Beech Tree News Network

I am Josh Hampton. I live in Butler County, KY. In addition to being an active father, loyal husband, caring dog owner and friend, I am also a contributing member to the local economy, serving as a working partner at Yellowberri, The Hampton Company, Beech Tree News & WLBQ, Butler County Arts Guild, HearBG and Big Head Studios.  There is certainly more available on request but I will spare you the rest of my resume. I tell you all of this not to boast, but rather to quantify my dedication to exploring ideas, in what I believe to be, toward the betterment of our local communities.

After a 15-year absence, I now live here in Butler County because it’s where much of my family and many of my friends reside. I believe in the benefit of a strong support system for my family and myself. As a community of family and friends, I believe we are all essentially sworn to take care of each other and look out for the betterment of all. I also work in Bowling Green and surrounding counties, because there too, I have excellent support systems but my home, make no mistake, is in this community.  I love life in Butler County. I love my people here and want only the best for us.

Recently I took on yet another role as public representative in a civic group, “The Citizens for a Better Butler County.”   This group was formed out of casual conversation between countless local residents who share a common respect and sentiment for this community. Despite its many faults, this, we agreed, is our home and we have become saddened by the decay of our city and our people, and our recent troubles in local government.

We have since proposed a petition to the citizens asking to consider the option of allowing the taxation and sale of alcohol in Butler County. While we maintain our stance that this change would not be a fix-all or fail-safe event, we do believe this is undoubtedly the right first step for our community to make in order to shape a brighter future. And given the opportunity, we’d hope to eventually work with local lawmakers to help mold the rules and regulations, ensuring our families’ safety and bettering our county’s reputation and standing.

This decision did not come lightly, or quickly, or without education on the matter. We had no doubts that this proclamation would yield an equally passionate opposition. We recognize and respect all views, and invite discussion regarding alternate opinions. We will always welcome viable ideas, educated direction, and civil discourse.

I’ve noticed that some, from both sides, have begun to name call and downplay the opposition in this debate. This is something that neither I, nor this group, wish to see. Despite the outcome of this petition and potential election, we must remember, we will continue to co-exist and continue to search for positivity for our community.

Please know that we are dedicated to Butler County and I am certainly not afraid to discuss. We may not always agree and we may not always understand one another, but we can, at the very least, try to be nice. Many thanks for your time and consideration.

-Josh Hampton