Continuing quality county services and making sure county government is fiscally responsible are among the concerns of two candidates for Third District magistrate in Warren County.

Three candidates have filed to run for Third District magistrate. Democrat Harold Brantley filed last week to join incumbent Magistrate Tony Payne, also a Democrat, and Republican Michael A. Wilson in the race.

Brantley previously served as Third District magistrate from 1980 through 1988, he said.

“I feel like my ability to serve my community is there and I enjoy doing that,” he said. “I’m not selfish with my resources or my time.”

Brantley is a former president of the Bowling Green Area Chamber of  Commerce and has served as national president of the Western Kentucky University Alumni Association, he said. He is the owner of Brantley Appraisal Co.

Brantley said he’s confident he can be an asset on the fiscal court, bringing experience in managing resources.

He wants to make sure the resources that Warren County has are being used wisely.

Brantley said he did not favor a bond issue Fiscal Court approved in 2013 for additions, including an emergency communications radio system.

“I’m interested in seeing us fiscally responsible to the taxpayers,” he said.

The biggest need for people living in the Third District is opportunity for good employment, Brantley said.

Warren County is a strong community, but job growth and creation of new revenue are necessary for all communities right now, he said.

Magistrate Tony Payne is serving his fourth term on Fiscal Court.

“I’ve really enjoyed it, and I’ve really enjoyed meeting the people and taking care of the needs of the people in the third district,” he said.

Warren County is doing well in a number of ways, including having great parks, excellent service from the Warren County Sheriff’s Office and volunteer fire departments and a high bond rating, he said.

The Fiscal Court also has been able to make improvements during his time as a magistrate, including a realignment of Smallhouse Road completed through a partnership with the City of Bowling Green, Payne said.

Payne said he has worked closely with neighborhood groups to help beautify entrances to neighborhoods. 

There’s nothing more important to the people of his district than the places they live, he said.

“Their property is the most important thing to them, and I’ve always wanted to help them protect that,” Payne said.

In the future, Fiscal Court needs to focus on growing its economy, being fiscally responsible with tax dollars and maintaining services, he said.

“I just want to continue the services that people have been accustomed to,” Payne said.

County government should also continue to work to see expanded broadband service offered throughout the county, he said. 

Such service can be helpful to people in rural areas who want to operate a business at home, Payne said.

“That’s going to be a big asset,” he said.

— Wilson was previously featured in a Daily News story.

— Follow government beat writer Katie Brandenburg on Twitter at twitter.com/BGDNgovtbeat or visit bgdailynews.com.