Daily News for Columbia, KY and Adair County from Wednesday, March 19, 2014 on ColumbiaMagazine.com

2014-03-19 - Columbia, KY - Photo Campaign Photo.

To Voters of Adair County, KY

I'm proud to announce my candidacy for jailer of Adair County. My name is Lawrence (Alan) Burton. I am a current employee of the Adair County Regional and have been since 1987- over 25 years. For many years now, I have contemplated running for this position and I feel the time is now, with my maturity and experience, to seek the office.

In 1987 the Jail started with one AA meeting and one church service per week. Currently it has expanded beyond anyone's imagination to include also GED, Anger Management Classes, and Celebrate Recovery.

All of these programs could not be possible without the Volunteers of Adair County, because they are the ones who actually volunteer their services and make the personal sacrifices to make these programs possible at no expense to the county.

Teamwork is the most important aspect to the operation of a properly run jail. Without teamwork, neither I nor any other individual can properly lead the organization it takes to provide a secure environment, with safe working conditions for the staff.

I will be a hands on jailer. I will be at the jail doing my duties managing the jail, but I will also work shifts - saving the county money. Taxpayers need every break they can get.

During my campaign I have had several people ask, "When are we going to get a new jail?" to which I reply, "We don't need a new jail. We need to keep this jail properly maintained."

My father was Lawrence "Gabby" Burton who served as jailer from 1982-1990. He was the last jailer in the old jail and the first in the new (current) one. My mother is Kathryn "Ma" Burton, who retired from the jail in 1998, but she continues to work part time to this day - over 32 years experience.

My brother Gene Burton and his wife, Kathy Wheeler Burton, and my niece Kisha Burton comprise the rest of my immediate family. My service as a jail employee is the longest of any employee. This experience serves me every day and will be invaluable in my service as jailer.

As your jailer I will have an open door policy to the public because I feel communication is important and the key to solving so many problems. I don't claim to be perfect, but I promise you I will never cease to take every opportunity to learn ways to improve my leadership and to make the operation of the facilities better in every way.

I believe that my experience, my dedication to being a strong leader, and my commitment to be accountable to you, the taxpayers of Adair County, will make me the right person for Jailer the next four years.

I humbly ask for your vote, for me, Lawrence (Alan) Burton, for Adair County Jailer, subject to the Republican Primary on Tuesday, May 20, 2014.

Lawrence (Alan) Burton
No. 4 on the ballot

Paid for by the candidate, Lawrence (Alan) Burton.