Several years ago, I retained Catherine Holderfield to represent me in a family law action. Her concern and professionalism made a very difficult time in my life less trying.

I have personally examined the candidates’ qualifications. Judge Holderfield is the candidate best qualified for the position of Warren County Family Court judge.

The citizens of Warren County deserve elected officials that are qualified, honest and trustworthy.

I am asking you, the voters of Warren County, to examine the qualifications of the candidates and choose the best candidate. That person is Catherine Holderfield.

Sandra Firkins

Bowling Green

Vote for Weaver on Election Day

Readers of the Daily News have missed what the Republican columnist John David Dyche wrote about Ron Lewis’ refusal to debate Col. Mike Weaver, &#8220This is cowardly and unconscionable, especially in a time of war.

When Americans are dying in faraway fields, a congressman simply must face his foe for a discussion of issues.”

It should be added that what Ron Lewis has substituted for meaningful discussion of important issues is a vile personal attack on the distinguished military career of Col. Weaver.

Col. Mike Weaver will engage the difficult issues directly and sensibly, drawing on his wide experience – in the military, and as a successful and respected representative in the state legislature.

J.S. Flynn

Bowling Green

Jim DeCesare has done a good job

I’ve never written a letter supporting a candidate, but I thought this would be an appropriate time to show my support for state Rep. Jim DeCesare.

Over the past couple of years I’ve watched Jim, and he has turned into the kind of representative we can be proud of. He’s worked hard and stuck to his principles. During his two years in office, Jim has the second-best voting record in the General Assembly, having missed only one vote.

The other four members of the General Assembly from Warren County have missed a total of 115 votes combined.

Obviously, Jim takes his position seriously and deserves to be re-elected.

Derrick Young

Bowling Green

I’m a Democrat and voting for DeCesare

This Democrat is for Jim DeCesare.

I’m disgusted with the recent TV and newspaper ads by Malcolm Cherry. I watched the DeCesare/Cherry debates on WKYU and WBKO, and all Cherry did was attack Jim, rarely answering a question or offering any solutions to current problems.

This is the same tactic he’s using in his advertising.

Jim, meanwhile, not only kept his cool during these attacks, he also clearly answered each question and showed that he is a good state representative who deserves to be re-elected.

Give it up, Malcolm – Jim DeCesare is the right man for the job.

Jerry Cantrell

Bowling Green

A vote for Mike Weaver is a vote for veterans

There is no adequate compensation our country can give to men and women injured or disabled in war.

How can we ever repay a person who lost a leg or an eye, or both legs or both eyes, or more, fighting for us. Defending us. Disabled American Veterans is an organization founded in 1920 to advocate for the rights of disabled veterans, as its name indicates. It is nonprofit and nonpartisan. It keeps a scorecard on the way our elected representatives vote on issues affecting disabled veterans. The DAV says that Congressman Ron Lewis has voted in favor of only 47 percent of disabled veterans issues while in office.

More than half of the votes Ron Lewis has cast while in Congress had a negative effect on disabled veterans.

Another group, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, also nonprofit and nonpartisan and representing a younger group of veterans, has recently graded Congress. With this group, Congressman Lewis earned a C+.

According to IAVA, a C+ means he voted against these veterans issues 21 to 23 percent of the time.

Many of these votes were about funding of veterans issues, and the Republicans in Congress have consistently voted against additional money for veterans. I guess they think these guys, sitting for hours in their wheelchairs in the VA hospital hallways waiting to see the doctor, are doing OK.

It breaks my heart, and it ought to break yours, too. I hope on Election Day you will blame Ron Lewis for the way these heroes are being treated.

Mike Weaver does not have a record in Congress these vet groups can grade, but with 30 years in service he will be better than Ron Lewis. A vote for Weaver is a vote for veterans.

David Dickson

Bowling Green

Weaver will make a good congressman

Mike Weaver served his country in Vietnam, spent 30 years in the armed forces before retiring as an Army colonel, and then served in the Kentucky Legislature for the past 10 years. Not until he decided to run for Congress did his integrity come into question.

