HAZARD, Ky. (WYMT) – Monday evening about 50 people gathered at the Hazard Forum to have an open discussion with candidates the Kentucky Education Association endorsed for in the upcoming elections.
“Last year’s events have shown how much teachers and classified employees have a voice in this state,” said Regina Brown, a KEA board member. “Education people, education families and education friends vote for public education.”
As the Nov. 6 election approaches, the KEA invited multiple candidates from the area they considered “education friendly” to discuss their plans for the Commonwealth if elected. One of those in attendance was Tom Pope, the Democratic candidate running against the incumbent, Representative Chris Fugate, for the 84th District.
“My platform is really on the pensions and making education safe again in Kentucky,” said Pope. “I think we’re expecting, I hope a landslide with educators in the legislature, we’ll see, I would like to be a part of that.”
A former educator from Harlan, Pope said what has happened in Frankfort over the last couple of years drove his run.
Rep. Chris Fugate was not at the KEA candidate forum, the association did not endorse him. He told WYMT in a statement:
“I want to be re-elected to see that pro-life legislation continues to be fought for, that our economy be diversified and jobs are brought in to our district, that the pension continues to be fully funded as it was this year, that education continues to get the funding needed as it was this year. That water projects, gas projects and infrastructure needs in our district are met. I want to continue to fight for our district, not just sit in a seat in Frankfort.”
