Janie Marksberry is the first woman to ever be elected to Daviess County Fiscal Court, and is the first Republican to hold the East County Commissioner seat. She knows it’s a momentous accomplishment, but she is primarily focused on making sure she does her job well and representing the community.
In preparing for her new role, Marksberry began trying to make connections and plans for some organizations throughout the community.
“I’m already looking at senior citizen centers and new opportunities for them if this plan doesn’t go through with the YMCA,” she said. “Mainly I just want to do what I can to help my community. I’ve been here most of my life and I just felt like it was a good way to give back.”
Getting into politics wasn’t something she expect to do, so she is hoping her experience in real estate and the connections she’s made will help as she embarks on her first term.
For example, through her real estate background she has driven the streets throughout the city and county, learning along the way what the community’s needs are — such as better access to food as well as having activities and options for youth to participate in.
“I still would like to see a grocery store in areas that are in a food [desert] where people don’t have access to local fresh produce and fresh meat. I’d like to work with possibly Blessings in a Backpack which helps kids to go home with food after school, and we have some programs here that are great,” Marksberry said.
Marksberry also thinks her rural upbringing will help her in office. She still lives on a farm with horses and crops and feels that her exposure to the farming community will allow her to better represent everyone when it comes to making decisions.
Marksberry is also hoping to help put a focus on the business community.
“There’s a lot of empty spaces still in Owensboro and Daviess County,” she said. “I’d like to see more businesses come here obviously, I’d like to help some new businesses to launch their business too.”
