Getting Involved Tn the Workings of The County

By Kelly Rodamer

Sweet Owen Contributor

Nestled in the heart of Owen County, between the lakes, rolling hills, and winding country roads, is an old-fashioned town square that serves as the hub for our local government, where meetings are held, decisions are made, and the people of the county gather. In the five years I’ve resided in Owen County, I’ve come to understand the pace of the county, the nuances that bring about charm, and that the love for people runs deep. Generally speaking, a sense of faith, family, and community is what drives most of the folks I’ve encountered.

When the United States of America was founded as a democratic republic, the core values our forefathers set before the residing legislative bodies and the people mirrored the values people desire today. Government was set to be for the people and by the people – at the federal, state, and local levels. At the time of publication and distribution, we’re closing in on the November elections, and while it may seem like a smaller-scale election because we’re not in a presidential election year, every vote matters. My aim for this article is to provide a high-level overview of our county government, voting process, and voting locations so that every citizen of Owen County can fully exercise their right to vote in November.

According to the Owen County, Kentucky website, these are the elected positions in our county government: Judge Executive, Magistrate, Circuit Clerk, Constable, Coroner, County Clerk, County Attorney, Jailer, PVA, and Sheriff. There are profiles and information on each detailed on the website, and I encourage you to visit the site as election season approaches to better understand the role of each position. In addition, the school board offices, mayor, council, and judges are elected positions in the county.

"The purpose of the county government is to organize and maintain the county with available funds, managing it through the fiscal court, but beyond that, my goal is to have a relationship with the people of Owen County and to do what's right for them." - Owen County Judge Executive Todd Woodyard (pictured above)

I spoke with Judge Executive Todd Woodyard on the electoral process, the position of Judge Executive, and the role of county government. “The purpose of the county government is to organize and maintain the county with available funds, managing it through the fiscal court,” Woodyard explains. “But beyond that, my goal is to have a relationship with the people of Owen County and to do what’s right for them.”

To know what Owen Countians want relies on communication between elected officials and the people. Woodyard emphasized getting to know your local magistrate and building relationships with them. “The magistrate is the voting voice for each district. Openly communicating with them is the fastest and most effective way to bring an

issue to the table.” Owen County operates with four magistrates representing approximately 11,000 people and 2026 is an election year for all positions.

While not everyone is interested or suited to run for public office, there are ways to get involved in the local government through local political party affiliations. Owen County hosts both Democrat and Republican party organizations. Both organizations offer meetings, fundraisers, and opportunities to get involved at the local and state level election campaigning process.

"Our group is very involved in the community and giving back. We wanted to change the narrative on Democrats. We are neighbors. We are sitting next to you at church, pillars of the community." - Mikayla Roark, Chair of the Owen County Democrats (pictured above)

Mikayla Roark, Chair of the Owen County Democrats, spoke to me on the efforts of their growing group. “Our group is very involved in the community and giving back. We wanted to change the narrative on Democrats. We are your neighbors. We are sitting next to you at church, pillars of the community,” she explains. The Owen County Democrats offer three ways to plug in: The OC Democrats who meet the 3rd Monday of the month at 6:30pm at the library, the Democratic Women’s Club of OC who meet the 4th Monday of the month at 6:30pm at the library, and the Young Dems of OC who meet via Zoom. The goal of the group is to see people get politically involved and connected to their local communities.

"We desire voters to become educated regarding all candidates' platforms and where they stand on issues important to the voter; then we need them to actually come out and vote." - Carol Shelton, Chair of the Owen County Republicans (pictured above)

Likewise, Carol Shelton, chair of the Owen County Republican Party, desires to see the community get involved and vote. “We desire voters to become educated regarding all candidates’ platforms and where they stand on issues important to the voter; then we need them to actually come out and vote,” Shelton stresses. “Getting involved speaks to your values. Ours are to promote faith, freedom, and family.” The Owen County Republicans meet the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 6:30pm at the Old Courthouse on the 2nd floor.

Information for both parties is most readily available on their Facebook Pages, listed below. Both the chairs of the parties emphasized the desire for community involvement, voter turnout, and support for the county.

Regardless of your party affiliation or opinion of politics, local government is the backbone of the day-to-day dealings in the county. It’s the place you turn to advocate for your child, the people who work to keep the county safe, and the platform for which our county gets a voice throughout the commonwealth. Chloe Harmon, a member of the Young Dems of Owen County describes the onus of responsibility for both government and the people. “Public access to funds is the responsibility of the local government. But it’s equally as important for the voters to participate in local elections if they want to see their community taken care of.”

With few exceptions, voting takes place twice a year. In May, the primaries allow you to vote based on your registered party affiliation to secure the ballot for November’s elections. Primary elections are designed to narrow candidates for each party and voters receive a ballot with only their party’s candidates. In November, ballots include all individuals running for the electable office. For a full list of voting dates, requirements, registration information, ballots, and voting locations, see the County Clerk’s website listed below.

It is my hope that this article shed a little light on a few ways to get involved and gives you the resources you need to research, advocate, and stay informed. Below is a list of resources to help you do just that – both in and out of election season. I trust you to do your part in keeping Owen County the beautiful, community-based county that we’ve all come to know and love.