What We Learned (and Didn’t) at the Town Hall
Recap: Farmers & Small Business Owners Town Hall in Meade County
On January 28 at 1:00 PM, I hosted a Farmers & Small Business Owners Town Hall at the Meade County Public Library—a campaign promise I made to always advocate for the people who keep our local economy running. I invited State Representative Nancy Tate, who serves on the Agriculture and Small Business Committees, to speak directly with constituents about the issues they face.
We had about 32 people in attendance, including Judge Executive Troy Kok, Brandenburg Mayor David Pace, and Meade County Magistrate Billy Sipes. Rep. Tate also invited James Victery, a field representative from Congressman Brett Guthrie’s office. These are the kinds of discussions that should happen regularly—not just during campaign season. To my knowledge, Rep. Tate has never held a town hall while serving in office, and I believe elected officials should be accessible to the people they serve.
Why I Hosted This Town Hall
When I ran for office, I promised that, win or lose, I would continue advocating for farmers and small business owners. That’s why I organized this town hall.
I reached out to Rep. Tate on January 20 to coordinate the meeting, ensuring there was enough time for her to act on what she heard. With the legislative session resuming on February 4 and the House bill filing deadline on February 19, this conversation needed to happen quickly.
Setting the Tone for a Productive Discussion
I opened the meeting by reminding everyone that this was an opportunity to speak directly to their state representative about issues affecting farms and small businesses in Meade County. I also made it clear that this was not the time to address issues related to the Judge Executive or Mayor, as those concerns should be brought up at Fiscal Court or City Council meetings.
This was not a political event—it was about action and ensuring our government is working for the people, regardless of party. The group was made up of Democrats and Republicans, and I emphasized that the focus was on solutions, not partisanship.
Key Takeaways from the Discussion
1. Rep. Tate’s Priorities & Legislative Work
I kicked off the discussion by asking Rep. Tate what she believes are the biggest challenges facing farmers and small business owners in Kentucky—and what she is doing to help. Her answer: inflation.
She pointed to income tax cuts as a way to put more money in people’s pockets and noted lower fuel prices at the federal level but did not outline any state-level efforts to support farmers or small businesses.
When asked about what bills she is sponsoring this session, she could only name one—a bill she is the sole sponsor of. She said she couldn’t remember the others, even though there are only six. For those interested, I previously wrote about the bills she is sponsoring this session, which you can read here.
When asked what her Agriculture and Small Business Committees were working on, Rep. Tate admitted they were not currently working on any bills.
However, I knew that wasn’t entirely accurate. House Bill 400 (HB 400) and Senate Bill 189 (SB 189)—which would allow Murray State University to offer Kentucky’s first Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree—have been a continuing discussion since last year and throughout the legislative interim.
These bills aim to:
Address Kentucky’s veterinarian shortage
Increase the number of veterinarians who treat large animals
Lower tuition costs for Kentuckians pursuing veterinary medicine
The bills have faced pushback from some lawmakers and veterinarians, who question their feasibility and whether they justify the cost to taxpayers. Still, given that Rep. Tate is a sponsor of HB 400, she should have been fully aware of this legislation and prepared to discuss it.
With the session resuming on February 4, we will see what bills get assigned to the committee for hearings—but this was an issue she should have known and been able to speak on.
2. Deferring to Local Leaders Instead of Offering State-Level Solutions
A significant portion of the town hall was taken up by discussions about the uncertain grain elevator project and local road conditions—but instead of leading these conversations, Rep. Tate deferred most of the questions to Judge Kok and Mayor Pace.
When pressed on how the state would help, she said she needs a 'solution' before requesting funding and that she can’t ask for a blank check. But town halls like this are meant to bring forward ideas and potential solutions—yet she did not provide a path forward.
I was disappointed that she did not provide much information and largely let local officials speak in her place. To be honest, I walked away learning more from Judge Kok than from Rep. Tate—except for the fact that she was totally unprepared to discuss what she is actively doing in her role as our state representative.
She did take some notes and said she would follow up on state funding for agricultural co-ops. At the end of the meeting, I asked her when she would follow up and with whom—she only said she would update David Pace, but gave no timeline.
3. Water Issues & Rep. Tate’s Bill to Deregulate Fluoride
Water access continues to be a major issue in Meade County—something I campaigned on addressing and securing funding for. Several attendees raised concerns about ongoing water shortages, infrastructure challenges, and the need for stronger investment in our water systems.
I then brought up the fact that Rep. Tate is co-sponsoring a bill to deregulate fluoride in our drinking water at the state level—a bill she couldn’t even remember she was sponsoring. I made it clear that I oppose this bill, as safe and regulated drinking water should not be up for debate.
4. The Ownership of The Messenger KY & Undisclosed Business Interests
A constituent raised a question about Rep. Tate’s business interests, and she shared that she is involved in Ciara’s House and The Messenger KY. It’s worth noting that all three owners of the newspaper were present at the town hall.
The constituent continued pressing the issue, but I reminded the group that this was not the time or place for a debate about politicians owning local media. While that is a discussion worth having, the purpose of this town hall was to focus on solutions for farmers and small business owners.
During this exchange, Rep. Tate also disclosed that she is part of an LLC called DNK, which she did not list on her legally required financial disclosure form when she ran for office. She said she “doesn’t make much on it” and that it serves as a funding source for Ciara’s House, calling its omission an oversight.
I was unaware that this business was missing from her financial disclosure, but I’m glad she admitted it to us. Financial transparency from elected officials is important, and I hope she takes steps to correct this omission.
Rep. Tate’s Remark & My Commitment to Future Town Halls
Before the town hall began, Rep. Tate and I had a brief conversation. I thanked her for coming and told her I wasn’t sure what to expect but that we would see how it goes and learn from it for next time.
Her response?
"This will be the last one you are involved in."
Let me be very clear—I organized this town hall, invited the speakers, and made it happen. I will continue to be involved in town halls that I host, and I will invite guests to participate. It is up to them whether they choose to show up, listen to their constituents, and take action.
If I were in that position, I would show up regardless—because hearing directly from the people should be a priority for any elected official.
At the end of the meeting, Rep. Tate helped me put away the chairs and tables, which I appreciated. Regardless of our political differences, I think it’s worth recognizing those small moments of cooperation..
About The Messenger KY’s Coverage
Recently, The Messenger KY has started reporting more on what our government is doing—something I think is a good thing. This comes after their editor published an open letter about me, claiming that people weren’t interested in reporting on these sorts of topics. Yet, now we are starting to see more coverage, and I hope this public pressure continues to work—because we do want to know.
Not only did The Messenger KY have a presence at the event, but the same editor who wrote that letter also followed up with me afterward to ask for a comment on the town hall. I hope they will continue to report on both the good and questionable things our leaders are doing in office—because both are happening. Until then, this blog will continue to provide that accountability.
Here’s the comment I gave them after the town hall:
"I put this town hall together because I made a campaign promise to advocate for our farmers and small business owners—and I keep my word. This is about working together, just like I said I would. I appreciate Representative Tate participating and expect her to take our community’s concerns seriously. It’s now up to her to follow through on her commitments—we are paying attention."
A Call to Action: Show Up & Get Involved
Despite Rep. Tate’s comments, I consider this town hall a success. Judge Kok even told me that his previous two town halls had a combined total of one person show up.
This is why I urge people in our community to show up to these meetings. If you don’t, decisions will be made that affect you, your family, and your livelihood—and you won’t even know about it.
If you have concerns or ideas, don’t wait for someone else to speak up—reach out, ask questions, and make your voice heard. That’s how we hold our leaders accountable and ensure real action happens.
