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District 6: George Unseld's sudden death in June, with more than two years left in his term, has set up a spirited competition for his 6th District seat.
The candidates are the incumbent, University of Louisville Pan-African studies professor Deonte Hollowell, a registered Independent whom the Metro Council chose for an interim appointment; David James, the Democrat in the race; Ken Herndon, director of operations for the downtown development district and a Democrat waging a write-in campaign; and Republican Candace Jaworski, an advertising account executive.
Each candidate is sincere, smart and decent, but Mr. James' candidacy comes with distinct advantages over the others.
Mr. Hollowell needs more political seasoning and a firmer grip on issues, but he is a promising newcomer to the political scene and we hope he will remain involved. Ms. Jaworski is enthusiastic and also a welcome addition to local politics. However, she, too, needs to delve more deeply into issues. Moreover, a Republican has little chance in this heavily Democratic district that includes Old Louisville and the California and Russell neighborhoods.
Mr. Herndon nearly defeated Mr. Unseld in the 2008 Democratic primary and came within one vote of being named his replacement by the Metro Council. He has a solid grasp of issues and exudes eagerness to serve. Write-in candidacies are extremely difficult to pull off, but he undoubtedly would do a good job if successful.
Mr. James has the skill set to benefit this sprawling, racially and economically diverse district. After 20 years as a police officer, he knows the streets. Then there are the leadership and negotiating skills that he acquired from his time as president of the Fraternal Order of Police. After retiring from LMPD, Mr. James went to Frankfort and served four years as chief of investigations in the Kentucky attorney general's office. He's now a member of the University of Louisville Police Department.
The bottom line is that Mr. James is ready and able to fill the big shoes of George Unseld.
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