Franklin County Constables Run Unopposed

"Which is very unusual for our local races," said Guy Zeigler, Franklin County Clerk of Court.  "They won’t show on the ballot in May."

That’s true of any elected office in Franklin County.  If a candidate is running unopposed in the primary, it won’t go on the ballot. 

A constable’s job is similar to that of a sheriff.  The law grants them the same authority.  Their primary role is serving court papers at about $30 a piece.

That money goes straight to the constable, not to local government.  That’s because constables don’t earn a salary from the county.

According to Kentucky state law, there are also a few other ways he can make money.  For killing and burying a distempered horse he could earn $3.00.   

"Out of all the constables I know," said Sandifer. "Nobody’s ever said they’ve done it."

Still, the money isn’t why he loves his job.

"It’s my way of giving back to the community," said Sandifer.

The post is written into Kentucky’s constitution.  A Department of Criminal Justice Training Report recommended the state change that.

After this election, Franklin County will have six constables.