By JANIE SLAVEN

Record Staff Writer



WHITLEY CITY — First up is the Division 2 District Judge race (Judge Cathy Prewitt is running unopposed in Division 1). Both Fred F. White and Jason Price have served in this position. White was appointed to the bench when Judge Dan Ballou was elected to Circuit Court while Price won the special election to fill the term. It is important to note that since there are only two candidates in this nonpartisan race, White and Price will both advance to the November General Election.



Background

WHITE: I am 50 years old. My wife (formerly Kim Broome) and I were married in Williamsburg in 1981. We have two daughters, Erin and Kelsey, who are students at the University of the Cumberlands. I am a graduate of Cumberland College and Mississippi College School of Law. I was admitted to the practice of law in 1985. I have practiced law in Whitley, McCreary, Laurel and surrounding counties for the past 25 years. My law practice has included the very matters that a District Court Judge must handle on a day-to-day basis. I am licensed to practice law in Kentucky State Courts, the U.S. Eastern District of Kentucky, the U.S. Western District of Kentucky, the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court. I have served on the Williamsburg City Council and am a current committee member of the Williamsburg Tourism Commission. I have been involved in the lives of our area youth over 20 years coaching little league baseball, softball, football, basketball and soccer. I have been a member of several booster clubs including serving as an officer on several occasions. I am a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Williamsburg.



J. PRICE: Judge Jason Price is the son of Lee and Reba Price. He and his wife, Greta Stamper Price, make their home in Williamsburg with their two daughters Chloe, 5, and Claire, 4. They are expecting a son in July.

Price graduated from the University of the Cumberlands in 1990 with a bachelor degree in History/Political Science then from the Regent University School of Law in 2002. He was admitted to the Tennessee bar in 2002 and the Kentucky bar the following year. Before his election, he had nearly eight years of experience with civil, municipal, criminal, estate and collections law.



How has your time as district judge affected this campaign? what do you hope to accomplish if elected?

WHITE: The period of time I served the good people of McCreary and Whitley counties as District Judge gave me a good overview of the problems that our communities face. The biggest challenge a District Judge faces is to balance attempting to help those with substance abuse issues while protecting the public from those individuals. Drug issues are overwhelming our communities. District Court is generally the first opportunity to address this issue. Juvenile criminal matters are dealt with in District court. Young adults usually make their first appearance in the court system in District Court. We must take this opportunity to assist our youth escape this path of self destruction. When elected I will become involved in the juvenile drug court. I would also hope to establish an adult drug court for District Court. As your District Judge, I will be firm when handing out punishments, with an eye to assist those who are willing to resolve their personal demons. It is my hope that in addressing these issues I will make our community a safer place to live and that our children will have an improved quality of life. As your District Judge, I will remain faithful to the law and maintain professional competence.



J. PRICE: Being District Judge for the last 15 months has given me the opportunity to be more in tune with the needs of the people of McCreary and Whitley counties. I feel like I have an understanding of what needs to be done to work toward putting an end to the rampant drug problem in our counties.

I am working with AOC (KY Administrative Office of the Courts) to start a drug court program in District Court. I hope to get funding for both McCreary and Whitley counties.



You have seen court proceedings both as judge and as advocate. what criminal/civil issues concern you most in today’s legal system?

WHITE: Substance abuse, be it alcohol or drugs, is the most pressing problem in District Court. DUIs are a huge part of the docket every week. Almost all abuse and neglect cases we see in District Court are related to drug issues within the home. Children who grow up in these homes follow their parents’ example and become juvenile offenders. Almost all thefts and crimes of violence are tied to drugs.



J. PRICE: The amount of drug cases being heard daily is a huge concern for me. Particularly the effect it is having on our children. I see this every week in juvenile court, whether it being in drug use with children themselves or with parents addicted to drugs neglecting or even abusing their children.



Kentucky jails are increasingly faced with overcrowding and budget concerns. how can the counties you serve best address this problem?

WHITE: The jails are overcrowded with individuals who have addictions to narcotics. The court should assist individuals in seeking treatment for their addictions. These individuals usually tend to be repeat offenders. If we can assist them in fighting their demons they will not be as likely to return. If the court system merely punishes without trying to remedy the true problem these individuals will continue to populate our county jails.



J. PRICE: Alternative sentencing such as home incarceration, community service and rehabilitation are effective means of punishing first-time offenders and those who have the desire to be drug free. However, these are not always possible methods of sentencing and incarceration is necessary. Until we get control of our community and stop the drug use, I believe jail overcrowding will continue to be a problem.