(Glasgow, Ky.) – Local Attorney John B. Gardner has announced he is a candidate for Commonwealth’s Attorney in the May Democratic primary election. The winner of the primary election will represent citizens in the Barren and Metcalfe judicial circuits.

“I am running for Commonwealth’s Attorney because citizens in our community deserve more from their local prosecutor,” Gardner said. “I will personally participate in the trial of all A, B, and C felonies. I will restore the victim advocate position and run a fiscally responsible office.”

Gardner also pledged to run an office that is responsive to the needs of the community and adheres to the highest ethical standards. He says he will work closely with law enforcement agencies to streamline prosecutions and promises if he takes a case to trial, he will try the case to its conclusion.

“I grew up in this community – Barren and Metcalfe counties are special places to live, work, and raise our families,” Gardner said. “Having two small children of my own, I want to keep our communities safe by cracking down on crime and forming partnerships to educate our kids about the consequences of addiction.”

Gardner plans to aggressively prosecute individuals who are committing violent offenses, sex crimes, or drug trafficking/manufacturing crimes. At the same time, he plans to use every tool available to give first-time offenders an opportunity to change their paths in life and become productive members of Barren or Metcalfe counties.

“I will judiciously decide when to seek an indictment and ensure that when I seek an indictment, I have enough evidence to convict,” Gardner said.

John Gardner is a partner at the firm of Richardson, Gardner, & Alexander in Glasgow. He has successfully tried cases in federal and state courts, and is past president of the Barren County Bar Association.

John is the son of former Barren County Judge Executive Woodford L. "Woody"Gardner and Sandra, a retired middle school English teacher. He is married to Resa Gardner, a local attorney. The couple’s two small children are Emory and Jack. They are members of First United Methodist Church.

John’s maternal grandfather, Marshall Bishop, was a probation and parole officer and his paternal grandfather, Woodford Gardner, was a long-time principal at Park City School. His maternal grandmother, Geneva Bishop, is a retired supervisor at Kentucky Pants. John’s sister, Allison Gardner Martin, is a former television reporter for WBKO and WLKY.

John is a graduate of Washington & Lee University and the Salmon P. Chase College of Law. He graduated from law school with honors. While in law school, John served on the law review and was a member of the Inns of Court.

“The citizens of Barren and Metcalfe County deserve better from their Commonwealth’s Attorney. I will fight for our families, crack down on crime, responsibly manage your tax dollars and give victims of this community back their voices. I appreciate your support and your vote on May 22,” Gardner said.