Hi, I’m Paul Rister, and I am running for Judge-Executive because I believe our county needs experienced leadership, stronger financial planning, more open communication, and someone who can bring people together to turn good ideas into results.
I came to Murray in 1985 to attend Murray State University. I graduated with bachelor's and master's degrees in biology. I went on to work a 30-year career with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, where I served as a fisheries biologist and regional program coordinator.
I met my wife, Lisa at MSU, and we raised our three sons here, who went on to be MSU graduates. Calloway County is where we have invested our lives.
When I retired, I wanted to use my experience to serve in our community. Since 2019, I have had the privilege of serving as 4th District Magistrate on the Fiscal Court. These past 8 years have given me firsthand knowledge of county operations, budgeting, infrastructure, and the challenges facing our community. Just as importantly, they have taught me the value of listening, working together, being accountable, and being willing to ask difficult questions.
I didn't enter this race to maintain the status quo. I have seen what works well, and I have seen where we can do better.
My priorities begin with a four-year plan, include strengthening long-range financial planning, improving transparency and public communication, taking a more systematic approach to maintaining our roads and bridges, addressing the financial demands of our jail, bringing the right people to the table to develop a realistic plan to preserve our historic courthouse, and moving forward with a new animal shelter.
I also want to work toward strengthening our partnerships between the cities of Murray and Hazel, exploring ways to partner with Murray State University, our schools, businesses, and economic development organizations. We have tremendous resources in this community. We just need leadership that brings those resources together to turn opportunities into results.
The Judge-Executive cannot accomplish these things alone. Success requires keeping the Fiscal Court informed of opportunities and challenges, working with other elected officials, community organizations, and the people we serve, while striving for a common goal.
The people of Calloway County don't have to choose between experience and change. We need both.
I am prepared to serve on day one, and I will work every day to earn the trust of the people of Calloway County.
Which populations or areas of Calloway County do you believe are currently underserved by county government, and what would you do to address their needs?
During eight years as magistrate, I've learned that residents in the farthest corners of our county feel forgotten. Distance should never be a barrier to service.
Rural residents face challenges with roads, broadband, and emergency response. Our youth and families need recreational opportunities.
As Judge-Executive, I would use road condition data to prioritize improvements and work with community partners to address service gaps. I would also work with the City of Murray to support a sustainable park system that serves families throughout Calloway County.
Every resident, whether living in Murray or rural Calloway County, deserves to be heard and served.
When the county’s financial resources are insufficient to meet every need, how would you determine which services and projects receive priority?
My first priority would be meeting the county's legal obligations and maintaining essential services, including public safety, roads, bridges, and jail operations.
I would evaluate spending based on urgency, community benefit, and long-term costs. A 12-month cash flow plan would help us anticipate when money will be tight and schedule discretionary spending when funds are available.
I would look for savings through competitive purchasing, sharing resources, and contracting services when it makes sense.
Working with Fiscal Court, I would develop a long-range financial plan, prioritize needs over wants, and explain spending decisions so taxpayers understand how their money is managed.
The judge-executive plays a role in appointing members to county boards and commissions. How would you approach those appointments and ensure the process is transparent and fair?
Calloway County already publishes board memberships and provides an application for interested residents. I would improve the process by announcing upcoming vacancies and encouraging people to serve.
I would interview prospective appointees to understand their qualifications, reasons for wanting to serve, and willingness to ask questions and express independent opinions.
Following applicable appointment laws, I would share qualified candidates with Fiscal Court, seek input from magistrates, and make recommendations for approval when required.
Appointments should not be about political loyalty or personal friendships. We need people who understand their responsibilities, represent our community, and are willing to make difficult decisions.
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