Hello, Murray voters!
My name is Ken Claud, and I’m running for Murray City Council. My wife, Janice, and I have built our life here in Murray. Throughout our 39 years of marriage, we have never wanted to call anywhere else home. This community means a lot to us, and I’d like the opportunity to continue serving the place we call home.
My career has been focused on public service, especially public safety. After graduating from Murray State University with degrees in political science, criminal justice, and public administration I joined the Murray Police Department in 1987. I worked my way up through the ranks and was promoted to Chief of Police in 2004. I retired from the department in 2010.
I then spent four years with the Calloway County Sheriff’s Office, working in court security, patrol, and as a school resource officer. In 2014, I ran for Calloway County Jailer, was elected, and have served in that position for the past 12 years.
I decided not to run for another term as jailer in 2026 and will retire at the end of my current term. However, I’m not quite ready to stop serving my community. I believe serving on the Murray City Council would be a good way to stay involved and continue giving back in a different role.
Over the years, I’ve gained a lot of experience working with both city and county government. I believe that experience, along with my background in public safety, would be useful when considering the issues and decisions that affect our city.
If elected, I’ll do my best to learn the facts, research the issues, and listen to what our citizens have to say before making decisions. Everyone deserves to have their voice heard, and I believe it’s important to keep an open mind and do what’s best for Murray.
In your opinion, who is the most underserved population in Murray? How would you use your position on the city council to address their needs?
I believe homelessness is a problem in Murray, even if most people don’t see it firsthand. Through my work as county jailer, I’ve become aware of many situations over the years where people simply have nowhere to go. It’s a real need in our community, and I believe we should look for ways to address it.
I would like to see us explore grants and other funding opportunities that could help provide a shelter or another resource for people who need a place to turn. I know there isn’t an easy or overnight solution, but I believe we can make
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How would you make yourself accessible to constituents outside your existing personal and professional circles, and how would you ensure their concerns are heard?
People who know me know I’m not a big talker, but I am a good listener. I believe it’s important to hear different points of view and understand what matters to the people in our community.
If elected, I plan to attend community events and make myself available to citizens who want to share their concerns, ideas, or needs. Most controversial issues that come before the City Council have public hearings, and I would encourage citizens to take advantage of those opportunities to make their voices heard.
I may not always agree with everyone, but I believe everyone deserves to
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When residents have strongly opposing views on an issue before the council, how would you approach making a decision?
When an issue comes before the council and people have strong opinions on both sides, I believe it’s important to gather the facts, listen to different viewpoints, and take the time to make an informed decision.
If elected, I would encourage citizens to attend council meetings and speak up when they have the opportunity. I want people to know their opinions matter and that I will take the time to listen before making a decision.
We may not always be able to make everyone happy, and sometimes the final decision may not be what one group hoped for. But I
Editor's note: This response exceeded the 100-word limit. Only the first 100 words have been published.
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