SALYERSVILLE – Two local candidates who will be on the ballot in May officially have withdrawn from their respective races.
Magoffin County Clerk Renee Shepherd announced over the past week that Magoffin County District 3 Magistrate Sam Bailey Jr. has removed his name from the Democrat Magistrate District 3 race, and Timmy Salyer has removed his name from the Republican ticket for coroner.
Both Bailey and Salyer will still be listed on the ballot during the Magoffin County Primary Election in May, but votes cast for them will not be counted.
Sam Bailey Jr., who still holds the magistrate position through the end of this year, posted the following on social media last Friday:
To all citizens of District 3,
I want to share something important with you. Starting next week, I will take on a new role as a superintendent on a data center project. It will require my full attention and focus. My family is also expecting a new baby in October. After careful thought and consideration, I have decided to remove my name from the ballot and not seek re-election. I will continue to serve and finish the remainder of my current term as your magistrate. I feel this decision is what is truly best for my family, my career, and the community. Serving you has been an honor, and I am deeply grateful to each of you who voted for me and supported me.
Over the past three years in office, I feel like we have made tremendous accomplishments. We have voted to bring new jobs to our county. We secured funding for county water on 1502 and 542. While the project hasn’t begun yet, we fully secured the funding, and it is going through all the proper steps to ensure it is completed for the community. We blacktopped roads, installed new bridges, built new parks, and upgraded parks where our citizens and children can gather safely. We also donated county property for the construction of a new nursing home that will move our residents out of the flood-prone area where the current nursing home is located. This spring, companies will begin building in our industrial park, bringing more growth to our community. I have always tried to be transparent and easily available. I have turned in every road that was ever brought to my attention. I have put every ounce of my heart into this job and the people I serve. But it is time for me to step away.
My wife, children, and job will always be my top priority, and I made my decision based on that. I always want the very best for our community, and I feel that with my new role, I will not be able to give this position the attention it deserves. Even though I will not be running again, my home is still in District #3, and I will always care deeply about our community and Magoffin County. I wish nothing but the best to the next magistrate and pray for success for the person who follows me. Thank you again for your trust, and best of luck to all candidates running. It has truly been an honor to serve District #3 and Magoffin County.
Kind regards,
Sam Bailey Jr
Magistrate/District #3
