made over a long period of time are collected, reconciled and reaffirmed by Congress. Secondly, I would support a commission to address reparations for the descendants of formerly enslaved persons.

Maggie Jo Hilliard: Systemic racial injustice was built into American government and corporate systems through centuries of government-sponsored slavery, discrimination, criminal injustice, and separatist policies. American jurisprudence is based on white supremacy; thus, economic and societal equality will require a moral change in Washington. Elected leaders must be leaders – to tell constituents the truth about our gross history and move forward with plans to correct past errors and prevent future ones. Mitch McConnell should be loudly protesting racial injustice at all levels, yet he supports a hateful and discriminatory president and administration. Unfortunately, these are the cynics that have appointed judges which will determine Constitutional interpretation for years to come. If I were elected, I would like to work on bills like Cory Booker’s plan to require the FBI and DOJ to allocate resources to fight white- supremacist-inspired-violence at the same level as international terrorism funding. Our government needs to respect and defend indigenous lands and heritage against harmful corporate behavior and set the record straight on the true positive consequences of fair immigration when discussing our borders, instead of inciting violence, exclusion and hate.

Equal protection under the law should be afforded to everyone, especially those which have, historically, been underserved … [response exceeds word limit] Amy McGrath: I will be a leader who has the courage to speak out against injustice, prejudice and racism. I will be a leader who celebrates diversity, pushes for inclusion, and encourages people to speak out and speak up when injustice is occuring. And further, speak out and speak up when our government tries to pass harmful legislation in education, health care and other areas vital to the well-being of minority communities. Kentucky needs a senator that will work to ensure economic justice and opportunity for all, no matter where you live, where you come from, or what you look like.

Eric Rothmuller: The United States Congress plays a vital role in ensuring that the protections granted to people by the United States Constitution are upheld and in protecting people from discrimination in areas where the Constitution falls short.

Here are just some of the initiatives I will fight for while in office that address racial and systemic inequalities: - Restoration of voting rights for all Americans whom have had their voting rights taken away and ensuring the right to vote of every American citizen over 18 years of age shall never be taken away.

- Making Election Day a national holiday.

- Automatic voter registration.

- End voter suppression and gerrymandering.

- End redlining practices that still exist. answers continued on next page

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U.S. Senate – Democratic primary RESPONSES CONTINUED: Opposing white supremacy and racial inequality …

- Raise the Federal minimum wage to $15 an hour and tie it to inflation so we don’t have to keep having this fight. Raising the minimum wage will increase the wages of over 30% of African-American and Latinx workers.

- Prioritize infrastructure spending on poverty stricken communities.

- Guarantee tuition and debt-free public colleges, universities, trade-schools, and minority serving institutions (HBCUs & Tribal Colleges) and eliminate student loan debt.

- Guarantee health care to all Americans through Medicare For All and eliminate medical … answer exceeds word limit

place programs to work with employers to train employees for good paying jobs.

I would also work to establish guide lines for a living wage.

John R. Sharpensteen: The role is to lead by example. This actually falls on the shoulders of the voters to really know who they are electing. I would put into

Andrew J. Maynard: Did not respond.

QUESTION:

Bennie J. Smith: 1. I would strengthen the federal TITLE VII Anti-Discrimination Law that prohibits discrimination based on race, gender, sex and sexual orientation.

2. I would also create legislation that would target Domestic Terrorism as aggressively as we target other outside terrorist groups. Seizure of assets for individuals and groups would also be a means of redress.

Mary Ann Tobin: Did not respond.

Kentucky has the ninth highest incarceration rate in the nation, is second in the nation for incarcerating women, and has the second-highest rate in the country of children separated from a parent due to incarceration. In addition, Black Kentuckians make up 8.3 percent of the state population but 21 percent of the state’s incarcerated population. Are you committed to ending mass incarceration in Kentucky and in the United States as a whole? Why or why not? If elected, what will you do to make strides toward ending mass incarceration and reinvesting resources into the communities most impacted by this system?

