Beech Tree News Network

BACKGROUND:  My name is Cody Donaldson, I am 39 years old and have lived in Butler County’s 2nd District for 12 years. I am married to Megan Donaldson (a lifelong resident of Butler County) for 10 years. I have two beautiful daughters Ivy (19) and Piper (6). I am the Assistant Principal of Butler County Middle School, and have been employed with the Butler County School System of 8 years. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Middle Grade Education from Western Kentucky University, a Master’s Degree in leadership from the University of the Cumberland’s, and will complete my Rank 1 and Doctorate in administration from Western Kentucky University in the fall of 2018.

Question 1: Broadly speaking, what are the primary reasons you are seeking the office you are running? I have been very active in the Butler County Community and enjoy raising my family, living and working here.  I have attended city council and fiscal court meetings to remain informed throughout the years. During this time I have witnessed a stagnant local government, primary due to a lack of direction, limited collaboration, and a lack of advocating for Butler County at the state level. I feel I will be a model of collaboration and can use my experience to help implement a comprehensive plan, develop a vision, mission, and short and long term goals for our district and county. I will advocate the needs of my district in Fiscal Court as well as working together with ALL magistrates to advocate at the state level, the needs of Butler County.

Question 2: What specific qualifications do you possess that would allow you to be effective in the position you are seeking? My combined 20 years of experience in the private and public sector help me to make well informed decisions. In addition, having the soft skills needed to clearly establish an argument for or against an issue, and being able to effectively advocate on behave of my 2nd district constituents.

Question3: Identify the key issues impacting the position for which you are running and describe how you would propose to address them as a public office holder? The key issues impacting the position have been the 911 shortfall as of late.  The Fiscal Court has a responsibility to ensure the safety of its citizens above all, and 911 is the foundation of that.  Another issue that I have mentioned many times, is the lack of direction and vision for the county, and this direction must be defined and developed by all members of the Fiscal Court. 

Questions 4: As a potential or current elected official, what do you see as the proper role and function of local government? I feel that government, at times, is over reaching is primary function of protecting its citizens.  Tax dollars should be used to serve and protect, not for the self-interest of politicians. 

Question5: What is your long-term vision for Butler County? One Magistrate’s vision is pointless without the entire Fiscal Court working together.  However, I would like to see Butler County work to develop a strong working class, and use our geographic location to attract that work force.  We have jobs and there are “Now Hiring” sign all over the county to prove that.  We just need people to fill those jobs!  We will never be able to attract higher paying jobs if it is obvious we can’t fill the ones that are available now.  In addition, I have been working and discussing with state official the need to expand high speed internet access through the 2nd district and the county.  It is very difficult to sell a house or expect to attract the middle-working-class without accessibility to high-speed internet. As I have said on my facebook page, the internet IS the railroad of this century and Butler County cannot keep falling further and further behind.