KFTC Voter Guide, October 2019

STATEWIDE RACES

Kentuckians For The Commonwealth

Change Service Requested

VOTER GUIDE

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

2019 KENTUCKY GENERAL ELECTION

Online at www.KentuckyElection.org

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

This Voter Guide contains survey responses from statewide candidates on the ballot in the November 5 General Election.

ELECTION DAY IS TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5

2 | KENTUCKY General ELECTION VOTER GUIDE – statewide races

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 • challenge and 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 P.O. Box 1450 London, Kentucky 40743 606-878-2161 | Fax: 606-878-5714 www.kftc.org info@kftc.org

October 2019

We’re building 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 38 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.

This is an important election year in Kentucky. On November 5, 2019, Kentucky voters will choose between candidates running for Governor and Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Auditor of Public Accounts, State Treasurer and Commissioner of Agriculture. In some areas, judicial candidates for the Kentucky Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Circuit Court, Family Court and District Court will also be on the ballot.

Through our Action for Democracy campaign, KFTC will engage 100,000 voters who share our values by November 2020. We’ll connect with people at community events, knock on their doors, and talk with them on the phone. And 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 1,000 grassroots leaders who commit to talk with their neighbors, friends, and family to register them to vote, share information about the candidates, and help get them to the polls 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 kftc.org/election/volunteer In the days leading up to the election, we will call KFTC members, neighbors and friends to encourage people to vote in the November 5 General Election and arrange rides to the polls, if needed.

Front cover: KFTC members are active throughout the state, canvassing neighborhoods, registering new voters and empowering political change in 2019 and 2020.

Please let us know if you are willing to volunteer by making phone calls to voters or giving rides to the polls on election day.

Contact the KFTC main office (606-878-2161 or info@kftc.org), or any KFTC office (see page 23) to get involved.

This Voter Guide is published

by Kentuckians For The Commonwealth. Send feedback to P.O. Box 864, Prestonsburg, KY 41653 or jhardt@kftc.org.

Find us online at: www.kftc.org www.KFTC.org/facebook Twitter: @KFTC IG: @kentuckiansforthecommonwealth

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The fight for Voting Rights for people with felonies in their past Kentuckians know that our democracy works best when elections are free and fair. When more of us have a say at the ballot box, we can elect leaders who will stand up for all of us and our vision for the commonwealth.

In most of the country, voting rights are automatically respected after a person completes a sentence, if they are ever denied. Kentucky is one of only two states that permanently withhold the right to vote from people convicted of a felony, unless they are able to navigate the costly and difficult process of getting an expungement or executive pardon.

Around 312,000 people in our state (including more than 240,000 who have completed sentences) can’t vote because of these laws – that's about 1 in 11 voting-age Kentuckians. Kentucky also has the nation’s highest rate of Black voter disenfranchisement.

1 in 4 Black Kentuckians cannot vote, taking tremendous power away from these communities.

We Believe We believe that after someone completes a sentence, their right to vote should be respected. That’s the fair thing to do for people who work, pay taxes,

have kids in public schools and contribute in other important ways. And it makes Kentucky’s democracy stronger.

Respecting voting rights also makes our communities safer. People who vote after completing a sentence are half as likely to reoffend as those who don’t.

Solutions A change is needed in Section 145 of the Kentucky Constitution to correct this injustice. First, a bill must be passed by legislators in the General Assembly to allow Kentucky voters to decide whether to automatically respect the voting rights of fellow Kentuckians who have completed a sentence.

Offices on the ballot this year, like Governor and Secretary of State, also have a lot of influence on this issue. The governor currently has the power to broadly restore voting rights, but instead has chosen to make

it harder in recent years.

Get Involved Winning this issue, and voting rights for thousands of Kentuckians, will take a mass movement of people talking with their neighbors, circulating petitions, going door-to-door and more. If you’d like to get involved, reach out to your local KFTC organizer or contact Dave Newton at 859-420-8919 or Dave@ kftc.org. It’s especially important to have leaders in this movement who are currently being denied the right to vote. Your stories are especially powerful.

Who Can and Cannot Vote in Kentucky To register and vote in Kentucky, you must be at least 18 years old

by Election Day. 17-year-olds can register to vote if they will be 18 on or before November 5, 2019.

You must be a U.S. citizen and live in Kentucky. Students going to school away from home have the right to use a permanent home or temporary student housing as their voting address. If you're a student, we encourage you to register where you'll be living on November 5, 2019.

Kentucky’s criminal justice system also plays an unusual role in denying people's right to vote: People with misdemeanors in their past – Can Vote!

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

People who have had their record expunged of felonies – Can Vote!

People currently in jail pretrial – Can Vote!

People in jail awaiting trial or sentencing for any offense, misdemeanor or

felony, do have the right to vote, unless they were previously convicted of a felony. That's a big deal, because in many Kentucky jails about 70 percent of the population is pre-trial.

While folks in jail pretrial can legally vote absentee, the process can be difficult to navigate. KFTC may be able to help.

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

People with felonies in their past – Can't (generally) Vote.

Kentucky has some of the harshest disenfranchisement laws in the country, creating a barrier to the polls for 312,000 Kentuckians. KFTC is organizing to change Kentucky's Constitution so that people automatically have their voting rights respected after they've completed a sentence.

People with felonies in their past can request restoration of their rights.

Learn more and find the required form at www.kftc.org/campaigns/restoreyour-right-vote. The process can be difficult to navigate, and Governor Matt Bevin denies many requests. KFTC may be able to help.

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Absentee voting If you won’t be in the Kentucky county where you are registered to vote on Election Day, you can vote by absentee ballot in most cases. There are a lot of hoops to jump through, so we recommend starting early:

• You have to be registered to vote and know what county you're registered in.

• You have to request an absentee ballot by phone, email or fax from the county clerk where you're registered to vote.

• You have to give a legally recognized reason why you cannot vote in person on Election Day, such as: • 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 – see https://elect.ky.gov/Voters/Pages/ Absentee-Voting.aspx • If you’re eligible, the clerk will mail you a formal application for an absentee ballot.

• Fill out that application and return it by mail. The clerk's office must receive it by October 29.

• The clerk will send you an absentee ballot to fill out and return by mail. The clerk must receive your ballot by 6 p.m. on Election Day. “In-person absentee voting” is also an option in Kentucky. Through this process, you can vote in-person at the clerk's office during regular business hours before Election Day, if you meet the criteria found at https://elect. ky.gov/Voters/Pages/Absentee-Voting.aspx. Voting times vary by county but can legally start no later than a week before the election. Some counties offer weekend dates. In-person absentee voting runs through Monday, November 4, the day before the election.

People who are in jail awaiting trial legally can, and should, vote. It’s illegal to disenfranchise people who are incarcerated pre-trial, and it’s a misdemeanor to prevent someone from registering to vote. But many jails have restrictions on what people can get in the mail. And it can be difficult to gain access in order to register people or help them through the absentee voting process.

October 2019

Candidates Responses Governor / Lieutenant Governor .................................... 5 Secretary of State .......................................................... 10 Auditor of Public Accounts ........................................... 12 State Treasurer ............................................................... 14 Commissioner of Agriculture ........................................ 16 Attorney General ........................................................... 19

About this guide KFTC is pleased to provide this guide as a resource to help voters cast informed votes in the general election on November 5. We hope it helps shine a light on candidates’ positions about a range of issues important to Kentucky voters. We believe that our democracy works best when more people are informed and involved in the process.

This publication contains responses to KFTC’s candidate survey from individuals running for the seven statewide constitutional offices. KFTC’s online voter guide, found at www.KentuckyElection.org, also includes these responses and some additional races.

KFTC sent a letter and survey questions to candidates in the races we covered. We followed up vigorously, leaving multiple phone, email, Facebook and Twitter messages to encourage participation from all candidates. We published all responses word-forword.

The majority of the candidates responded to KFTC’s survey and we appreciate their effort to let voters know more about themselves and their positions on issues.

We encourage every voter to examine each candidate’s words carefully. Then do your own research and make your decisions.

Please share this guide with friends and family and encourage others to check out the online guide at KentuckyElection.org. We hope you find it a valuable and motivating resource as you prepare to cast your vote on November 5.