Jimmy Ausbrooks: Currently I am in support of Kentucky House Bill 221. It would be an initiative to decrease incarceration for non-violent offensives. I would advocate to shut down for profit prisons. Once these for profit prisons are closed we will see a drastic decrease in incarceration. When prisoners are no longer profitable we will have a real opportunity for change, treatment, and education.

The legalization of marijuana could also decrease the incarceration rates, while bringing in vital revenues into the state. Legalization of marijuana could provide viable and legal employment/entrepreneurial opportunities. As a professional counselor, I understand that prison has been an unethical means to imprison those that need both mental healthcare and substance abuse treatment, not incarceration.

I believe in opportunities not limitations. I recognize the injustices of our current criminal system. I recognize the bias and conservative attitude within Kentucky especially in some rural areas and pledge to bring more inclusive educational programs to both urban and rural communities through federal grants and incentives.

Charles Booker: I am extremely committed to ending mass incarceration, as well as mass criminalization. Our justice system is rooted in inequities that disproportionately harm minority and impoverished communities; we lock up people of color at a rate much higher than other communities, and it costs the government and taxpayers a lot of money to do it. According to the ACLU, one in every three black boys and one in every six Latino boys will go to prison at least once in their lifetimes compared to just one in every seventeen white boys. These numbers are clear proof that mass incarceration is putting people of color behind bars at alarming rates. This is not keeping communities safe. This is not helping families to heal.

As a community organizer, former director at a national non-profit focused on comprehensive solutions to violence, and now as a State Representative, I

have dedicated my passion and expertise to this work. It is why I sought to serve on the House Judiciary Committee in the Kentucky General Assembly. I firmly understand that reforming our justice system will heal generational trauma, boost our economy, and directly combat poverty. As U.S. Senator, I will stand with the growing … [response exceeds word limit] Mike Broihier: I envision a country where incarceration is the last resort, where the first time a person receives health care or dental care or treatment for mental illness or addiction isn’t behind bars. Mass incarceration gives lie to the those who claim to be fiscal conservatives because study after study prove that money spent on programs as diverse as universal pre-K education, school nutrition and drug use prevention pay huge dividends on the back end in preventing incarceration. I am, therefore, committed to ending mass incarceration and educating the nation, as best as possible, in the efficacy, moral and economic, of investing in people before they run afoul of the law.

Maggie Jo Hilliard: After 15 years working in criminal courts, I am moved to run for office to provide an insider’s look into our criminal justice system, its many injustices and economically wasteful processes. The death penalty is ineffective at deterring crime, expensive for taxpayers, unequally applied and can unfortunately kill innocent people awaiting court action. I am moved to run for office to fight addiction stigma and encourage rehabilitation for those that need a handup, not a jail cell, to cure the root causes of their criminal behavior. Incarceration should be reserved for violent offenders, not PTSD-sufferers or Cancer-patients using cannabis. I believe solitary confinement should be banned. Citizens need a vote in local criminal laws and procedures by way of “citizen review boards” and more pathways to post- conviction relief for victims of injustice. All too often, answers continued on next page

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U.S. Senate – Democratic primary RESPONSES CONTINUED: Ending mass incarceration … our slow criminal system leaves taxpayers footing bills to incarcerate harmless and innocent people, or those in need of medical, not penal, attention. Americans are growing more savvy on matters of criminal law with the emergence of social media, video technology, genetic testing for the masses, documentary films and news stories, yet the system works frustratingly show to release the innocent, heal the ill, … [response exceeds word limit] Amy McGrath: I will work to reduce our prison population through increased federal funding for state and local rehabilitation programs and opioid treatment centers. We also need to look at reduced sentences for non-violent offenders.

I applaud the Senate for passing the First Step Act, since it was a crucial step toward comprehensive criminal justice reform.

