Decision to Not Pursue Further Legal Action

Date of Release: 
April 10, 2023

The Paducah Board of Commissioners has settled the legal matter with David Guess related to text messages sent by Guess on election day, November 8, 2022. Circuit Judge Tony Kitchen issued a stay of the action against Guess on February 19. Reconsideration of Judge Kitchen’s decision currently is pending in federal court. Given the Judge’s previous ruling, both parties have agreed to settle by not pursuing further legal action.

Mayor George Bray said, “We carefully followed state law in removing David Guess due to misconduct and feel strongly that we were warranted in our actions. A local judge felt otherwise and issued a stay that prevented the removal of Commissioner Guess. While we respectfully disagree with the court’s ruling, we will move forward. In doing so, we will continue our focus on achieving the overarching goals of the Board of Commissioners which includes the aggressive support of a more diverse and inclusive community. In light of Judge Kitchen’s ruling to stay our action, David Guess has been fully reinstated as a commissioner.”

###