With Decision 2022 and the November general election fast approaching, the first of two “Meet the Candidates” forums was held Tuesday night at The Way in Cadiz.
Organized by WKDZ and leadership from both the Democrat and Republican parties in the county, circuit court clerk hopefuls in Lisa Fuller Thomas and Stephen Washer opined on customer service, the need for complete and accurate reporting of court dockets and litigation, and the pressures within the local judicial system.
A question from the audience, however, sparked cohesion and unison between the two long-time Trigg Countians.
Recently, the administering of new and renewal driver’s licensing has been moved from the seats of 120 counties to a number of regional centers across the Commonwealth. Would it be a priority for Thomas or Washer to try and get those duties back into local clerking offices?
Both Thomas and Washer emphatically said “yes.”
Washer noted that people, especially the elderly, have difficulty getting to places like Hopkinsville — and maybe don’t have the digital means to handle the process.
To him, it’s even deeper.
Thomas noted that the state’s shrewd move served some purpose, particularly to alleviate some money and alleviate some county spending.
She thinks the state’s change, however, lacks some efficiency and feasibility for some.
Appointed to fill out the remainder of Pam Perry’s term following her earned retirement, Washer said he’d love to serve again — particularly to help continue the ongoing upgrades of a paperless courtroom and its computer systems.
Thomas believes her career work experience, particularly in law and the court room, would serve her and Trigg County well.
Both Washer and Thomas also agreed that the 56th District, one of the busiest in Kentucky, has long needed a second judge to help handle the enormous case load — one that C.A. “Woody” Woodall recently shouldered and bequeathed to Jamus Redd.
Asked about the expediency of paying court fines and costs by WKDZ News Director and evening moderator Alan Watts, Washer noted new technology could be arriving to a familiar shopping center.
It drew a bit of needed laughter in a serious setting.
Discussions surrounding the Cadiz City Council and Eighth District Representative will come later this week.
FULL DISCUSSION:
