Byrd wants to continue success as Barren County Judge Executive
Incumbent seeks re-election in May 19 GOP primary
In her first term as Barren County Judge Executive, Jamie Bewley Byrd has engineered a lot of success.
Byrd has helped bring jobs to Barren County, and she has worked to strengthen infrastructure while positioning the county for continued growth. She has worked to protect private property rights and connecting farmers with new opportunities.
She was part of the team to help secure the county’s largest job announcement here in nearly 20 years when Tate confirmed plans in October to locate its largest North American facility in Glasgow. The $61.2 million project will create 400 new full-time manufacturing jobs once the 764,000-square-foot facility is fully operational.
“This historic announcement reinforces what we have always known – that Barren County is a place where businesses can thrive and people can prosper,” Byrd said of the announcement. “Four hundred new jobs mean more families supported, more dreams realized, and a stronger foundation for our local economy. We are grateful to our partners who helped make this transformational investment a reality.”
And in February, she worked with local, state and federal officials to help secure $20 million in federal funding for the Cave City Area Agriculture Exposition and Conference Center. That investment will strengthen the area’s agricultural economy, create new business and event opportunities and drive long-term growth.
Byrd wants to help continue these successes as she seeks re-election in the May 19 primary. Her opponent is Paula Ratliff Pedigo. Early voting begins May 6.
A fifth-generation Kentuckian, Byrd graduated from Barren County High School in 1999. She graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2004 with a degree in Civil Engineering and has been a licensed professional engineer since 2009.
She worked for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet in the State Highway Engineer’s Office, serving for administrations on both sides of the political aisle. She managed the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Scholarship Program, was the Engineer Career Path Coordinator, was a Kentucky Transportation Research Center Program Coordinator and was a Transportation Research Board Kentucky State Representative.
Byrd says economic growth starts with creating the right environment for businesses to succeed, keeping burdensome government regulation out, maintaining lower taxes and respecting the rights and freedoms of private property owners.
“Barren County grows best when government works as a partner, not an obstacle, to landowners, workers, and businesses,” her campaign website states. “Over the past four years, Jamie has worked hard to bring new businesses to Barren County and help create new job opportunities for the community.
“By supporting workforce training and attracting higher-paying jobs, she has focused on strengthening the local economy and opening doors for families across the county.”
Byrd also believes in safe, supportive schools that allow students to learn, grow and thrive.
“She is committed to ensuring classrooms remain focused on education, not political agendas, and she will never support political indoctrination in Barren County schools,” her website states.
Byrd also has worked to support law enforcement officers, firefighters and first responders by advocating for resources, backing their missions, and standing with them as they serve our community.
“She believes public safety professionals should be supported, not undermined, and she will never support efforts to defund law enforcement, fire services or emergency responders who play a critical role in keeping our community safe,” her
And because Barren County is recognized as one of Kentucky’s leading agricultural counties, Byrd has worked to support farming families.
“Jamie recognizes the strength of Barren County’s agricultural community and believes county government should be a partner in helping farmers succeed,” her site states. “She supports assisting farmers in navigating grant opportunities and programs that allow them to continue their proud legacy while adapting to changing needs.
“Jamie also believes in attracting businesses that strengthen agriculture, companies that support farmers and utilize locally produced crops, livestock and goods. By connecting agriculture with economic development, she is committed to helping ensure farming remains strong, sustainable, and profitable for generations to come.”
On her campaign Facebook page, Byrd also boasts other successes:
· Millions secured for road and bridge improvements
· Nearly $2 million recovered (FEMA) to help rebuild after disasters
· New and expanding businesses locating in Barren County
· Expanded parks, ballfields and recreation for families
· Stronger partnerships with Frankfort and Washington
· Lower the tax rate
“We’ve built productive relationships between city, county, state and federal leaders to solve problems and get results for our community,” Byrd says. “Progress takes cooperation, and that’s the approach I will continue bringing to this office. This is proof that progress happens when leadership stays focused on results and the work that matters for Barren County.
“Serving Barren County for the past three years has been a privilege, and I am committed to driving growth in our county while preserving the community feel that is our greatest asset.”