From The Shelbyville Sentinel News

By Lisa King

Magistrate Tony Carriss said he remains excited about "all the good things that create Shelby County's uniqueness" as he files for his sixth term as magistrate.

Among what he calls those special things are the great services that county government provides, he said.

"We are very proud that each of our county services continues to improve each year while at the same time our tax rate for Shelby County government has continued to reduce.

Carriss, a Democrat, also sees the opportunity to showcase Shelby County with the World Equestrian Games and highlight Shelby County's status as the true Saddlebred Capital of the World.

Through the years, Carriss has spearheaded interlocal agreements with the cities of Simpsonville and Shelbyville, resulting in continued lower costs for water and sewer as well as parks recreation.

"Shelby County is now poised to attract best-in-class companies that will offer employment to our families for years to come," he said.

Carriss resides in Southville and is married to Pat Ethington Carriss. They have five children and six grandchildren. His family continues to manage Carriss Grocery at the crossroads of Ky. 53 and Ky. 44.

A University of Louisville School of Business graduate, he is plant manager at Roll Forming Corporation where he has worked for 26 years. Locally, Carriss is vice chairman of the board and a trustee for First Christian Church, a trustee for the Moses Ruben Fund, a board member for The Shelby County Community Foundation, a committee member for the Shelby County Drug and Alcohol intervention fund, a member of the Mount Eden Ruritan Club, the Optimist Club, and the Shelby County Cattleman's Association.

Carriss served as the 2006 President of Kentucky Association of Counties and 2006 and 2007 President for Kentucky Magistrates and Commissioners Association.

His local governmental committees include being a member of the Shelby County Government Animal Shelter Committee, Law Enforcement Committee, Cable Committee, Legislative Committee and Economic Development Committee.

"I enjoy working with the Fiscal Court and the caring county and city employees," Carriss said.