As a resident of the city of Prestonsburg and a two-time city council member of Prestonsburg, it is very alarming to me to see the so-called leadership of our community continually placing such a blight on our city.

As it stands today, your mayor has had the allegations of election finance irregularities made public and, in furtherance, had those same allegations affirmed into actual civil and/or criminal charges by the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance. This, joined with Councilman Kelly Moore selling off a piece of the city’s (and its taxpayers’) property as his own in a seemingly deceitful land deal, should show the voters of this community that its leadership needs to head in a new direction.

What is each one’s claim for defense? Ignorance, a simple “I didn’t know.” Wow, it looks as though they have the same representation advising them of what to say in their defense. You see, your mayor has claimed “ignorance” on many previous occasions prior to his latest setback.

Consider these three separate instances of claiming ignorance after the fact, where the state auditors had been asked to assist local citizens in their complaints. These actions have range from raiding the funds of the tourism commission, his use of city taxpayer monies in areas deemed impermissible, such as donations to groups “not in the interest of all citizens,” and also for not obeying city ordinances for procedural procurement of professional services. His “it is my town” attitude and not caring about the laws and ordinances that he even signed just adds to the belief of his nickname on the streets as “Teflon Jerry,” as a take on Mafia crime boss John Gotti’s “Teflon Don” nickname, who seemingly never could have criminal charges stick.

It would seem that the constant use of “I don’t know” is okay as a defense if you are apparently protected by someone, as Jerry has never had to deal with any consequences. Maybe that same shield will also shelter Councilman Moore from liability for his actions.

A fun fact, though — Kentucky state law does not allow for claiming of ignorance as a defense in any matter. KRS 501.070 specifically states “that ignorance or mistake as to a matter of fact law does not relieve criminal liability.” And now we have two separate leaders who have used the claim of ignorance as a reason for their actions.

Lies and deceit seem to rule the day in Prestonsburg. Quit election ignorance. Stop the madness!