To see the complete special section, click here: Meet the Candidates

 

Wyler Dykeman, 41

Party: Democrat

Education: George Rogers Clark graduate 1996; Western Kentucky University graduate 2000 with B.S. marketing; Certified Kentucky Assessor designation 2012; Senior Kentucky Assessor designation 2014

Professional background: Lowes Home Improvement, sales, service, assistant, department manager. G-Tech Corporation (KY Lottery) territory manager and only Kentucky representative chosen to help setup\recruit retailers for the Tennessee Lottery. Deputy property valuation administrator

Occupation: Deputy property valuation administrator for Clark County

Political experience: This my first official political campaign, other than studentcCouncil president and senior advisory in high school.

Civic involvement: I am a Winchester-Clark County Chamber of Commerce member.

I have served as marketing coordinator for Leeds Center for the Arts.

I’ve been involved with Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics, Warren County youth mentoring program, CCSEPP (Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program) public awareness campaigns, Winchester-Clark County Farmers’ Market, Winchester Art Guild, food and clothes drives, coaching youth sports and working with businesses where I can lend a hand with providing entertainment and PR in our community.

 

Michelle Turner, 53

Party: Democrat

Education: 1982 graduate of George Rogers Clark High School

Professional background: Employee of Clark County Clerk’s office for 16 years

Occupation: Clark County Clerk

Political experience: Clark County Clerk for three years

Civic involvement: Clark County Fair Board, Clark County Democratic Women’s Club and Jail N’ Bail for Winchester Kiwanis Club.

 

Q&A

What will be your top priority if elected to office?

WD: To utilize all available resources to make the office operate in the most efficient, budget-conscious manner while planning for future expenditures and issues. Simultaneously, providing an office culture that represents Clark County’s strengths as a community throughout the state and making the genealogy area welcoming and useful.

MT: To keep doing what we have been doing and that is taking care of our customers. Doing more updates in the office. I just recently applied for a grant in the deed room and was awarded to do more indenting and scanning.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

WD: I have worked directly with every department of the clerk’s office for the past 12 years. I understand the importance of the clerk’s role within the county government. I am looking to give our county a more widespread perspective on past and future issues of our community. 

MT: I love people and I love my job. I still like to wait on people, that is why I am here. I am proud to say that I started the Saturday hours three years ago, along with credit cards, and that been a big help.

What professional/political accomplishments are you most proud of in your life?

WD: While at the PVA, I have helped our small county become a leader in the state. I know what professionalism, organization, planning, technological initiatives and drive can accomplish. Your PVA office is a benchmark among the state. This is my vision for the county clerk’s office.

MT: I started out at the courthouse in 1996 as a janitor, and went to work in the county clerk’s office in 2002. I started out at the bottom and worked my way up. I am proud of myself. You never want to give up on your dreams.

What is the biggest challenge our community faces? How would you address it?

WD: Widespread community involvement beginning with voter turnout and addressing proactive voter registration drives. I would support and encourage local business growth by making our public offices leaders among the state, so we can help attract companies, workers and families to Clark County. Also, push public outreach for civic and volunteer opportunities.

MT: While there are a lot of challenges in our community, these do not affect my line of work in the county clerk’s office.

Other comments?

WD: As a clerk, you represent yourself, your office, your county and your state. It is also a life of service to the people who have entrusted you to do your duty. This May I ask you to vote for me so I can serve you even better. Thank you!

MT: I would like to thank the citizens of Clark County for your support these last three years and I ask you again for your vote May 22.