Meet the Family Court Judge candidates for Clay, Jackson, and Leslie counties
CCN Staff Report
Republican, Democrat, or Independent: You can VOTE in this non-partisan race!
Clay, Jackson, & Leslie counties (KY) - The election of a Family Court Judge for the 41st Judicial Circuit, Division II which includes Clay, Jackson, and Leslie counties is now heating up. Let's meet the candidates in this very competitive contest starting in less than 24 hours.
Currently, the office is held by Clint Harris who was
appointed Family Court Judge by Governor Matt Bevin. Harris has served as Assistant Clay
County Attorney since 1986, but the two competitors also have significant
experience in the legal profession and within the courts practicing defense law and
as a prosecutor within the three county service area.
Candidate Profiles:
Clint Harris was a prosecutor as Assistant Clay County Attorney and was primarily responsible for prosecuting juvenile cases against alleged law violators--children,
parents, and others in Clay Family Court. He has also prosecuted cases in Clay
District Court.
Former U.S. Navy Officer, Veteran Kenneth Stepp has established a career practicing law and has served primarily as a
defense attorney, public defender and as an Assistant Public Advocate representing
indigent defendants in criminal cases in Harlan and Bell District Courts. Mr. Stepp considers his never being a prosecutor of individuals as an important contrast among the candidates.
Monica Rice-Smith who has been a prosecutor as Assistant Leslie County Attorney and
was the prosecutor in juvenile cases against alleged law violators--children, parents,
and others in Leslie County.
Pictured L to R: Clint Harris, Kenneth Stepp & Monica Rice-Smith
ClayCoNews made an effort to ask each of the 3 candidates a two part question on video but was only successful in getting Attorney Kenneth Stepp to answer the following question:
Why are you seeking the office of
Family Court Judge in Clay, Jackson & Leslie counties
and what sets you apart from the other
two candidates that will allow you be a
better servant to the families of these three counties?
ClayCoNews readers and voters in Clay, Jackson, and Leslie counties are urged to participate in the democratic process and to cast their vote on May 17, 2016. The Office of Family Court Judge is an incredibly important position and directly impacts children and families.
