Danny W. Martin, an independent candidate for sheriff, says a sign posted outside on the courthouse could potentially sway voter decisions come election day.
Lots of people have seen the yellow and brown "John K. Blackburn - Sheriff of the Year 2004" sign hanging on the outside of the courthouse, where the sheriff's office is located. Martin, who also happens to work for the Prestonsburg City Police Department, filed a formal written complaint Oct. 10 with the Floyd County Clerk's Office, saying that he believes the sign could be perceived as a political sign posted in an election office where people cast absentee ballots. Also in his complaint, he asks that the sign be removed until after the election.
"It's been up since 2004 and it's time for it to come down," Martin said.
Blackburn says that this complaint is simply just another way for Martin to get himself known to the public.
"All of this is a publicity stunt to him," said Blackburn. "That's all it is."
Blackburn said he is the only Floyd County sheriff to be given the honor of Sheriff of the Year.
"The State Board of Elections, the County Judge's Office and the County Clerk's Office have told me that the sign is not breaking any laws," Blackburn said. "It is a congratulatory sign, not a political sign. If I had to remove everything that had my name on it in this building or on myself, I'd have to remove my name on my shirt, my name on my office door and my name from the building completely. Danny's complaint just doesn't make any sense."
Still, the Floyd County Clerk's office says it has not yet received word from the proper authorities on how the situation will be held. For now the sign will stay and Martin says he thinks his complaint is not being taken seriously enough.
"I don't think they are going to do anything about it," Martin said.
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