In the end, it probably worked out for the best.

When I heard Kerry Kenady - and not Judy Murphy - was chosen by Governor Ernie Fletcher to fill the vacant First District magistrate's seat, I was surprised, to say the least.

The first thought that popped into my mind was that Fletcher - in the waning days of his lame duck administration - appointed Kenady, a Republican, to replace the late Starling Murphy, who was elected as a democrat, as a purely partisan move.

Apparently I wasn't the only one.

Kenady said as much earlier this week in an interview with the News-Democrat & Leader. But when he followed that statement up by saying he wouldn't be making decisions based on political affiliation, that struck me as exactly the right thing thing to say.

It would have been a nice gesture if the governor had went along with the Logan County Democratic Executive Committee's recommendation of Starling Murphy's widow, Judy.

But allowing Judy Murphy to finish out her husband's term may not have been the most practical option.

As politically motivated as Kenady's appointment seems, it's hard to argue that he's not a very qualified replacement.

An engineer with Masters degree in physics and mathematics from Western Kentucky University can no doubt help the county government.

Kenady seems genuine in his desire to help serve this community.

He's closing his business to devote most of his time to his newly appointed office. To me, that speaks volumes.

Today will be his first session of Logan County Fiscal Court. Kenady will have his chance to prove that he wants to do what's best for Logan County.

And if he backs up his words, he should have a good chance at being elected to his position when it goes on the ballot in May.

- OJ Stapleton is the editor of the News-Democrat & Leader. Contact him at edit_ndl@bellsouth.net or at 726-8394.