Then his opponent, a well-funded, entrenched incumbent, concocted allegations that Mike Weaver had some role in an obscure Kentucky National Guard scandal back in 1992.

In the great scandals of our time, this one rates just ahead of our Daily News implying that it’s based in Park City.

It has all the gravitas of former Mayor Sandy Jones’ attempt to smear Elaine Walker as a smarty-pants do-gooder from Hollywood.

It also never happened. Tuesday’s Daily News story cited the FactCheck.Org analysis which essentially concluded that the only scandal was the factually challenged attack ad itself.

But then the story quoted, yet another untruth about Weaver uttered by his opponent that a Weaver/ (Kentucky Democratic Party) commercial was pulled off the air for factual inaccuracies. But any fact-checker can see that it wasn’t Weaver’s commercial at all. It was the KDP’s. That was not a minor misstatement.

What will it be next? That Weaver avoided service in the National Guard by enlisting in the Army and going off to combat? That he left the Navy for the Army because of the money and perks? At this point, nothing should surprise us.

Mike Weaver has a record of distinguished service to his country and this state. And I’m betting that when he runs for re-election, he won’t be afraid to talk about his record, afraid to debate his opponent, or afraid of the truth, even if his advisers tell him it’s inconvenient.

David T. Whitaker

Bowling Green

Scott Thompson is deserving of vote

District 6 voters need to know that their voices have not always been heard by their current magistrate.

A proposed dense development smack-dab in the middle of a serene portion of Alvaton pitted a few wealthy developers (from outside the district) against the overwhelming majority of the homeowners who surrounded the proposed development.

The residents voiced their concerns to their magistrate, Robert Donoho, at a neighborhood meeting. Petitions were signed and views were expressed. The residents were not against development per se, but simply wanted to ensure that the development would responsibly preserve the rural character of the area.

Recorded minutes from that meeting document that Mr. Donoho assured those in attendance that he heard us loud and clear. He agreed to bring his constituents’ concerns to fiscal court by voting against the development. He would also convey those concerns to the other voting magistrates. When the moment of truth arrived, Mr. Donoho (with no explanation) went back on his word. Not only did he not support the position which had been articulated in no uncertain terms by his constituents, he voted against it.

For too long now the people’s views have been largely ignored. We need a magistrate who has the energy and willingness to truly speak for their district’s citizens. It is time for the residents of District 6 to certainly thank Mr. Donoho for his years and years of public service, but the district has grown to the point where we need to take a different approach.

It is time to give someone else a chance to lead. A vote for Scott Thompson for District 6 magistrate will be a vote for our future, not the ways of the past.

Timothy Donley

Bowling Green

Vote for Wilson for county school board

Warren County schools need the experience and determination that Mike Wilson has delivered as a school board member over the past four years.

During his term he and the school board voted to invest over $4 million in technology to help every student. We’ve also seen a new Alvaton Elementary School and major renovations at Rich Pond and Rockfield elementary schools. Plus, a new elementary school in Plano is currently being built. He also supported the upcoming building project for a new middle school and high school in Rich Pond.

As a mother of three children, I know this will greatly benefit my family plus hundreds of other families in Warren County.

In addition, he voted for an energy management policy that has saved the district over $1.8 million on energy expenditures so far. In order to protect our precious children, he voted to implement new school safety procedures.

On top of all of this, he’s voted twice to actually lower the tax rate on real and personal property. However, the most important fact about Mike Wilson is that he has children currently in our school system, unlike his opponent. Mike Wilson’s top priorities are the education, development and protection of our children.

Warren County would be fortunate to have him serve another term on our school board.

Amy Duvall

Bowling Green

Joy Denton is deserving of vote

After a bad decision of asking a well-known, big-time attorney that usually handles murder cases or other high-profile cases to represent me in my custody case, it became obvious that his interest was my money, and I was a small fish.

