By Bill Robinson
Realtor Wesley Graves and attorney John Lackey are running to fill the vacancy in the Madison County School Board’s first district.
Candidates in three other districts are unopposed.
The first district includes 11 precincts in or near Richmond: Breck, College, Deacon Hills, Greenway, Killarney, North Richmond-Arlington, North Richmond-Keeneland, North Richmond-Saratoga, Rosedale, West Richmond and Watertower.
Both candidates are Richmond natives.
Graves, who left Madison County after graduating from Eastern Kentucky University in 1985, moved back about six years ago.
“Since I’ve been back in Richmond, I’ve wanted to get more involved in the community,” Graves said about his desire to run.
He said he has learned about local education issues from his brother-in-law, Glyn Green, who is unopposed in the third district.
Lackey has practiced law since graduating from the University of Louisville law school in 1967. He also runs a farming operation and has served in the state legislature.
Lackey said he decided to seek the office after hearing friends express concerns about how the school system cares for special-needs students.
He also expressed concern about the financial management of school booster organizations.
Pat Banks, who represented the first district, resigned in December citing health reasons and a possible residential move.
Ron Eden, appointed by the state commissioner of education to fill the vacancy until the election, did not file to run.
In addition to Green, school board members Betsy Bohannon, Becky Coyle and Doug Whitlock are unopposed for re-election.
Two incumbents on the Berea Independent School board, Deena B. Jones and Van Gravitt, also are unopposed.
Bill Robinson can be reached at brobinson@richmondregister.com or at 623-1669, Ext. 267.
