Hello Bourbon County residents, my name is Nelson Blythe and I am running for County Commissioner District 1 as a Republican. I am a lifelong resident of the area and am dedicated to this community. When considering who to vote for August 2, this is what you should know about me.

1. First and foremost I’m a devout Christian. What I mean by that is I believe the Bible is the holy, inspired, infallible word of God. I believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God and he is King of the universe, and that reality has political ramifications. I would dare to say most people in Bourbon County would identify as Christian, and I think it’s important for people in government to act like they are.

2. I’m very conservative in my politics. I believe the role of government is to promote the general welfare of the people, not by constant regulating and steering economy, but by removing barriers and allowing people the freedom to work and conduct business, which will in turn, help economic development. I understand that what this county needs is more industry so the tax burden is spread over more tax payers, rather than a smaller group bearing the brunt of it. I am a firm supporter of property rights and would work carefully to protect them against certain policies that may threaten them, such as zoning.

3. I worked for the county for approximately four and a half years. I maintained good working relationships with most of the people who work in the court house, especially in the County Attorney’s Office. I believe that my professional relationship with the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office will help smooth the sometimes rocky relationship with the commission.   The areas of county government that I am less familiar with, I have made efforts to learn. For example, meeting with public works personnel and taking  a tour of public works.

4. I take my job, whatever it may be, extremely seriously. As a Sheriff’s Deputy in Bourbon County, I was relentless in pursuing methamphetamine related crimes and other criminal activity, while at the same time, honoring the fourth amendment of the U.S. Constitution. I did my best to treat all people with respect and to keep in mind the principle of innocent until proven guilty. That being said, I am not wishy washy, I do not cater to whining and complaining from people I have caught engaged in criminal activity. One of my main duties as a Sheriff’s Deputy is to detect and deter criminal activity, and to prepare solid cases for prosecution. If you are good at a job like that, there will be some people who do not like it and will try to slander you. I never apologize for being good at my job.  I have taken that same mindset and work ethic to Linn County where I currently work as a Deputy. By the grace of God, if I were to be elected, I would take that work ethic to the Bourbon County Commission.

I would appreciate your vote August 2.