Eric Rothmuller: The United States has the highest incarceration rate in the world. We account for only 5% of the world’s population but we have nearly 20% of the world’s prison population. Our system focuses more on punishing people and does very little in terms of focusing on rehabilitation and trying to reduce recidivism. There are many things we can do to address these issues and here are just some of the policies I support and will fight for: - Legalize marijuana, expunge past marijuana convictions, and decriminalize all drugs with an emphasis on rehabilitation.

- Release all non-violent drug offenders.

- Institute a just transition program for prisoners upon release.

- End cash bail.

- Ban for-profit prisons.

- Abolish three strikes laws, mandatory minimum sentences, and the death penalty.

- Institute a housing for all program to address homelessness.

- Allow certain types of felony convictions to be expunged after the sentence is

QUESTION:

served and a decided amount of time has passed with no other convictions.

- Refocus our criminal justice system into one that focuses less on punitive measures and more on rehabilitation programs. This includes investing in rehabilitation programs for those incarcerated, on probation, or on parole.

John R. Sharpensteen: Yes. Mass incarceration isn’t the answer. We need to develop alternate programs to punish and rehabilitate wrong doers. Community service could be an answer as well as allowing those whose crimes are as severe to possible serve their time in the military instead of a prison.

Bennie J. Smith: I have always been one opposed to the Prison Industrial System. It appears focus of resources have been more concentrated on locking up citizens, particularly citizens of color, rather than rehabiliation. Most citizens who may have alcohol or drug addiction need treatment and rehabilitation rather than being criminalized. Private prisons have been built in communities in an effort to boost their respective community’s economic outlook. Resources should go toward assisting those who lack a GED to receive one while incarcerated. Also resources should go toward job skills training to help prevent recidivism. There should also be resources to assist in the aftercare of those released to allow them to be more productive citizens. Transportation services should be provided for families who have loved ones incarcerated at a distance to assist with their visitation. And predatory services from vendors at these correctional facilities should be reviewed to determine if there’s any excessive hardships on families. I would want to investigate why women incarceration rates have significantly increased?

Is there something we as a society can do to address this issue on a community support basis? And what steps can we take to address youth violence?

Andrew J. Maynard: Did not respond.

Mary Ann Tobin: Did not respond.

Do you support restoring voting rights to Kentuckians with felonies in their past? Specifically, do you support the Democracy Restoration Act to restore voting rights to people upon release from prison for purposes of voting in federal elections? Do you support restoring the Voting Rights Advancement Act to ensure strong federal oversight of state and local governments with a history of voter suppression aimed at communities of color? Please explain.

Jimmy Ausbrooks: Every American deserves the right to vote, it is a constitutional right. No person should be denies the right to vote. We should not now nor ever muffle or silence a citizens voice by denying them of their vote. I completely support the Democracy Restoration Act. The reason I fee that all citizen should have the right to vote is because our founding fathers were all criminals in the eye of their government, the English King. They stood together, revolted, and created a country founded on freedom. One such freedom was the right to vote, hold open and fair elections, and providing opportunity to collectively make changes as need arises. We no longer have to live under tyranny or a tyrant.

“The bill declares that the right of a U.S. citizen to vote in any election for federal office shall not be denied or abridged because that individual has been convicted of a criminal offense unless, at the time of the election, such individual is serving a felony sentence” Each American citizen deserve their right to vote and not suppression.

Charles Booker: Yes, yes, and yes!

I fully support restoring voting rights to Kentuckians with felonies in their past. This has been my top priority as a legislator, and will continue to be my urgent focus as our next U.S. Senator. This session, I am the lead sponsor of a bill in the Kentucky General Assembly that would automatically restore voting rights to all Kentuckians who finish their sentences. I fully support the Democracy Restoration Act. Our criminal justice system systematically targets the poor and people of color, and too many of our brothers and sisters in Kentucky have had their voices taken away because they’ve lost voting rights due to a past mistake they’ve already paid for. This is very personal to me. Some of my own family members who helped raise me, instruct me, inspire me, and push me to succeed, cannot vote today because of felony disenfranchisement.