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KENTUCKY General ELECTION VOTER GUIDE – statewide races | 5

Governor / Lieutenant Governor The Candidates

(candidates for governor and lieutenant governor run as a ticket in Kentucky)

The Governor is the chief executive officer of the commonwealth, meaning they are the highest ranking official in the Executive Branch. The Governor oversees the enforcement of laws and services for Kentuckians, has the ability to veto legislation that comes through the General Assembly, and more.

The Lieutenant Governor serves on many commissions and boards. If something were to happen to the governor, the lieutenant governor would become governor.

QUESTION: What’s your vision for Kentucky? How will our commonwealth be better in four years if you’re elected?

twitter.com/ andybeshearky

Andy Beshear: Fully funding public education is the greatest economic investment we can make for our children. A good education gives every child—no matter in which zip code they live— a shot at the American dream.

As attorney general, I’m fighting to protect all Kentuckians’ rights to affordable health care. I’ve joined several attorneys general fighting against a recent Texas ruling that would eliminate protections for pre-existing conditions, which would leave hundreds of thousands of Kentuckians without health insurance. As governor, I will also immediately repeal Gov. Bevin’s Medicaid waiver.

We will work to recruit companies that don’t just bring jobs, but good-paying jobs you can raise a family on. Kentucky’s wage and job growth is the third worst in the nation.

I’m the most aggressive attorney general in the nation fighting opioid manufacturers and distributors in court. I’ve kept all nine lawsuits in Kentucky and directed $8 million so far to 15 treatment centers. I will continue that fight as governor.

We will bring transparency and decency back to Frankfort. My running mate and I have released our tax returns so Kentuckians know who we work for. I call on every candidate to do the same.

Jacqueline Coleman Beshear’s running mate

John Hicks: Let’s stop the shouting and get to work.

I’ve worked all my life as a communicator, team builder, and problem solver. I can work with our legislature, empower our state employees, and lead all Kentuckians toward a harmonious and prosperous future.

My priorities are three-fold: LIBERTY. I’ll fight the tendency for government to grow in power, diminishing individual freedom. I will work to once again make the Cannabis plant (hemp) fully legal for all purposes,

Andy Beshear Democrat

John Hicks Libertarian

www.andybeshear.com

www.hickscormicanforkentucky.com

www.facebook.com/ AndyBeshearKY

www.facebook.com/ HicksForKentucky

Ann Cormican Hicks’ running mate

Matt Bevin / Ralph Alvarado – Republican Did not respond

answers continued on next page

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October 2019

Governor - Lieutenant Governor ANSWERS CONTINUED: How will our commonwealth be better … expunge any Cannabis-related convictions, and carefully and gradually decriminalize drugs so any related social problems are not hidden in an underworld of crime.

CIVILITY. I promise to be a leader and facilitator for all Kentuckians and never to pit one faction against another for partisan gain.

As a former schoolteacher, I’ll work to empower all teachers to radically reform education.

QUESTION:

Matt Bevin: Did not respond.

If you are elected Governor, what steps will you take to encourage transparency, media access and meaningful public participation in decisions made by state government?

Andy Beshear: Making Frankfort more transparent is one of my top priorities.

That’s why I’ve released my taxes every year for the past three years, and my running mate, Jacqueline Coleman, will release her taxes this year for the second year in a row. I think every person seeking the office of governor or lieutenant governor should meet this standard.

I’ve reopened the Capitol doors each and every time Gov. Bevin tried to shut people out. Kentuckians should always be able to access their state house—especially when they disagree with those inside.

I also believe that state legislators should have term limits, just like constitutional officers.

The people of Kentucky deserve nothing less than full transparency from their government.

John Hicks: Most of my life has been devoted to good communication, openness, and transparency.

I began my adult career as a public schoolteacher, where my goal was to

QUESTION:

ELECTION REFORM. Today’s political polarization and alienation doom civil society. I’ll work for instant runoff elections and proportional representation, so every voter can point to someone in the legislature that they voted for.

I’m very proud that my campaign has been grassroots based and not the product of multi-million dollar funding by special interests.

inspire my students to be curious about the world they were entering so they could enjoy a lifetime of learning.

For ten years, I published a community newspaper in Fern Creek, Kentucky, where my mission was to inform my readers so they could make good decisions and feel a part of their community. I know first-hand the frustrations the media face in gaining access to what is going on in state government.

For most of my life I have worked in the IT industry as a consultant and project leader. For most projects, my job has been to quickly organize and lead a team of people in making fact-based design decisions.

Along the way I discovered the joy of open source software and, for the past 15 years, I have run a small organization of computer geeks called the Kentucky Open Source Society, dedicated to supporting open source software and “all things open”. Open-source software is a beautiful example of how transparency benefits all.

Matt Bevin: Did not respond.

Do you believe that we have an obligation and opportunity to act on climate change?

What actions would you take 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?

Andy Beshear: Climate change is real. We need an all-the-above energy policy that includes renewables and any jobs that will create.

At the same time, one of the biggest challenges our Kentucky families face, especially in eastern Kentucky, is their energy bills going up year after year, while good jobs are hard to find and keep, and wages remain flat.

Kentucky families shouldn’t have to choose between putting food on the table and paying their utility bills. Unfortunately, that’s a decision many families have to make.

As attorney general over the last three years, my office has opposed dozens of utility bill hikes, and has helped save Kentucky families nearly $1.2 billion.

And another $200 million in rate hikes that would impact about 90 counties are currently proposed. At a time when we lost 2,000 jobs in October, our families simply can’t afford it.

I fight hard on this front every day in the attorney general’s office.

We need a governor who understands the struggles facing our people.

Kentucky families can trust that I’ll always put their interests first.

John Hicks: Like all Kentuckians, I believe we should all be good stewards of our environment. This means being mindful of the ways we affect the Earth’s atmosphere as well as our water and land. (In my travels throughout Kentucky during this campaign, I have not met one Kentuckian who does not agree with this.)

Kentuckians want their state government to act responsibly toward the environment, just as any good citizen would do. The state can also help by gathering data about changes in our land, air, and water, analyzing such data, reporting any apparent problems to the public, and then taking appropriate action.

Regarding equity, good governance requires that any actions taken by the state (for any reason) be equitable for all.

Matt Bevin: Did not respond.

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Governor - Lieutenant Governor QUESTION:

Do you support a constitutional amendment to restore voting rights to tens of thousands of Kentuckians with felonies in their past who have completed their full sentence? If the state legislature remains locked on this issue, would you use executive power to restore voting rights to all Kentuckians with felonies in their past who are currently restricted from voting? Please explain.

Andy Beshear: Voting is a fundamental American right. Unfortunately, Kentucky has the third highest voter disenfranchisement rate in the country.

Nearly one in 10 Kentuckians, and nearly one in four African-Americans, aren’t allowed to vote.

This is wrong.

I support restoring voting rights for Kentuckians with felony convictions for non-violent crimes, and who have completed their sentence.

Like the last Governor Beshear, I will sign an executive order automatically restoring voting rights and allowing offenders to hold public office. We can’t expect someone to pay off his or her debt to society and then have his or her voice silenced in the most fundamental right we each have. It’s essentially like asking someone to pay taxes but not have a say in who represents them.

My administration will ensure all Kentuckians have a voice in their state government and in their communities once they’ve paid their debt to society.

QUESTION:

John Hicks: I believe in ultimately abolishing all victimless crimes, clearing our prisons of anyone imprisoned for them, and restoring their full rights to them.

I am the only candidate who is calling for the immediate full legalization of Cannabis/hemp and for expunging any non-violent convictions related to Cannabis.

Furthermore, I generally favor moving toward the gradual decriminalization of drugs whenever possible. This brings any problems into the open and reduces the incentive to engage in illegal activities which would result in incarceration.

More generally, I do believe that anyone who has served their sentence in full and demonstrated that they are not likely to return to crime should have their full rights restored.

Matt Bevin: Did not respond.

Will you protect or even expand access to Medicaid for the nearly 400,000 low-income Kentuckians who qualified for health care – including vision, dental and mental health – for the first time under the Affordable Care Act? What is your view of the current administration’s efforts to limit access to Medicaid, including new co-pay requirements, restrictions on vision and dental coverage and work requirements?

Andy Beshear: Affordable healthcare is a basic human right. Every Kentuckian should have access to quality, affordable healthcare. I’m currently fighting to protect healthcare for all Kentuckians.

