GLASGOW, Ky. — Voters in two of Barren County’s seven magistrate districts will choose their representatives in the Nov. 3 general election. The other five districts were decided during the spring primary.

The District 4 and District 6 races did not appear on the primary ballot because only one candidate filed in each party’s respective race, leaving the contests to be decided in November.

Five magistrates secured their seats for the next four-year term in the primary: Mark Shipley (R), District 1; Derek Pedigo (R), District 2; Tim Durham (R), District 3; Marty Kinslow (R), District 5; and Brad Groce (R), District 7.

Ahead of the general election, Barrenside asked the candidates in Districts 4 and 6 to share more about themselves, their backgrounds and why they are seeking office.

The responses below are presented as submitted by the candidates. Some provided photos, while others did not. Candidates are listed in the order they will appear on the ballot.

Here’s what they had to say.

Magistrate (4th District)

Tim Coomer (R)

To the voting members of District 4, I’m Tim Coomer, 66 years young, born and raised in the Hiseville area of District 4. I have resided in the district all my life. I have deeply rooted myself in the traditional conservative values of faith, family, and hard work. From farming the fertile fields of Barren County to attending Coral Hill Baptist Church on Sundays, you will see I am a person who is consistently committed, never changing my mind on what is right.

I have valuable work experience that would assist in making wise decisions for our county. I dedicated 20 years to keep things running for our school-age children in the Barren County school transportation system. For 19 years, I was employed to keep manufacturing lines moving. Additionally, for 18 years I have worked to shape policies that actually support farmers with my time at the National Association of State Department of Agriculture.

I am already on the job as your current magistrate. You’ll find my tenure has been steady, straight, and no nonsense. We have made great progress and I am ready to continue in the right direction for the future of Barren County. Re-elect me and I’ll continue treating every choice like it’s my own backyard. District 4 deserves steady hands.

Re-elect Tim Coomer.

Robert L. Honeycutt (D)

My name is Robert Honeycutt and I’m running to serve the people of Barren County District 4 as their Magistrate. I am committed to being accessible and listening to residents—and truly understand the people I will serve.

I am a proud resident of Barren County with deep roots in the District 4 community. A dedicated public servant and neighbor, i understand the values that make our area strong—hard work, honesty, and looking out for one another.

With a background in farming, agriculture, and construction, I bring real-world knowledge, experience, and practical problem-solving skills to local government. 

My priorities are maintaining safe, reliable roads and bridges across District 4 and being a strong advocate for responsible investments and efficient use of taxpayer dollars.

So, cast your vote in November for Robert Honeycutt, Magistrate District 4.

Magistrate (6th District)

Steven Gibson (R)

Steven D. Gibson is a retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 with more than 28 years of military service. Throughout his career, Gibson served in a variety of leadership and technical positions, including communications, Supply Sergeant, and Property Book Officer/Accountable Property Officer. These positions required strong leadership, accountability, organization, and responsible management of equipment and resources.

Gibson holds a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in Performance Improvement. His military career provided extensive experience in logistics, budgeting, resource management, and operational planning. He managed and allocated funding across multiple battalions, helping ensure units had the equipment and resources necessary to remain properly equipped, maintained, and mission-ready.

Gibson also worked alongside state and local leaders during National Guard emergency response missions, helping communities during times of crisis. Those experiences reinforced the importance of cooperation, preparation, accountability, and effective leadership at every level of government.

As a candidate for Barren County Magistrate in District 6, Gibson has identified road management, financial accountability, and transparency as key priorities. He believes the county needs consistent road maintenance, long-term planning, and clear standards for managing its infrastructure. He also believes taxpayers deserve responsible stewardship of their money and a clear understanding of how county resources are being used.

Gibson believes transparency and open communication are essential to good local government. He is committed to listening to the concerns of District 6 residents, working with the Fiscal Court and county departments, and making decisions based on what is best for the citizens of Barren County.

With more than 28 years of military leadership and public service, combined with his education and experience in budgeting, logistics, and resource management, Gibson believes he is prepared to bring discipline, accountability, transparency, and practical leadership to the office of Barren County Magistrate.

Additional information about Gibson and his campaign can be found on Facebook at “Elect Steven D. Gibson Magistrate District 6.”

I humbly ask for your vote and support in the November election. I would be honored to serve the citizens of District 6 and work together to continue making Barren County a better place to live, work, and raise our families.

Ronnie Stinson (D)

I am Ronnie Stinson, and I am seeking reelection for magistrate of the 6th district.

I have been a resident of the Park City area all my life, spending my early childhood in around the loving springs church and Stovall crossing area of the 6th district.

I started working for my father cutting and hauling timber when I was just 15 years old. For 42 years, I continued working in the logging industry, eventually owning and operating the business my father started.

During that time, I returned to school, receiving a GED from Barren County High School, a bachelor’s in Middle Grade Science and Social Studies from WKU, and then an associate’s degree in Fire Science from Southern Kentucky Community Technical College.

With this education, I took on adjunct professor roles at WKU and SKYCTC focused on first responder courses. I also worked as an instructor for local fire departments through the Fire Commission.

Today, I am employed by the Kentucky Fire Commission as Coordinator of State Fire Rescue in District 4, which provides fire training for 10 surrounding counties.

Service to my community has been a lifelong journey.

I’ve dedicated going-on four decades of my life as firefighter with the Park City Volunteer Fire Department, including serving as their Fire Chief for 23 years.

We worked diligently to protect Park City and neighboring Cave City and Mammoth Cave areas. We provided not only fire protection but EMS and HazMat services.

While I am proud to have fought blazes that threatened homes and performed CPR that has helped save lives, I have also shown up when someone called because they locked themselves out of their car or the many patients during covid.

Before being elected magistrate, I served with a variety of organizations and committees, including the Park City Lions Club, Park City planning and zoning, and Caveland Environmental, among others.

I have spent decades listening to my community and neighbors, researching and thinking critically to solve issues and prevent them. I took that experience into my first term as magistrate.

During this time, I've promptly addressed road concerns reported to me with the road department, and I give the road department credit as they have done excellent work on those requests.

To further hear your concerns, I stayed involved with the cities by attending as many council meetings and commissions meeting as possible.

As part of the magistrate’s role in Fiscal court, I have had to address several prominent issues, such as solar panels and animal ordinance.

With each instance, I've tried to gather all the information available from each side and consider all future outcomes. I believe in my ability to make sound and fair decisions that benefit our community and maintain our values while upholding the constitution, which is why I am asking for your support to continue serving you as magistrate of the 6th district.

Thank you for your support.