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2018-05-11 - Columbia, Adair County, KY - Photo Campaign graphic from candidate.

My Fellow Adair Countians,

I want to start by thanking you for electing me to serve as your Judge Executive almost four years ago. Together we have seen growth in our community and I want to assure you that we are not done!

I am not for or against any candidates in the magistrates race; however, our county is fortunate to have seven dedicated Magistrates, each who work 100+ hours per month to serve each of their districts. As Judge Executive, I work with the Fiscal Court to serve as administration over county offices, and board appointments. We may disagree at times on the way to get there but the destination and goal is the same--the betterment of Adair County. We work to be fair and honest in all Fiscal Court business.

I would like to briefly explain a few points from the debate hosted by 92.7 the WAVE and the Adair County Community Voice. I will be the first to admit if I have made a mistake. During the debate, the candidates were asked about the bankruptcy of Westlake Regional Hospital and the debt. In my response, I referenced the hospital administration. I want to be clear--I was talking about the hospital board, not the administration. The board appointments made by myself and the fiscal court were the some of the best people we could recommend to finish up the bankruptcy of Westlake Regional Hospital.

Access to quality healthcare in Adair County is increasing and will continue to grow to meet the needs of the community.

I want to say unequivocally that there is a drug problem in Adair County. This epidemic has had an undeniable impact on our community. I believe that the reason we have not experienced the level of devastation experienced by some of our neighboring communities is due to the work of our local law enforcement agencies. Our officers have worked diligently to stop this issue from continuing its path of destruction through our families. I support all of Adair County's law enforcement and the recent addition and formation of the NCIC/LINK 911 Board is a testament to that cooperative effort to increase the safety of each of our officers as they work to eradicate the drug abuse problem in our county.

I am strong believer in Adair County and the strength of our citizens. Do we have obstacles? Yes. But it is not all gloom and doom. Obstacles can be turned into opportunities when we all come together and listen to the needs of the people of our community.

We have experienced growth. We have the Pinewood Development, which is the future location of the Black Stallion Steakhouse, and is already home to 3Trees Church, Satellite Solutions, Love Nails, Quality Personnel, and Adair County Kwik Lube. But that's not all--Whayne Supply is currently in the process of erecting their newest location, right here in Adair County. Lee's Famous Recipe, a new Marathon Service Center, Dollar Tree, and a new location for First and Farmers National Bank are under construction or have the contracts in place to begin breaking ground. The Appliance Store and Sleep Inn have already opened their doors. While these businesses are not "industry," they contribute to the economic health of our community through job creation, and in turn that money is spent here in Adair County. And that growth is only a small portion of what has been going on in our area!

Industry will come to Adair County! The county, the city and the Economic Development Authority have been working together with the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development to have necessary plans in place to make our Industrial Park more attractive to potential industries. We have been a part of meetings with one very promising group who is extremely interested in bringing their project to Adair County. Please understand these things take time, but we are working every day!

/s/Michael Lee Stephens

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