Date: 10-31-2017
The chair left empty by exiting Pike County Deputy Judge-Executive Brian Morris was quickly filled as Judge-Executive Bill Deskins appointed Herbie Deskins to the position during the Pike County Fiscal Court’s special meeting on Monday.
Judge Deskins’ appointment of Herbie Deskins as Deputy Judge-Executive came with the court’s approval of his salary, the same pay Morris was making in the position. Herbie Deskins was to begin his role Tuesday morning.
Morris will begin his new role as County Jailer on Nov. 1, replacing Freddie Lewis who resigned due to health issues and other opportunities.
“I would like to personally thank Judge Deskins for selecting me as his deputy judge-executive three years ago. I thank you for the appointment that you’ve given me at the Pike County Detention Center,” Morris said. “I’ll address the Pike County Detention Center like I have here in this seat for the past three years. I want to thank this fiscal court for allowing me to sit and talk and discuss county business. It’s meant a lot to me.”
Morris said he believes he is leaving with a lot more friends than he had when he went in.
“I want to thank the people of this county for allowing me to sit here, and I want to thank them for criticizing us. I think every action that takes place needs criticism. I look forward to the new chapter in my life.”
Judge Deskins said he selected Morris as County Jailer because he “needed (him) to do the job at the jail that (he’s) been doing as deputy judge,” and that he’s confident in Herbie Deskins’ abilities to maintain what Morris has done on the court.
Herbie Deskins is no stranger to the county and state political platform, having served as Pike County Attorney in 1969, before serving as Kentucky State Rep. for the 94th Dist. from 1976 until 1998.
According to Herbie Deskins, his resume will be helpful in his new position as deputy judge-executive.
“I was surprised that I was being asked to do it,” said Herbie Deskins. “But, it was something I thought I should do, because I’ve had 30 years of experience in government. I don’t have to have on-the-job training, so (Judge Deskins) asked me. I’ll be glad to serve this 14 months and do the best that I can do.”
By Buddy Forbes
Appalachian News-Express
