Magistrate Butch Puttman faces a strong test against challenger Kevin Morgan, both of whom have roots and ties to the East End in the District 4 magistrate race.
Puttman said his top three priorities are continued fiscal responsibility, economic development and sustaining the level of work on infrastructure and public services provided.
Morgan, meanwhile, said his top priority is to make the quality of life better for the people in District 4. A second priority is to provide protection for the community when it comes to green energy initiatives and data centers, while a third is to put a stop to the pettiness in Henderson County government politics.
Puttman said with prices of everything going up in the country, county government will need to continue to watch what they spend on every item—something he said they already do. But now it will need to be an even closer look, he said.
“We got to make sure we get more bang for a buck,” he said.
Morgan started off with his overall general goal is to improve the quality of life in District 4 and everyone else in Henderson County.
A second priority for Morgan is providing protections for residents. On renewable energy projects, he said, “We have enough of them.”
He’s more open to having data centers, but they must be regulated in a way that protects residents from any rising water or electricity bills and from any environmental damage.
“I just want to make sure the people of Henderson County are protected,” he said. “I don’t want to see people constantly trying to pay a utility bill they’ll never end up paying.”
Meanwhile, Puttman, said the county should move slow on data centers.
“I think we’re going to have to look at it long and hard,” he said.
Puttman said economic development—bringing new business and industry—is necessary, though the process of how companies decide to locate here is often misunderstood. It most often involves closed meetings in which local economic development officials reveal only what type of industry is interested (not the name), the incentives the company is asking for, and the salaries and benefits it will provide to future employees. Fiscal court then later votes to accept or deny a deal, he said.
“They just don’t come here for nothing,” Puttman said.
A third priority from Puttman is for county government to continue to provide infrastructure, like good roads, and public services. He said that it’s the work of county government, but important, and added the role of District 4 magistrate is a bit different because all of the constituents except for those who live on one road are city residents.
In his time as magistrate, Puttman said he’s developed a good rapport with City of Henderson officials which has allowed him to get things done for those in District 4.
“I’m really proud how I’ve developed that rapport with them, honestly,” Puttman said.
Morgan’s third priority is to change the tone of local politics. He said much of it revolves around the use of social media and comments that are made—some from county employees to constituents.
“We should be civil to the people who pay us, and we’re not,” he said, adding that those who don’t show respect and kindness should resign.
Morgan recently posted his top 12 priorities on his Facebook page, which includes some things he’s been thinking about for decades, he said.