The federal government -- and all governments -- have a responsibility to answers continued on next page

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U.S. Senate – Democratic primary RESPONSES CONTINUED: Voting rights … make voting as easy and accessible as possible for all of its citizens. That means that we must have strong oversight to ensure that voter ID laws aren’t able to disenfranchise voters, that voters aren’t removed from voting roles, that early … [response exceeds word limit]

Amy McGrath: Formerly incarcerated individuals have paid their debt to society.

Giving non-violent offenders a chance to become full citizens again aligns with the American principles of due process and fairness. It only hurts our Democracy to prevent people from participating and contributing to our election process.

Mike Broihier: I fully support the restoration of voting rights for prior felons on both the state and federal level. In light of the previous question which highlights the disproportionate jailing of people of color, restoration of voting rights is as much about individual fairness as it is about equal representation. The Voting Rights Advancement Act would go far to codify rules regarding the supervision of states that have repeatedly and flagrantly acted in an unconstitutional manner and has my full support.

Eric Rothmuller: I do support restoring voting rights to all Americans with felonies convictions. In my view, the Democracy Restoration Act doesn’t go far enough because it doesn’t allow people currently serving felony convictions the right to vote. I would support the Democracy Restoration Act but would propose an amendment to ensure that the vote will never be taken away. I personally believe all American citizens 18 years of age and older should have an inalienable right to vote and that right should never be infringed.

I do support the Voting Rights Advancement Act. It’s clear many states and local governments have been participating in gerrymandering and voter suppression.

The Federal Government needs to step in and provide oversight to help curb these discriminatory and undemocratic practices.

Maggie Jo Hilliard: No human should ever be voiceless in their governments’ decisions. I support Universal Suffrage for people over 16-years-old and will create a beta-version online voter platform during my candidacy to offer a survey to all people who may wish to voice their opinions on pressing political issues, not media headlines nor political figures; and provide citizens information to connect to elected leaders and organizations to assist with emergencies. At age 16, each American should be automatically registered to vote without any restrictions or preconditions and granted a government-issued email address by the U.S. Postal Service through which their votes would be cast and validated. A democracy is “a system of government by the whole population”. Technology is available to create a more democratic country. Our current system is fraught with politics and data insecurity, old machines and varied laws by jurisdiction as to who may vote, and who may not. Antiquated American election traditions which exclude voters for one-reason-or-another have proven to cause social disruption for lack of trust in the process. It will take all of us to tackle the climate crises and correct historical errors, and all voices should be heard.

John R. Sharpensteen: Yes. Everyone should have the right to vote. Voter suppression should not be tolerated. However I would like to see programs available to actually educate the voters on how to select the best candidate regardless of party, race or social status. We need to get past voting for one party or the others just because that was who mom or dad would vote for or even because that is who our spouse would vote for.

Bennie J. Smith: One of our platform initiatives supports the restoration of voting rights for nonviolent ex-felons. We also support job skills training, housing, job preparation and transport assistance to those reentering society. Definitely better aftercare resources are needed to help get each person leaving incarceration a hand up in improving their lives.

Andrew J. Maynard: Did not respond.

QUESTION:

Mary Ann Tobin: Did not respond.

Do you support proposed Just Transition bills in Congress to take care of coal miners and communities by investing in abandoned mine land reclamation (H.R. 2156 and H.R. 4248) and extending current funding for the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund for another 10 years (H.R. 3876 and S.3171)? Why or why not?

Jimmy Ausbrooks: I support Kentuckians, and the Just Transition bills, it demonstrates potential opportunities/options and considerations for a lingering problem for both Kentucky and millions and hardworking individual’s lives and the lives of their families.

We have to recognize the plight of miners and seek compensation and security. The Black Long Disability Trust Fund should in equivalently be extended.

These miners did their jobs in good faith and the threat of harm should have been address well in advance and the government and mines/ mine owners are responsible for the illnesses and deaths. The miners and their families deserve compensation.

