Beech Tree News Network

Having learned of Representative Melinda Gibbons Prunty’s decision to not seek re-election, I would like to take the opportunity to commend her on a job well done. She has represented the citizens of the 15th district with poise, dignity, and strength. She always takes the high road, is true to her convictions and stood her ground on any issues brought before her. Rep. Prunty exhibits grace and leadership at every opportunity and in every situation. We have been blessed and fortunate to have her in our corner these past three terms.

With that being said, I would like to announce my candidacy for the 15th District of the Kentucky House of Representatives. It would be my honor to represent and serve the citizens of the 15th district. I will stand firm and strong on the issues that matter to our families, our communities, and our commonwealth. I will travel to Frankfort the first week of January to officially file my papers.

Kentucky born and bred; Reared in Powderly during my most formative years.  I have spent my entire life as a citizen of the commonwealth of Kentucky. My wife, Kim Welborn Dukes (formerly of Madisonville, KY) and I currently reside in Greenville, KY. We are the parents of three sons – Jordan, Christian and Dallas. Jordan and his wife, Erika Crider Dukes, live in Louisville, KY with their daughter, Claire. Christian and his wife, Elizabeth Vazquez Dukes, live in Greenville, KY and have four children - Zoe, Naomi, Maribela and Tirion. Dallas and his wife, Keely Newman Dukes, live in Greenville, KY. My parents are Joyce Dukes of Powderly, KY, and the late Wayne Dukes of Powderly, KY.

I’m a graduate of Muhlenberg Central HS. Most of my professional career has been spent in the healthcare industry. I began working at the former Regional Medical Center (Baptist Health Madisonville) in the IT Department as a Data Entry Clerk and in the Emergency Department as a Registration Clerk while obtaining my B.S. degree in Healthcare Administration from Western Kentucky University. I also hold an Executive MBA from Sullivan University of Louisville Kentucky. I worked my way up through the organization to Chief Operating Officer/Sr. Vice President. For the past nine plus years I have been an Owner/Partner of medical clinics around western Kentucky with three top notch partners. We have built a business from the ground up. We have created many jobs/positions in our community and our region.

In addition to thirty plus years of management and leadership in healthcare I have served for many years as a leader and/or board member for various community organizations — Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce, Habitat for Humanity, Red Cross, United Way of the Coalfield, Leadership Hopkins County, Youth Athletic Association, Kentucky Board of Emergency Services, and Muhlenberg County Opportunity Center are just a few of the ones I have had the privilege of working with over the years. I don’t share this information to be boastful, I share it to express that I believe in and practice servant leadership. My goal, if I am fortunate enough to become the next Representative for the 15th District, is to continue to lead with the heart of a servant to serve the people of the 15th district by giving them my very best every day with a desire to be better than the day before.

I humbly ask for your support and your vote to serve as your next State Representative.

Warm regards,

Timothy R. Dukes, Candidate for State Representative 15th District