(NOTE: The NKyTribune is offering free space to candidates in contested races – 500-750 words sent to nkytribune.com by Nov. 1. None will be published after Nov. 4)
My name is Rachel Roberts. I’m running for State Senate in the 24th district, and I’m fighting for our future. I’m going to work my heart out to earn your vote, win this election.
I’m no politician, I’m a small business owner, a mentor, and a community leader. I’ve been all over this district listening to people say they want better jobs, fair taxation policies, solutions to the epidemic of addiction, and a strong education system.
I am running for office because our region needs a stronger and smarter economy, our health care system is failing everyday Americans, and insider politicians in Frankfort are bent on breaking our children’s schools. Like so many people I’ve spoken with throughout Northern Kentucky, I’m exhausted by career politicians from legacy families who say they’re going to fix things and then do nothing. The corruption must end.
I come from a long line of proud Kentuckians. I was raised by parents who taught me the core values of hard work, responsibility, and honesty. My great-grandpa was a fireman. My grandfather was a naval specialist and NASA engineer. My mother graduated from Chase Law School and spent her early career working to strengthen labor relations. My father graduated from the Kentucky Military Institute and is a county addiction/mental health specialist. Now, in a time of great need for our region and state, I am following in their footsteps to do what’s right and serve everyday folks like you.
I have spent my life building a strong home, successful businesses and a community that reflects the guiding values with which my family raised me. I’ve spoken with thousands of concerned citizens, and I hear you when you say we need to find new and innovative ways to drive revenue so we can actually fix our crumbling infrastructure. We need to get creative and community-focused if we’re going to dig in and deliver on solving the opioid epidemic. And we have to stop attacking public schools and teachers. Instead, we’re going to work smarter and harder to set our children on a better, stronger path forward.
I will fight to protect retirements for seniors, and respect and honor the service of our public school teachers. Kentucky’s teachers receive zero Social Security benefits and I will work to find a new revenue stream to honor our promise to them.
One of Kentucky’s top economic drivers is agriculture and farming. In talking with farmers, I hear their frustration that government is getting in the way. I will be a strong voice for family farms, many of whom are small business owners like myself.
What I witnessed during the last session of the Kentucky General Assembly, was alarming. We no longer saw democracy in action; we saw a majority party, with control of the House, the Senate and the Governor’s office run roughshod over process and the people of our Commonwealth. Within their total power grab, the elected members of our General Assembly stopped listening to teachers, first responders, working people, senior citizens, and retirees and instead listened only to the big money interests which have permeated our governing process.
Part of the rushed, secret, legislation known as the “sewer bill” is now before the Kentucky Supreme Court, in a challenge to the constitutionality of the manner in which the legislation was passed by the majority. As citizens, we expect our legislators to abide by the constitution and allow for an open process with respect to our laws and the budget.
My goal is to bring resources back to our region for infrastructure improvements and schools and develop real solutions for the people who live here. I am accessible and open to the citizens of this district. You can reach me directly at info@RachelForKentucky.com or by calling me at 859-878-2588.