Republican, Democrat, or Independent: You can "VOTE TODAY" in this non-partisan race for Family Court Judge of Clay, Jackson and Leslie counties
CCN Staff Report
Clay, Jackson, & Leslie counties (KY) - ClayCoNews readers and voters in Clay, Jackson, and Leslie counties are urged to participate in the democratic process and to cast their vote today May 17, 2016. The Office of Family Court Judge is an incredibly important position and directly impacts children and families.
Let's meet the candidates in this very competitive contest that's going on today.
Currently, the office is held by Clint Harris who was appointed Family Court Judge by Governor Matt Bevin. Harris has served as Assistant Clay County Attorney since 1986, but the two competitors also have significant experience in the legal profession and within the courts practicing defense law and as a prosecutor within the three county service area.
Candidate Profiles:
Clint Harris was a prosecutor as Assistant Clay County Attorney and was primarily responsible for prosecuting juvenile cases against alleged law violators--children, parents, and others in Clay Family Court. He has also prosecuted cases in Clay District Court.
Former U.S. Navy Officer, Veteran Kenneth Stepp has established a career practicing law and has served primarily as a defense attorney, public defender and as an Assistant Public Advocate representing indigent defendants in criminal cases in Harlan and Bell District Courts. Mr. Stepp considers his never being a prosecutor of individuals as an important contrast among the candidates.
Monica Rice-Smith who has been a prosecutor as Assistant Leslie County Attorney and was the prosecutor in juvenile cases against alleged law violators--children, parents, and others in Leslie County.
Pictured L to R: Clint Harris, Kenneth Stepp & Monica Rice-Smith
ClayCoNews made an effort to ask each of the 3 candidates a two part question on video but was only successful in getting Attorney Kenneth Stepp to answer the following question:
Why are you seeking the office of Family Court Judge in Clay, Jackson & Leslie counties and what sets you apart from the other two candidates that will allow you be a better servant to the families of these three counties?