Going through a divorce and fighting for the custody of your child is enough. You expect your attorney to be the least of your worries. I asked Joy to represent me, she came highly recommended and handled my case with genuine concern.

While preparing for deployment to Iraq she continued to handle my case free of charge. Her interest was the welfare of my daughter. Thanks Joy Denton, you have my vote.

Joseph C. Gray

Bowling Green

Holderfield is the judge we need

Why do we need a new Family Court judge?

We already have a great one in Judge Catherine Rice Holderfield. Catherine certainly has the prerequisite experience. She has handled more than 630 juvenile cases and 425 other family cases in her 16-year experience as a full-time family law attorney.

From the bench as our current Family Court judge, Judge Holderfield has conducted approximately 4,000 hearings for families in just the last 18 months. Clearly Catherine has much more real family law experience than the other candidates, who have predominately handled only divorce cases, employment law for big corporations and/or represented the city of Bowling Green and the Department of Transportation.

Did you know that the term of the Family Court judge is eight years? Being a Family Court judge is a position that requires tremendous vigor and willingness to be on call for our families 24 hours a day. When considering where to place your vote on Nov. 7, not only should legal and life experience be a factor, but age, energy and vitality should play a role as well. Judge Holderfield gives of her time enthusiastically, without complaint.

It is not a position for one who is nearing the end of his/her work career. It is not a position for one who is only interested in holding any elected office he/she can attain.

It is not a position for one who has predominantly been a divorce/corporate attorney for his/her career.

Too much is at stake for the stability of the families and children of Bowling Green/Warren County to make the wrong choice. There is only one candidate in this race with both extensive family court and judicial experience and undoubtedly that person is Judge Catherine Rice Holderfield!

Harold Bradford

Bowling Green

Vote for Brian Nash on Election Day

A vote for Brian &#8220Slim” Nash is a vote for our children. Vote for Nash on Nov. 7.

After much thought and consideration, I have come to terms with the making of a skateboard park. It just makes good sense. Slim Nash has a passion for our young people. He cares and wants to make a better place for our young people. A close friend of mine loved to play roller hockey. He and several more had to play in the later part of the evening in a parking lot after store hours in order to play. They now have a place to play at Griffin Park due to someone seeing a need.

So what does this tell us? If you build it they will go.

Just where in Bowling Green can one go to skateboard? Two were in the middle of College Street not very long ago, and I have also seen some in a bank parking area. They are fined if they skate board in front of certain areas.

I don’t always agree with the local government, but Slim at least is a researcher and tries to look at all situations before he votes yes or no. Do I always agree with him or the rest of the them? Of course not, but it’s all right to agree to disagree and go forward. I’d rather skateboard any day than listen to a symphony (pure torture) and I can’t skateboard.

I’m a caring mother of two and a grandmother.

Let’s make Bowling Green a place where my children, your children and our children’s children will like.

How about ice skating also? Yes! Disney on ice and much more. I love it. I really do.

Shelia Dunn

Bowling Green

Lynda Simpson will be a good constable

The people of Warren County District 6 will soon be electing a new constable.

I would like to encourage the voters to vote for the most qualified and experienced person to be your constable, Lynda Simpson.

I know that she would do a great job and is a person that would serve the people fair and honestly. I ask the good people of District 6 and all my friends to vote Tuesday and elect Lynda Simpson as your constable.

Roger Stice

Alvaton

Satterfield has the experience we need

In the increasing heat of this political season it is so refreshing to see one candidate who is running on his accomplishments and what he stands for.

Dixie Satterfield as far as we can see has not done any backstabbing or criticizing of the other candidates running for Family Court judge. While Catherine Holderfield has been on the bench for nearly a year, it certainly does not make her right for the position.

Joy Denton seems to be running on the fact that she is popular with half of the other attorneys in town and I am sorry, but Osi Onyekwuluje just does not seem to have very much experience.

I have been very dismayed to see that both Holderfield and Denton changed their party affiliation just to secure a possible appointment by the present Republican governor.

