Incumbents win in Corbin City Commission race

Corbin City Commissioner Bruce Hodge removed his campaign yard signs early Tuesday, hours before voting was over. Hodge won a second term on the board.

The Corbin City Commission is returning the four incumbents, as Suzie Razmus, Joe Shelton Ed Tye and Freddy “Bruce” Hodge were re-elected to another two-year term.

Razmus received the most votes, 1190, followed by Shelton with 1061, Tye at 977, Hodge at 956 and challenger David Grigsby Hart with 872.

I’m just honored to be able to do that,’ said Razmus of serving a second term. “I’m excited.”

Razmus said the city’s budget issues must be the priority for the commission.

The annual audit of the city’s finances for the 2013-14 fiscal year showed that the city ran a deficit for the third consecutive year.

“I think it needs to be a multipronged approach,” Razmus said when asked what options the commissioners should consider. “We need to look at everything, closely.”

In addition, Razmus said the commission needs to look at different things in an effort to help Corbin grow.

Hodge, who is also returning for a second term, said he is glad to be able to serve.

“We have to bring in more jobs and take care of our people,” Hodge said when asked what should be the commission’s priority.

Hodge noted the recent announcements that Japanese company Kowa Kogyosho Co., Ltd will be moving into the spec building in the Southeast Kentucky Regional Business Park and that Keenland is moving forward with plans for a quarter horse track in Corbin, noting that creates momentum to attract more businesses to the area.

“If they con in, there will be more people follow them,” Hodge said.

The commissioners will join Mayor Willard McBurney, who ran unopposed to form the five-person commission.

The commission meets on the third Monday of each month on the second floor of city hall.