Beech Tree News Network

“I haven’t done anything by myself but together we’ve done a lot,” said Butler County Judge-Executive David Fields, as he looks back over a dozen years in elective office.

Referring to one of his campaign themes from his first election in 2006, Fields spoke consistently about being only as good as “the people who work with and for you.” The judge is grateful that he has been surrounded by quality individuals throughout his tenure in office.  

Following a successful business career spanning three decades - Fields’ Body Shop and Wrecker Service - Fields tossed his hat into a contested Republican primary for county judge-executive in 2006.  A newcomer to elective politics, Fields proved to be good at getting votes.  He won his party’s nomination over an established candidate and then defeated an incumbent county judge in November of that year.  

“Economically things were tough in Butler County then as the county was in some ways still reeling from the job losses from Sumitomo’s departure a few years earlier, as well as internal budget difficulties.  It was kind of like we had been run over by a freight train,” said Fields.  

Fields felt like his business experience would be an asset to the county, which he described as the driving force behind his candidacy.  

“I wanted to draw on my many years of experience in the private sector in successfully running a business and apply those same principles to the management of government,” said Fields. 

Once elected, did he ever anticipate serving three terms in office?

“Definitely not, never planned on staying that long…really anticipated a couple of terms,” stated Fields. 

Nevertheless, Fields chose to seek a third term primarily because of what he considered to be “unfinished business.” 

That issue, according to Fields, was the Rochester Dam Repair project.

“The Green River and what it means to this community in terms of our water supply cannot be overstated.  Specifically, the actual dam at Rochester was in desperate need of repair and we helped establish the Rochester Dam Water Commission to pursue that goal,” said Fields.  “Through the securing of grants and the efforts of many individuals, that work is moving forward and that project will soon be will underway.”

Reflecting over his time in office, Judge Fields has several accomplishments for which he is proud.

“Probably my best and my worst (depends on who you ask) was the work we did in the creation of a special taxing district for the Butler County Ambulance Service,” said Fields. 

At the time, adequate funding for the ambulance was taking its toll on the county’s budget.  Judge Fields and magistrates explored multiple options for ways to address the issue, including privatization, before settling on creating of a new taxing district dedicated entirely to the funding of the ambulance service.  

Making sure the funding could only be used for the ambulance service (and 911 at the time), according to Fields, was essential.

“I would not have supported this type of tax increase if the money was simply going into the General Fund…it had to be attached to the ambulance service, which was a vital service to our community.”  

The move was controversial and it ultimately contributed to three magistrates losing their seats on Fiscal Court.

Despite the potential political ramifications for him, Judge Fields advocated for this plan and helped push it across the finish line.  

“It was clearly best thing for the county, its citizens, and for the long-term funding of the ambulance service,” said Fields, who said that there are still people who will not talk to him because of it.

“It was tough call for sure but one that had to be made.  I’m convinced it saved lives,” added Fields, who doubts that a local ambulance could have been sustained by the county without a separate taxing district.  

Judge Fields said he was also proud of what his administration has been able to do with the maintenance of county roads and overall improvements with roads.  He cites the McKendree Chapel Road project (straightening and widening) as one example.

Other significant issues Judge Fields and magistrates were involved in were the reorganization of the Butler County Animal Shelter, securing of the recycling centers, formally separating 911 from the ambulance service taxing district, the establishment of mandatory fire dues, the ongoing renovation project of the old mall, and the newly-formed Industrial Development Authority (supported by TVA funds in lieu of taxes), just to name a few.  

The old mall project was given to the county by the Linden Day family.  It had an estimated value of approximately $385,000 and currently has 13 individual units, though some will be combined.  

“We’ve been looking at this development mainly to provide county-based services to our citizens, rather than retail due to the limited parking available,” said Fields. 

According to Judge Fields, the long-awaited senior citizen center may find its future home there.  The original project was scrapped after grant money revenue proved to be insufficient to build a stand-alone center.  

The judge is also optimistic about the potential work of the upcoming Industrial Development Authority.

“This, I believe, could really be an asset to our community in terms of economic development and bringing jobs to Butler County,” said Fields.  “It may prompt industries to take a closer look at our county.” 

A humble person by nature, Judge Fields is quick to credit all the people that he’s worked with over the years.  

“From BRADD and KaCo officials to many magistrates, citizens, other county officials and business leaders, we’ve all worked together over the years to move Butler County forward,” said Fields. 

Specifically, the judge is grateful for his fellow Fiscal Court members and County Attorney Richard “Dick” Deye.  

“Mr. Deye has been a great county attorney to work with and he’s helped me time and time again in many ways over the years,” said Fields, who stated that Butler County has been well served by “a lot of good magistrates during his time if office.”

Judge Fields has sometimes been criticized for his free-wheeling style of conducting meetings and his desire to provide a forum for a generous portion of free speech even when some of it hasn’t been kind to him.  

“Democracy can be messy at times but I’ve always wanted to maintain an environment where people can come and express their opinions,” said Fields.  “There have been occasions where I probably should have hit the gavel a little quicker but I was always of the opinion to err on the side of more freedom of speech rather than less.” 

As he prepares to leave office, Judge Fields said he has opened the door to his successor - Tim Flener - as he prepares to take over officially on January 7, 2019.  The swearing-in ceremony is set for January 2, 2019.

“I’ve spent time with Tim, attended meetings, introduced him to different people that he’ll be dealing with to help during this transition time,” said Fields.  “Tim will do a fine job for Butler County.”  

What is retirement going to look like for David Fields?  

“I’m not exactly sure,” said Fields.  “I’ve never been without a job in my entire adult life so this is going to be a change for me.” 

One thing Judge Fields will take into his retirement are his memories of 12 years as county judge-executive.

“About all a fellow has are his memories,” said Fields.  “I’ve been fortunate to have met a lot of fine people over the years and I’ve had many wonderful experiences.  Butler County people have been great to me and I hope that I’ve been able to give a little back to them through my time as judge-executive.”