Dixie Satterfield has been practicing family law for 37 years and even though he has not been able to please each of his clients, that is just a fact of life. I was so impressed to see Coach Oldham and the former chiefs of police endorse him.

Thank you, Dixie, for running a campaign on your experience and not what the other candidates have done wrong. It is so refreshing. You certainly have my vote.

Bill White

Bowling Green

Vote for Dixie on Election Day

I have known Dixie Satterfield for 35 years.

I have known him to be fair and compassionate with all of his clients and have no doubt that he is qualified for the position of Warren County Family Court judge.

I urge the voters of Warren County to elect Dixie the next Family Court Judge.

Alma Cowles

Bowling Green

Let’s send Malcolm Cherry to Frankfort

As voting citizens we have an obligation to look beyond party affiliation and actually vote for candidates that have our best interest at heart.

I truly believe Malcolm Cherry is one such candidate. Malcolm is a lifelong resident of Warren County. As a small business owner for over 28 years, he has created hundreds of jobs, over 1,500 payrolls and millions in pay and benefits to the working people of Warren County. He knows firsthand how high taxes and overspending impact the middle-class workers and would never tax and spend as his opponent has suggested.

As a combat veteran, he served his country with distinction and has conducted his campaign with the same integrity by refusing to misquote his opponent or misrepresent the facts. Cherry is no different than most of us in that he is extremely concerned about the high price of prescription drugs, the declining economy and jobs, and the importance of education in today’s global economy.

I have nothing personal against Jim DeCesare and am sure he is a reputable person and good citizen. His lack of understanding of the core issues and his voting record, however, reflect that he doesn’t have the experience for the job for which he was elected. In fact, he has voted against legislation that would have eased the tax burden on many of us and would have improved our quality of life. We need someone representing us who has more experience and a better understanding of the needs of Warren County.

Malcolm’s past experience as a small business owner gives him this experience. Malcolm’s campaign slogan since day one has been to return Warren County values to Frankfort, and he will do just that when he is elected.

Teressa Douglas

Bowling Green

Vote for a change with Weaver

Like most Americans, I am concerned about our country’s direction and what the future holds for our children and grandchildren. 

We face major challenges: international terrorism, a deepening civil war in Iraq, a military that is close to the breaking point, an economy that is doing well for Wall Street investors but less so for working families, a failing educational system, a job exodus that is rapidly shrinking our middle class, a growing national debt of over $8.5 trillion that risks bankrupting future generations, and a health care system that is increasingly out of reach for middle- and working-class families.

If not addressed, these and other challenges promise a lower quality of life for our children than we have known.

Yet, instead of taking on the serious work of solving these problems, Congress has done almost nothing. Members of Congress seem incapable of working together like grownups to find solutions and they seem really dedicated only to getting re-elected.  

Part of it is our fault. If we continue sending the same ineffective people to Washington, we cannot complain that nothing ever changes. Congress won’t get better until we start sending better people to serve there.

I’ve known Col. Mike Weaver for many years. I served with him in the Army and later watched him take the lead on tough issues in the Kentucky legislature and help find practical, bipartisan answers. He has proven to be a man of solid values, unquestioned integrity and personal courage, qualities that are badly needed in Congress if we are ever going to deal with the challenges our nation faces.

If we’re happy with the job Congress is doing, we should re-elect the incumbent; however, if we want leadership for a change, we should elect Mike Weaver.

D. Allen Youngman

Alvaton

Dixie Satterfield will make a good judge

With four candidates running for Family Court Judge it is a privilege to select and vote for one of them for one of the most important positions in our judicial system.

All four of the candidates meet the criteria, are capable and willing to serve in this position. My personal choice is Dixie Satterfield.

To me, Dixie brings a maturity to this important job. He brings a credibility based on having 30 years experience of developing his own law practice and is active in it today. It also provided him a trustworthy reputation and a successful career.

Dixie is a family person – he is a father, a grandfather and a husband. He is fair and honest. He respects the law and is well aware of the responsibilities that this judgeship would demand.

