Central Daviess County Commissioner Larry Conder has announced his intention to seek re-election, saying he wants to continue strengthening the county’s financial stability, supporting first responders, and guiding the community through several major projects on the horizon.
“It’s been an honor to serve the people of Daviess County,” Conder said. “Over the past several years, we’ve worked hard to strengthen our local economy, maintain fiscal responsibility, and invest in projects that make our community stronger, safer, and more welcoming for everyone. I want to continue building on that progress.”
Conder, 65, said the next several years will require experienced leadership to navigate projects with major financial and logistical challenges — including a potential new first responder center and a substantial renovation to the county jail.
“There are several things we need to continue working on,” Conder said. “Moving forward, we’ll need people in place who can evaluate both the financial capacity and the necessity of these projects. Those two projects alone — the first responder center and the jail — will be not only difficult to complete, but also a financial burden to navigate. Together, they could total $55 to $60 million, and they’ll impact Daviess County Fiscal Court for the next three to four years.”
Conder said his past experience demonstrates he can handle those kinds of financial and administrative challenges.
“Looking back, I’ve proven I have that experience,” he said. “I serve as liaison to the volunteer fire departments and the sheriff’s office. One of the biggest accomplishments during my time on Fiscal Court was the repeal-and-replace effort to fix how volunteer fire stations are funded. It took about a year to get it done, but we replaced an inadequate system with a better flow of funds — and that’s made a huge difference.”
Conder said he’s also proud to have supported other major community efforts.
“I advocated for the $500,000 senior citizen match, which kick-started the entire board’s fundraising for their new facility,” he said. “I also serve as liaison to the senior center board and to the parks. We’ve completed substantial renovations — new restrooms, new shelters — at Yellow Creek and Panther Creek Parks. Over time, we’ll also be focusing on Horse Fork and even the Mattingly Gun Club.”
He said those ongoing projects show his commitment to serving residents across all parts of the county.
“In today’s world, it’s easy for conversations to become divided. But local government works best when we focus on solutions, not sides,” Conder said. “I believe in listening to all voices — conservative, moderate, and progressive — and making decisions that reflect what’s best for the whole county, not just one group.”
Conder acknowledged there have been divisive moments on Fiscal Court in recent years but said he’s consistently worked toward collaboration.
“I’ve tried hard over the last two and a half years to improve communication, not only with the other commissioners and the judge-executive, but also with residents who are passionate about certain issues,” he said. “As a county commissioner, I have one vote. The judge-executive sets the agenda and the tone for how the county operates, and that leadership begins there. But I do believe there’s a better path for communication among all elected officials.”
Conder said that the communication breakdown extends beyond Fiscal Court.
“I’m talking about Fiscal Court, the City of Owensboro, and the state of Kentucky,” he said. “There’s a disconnect in communication and priorities that holds us back and keeps us from moving forward, and that needs to be fixed.”
Conder is a Daviess County native and has spent nearly his entire life here. He started his own natural gas marketing company after leaving Texas Gas in 1995, then in 1999 he began working for the Public Energy Authority of Kentucky, where he’s now the vice president.
Conder is also actively involved in numerous organizations across the community and has served on several local boards, including the RiverPark Center, We Are Downtown, Owensboro Riverport Authority, and Brescia University. He and his wife Rosemary have heavily invested in the revitalization of downtown Owensboro.
Prior to being elected Central County Commissioner in 2022, Conder served two terms as an Owensboro City Commissioner.
Looking ahead, Conder said he believes Daviess County is financially strong but must continue making smart investments.
“Our county is in a strong position financially and strategically, but there’s more to do,” he said. “From infrastructure and housing to workforce and safety, I’m running again to keep Daviess County moving forward with integrity, accountability, and cooperation.”
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