23 Candidates Force First-Ever Glasgow Council Primary; Full Candidate Listing

The City of Glasgow has a record-setting candidate filing with 23 candidates by the January 9 deadline.

Barren County Clerk Helena Chase Birdwell said on Friday evening that despite attempts to find information on any former primary races for Glasgow City Council Members, none could be found.

“We cannot find in the history of Barren County elections that we’ve had a Glasgow Council primary,” Birdwell said, adding that she researched records and even called the former clerk Joanne London who also said she doesn’t recall a primary race ever having been held for Glasgow City Council.

There are nine seats on the council, and through a previously passed ordinance, the City of Glasgow waives a primary race unless there are double-plus-one candidates that have filed. The council race needed 19 candidates to trigger the primary and ended up with 23 by closing date today.

One candidate withdrew from the Glasgow Council race, Curtis Ray Thomas.

Thomas spoke with the Barren County Progress and explained his reasoning for opting out.

“We ended up selling our house and didn’t find anything in town at the moment that was going to fit our needs,” Thomas said. “We found a house in the county and it wasn’t going to be fair or ethical to stay on the ballot and take a spot from someone. It’s the right thing and the right reasons to step away.”

The primary race for Glasgow City Council will reduce the candidate amount from 23 to 18 for November’s General Election.

The May primary will be a larger race than normal, not only for the Glasgow council, but other races as well. Locals in Glasgow-Barren County have filed to run for several offices, with the majority being Republican candidates.

Due to the Secretary of State website having server problems throughout the state, Birdwell said only one candidate has not been officially loaded onto the state website, which is Michael Rich – another Glasgow City Council filing.

“I’m excited for the candidates,” Birdwell said. “It’s a great time here in Barren County to see so many individuals willing to step up and serve their community. This primary election in May is going to be vital for the voters to get out and vote.”

Birdwell, who has also filed as the sole candidate for the county clerk seat in Barren County, said she wishes all the candidates good luck.

On January 15 at 2 p.m., candidates who will be on the primary ballot will be drawing for ballot position in the Barren County Fiscal Courtroom.

Candidates interested in filing for office in Cave City or Park City, as well as local school boards and the soil and conservation district supervisors race have until June 2^nd to file since they have previously voted to waive primary races.

The Barren County Progress will continue to provide election coverage, including important upcoming dates.