Along with being actively involved in his law office, his dedication of public service to our community is commendable. He has been active in our schools, served on boards, contributed to our courts and has voluntarily answered other community challenges.

His active participation has increased throughout his life and career is a part of him. This is the kind of person Dixie has become.

Dixie’s standards and values will transfer right over to build a strong and meaningless foundation for his judgeship in Family Court.

Please think hard. Think of the kind of person you want to give the power of a judge. Think of the importance of them two words – Family Court.

Your choice is your own and important, it will be appreciated by others, but your vote is what will count.

Select the best and Dixie will do the rest.

Sue Bennett

Bowling Green

Vote for Holderfield on Election Day

I am a retired Army master sergeant E-8 veteran.

I have volunteered for the past five years as an American Legion service officer, Post 23 in Bowling Green. I have enjoyed helping other veterans complete paperwork in order to receive disability benefits and sign up to receive medications from the VA hospital. The paperwork necessary to obtain these benefits can be overwhelming and I am grateful to be helpful to other veterans.

I have helped over 200 veterans from all surrounding counties but, I’d like to specifically address the veterans of Warren County regarding another matter.

I have come to know a candidate who is up for election this month. She is Judge Catherine Holderfield, Warren County Family Court judge. I know her to be a good person and I think she is the best qualified to continue being our judge. She is the best candidate because she has served as our Family Court judge for over 18 months and has done a wonderful job. I know her to be an honest and caring person.

I am voting for Judge Holderfield and I would like to ask all other Warren County veterans to vote for her as well. Please exercise your right to vote on Nov. 7.

Jim Ackzien

Bowling Green

We endorse Weaver for 2nd District

We were not at all surprised at your endorsement of Congressman Ron Lewis, who by your own description has performed like a &#8220workhorse,” which could be another way of saying you are supporting mediocrity. A workhorse is one who fails to think for himself but follows the commands of others.

Ron Lewis has followed the lead of Republican leadership in their attempt to lead the country into privatization of Social Security; policies that have prevented any competitive bidding by drug companies while they reap record profits; policies that have rewarded big oil companies with tax breaks and lucrative contracts; and most importantly, has followed their lead as our best and brightest young men and women have been sent to fight a war based on a series of lies and mistakes.

President Bush smirked &#8220bring it on” while our young men and women are being maimed and killed and insists that we must &#8220stay the course,” a course that has destroyed our credibility in a majority of the world. Rep. Lewis has been unfailing in his support of these flawed policies. Under the policies Rep. Lewis has supported, the number of those living in poverty has grown, the middle class is increasingly bearing the brunt of the tax burden and the wealthy are enjoying unprecedented tax breaks. 

You state Rep. Lewis reflects the values of Warren County. We are not sure which part of Warren County you are referring to, but he does not reflect the values that we hold dear. We urge the people of Warren County to support Col. Mike Weaver and replace the rubber-stamp legislative body we have endured for the past six years.

Larry and Shala Wilson

Bowling Green

Satterfield has been beneficial to city

I am writing this on behalf of the Middle School Learning Center, Bellewood Presbyterian Home for Children and the Warren County Day Treatment Facilities.

These programs involve at-risk youth with behavior problems. Dixie Satterfield has volunteered his time on numerous occasions to help these young men and women on their journey to becoming adults and positive citizens of our community.

These youths will look back and reflect on the people who spoke to them during our peer mentoring and career scope programs.

I hope that they will remember the ingredients of integrity, honesty and perseverance throughout their lifetime.

I appreciate Mr. Satterfield taking time out of his busy schedule to encourage these young men and women and to inspire them to reach their goals.

Clay Marshall Smalley Jr.

Bowling Green

– Editor’s note: Smalley is the recreation director for the Warren County Day Treatment and a senior youth counselor at Bellewood Presbyterian Home for Children.

Vote for Wilson for school board

As a parent, grandparent and veteran educator, I applauded Mike Wilson’s election to the Warren County School Board in the previous election, and I urge Warren County voters to return him to that position on Nov. 7.

