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Elections

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  • Whitley County Election Deputy Carolyn Willis, left, and County Clerk Kay Schwartz tally the votes late Tuesday evening. The votes are counted simultaneously to double check the numbers. Photo by Charlotte Underwood

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May 23, 2012

Hammons unseats Moses

The Times-Tribune

CORBIN — By Charlotte Underwood / Staff writer

Whitley Countians have chosen Bob Hammons as their new county attorney, according to unofficial election results.

Hammons won by a large margin, garnering a total of 2,584 votes over incumbent Don R. Moses’s 918. Corbin attorney Graham C. Trimble came in second in the county attorney vote tally with 1,101 votes.

“I’m humbled and thankful that the people of Whitley have and are again placing their trust and confidence in me,” Hammons said late Tuesday night after election results were in.

Hammons is a former Whitley County Attorney and Assistant County Attorney.

He will serve a four-year term, beginning in November because it is an unexpired term, according to Hammons.

Hammons ran his campaign mainly on his past record and experience. Hammons said he wanted to give Whitley County what they deserved in a county attorney, “experience, character and maturity.”

“The people of Whitley know me and they know what I did before when I was county attorney; they understand what I can and will do for them. I am their friend before, during and after the election,” Hammons said, explaining his “win, lose or draw” campaign.

The 56-year-old has been practicing law for the past 31 years. He currently has a law office in Corbin and is the attorney for the city. He is also the attorney for the Corbin Independent Schools, tourism commission, city utilities commission and the chamber of commerce.

Now that Hammons has won the election, he said he will “evaluate” his responsibilities and duties regarding his law practice.

“I will prioritize my practice and evaluate my duties so that the people of Whitley County get what they deserve — an accessible county attorney,” Hammons said.

He said he firmly believes that the people should have a say because the county attorney office was a public service job.

Trimble said he was disappointed with the turnout, but pleased that many important issues were raised regarding the county attorney’s office, such as child support collections and the need for more trial dates.

“I am glad my suggestion of more trial days was embraced by the other two candidates, and I am happy about the issues that were raised during the campaign,” Trimble said.

Hammons admits that he has a lot to do between now and taking office in November. He said he wanted to assure the citizens that he would not forget his priorities.

When he takes office in the fall, he said he plans to meet with the judges and clerks to see if his idea for the “Rocket Docket” can be implemented, as well as the periodic docket reviews.

“But most importantly, I’m going to restore the reputation of the county attorney’s office,” Hammons said.

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Elections