As the statewide coalition of support leading educational efforts around local tax reform in the Commonwealth, You Decide, Kentucky! Is comprised of real Kentuckians with everyday concerns, hopes, and needs, and a dedicated drive to make our Commonwealth and all her communities the best versions they can be.  They are all joined together by a recognition that the Constitution of Kentucky does not allow our General Assembly to provide our cities and counties with the tools they need to generate the revenue required to invest in our people and their communities, nor have the economic factors to keep up with the competitive standards of today.  That is why they’ve come together to lead You Decide, Kentucky!.

These local leaders come from a wide range of regions, communities, and backgrounds. Some are elected officials and advocates for local governments from across the Commonwealth. Some are leaders in the economic development community.  Others are public and private sector business leaders with a sincere desire to move Kentucky forward.

As the 2024 General Assembly session marches on, You Decide, Kentucky! wants to highlight our outstanding board members and thank them for their dedication to reforming Kentucky’s local tax codes to bring decision-making to local communities and finally allow our state to reach its full potential.

To start, we will highlight those who represent Kentucky cities and counties from east to west, north to south:

YDK! Co-Chair and Corbin Mayor Suzie Razmus

Suzie Razmus was born and raised in Corbin. After graduating from Corbin High School, she went on to earn a degree in Marketing and Economics from Western Kentucky University. She has lived and worked in Washington DC, Los Angeles, and Nashville and currently owns a specialty coffee business in Nashville. She and her family also own Tri-County Cineplex, a local movie theater in Corbin. She has been married to her husband Greg for 24 years and is mother to three amazing young men.

Pineville Mayor Scott Madon

Mayor Scott Madon was elected in 2016 and is a lifelong resident of the city of Pineville. He has been a member of the Kentucky League of Cities Executive Board since 2021 and studied at Eastern Kentucky University. He and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Pineville.

Independence Mayor Chris Reinersman

Mayor Chris Reinersman was first elected to Independence City Council in 2010 before being elected Mayor in November 2014. His primary goals are fiscal responsibility, smart growth, and economic development.  Chris attended Northern Kentucky University and has worked as a commercial real estate appraiser for more than twenty-five years. In 2002 he left US Bank after 13 years as an Assistant Vice President and Senior Commercial Appraiser. He formed The Reinersman Company, Commercial Real Estate Appraisal and Construction Draw Inspections and has been an Independence business owner since.

Owensboro Mayor Tom Watson

Tom Watson first served as Mayor of Owensboro from 2005-2008. He was re-elected for a second term in 2016 and is now serving his third term.

Watson is the former president and co-owner, with his wife, Barbara, of Tom Watson’s Prosthetic and Orthotics Labs, Inc. In addition to YDK!, he serves on the Foundation Board for the Owensboro Community and Technical College, and the Kentucky League of Cities, Inc. Board of Directors and previously served on the transition team for Attorney General Daniel Cameron.

Campbell County Judge Executive Steve Pendry

Judge Pendery was elected County Judge/Executive in November 1998. A lifelong resident of Campbell County, Judge Pendery has served as Campbell County Judge/Executive since 1999. Prior to his service to the Fiscal Court, he was Mayor of Ft. Thomas from 1990 until 1998 and a Councilman from 1984 until 1990.

Hopkins County Judge Executive Jack Whitfield

Judge-Executive Jack Whitfield, Jr. is an Air Force veteran, former coal miner, and entrepreneur. He served as Fourth District Magistrate before being elected Judge-Executive in 2018. He has two grown sons and is the owner of Melody Lanes in Madisonville.

Executive Director and CEO of the Kentucky League of Cities JD Chaney

J.D. was named executive director/CEO for the Kentucky League of Cities (KLC) in December 2019. Prior to this role, he worked at KLC in a variety of positions for over 18 years including deputy executive director over membership, director of governmental affairs and chief legal counsel.

J.D. is a graduate of the University of Montana where he received a B.A. in political science and economics. He received a law degree from the University of Kentucky College of Law and an M.B.A. from Eastern Kentucky University.