On Wednesday morning Jimmie W. Greene did what he said he would not do.
He filed as a Republican candidate for the office of County Judge-Executive.
The veteran politician hinted at running when he appeared at a GOP rally in August but later told reporters that he would not run because the county needs "new blood" in its government. Greene was first elected to one term beginning in 1978 but was defeated by Floyd Frasier four years later. Greene regained the office in 1990 and held it for three consecutive terms before announcing his retirement in 2002.
Greene's Deputy Judge-Executive, Bruce Murphy, lost that primary to retired teacher and former magistrate Blaine Phillips, who would ultimately run two successful campaigns before announcing last month that he would not seek a third term. Greene himself lost to Phillips in the 2006 Primary.
"I still believe we need new faces to a degree," Greene said Wednesday. "But the main reason that swayed me was the people I would run into on the streets daily asking me to run again for office…I've thought about it an awful lot. I'll be 82 by the time of the primary but you're only as old as your heart tells you to be. I'm young at heart. I can still contribute."
Greene's contributions to the community did not stop when he left office. In his retirement, he has become increasingly involved with civic groups — recently completing a term as president of the McCreary County Chamber of Commerce and currently commanding the local VFW post. In looking at the slate of candidates, of whom he says he holds the utmost respect, Greene began to feel as the filing deadline drew near that his experience sets him apart.
"I'm humbled to be called a good ambassador for the county," Greene said. "I have close relationships with Sen. Mitch McConnell and Congressman [Hal Rogers]."
Primary candidates, including political party candidates and candidates for non-partisan races that file with the Secretary of State, have until January 26 to file for office. Candidates who file with the county clerk may file until 4:00 p.m. local time.
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