I was distressed to read Eddie Campbell’s letter to your paper about Judge Denny Ray Noble and the Hazard ambulance authority’s management and accusations of favoritism. I have worked for Judge Noble for four years and feel we are fortunate to have his leadership. I have lived in Hazard since 1976 and seen many practices that I disagreed with in local government, but not until the judge’s administration have I seen many things I can be proud of in Perry County.

Perry County has had many benefits brought about by Judge Noble and our magistrates with more and more water lines throughout the county, clean and well-maintained county roads, and good financial audits to testify as to the management of county assets. Judge Noble has an overall pride in the honest way our county is run that should be a model for all our mountain counties. Not only is he a man of our county in everyday workings, but he can also be sought out for help with problems and he is here for us in a disaster. He is also one who works hard not only behind his desk, but throughout the county, not a figurehead but a figure that be looked to for the needs of everyone in the county. Politics be darned for he even hired me, a registered Republican, never to question my politics but to work for our county. I am proud to serve Perry County, where I can be of service to you, our fellow citizens.

The ambulance board is a separate entity within the county government and is profitable much to the management credit of Matt Couch, Wanda Noble and our judge. Provided county vehicles are used in many offices and budgeted for on as-needed basis. Audits of the ambulance authority have been satisfactory and that aspect of county government serves an essential need for our citizens. The ambulance office budget is approved with consideration toward fiscal responsibility and all employees can purchase additional benefits at an affordable price.

Mr. Campbell offers his criticisms on many topics from the county school superintendent, to school overall operations, to the elected board members, and more things than most of us can remember. He files for office and withdraws and then files again, and has spent much time disrupting school board meetings when his energies could be better directed to benefit our county and our children. School problems are all our problems and can be better addressed than standing on a soapbox and hollering! Mr. Campbell can freely choose to yell from every rooftop and sit on his hands or get to work and help our county grow. Mr. Campbell spends too much time criticizing others when he should spend more time working for the good of Perry County. Judge Noble and our magistrates serve our county with honesty and distinction, and we are lucky to have such officials. All the people that work to make our county fiscally responsible from the county garage, senior citizens, and the judge’s office work hard and proud for Perry County. Look around at many neighboring counties and see the political and financial mess they are in; our county schools must get better for all children and the electorate. If Mr. Campbell is not part of the county’s solution, he is part of our problem.

Lee Hillman

Hazard, Ky.