We reached out to incumbent Court of Appeals, 1st Appellate District, 2nd Division Judge Lisa Payne Jones and her challenger Judge Jason Shea Fleming and asked for narratives introducing themselves to voters and sharing why they are running for office. 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. They are presented below in ballot order.
Lisa Payne Jones
I’m Judge Lisa Payne Jones and I currently serve you on the Kentucky Court of Appeals.
Every judge must put the law first, but a good judge is also a public servant who knows the communities and the people they serve. I was appointed to the Court of Appeals in April after Judge Donna Dixon retired. Prior to that, I served as a judge in Daviess County for over 22 years, first on the District Court and then the Circuit. I’ve covered everything from speeding tickets to murder, child custody to car crashes. Because I cared about my community, I also presided over the Daviess County juvenile and adult drug courts; I helped create the Daviess County Mental Health Court; and I’ve served on several state committees to improve the justice system, including the state Mental Health Commission.
Now that I serve on the Court of Appeals, my community stretches beyond Daviess County to embrace all 23 counties of Western Kentucky. Though it’s only been a few months since my appointment, I’ve made the effort to visit courthouses, attend church picnics and festivals, eat with farmers and business owners, and speak to forums and civic organizations. My goal is to continue this outreach after the election. It’s easy for judges to become isolated and forget that each case, no matter how small it may seem, is the most important case on the docket to the people involved. How they feel they were treated, whether they feel they were heard and treated with respect affects their view of the entire justice system. A good judge can never forget that. A good judge makes themselves accessible, lets themselves be seen and known by the people they serve which, in turn, builds up the trust of the people in that judge and in the justice system as a whole.
I hope to have your vote on November 5th because I believe I can be that public servant and good neighbor to all the 1st Appellate District by rendering decisions that are faithful to the law and provide guidance to lawyers and judges, by making myself accountable and accessible to the members of my community, by maintaining the integrity and independence of the judiciary, and by advocating for Western Kentucky and our rural populations.
To know more visit judgelisapaynejones.com; Judge Lisa Payne Jones for Court of Appeals on FaceBook; and Instagram at votejudgelisa.
Jason Shea Fleming
For Western Kentucky voters seeking a principled conservative jurist on the Kentucky Court of Appeals, Judge Jason Fleming represents an exemplary choice, bringing a wealth of judicial experience and unwavering commitment to constitutional principles to the bench. Jason is from the farming community of Crofton in Northern Christian County. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Tonya, and they have 2 children.
Throughout his 18 year tenure as a Christian Circuit Judge, Judge Fleming has demonstrated a consistent judicial philosophy anchored in strict constitutional interpretation and respect for the separation of powers. His rulings reflect a deep understanding of Kentucky’s legal traditions while maintaining a steadfast commitment to protecting individual liberties and property rights.
Fleming’s background as a former prosecutor and circuit judge has given him invaluable experience handling a diverse range of cases, from civil disputes to criminal proceedings. This broad exposure to various aspects of Kentucky law has equipped him with the comprehensive understanding necessary for service on the appellate court.
What sets Judge Fleming apart is his dedication to judicial restraint – a cornerstone of conservative legal philosophy. He consistently demonstrates a clear understanding that a judge’s role is to interpret the law as written, not to legislate from the bench. This approach has earned him respect from both colleagues and constituents who value constitutional fidelity.
Fleming’s analytical rigor and careful attention to legal detail have resulted in well-reasoned opinions that stand up to scrutiny and are easy to understand.
Beyond his judicial philosophy, Fleming has shown a deep commitment to his community through his involvement in local, state and national legal education programs. His efforts to promote transparency in the judicial system and ensure access to justice for all Kentuckians demonstrate his understanding of the court’s role in serving the public interest.
The Kentucky Court of Appeals would benefit from Fleming’s extensive trial court experience and his proven ability to navigate complex legal issues with clarity and principle. His elevation to the appellate court would bring a valuable Western Kentucky perspective to the bench while ensuring the continued protection of constitutional rights and the rule of law.
For voters seeking a judge who will uphold conservative values while maintaining the highest standards of judicial integrity, Judge Jason Fleming represents an outstanding choice for the Kentucky Court of Appeals. Please go to www.jasonfleming.com to learn more.
Thursday, 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 Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday (11/1) and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday (11/2).
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.
