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Below is a partial list of candidates running for office in Lincoln County. Any remaining candidates who responded to The Interior Journal survey will be published in a future edition.

David Faulkner

District 1 Magistrate

Please tell us about your background

Married 56 years to Rita Sallee Faulkner. Two children; Tracy Faulkner Gooch, David Todd Faulkner. Six GrandChildren. Two Great Grandchildren. I am a life long resident of Lincoln County AND District #1. I worked 27 years for IBM as Senior Buyer and Materials Manager.

Why are you the best candidate for this office?

Local County government depends on knowledgeable, dedicated employees and elected representatives to function at high levels. I have served 16 years as District #1 Magistrate. I possess the knowledge and experience in local government that is essential. We presently have an exceptional group of dedicated staff and employees. It is essential that we keep these experienced employees to maintain expected county services. This includes experienced elected officials. LC Fiscal Court is losing 60% of it’s experience. We cannot afford to lose additional  members.

What do you think is the most pressing issue affecting us in this election cycle?

Effective  use of our resources. We actually lowered our tax rate this year and must watch expenditures carefully.  We have a new Sheriff and we must work closely with him to allocate required law enforcement resources. Infrastructure is getting much needed attention. Tourism investment is needed.

How would you address this issue in your elected office?

When I took office in 2007, Lincoln County local government was not in great financial condition. We had around $500,000.00 in CD’s. $500,000 is one natural disaster away from broke. Today, we are on very solid ground. Thanks to careful money management and in no small part to the Federal ARPA program, we were able to lower our property tax rates this year.  With our experienced staff, Lincoln County is well positioned to face future challenges.

Mary Adams

PVA

Please tell us about your background

I grew up and live in Waynesburg, and am a graduate of LCHS (‘84), and EKU (‘88 Paralegal Science BS).  I’ve worked at the County Clerk’s office since ‘08. I’ve been married to David Adams for 31 yrs., and have two children, Don and Maddie. My parents are Jane and Norman Alford.

Why are you the best candidate for this office?

My work ethic and reputation as a team player make me an excellent choice to be your next PVA. My background working  as a real estate paralegal, and successfully passing the State exam to file as a candidate for PVA, qualify me to hold this office.  Finally, I’ve worked as a deputy for the past 14 years in the County Clerk’s Office, in both motor vehicle taxes and transfers, and in land records In the course of that job, I’ve worked with the PVA office and gained a unique perspective on ways to improve the accessibility and efficiency of that office. 

What do you think is the most pressing issue affecting us in this election cycle?

The most pressing issue pertaining to my race is the national housing boom which has affected property values. 

How would you address this issue in your elected office?

I’ll make every effort to inform and educate the people of Lincoln County about issues that affect them, through an improved and updated website, social media, direct mail and our local radio station. I’ll be available to personally meet with taxpayers about their assessments and the assessment schedule.  I’ll explore making the tax roll more easily accessible for review, as well as offering free access to the website. Fairness and consistency of assessments, and excellent customer service will be my goal.   I’ll work daily with the dedicated staff of the PVA office to meet these goals.

Bruce Edgington

District 1 Magistrate

Please tell us about your background

I recently retired from the banking industry after 33 years and served as President and/or CEO for two banks in Lincoln County. I am married to Kristi Petrey Edgington,  who has been a educator in Lincoln County for 26 years.  I graduated from EKU in 1984.

Why are you the best candidate for this office?

My experience in business and banking will benefit the citizens of our county.  I have developed and implemented strategic plans and budgets for over 30 years. I have been involved in most of the civic organizations in our community including Rotary Club, Lions Club, Relay for Life and United Way.   Growing up on a dairy and tobacco farm taught me the value of hard work. I am not a politician, my knowledge and experience will benefit Lincoln County.

What do you think is the most pressing issue affecting us in this election cycle?

Several areas need to be addressed including the jail, the gas line from the Industrial Park to Crab Orchard, and other infrastructure needs. Additionally, the Cares Act money that was received by the county needs to be used and spent wisely.

How would you address this issue in your elected office?

Again, since I am not a politician,  I would work with all parties to ensure the best outcomes for Lincoln County. My experience and business background will enable me to work with the other magistrates, the judge and other elected officials to help reach our goals.

Camille Singleton Towns

School Board District 1

Please tell us about your background

Doctor of Education – Leadership & Policy Studies; 27 years experience in public & private education: Pre-K through Post-Secondary/classroom, administrative & research; record student performance; educational non-profit founder; Attended Hustonville Elementary & Lincoln County High School (1978-90)

Why are you the best candidate for this office?

As an active educational consultant throughout Kentucky and an educator whose students have achieved record outcomes with minimal funding, I have tremendous experience working with parents, educators, and communities regarding school improvement. As a first-generation college graduate from a lower socio-economic status, I am an example of what Lincoln County students can achieve. The knowledge I possess in leadership can help tailor policies that will benefit Lincoln County through transparency, accountability, student achievement, teacher retention, and the promotion of economic growth.

What do you think is the most pressing issue affecting us in this election cycle?

Educational Transparency and Accountability. Per KDE data, of the 26 districts in the SESC Co-op, the Lincoln County Schools rank 7th in student enrollment and 3rd in spending for business support services, yet the average teacher salary is 22nd, which affects teacher retention and student outcomes.

How would you address this issue in your elected office?

Micro-analyses of district data are necessary to address the imbalance of expenditures, which may reduce the need for additional tax revenue and improve the quality of education in Lincoln County. These analyses can also provide greater transparency in understanding the correlations between district expenditures, current policies, and student outcomes. For example, the 2022 Kentucky Impact Survey reported only 58% positive feedback in “school leadership,” which could be a sign of deficiencies in administration and a catalyst for numerous resignations impacting community confidence.

Dwight Hopkins

Lincoln County Circuit Clerk

Please tell us about your background

I live in Waynesburg with my wife of 28 years, Kimberly, and our daughter Marlie Frances. A life-long resident of Lincoln County, I am a graduate of LCHS and EKU with a B.A. in Economics. A former Airborne Infantryman in the U.S. Army. Currently chairman of the Lincoln County Republican Party.

Why are you the best candidate for this office?

The voters will decide who the best candidate for this office is. I am running because I believe that you do not have to spend decades working IN government in order to have the best experience and qualifications FOR elected office. The State of Kentucky never has, and does not currently, require a Circuit Clerk to have worked in the office prior to being elected to the position in order to be the most qualified. The best experiences and qualifications FOR elected office are where you find them in real life. Lincoln Countians deserve THAT type of experience and qualifications most of all.

What do you think is the most pressing issue affecting us in this election cycle?

Electing candidates who believe in the rule of law and who protect the rights of law-abiding citizens instead of law breakers. Additionally, both a candidate and his or her party should be committed to free and fair elections that do not nullify the votes of Lincoln Countians in any election.

How would you address this issue in your elected office?

If elected, I will address this issue first by being a Circuit Clerk who is an advocate for the local justice system not only during office hours, but everywhere and all the time. A good advocate for the local justice system isn’t something you do but somebody you ARE. I will assist judges, prosecutors, law-enforcement, and others to better serve ALL Lincoln Countians regardless of their politics. Although many see this office as merely an administrative one, I believe that that is not LESS incentive, but MORE cause to elect the right person who renders personal service, respect, and courtesy.