London Town Money Saver | November FOM 2021

Campaign Headquarters

1501 S Main St.

London, KY 40741

My Fellow Londoners:

RANDALL WEDDLE FOR MAYOR

My name is Randall Weddle Life for me started on the Knox/Laurel County line in a hollow in Gray, Kentucky. There, my mother’s side of the family raised cattle and grew tobacco. My father, Alvin, served in the military until he was no longer able After returning to the states, he raised us children by working at Gray’s Roofing, a business started by my grandfather and some of his brothers. We were taught (by great example) to respect, to love, and to help others

I came from a family that laced up their shoes and went to work every single day. But in southeast Kentucky, life can be a struggle for some folks regardless of how hard they work. My family was no exception to this fact Despite diligently working, we were still poor. It was not until my teenage years that we got central heating and air in our home Before that, our house was heated by an old coal burner that we called Miss Piggy. (I’m not sure where that nickname came from, but that is what we called it.) There were some bitterly cold winter nights when we had to put five quilts on the bed on account the only warm room in the house was where the stove was. However, what we lacked in money we made up for with love

Even as a youngster, I did what I could to help ease the family burdens. One part of the work I enjoyed was helping my grandfather and uncles transport tobacco into London to sell London was the biggest city around, and I was amazed to see all the stores and restaurants when we went to town. As a boy who grew up with outdoor plumbing and hand-me-down clothing, visiting London was a delight I experienced a rush, as I felt I was in an exciting and important place That is when I fell in love with London. No matter where I have lived, London and southeast Kentucky have always had my heart

In my teenage years, I met my wife, Victoria, and just fell in love with her! We were friends for a few years before I ever asked her out on a date, but I knew she was my soul mate Victoria and I were married in 2001, and soon after, our daughter, Alexis was born. Ten months later, our son, Nicholas, came along I was nineteen years old by then and was working three jobs trying to support my family It was not too long of living this tiring lifestyle that I decided we had to look beyond southeast Kentucky and search for a way to make a more suitable living. We were scared about leaving behind the place and people we loved, but after a lot of prayers decided to move to Indianapolis, Indiana

I quickly landed a job as a truck driver in Indianapolis and was blessed to be making more money working there than ever before in my life We lived in Indiana for 13 years During that time frame, I started my own business. Victoria and I also used a portion of our life savings to purchase real estate The rental properties we bought and our company, Reverse Logistics, flourished; the latter is now an international success. However, as life would have it, my father passed away in 2013, causing me to realize how much I had missed and how I was ready to return home

Still, I was hesitant to walk away from the success I had experienced, so we ended up moving to Lexington rather than immediately coming back to Laurel County We were closer, but the city still was not home In 2014, Victoria became pregnant again with our son Christian. Unfortunately, God had other plans, and he passed on November 4th that year. Losing him was one of the hardest things my wife and I have had to endure Not being close to friends and family seemed to magnify the grief. Every time we visited loved ones in London or Harlan, I would get homesick. And when we were blessed once again with the birth of our son Lucas in 2016, I realized my heart was not settled. One drive down, I told Victoria, “It is time to come home ”

Returning home, my wife and I noticed some things had changed in Laurel County, but a lot more could be done While jobs had been created, they were not jobs where people could really prosper. Seeing people still needed to leave our area to get ahead in life bothered me I had created six successful companies by the time my family and I came back, so I brought one to the city of London as well We currently employ 35 people, but have recently purchased a 200,000 square foot building that will have 250 employees soon! I am excited about the jobs this is generating and am working hard to improve our community

Another aspect I observed when we came back to southeast Kentucky was politics as usual This trend has concerned me over the years. Why are we still voting officials into office that truly have no intention of moving us forward as a community? We see this in national elections too often. Many people feel local elections do not matter as much. I think COVID has taught us better

We have seen the same-old-same-old for years, so why are we still buying into deceptive promises made that will not be kept? It troubles me to see elected officials posting on social media, claiming others’ hard work and success as their own When I recently became aware of some in leadership seeking the mayor’s office I was immediately concerned for London’s future We cannot afford to go back 50 years or even stay the same We cannot allow this! That is why I have decided to campaign for mayor

London, I am not a politician I am not good at blowing smoke, and I will not be selling “snake oil” to the people in our community I am not going to tell you what you want to hear just to get your vote But look at those seeking to be our next mayor and consider what they have really accomplished What qualifies them to handle millions in tax dollars? Let us stop voting for a person simply because we like that person Let us stop voting with emotions. Let us vote on facts. Fact is, I can lead London into the future I can work from the foundation that has been laid. I built my own companies from the ground up. Let me transform London into what we all know it has the potential to be My role as mayor will embrace all those in London—the rich, the poor, the common man. Our office will be available to anyone at any time! My team will work closely with the business owners we have now to see them grow. We will lead the way

Isn’t it time to vote for the people of London? Isn’t it time to let business people lead the business-- which is the City of London? That is why I am asking for your vote as mayor in the 2022 election

To show your support, go to voterandall.com and sign up today!

Let us build a bigger, brighter London!