Charles Booker: Absolutely. Those coal miners are our family. They gave their

livelihood and sacrifice their lives, just so we can have light and warmth. It is time we stand up for them, and push back on corrupt interests that only seek to exploit, extract from them, and leave them stranded on the tracks. We know the coal industry is declining. Instead of abandoning our family, we need to be intentional about investing in them and providing pathways to opportunities for them to pursue their dreams and take care of their loved ones.

Coal miners and coal communities deserve respect. That means that we need leaders who recognize what the people and communities of coal-producing regions like Eastern Kentucky and Western Kentucky have given to our country.

It also means that we must take much-needed steps to protect the land and water and create economic opportunities in coal country. answers continued on next page

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U.S. Senate – Democratic primary RESPONSES CONTINUED: Just Transition …

Not only am I a proponent of previously-introduced legislation such as the RECLAIM Act and ensuring funding for black lung benefits for our miners, I am pushing that work in the Kentucky General Assembly. I am proud to have joined a bipartisan group of legislators this session in co-sponsoring legislation that would make … [response exceeds word limit] Mike Broihier: Yes, and yes. Just Transition and the BLDTF aren’t just about mitigating past damage but acknowledging where responsibility for those damages lie. By blocking these bills, politicians, most notably Mitch McConnell, shift the cost of righting wrongs from corporations (and large donors) onto taxpayers. The inequity of this shift has grown starker as the current administration has rolled back environmental regulations that will only exacerbate poor living conditions in coal country. I will fight to reinstate environmental regulations that place the responsibility for clean operation and mitigation where it belongs, on those who seek to profit from an extractive economy. My wife and I are farmers. We run our operation on sustainable principles: no chemical pesticides or herbicides, no GMO seedstock and no prophylactic hormones or antibiotics. It is a more challenging path, but you can make a living while being good stewards of the land. There is no reason that everyone shouldn’t be held to the same high standard we set for ourselves.

Maggie Jo Hilliard: Yes, absolutely. Expediting $1BN from the Abandoned Mine Land Fund to clean-up abandoned coal mining sites must be done to address the scars of mountaintop removal mining (MTR), valley fills and toxic pollution. The RECLAIM Act would grant miners access essential healthcare, fairer pay for their work and secure retirement funding while also employing thousands of Kentuckians in efforts to restore damaged land and water resources.

MTR causes contamination to groundwater, streams and the air around topped mountains, resulting in lung cancer and cardiovascular diseases, and the loss of fish and other wildlife. In 2016, federal laws required mining companies to monitor and restore the more-than-500 mountain regions impacted by MTR, but McConnell and Trump got rid of the Stream Protection Rule early in the Trump administration. Such rules will need to be back in place to protect Kentuckians.

In 2018, McConnell neglected The Black Lung Disability Trust Fund tax, allowing it to revert back to 1978 levels; then the rate was extended for just one year. Now the rates are set to expire in December of 2020 without government action to extend care. Communities impacted by coal production deserve consistent support, not political rhetoric. Central Appalachia is facing a … [response exceeds word limit]

QUESTION:

Amy McGrath: Kentucky coal miners have powered this nation for generations.

The country now owes a debt to Kentucky’s coal regions for their service in the construction of America. When paid, that debt will help build a new economy for the future of Kentucky’s coalfields. One way we can do this is by passing the RECLAIM Act. I will work to make sure coal miners’ and their families are guaranteed the benefits and pay they earned through years of hard work. That’s why I support extending current funding for the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund.

Eric Rothmuller: I support all four bills. Coal country has been hit hard. Many don’t see light at the end of the tunnel and I don’t blame them. The coal industry is dying. Trump and other politicians can tell you they’re going to save the coal industry but I won’t lie to you. They can’t, I can’t, and you can’t. The market has spoken and coal power is ever increasingly becoming a thing of the past. The people of coal country are the ones that suffer. They’re left with economic troubles, environmental issues, and health issues. We must invest in these communities and take care of our people.

