Service and Solutions: William Todd Outlines Vision for Pulaski County Judge-Executive

Image Courtesy of Candidate © 2026 All Rights Reserved

SOMERSET, KY (SPA)— As the May 19, 2026, primary election approaches, the race for Pulaski County Judge-Executive is coming into sharp focus. Among the candidates seeking the Republican nomination is William Martin Todd, a retired U.S. Army veteran and former federal law enforcement officer who is campaigning on a platform of "doing more with less" and bringing "fresh ideas" to the fiscal court.

A Call for Community Action on the Drug Crisis

Todd identifies the drug epidemic and the subsequent need for treatment as the most critical issue facing Pulaski County today. He pushes back against the notion that drug-related issues are a private matter, arguing instead that the crisis has a direct, measurable impact on the local economy. "When people use drugs, they can’t pass drug testing, which leads to good jobs not being filled by companies," Todd states, tracing a direct line from substance abuse to a depleted tax base and diminished funding for vital county programs. His solution blends increased citizen involvement—advocating for a "see something, report it" culture—with proactive community policing and more aggressive measures to remove impaired drivers from the road.

Economic Innovation: The "Sliding Scale" Tax System

To maintain Pulaski County’s status as a destination for corporate investment, Todd proposes a closer working relationship between city and county governments. His flagship economic proposal is a “sliding scale system” designed to attract new businesses.

Under this plan, new companies would receive a tax offset for a set number of years, paying a reduced rate in the first year that gradually increases until they reach the standard county rate. In exchange for these offsets, businesses would be required to adhere to specific regulations regarding local employment.

Infrastructure and Public Safety

Living in the outer reaches of the county himself, Todd has made secondary roads a cornerstone of his campaign. He has identified three infrastructure priorities based on safety concerns for citizens and school buses:

• Repairing secondary county roads.
• Addressing aging bridges and overpasses.
• Improving water runoff and drainage to protect the local water table and drinking water.

To fund these projects without raising taxes, Todd plans to appoint a dedicated staff member focused exclusively on securing federal grants and funding.
Relief for Families and First Responders
Todd’s platform includes targeted relief for young families struggling with housing affordability. He proposes a tax break for young homeowners who meet specific criteria, allowing them to apply to the Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) for an offset.
For first responders, Todd suggests creating a special fund for equipment financed by the seizure and public auction of assets taken from drug dealers and other criminals.

About William Todd

William Todd brings a lifetime of public service to his candidacy. A retired member of the Kentucky National Guard and the U.S. Army, Todd served in Germany and Iraq following the events of September 11, earning the Combat Action Badge among other awards. Following his military career, he worked as an officer for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, where he was part of the team that opened USP McCreary. Today, he and his wife operate a small beef cattle farm on the northern end of Pulaski County. Even in "retirement," Todd remains committed to education; he is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in History and a private pilot’s license.

"I am asking the citizens of Pulaski County to allow me the chance to keep the office fresh," Todd says. "If elected, I will do the best of my ability to lead this County with pride and honor." ---William Todd, candidate of Pulaski Co. Judge Executive

The Kentucky Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.