The following op-ed is written by Mike Templeman, a candidate in the Republican primary for Kentucky Senate District 20
I decided to run for State Senator in the newly created 20th District because I bring a lifetime of experience with a diverse background that equips me with an understanding and a perspective that sets me apart from the other candidates for the office.
I first came to Northern Kentucky decades ago as a young Kentucky State Trooper. I helped to fight drugs and organized crime as one of the Kentucky State Police’s first narcotics agents. It was a tough and sometimes dangerous job, but we made real progress in protecting our communities, ridding them of a sinister criminal element. I helped to respond to some of the most profound tragedies in the region back then, and it left me with memories I’ve never forgotten.
After my career in law enforcement, I spent decades as an energy executive in coal, oil, and gas and also in construction. Today, I’m a farmer, property developer, and health care consultant. I’ve also previously worked in the State Senate as a security official and sergeant-at-arms.
I’m running for State Senator because I want to make Kentucky a better place for not only my three adult children, but for my seven grandchildren. To ensure a bright future for them – and all our kids – we can and must do better. We must implement policies that make Kentucky more business friendly by lowering taxes, reducing government overreach and overburdening regulations, and making our state more hospitable to companies who want to locate here. This will mean good-paying jobs and a sound economic future for generations to come.
Because I spent a great deal of my life working in the energy field, I understand just how vital low-cost energy is to our region, state, and nation. We can’t afford gas prices or utility bills that are any higher than what we’re paying! If the Biden Administration or anyone tries to come after the Ghent Power Plant near the Carroll-Gallatin county line, I’ll fight them tooth and nail. That plant and the industries it supports are absolutely essential to the well-being of Northern Kentucky and the entire Commonwealth.
I’ll work to construct a new companion bridge across the Ohio River with no tolls, and also to add lanes to I-71 to help with traffic congestion. I’ll make better roads and transportation infrastructure an absolute top priority in the Kentucky State Senate.
I believe in President Ronald Reagan’s “11th Commandment:” Thy shall not speak ill of thy fellow Republican. That means that while I’m not interested in fighting fellow Republicans and making petty battles within our party, I’ll work to fight bad liberal policies from Frankfort Democrats that will harm our state – and work to pass strong, common sense conservative legislation that will strengthen us.
I’m a strong fiscal and social conservative, and I make no apologies for it. I’m 100% pro-life, believing that life begins at conception and ends at natural death. I’m a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and will oppose any attempts to erode our gun rights. I believe in parental choice and I oppose the teaching of Critical Race Theory in our schools. I support enhancing vocational and technical education so that we can train a skilled workforce that will deliver for employers. I’m pro-family, and I believe in traditional values.
Furthermore, I will never be in favor of vaccine mandates. As a former cop, I stand for law and order and tough on crime policies. I will work to protect our families from Chinese Fentanyl and other drugs that come through cartels from Mexico.
As a region, Northern Kentucky hasn’t always gotten its fair share despite its crucial importance and the tremendous role it plays in our state’s economy. I’ll fight for the region, and work to deliver for Northern Kentucky.
If you want bold conservative leadership you can trust in the State Senate representing the 20th District in Frankfort, I humbly ask for your vote and support.