A familiar face will return to the Clinton County Fiscal Court later this year, with the only question being “when” that will be.
Clinton County Clerk Nathan Collins informed the Clinton County News that the Democrat Party had opted not to nominate a candidate to run in the November General election to fill the unexpired term of former Republican Magistrate Gary Tallent, who announced his resignation in March.
The deadline for both major political parties to nominate a person to run for the position passed as of last Tuesday, June 6.
Republican Party Precinct Officers nominated former 3rd District Magistrate Terry Buster in May, and his name will be the only name on the November ballot as a candidate in that race.
By law, when a county official leaves office prior to their term expiring, it is up to the governor to fill the vacancy by appointment. However, as of now, Governor Andy Beshear has not announced anyone to fill the vacancy until the general election.
The county clerk noted the governor did not have a deadline on when he could fill the vacancy, and further, could leave the seat vacant until after the election.
Republican Party Chairman Willard Johnson said a few weeks ago that the local GOP had sent a letter to the governor requesting Buster be appointed to the seat after he was nominated back in May.
Collins noted that the governor had the option of making an appointment to fill the seat, and it could be Buster or anyone else, until November, or simply leave the seat vacant until after the next election.
The county clerk said that since this is a special election to fill a vacancy, there would be no write-in candidates. However, Buster will be able to take office immediately following the November election rather than having to wait until the first of next year as in regular elections.