In response to an audience question, both candidates indicated they were not in favor of a government merger with the city in the near future.
Another question about increasing salaries at the Clark County Fire Department and Clark County Sheriff's Office's led Stamper to suggest that he would study the matter but was not sure where the money would come from. Smith said the county has already made several changes to live within its financial means such as using attrition and part-timers, and has always tried to give the employees a fair wage.
Stamper concluded noting "I want to be involved and help the people of District 1 and Clark County. ... I would very much like to work and serve the people."
District 3
Democrat Vanessa Oaks Rogers gave the opening statement in the 3rd District, describing her career as a teacher and expressing her concerns for the future of Clark County including jobs and farming.
"I am interested in making Clark County financially sound," she said, noting her goals of strong emergency services and road services. "And I am interested in doing this without raising taxes."
Republican Mike Stokley outlined his career in sales and technical support along with his experience as a farmer. He said he wants to move the county forward with a more open and responsible government that reflect the people it serves.
"I believe I can create an atmosphere and environment that will restore common sense back to county government," he said.
In response to questions, both candidates said that work on the Kiddville interchange will probably not happen in the near future.
After a later question, Rogers said she doesn't think it is time for officials to repeal the insurance premium, but she would like to see it in the future. Stokley said he is an opponent of taxes and would like to see a "sunset" on the insurance tax if the county grows the economy and brings in more payroll taxes.
District 5
Republican Bearl Ashcraft Jr. said he was concerned about Irvine Road, issues surrounding East Kentucky Power Cooperative, cell phone service and fire services in the district.
"As a magistrate I will address those issues that affect you and your family," he told the crowd. "My first concern would be safety issues that affect our district."
Democrat incumbent Pam Blackburn explained that she has received her road master's certification, is a certified grant writer and contributes more than 600 hours on volunteer work each year. She also explained the structure and direction of fiscal court.
In response to questions, Ashcraft said he wanted to see more drug rehabilitation in Clark County, while Blackburn expressed a desire to decrease poverty and help senior citizens afford medication. Neither indicated they were ready to aggressively oppose the EKPC power plant until Irvine Road is upgraded.
"As your magistrate I am in office to work for the citizens of Clark County. They are my employer, in so many words," said Blackburn.
District 6
In the 6th District race, Democrat Bonnie Hummel said she has planned to run for magistrate for many years and has lived in the district for 10 years despite growing up in the 3rd District. But she said she has gotten a great response from voters.
"I've used the theme in my campaign that 'Where there is a will there is a way,' and I really believe that," she said. "I don't have the answers to the county budget, but I'm willing to work hard with the court to find a way."
Republican Linda Rake said her experience coordinating the local character, migrant and special needs programs for students taught her how to make a dollar stretch. She also noted that helping children avoid mistakes of the new generation is one of the focal points of her campaign, later outlining her eight goals.
In response to audience questions, both candidates said they don't want to raise taxes, and both said they would want to consult the public before deciding whether to make public county buildings smoke-free.
