Kentucky House of Representatives District 73 candidate surveys, 2022

Elections in Kentucky, 2022

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This article shows responses from candidates in the 2022 election for Kentucky House of Representatives District 73 who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.

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• Click here to see Candidate Connection survey responses.

Candidates and election results

General election

General election for Kentucky House of Representatives District 73

Incumbent Ryan Dotson defeated Thomas Adams III in the general election for Kentucky House of Representatives District 73 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Ryan Dotson (R)	56.6	8,704
		Thomas Adams III (D)	43.4	6,678

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 15,382
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

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Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Thomas Adams III (D)

I'm a longtime teacher and a lifelong learner, and I can't help but see everything through that lens. Electing me means electing a thoughtful, compassionate person to the state legislature.

I'm inherently curious. I'm the type of person who will dig into an issue and its underlying parts in order to understand it and seek improvements. I have a set of skills that I want to use for the betterment of all of my fellow Kentuckians. I'm precisely the person you want in office because I actually want to do the work. I want Kentucky to be better for all of us. I want this job. I want to serve. I think it should be enough to support me for these reasons, but I'll offer you one more. The current incumbent, Ryan Dotson, is not serving Kentuckians who share my values. In fact, he's actively working against us. He has supported and authored legislation that actively disenfranchises and actively harms Kentuckians. Let's stop him.

The pandemic laid bare many of the flaws of our social safety system. It also revealed a little of what we might accomplish if we look beyond what is possible or achievable during normal times. I intend to bring along my imagination and my willingness to think beyond the typical to the State House in Frankfort. The overwhelmed status quo of an unemployment system, the underfunded options for the homeless, food insecurity in our communities? They won't stand a chance with me and others like me in office. Support my campaign today.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Thomas Adams III (D)

I'm running for my LGBTQIA+ friends and family.

-- for racial and reproductive justice. -- for disability rights. -- to end homelessness and to make housing more affordable. -- because we can no longer afford to elect people who don't factor climate change into their policy decisions. -- to expand voting rights. -- to help Kentucky farmers grow more hemp and to push for its widespread approval as animal feed. -- to form and foster relationships among and across the many cultures of the commonwealth. -- to seek justice through the lens of my multi-ethnic and globally-minded heritage. -- for a greater focus on health and wellness and active living. -- to inspire and enable more Kentuckians to safely experience the outdoors and the natural, rugged, wild beauty of our state. -- to improve our transportation infrastructure and to improve the walkability of our neighborhoods. -- to battle food insecurity. -- to improve childcare and early education for Kentucky families. -- to reimagine the way we police our communities. -- because women’s rights are human rights. -- because I value science. -- to support greater access to health and social services and to allocate more funds for mental health care. -- because black lives matter, and because it shouldn’t be controversial to say so. -- for Kentuckians from the #hoodtotheholler. -- because I care about my fellow Kentuckians.

Lasty, I'm running to beat Ryan Dotson.

I believe I'm a better choice. Vote for me.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Thomas Adams III (D)

I look up to my friends who had the courage to keep pushing to find their calling -- even after trying a few things.

I look up to John May, Chief of Wolfe County Search and Rescue. He is the most incredible leader, and I'm lucky to know him. I look up to my students -- who will never cease to amaze me. I look up to every teacher who lives the life of care.

I look up to my mom and dad for not giving up. I look up to them each for different reasons. I look up to Ryan Donohue for being far mor impactful than he'll ever realize. I look up to Kristen Routh, Adam Johanson, Brady Miller, Diya Wahi, and David Chang -- always David Chang. I look up to Joseph Lopez. I look up to Ron Smith. I look up to Troy Cooper. I look up to my cousin Scott Wink. I look up to Elizabeth Warren.

And of course I look up to my partner, Christina.