Beyond those four bills, I will also fight for amendments to be added to any bill that has to do with investing in renewable energies (which I support) so that a transition plan is laid out for displaced fossil fuel and coal workers (not executives) be implemented where those displaced workers get preferential treatment in the hiring process for new renewable energy jobs. I will also fight to get those jobs located in communities affected by job loss due to our divesting in the fossil fuel and coal industries.

John R. Sharpensteen: I am not very familiar with theses resolutions but will take the opportunity to meet with as many coal miners as possible as soon as possible to get a better understanding of what they need and want.

Bennie J. Smith: I had a father--in-law (Mr. Woodrow Lowe) who was a 50- year coal miner in Harlan, KY who eventually experienced a long and painful death with BLACK LUNG DISEASE. So I know firsthand the scourge of this dreaded disease. So I am wholeheartedly in favor of any legislation and efforts to assist our coal miners and their families, especially extending funding permanently for the BLACK LUNG DISABILITY TRUST FUND. Andrew J. Maynard: Did not respond.

Mary Ann Tobin: Did not respond.

What will you do to support LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, queer) Kentuckians? What will you do to protect people from discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations based on sexual orientation and gender identity?

Jimmy Ausbrooks: As a member of the LGBTQ community, I would be Kentucky’s first openly gay United States Senator, first openly gay elected Federal official and be the best preson to advocate and demonstrate the need for protection from discrimination in housing, employment, public accommodations, fostering/ foster to adoption, and many other imperative issues facing the LGBTQ community. I will demand consideration on the Senate floor the the Equality Act. I will advocate for LGBTQ education in public schools, I will support and advocate

for LGBTQ youth, be an effective and positive role model to other LGBTQ individuals and break the stigma associated with being LGBTQ. I will join two other positive role modes currently serving in the United States Senate. I will be a strong advocate.

Charles Booker: I’ve always been an ally to our LGBTQIA+ family -- in my answers continued on next page

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U.S. Senate – Democratic primary RESPONSES CONTINUED: Support for LGBTQ … personal life, as a candidate, and in my role as state Representative. I’ll continue to be an ally as Kentucky’s next U.S. Senator. My declaration for this movement that will beat Mitch McConnell and help us win our future, is a clarion call that no matter where you are from, what you look like, how much money you have in your pocket, who you love, or what pronoun you use, that you matter and deserve a government that is accountable to you.

Our governments have ignored discrimination against LGBTQIA people for too long. In the State House, I co-sponsored legislation to ban conversion therapy in Kentucky, as well as legislation to create statewide fairness. I believe we should have a nationwide fairness law that ensures that our loved ones recognized as a protected class, and makes housing and workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity illegal.

I am also firmly committed to locking arms with all Kentuckians, and fighting back against hateful legislation that would seek to infringe on access to public accommodations based on gender identity. Those types of laws cause trauma, intense heartache, and … [response exceeds word limit] Mike Broihier: `A decade ago, as editor of a weekly rural newspaper, I argued in an editorial titled, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, Don’t Care,” that the only people who cared about LGBTQ people in the military were preachers and politicians and they only cared because they thought my readers cared. I said, in my wife’s and my combined 40-years in the military, we knew few people who cared about this issue. Those who go in harm’s way care only about dependability, integrity and intrepidity, not who someone loves. Shockingly, it was well received. What I learned was that even rural, conservative, religious people are open to progressive ideas presented with reason, patience and an appeal to fairness. While I believe that the 14th Amendment should be enough and acknowledge that it is unfair to urge patience on those whose rights are being denied, I’d point to the progress of the Fairness Campaign as they’ve won the passage of ordinances in over a dozen cities. I will argue on the basis of fairness and legislate on the basis of Equal Protection that discrimination because of sexual orientation or sexual identity, in any form and in any forum is morally wrong and legally unconstitutional.

