NOVEMBER 9, 2017
MELVIN RETIRING, SIGNS SKEANS REGISTRATION PAPERS; BRETT BUTCHER RUNNING FOR DISTRICT JUDGE
PAINTSVILLE, KY. — Grabbing the chance for a fast start in the 2018 Primary election, assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney, Anthony “Tony” Skeans registered to run for the CA position yesterday in Frankfort, he told The Lazer today.
Current Commonwealth’s Attorney Anna Melvin will not seek re-election to the job she has held for three terms, Skeans said. In fact Melvin was one of the signers on Skeans’ petition filed in Sec. of State Allison Grimes office.
SKEANS RELEASED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT:
“I am grateful and proud to have the opportunity to seek election to the Office of Commonwealth Attorney. I have had the privilege to have served the people of Johnson, Martin and Lawrence County as the Assistant to the Commonwealth Attorney for 19 years. I have consistently sought to be firm, but fair, in seeking justice for those wronged by the criminal acts of others. I now seek the ability to continue my life’s work.
My focus as Commonwealth Attorney will be to seek to protect those that are most vulnerable, our elderly, our children, and those that cannot protect themselves. I will continue to work closely with law enforcement to ensure professional and effective criminal prosecution. I will work diligently to see that the Constitution of our State and our Nation are upheld while respecting our cultural and religious values.
I will continue to work closely with the Recovery Community. We are faced with an addiction epidemic of unprecedented proportions. I will bring all resources available to help those suffering from addiction. I will use my position to encourage addicts to seek sobriety, while holding them responsible for their criminal actions. “
Skeans, 47, is a Republican and is seeking a six year term in the CA’s office subject to the May 2018 Primary election in Johnson, Lawrence and Martin Counties. No other candidates had filed as of Thursday evening.
Also registering to run on the first day candidates could sign up is Brett Butcher, a Paintsville attorney who is running for the Division 2, 24th District judge position currently held by John K. Holbrook. District judge is non-partisan four year term on the bench.
Holbrook has not registered to run so far.
No candidates have registered to run for the Division 1, 24th District Judge position currently held by John Chafin, also a Paintsville attorney.
The last date to file to run in 2018 is January 30.
