Republican State Representative Kenny Imes of Murray said Wednesday he will not seek re-election to the 5th District seat and instead run for Calloway County Judge Executive.
Imes said in a release he has "Always believed in term limits,” and that it is now time to come home and serve his fellow citizens in a new way.
Imes will have served three consecutive terms in 2018. He also held the seat in the 1970s.
He said his experience in working with transportation, economic development, agriculture and small business would be “put to good use” as Calloway County Judge Executive.
He said if he were elected, he would want to put Murray State University, the county and the city all on the same page.
“I just want to get everybody- Murray State, City of Murray and the county- all working towards one common goal. That goal being economic development opportunity and the educational ability so people can do that.” Imes said.
When asked about Judge Elkins lengthy feud with the Calloway County LibraryImes said he "deeply respects the library board and Judge Elkins," and admires the efforts of Elkins to have transparency between the library board and taxpayers. He said he would like to get the county and the library board "pulling the same wagon in the same direction."
Imes said in his last upcoming legislative session he will advocate for public school teachers and staff in K-12 schools and Murray State University. He adds he would also serve with conservative values and principles.
Current Judge Executive Larry Elkins announced last month he would not run for a sixth term. Kentucky’s 5th District includes Calloway and part of Trigg County.
This story has been updated.
