(Note: This story was updated Oct. 22 to add late responses.)
MURRAY – Election Day is two weeks away. While Rep. James Comer (R-KY) is being challenged by Democrat Erin Marshall, and Lisa Payne Jones and Jason Shea Fleming are both vying for a seat on the Kentucky Court of Appeals, there are very few contested races on the ballot in Calloway County this year outside of the presidential race.
Incumbents Sen. Jason Howell (R-Murray), Commonwealth’s Attorney Dennis Foust (I), Calloway Circuit Clerk Melinda Starks (R), Murray Board of Education members Richard Crouch and Adam Sieber and Calloway County Board of Education members Mitchell Ryan, Sharon Bobo and Danny “Van” Pittman, Jr., are all running unopposed.
One incumbent, Rep. Mary Beth Imes (R-Murray), is being challenged by Democrat Lauren Hines for her District 5 State House Representative seat. All voters in Calloway County will weigh in on that race. City residents also have a choice to make in the race for Murray City Council.
The Sentinel reached out to all 14 candidates in the city council race. We asked for narratives introducing themselves to voters and sharing why they are running for city council. Outside of the 400-word limit, we placed no restrictions on the candidates’ responses. All were informed that their responses would be published as submitted.
Eleven candidates responded to our request. We made several attempts to contact incumbent John Mark Roberts via his city council email addresses but did not receive a response.* The responses below are listed in the order they were received.
Linda Cherry
My name is Linda Cherry.
I graduated with my MA in Education at Murray State University in the mid 70’s, and taught English and science for 28 years.
My husband is Don Cherry, and Murray is our home town.
My experience serving on the boards of Casa (Court Appointed Special Advocate for Children), the Gentry House, Senior Citizens Board, Park Board, Human Rights Commission, Finance and Personnel, and Lost But Loved Animal Rescue have prepared me to continue to follow my pursuit as a public servant on the Murray City Council.
My father-in-law, Bill Cherry, served on the Murray City Council and was later elected as Mayor of Murray. My daughter, Laura Jones, and I raised funds and built western Kentucky’s only dog park. In 2009, it was voted as one of the top 10 dog parks in the state of Kentucky. As a City Council member, my first priority is the safety and welfare of our citizens and to be a good steward of your tax dollars.
I humbly ask for your vote.
Your vote is your voice. Please elect me to be your voice on all city council matters.
Jeremy Bell
MY NAME IS JEREMY BELL AND I HAVE SERVED ON THE MURRAY CITY COUNCIL FOR THE LAST 18 YEARS. I FIRST RAN FOR COUNCIL BECAUSE I WANTED TO KEEP THE CITY MOVING FORWARD IN A POSITIVE DIRECTION. I ALSO WANTED TO HELP MAKE SURE WE CONTINUED TO BE PRO ACTIVE INSTEAD OF RE-ACTIVE. I FEEL WE HAVE CERTAINLY ACCOMPLISHED THAT IN THE 18 YEARS I HAVE BEEN ON CITY COUNCIL. THERE IS STILL LOTS OF WORK TO BE DONE BUT BEING FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE WITH TAX PAYER DOLLARS LIKE WE HAVE WILL HELP ACCOMPLISH THOSE GOALS. A PASSION OF MINE IS THE PARK. WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO UPDATE A FEW THINGS LIKE THE POOL, PUTTING LIGHTS AT THE BEE CREEK SOCCER COMPLEX AND A NEW CONCESSION STAND RECENTLY. MORE WORK IS NEEDED LIKE NEW LIGHTS AT THE CENTRAL PARK BALLFIELDS. I ALSO KNOW WE HAVE OTHER THINGS THAT NEED WORK LIKE PAVING STREETS AND DRAINAGE PROJECTS IN THE CITY AND WE CONTINUE TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THOSE AS WELL. THE GROWTH IN THE CITY HAS BEEN OUTSTANDING. WE HAVE FACED MANY CHALLENGES THE LAST FEW YEARS BUT WE CONTINUE TO EXCEED EXPECTATIONS. I REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR VOTE THE LAST 18 YEARS AND I ASK FOR IT AGAIN. I AM JUST A SMALL PART, IT TAKES EVERYONE WORKING TOGETHER TO ACCOMPLISH OUR GOALS.
Monty McCuiston
I am Monty McCuiston and I’m seeming re-election to a fourth term with the Murray City Council. Born and raised in Murray and currently running the family business of 60 years, Max’s 641 Towing and CEO of Towing for Toys.
