Monday was the last day to register to vote in the November election, and the County Clerk’s Office saw an influx of new voters that day.
Only 27 days remain until the 2008 election, which will name not only our next President of the United States, but also new board of education members and city councilmen and women for Union County.
Over the next three weeks, The Advocate will document the candidates for these open positions in Union County government.
Heads of Education
The men and women who made up the Union County Board of Education create policy, enforce finances, and support the Superintendent in his guidance of all who instruct and inspire your children.
According to KSBA, a board of education is a corporate body, meaning it functions only as a whole and not as individual decision makers. Board meetings, held once a month in Union County, serve as a public forum from which the board and superintendent communicate to employees, students, parents and the community at large.
Candidates in this election had to file with the County Clerk's Office by August 12. To be eligible, the candidate had to have been at least 24 years old; a citizen of Kentucky for at least the consecutive years preceding the election, a qualified voter in the district and have no relative, as defined by KRS 160.180, employed by the school district.
Currently serving on the board are representatives from five educational districts. Representatives for Districts 1, 3, and 5 are up for re-election this year.
Both incumbents are facing at least one challenger, and there will be at least one new face on the board in District 3.
District 1 covers the Uniontown city area and portion of Morganfield. Uniontown 1, Uniontown 2, and Morganfield 2 precincts will be voting to elect the board member for District 1.
Presently serving in this position is Jennifer Buckman, incumbent in the election. Buckman has served on the board for one term of four years.
Running against Jennifer Buckman for the District 1 representation on the board is Dale Henshaw.
Voting in District 3 will be Hitesville/Waverly, Circle and Meadows precincts.
Current District 3 board member is Tommy Long. After serving for 20 years, Long has chosen not to seek re-election this term.
Competing for your vote in District 3 are Lynda Davis Jackson and Cassandra D. Wilson.
Board Chairman Jeanie Schaffter is seeking re-election for District 5. District 5 will be decided by precincts in Grangertown, Dekoven, Sturgis 4, and part of Raleigh.
Schaffter has been a presence on the board for 16 years, and has served as Chairman since January 22, 2007.
Running against Schaffter are Jim Ricketts and Heather M. Hart Kirton.
Districts 2 and 4 are not up for re-election in November. Connie Thomas and Eugene Pardue will continue to represent these educational districts until the next election.
