The Fayette County Board approved the appointment of a new coroner on Tuesday night but that appointment will only cover the next year. David Hejl was approved to fill the position left open after the resignation of multi-term coroner Bruce Bowen who had just been re-elected in November 2016. Due to the timing of the resignation, that will lead to the coroner’s position being open for the November 2018 election with that person serving the unexpired two-year term for the office before the position will be on the ballot for a full four-year term in the November 2020 term. It was noted during Tuesday night’s County Board meeting that the new appointed coroner, Hejl, does plan to run for the unexpired two-year term next year.
And, that means we will be looking at a full slate of local races for the November 2018 General Election. For Sheriff, Republican Chris Smith is running for another term and will be challenged by Democrat Ed Durbin. For Clerk, Republican Vicky Conder is running for re-election and is challenged by Democrat Donna Thull. And, for Treasurer, Democrat Lucas Watson will face Republican Michelle Hagy–as both look to replace the retiring Democrat Rose Hoover. It’s not known at this time if there will be a Democrat candidate for Coroner in the November 2018 General Election.