If elected, I will repeal the Medicaid waiver immediately. If implemented, this waiver would cause 100,000 Kentuckians to lose their healthcare. Most on expanded Medicaid are working one or two jobs or caring for an ailing family member.

I will absolutely keep expanded Medicaid in place, which helped nearly 500,000 Kentuckians gain access to healthcare, many for the first time.

This isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s also good for our economy.

As attorney general, I’ve stood up time and again when this governor has tried to strip health care from hundreds of thousands of Kentuckians. I proudly joined other attorneys general opposing a ruling by a Texas judge that would end the expansion, remove protections for pre-existing conditions, charge women and seniors more for health services and rip coverage away from many of our friends and neighbors.

As governor, I will stabilize the market, lower the cost of prescription drugs and make sure insurance companies can’t send you a “surprise bill,” because everyone is paying too much for health care.

John Hicks: The U.S. health care system is convoluted, expensive, and inequitable thanks largely to layer upon layer of governmental regulation, at both the state and federal levels, that have accumulated since World War II. Our problems began when wartime wage controls brought about the peculiarly American custom of tying health care to ones job, thus tying Americans to jobs they hate -- conducive to neither economic productivity nor human fulfillment.

One of the biggest faults of the current system is the lack of published market prices for medical services. Without these, individuals can’t make wise health care decisions.

A related problem is the multiple layers of middlemen who add no value to the customer.

Thus, two steps toward good affordable health care for all would be: (1) encouraging or requiring medical providers to publish their prices, and (2) encouraging health savings accounts in conjunction with true insurance for catastrophic health care costs.

Matt Bevin: Did not respond.

Get involved with KFTC to help turn out the vote in 2019 and 2020, and to continue working year-round to improve life for everyone in Kentucky.

WeAreKentuckians.org www.KFTC.org/facebook www.kftc.org @KFTC

8 | KENTUCKY General ELECTION VOTER GUIDE – statewide races

October 2019

Governor - Lieutenant Governor QUESTION:

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

Andy Beshear: Kentuckians deserve a governor that they can look up to and turn to in tough times for guidance and leadership, and we’ve been missing that for three years.

In the Attorney General’s Office, I’m proud that more than 60 percent of the leadership positions are held by women or people of color. As governor, my cabinet will include Kentuckians of all different backgrounds—because government works best when all of us have a seat at the table.

A Beshear/Coleman administration will build a government that works for every single one of us, not just the well-connected few.

John Hicks: One of my primary goals will be to unite all Kentuckians, regardless of race, country of origin, or immigration status.

This will permeate all actions I take.

Three specific actions I favor: -- Legalizing Cannabis/hemp, expunging Cannabis-related convictions, and gen-

QUESTION:

erally working to gradually and carefully decriminalize most drugs, thus bringing any related social problems out into the open rather than hidden in a government-created criminal underworld that has trapped many minority youths.

-- Reforming our electoral system by implementing instant runoff voting and proportional representation (using ranked choice voting). Proportional representation would make our government radically more democratic: Virtually every voter would be able to point to someone in their elected legislature that they voted for.

-- Implementing the ideas of Louisville resident MeShorn T. Daniels by eliminating all references to race and skin color in state statutes, regulations, and governmental forms.

Matt Bevin: Did not respond.

Kentucky has a tax code that does not raise enough revenue to meet the Commonwealth’s budgetary needs. After years of budget cuts, public education, infrastructure, state worker pensions and other essential programs have reached dangerous levels of disinvestment. What solutions would you support to raise the necessary revenue for the public investments Kentuckians need and deserve?

Andy Beshear: As governor, I will support two ways of generating new revenue without raising anyone’s taxes: expanded gaming and medical marijuana.

It is time that Kentucky keep up with surrounding states and moves toward expanded gaming. Hundreds of millions of dollars are lost every year to bordering states who allow various types of gaming. I’ve lead the way on this issue for years and it’s long overdue.

We also have the ability now to bring in money from sports betting, fantasy sports, casino gaming and online poker.

This would create jobs and a dedicated revenue stream for our pension system. If we could secure hundreds of millions of dollars for our ailing pension system. With this new source of revenue for pensions, we would then

Know another voter who needs to see these candidates’ answers?

have more money to spend on infrastructure and public education.

I also think it’s time to let the people of Kentucky decide whether to legalize medical marijuana via constitutional amendment. But we need to act quickly so we aren’t left behind.

John Hicks: I have proposed two measures that might increase revenue: -- Complete legalization of Cannabis/hemp.

-- Consideration of expanded gambling, provided that no governmental monopolies are granted in the process.

Matt Bevin: Did not respond.

Send them to: KentuckyElection.org

October 2019

KENTUCKY General ELECTION VOTER GUIDE – statewide races | 9

Governor - Lieutenant Governor QUESTION:

Do you support Kentucky’s public workers having a quality public pension? What do you consider to be a quality public pension?

Andy Beshear: I personally fought for and defended the promised pensions of more than 200,000 teachers, police officers, firefighters, EMS, social workers and nearly every city and county employee in the front of the Kentucky Supreme Court and won.

Yes. I believe Kentucky’s public workers deserve a defined benefit retirement plan.

The role they play in our society is crucial, and they deserve a solid and guaranteed retirement.

We must also keep the promises we’ve made to them. A quality public pension allows our retirees to have a degree of security and peace of mind in return for their dedicated years of service.

The name calling and bullying from our current governor has done nothing constructively to move this issue forward. All of our public workers deserve to retire with dignity.

QUESTION:

Matt Bevin: 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?

Andy Beshear: As attorney general, I’ve been a voice for the voiceless and ensured everyone is equally protected under the law I’ve sworn to uphold.

In my office, we designed the first Attorney General’s Survivors Council and just added 20 incoming members who will advocate for victims rights the next two years throughout the Commonwealth and nation.

As governor, I will continue to do the same. Discrimination is wrong, and I’ll be a governor for every Kentucky resident.

John Hicks: Love is a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person. Supporting Kentuckians who are gender and sexuality minorities falls under our campaign themes of liberty and civility.

On the liberty front, there are many different conceptions of the good life

QUESTION:

John Hicks: The key word here is respect for our employees. We must pay them a fair, competitive compensation package. And any change to their compensation must be made with great care: equitably and without disrupting lives.

We must face the fact that defined-benefit pension programs like ours have failed miserably, both in the public and private sectors, by being persistently underfunded over many years. There is nothing short of changing human nature that will change this. Thus, we must begin a gradual transition to defined-contribution retirement programs, just as private industry has done.

It is critical that, during this transition period, we continue to support the current pension systems for all retirees and vested employees. A contract is a promise. We have a legal and moral obligation to do this.

and everyone should be free to choose their own identify, their own relationship status, their own best life. As Libertarians, we believe it is not up to the government to say who you can or cannot be, or who you can or cannot love.

On the civility front, we believe people who are gender/sexuality minorities are intrinsically worthy of respect and kindness like any member of the commonwealth. At the state level, we support non-discrimination clauses for sexual and gender identities on state-funded contracts for employment, housing, facilities, etc. We also respect the autonomy of cities and counties to define and pass their own non-discrimination ordinances that the state should not interfere with.

Matt Bevin: 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% of the state population but 21% of the state’s incarcerated population. Are you committed to ending mass incarceration in Kentucky? If elected, what will you do to make strides toward ending mass incarceration?

Andy Beshear: There’s no doubt that bias exists in our criminal justice system; it is shameful and it needs to be eliminated. We lock up a disproportionate number of people of color, and that is wrong. As Dr. King said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” I’m committed to rooting out this bias and discrimination; I’ve worked to do so as attorney general and will continue to do so as governor.

John Hicks: I believe in ultimately abolishing all victimless crimes, clearing our prisons of anyone imprisoned for them, and restoring their full rights to them.

I am the only candidate who is calling for the immediate full legalization of Cannabis/hemp and for expunging any non-violent convictions related to Cannabis.

I favor moving toward the gradual and careful decriminalization of drugs whenever possible. This will bring any problems into the open rather than hidden in a government-created criminal underworld that has trapped many minority youths.≠– Matt Bevin: Did not respond.

10 | KENTUCKY General ELECTION VOTER GUIDE – statewide races

October 2019

Secretary of State The Secretary of State is responsible for providing and preserving a variety of information for the public. It is their duty to help Kentuckians stay informed about their government and the civic process. The Secretary of State is also chief election officer for the commonwealth and chairs the State Board of Elections.

