Fairer Assessments, Stronger Community: Jonathan Fox’s Plan for Pulaski County

Image courtesy of the candaiate (C) 2026 All Rights Reserved

Nancy, KY (SPA)--- As the May 2026 Primary Election approaches, the race for Pulaski County Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) has taken center stage, driven by a candidate whose platform is built on rural resilience and a demand for systemic tax reform. Jonathan Fox, a lifelong resident of Pulaski County, is positioning himself as the "blue-collar candidate". His campaign is not merely a bid for office but a call to protect homeowners, seniors, and farmers from what he describes as an increasingly burdensome and opaque assessment system.

From the Tobacco Fields to Public Service

Fox’s perspective is shaped by a life lived in the "plowed furrows of a tobacco field" and the "cold concrete milk parlor" of a family farm in Nancy, KY. He recounts that his conservative principles were forged at the age of 15, when his first paycheck from the local Tractor Supply Company revealed the weight of tax withholdings—a moment of "disbelief" that has stayed with him for over 25 years.

His professional journey has been defined by a deep commitment to the land. By working minimum-wage jobs and utilizing KEES money, Fox paid for his college education in full before graduation, all while continuing to contribute to the family farm. Today, as a landowner and homeowner by trade, he views the challenges facing Pulaski County through the same lens as his neighbors.

Confronting the "Sticker Shock" of Property Taxes

The central theme of Fox's candidacy is the need to reform a system he believes is pricing residents out of their own homes. He points to the "sticker shock" many residents feel when opening tax bills, often caused by high-value, multi-million-dollar lakefront constructions being used as comparisons for modest, generational homes.

"Our seniors are literally being priced out of their homes across the state from rising assessment values and the tax liabilities that accompany," Fox warns.

Fox is particularly vocal about the plight of farmers, noting that agriculture is one of the few careers where tax liability is guaranteed regardless of whether the business suffers a financial loss due to weather—such as the record-breaking drought Pulaski County faced in August 2025.

The "Day One" Plan: Transparency and Accountability

If elected, Fox promises immediate administrative changes to restore public trust. His "Day One" priority is to reinstate the public display of assessment values on the county's online website with "the click of a button". He argues that every taxpayer deserves to see how they are assessed in comparison to their neighbors, calling the public the "best watchdog" against unfair evaluations.

Beyond local transparency, Fox intends to be a "full-time advocate" for legislative reform in Frankfort. His key proposals include:

 * Expanding Homestead Exemptions: Increasing the current $49,100 exemption to better protect seniors from rising values.

 * A True "AG Exemption": Moving beyond lowered rates to ensure farmers aren't forced to sell generational land to satisfy tax liabilities.

 * Legislative Support: Advocating for measures like HB 75, which would exempt primary residences and primary vehicles from taxation.

Standing Against "Big Government"

Fox’s decision to run was solidified after the retirement of the long-time PVA and the subsequent appointment of a pro-tem successor by the Governor, which he feels ignored the conservative leanings of the county. He views the PVA not just as an administrator, but as a "gatekeeper" who must stand firm against Department of Revenue bureaucrats who may never have visited Pulaski County.

"I am not the Frankfort candidate; I am the blue-collar candidate," Fox states. He pledges to maintain a "mailable" mindset that serves both rural and urban voters equally, ensuring that whether a resident owns one acre or one thousand, they receive the same level of commitment and fairness.

A Legacy of Service

As the primary approaches, Fox remains focused on the "FFA motto" that guided him in his youth: "Living to serve". While he admits a learning curve in organizing a modern campaign as he embraces the challenge.

His message to the voters of Pulaski County is clear: "If you want property tax reform, less government, and more freedom to live life on your own terms, I want those things for you as well, and I will advocate accordingly".