House District 60: Marianne Proctor and Christopher Pavese

Business and education are two priorities of Republican candidates running for Kentucky’s 60th House district seat this year. 

The incumbent is Rep. Marianne Proctor of Union, a Texas transplant seeking a second term to the seat she has held since January 2023. Proctor has over 20 years of experience as a speech-language pathologist specializing in neurorehabilitation. She and her husband, Gregg, share their home with their rescue dog, Reagan. 

Christopher Pavese is competing against Proctor. Recently retired from the utilities industry, Pavese is a licensed professional engineer who “aims to bring his extensive experience to public service,” according to his campaign website. Pavese and his wife, Erica, live in Union and have three daughters. 

The winner of the primary will face Democrat Deborah Ison Flowers of Union in the Nov. 5 general election. Flowers is a nurse, licensed medical massage therapist and business owner. 

The 60th House district represents voters in Glenview, Hamilton, Pleasant Valley and parts of Florence and Union, all in Boone County.

Marianne Proctor

Proctor considers herself a constitutional conservative that advocates for individual property rights and fewer government regulations. She has been involved in a two-year push to overhaul the state’s certificate of need law as a member of the Kentucky House. 

Her education focus is on what Proctor told LINK nky is “a return to core academic skills.” On school choice, Proctor voted in support of a constitutional amendment that, if approved by voters this fall, would give lawmakers authority to fund K-12 education outside the state’s public school system. 

The Boone County lawmaker is also active in her church plus local charities and events in NKY.

LINK asked Proctor to respond to two questions about her plans if she is reelected in November. These are her responses: 

What plans do you have for Northern Kentucky? 

“In my vision for NKY, I aim to tackle workforce shortages by implementing a comprehensive approach that involves a reduction in regulations and the elimination of disincentives hindering individuals from rejoining the workforce. By streamlining bureaucratic processes and creating a more business-friendly environment, we can encourage job creation and empower our residents to actively participate in the labor market. 

“Additionally, I believe in enhancing our education system by placing a strong emphasis on academic proficiency and fostering a return to core academic skills. This not only prepares our students for the demands of a rapidly evolving job market but also ensures a well-rounded education that equips them with the tools necessary for success.

“Furthermore, my commitment to responsible strategic growth in our county involves a careful consideration of the unique needs of our communities and the protection of individual property rights. Balancing development with the preservation of our local character is crucial for sustaining a thriving and harmonious community. 

Lastly, I advocate for the reform of the certificate of need, enabling a more diverse range of health care providers to enter the market. This reform promotes competition, improves access to health care services and empowers individuals to make informed choices about their health care options. Together, these initiatives contribute to a more resilient, prosperous and dynamic NKY.”

How will you make sure NKY’s voice is heard in Frankfort? 

“As a legislator, my guiding principle is that all the legislation I file or co-sponsor is constituent-driven. I firmly believe that the voices and needs of the people I represent must be at the forefront of every decision made in the legislative process. When it comes to voting on various issues, I rely heavily on input from my constituents as well as local elected officials. Their perspectives and concerns shape my understanding of the broader implications of the policies under consideration, ensuring that my actions in office truly reflect the interests of those I serve. By prioritizing constituent feedback and collaborating with local leaders, I strive to enact laws and policies that best serve the needs and aspirations of my community. This is how I am the voice for the people’s values in Frankfort.”

Christopher Pavese

Pavese moved to NKY after studying engineering at Gonzaga University in Washington State to be near his future wife, Erica. He attended school on the GI Bill after serving in the Navy. He retired recently after a 33-year career in the electric utility industry. 

Pavese continues to work as a licensed professional engineer in private practice. He also is a licensed pilot and volunteer. He’s active in his local parish at St. Timothy Catholic Church and is a board member for St. Timothy Catholic School. 

Pavese did not respond to multiple requests for answers to LINK nky’s two-question survey. The following statements were pulled from his campaign website: 

“I am committed to nurturing a thriving environment where every resident can succeed. This means fostering better educational and economic opportunities and ensuring a high quality of life for our district. Our local businesses are the backbone of our district. I’ll support policies that promote growth and sustainability, ensuring our entrepreneurs have the resources they need to flourish. 

“Kentucky faces challenges that require tough, well-considered decisions. You can trust me to make choices that are in the best interests of our local communities, with an eye towards a brighter future. Collaboration is key to our success. I will work tirelessly to foster partnerships across the state, securing necessary infrastructure funding and building lasting relationships for the benefit of our district.”