Published: July 24, 2008 02:37 pm            

County Attorney Chaney retiring

Held office for 18+ years

WHITLEY CITY — McCreary County Attorney Phil Chaney is counting down his last days as a public servant.

After more than 18 years in office, Chaney announced yesterday that he is retiring as county attorney as of July 31.

Having taken office on January 1, 1990, the county attorney joked that he had been hoping someone would run during the last election cycle. On a more serious note, Chaney explained that changes in the Kentucky retirement system precipitated the decision.

“The new system goes into effect January 1,” Chaney said. “With those changes, it would take 10 more years of working to get back to what I’d lose if I don’t retire now.”

Chaney’s additional public service includes six years with the United States Air Force and four years with the state.

The Office of County Attorney entails prosecuting duties in McCreary District Court (misdemeanors) as well as advising McCreary County Fiscal Court on legal and procedural matters. Chaney’s retirement would leave a vacancy to be filled initially by an appointment from Judge-Executive Blaine Phillips before the next election.

Chaney, a Democrat, told The Record that he was not aware of whom the Republican Phillips might appoint.

Judge Phillips said yesterday that while he has been “approached indirectly” by two or three interested parties, he is not ready to announce a selection.

Should Judge Phillips accept Chaney’s resignation by August 4, the appointment would only last until the November General Election. Since the race is partisan and the May primary has already passed, it would be up to the local Republican and Democrat parties to select their respective nominee.

Angela Evans, legal counsel for the Kentucky Secretary of State’s Office, noted that Chaney’s announcement does not constitute an actual vacancy until he files a notice of resignation which has been accepted by Judge Phillips.

While he has no immediate plans regarding how to spend his retirement, Chaney knows what he doesn’t want to do.

“I plan not to have an office or a cell phone for at least a few months,” he laughed.

Chaney and his wife, Judy, make their home in Stearns.

        

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