LIVINGSTON COUNTY, KY-- There are questions surrounding how a person is appointed to an open judge executive seat in Kentucky.
This, after Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear appointed a new judge executive for Livingston County.
Democrat Teris Swanson will be sworn in Tuesday.
Former Judge Executive Garrett Gruber, a republican, resigned and returned to full time military service.
Just three weeks passed from Gruber’s resignation to Swanson’s appointment.
The process starts with nominations from people in the community.
Mark Bryant, a Paducah attorney, and her employer is one of those who nominated Swanson.
Bryant is admittedly a strong supporter of Governor Beshear both vocally and financially.
He says he put in a word to the governor on Swanson’s behalf.
“If they had a connection, they'd have put in a word with the Governor, too. They did apply…That's how it all works,” Bryant says
This is common during political appointments.
Political experts tell me it happens on both sides of the aisle.
Even with the recommendation, Bryant says he's certain Swanson got the position on her merits.
That's something Swanson seconds.
“I'm well connected. I have a pretty good resume and I'm proud of that. I am just so excited to do some good work,” says Swanson.
Governor Beshear can choose to appoint any of the nominees, regardless of political party.
Livingston County Magistrate for District four, Klay Southern, says he wishes there was more collaboration with the Governor's office when making this decision.
“I do think he probably should've stuck with the party that was elected. But at the end of the day, it's all about doing what's best for the county,” Southern says.
Swanson says that's her plan.
“I think it's just really important that we put those party affiliations aside, as country and as a county, and work together because that's the only way we're going to get anything done,” Swanson says.
“I've been a Livingston County resident all my life. I love it there. I'm passionate about it.”
It's a position Swanson wants to keep.
Swanson will be running in the special election November 5th.
The deadline for candidates to file for this special election race is June 4th.
The swearing-in ceremony for Swanson is Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the Livingston County Courthouse.
Swanson will also attend her first fiscal court meeting as Judge Executive Tuesday, hoping to learn the ropes.
