Proctor issues statement following appointment of three city commissioners in Union

Frankfort, Kentucky (February 5, 2025) – State Representative Marianne Proctor of Union issued the following statement regarding the Union mayor’s appointment of three new city commissioners following months of challenges:

“As a strong advocate for election integrity, I share the concerns of many of my constituents regarding the mayor’s appointment of three new city commissioners. Mistakes at the polling center allowed both residents of incorporated and unincorporated areas to vote for city commission in the 2024 General Election.

“When Boone County Clerk Justin Crigler was notified that poll workers accidentally handed out the wrong ballots, he followed the law (KRS 120.017) and the guidance of the State Board of Elections and let the courts know of the issue. Judge Richard Brueggemann correctly followed statute (KRS 83A.040) and called for the election to be voided. Voiding the election was a measure of last resort, emphasizing the critical importance of meticulous planning and stringent adherence to established procedures to ensure that every valid vote is accurately counted and the voters will be faithfully represented.

“While I respect the court’s decision to follow the legal remedy outlined in statute, which allows appointment rather than a new election, I believe that this may not be the best way to serve the will of the voters. Moving forward, I am committed to working with my colleagues to address this statute that gives the mayor the power to appoint with no oversight.”