State Rep. Tommy Turner is equally comfortable hashing out legislation in the state’s capital or roaming the farm in the hilly eastern part of the county, a farm in his family more than 150 years.
Tommy, a Republican, has been in the state legislature 16 years. His down-to-earth approach translates to not carrying a smartphone, dressing casually and handling his own appointments. He spends a good deal of time traveling through Pulaski County to talk with people about their needs, he says.
“I like meeting people in person, not through email or the computer,” says Tommy while on the way to a breakfast meeting with a representative of the Kentucky Association of Food Banks. “This is how most politicians should be — out there with the people.”
Tommy describes himself as conservative Republican, but says some of his closest friends in the legislature are Democrats.
“Good people are on both sides,” he says.
Carol Sexton, who works at the Pulaski County Public Library, says Tommy helped get money for libraries in the state.
“He’s a good man who loves Somerset,” she says.
During legislative breaks, Tommy spends time with his family and on his farm. He hunts squirrels, fishes, trains hunting dogs and rides all-terrain vehicles — and hunts for arrowheads to add to his collection.
“I love my job, and I enjoy doing it, but my true love is farming and being out in nature,” says Tommy.
Scott Hyden, a hunting buddy, says he learned a lot from Tommy about training hunting dogs.
“Tommy is just a good old boy,” says Scott.
Tommy maintains a close relationship with his grandson Blake, 9.
“Blake is my best buddy, my first grandkid,” Tommy says with a smile. “I’m glad he gets to grow up on this farm.”
However, Tommy knows growing up for Blake is different.
“Me and my buddy used to go out coon hunting at night, and the dogs would run so far in the woods that you would spend all night going in after them and wouldn’t return until sunbreak,” he says. “My parents didn’t worry, not one bit. But in today’s world, they would have a search and rescue team out looking for you.”
Meanwhile, Tommy wants to help people and help bring jobs to the county, he says.
“I don’t give myself the credit, I give the people the credit,” he says. “I’ve had lots of opportunities in life, and people have been very good to me, so I have to give back.”