To name only a few people fails to capture the inspiration brought to my life by so many people -- and I don't mean this generally. I can think of countless specific moments where I see people actively engaging in good and healthy relationships with their children, their parents, their neighbors, and even with strangers -- I'm inspired by the way people int his world demonstrate how much they care about other people. And I want to provide that type of inspiration to others.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Thomas Adams III (D)

The West Wing

The Good Place It's a Wonderful Life The Democratic Paradox Bowling Alone Talking to Strangers (both the one by Danielle Allen and the one by Malcolm Gladwell) Groundwork of the metaphysics of morals Justice as Fairness The Craftsman The Trial Regulating Aversion

And some recent reads too: Atlas of the Heart Meme Life The Comfort Crisis Endure Where the Deer and the Antelope Play Range

Greenlights

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Thomas Adams III (D)

Care

A commitment to all people, not just some people A commitment to protecting those of us who need more protection Openness to a variety of perspectives The ability to think and the ability to match thinking with words and action

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Thomas Adams III (D)

I care.

That is the beginning and the end of it. I don't think a candidate needs much more than that, but as it turns out I have a long list of other skills that I think will help me in office.

I'm a longtime student and practitioner of rhetoric and communication. I've been teaching communication courses for 17 years. I've studied democracy, and I'm profoundly interested in everything related to deliberating across differences. I'm an extrovert. I'm willing to admit fault. I'm a firm believer in fallibility. I desire meaningful connections with others, and I'll work to achieve those. If I am uncomfortable or see someone else is uncomfortable I won't stand idly by -- I won't sit in silence in the presence of injustice. I am not shy I have energy for days I'm enthusiastic and passionate I won't give up -- ever I'm an endurance athlete I'm socially oriented I'm also a good bowler

I know what it's like to commit to a thing, and to o it every day without exception. Ask me about my run streak!

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Thomas Adams III (D)

To build a Kentucky for every Kentuckian

To craft policy that enables Kentuckians to live happy and healthy lives free from discrimination and unfair treatment. To act in the interest others.

I return again to -- I am my brother's keeper. I am my sister's keeper. These are my responsibilities.

To commit to working with anyone willing to try -- and even to work to get others to the point of being willing to try.

To on occasion and with some regularity swallow one's pride.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Thomas Adams III (D)

One of peace, harmony, and active collaboration

I want to leave a legacy of health and happiness that reaches into the lives of every one of my fellow Kentuckians.

I want to leave a legacy of care -- one where government has come to be seen as a place where people come together and where nobody gets left behind.

I want to leave a legacy of policy and governance that results in my community members acting in the best interest of their neighbors -- regardless of race, regardless of political affiliation --

And I'd love to leave a legacy of action -- both political action and literal physical action -- physical activity. I want to see more folks get outside and enjoy the beauty of Kentucky.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Thomas Adams III (D)

In 1992 I acted out the Presidential Debates with sock puppets and quotes pulled from magazines and newspapers. I created a whole Presidential debate for my academically talented class.

I think I would want to say the Challenger explosion, but that happened a little too early in my life for those memories to have happened in real time.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Thomas Adams III (D)

I was quite an enterprising child -- I was self-employed for most of my youth

I sold candy and ice cream to the kids in my neighborhood I had my own house-sitting operation I set up and repaired computers

The first time I worked for somebody else was when I became a certified lifeguard. I'm carrying that tradition forward now with my service on my search and rescue team.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Thomas Adams III (D)

The Myth of Sisyphus

and

Breakfast at Tiffany's

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Thomas Adams III (D)

The more I think about it the more I'd want to have aspects of fictional character stories added into my life.

Superman or Rob Lowe's Chris Traeger immediately come to mind

I still dream of Disney's Aladdin and his Flying Carpet, and the Marvel and Star Wars universes have made what were only childhood dreams now something much closer to reality.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Thomas Adams III (D)

Living my best life by Ben Rector

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Thomas Adams III (D)

Not giving up hope. That's the first one that came to mind.

Aside from that I struggle with cleaning up the stove and with letting things go.

Long ago I made the commitment to myself that I will never lose my sense of wonder. It's not always easy to keep that promise.

I struggle with wanting people to like me. I struggle with the shame of not doing more for those I might have been able to help sooner.

I struggle with the worry of disappointing the people who have helped me and praised me throughout my life.

--- these things are of course in addition to struggling with poverty and the struggles that come with living a life on the lower end of the socio economic ladder.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Thomas Adams III (D)

a healthy happy one characterized by mutual respect and admiration

--

where both entities work to empower the other and together work to empower the people of Kentucky

--

probably a relationship where the checks and balances moved more quickly and where the process wasn't hamstrung by petty grievance

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Thomas Adams III (D)

That's a great question.