The Candidates Michael G. Adams Republican

Heather French Henry Democrat www.supportheatherfrenchhenry.com

www.michaelgadams.com

www.facebook.com/ heatherfrenchenryforky

www.facebook.com/ MichaelGAdamsNews

twitter.com/ missamerica2000

QUESTION:

twitter.com/ Adams4SecState

What is your vision for strengthening civic participation in Kentucky? How will our commonwealth be better in four years if you are elected?

Heather French Henry: Kentucky needs to make civics a required class. The state must partner with our teachers to provide them the tools and programing to educate our students about the impact government has on their community.

Kentucky needs to make it easier to vote. It is important to expand Election Day hours. Too many voters struggle to make it to vote because of other obligations. In addition, the state should extend the early voting period, and require county clerks to stay open on weekends during that early voting period. Kentucky needs to make it easier to vote by mail—what’s better than voting in your pajamas from the comfort of your own home? The Secretary

QUESTION:

of State’s office should do more across the state to register voters by targeting residents through social media, and holding voter registration drives across the state.

Michael G. Adams: I’m running to make it easy to vote and hard to cheat, and to restore Kentuckian’s faith in our Secretary of State’s office and our election processes. I’ll bring my election expertise from having engaged in elections in all 50 states. Four years from now the SOS office will be out of the headlines again, quietly doing its job to cleanly facilitate our elections.

Do you support a constitutional amendment restoring voting rights to the tens of thousands of Kentuckians with felonies in their past who have completed their sentence? Please explain.

Heather French Henry: I support the idea of automatically restoring voting rights to felons upon completion of their sentences except for those convicted of murder, a sex crime, or bribery in an election.

Michael G. Adams: The Secretary of State, unlike a legislator, has no role in legislation to place a measure on the ballot to amend the constitution.

However, in my capacity as a voter, I would not support a constitutional amendment that automatically restores voting rights to any person convicted of felony election fraud.

October 2019

KENTUCKY General ELECTION VOTER GUIDE – statewide races | 11

Secretary of state QUESTION:

How does your background qualify you for serving in this office? Please provide examples of your advocacy to protect and promote civic engagement in Kentucky.

Heather French Henry: I’ve been a local, state and national advocate for military veterans and their families for over 20 years. I served both Governor Beshear and Governor Bevin as the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs serving over 300,000 veterans in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. I oversaw nearly 900 employees serving in 4 state veterans’ nursing centers, 5 state veterans’ cemeteries, statewide veterans’ benefits and programs that served women veterans and homeless veterans. I developed legislative policy for the department and assisting with the overall strategy for department’s budget of nearly $100 million.

During my year of service as Miss America 2000, I worked with Congress, held strategic meetings with the White House, and visited veterans in hospitals, homeless shelters and veteran service organizations across the

QUESTION:

Michael G. Adams: I’m the only SOS candidate of either party who actually has election experience (other than as a candidate). I have a prestigious, national election law practice, and relevant credentials no other candidate can match. I’ve actively promoted civic engagement via helping candidates get their messages to voters since 1992.

What is your view on modernizing state election laws? Specifically, do you support allowing early voting, mail-in ballots, extended hours at polling locations, offering ballots in multiple languages and other election reforms? Please explain.

Heather French Henry: I support allowing early voting, allowing vote by mail ballots, extending hours at polling locations, and offering ballots in multiple languages.

Michael G. Adams: • Reduce wait times for early voting by amending KRS 117.085(1)(c) to clarify that a county clerk may place early-voting machines in any of the clerk’s office locations.

QUESTION:

nation. The late Congressman Lane Evans and the late Senator Paul Wellstone passed the Heather French Henry Homeless Veterans Assistance Act in honor of my advocacy work on the behalf of veterans.

I organized veterans’ healthcare seminars across the nation to increase awareness for veteran-related combat health problems. In addition, I developed a strategy to build a World War I centennial commemoration to honor those who fought for our freedoms. Through … answer exceeds word limit

• Make voting by mail easier by amending KRS 117.085(1)(a)(7) to

permit the choice of absentee voting in person or by mail.

• Allow change of party registration to be available to residents until

the voter registration deadline (rather than requiring party affiliation changes be made the year before the election) by amending KRS 116.055.

• Support Senate Bill 134 to extend voting hours from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. local time to give more working people a chance to get to the polls.

If you become Secretary of State, what will you do to increase voter registration and turnout?

Heather French Henry: To increase voter registration, it’s important for the Secretary of State’s office to perform voter registration drives at high schools and colleges across the state. It is important for the office to have a presence at citizenship ceremonies. I support the automatic restoration of voting rights to felons (further explanation in the answer to question 2).

I support expanding early voting, making it easier to vote by mail, ex-

tending hours at polling locations, and offering ballots in multiple languages to increase turnout.

Michael G. Adams: As someone who literally has dedicated my career to the election process, I’ll be a tireless advocate for voter participation, improved civic knowledge, and mutual understanding between people of different beliefs.

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!

12 | KENTUCKY General ELECTION VOTER GUIDE – statewide races

October 2019

Auditor of Public Accounts The primary duty of the Auditor of Public Accounts, or State Auditor, is to audit all accounts and financial transactions of all agencies that receive public funding, including state government agencies, fiscal courts, sheriffs, county clerks, circuit clerks, property valuation administrators, and other agencies that receive public funding. The auditor’s office considers requests for audits from public officials, the general public, the legislative research commission, and the governor’s office.

The Candidates

Sheri Donahue Democrat

Mike Harmon Republican

www.donahueforky.com

www.mikeharmon.com

www.facebook.com/ Sheri4KY

www.facebook.com/ Mike-Harmon-for-Auditor -701210236668283

twitter.com/ sheridonah

QUESTION:

Kyle Hugenberg Libertarian www.facebook.com/ kyle.hugenberg twitter.com/ kylehugenberg

twitter.com/ harmon4auditor

What is your vision for the role of the Kentucky Auditor? How will our commonwealth be better in four years if you are elected?

Sheri Donahue: All you have to do is look around. Regardless of ideology or party affiliation, people are losing faith in government. The cornerstone of any democracy is the people having faith in it. Faith that their government cares about them, faith that government is effective at responding for their needs, and faith that their voices and votes are being heard and counted.

I have stood up to billion dollar defense contractors and Defense Department bureaucrats and won! Kentucky Bureaucrats and Matt Bevin do not scare me! As the auditor, my main goal will be to restore people’s faith in government. Together I know we can.

Mike Harmon: My administration’s motto is “Follow the Data,” which means we don’t target anyone or give anyone a pass. The taxpayers of Kentucky deserve an Auditor who doesn’t operate the office based on any personal agenda. We take the time needed on every report to ensure we are giving the public factual information that is supported by evidence.

My office did the first ever external audit of the Administrative Office of the Courts and Kentucky Law Enforcement Foundation Program Fund (KLEFPF). In addition to around 600 more routine audits per year, we have answers continued on next page

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KENTUCKY General ELECTION VOTER GUIDE – statewide races | 13

Auditor of Public Accounts ANSWERS CONTINUED: How will our commonwealth be better … also examined KentuckyWired, the University of Louisville Foundation, the Louisville Arena Authority, KEMI, the Department of Fish & Wildlife, and more. If given the opportunity to serve another four years, we will continue to build on our strong record of work.

QUESTION:

Please highlight previous experience that qualifies you for serving in this office.

Sheri Donahue: I worked for the Navy as an engineer for 20 years auditing and managing multi-million dollar weapons systems and intelligence contracts.

My job was to ensure that taxpayers got their money’s worth and that our men and women in uniform had safe and effective equipment to defend our nation. I went on to work with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in cybersecurity and infrastructure protection leading a 50,000 person organization dedicated to protecting our critical infrastructure. I developed the critical process that the FBI uses to coordinate domestic security information.

Mike Harmon: Prior to being elected Auditor in 2015, I served 13 years in the Kentucky General Assembly. Before my time in public service, I learned the value of hard work and responsibility through my experience in business,

QUESTION:

Kyle Hugenberg: I intend to use the Auditor of Public Accounts position to conduct audits which compare various functions of the government to best practices in other states, nations, and to private industries which provide similar services.

particularly in insurance and banking. I am a graduate of Boyle County High School and Eastern Kentucky University with degrees in math, statistics, and theater.

