Payne says his experience will benefit education legislation in next General Assembly
J.T. Payne, who ran unopposed for the Kentucky House of Representative District 11 seat, said on election night he’s looking forward to working with fellow Republicans on education when the General Assembly meets in January.
Payne said he is uniquely qualified as an educator and a conservative to help guide Republicans—most who have no experience in education—in a path forward that serves students in the commonwealth.
He said the issue will be “how do we improve the public schools we have.”
He said this was a top priority in light of the defeat of Amendment 2, which was backed by the Republican supermajority in the state’s General Assembly. About 65% of the state’s voters voted “No” on the amendment, which would have allowed the General Assembly to provide financial support for those who choose to send children to private schools.
Payne is currently the Assistant Principal of the Career and Technical Education unit at Henderson County High School.
He said he will cite the local school system as he works with other legislators on education. He said the local school board has done a good job with teacher salaries, has invested in teachers and has recruited quality teachers to the county. Additionally, partnerships between local businesses and government and the local schools offer more support to students.
“We can be the model for the rest of the state,” Payne said.
Payne garnered 14,964 votes.
Kentucky Court of Appeals
Lisa Payne Jones retained her seat on the state appellate court.
In the race for the 1st Appellate District 2nd Division seat on the Kentucky Court of Appeals, Jones defeated Jason Shea Fleming.
Jones tallied 119,443 votes as opposed to Fleming’s 69,712.
Jones was appointed by Gov. Andy Beshear in April to fill the seat of retiring Judge Donna Dixon.
The seat represents the 23 westernmost counties in Kentucky, including Henderson County.
Corydon City Council
The top vote getters for Corydon City Council’s six seats are Jack Horton, Jr., Jayla Gish, Karen R. McGill, Jerry Lee Hoge, III, Renae Brown and Daniel Rathman.
Jack Horton 179
Jayla Gish 146
Karen R. McGill 138
Jerry Lee Hoge, III 124
Renae D. Brown 110
Daniel Rathman 103
Beth French 94
Robards City Commission
Four incumbents on the Robards City Commission ran unopposed. Ed Carroll, Anthony Keith Watkins, Holly A. Lawrie and Debra K. Manion will comprise the Robards City Commission next term.
Ed Carroll 124
Anthony Keith Watkins 122
Holly A. Lawrie 110
Debra K. Manion 109