I think that depends on how we handle the next few years.

We have enough challenges already, and the incumbent and his allies are working to create more and greater problems for our people.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of a unicameral state legislature, in your opinion?

Thomas Adams III (D)

Perhaps there would be greater access/accountability/transparency in such a system But perhaps my desired office/position wouldn't exist

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Thomas Adams III (D)

navigating the system is so very daunting -- experience is actually quite valuable.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Thomas Adams III (D)

yes

that is the very foundation of democracy

What process do you favor for redistricting?

Thomas Adams III (D)

a fair and open and transparent approach that doesn't privilege one group over another -- certainly one that doesn't unfairly privilege one party of the other

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Thomas Adams III (D)

yes Education, Health and Family Services, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation, Transportation, Economic and Workforce, Affordable Housing Caucus, Central Kentucky caucus

If you are a current legislator, what appealed to you about your current committees?

Thomas Adams III (D)

I am not. The current legislature does not work for his constituents, and this is evident from his committee choices.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Thomas Adams III (D)

Definitely not the incumbent in my district. I will use him as an example to model myself against.

As far as Kentucky goes-- Charles Booker inspired me to run. Karen Berg has been inspiring me as the lone voice of reason and accountability on many recent issues.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Thomas Adams III (D)

I'm only focusing on this right now. Kentucky is my priority, not my potential future political ambitions. I believe I will serve the public good for the rest of my life, and I also believe in establishing term limits.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Thomas Adams III (D)

Too many to list here in text form, but they are stories of health and job and food and housing insecurity. They are stories of individuals spending months on the phone and internet attempting to file for unemployment.

They are stories of teachers not only struggling to teach their students valuable lessons but also struggling to make ends meet while they are simultaneously under constant attack. They are stories of small business struggling to get up and running in the midst of a pandemic or even of my local brewery just trying to brew and distribute beer amidst a confusing mess of local and state regulations.

I have so many stories from so many students struggling to survive in this brave new world. I am running to fight for a future for them and for you. A future for all of us. A Kentucky for every Kentuckian.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Thomas Adams III (D)

It's best told in person, but one of my all time favorite political jokes is the one Ronald Reagan told about the democratic platform.

I should probably share that I used to do research in the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley Here's a section I copied from the transcript. "That reminds me of a story -- when you're my age, everything reminds you of a story. [Laughter] You know, in those previous times, there was a Tarheel who was running for office as a Republican. And he was out in the rural area, and he saw a farm there and decided to step in and do a little campaigning. And he announced who he was to the farmer, who said, "Well, wait right here till I get Ma. She's never seen a Republican before." [Laughter] But while he was gone getting Ma, the candidate looked around for something. He thought he'd give them a little speech and looked for something in the nature of a platform. And all he could find was a pile of that stuff Bess Truman took 35 years getting Harry to call fertilizer. [Laughter] And there he was, ready to speak, and when they came back, he gave them a little Republican pitch. When he was finished, the farmer said, "That's the first Republican speech I ever heard." And the candidate said, "That's the first time I ever made a speech from a Democratic platform." Here's a link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMyjgFj9gwM

If it's a recent favorite, it will likely be a meme.

It won't let me paste a meme here.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Thomas Adams III (D)

Ah --

I have studied executive power, and I have an appreciation for many of its nuances.

Moments of of crisis and exception require agility and contingency and the adaptation of policy for efficient and just leadership. But these exceptional cases often create the opening for more exceptional cases in the future. We need a better working relationship between the Governor and the Legislature in order to improve checks and balances, but we also must acknowledge that in some cases the executive can and should act, at least in the short term, to muster the resources of the state to serve the people of Kentucky.

This is one matter that we must address as we work to build a more fully realized democratic government.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Thomas Adams III (D)

Yes.

Compromise is a necessary condition of politics and democracy. Compromise requires a negotiated loss on behalf of all parties. It's not going to be comfortable, but it is necessary.

My preferred conflict style is collaboration. I have the urge to win, but I don't want to be alone when I do so. We are all in this together. I'm a natural problem solver, and I will work with anyone to improve the lives of my fellow Kentuckians.

See also

More about these elections:

• Kentucky House of Representatives elections, 2022

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