Since 2015, I have served as Kentucky’s Auditor of Public Accounts.

You can learn more about me and the work my office has done by visiting www.mikeharmon.com. I believe my record as Auditor speaks for itself, and I hope to continue doing this important work for a second term.

Kyle Hugenberg: I have a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in accounting.

I am a member of the IIA (Institute of Internal Auditors) and hold the CIA designation.

I have over 7 years of professional experience conducting various types of audits, including experience with a big 4 public accounting firm

What steps have you taken or would you take to fight political corruption in Kentucky?

Sheri Donahue: I have never held political office, but while working for the U.S. Navy, my job was to ensure that taxpayers got their money’s worth and that our men and women in uniform had safe and effective equipment to defend our nation. I was fearless in defense of our fighting men and women.

I regularly had to stand up to billion dollar defense contractors and other entrenched forces in the military industrial complex.

As Kentucky Auditor of Public Accounts, I will seek out waste, fraud, and abuse wherever it is and whoever is responsible for it and I will stand up to entrenched special interests.

Mike Harmon: As State Auditor, I go to work every day with the objective of making government at all levels more effective, efficient, and ethical. My office works closely with law enforcement and other agencies such as Kentucky’s Executive Branch Ethics Commission. Although the Auditor’s office is a reporting agency and has no enforcement powers of its own, we frequently refer findings of our audits to other agencies for further investigation or enforcement, including potential civil penalties or criminal prosecution.

In one of the most egregious examples, auditors identified that a former county treasurer in Jackson County had written checks to herself totaling more than $114,000 over a two-year period. Earlier this year, she pleaded guilty in federal court to counts of identity theft and wire fraud.

On the KentuckyWired project, our auditors revealed that Beshear administration officials signed a project agreement dramatically different from the RFP they had issued and obligated Kentucky taxpayers to payments of $1.5 billion on a project we were told would cost the state $30 million.

My office is continuing to look further into the procurement process that allowed that to happen.

Kyle Hugenberg: I constantly speak to and advocate for limitations on the power of the legislature and various other government functions. I advocate complete decriminalization of all non-violent crimes. I advocate for more freedom for students, including the right to competitive options, and non-compulsory attendance at schools.

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October 2019

Auditor of Public Accounts QUESTION:

What steps have you taken or would you take to ensure open, fair and transparent operations of state and local government, schools, and other public institutions?

Sheri Donahue: I see the Auditors office as an opportunity to restore people’s faith in government. I am uniquely qualified to be Auditor and to help start rebuilding that lost faith in our country and our state. When you are voting, registering a car or paying taxes, you should be confident that your information is safe and secure, and be confident that your tax dollars are being used effectively and not being wasted or misappropriated.

We will expand and modernize the state Information Security Audit; we will audit electronic voting machines to ensure that no one is tampering with our elections, and hire an experienced white collar crime law enforcement professional to assist in special audits to ensure that we find all waste, fraud, and abuse wherever it occurs.

Mike Harmon: Our office maintains a toll-free hotline (1-800-KY-ALERT) as well as a page on our website for reporting of allegations, such as waste, fraud, and abuse. Any time we receive allegations, we do an initial assessment of the concerns. The more red flags identified in the allegations and/or found during our assessment, the more likely we would be to conduct a state audit or special examination.

One of the things we have learned is the importance of building a transparent culture in all public institutions. When we did the first ever external

audit of the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC), we found a culture with no accountability because there was no outside oversight. It is important for even conscientious employees to know there is oversight of spending and other activity that involve public funds. We called on AOC to begin having audits done annually, and we will continue to push for audits and increased transparency of any governmental entity that is operating in the shadows without public scrutiny.

Kyle Hugenberg: My primary issues and audits planned: 1. criminal justice system: I advocate complete decriminalization of all non-violent crimes.

2. schools: I advocate for schooling to no longer be compulsory. I advocate for competitive options for education systems to exist.

A few other more general practices of which I am critical and would seek to end: Critical of tax credits for some businesses, but not others Critical of government contracts with no accountability or oversight Critical of various eminent domain practices Critical of current civil asset forfeiture practices

State Treasurer The State Treasurer is the chief fiscal officer for the state. They are responsible for recording and monitoring all of the state’s financial activities to ensure that the government is acting in the best interest of taxpayers.

The Candidates Michael Bowman Democrat

Allison Ball Republican

www.bowmanforkentucky.com

www.ballforkentucky.com

www.facebook.com/ michaelbowmanky

www.facebook.com/ allison4treasurer

twitter.com/ michaelbowman

twitter.com/ AllisonJoyBall

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KENTUCKY General ELECTION VOTER GUIDE – statewide races | 15

state treasurer QUESTION:

What is your vision for the role of the Kentucky Treasurer? How will our commonwealth be better in four years if you are elected?

Michael Bowman: I envision the Treasurer’s office taking a stand for accountability within state government. The role of the Treasurer is to provide a stop-gap to prevent abuse of tax dollars by an otherwise unchecked chief executive and I will hold all the stakeholders, regardless of party, accountable. My experience in both banking and local government gives me a unique perspective on how best to handle our states investments and ensure the best outcomes. As an ex-officio member of many boards and commissions, I will be a much stronger advocate for the interests of the people of the commonwealth than has been demonstrated by the incumbent and will help drive policies that build a stronger economy.

Allison Ball: The Kentucky State Treasurer is tasked with being a watchdog to make sure that state funds are spent in accordance with the laws and Constitution of our Commonwealth. In addition, the Treasurer should be maximizing returns of unclaimed property to Kentucky families. If reelected, I will continue the record-setting levels of returns that my office

QUESTION:

Please highlight previous experience that you feel qualifies you for serving in this office.

Michael Bowman: Officer and Branch Manager for U.S. Bank, Former Legislative Assistant to Louisville Metro Council, Executive Committee Member of the Louisville/Jefferson County Democratic Party.

Allison Ball: I have spent the last three years serving as your State Treasurer.

During that time, I have promoted legislation such as STABLE Kentucky, the Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act, and the Kentucky Financial Empowerment Commission, which have received broad bipartisan support.

This legislation is aimed at improving the way in which the Treasury serves

QUESTION:

achieved over the past three years.

The Treasurer is in a unique position to advocate for financial literacy and empowerment for all Kentuckians. Too many of our fellow Kentuckians are living paycheck to paycheck, sometimes due to becoming trapped in debt. If I am reelected, I will continue my efforts to expand financial literacy and empowerment programs for K-12 students, as well as vulnerable communities that are underserved in the area of financial empowerment, such as Kentuckians with disabilities, those below the poverty line, or who are of retirement age.

During my first term, I helped create the STABLE Kentucky program, which helps Kentuckians with disabilities save and invest funds for education, transportation, housing and medical expenses, without losing access to government benefits. I will continue to promote these accounts, and the vital role they play in helping people achieve financial independence and stability.

Kentuckians, and in raising the quality of life for Kentuckians with disabilities.

Prior to becoming State Treasurer, I worked in Eastern Kentucky as an Assistant County Attorney and in private practice as a bankruptcy attorney, where I represented families and individuals who were in deep financial distress. My work in these areas gave me a great deal of exposure to the difficulties facing so many people around our entire state, and I’ve tried to bring that experience to my work in Frankfort.

More than 250 tax expenditures are draining Kentucky’s General Fund. Kentucky loses more revenue from these expenditures than we generate for our state budget. As treasurer, what reforms would you support to enhance our state tax system?

Michael Bowman: I plan to work directly with the General Assembly to provide input and produce legislation that would overhaul the entire tax system, making it fair and equitable for the citizens of the Commonwealth and holding corporations and businesses accountable for their fair share without putting the burden solely on working families. Additionally, I would advocate for a Constitutional amendment that will grant local governments the authority to submit “local option sales tax” projects for a vote of the people to spur development, as well as, discuss legalizing cannabis and expanded gambling to increase our tax base to offset budget shortfalls primarily in education and the pension system.

Allison Ball: The State Treasurer is a separate constitutional office from both the Governor and the General Assembly, and due to separation of powers concerns, has a very limited role in the crafting of tax legislation.

However, as Treasurer, I have been vocally supportive of attempts to make contributions to STABLE accounts tax deductible. Our tax system should work to promote savings for those who need it most and to assist more Kentuckians in becoming financially independent.

