Benjamin Corder for Nelson County Judge/Executive

05/20/2026

Congratulations to Nelson1st- JT Roby for County Judge Executive for winning the Nelson county democratic primary!! You will be an amazing judge executive! You have my full support leading up to and come Election Day and after! Proud to call you a friend. Also congrats to Shameca Ashby for Nelson County Judge Executive just for the amazing feat of being the first woman and person of color to run for the position in Nelson County. I don’t think everyone knows how much bravery that takes and what an accomplishment it is! I’m also proud to call you my friend.

Thank you for everyone who voted for me however the battle isn’t over yet, even though I will not be the candidate for Nelson county Judge/Executive. We still as a county, a state, and a nation need to make our voices heard come November. I was disappointed in the voter turn out. We can’t sit idly by at home come November. You can make a change. You can make your voice be heard. Do so.

05/19/2026

Happy Primary Election Day!

I've loved getting to know many of you and witnessing the passion for our community. Like many, I'm concerned about the challenges Nelson County faces, including devastating floods, environmental issues, and a lack of accountability from elected officials.

If elected, I aim to overhaul our zoning regulations, which are currently complex and often too lenient towards corporate interests. I propose increasing the minimum distance for rickhouses from residences from 400 to at least 600 feet, ensuring a safer living environment. We also need to enhance communication about zoning changes so residents are informed and engaged.

The ethanol v***r from our local distilleries has negative health impacts, and we can implement cleaner technologies like thermal oxidizers to address this. By investing in research and enforcing nuisance laws, we can create a healthier community while fostering better relationships with distilleries.

To alleviate the financial burden on residents, I propose reducing property taxes by exploring visitor-based taxes, such as a county-wide restaurant and hotel tax, similar to Bardstown, as well as updating our outdated occupational tax.

My family and I live and work here, and I want Nelson County to be a thriving place for all. As I prepare to defend my PhD, I understand the importance of research and community involvement in decision-making, and I’m dedicated to making this county a better place for everyone.

I want to thank Nelson1st- JT Roby for County Judge Executive and Shameca Ashby for Nelson County Judge Executive J.T. Roby. Shameca Ashby for their friendship and valuable ideas and contributions in this race. Even if you decide to not vote for me as you do not align with my ideas, or because you are unable until the general election, I highly recommend voting for one of them when the time comes and if you are able. Regardless of who wins the primary, we all care deeply about Nelson County.

Get out and vote! You can check your polling location here:

05/06/2026

The deadline to request a mail-in ballot for the 2026 Primary Election is fast approaching. Nelson County residents who wish to vote by mail must submit their applications by Tuesday, May 5th.

To request a mail-in ballot, eligible voters can visit the Kentucky Secretary of State’s website at https://vrsws.sos.ky.gov/abrweb
or contact the Nelson County Clerk’s office directly at (502) 348-1829. Voters must provide a valid reason for their request, such as being elderly, disabled, temporarily residing outside the county or state, or having work obligations that prevent them from voting in person.

Mail-in ballots must be received by the Nelson County Clerk’s office by 6:00 PM on Election Day, May 19th. Voters can return their ballots by mail (with a return postage fee of $1.77), or drop them off at designated drop box locations:

- Inside the Election Office at the County Clerk’s office (Main Floor, available during business hours)

- Outside by the Front Door (Accessible 24/7)

05/06/2026

Unfortunately, I won’t be able to attend due to a long-standing prior commitment out of town. However, I strongly encourage you to go and listen to the candidates speak. Being an informed voter is crucial for both the primaries and the general election—not just for the Judge/Executive race, but for all offices on the ballot.

In the meantime, I invite you to visit my page to learn more about my platform, my vision for the county, and to watch my recent interviews.

Thank you!

Please share!

04/11/2026

NC GAZETTE / WBRT RADIOSTAFF REPORT Thursday, April 2, 2026 — Boston resident and Democratic candidate for Nelson County Judge-Executive Ben Corder was the guest on WBRT’s “Bradfo…

01/24/2026

I’ve had a few people reach out with questions about the warming center location, so I want to clear that up.

The warming center is located at the Nelson County Civic Center, right beside the Health Department.

For everyone’s safety, there will be security on site, along with regular walk-throughs and monitoring throughout the weather event. Personnel from the Nelson County Correctional Center, along with other local law enforcement agencies, will be assisting with security at different times during the event.

Please do not hesitate to use the warming center if you need it. Take care of yourself, look out for your neighbors, and please everyone be safe.

01/09/2026

This week, I was blessed to go on a field trip with my class to Old Friends and meet some of the greatest race horses in our lifetimes, along with the founder of the organization, Michael Blowen, who graciously guided our tour. It was truly an amazing experience. He gave these horses the respect and life they had earned and deserved.

