He won!

My father-in-law, Rick Smith defeated Joe McCord for Clark County Fiscal Court Commissioner in the First District. His countless hours of campaigning and always doing what is right paid off in the end. The race was tight because Clark County is extremely democratic so the odds were against Rick. But, he prevailed and will serve the county well as the next county commissioner. He brings two decades of experience to the table so his expertise will be an asset to the courts. He is currently the President of KACo (Kentucky Association of Counties) and has been appointed by three different governor's to serve on the State Animal Control Advisory Board . Rick is a man dedicated to service and a proven county leader.

In the spring I created Rick's website and Facebook page. Both were excellent avenues for communication and gave the community a tool to learn more about why Rick would be the best candidate for the position. Rich and I spent a couple weekends in Winchester helping campaign and walk neighborhoods. It was a wonderful experience reaching out to the community and most of the people we spoke to, knew who Rick was. His presence in the community is well-known because he is a pleasant person to be around. He stays busy serving on countless boards state and county wide, managing the farm and playing golf. He is a man of his word and I am proud to call him my father-in-law.

Kudos to Rick on a job well done!

Here are some of his beliefs while he was running for office:

It is my belief that when you run for public office there are principles to follow.

They are:
* State why you would file to run.
* State what you will try to and how you will do things for the common good.
* Run for the office, not against another person.
* Never promote or succumb to negative campaigns, ads or articles.
* Work hard and honestly each day.
* No campaigning during supper time or on Sunday.

These are simple ideals which have been my platform for office. Should anyone, at anytime have a concern or a question it can always be directed to me openly by phone (859-749-0410), home phone (859) 744-8995, website (www.ricksmithcommissioner.com) or Facebook.

It is humbling to say that three Governor's have appointed me three terms to represent all counties to the State Animal Control Advisory Board. Any board that I have been asked to serve on I have served because I felt that was part of being a public servant. And most humbling, it has been my honor to have been elected to serve Clark County five terms as a Magistrate on the Fiscal Court.

I respectfully ask that you look at me as your candidate November 2nd for Clark County Commissioner, District 1. -Respectfully, Rick

Below is the newspaper article that was published in the Winchester Sun after he declared victory:

Rick Smith defeats Joe McCord for county commission seat

By Mike Wynn The Winchester Sun

Republican Rick Smith will add another term to his two-decade service on the Clark County Fiscal Court after picking up an election win against his government colleague, Democrat Joe McCord, on Tuesday.

Smith topped out with 5,645 votes (53.76 percent) while McCord netted around 4,856 (46.24 percent) in the first general election for the court’s newly created county commissioner seat in the 1st District.

Smith expressed relief and gratitude toward voters last night, saying “Just like I pledged to do, I’ll do the very best I can for the next for years, and I appreciate the confidence from the people.”

He stressed his condolences for McCord’s loss. “Through this whole process, we’ve ended up losing five good magistrates on the court,” Smith said.

The change from a seven magistrate Fiscal Court to a three-commissioner format this January was approved four years ago in a voter referendum.

Smith said the reduction in officials will generate more work and may lead to canceled meetings if two voting members are sick or on vacation at the same time. The system may also lead to more tied votes, he said.

“It works in other counties. We’ll just have to see how it works here,” he added. “My own personal preference: I would like to see us go back to the magisterial form of government.”
In the interim, he listed managing the county’s overhead, controlling costs at the jail and improving fire protection are important issues to address in the next term.
Both candidates had long histories serving as magistrates on the Fiscal Court, and the race remained too close to call early in the evening Tuesday. Smith managed to break away after about two thirds of the votes were tallied.

“We didn’t throw any mud. That’s the way it should be,” McCord said this morning. “I thought it would be really closer than that, but we just didn’t make it.”

McCord said he has no idea if we will seek office in the future. But he added, “I would love to see it go to magistrates and then I may get back in it. Otherwise, I do not know.”
According to the latest reports from the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance, Smith has spent around $1,021. McCord raised $435 but had not spent any 15 prior to the election. The figures may change once final reports are submitted.

Candidates for the other two districts, Magistrate Vanessa Rogers and former City Commissioner JoEllen Reed, were unopposed in the general election.
In another county race, incumbent Democrat Glenn Witt staved off a challenge from Republican Brad Wells for the 3rd District constable seat. Witt won 1,362 votes (50.78 percent) while Wells secured 1,320 (49.22 percent).

Contact Mike Wynn at mwynn@winchstersun.com.