Murray has and will always hold a special place in my heart and the soul reason for running as city council candidate is to provide a voice for all citizens, help build a better community and make Murray a desirable place to live, work and play! I currently serve as Chairman for our Public Works Department, member of the personnel and finance committee, park committee and long range planning committee along with several individual work groups within city government.
Bonnie Higginson
I have been honored to serve on the Murray City Council for almost two years. It’s been a wonderful learning experience, one that is very different from my career as a professor and administrator at Murray State. I have enjoyed working with the mayor, council members, and the excellent staff at City Hall in our quest to make Murray the best place it can be.
My efforts include involvement in updating and improving the Human Rights Commission Ordinance to include protections in public spaces and a clear process by which citizens can file complaints. I have worked with several other council members to review and update the Animal Ordinance. I have also served on the Long-Range Planning Committee which has focused on infrastructure improvements, beautification of our city, and initiatives to improve the lives of our citizens.
In recent months, I have chaired a work group tasked with determining the best use of Opioid Abatement funds. Our group has sought input from medical providers, law enforcement, educators, and local nonprofit organizations that serve people recovering from substance use disorder. We are committed to using the funds we’ve received to help people rebuild their lives and I’m looking forward to continuing this work.
As a community volunteer at Angels Attic and Murray Art Guild, I have developed a passion for the amazing nonprofit organizations in our community and will continue to advocate for partnerships and support of all of the groups that serve the people of Murray and Calloway county.
I will be grateful for your vote on November 5!
Alice Rouse
Alice Rouse is running for her fourth term for the Murray City council before retiring in 2015 was busy as the Publisher of the Murray, ledger and times. I was born and grew up in Alabama, went to college at Brescia University in Owensboro where I met my husband, Bill he is from Paducah and Graduated from Murray State University. We have twin sons, Justin, and Jason and both are graduates from Murray state. Bill and I are active members of the first Baptist Church.
> I wasn’t born here, but Murray is my home. I have been involved in the community for over 40 years and serve both civic responsibilities and in my professional career. I’ve been members of several boards as a member of the Murray City Council. . I want to make the city safe provide service For citizens and capitalize on Murray’s position unique position as an economic hub. We have to work together to make decisions based on what is best for Murray and its citizens.
In the past six years, we’ve been able been able to get a lot done. I am proud of the work and support of our local Police and fire department. The city has Paved streets, even old city parking lot and new sidewalks and Able to get a recycling program started. we work together to get the city park pool open through a lot of hard work and donations from local businesses and individuals. We were even able to move the Pickleball court to another area in the park because we listen to our citizens. This is working together I want to see Murray grow, but Maintain its small hometown feeling. like I said before this is not just my community. but my home, it’s been a blessing to live here and to raise my family and be a part of this wonderful community
Thomas Hornbuckle, Jr.
My name is Thomas Hornbuckle Jr. and I am excited to announce my running for City Council. I’m looking forward to working with other council members in an ongoing effort to support local economies, create job opportunities, and build a strong sense of community in Murray/Calloway County. For those who don’t know me , I’ve lived in Murray for 48 years. I am a product of the Murray/Calloway County school system. I graduated from Murray State University as well as received a license in nursing from West Ky. Community & Technical College. After college I began working in my family’s Childcare Center as well as serving in the Army National Guard. I have a loving spouse whom I have been married to for 26 years, 3 beautiful children, and a wonderful grandson. My hobbies are traveling, black and white photography, karaoke, concerts, and cooking.
I believe I should be elected to serve on the city council because as a nurse, a veteran, and small business owner I have experience working and advocating for social and economically diverse groups . Besides working in healthcare and childcare, I currently serve on the Transit Board. It would be my honor to be elected to the Murray City Council because it provides an opportunity for me to give back to a community that has done so much for me and my family. Since I have a daughter that’s a freshman at Murray State, a 9 year old son that’s in Middle school, as well as being a small business owner, serving on the city council would give me an active roll in the decisions that effects the lives of those I hold most dear. I humbly ask for your vote.