16 | KENTUCKY General ELECTION VOTER GUIDE – statewide races

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Commissioner of Agriculture The Commissioner of Agriculture is the head of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, which helps direct activities and provides information for and about farming in Kentucky, one of the state’s largest industries. The Commissioner is responsible for helping expand agricultural markets, encourage rural economic development and promote Kentucky agricultural products.

The Candidates QUESTION:

Robert Haley Conway Democrat www.conwayforky19.com www.facebook.com/Conway2019

What is your vision for the role of the Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture? How will our commonwealth be better in four years if you are elected?

Robert Haley Conway: Office to become more accessible. Depoliticize the nature of the office. Understand that the needs of the 21st century demand that change is required. Step outside the box.

Make family farms profitable again. Since the average farm size is between 100-200 acres in Kentucky, it becomes necessary to maximize the acreage available and become more efficient. We need to look at agriculture in this state in a new way. We need to understand that our natural resources and landforms should dictate the type of agriculture we undertake. We no longer have the safety net that was provided by tobacco. We need to become more diverse, look at alternative ag practices, and embrace change (i.e. nurseries, orchards, hemp to some degree, tree farms, aquiculture).

Ryan F. Quarles: As Commissioner, we will continue to promote Kentucky agriculture, expand markets for our family farms, grow KY Proud, support our farmers’ markets, continue our growth of industrial hemp, grow ag related jobs & economic development, support conservation efforts, encourage our young people to choose ag as a career, protect against consumer fraud at our gas stations, support ag education & safety programs, expand international trade opportunities and continue to fight hunger across the Commonwealth. As demonstrated during my first term, Kentucky is better off with increase job growth in the ag sector, $1.8 million was raised for 4-H & FFA, we own the best hemp program in America, and I believe we have provided effective leadership for our farming & agriculture communities. In four years, I hope our hemp program has matured with market success, our youth programs have flourished, our livestock safety protocols are maintained, and that everyday Kentuckians have access to local, nutritious KY Proud produce. Finally, the best accomplishment after four years would be whether the KY agriculture community that raised me from birth would be better off, more efficient, open to consumer demands, and that less Kentuckians go to be hungry.

Josh Gilpin: Did not respond.

Ryan F. Quarles Republican www.ryanquarles.com

QUESTION:

How does your background qualify you for serving in this office? Please provide examples.

www.facebook.com/KYRyanQuarles twitter.com/RyanQuarlesKY

Josh Gilpin Libertarian Did not respond

Robert Haley Conway: 8th generation Kentucky farmer. We have an Angus cow-calf operation and have had since the tobacco buy-out. Current farm operation consists of my son and myself. We currently have over 70 head which is max for the acreage available. I am a retired executive for GE Capital, controlling a 300 employee and 30 million dollar budget. Was board member and board chair for Scot County Schools, with roughly 1800 employees and a budget of $62 million per year. The second largest answers continued on next page

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Commissioner of Agriculture ANSWERS CONTINUED: Background and qualifications … employer in Scott County, second to Toyota’s North American Auto Plant.

I have been involved in agriculture my adult life, and currently am a sitting member of the Scott County Soil and Water Conservation Board. Also belong to KY Farm Bureau, former Director of the KY Motor Transportation Association of Kentucky, Beef Cattle Assoc., and Scott County Beef Cattle Association.

Ryan F. Quarles: Growing up as a 9th generation Kentucky farmer, I believe I am qualified to continue serving as Agriculture Commissioner because I not only have dirt on my boots, but I have spent my life working with the farm community I love. Spending 5 years on the House Agriculture

QUESTION:

Josh Gilpin: Did not respond.

If elected, how would you use this office to advance equity among farmers and farmworkers in Kentucky? How would you increase the numbers of farms owned by Black farmers after decades of racially biased refusal of farm loans? How would you protect the rights of migrant workers, such as those coming to Kentucky with H2A visas, and ensure that farmers are honoring the contracts they sign with these workers?

Robert Haley Conway: The same as getting young people involved in farming. We need to bring the lenders and borrowers together and create a program where people have access and accessibility to the info and funds.

There are programs already available, but due to the lack of info, don’t know where to go or how to access those monies currently designated for minority or youth programs. There needs to be more oversight by state government to ensure those funds are used and dispensed in a proper fashion. The same applies to H2A visas. We, in KY, are dependent on migrant workers and farmers should embrace and appreciate the opportunity to bring those workers to Kentucky. There should be an office in the Commissioner’s staff that should deal solely with infringement of rights in the Ag sector.

Ryan F. Quarles: Providing opportunity for all farmers, both new and old, and regardless of race, continues to be a priority. That’s why I’m proud to report that here in Kentucky, we have a low interest loan program designed just for Kentucky farmers. Under the Ag Finance Corporation, we dedicate

QUESTION:

Committee, my office has become effective at passing legislation with the KY General Assembly. I also have an agriculture educational background, having earned three ag degrees at the UK College of Agriculture, including a Masters in Ag Economics. But perhaps my strongest qualification is my upbringing on a Kentucky tobacco and cattle farm. The lessons I learned in 4-H, FFA, and my family farm prepared me for serving as Commissioner of Agriculture and I humbly ask for a second term to continue the progress we have made.

over half of our loan portfolio to new and beginning farmers. These low interest loans and grants are dedicated to all Kentuckians, regardless of race.

I also work closely with the UK MANRRS Chapter to recruit potential students and connect them with the ag job market. Additionally, my office financially supports the annual Kentucky Small, Limited Resource, Minority Farmers conference. In reference to H2A, my office has long supported an immigration system that works which provides for an adequate guest worker program. We have worked with our farm community to ensure compliance with the H2A program in terms of housing, contract compliance, and arrangement of entry and departure logistics of those participating in the program. Though not asked in your question, I have been a strong supporter of KY Women in Agriculture and recently received an award highlighting our commitment to their organization.

Josh Gilpin: Did not respond.

Many farmers in southwestern Kentucky installed sizable solar energy systems, thanks in part to programs offered by the Tennessee Valley Authority. What will you do as Commissioner of Agriculture to enable more small farms across the Commonwealth to generate and benefit from renewable energy?

Robert Haley Conway: Absolutely strong supporter of solar energy systems. Make more money and effort available to promote this agenda. It only makes sense.

Ryan F. Quarles: I am proud that as Commissioner, I have systematically supported programs using Tobacco Settlement money that allows a cost-

share for those farmers hoping to install solar panels on their farming operations. Each year, farmers continue to utilize this energy grant, often helping underwrite the costs of solar panels on barn roofs. This is a program that has shown success and we will continue to support it.

Josh Gilpin: Did not respond.

18 | KENTUCKY General ELECTION VOTER GUIDE – statewide races

October 2019

Commissioner of Agriculture QUESTION:

Given that many Kentuckians face challenges in accessing fresh foods, a number of programs exist in Kentucky to support food access for low-income communities, like Kentucky Double Dollars and the WIC and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Programs. As Commissioner of Agriculture, how would you support these and similar programs to help Kentucky’s small farms provide healthy and affordable products to more Kentuckians? What role will you play in addressing the many food deserts across Kentucky?

Robert Haley Conway: No Kentuckian should go hungry. As a 12 year member of a school district located in what many perceive to be Kentucky’s wealthiest county, we still had a rate of over 40% of school age children on free and reduced lunch. Poverty still persists and is very evident throughout the state. We need to do whatever it takes to correct this unacceptable problem. First thing would be to get out of the office and see what it takes to make positive change occur. Give incentives to small local farms to grow produce by directing them to markets for their products. While we here in Kentucky have had some success with the “Kentucky Proud” program, it really hasn’t filtered down to your average small Kentucky producer.

Ryan F. Quarles: As Commissioner, we already support all of these programs and more in my quest to reduce hunger in Kentucky. Under my leadership, we started the Kentucky Hunger Initiative that has raised over

QUESTION:

$100,000 for our Food Banks, Glean Kentucky, and others. We passed a law to give Kentucky the strongest food donation laws in the nation. I have personally voted for hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants to help fund Double Dollars. My office not only administers the Senior Farmers Market vouchers, but also takes pride in helping in the 2018 Farm Bill by advocating for rule changes which would allow more innovative approaches towards addressing food deserts. As a result of my efforts, Kentucky was chosen to host a national conference on food insecurity this year and in February, my annual Serving Up Solutions Dinner will raise over $50,000 for the anti-hunger community. Sadly, despite these efforts we still have a long way to go.

