Former Sen. John Schickel has officially thrown his hat into the ring for Boone County Commissioner.
Schickel said Tuesday he wants to continue his decades-long commitment to public service and responsible local leadership.
“Boone County is my home, and serving this community has been the honor of my life,” Schickel said. “With the county growing rapidly, taxpayers deserve experienced leadership that understands public safety, infrastructure, and fiscal responsibility.”
Schickel joins incumbents Jesse Brewer and Cathy Flaig in the race for commissioner.
Current Boone County Judge/Executive Gary Moore told LINK nky he is excited to see quality candidates entering the field.
Moore faces Chet Hand, a current Boone County commissioner, in the May primary for judge/executive.
“He was a strong, independent conservative voice in Frankfort who put people ahead of special interests, and I’m confident he’ll bring that same focus to the Fiscal Court,” Hand said of Schickel. “Our county’s rapid growth has exposed poor planning and a lack of vision, creating real problems for residents. We need fresh leadership and ideas and John Schickel’s experience will help us get there.”
Since he has his own primary, Moore said he won’t be very involved in the commissioner race, but he wishes all the candidates well.
“Our county is continuing to see prosperous times and quality development,” Moore said, “but we’re going to need elected officials that understand how to balance that properly with preserving our commitment to green space and quality growth.”
To that end, Schickel, a Union resident, said he is running to make sure Boone County remains a safe, strong and well managed county for the next generation.
“As your County Commissioner, I will work every day to protect our communities, support small growth and ensure efficient, transparent government,” Schickel said.
Moore said he wants to make sure any development that does happen adds to the quality of life for Boone County residents.
“I do believe candidates like Sen. Schickel understand that well,” Moore said.
Schickel was elected to the Kentucky Senate representing Boone County in 2009, a position he held for 16 years.