Clif Darnell
As a lifelong citizen of Murray, Kentucky (aside from my Active-Duty service in the Marine Corps) I have developed a deep and sincere feeling of responsibility to serve our community. My belief in running for a seat on Murray’s City Council is that I have the capability to provide the citizens of our community with a level of transparency and direct representation I have not experienced in my lifetime. My belief is that our citizens deserve representation which does not approach being a member of the city council in a manner where the elected individual feels the duty to make decisions on behalf of the individuals who elected them. My belief is that members of the city council should make the effort to have direct interactions with the individuals they are elected to represent in order to be certain votes that are cast in relation to any given matter are done so with guidance and direction from the individuals who make up our community. My belief is that our local city council has the ability to impact our daily lives to a greater extent, in many ways, more so than the Federal Government. As a result, my belief is that the members of our city’s council have the tremendous responsibility of providing transparency in relation to all matters regarding our community, with the individuals who make up our community. My belief is that direct representation of the voices which make up our community through direct interaction with community members is the only way to operate in a truly representative manner. If elected, I will do everything within my power to create a situation where every monthly meeting or committee meeting that is open to the public and held by our city’s council, be streamed live in some form or fashion so that any individual who has the desire to observe these meetings will have the means to do so regardless of the time of day at which the meetings take place.
Beginning on March 1st of this year, I began volunteering with the Calloway County Fire-Rescue Department. Through this service I have reaffirmed my sincere desire to serve our community and sincerely hope that I can count on your support this November as I can see no greater honor than serving the individuals who make up the community in which I was born and raised.
Danny Hudspeth
Hello,
My name is Danny Hudspeth.
I am a 1974 graduate of Murray High and a 1978 graduate of Murray State University. I am married to Regina (Bumphis) and we have two children O’Shea and Dominique, both married with three and two children respectively. I retired after 35 years of working at Briggs and Stratton where I mostly worked in the Purchasing Department. I enjoy visiting my children and grandkids that live in Lexington and Middleton KY.
I have been a member of the Murray City Council since 1988. During my tenure I also served as Mayor, serving out the term of the late Mayor Tommy Rushing (Oct 2009 thru Dec 2010). Also, during my long term on the Council I’ve served as Mayor Pro-Tem for many terms. In addition, I have served on most if not all of the city committees and numerous other community committees. It has been my honor and privilege to have served in every capacity of these organizations.
I, like all other council members, do this as a service to the citizens of this great city in an effort to enhance and improve their lives by making sure the city services we provide continue to be the best that are available. If re-elected I will continue to serve our citizens with the zeal that I for the last 36 years.
Important items on our current Long Rang Plan that we will carry over into the next term are funding for our City Park and for more affordable housing.
Thank you for your support over the years and I look forward to being your city councilman, if re-elected.
Dhud
Rose Ross
I’m a lifelong resident of Calloway County and a retired teacher. Since joining the Murray City Council in 2018, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside a dedicated team focused on being responsible stewards of public funds. Our Long Range Planning Committee has proactively addressed community needs, ensuring we provide essential services with available resources.
We recognize the challenges of aging infrastructure, and we’re taking proactive steps to save money and protect property for the future. Our efforts to secure funding from federal and state agencies have been relentless.
As I campaign for re-election to the city council, I bring the discipline and planning skills I’ve honed as a marathon runner, having completed the Boston, Chicago, and Berlin Marathons. Just as running a marathon requires robust amounts of energy and careful execution, so does effectively managing our city.
Promoting physical activity and health is vital for our community. I’ve prioritized park improvements and the repair and construction of sidewalks, and I will continue to advocate for public spaces that encourage active lifestyles
I will remain accessible to my constituents and committed to understanding the community’s needs.
Joe Darnall
My name is Joe Darnall and I’m running for reelection to the Murray City Council.
I have learned many lessons in my brief time in government, and none more important than the need to ensure that in our government, many different viewpoints are represented. My background is unique. I was raised in Murray, went to school here, met my wife, and raised a family here. I worked as a janitor at Murray State to pay for college and I am proud of my blue-collar background. These challenges have given me perspective that others might not have. I think there must be a place in our local government for that perspective. It is what has shaped my belief in our government.
I am proud of the work we have done. We have ensured that our Police and Fire Departments are well staffed, professional, and well-equipped without raising taxes, and that our utilities serve us well. However, there’s work still to do.
I believe that the two greatest issues facing our community are affordability and economic development. We must always be looking to make our government work better for the people. We must invest in programs that not only improve our day-to-day lives, but also create asymmetric economic benefits. The Murray Main Street Program is a great example of this. Since its inception, it has returned $5000 for every tax dollar invested. Investments like that help keep our community thriving and we should invest more.
We must also look at reforming our business licensing and tax system to better ensure we aren’t creating disincentives for our small businesses, enforce coding so that neglectful property owners aren’t harming their neighbors, and do everything in our power to protect our school system to ensure that it remains the cornerstone of our future. We can do these things if they are our priorities, and they are mine.
