Proven Competent Leadership

It has been my honor to represent the people of Nelson County's 4th district for the past 12 years and I've learned quite a bit during that time. By working hard to learn the ins and outs of County government and applying over 25 years of business experience, I've developed into a leader that my colleagues on Fiscal Court look to for guidance. The next Fiscal Court will look very different. There will be at least 2 new Magistrates and a new County Judge Executive. With at least half of Fiscal Court being first term or in a new position – this is no time for on the job training! When I'm re-elected, I will continue to draw on this experience and continue to work hard to be a Magistrate of which you can be proud.

Honest OPEN Government

I believe that government works better when people are watching! Prior to my election as 4th District Magistrate, I was a regular attendee of both City Council and Nelson Fiscal Court for many years. I was frequently disappointed at how difficult it is for the public to participate. I pushed to change that. Now agendas, meeting minutes (Fiscal Court Orders) and videos of the meetings are available online. Sunshine is a great disinfectant and if I'm re-elected, I'll continue to work to ensure that you have access to your County Government!

Advocate of Property Rights

I believe that a person should be able to do as they wish with their property within the law. That's why I've spent a lot of time learning the laws that effect property owners. There can be no doubt that Nelson County Planning and Zoning is an area of concern for the residents of the 4th district. Each year I attend at least one formal training session on planning and zoning laws and conduct my own independent research. I have read multiple court decisions that address disagreements between Planning and Zoning agencies and landowners. I consult with several attorneys and real estate agents to ensure that the rights of the property owners are respected. I also realize that for much of the 4th district's agriculture community, your land is your retirement or your children's inheritance. That's why I've pushed back against attempts to increase restrictions on agricultural subdivisions and I'll continue to do so when I'm re-elected.

Fiscal Responsibility

When my family and I started Bardstown Internet Service in 1996 the very first thing I did was to create a budget. When I filed to run for 4th district Magistrate, the first thing I did was to review the current year's budget. Notice a pattern here? Understanding the financial situation of the county government is crucial in the decision making process. The annual budget drives everything from tax and garbage rates to salaries and infrastructure improvements. It is by far the best way to control spending, monitor projects and programs, and track the spending of the different departments of county government. You deserve a Magistrate that is willing and able to determine if your tax dollars are being spent wisely. Each year I go through every page of the county budget multiple times. I question spending and verify income estimates. I make sure that the county spends your money properly. Over the past 12 years, my fellow Magistrates have come to trust and respect my financial analysis of county government projects because they know that I take the time to study all the economic aspects. For any project or program that I am asked to vote on, I'll ask these 3 questions:

1. Is this the proper role of county government?
2. How much is it going to cost?
3. How will we pay for it?

If I'm not satisfied with the answers to any of these questions - I have voted against it in the past and will continue to do so in the future. I'll never forget the fact that it is your money that the government spends!

Strong Voice for the 4th District

I was elected to the Board of Directors for the Bardstown and Nelson County Chamber of Commerce in 2002. I served a two year term helping to promote a positive environment for the businesses in Nelson County. At the end of my term, the Chairman of the Board gave me what I still consider to this day, one of my finest compliments. He told the attendees at the annual dinner "When Jeff Lear is on your board - nothing gets rubber stamped!" It's been the same since I've been your magistrate. Despite the fact that there is a strong effort to show consensus by a unanimous vote, I have been the lone dissenting vote several times during my term on fiscal court. I'm not afraid to go it alone when I believe that I am representing the wishes of the people of the 4th district!