FORUM: Constables discuss job duties for office

Published 8:03 am Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Candidates for the Clark County constable discussed the duties of the office at Tuesday night’s Clark County Candidate Forum.

Jerry Tackett and David Puckett are running for the District 4 constable seat as Republicans. No Democrats filed as candidates for the position.

Tackett, the incumbent, said he is running for constable because he wants to provide the best service he can for the court system.

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David Puckett said he is running for constable for the same reasons as Tackett: he wants to serve the people..

Tackett took office after the former constable, Glenn Witt, was convicted of selling oxycodone pills. Tackett said he has been serving as the constable for almost 19 months.

In Kentucky, constables have full police powers but are not required to have training. Tackett said as a constable, he mainly serves court documents and serves the court system in any way he can.

Tackett said he doesn’t want to be a police officer. He said he believes both the Winchester Police Department and the Clark County Sheriff’s Office are effective.

Puckett also agreed WPD and the sheriff’s department are proficient, and he intends to serve the court and serve the people of Clark County.

Puckett said while the responsibilities of being a constable are broad, he doesn’t have any intention of using all of the powers granted by the Constitution, and there is training available to be a better constable.

Tackett said he worked as an electronic technician at IBM and the University of Kentucky for about 45 years but is now retired.

“I hope to be able to, with your permission and votes, provide support of the court system,” Tackett said in closing.

Puckett said he is capable of performing the duties of constable.

“I’m very capable,” Puckett said “And I can’t tell you whether I’m better or worse… But I will serve the court in the best way I can.”

About Lashana Harney

Lashana Harney is a reporter for The Winchester Sun. Her beats include schools and education, business and commerce, Winchester Municipal Utilities and other news. To contact her, email lashana.harney@winchestersun.com or call 859-759-0015.

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