By TIM PRESTON
GRAYSON — Republicans from Carter and Lewis counties chose Jill York as their candidate to replace Robin Webb as the 96th District state representative during a special meeting Tuesday in Grayson.
A special election to fill the seat, vacated when Webb was elected to serve in the state senate in August, will be Dec. 8 with York facing Democratic nominee Barry Webb.
A combination of four delegates from Carter County and 14 from Lewis County nominated York along with Dallas Burchett, and allowed each to make a brief speech before votes were cast and counted.
Burchett, 63, said he has been a Republican since 1964, and is opposed to abortion and gambling. Burchett said he is opposed to the drug problem in both Carter and Lewis counties, and told the crowd of about 40 he would work to create jobs, “even if it takes kissing butt in Frankfort — or shaking hands.”
During her short speech, York cited her background in community service and a belief “to get a better tomorrow start today.”
York said she has lived her entire life in Carter County except while she was studying at Transylvania University, and, as the owner of a business in Grayson, stated her understanding of the needs of local business owners.
“We have to give of ourselves,” York said, acknowledging the area “faces amazing challenges” and can benefit from collaborative ideas, as well as creative financial thinking to answer pending budget problems.
“Our counties have needs,” York said, also citing the problems of prescription drug abuse in the area. “We need high-paying union jobs. It’s all about moving forward.”
The meeting broke quickly after the votes were counted, with Burchett among the first to exit the third story courtroom. York accepted best wishes from those who remained and told them she was both honored and humbled by the nomination.
“I feel a great deal of responsibility for Carter and Lewis counties,” she said, adding, “I believe, from a lot of adversity can come something wonderful. If we work together we can bring good things to our region.”
Speaking of problems including prescription drug abuse, York asked supporters to remember “I’m new to the process,” but believes stronger efforts to establish more efficient networks can benefit local residents.
“If we need to build better networks for those who are addicted, let’s do that. If we need to build better law enforcement networks let’s do that. If we need to better legislation that makes it impossible for out-of-state pharmaceutical drugs to come to our state then let’s do that,” York said. “If it is hard — that’s OK. We just have buckle down and make hard choices.”
The winner of the special election in December will serve the remainder of Robin Webb’s term, which expires Dec. 31, 2010.
TIM PRESTON can be reached at tpreston@dailyindependent.com or at (606) 326-2651.
