Joe P. Asher

Staff Writer

A Harlan attorney has has filed to run as a write-in candidate for Harlan City Council in the upcoming November General Election.

Jonathan Lee, an attorney based in Harlan, said he seeks election to the council as a write-in candidate. Prior to the filing deadline last month, only five candidates filed for the seven seats on the panel.

Lee stated he has always had in interest in serving the community.

“It’s something that I’ve always had an interest in, getting involved in the community,” said Lee. “City council is a wonderful place to do that. It effects me on an intimate level being a city resident. I just wanted to get involved and have a say in the ongoings of the city of Harlan. That was the basis. I wanted to get involved and I thought that (city council) was a good avenue to do it.”

Lee stated that he has been considering running for the office for some time. Two of the current seven members on the council, Jeff Phillips and Lisa Atkinson, did not file for another term. He said this was a factor in his decision to run for council this time.

“It was something that I had thought about for quite some time to be honest. Once the five places were filled and the two were absent it came to my attention more. More people started asking me about it, and it gave me time to sit down and really think it through and make sure it really was something I wanted to do,” said Lee.

Lee noted that being an attorney has helped prepare him for the requirements of such an office.

“Certainly being an attorney with an understanding of contractual issues and navigating the legal field, and with a general practice being exposed to a multitude of things from insurance issues to employment issues, I think being an attorney has exposed me to a wide variety of issues,” said Lee.

Lee noted that his experience as an attorney will benefit him if elected.

“I think the breadth of that experience and the exposure there will give me the ability to bring something to the table as a councilman if I am so elected,” said Lee.

According to Lee, this is his first time running for public office.

The deadline to file as a write in candidate is Oct. 4. Voters will go to the polls on Nov. 6.

Reach Joe P. Asher at 606-573-4510 or jasher@heartlandpublications.com