Maggie Jo Hilliard: I will support the LGBTQ community in every way possible to ensure equal access to all privileges of American life regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation or other traits. I am an ardent supporter of inclusion at all levels of society and government for the LGBTQ community, including marriage equality, military inclusion, public accommodations, universal healthcare, hate-crime enhancements for violent acts against the LGBTQ community, and the federal Equality Act to give nationwide legal protections to the LGBTQ community. Leaders should fervently speak-out against discriminatory acts we see on our news daily, and equally represent their constituents regardless of the color

Presidental Primary

of their skin, where they are from, whom they wish to love and associate, the God they worship or other differences. Fueling ignorant acts of hate or ignoring it, is wrong. The majority of Americans do not hate people at first sight nor seek to harm people that are different from them. The extremists that hurt people because of their differences should be punished, not endorsed, by our leaders.

Amy McGrath: No Kentuckian should be discriminated against because of their sexual orientation and I will support legislation that protects LGBTQ Kentuckians from any discrimination they may face whether in housing or employment or public accomodations.

Eric Rothmuller: I am proud to have seen so much progress made in this country over the course of my lifetime in support of the LGBTQ+ community but there’s still work to be done. The law still allows discrimination of the LGBTQ+ community in many areas of their lives and this needs to be changed. Here are some of the policies I support and will fight for: - Support for any bill that protects against LGBTQ+ discrimination.

- Pass The Equality Act. - Pass The Student Non-Discrimination Act and The Safe Schools Improvement Act - Oppose any legislation aimed at protecting religious liberty at the expense of others’ rights.

- Institute a ban conversion therapy.

- Expand affirmative civil rights testing for anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination.

- Expand the Fair Housing Act to make it illegal to deny housing to any LGBTQ+ person.

- Make it illegal to discriminate against LGBTQ+ people by banks, and creditors.

- Institute anti-discrimination protections for workers by supporting the BE HEARD in the Workplace Act. - Repeal the Trump Administration’s ban on transgender people from serving in the military.

John R. Sharpensteen: As a Born Again Christian I believe we are to love one another regardless. I will not discriminate against the LGBTQ community and will oppose anyone that does. I don’t believe in their chosen life styles but respect their right to choose.

Bennie J. Smith: I will simply support any legislation that prohibits discrimination of any kind based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sex and sexual orientation.

Andrew J. Maynard: Did not respond.

Mary Ann Tobin: Did not respond.

Also in the primary election, Democratic voters may select their preference for U.S. president. Though most of these candidates have suspended or ended their campaigns, they will still be listed on the ballot: Michael Bennet, Joseph R. Biden, Michael Bloomberg, Pete Buttigieg, John Delany, Tulsi Gabbard, Amy Klobuchar, Deval Patrick, Bernie Sanders, Tom Steyer, Elizabeth Warren and Andrew Yang.

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Voting by mail and other voting options Voting will be a little different this year for the June 23 primary election, with most voting happening by mail. But there are a few different options Kentucky voters have to cast their ballot.

There is a link where you can request a mail-in ballot at www.GoVoteKY.com Alternatively, you can call your county clerk now to request a mail-in ballot, but that process will have added steps. You can find your county clerk’s number at https://bit.ly/ KYCountyClerks. Some county clerk websites also have an online form to request a ballot.

There’s a June 15 deadline to request mail ballots. Ballots need to be postmarked no later than June 23 and received by June 26.

• Getting it mailed earlier is better.

• Postage on ballots is already paid.

• There will be local drop boxes at limited locations if you’d prefer to drop it off (your county clerk can tell you where).

The June 23 primary includes elections for the U.S. Senate, U.S. House, state legislative seats and some local governing bodies. To see who’s on your ballot, where they stand on issues, check your voter registration and more, visit www.KentuckyElection.org.

There will be in-person voting at limited locations (not your usual precinct) on Election Day, with some early voting by appointment at the county clerk’s office. This process likely will vary from county to county, so check with your county clerk (https://bit.ly/ KYCountyClerks).

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Have question? Reach out to Dave Newton at Dave@kftc.org or 859-420-8919.