Josh Gilpin: Did not respond.

The legalization of industrial hemp offers new opportunities to Kentucky family farmers.

What other opportunities will you seek out to make farming more sustainable and how will you advance these opportunities equitably and sustainably? Do you support the legalization of medical marijuana as one such opportunity for small farms?

Robert Haley Conway: Just returned from an Ag conference in Denver, CO. Alternative Ag programs were being touted, such as nurseries, wind, solar, tree farms (i.e. Christmas and nursery stock), hemp. While the future looks promising with hemp, whether it be for medicinal, recreational, fiber or seed, based on what has happened since Congress passed the Farm Bill, legalizing industrial use of hemp, I am somewhat concerned. Big Tobacco has moved into the industry the last 90 days positioning themselves to be a player which concerns me about the impact on small producers. We could be looking at Tobacco Program II if they have their way. I absolutely support the legalization of medical marijuana for small farms.

Ryan F. Quarles: When I was a legislator, I was an early supporter of industrial hemp and sponsored legislation as early as 2012, and also the subsequent SB50 framework. As Commissioner, my office has built Kentucky into an epicenter for hemp cultivation and processing. I am proud that hundreds of

Hey, You Misspelled That!

jobs exist today that did not exist when I took office due to our leadership on hemp. Today, my office approved over 1000+ farmers and 110+ hemp companies for 2019. I was proud to have aided with the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill which legalized the crop and currently, I chair the hemp working group at the national level. I am currently aiding USDA with developing the national framework. Hemp gives Kentucky the chance to be 1st in something instead of last. We are also looking at kenaf as a biomass, have 16 commercial hops growers in KY, and are putting more KY corn into KY bourbon than ever before. Additionally, we support conservation efforts and work closely with NRCS to encourage farmers to adopt conservation practices. As for medical marijuana, we are focused on taking hemp as far as we possibly can in 2019 because our hemp farmers asked me to … answer exceeds word limit Josh Gilpin: Did not respond.

We print responses from candidates exactly as we receive them. If there’s bad grammar or misspelled words, it’s because that’s how the candidate submitted it.

October 2019

KENTUCKY General ELECTION VOTER GUIDE – statewide races | 19

Commissioner of Agriculture QUESTION:

As Commissioner of Agriculture, how will you support small farmers impacted by structural changes in Kentucky’s agriculture and energy economies?

Robert Haley Conway: This is why I’m running. Support for small farms and trying to attract young people into agriculture.

Ryan F. Quarles: Kentucky agriculture is all about the small farmer. Of our 76,000 farms, 95% of them are owned and operated by Kentucky farm families. Growing up on a small family farm, I know first hand the needs of small farmers. As Commissioner, we will continue to protect 50% of Tobacco Settlement monies for the purpose of diversifying KY agriculture.

As Commissioner, I vote and support our Ag Development Fund, KY Ag Finance new & beginning farmer loan program, and FSA loan programs.

I have also put emphasis on our growing Farmers’ Market community, growing organic farm program, and have advocated for policies that are inclusive

of all farm sizes. All of these programs support small farmers. Additionally, we intentionally draft all farm legislation so that it benefits small farmers too, as evidence with the new grain indemnity fund. Also, the hemp program is designed to support small farmers from any part of the state as well. With nearly 8000 members, Kentucky Proud continues to be a strong marketing tool for small farmers to utilize across our Commonwealth. In conclusion, I understand the needs of small farmers because I grew up as one. As Commissioner, I am proud of my record and … answer exceeds word limit Josh Gilpin: Did not respond.

Office of Attorney General The attorney general serves as the state’s chief law enforcement officer and consumer advocate, writing legal opinions to government officials and agencies, defending or initiating lawsuits involving the state, and prosecuting consumer and election fraud, among other duties.

The Candidates Gregory D. Stumbo Democrat

QUESTION:

www.StumboForAG.com www.facebook.com/ StumboForAG twitter.com/ StumboForAG

Daniel Cameron Republican Did not respond

What is your vision for the role of the Kentucky Attorney General? How will our commonwealth be better in four years if you are elected?

Gregory Stumbo: I want to make sure the office stays independent and represents all Kentuckians equally. Therefore, as when I was Attorney General previously, I will reopen satellite offices across the Commonwealth to make the office more accessible to everyone.

It is my adamant belief that there is no room for partisan politics in the Office of the Attorney General, and I have and will hold everyone equally accountable to the law. I am dedicated to upholding our state and federal constitutions, and firmly believe personal opinions and politics have no place in that office.

I was the first Attorney General in the nation to sue Purdue Pharma, and I will vigorously pursue the cases pending in Kentucky's courts against others complicit in the drug epidemic that is plaguing our Commonwealth.

Daniel Cameron: Did not respond.

20 | KENTUCKY General ELECTION VOTER GUIDE – statewide races

October 2019

Attorney General QUESTION:

How does your background qualify you for serving in this office? Please provide examples of your advocacy to protect and promote civil rights in Kentucky.

Gregory Stumbo: I have four decades of experience as a practicing attorney.

I began my prosecutorial experience as an assistant county attorney and was Kentucky's Attorney General from 2004-2007. I have extensive courtroom experience and know the intricacies of how the office works - I won't need on the job training. Experience matters in the Office of the Attorney General.

QUESTION:

Daniel Cameron: Did not respond.

Black Kentuckians make up 8.3% of the state population but 21% of the state’s incarcerated population. Youth of color in Kentucky are also disproportionately detained and sentenced to serve time in juvenile detention facilities, as compared with white youth. What actions will you take as Attorney General to reduce racial disparities in Kentucky’s juvenile justice and broader criminal justice systems?

Gregory Stumbo: I would work with the General Assembly to create a task force to look into the numbers from all 120 counties. The task force, made up of community leaders, prosecutors, law enforcement, and legislators, would have a deadline to make recommendations on how to correct the racial discrepancies and report back to the legislature on possible additions/revisions to

QUESTION:

Daniel Cameron: Did not respond.

Some Kentucky communities have passed ordinances stating 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. How would you use your authority as Attorney General to uphold these policies? Please explain.

Gregory Stumbo: Kentucky has a very strong “Home Rule” governing system, and so long as those ordinances were not in direct conflict with Federal or state law they will be valid and hence enforceable.

QUESTION:

As when I was Attorney General before, I will uphold the US constitution and vow to vigorously defend every Kentuckians' civil rights.

current statutes.

We would also communicate with prosecutors the fact that we will watch very closely for racial discrimination in prosecution of cases.

Daniel Cameron: Did not respond.

The current federal administration collected 60% less in civil fines from environmental violators in its first year than the average collections during the previous three administrations. Meanwhile, Kentucky’s Energy and Environment Cabinet has cut deals that let polluters off without any fines, including a Western Kentucky coal plant that leaked arsenic into the local water supply. As Attorney General, what is your plan to hold polluters and state agencies accountable for gross violations and systemic non-enforcement of environmental laws?

Gregory Stumbo: When I was Attorney General previously I established and staffed an office of Environmental Protection with investigators. We successfully prosecuted several cases at both the state and Federal level. I intend to implement that policy again.

Daniel Cameron: Did not respond.

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Attorney General QUESTION:

The Attorney General has an important role in protecting consumer interests in utility rate cases.

As Attorney General, what are the principles that would guide your intervention in utility rate cases? Would you support policies and rate structures that encourage energy efficiency and distributed renewable energy and help reduce the financial burden on low-income Kentuckians? Please explain.

Gregory Stumbo: I was very active in opposing rate increases and actually opened an investigation into the Public Service Commission itself. One of the problems that we faced was the under-funding of our rate intervention office when it came to acquiring expert testimony in opposition to the rate filings

QUESTION:

Daniel Cameron: Did not respond.

What steps have you taken or would you take to fight political corruption in Kentucky and ensure open, fair and transparent government at the state and local levels?

Gregory Stumbo: When I was Attorney General previously, my office fought public corruption that led to the investigation and indictment of a sitting Kentucky governor. I will hold any public official accountable,

QUESTION:

by the utility companies. I will strongly advocate to the General Assembly to provide additional funding for that office in that regard.

including the governor, regardless of party affiliation.

Daniel Cameron: Did not respond.

