Martin County judge won’t seek full term

By Lilly Adkins

BSN Associate Editor

INEZ — Martin County’s newly appointed judge-executive, Victor Slone, said he will not seek a full four-year term next year due to illness.

Slone was appointed by Gov. Andy Beshear on April 6 to fill the unexpired term of former Judge-Executive William Davis, who resigned on March 26. Slone was officially sworn in on May 9.

Davis offered no information regarding his reasons for resigning the post.

Slone issued the following announcement Dec. 8 letting the citizens of Martin County know his intentions.

“To My Fellow Martin Countians:

I wanted to take a moment to inform you of a decision I have made.

“As many of you know, I was diagnosed with cancer several years ago. Until recently, I have done well managing this disease, but over the last few weeks, my health has begun to deteriorate.

“After talking with my family and weighing all the options, I have decided that I will not seek election for the office of Martin County Judge/Executive.

“This is not a decision I have made lightly or rashly, and I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you who has supported me over the years.

“It has always been and continues to be my fervent belief that Martin County’s best days are ahead of us. To that end, I have worked diligently to build a foundation for those who come after me. I have always based my actions on the hope that Martin County will be a place that our children and grandchildren can live and work.

“With your support, I have accomplished a great deal and am proud of the work I have done on your behalf.

“To all who have supported my ideas and vision for our community, I remind you that the work is never finished, and you must continue to push hard for progress and the things we deserve. I urge you to support our elected leaders with compassion and understanding.

“It is the honor of my life to serve as Martin County Judge/Executive, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for this privilege.

I ask for your continued prayers for me, Marlena, Jarrod, Taylor, Cody, Micah, little Hudson, and my dad Archie as I work to finish this term. Thank you!”