Years ago, a retired racehorse, no matter how great, once its use was up, would have been thrown away. Sent to slaughter or left to rot. Now they are given the reverence they deserve. This man did that. He created a great and successful business not through greed, corruption, or treating people and animals as disposable, but through love and compassion, simply by being a wonderful human being and going against industry norms.

This is the type of business and people we should look up to and promote in our communities. These are the types of people who make our communities and countries great, and that should be promoted. Not corporations and people who only care about their own greed and expansion. But ones who care about those affected.

12/29/2025

Hey everyone!

I’d like to introduce myself and share my vision for Nelson County, as I have filed for the Democratic nomination for County Judge/Executive.

When I first moved here, I was excited to live in the bourbon capital of the world—I thought it was the coolest thing ever. I loved that Nelson County celebrated and was celebrated through events such as the bourbon and art festivals. I loved that we took pride in our county seat being called the most beautiful small town in America. I have always loved that our county is home to so many amazing businesses and people. I built my barns with the help of Guy’s Lumber in New Haven, where I obtained the materials. I currently source hay for my horses from various parts of Nelson County, thanks to the many excellent farmers in the area. I enjoy dining at the numerous fantastic local restaurants in Nelson County. Additionally, I'm grateful to have some of my best friends living nearby, in towns like Boston, Bardstown, Bloomfield, Cox’s Creek, and others. However, recently, this love I have for my county and home feels like it has been completely stomped on and burnt to ashes.

Recently, I've watched corporate and governmental greed harm our county. Just a couple of years ago, I wouldn’t have dreamed of running for office, but I can no longer accept the damage being done. I've seen spills pollute our waterways without community notification ( I have attached the document from the Department of Water to verify) and disregard for local concerns regarding rickhouse expansions in flood prone areas.

I witnessed a young couple stand before the zoning board, breaking down in tears as they pleaded against the construction of a rickhouse being built in a floodplain, just 400 feet fromtheir home. They had recently purchased their first house, unaware of the upcoming development of these rickhouses since realtors are not obligated to disclose such information. After investing all their money, they were now facing a significant decrease in their property value. Meanwhile, the board members and the representatives from the distillery seemed indifferent; they rolled their eyes and checked their watches as the couple spoke.

This proved to me that those in power do not prioritize our community. They don’t even care enough to listen.

These experiences are what have motivated me to take action. A great place to visit has to start with being a great place to live. Nelson County has the potential to be a great place to live once again. As County Judge/Executive, I will fight for our community and advocate for positive change. The following outlines my hopes for Nelson County and my commitment as County Judge/Executive:

1. *New Zoning Ordinances*: I propose enacting new zoning ordinances to require greater setbacks from roads and homes for both rickhouses and any corporate expansions. The distance any warehouse is from a citizen's home should not be less than the length of the warehouse itself, where a decent baseball player could hit it from their front porch—ideally, I believe this should be a minimum of 1,000 feet.

2. *Addressing Whiskey Fungus*: I will advocate for new zoning ordinances and lobby for the county and state to take action against whiskey fungus. In today's world, we should not be victims of pollution caused by these companies. Thermal oxidizers are already being implemented in other states, such as California, where it has become law for companies to use them to eliminate pollutants that cause whiskey fungus. I also believe that the ethanol v***r produced by these plants poses a risk to our citizens, as numerous studies indicate the negative effects of ethanol on human health.

3. *Investment in Local Businesses*: It is essential to invest more in our local independent businesses and the citizens who truly make Nelson County a great place to live and visit. We should support you, the community, rather than billion-dollar corporations that have little interest in our area. This includes reducing property taxes, which are currently above the national median. Our resources should focus on what genuinely supports our citizens, not on entities that have stripped away benefits to the county, like the bourbon barrel tax.

4. *Better Communication and Community Feedback*: It is outrageous how often corporations and government agencies manage to implement zoning and fiscal changes without informing local residents until months after the decisions have been made. Yes, there may have been a meeting, but it was likely announced in a small corner of the local newspaper, leaving many unaware. The citizens of Nelson County deserve every opportunity to participate in decisions that significantly impact their lives.

In summary, I aim to combat urban sprawl, reduce pollution affecting every part of Nelson County, lower property taxes, promote more investment and opportunities for our citizens and small business owners, and have clear communication that allows for the participation of Nelson county citizens.

I want to clarify that I am not a career politician. I never planned to be one. I take pride in my current job as a high school teacher, that I train barrel horses as a hobby, and that I am working towards completing my PhD dissertation. I could really not care less whether there is a “D” or an “R” next to my name. However, I am exhausted from seeing people, including myself, being overlooked and disregarded. That is why I am running for County Judge/Executive.

I welcome all complaints and issues you may be facing. If I am fortunate enough to be elected, I want to help as many people as I can.
I love you, Nelson County. God bless.