I truly believe that our government only works if it is a reflection of our guiding principles. For me that means standing alongside the people who work and live in our community. Murray has always been special to me, and it’s the people that make it special. I am proud to call Murray my home and honored to serve all the people of our community and hope to continue to do so.
I am first on the ballot and I hope to have your vote on Election Day.
Wes Bolin
My name is Wesley Bolin and I’m running for re-election to to the Murray City Council. I first began serving in 2016 and have been honored to represent my home for the past eight years.
I moved to Murray nearly 30 years ago and am a graduate and now teacher at Murray High School. My wife Whitney and I also own Bolin Books in Downtown Murray. I’ve wanted to start a bookstore for most of my life. Because of the value that our community places on reading, literacy, and education we’ve now been open and thriving for two years. I want more Murrayans to be able to find the same fulfillment and success with their own small businesses.
I serve as Chair of the Public Safety Committee for the Council and also serve as a member of several other committees. I’m proud of the work we’ve done in prioritizing long term infrastructure repairs and physical needs for both city facilities and throughout town. In my time on the council we’ve built a new fire station, relocated and renovated our Police headquarters, and secured and renovated a facility for City Hall. These efforts will save tax payers money for decades to come and allow the city to continue to provide the services that our residents expect. I’m especially passionate about maintaining and expanding our sidewalk network and pursuing a future greenway or walking/bike path that connects multiple parts of our town. A walkable town is a thriving town.
As a teacher and student of history I’m continually motivated by the study of our town’s past and the possibilities of its future. The phrase I think of most often in my work on the Council is “Murray 2044” – our future bicentennial as an incorporated town. All decisions we make should be with that future in mind. My dream for that future community is one where every resident – whether they’ve lived here their entire lives or just arrived – is welcomed and treated fairly and equitably. A future Murray should continue to value growth and expansion but not at the cost of what we already have today. In each and every vote I take I hope to move Murray towards that future.
I’m fifth on the ballot on Election Day and would be honored to receive your vote and support.
Terry Strieter
Why I am running for Murray City Council
I believe in public service. After a long career at MSU as a faculty member, a two-term elected Faculty Regent on the Board of Regents, and as Chair of the Department of History, I retired. I have lived in Murray over forty-five years, it is my home and it is wonderful city. I believe I have an obligation to give back to this caring and delightful community some of my energy and time to improve and enhance our fair city. Previous to being elected to the City Council I served on the Board of Zoning Adjustment and the Planning Commission. In my two terms on the City Council I have helped push through residential curbside recycling, re-invigorated the Murray Tree Board, helped to initiate and Co-Chaired the Beautification Committee, served on numerous committees and sub-committees and promoted small businesses and economic development while protecting old established neighborhoods. In Council meetings I have question policies that directly impact the people of Murray such as property taxes, licensing and business insurance, infrastructure, environmental problems as well as a host of other issues. I am hopeful the citizens of Murray will continue to value my efforts to improve our municipality and thus I ask for their support in November.
Cordially, Terry Strieter
Johnny Bohannon
My name is Johnny Bohannon
My Wife is Toni Burçhett Bohannon
We have lived in Murray for 60 years
We have two Sons, Dr. Todd Bohannon, his wife Stephanie, three children,Jonah,, Sarah and Noah Bohannon the other son is Tyler Bohannon, his wife Alisha, Daughter, Hillary and son Sam Bohannon .
They all live in Murray .
My Wife and I are retired teachers.
We all love Murray and want to give back to this community by serving on the City Council .
While serving on the Council there have been many improvements to the City and the Park.
All these improvements have been accomplished because of the hard work of the Mayor and Council working together.
This is what I like about this Council and Murray Kentucky
Please vote for me ,( Johnny Bohannon )
Number 4 on the ballot , thank you,
Johnny Bohannon
The portal to request an absentee ballot closes Tuesday. In-person excused absentee voting starts Wednesday. Absentee voters can vote in-person at the Calloway County Clerk’s Office, 101 S. 5th St., during regular business hours, Oct. 23-25 and 28-30.
Oct. 31 marks the start of no-excuse early voting. Until Saturday, Nov. 2, voters can cast their ballots at the Robert O. Miller Courthouse Annex, 201 S. 4th St. Polls are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on that Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Calloway County voters can cast their ballots at any one of eight polling locations: CFSB Center, Elm Grove Baptist Church, Hazel Baptist Church, Kirksey Baptist Church, Murray High School, New Concord Church of Christ, North Elementary School and Southwest Elementary School.
*Editor’s note: Terry Strieter and Johnny Bohannon submitted their narratives after this story was originally posted.
