Kentucky House of Representatives District 87 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 87 who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.

• Click here to see candidates and election results.
• Click here to see Candidate Connection survey responses.

Candidates and election results

General election

General election for Kentucky House of Representatives District 87

Incumbent Adam Bowling defeated Gary Smith in the general election for Kentucky House of Representatives District 87 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Adam Bowling (R)	83.7	10,057
		Gary Smith (D)	16.3	1,953

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 12,010
= 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?

Gary Smith (D)

I am a person who rose up from poverty in the coalfields of Kentucky and West Virginia. I will support coal miners since my dad was one prior to his becoming disabled in a car versus train wreck.

I will support teachers, children and other school personnel. I am 100% opposed to charter schools.

I worked with children with handicaps my entire professional career. They will have my support when you elect me to the legislature. Also, I will be a voice for those senior citizens and others who are receiving care in our nursing homes.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Gary Smith (D)

I am passionate about supporting children and the elderly. I will be a consistent voice for people in those categories while supporting all needs for our district. I will be an advocate for our Boone Trace Wildlife Center and other ways to promote Bell and Harlan Counties. A vote for me is a vote for YOU!

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

Gary Smith (D)

I am too old to idolize anyone. Two big influences on my professional and personal life are two Bell County educators with whom I was privileged to work. Al Brock was my principal for 8 years at the former Arjay Elementary School. He, by word and deed, taught me how to be a better person and better educator. I learned more practical knowledge from him than I learned in my education classes.

Second was I. M. Slushee, Jr. He was my school superintendent during most of my principalship. He gave me support during some challenging situations.

I appreciate both of these men!!

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

Gary Smith (D)

Honesty integrity and humility are the characteristics for this office.

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

Gary Smith (D)

I remember vividly the assassination of President Kennedy in 1963. I was 12 and I remember what a sad time that was.

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

Gary Smith (D)

I worked as a busboy in a local restaurant in Middlesboro,KY as my first job.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Gary Smith (D)

The three volume of Theodore Roosevelt was a favorite series of books I really enjoyed. He was such a fascinating man.

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

Gary Smith (D)

The ideal relationship is one of respect and

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

Gary Smith (D)

Tax

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

Gary Smith (D)

Sure! We are supposedly all working for the same things those being making Kentucky better.

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

Gary Smith (D)

Education

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

Gary Smith (D)

I am my own man.

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

Gary Smith (D)

I am not interested in other offices.

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

Gary Smith (D)

This should be the responsibility of the executive branch.

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

Gary Smith (D)

YES! Compromise is essential for good governance.

See also

More about these elections:

• Kentucky House of Representatives elections, 2022

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