I taught Mike when he was a student at Warren East High School, and he and I have remained friends ever since. Mike Wilson has shown by his actions and votes as a board member – currently vice chairman – that he believes in the Warren County School System, a system of which he was a product and in which his own children are students.

Or, as Mike said recently, &#8220It’s all about the kids. I just want to do what’s best for the kids.”

I believe Mike is best for the kids. A vote for Mike Wilson is a vote for your children and for the members of this community.

Nancy M. Moore

Bowling Green

Vote for James Spinks on Tuesday

On Nov. 7, the voters of District 4 will have the opportunity to elect new leadership. Since 1998, Tommy Hunt has taken advantage of his duty as a representative of District 4 by waffling on the issues. The time has come for a change. James Allen Spinks is the answer. James supports economic development. Unlike his opponent, Tommy Hunt, who jeopardized hundreds of jobs because he was unsupportive of the Kentucky Transpark, James Spinks wants to make Warren County attractive to industry.

James supports Warren County’s first responders – the sheriff’s department and volunteer fire departments. It is vital that both of these county agencies are adequately equipped and properly trained. Spinks’ strong work ethic and his conservative mindset will be an asset to fiscal court. If elected, James Allen Spinks will work to see that all issues are addressed in a thorough and timely manner.

I have known James Spinks and his family for many years. I am confident that if elected, James will continue to be more than a name in the community. Spinks is not only an American Legion member, he is active in the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #13, a 15-year basketball coach for the Warren East Optimist Club, and member of the chamber of commerce. There are tough issues facing Warren County. District 4 needs a magistrate willing to take a stand, someone who will put his personal interests aside and make decisions that best serve District 4. James Allen Spinks is willing to work with the other members of fiscal court to be a true representative for District 4 – to listen and serve the people of our district. Vote James Allen Spinks for District 4 Magistrate.

John Moore

Oakland

Joy would make a good family judge

I have known Joy Denton for several years and have been impressed with her in every way. She is an honest, hard-working individual who really cares for this community. She has been or is currently involved in several important organizations including Barren River Area Safe Space, the Rape Crisis Center, Kids on the Block and the Dream Factory. She is also very involved in her church and her daughter’s school. She is constantly giving of her time and resources for the betterment of our community.

Recently, the Bowling Green-Warren County Bar Association responded to the Family Court Judicial Candidate Survey and the results were released in early October. I was curious to know how the lawyers who work closely with these candidates every day and who know how they conduct themselves would rank them. Joy Denton was ranked the most favorably in almost every instance, including what I consider to be the two most important issues: ethical standards and intellectual capacity.

The Family Court judge is a very important position and Joy has what it takes to be an outstanding judge. Let’s not waste this opportunity to get the very best person on the bench – that person is Joy Denton!

Sandy Hardin

Bowling Green

Prayers needed for the Whitson family

I hope that many prayers are being said for Officer David Whitson’s family as well as for the other officers that were involved in this incident. I also hope that the media and public give these families the privacy and support they need to deal with this situation the best way they can.

Chris Leonard

Bowling Green

Dot Owens is who we need for court clerk

I have known Dot Owens and her late husband, Lamar Owens, for many years.

Dot is a dedicated public servant and her door is always open. Since she has been in office there have been visible improvements, not only aesthetically but in the level of service and professionalism of her staff as well.

The Warren County Clerk’s Office registers all vehicles in the county, and is responsible for maintaining all deeds and mortgages as well as issuing all marriage licenses. Dot Owens has served the citizens of Warren County in this important position in a very professional manner and will continue to do so.

I have had the privilege of being a precinct officer for the past 15 elections and during Dot’s term in office all election officers’ training has greatly improved. She has made available via the local cable Channel 3 information on all precincts and location as well as a how-to video on the operation of the new voting machines.

For professionalism, my vote goes to Dot Owens for Warren County clerk, and I hope yours will too.

Sidney Douglas

Bowling Green