Candidate Survey - Jeff Ketcham

Profile. Tell us about yourself, who you are, what your background is and why you are running for office.

My name is Jeff Ketcham, and I’ve lived and worked in Knox County my entire life. I’ve had the chance to serve our community in a few different roles, including store clerk at Jack’s Stop N’ Shop, Volunteer Firefighter, Teacher, Transportation Director, and Magistrate for District 4. I’m running for Judge Executive because I care deeply about this county and the people in it. I believe my mix of hands-on work, public service, and local experience has given me the grit and perspective to put Knox County first and focus on what really matters for the people who live here.

Economic Development. Knox County’s poverty rate remains well above the state average. Beyond general statements about attracting business, what specific industries or economic sectors do you believe are realistic targets for Knox County, and what concrete steps would you take to recruit them?

Knox County needs steady, realistic growth. I’d focus on supporting our existing businesses and work closely to track expansion plans, workforce gaps, and supply chain needs. I will work with KCEOC, Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College, Mayor Thompson and Tourism to attract business, train people and secure jobs for these businesses. I will partner with the state to market Knox County to companies looking for places to expand. I will suggest to the fiscal court that we hire an industrial job recruiter to support new industry in Knox County.

Workforce & Jobs. Many Knox County residents leave the area for work. What would you do to create conditions that keep working-age residents employed locally, and how would you address the skills gap between available workers and available jobs?

People leave when jobs and skills don’t match. I’d focus on healthcare, skilled trades, and small manufacturing jobs that fit our workforce. To close the skills gap, I’d work with the local high schools, KCEOC and the Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College to create short-term training and apprenticeships tied directly to real jobs. I’d also stay in regular contact with local employers so training matches what they actually need. The goal is simple — help people get skills that lead to good jobs right here at home.

Roads & Infrastructure. Poor road conditions are a persistent complaint among Knox County residents. How would you prioritize which infrastructure projects get addressed first, and what funding mechanisms — local, state, or federal — would you pursue?

I’d prioritize roads based on safety, traffic, school bus routes, and emergency access. The worst and most heavily used roads should come first. Funding would come from a mix of local road funds, state County Road Aid, Rural Secondary programs, and federal grants for bigger projects like bridges. I will reinstate the road crew rotation and work with magistrates to see that each district is equally taken care of. I also bring a strong understanding of transportation needs from years of seeing challenges firsthand through my work in school transportation. The goal is safer, more reliable roads across the country.

Fiscal Management. What is your position on the county’s current budget priorities? Are there areas of spending you would redirect, reduce, or increase — and how would you make those decisions while keeping taxes manageable for residents?

I believe the budget should focus on core services like roads, public safety, and basic county operations. I’d go through spending line by line to find waste and redirect money where it helps residents most. I want to avoid unnecessary spending while still taking care of what the county needs. I’d also work hard to bring in state and federal dollars so we don’t rely only on local taxes. The goal is to keep taxes stable while still improving services.

Accountability & Transparency. What steps would you take to ensure that public funds are spent efficiently and that residents have clear visibility into how decisions are made in your office?

I’ve always tried to treat people fairly. I will bring that same mindset to managing public money. I’d make sure spending is reviewed regularly and decisions are clear and easy to understand. I will suggest to the fiscal court that we trade locally to strengthen our local economy. I will rotate court meeting times so that residents can attend and see where their tax dollars are going through simple public updates and open reporting. I’d also welcome feedback from the community so people feel included in decisions. When things are done fairly and out in the open, it builds trust.

Measuring Success. At the end of your term, how should voters judge whether you succeeded? Name two or three specific, measurable outcomes you are committing to achieve.

At the end of my term, I think people should judge me on real, simple results they can see in their daily lives. First, more local jobs and businesses here, especially in trades, and small manufacturing, so fewer people have to leave for work. Second, better roads that are safer and more reliable than when I started. Third, keeping the budget steady without raising taxes while still taking care of the county’s needs. I also want to see more local training through partnerships with KCEOC and SKCTC so people can get skills for jobs here at home.