Former magistrate files as Independent in race for Nelson judge-executive
Bardstown businessman and former magistrate Tim Hutchins, right, filed Monday his intent to run for the office of judge-executive as an Independent candidate. He will face Democratic incumbent Dean Watts, left, and Republican Pete Trzop, center.
By JIM BROOKS
Nelson County Gazette
Monday, March 31, 2014, 11 p.m. — Bardstown businessman and former magistrate Tim Hutchins has filed his papers signifying his intent to run for the office of judge-executive as an Independent candidate.
Because only the two major parties have primary elections in May, as an Independent candidate Hutchins bypasses the primary election cycle and goes straight to the November general election ballot.
Hutchins filed his paperwork late Monday afternoon at the Nelson County Clerk’s office. An interview with Hutchins about his candidacy will be replayed Tuesday morning at 11 a.m. during “Brooks & Company” on WBRT 97.1 FM 1320 AM.
The filing sets up the same three-way race for judge-executive that took place four years ago, with Hutchins and Republican Pete Trzop facing off against longtime Democratic incumbent Dean Watts.
Four years ago, Watts emerged victorious with just more than 41 percent of the vote compared to Hutchins 31.76 percent and Trzop’s 27.24 percent. Watts won 20 of the county’s 27 precincts; Hutchins won six; and Trzop won one precinct.
This year’s November election will mark only the second time that Watts will face a November opponent.
Hutchins, who had served 17 years as a magistrate representing the county’s 4th District, has been out of politics the past four years. That separation gives him an advantage as a candidate for office because it has given him a new perspective on improving county government.
Hutchins said he decided not to run for his former magistrate seat and instead filed to run for judge-executive.
“I know it’ll be a challenge, but I’ve faced big challenges all my life,” Hutchins said. “I know I’m facing an incumbent who has been there 20-some years, and an incumbent who is campaigning on a daily basis, really.”
Hutchins said Trzop, his Republican opponent, doesn’t have a fulltime job and can campaign on a daily basis. “That’s a pretty big obstacle to overcome already,” he said.
When pressed for goals he would pursue if elected judge-executive, Hutchins said he wouldn’t talk specifics until later in the campaign.
Hutchins said people in the county are ready for change in leadership. “I accept that challenge,” he said. His years of running successful businesses and his years of working in county government give him experience neither of his opponents can claim. He cited his record as a magistrate as proof he is willing to cooperate with other governments and agencies to get things done.
Hutchins is president of Handy Mart LLC and operates Handy Food Mart, 3945 New Shepherdsville Road in Bardstown. He is also president of BRH Properties and H&H Enterprises.
The deadline for Independent candidates to file notice of their intent to run is 4 p.m. April 1, 2014.
-30-
