Patsy Whitehead
General-election interview · recorded Tue, Sep 29, 2026
📹 Raw livestream →2026 Hardin County Race
Patsy Whitehead
On the November 3, 2026 ballot for Magistrate, District 3. See the full race page.
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Hardin Local interview
In brief
AI-generated summary based on the interview transcript, approved by the candidate
Whitehead is running for re-election as District 3 magistrate and loves making positive changes in the community. Whitehead described retiring from a co-op after 31 years and being the communications manager there. Whitehead said the first goal is bringing the voice back to community members at monthly committee meetings by reversing a Fiscal Court decision. Whitehead is not in favor of cutting vital services such as emergency services and 9-1-1, or of telling county employees "we can't afford to give you a raise this year".
In their words
No interview quotes have been added yet.
From the candidate
Bio · Submitted by the campaign, unedited
Patsy Whitehead currently serves as Hardin County District 3 Magistrate and is seeking re-election November 3rd. She is a graduate of North Hardin High School and Western Kentucky University. She is a Hardin County Schools and ECTC Distinguished Alumni Recipient. Patsy retired from Nolin RECC as Communications Manager after serving 30 + years at the co-op. She has served the Hardin County Community in several volunteer leadership roles including CASA of the Heartland Board member, Hosparus of Central Kentucky Board member and respite care provider, Mission Hope for Kids, United Way Marketing Team and The American Private Enterprise System Board Chair. Patsy currently serves on the Lincoln Trail District Health Department Board and she chairs the Hardin County Government Resources and Community Support Committee. Patsy was married to the late Bobby Whitehead and together they share five children and 14 grandchildren.
Priority 1 · Submitted by the campaign, unedited
Enhance and improve Hardin County emergency services.
Priority 2 · Submitted by the campaign, unedited
Develop and strengthen fire services throughout the unincorporated areas of Hardin County.
Priority 3 · Submitted by the campaign, unedited
Work with fiscal court members and the Road Department to improve road conditions throughout the County.
Written answer from the candidate
Q: The Hardin County Road Department maintains 568 miles of county roads under Director Dwight Morgan. In 2024 they paved 33 miles and did 4 miles of chip seal, and they're moving toward a published pavement and bridge management plan. How should a magistrate engage with the Road Department — both for countywide planning and for specific road concerns from residents in your district?
A: I am in regular communications with our road supervisor, Michael Steck. We have a great working relationship, and I regularly contact him to gain knowledge about updates on road repairs. As soon as a constituent reaches out to me about road concerns, I am in contact with our Road Supervisor to see what can be done to repair the road or to make the road safer. In addition, Mr. Steck attends the monthly public works committee meetings and reports on various projects they are working on. This is an excellent opportunity for me to talk with him and to follow up on road issues in district 3.
Written answer submitted by the candidate (email, Oct. 2, 2026) to an interview question not reached on air, unedited
Written answer from the candidate
Q: Every magistrate is elected by one district but votes on policy for the whole county. How do you balance fighting for the specific needs of your district — whether that's a road, a drainage issue, a zoning request — with your responsibility to what's best for all of Hardin County?
A: Most of the 7 precincts in district 3 are located in the unincorporated areas of the county so the needs of my constituents are going to be different than the needs of some of the other districts whose primary residents live within city limits.
It is my responsibility to make sure district 3 constituents have a strong voice at the table. One of my biggest challenges is working to ensure the roads in district 3 are in good repair. I approach this issue with an open mind – respectfully discussing the need and ultimately, depending on the road supervisor to perform his job as the expert in knowing when and how a road repair can be made.
Generally, the issues we face on fiscal court affect the unincorporated areas and ultimately affect the county as a whole. So, what’s good for one district is typically good for the entire county.
Written answer submitted by the candidate (email, Oct. 2, 2026) to an interview question not reached on air, unedited
Public record
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How this page was made
- Ballot facts. Name, party, office and ballot position come from the Hardin County Clerk’s candidate list for the November 3, 2026 general election.
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