Julia Jaddock and Matt Nunn are putting their business acumen front and center in their Republican primary race for Kentucky’s 17th Senate district.
Both candidates live in Scott County. They hope to succeed Sen. Damon Thayer (R-Georgetown) a five-term incumbent who is retiring this year, citing his desire to pursue other interests.
Next month’s primary winner will run against Georgetown Democrat Kiana Fields in the Nov. 5 general election.
Kentucky’s 17th Senate District extends through Grant, Scott and parts of Kenton and Fayette counties, running from Taylor Mill to Georgetown.
Julia Jaddock
Jaddock has 25 years’ experience in business ownership and consulting. Her campaign website says she’s “committed to helping small businesses and families keep more of their paychecks, ending government mandates that encroach on our freedoms and stopping policies that are driving up the costs of groceries, gas and everyday goods.”
The mother of four is currently the children’s director at Central Church in Georgetown and an active local volunteer who “considers the needs of Kentucky businesses, small and large alike,” the website says. She lives in Georgetown.
Doing away with what her website calls “burdensome government regulations” – including certificates of need – is on her to-do list if she wins this month and in November.
“Government is standing in the way of economic freedom,” the website says. “Kentucky is limiting itself by requiring certificates of need for medical services in the commonwealth while states such as Indiana, Ohio and Tennessee are open for business. Kentuckians (and their health care dollars) are heading across the river to obtain services that could easily be provided within the commonwealth. We must provide Kentuckians with choice in their health care, lower health care costs through competition and increase access to quality care.”
LINK nky asked Jaddock to respond to two questions about her plans if she is elected to the 17th District Senate seat in November. These are her responses:
What plans do you have for Northern Kentucky?
“Repeal certificate of need to ensure quality health care. Competition breeds excellence!”
“Support more educational opportunities for our K-12 students.”
How will you make sure NKY’s voice is heard in Frankfort?
“I will be effective in building relationships in the state Senate and the House so that we can move important NKY issues to the forefront.”
Matt Nunn
Nunn is vice president of enterprise risk management at Toyota Tsusho America, Toyota Group’s sole general trading company. His work with the company has involved forming new departments plus leading departments to improve operations. He lives in Sadieville with his wife and two children.
Nunn and his wife own and operate Slainte Public House in Georgetown. The pub is a local gathering spot that has sponsored several charitable events including Kaden’s Cause, Scott County Youth Baseball, the Gathering Place MIssion and the Amen House.
“Running a local business has made [me] more understanding of the challenges facing our small business owners and entrepreneurs,” Nunn told LINK nky. The candidate also credits his service on the Georgetown-Scott County Chamber of Commerce and Scott County United with broadening his knowledge of the local economy.
A military career with the Kentucky Army National Guard, coaching youth sports, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity and working with his church are also on Nunn’s resume.
LINK nky asked Nunn to respond to two questions about his plans if he is elected to the 17th District Senate seat in November. These are his responses:
What plans do you have for Northern Kentucky?
“I will work to meet OUR needs. That means (1) business-friendly policies that bring better jobs to our region, (2) eliminating the Kentucky income tax to stimulate economic growth and keep more money in your pocket so you control your earnings, and (3) limit government influence on your day-to-day life. It’ll take better collaboration in Frankfort to tackle our local issues. I’m eager to develop relationships to address these persistent challenges head on.”
How will you make sure NKY’s voice is heard in Frankfort?
“I will need to engage our residents in their communities. Just like I’ve been active in the Georgetown community, I’ll actively listen to concerns within Senate District 17. I’ve proven my knack for forming relationships with local groups. I’d be honored to build consensus with state groups and support solutions that truly address our burdens.”