Christian County Attorney Mike Foster has announced he will not seek reelection.
Foster was first elected Christian County Attorney in 1981 after serving six years as an assistant to Tom Soyars and he is believed to be the longest-serving county attorney in the history of Kentucky.
Foster says he struggled with the decision to retire, but ultimately decided he could best serve the county by assisting with the transition to his successor
He says the office and duties of county attorney have changed significantly over the last four decades and he’s been a part of a lot of change and growth.
Foster says he won’t be riding off into the sunset, as he will continue to practice law in his private firm of Foster, Soyars & Associates and he hopes to remain involved in other aspects of the community
He says he’s grateful to the community for having confidence in him and allowing him to serve the community for nine terms.
Foster says he’s encouraged Chief Assistant County Attorney, John Soyars, to run for the position. Soyars, whose father served as county attorney and circuit judge, has not issued any statement on his intentions.
Foster’s entire written statement:
PRESS RELEASE
Wednesday, January 24, 2018 For Immediate Release
In 1973, while studying for the Kentucky Bar Exam, I had the great fortune of receiving a visit from former Governor, Ned Breathitt, who invited me to join his law firm in my hometown of Hopkinsville.
Upon returning home to practice law, then County Attorney, Tom Soyars, offered me the opportunity to become an Assistant Christian County Attorney. Six years later, upon Tom Soyars being elected as Circuit Judge, the good people of Christian County elected me as their County Attorney; a job that I have always loved and a position for which I will always respect and treasure.
Now 43 years later, I continue to love my job and the opportunity that comes with it to serve others through public service.
I am told by state officials that I am the longest serving County Attorney in the history of this state. As much as I continue to look forward to coming to work every day, I also understand that there will always come a time when other deserving individuals should be given the opportunity to serve their community as I was over 43 years ago.
Therefore, after much thoughtful and prayerful deliberation, I have decided not to seek re-election as your County Attorney.
During my years of services, I have been blessed with a great staff which contributed significantly to the successes, awards, and recognitions that our office has received over the years. A great example of these contributions is my long-time Chief Assistant County Attorney, John Soyars. Therefore, I have encouraged John Soyars to run for the office of County Attorney as he has that rare combination of being one of the most respected legal minds in Western Kentucky along with years of invaluable experience in our office. John’s experience has allowed him to handle every aspect of being a County Attorney including the many programs we have implemented over the years to improve every aspect of the justice system. In addition, John literally grew up around the County Attorney’s office during his father’s many years of service as County Attorney.
Let me be clear. I am not riding off into the sunset! I plan to continue actively practicing law in my private law firm of Foster, Soyars & Associates, PLLC. Upon election, John will continue to have benefit of the best County Attorney staff in the state. I will continue to occupy an adjoining office when and if John should ever need advice.
In addition to practicing law, I will continue to be active in the civic affairs of my community wherever and whenever my services may be helpful or needed. I will be eternally grateful for the many acts of kindness extended to me by the people of this region over these many years.