Too many Kentucky communities lack reliable, safe, and affordable drinking water. Recently the water crisis in Martin County made headlines, and similar problems exist across our Commonwealth. As Attorney General, how would you use the power of your office to investigate and hold accountable local water districts and ensure that the public has access to safe, reliable and affordable drinking water?

Gregory Stumbo: We will continue the practice of the current Attorney General in investigating and intervening when necessary anywhere criminal activity has occurred. This is a top personal priority of mine because citizens I represented for years in the General Assembly, and those in neighboring

Election Day is Tuesday, November 5. Polls are open 6 a.m. until 6 p.m.

If you are standing in line at 6 p.m., you must be allowed to vote.

counties, have been severely affected.

Daniel Cameron: Did not respond.

To make sure you are registered to vote and learn your voting location is, visit the Voter I nformation Center of the Kentucky State Board of Elections:

https://GoVoteKY.com To view a sample ballot for your county, visit:

http://apps.sos.ky.gov/ electionballots

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Also on the November 2019 ballot are several judicial races and special local elections • A Kentucky Supreme Court race in the western Kentucky district (1st Supreme Court district includes the following counties: Allen, Ballard, Butler, Caldwell, Calloway, Carlisle, Christian, Crittenden, Edmonson, Fulton, Graves, Hickman, Hopkins, Livingston, Logan, Lyon, Marshall, McCracken, McLean, Muhlenberg, Simpson, Todd, Trigg, Webster) • A Kentucky Court of Appeals race in south-central Kentucky (3rd appellate district, 1st division includes the following counties: Adair, Bell, Casey, Clay, Clinton, Cumberland, Estill, Garrard, Green, Jackson, Knox, Laurel, Lee, Leslie, Lincoln, Marion, McCreary, Metcalfe, Monroe, Nelson, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Russell, Taylor, Washington, Wayne, Whitley) • Circuit Court races in: • 6th circuit/2nd division (Daviess County) • 22nd circuit/4th division (Fayette County) • 46th circuit/2nd division (Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade counties) • District Judge race, 46th district/1st division (Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade counties) • Circuit Judge Family Court race in the 35th district/3rd division (Pike County) • Boone County Clerk • Jefferson County School Board, District 4 • Kentucky House of Representatives • House District 63 (portions of Boone and Kenton counties) • House District 18 (Grayson County and a portion of Hardin County)

There are other special elections – for city council, school board, fiscal court and other local offices – on the November ballot.

To view a sample ballot for your county, visit:

http://apps.sos.ky.gov/electionballots

HOW DO I REPORT ELECTION PROBLEMS?

If you believe that your right to vote has been violated, please contact one of the following: • Precinct Election Officers • Local County Clerk

• State Board of Elections (502) 573-7100 • Attorney General’s Election Fraud Hotline 800-328-8683

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Connect with your local KFTC chapter Local chapters are the building blocks of KFTC – the primary place where members join, get involved in improving their communities and build grassroots power. Chapters are where leaders emerge, develop and practice skills.

We have 14 powerful chapters from Paducah to Pikeville. You can get involved in your local chapter by attending meetings, participating in local issue campaigns, Big Sandy chapter (Magoffin, Floyd, Johnson, Martin and Pike counties) • Chapter meetings: 1st Tuesday of the month, 6 p.m., 152 N Lake Drive in Prestonsburg For more information about chapter events and volunteer opportunities, contact Jacob Mack-Boll, taylor@kftc.org or 606-497-9262. http://kftc.org/chapters/big-sandy Facebook @BigSandyKFTC Twitter @EKY_KFTC Central Kentucky chapter (Bourbon, Clark, Fayette, Franklin, Jessamine and Woodford counties) For more information about chapter events and volunteer opportunities, contact Meredith Wadlington, meredith@kftc.org or 859-276-0563. http://kftc.org/chapters/central-kentucky Facebook & Twitter @CKYKFTC Instagram @centralkentuckykftc Cumberland chapter (Pulaski, Whitley, Knox and Laurel counties) For more information about chapter events and volunteer opportunities, contact Lisa Abbott, lisa@kftc.org or 859-200-5159. http://kftc.org/chapters/cumberland Facebook: Cumberland Chapter of KFTC Group Twitter @EKY_KFTC Harlan County chapter For more information about chapter events and volunteer opportunities, contact Jacob Mack-Boll, jacob@kftc.org or 606-497-9262. http://kftc.org/chapters/harlan-county Facebook: Harlan County Kentuckians For The Commonwealth Twitter: @EKY_KFTC Jefferson County chapter For more information about chapter events and volunteer opportunities, contact Corey Dutton, coreydutton@kftc.org or 502-589-3188. http://kftc.org/chapters/jefferson-county Facebook, Twitter, Instagram @JCKFTC

volunteering to engage voters and more. Our chapters host regular Democracy Meet and Greets where you can learn more about KFTC, our work and ways to take action on issues you care about.

Check out this chapter listing and reach out to your local organizer to learn how you can take Action for Democracy!

Madison County chapter For more information about chapter events and volunteer opportunities, contact the KFTC Madison County office at 859-756-4027. http://kftc.org/chapters/madison-county Facebook @MadisonCountyKFTC Twitter @MadCo_KFTC Instagram @kftc_madcounty Northern Kentucky chapter (Boone, Kenton and Campbell counties) • Northern Kentucky Loves Democracy events through November 5! Daily chances to join us for Democracy Meet and Greets, voter registration opportunities and more!

• Election Night #WeChooseNKY Watch Party, 6 p.m. at the House of Orange (433 Johnson Street, Covington) For more information about chapter events and volunteer opportunities, contact Joe Gallenstein, joe@kftc.org or 859-380-6103. http://kftc.org/chapters/northern-kentucky Facebook @NKY.KFTC Twitter @NKY_KFTC Instagram @northernky_kftc Perry County chapter • Chapter meetings: 4th Tuesday of the month, 5:30 p.m., 420 Main Street in Hazard For more information about chapter events and volunteer opportunities, contact Jacob Mack-Boll, jacob@kftc.org or 606-497-9262. http://kftc.org/chapters/perry-county Facebook @kftcperryco Twitter @EKY_KFTC Rolling Bluegrass chapter (Scott & Harrison) For more information about chapter events and volunteer opportunities, contact Joe Gallenstein, joe@kftc.org or 859-380-6103. http://kftc.org/chapters/rolling-bluegrass Facebook @rbg.kftc Twitter @RBG_KFTC

Rowan County chapter • Chapter meetings: 3rd Thursday of the month, 6 p.m., St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 145 5th Street in Morehead For more information about chapter events and volunteer opportunities, contact Nikita Perumal, nikita@kftc.org or 502-554-6633. http://kftc.org/chapters/rowan-county Facebook: Rowan County Chapter of Kentuckians For The Commonwealth Twitter @EKY_KFTC Shelby County chapter For more information about chapter events and volunteer opportunities, contact Carissa Lenfert at carissa@kftc.org or 502-589-3188. http://kftc.org/chapters/shelby-county Facebook @shelbycountykftc Southern Kentucky chapter (Warren, Logan, Allen, Barren and Metcalfe counties) For more information about chapter events and volunteer opportunities, contact Laura Harper-Knight, laura@kftc.org or 502-216-6642. http://kftc.org/chapters/southern-kentucky Facebook @SOKY.KFTC Twitter @SoKyKFTC Instagram @soky_kftc Western Kentucky chapter (Fulton, Hickman, Carlisle, Ballard, McCracken, Graves, Calloway, Marshall, Livingston, Lyon, Trigg and Crittenden counties) For more information about chapter events and volunteer opportunities, contact Laura Harper-Knight, laura@kftc.org or 502-216-6642. http://kftc.org/chapters/western-kentucky Facebook & Instagram @KFTCwesternkentucky Wilderness Trace chapter (Garrard, Lincoln, Boyle and Mercer counties) For more information about chapter events and volunteer opportunities, contact us at info@kftc. org or 606-878-2161.

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With your help, we’re going all in to build grassroots electoral power in 2019, 2020 and beyond.

• Together, we can elect leaders who will show up with us and for us – not just on election day, but every day.

To impact the elections in 2019 and 2020, we’re recruiting 1,000 Democracy Leaders to engage 100,000 voters who share our vision.

• We are Kentuckians. We choose each other. Join us.

Sign up to volunteer at WeAreKentuckians.org Donate to support the work at kftc.org/support

WeAreKentuckians.org