Dr. Stephen Sims Unveils Comprehensive Platform for Pulaski County Judge Executive Primary

Image Courtesy of Candidate © 2026 All Rights Reserved

Somerset, Kentucky (SPA)--As the May 2026 primary approaches, Dr. Stephen Sims is entering the race for Pulaski County Judge Executive with a platform designed to bridge the gap between rural values and modern progress. Drawing on twenty years of leadership in healthcare, education, and tourism, Sims offers a research-driven approach to the county's most pressing challenges. Stephen Sims isn't just running for office; he is proposing a strategic roadmap to ensure Pulaski County remains a place where tradition thrives alongside 21st-century opportunity.

A Foundation Built on Family and Work Ethic

While Sims began his journey in nearby Monticello, his ties to Pulaski County are multi-generational and profound.

Family Roots: His father, Doug Sims, a 1970 graduate of Pulaski County High School, served the community at Alton Blakley Ford for over 50 years.

Heritage: His grandfather, Doug Waddle, is a well-known retiree from Ferrell Gas.

Experience: Sims’ work ethic was forged locally, working at Palisade’s Restaurant at Woodsen Bend Resort throughout high school and college. Sims officially moved to Somerset in 2004 to join the Total Rehab Center and has spent the last two decades building a career defined by service and leadership.

The Doctor of Tourism: Academic Rigor Meets Executive Experience

Dr. Sims is not just an administrator; he is a specialist in the industries that drive Pulaski County’s economy. He holds a Doctor of Education in Leadership and Organizational Policy Studies from Eastern Kentucky University, where his dissertation focused on how tourism and recreation drive economic growth in rural Kentucky.

His academic credentials include:

• Doctor of Education: Leadership and Organizational Policy Studies: Recreation, Parks, and Tourism (Eastern Kentucky University, May 2017)
• Master of Science: Recreation and Park Administration (Eastern Kentucky University, May 2014)
• Master of Science: Physical Education: Sports Administration (Eastern Kentucky University, August 2002)
• Bachelor of Science: Physical Education: Physical Education: Athletic Training (Eastern Kentucky University, May 2001)

Sims translates this theory into practice through nearly 20 years of executive leadership as the General Manager of Somer Splash Waterpark. There, he successfully managed multi-million-dollar budgets and teams of up to 150 employees—experience he plans to bring to the Fiscal Court to ensure taxpayers’ dollars are handled transparently and efficiently.

A Research-Based Vision for Economic Growth

Sims identifies the county’s "single most pressing issue" as the limited range of local opportunities for its 65,000 residents. He argues that sustainable growth—not one-off projects—is the path to a stronger tax base without higher taxes. His plan centers on five key sectors: **tourism, outdoor recreation, small local businesses, manufacturing, and industrial development**.

SPEDA and "Talent First" Development 

With the Somerset-Pulaski Economic Development Authority (SPEDA) in transition, Sims sees a "pivotal moment" to recommit to its mission. He supports the existing city-county partnership but insists SPEDA must stay bold to remain competitive. His mantra is that retail follows people, and manufacturing follows talent.

To close the "skills gap" and keep young adults home, he proposes:

County-led Career Development Council: A partnership of employers, schools, and universities to identify real-time skill needs.

Targeted, Stackable Certifications: Short-term 6–12 week programs with Somerset Community College for high-demand roles in healthcare, logistics, and advanced manufacturing.

Expanded Internships: A structured, county-backed work-experience system modeled after Sims’ own formative internship with the NFL’s Buffalo Bills.

Infrastructure: Safety, Connectivity, and Active Mobility

Sims views targeted infrastructure as the key to unlocking economic potential. As Judge Executive, he identifies three top priorities:

1. Highways: Enhancing key corridors to improve safety and support business recruitment.

2. Modernized Parks: Creating a county-wide master plan for ADA-accessible trails and facilities.

3. Active Mobility: Expanding sidewalks, bike lanes, and safe routes to schools to promote healthier communities.

To fund these projects without local tax hikes, Sims proposes leaning heavily on state and federal grants, neighboring county partnerships, and the federal delegation.

Public Safety and Fiscal Responsibility

As a fiscal conservative, Sims vows to "function within our means" while upgrading core services. He believes better public safety can be achieved by aggressively pursuing grants for equipment and training to lower long-term costs.

First Responder Systems: He stresses that law enforcement, fire, and EMS must be treated as distinct systems, especially in areas where response times reach 30–40 minutes.

Deputy Retention: Identifying that replacing a deputy costs roughly $60,000, he plans to address the root causes of turnover, such as pay and workload.

Volunteer Fire Support: Sims aims to preserve the volunteer spirit while strengthening recruitment and station placement.

Going on Offense for Tourism and Quality of Life

Tourism is where Sims proposes Pulaski County "go on offense". Locally, Somerset-Pulaski set a tourism record in 2023 with $150.9 million in visitor spending, saving residents an estimated $11 million in taxes.

Sims pledges to market Pulaski as a year-round destination, promoting flagship attractions such as:

Somer Splash Waterpark and Marinas. Bear Wallow Farm and Haney’s Apple Dale Farm. Along with Agritourism sites like Buchanan Estate, Woodstock Lavender Farms, Burnett Farms, and Cedar Creek Farm. 

Experience Over Politics

In his final pitch, Sims casts himself as a non-career politician whose resume is tailored to Pulaski County’s specific needs. He underscores his experience advocating on Capitol Hill as a key tool to win grants and regulatory flexibility for the county.

"I offer Pulaski County a truly distinctive skill set. My plan is to build infrastructure that supports growth, close the skills gap so our talent stays home, and maintain a stable tax environment through aggressive grant-seeking." — Dr. Stephen Sims

For voters weighing the May 2026 primary, Sims is betting that a research-heavy, tourism-forward, and partnership-driven roadmap is exactly what the county needs at its current crossroads.