Posts
Let's Jump into the Floyd County Commissioner's Race for 1st District
Jason Applegate with wife Angie Fenton LaMicra Martin(L) with Senate 46 Candidate Anna Murray(R)
Floyd County politics have always been interesting. Neither party is particularly strong and at the local level, it's hard to separate where the party lines within those we are currently holding office. That is not a bad thing. Of all of the races coming up, I find the primary race for the 1st District County Commissioner to be the one to watch. While both Democrat Primary opponents have (D) behind their name, based on my research they could not be further apart.
LaMicra Martin
Filing first was LaMicra (AKA Young, AKA Pruitt) Martin. While she has earned the endorsments of the Stonewall Democrats and others, I have to wonder if they know her whole story. LaMicra is often seen tied to hip of Anna Murray and Dan Canon at local Democrat functions. However, what I found was that she was often seen in the local courts as well. The expungement and sealing of file motion filed on March 6th of this year was an interesting find, so I dug a little deeper.
What was found is a track record of her as a defendant in small claims court. I found 6 separate cases with plaintiffs as large as Capitol One to as small as a local dentist, all for what appears to be non-payment issues. At least one of these resulted in wage garnishment. In addition, she was charged with four counts Class D Felony Theft in Clark County to which, as I understand and part of a plea agreement, she pled guilty to one count that resulted in 1year suspension of jail time for each count. She was then put on 1 year probation.
On the surface, LaMicra appears to be a nice woman. I respect the fact she tries to give back to the community through a few groups including the local Habitat for Humanity. But again, I can't help but wonder if they are aware one of their board members has had these issues. Considering her legal track record, is she REALLY someone who should be leading Floyd County?
Jason Applegate
The surprise candidate to the race was Jason Applegate. Jason has deep ties within New Albany and Floyd County who has experienced personal tragedy when losing his wife to cancer only to persevere to start a local paint store. While the paint store never fully took off and ultimately closed, he continued to persevere. It was about the time he met his soon to be wife Angie Fenton. This is where together, they become owners of the far reaching and well known magazine, EXTOL. For a short time they were partners with Neace Ventures. That is no longer the case and they are growing their local startup one day at a time with great success. Jason and Angie seem to be salt of the Earth people who legitimately love southern Indiana and celebrate it with every issue of EXTOL.
In researching Jason, there is nothing I could find that should make anyone doubt his intentions and leadership. In asking around, all the feedback points to him being a left of center politically pragmatic individual. Everyone I spoke with agreed that he is a good fit and a middle of the road candidate who could find common ground across the spectrum. What everyone agrees to is that he doesn't drink the Kool-Aid too much from either side. This is the type of person whom I could support all the way through the General Election. I have to be honest: To me, a guy like Jason Applegate could be the Hope of the Local Democrats this political season. Guess we'll have to wait and see.
Jason Applegate Vs. LaMicra Martin
What have you heard?
Do you have the scoop?
Let us know in the comments below.