My Bio
Kalen Spencer has spent his career serving others — protecting lives, leading teams, and strengthening the community he calls home. With over a decade of experience in public safety, Kalen has worked on the front lines as a firefighter and paramedic, responding to emergencies of every kind and earning firsthand understanding of the challenges facing our families and neighborhoods.
His work goes beyond the sirens. Kalen has trained the next generation of emergency medical professionals as an instructor, helping build a stronger and more capable workforce to serve our region. He’s also managed large construction and infrastructure projects, where he oversaw budgets, coordinated teams, and ensured that work was done safely, efficiently, and with accountability.
My Key Issues
Project Paintsville Forward
Project Paintsville Forward Project Paintsville Forward is a unified economic development plan that brings the City of Paintsville and Johnson County together to attract stable, good-paying jobs and support local employers. Through the new Paintsville–Johnson Economic Development Alliance (PJEDA), the community will present one coordinated voice to investors, streamline permitting, and strengthen business recruitment. The plan targets industries that fit our region—light manufacturing, logistics, tech and remote service centers, and outdoor-recreation businesses—while requiring binding commitments from companies before incentives are offered. It also prepares “business-ready” sites, expands broadband and infrastructure, and aligns workforce training with local programs. With an aggressive grant-funding strategy and transparent public reporting, Project Paintsville Forward aims to boost job creation, improve infrastructure, and build long-term economic confidence for Paintsville and Johnson County. Read the full plan by clicking the link here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1K0Dbxk0HN1Feg2ohIeHS2hIIPSXXdISXISE2wv4Rufk/edit?usp=sharing
Paintsville Next Generation Initiative
Paintsville Next Generation Initiative The Paintsville Next Generation Initiative is a community strategy focused on giving children, teens, and young adults meaningful opportunities to learn, grow, and build their future here at home. By creating the Paintsville Next Gen Hub, the plan provides a shared space for after-school programs, youth leadership, young adult career development, and entrepreneurial support — all funded primarily through grants and partnerships, not the local general fund. The initiative invests in safe community spaces, youth programs, mentorships, and remote-work readiness while partnering with schools, nonprofits, and local businesses to keep costs low. It also creates a young adult advisory board to involve residents ages 18–30 directly in shaping local decisions. With a grant-first funding model, regular community feedback, and measurable goals, the Paintsville Next Generation Initiative aims to reduce youth out-migration, strengthen local career pathways, expand recreation and learning opportunities, and build a vibrant, supportive environment that encourages young people to stay, return, and grow in Paintsville and Johnson County. Read the full plan by clicking the link here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10aNedc1zMrwWf2Bw3EUVZtuCLoUjFyjg/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=116052641170477932544&rtpof=true&sd=true
Project Clean Start
Project Clean Start Project Clean Start is a zero-cost strategy that gives individuals struggling with addiction one structured chance to seek treatment while protecting community safety through clear, strict enforcement. The plan partners Paintsville with established rehabilitation centers outside the city, allowing eligible individuals charged with minor drug offenses to enter treatment voluntarily instead of facing immediate prosecution. All treatment costs are covered by partner facilities or grants, not the city budget. The program offers only one opportunity. Participants must complete their assigned treatment plan and remain drug-free; failure or relapse triggers a zero-tolerance policy with immediate enforcement and no additional referrals. A city liaison tracks participation, coordinates with treatment providers, and reports progress to local government. By combining access to recovery with firm accountability, Project Clean Start aims to reduce drug-related crime, lower community risk, and give people a real chance to rebuild their lives — all without burdening local taxpayers. Read the full plan by clicking the link here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Z9nmooLI2sN6fgtKvmBvXzm185qvTeasUH1IW8A1uco/edit?usp=sharing
The Paintsville Home Renewal & Neighborhood Preservation Plan
The Paintsville Home Renewal & Neighborhood Preservation Plan is a community-driven approach to strengthening the safety, stability, and long-term health of our housing across town. Built from conversations with residents—including a recent visit to the High Rise, where many in our vulnerable population shared their concerns—this plan focuses on improving housing conditions, helping homeowners and responsible landlords access available grants, and protecting Paintsville’s family neighborhoods from outside speculation. It’s a practical, common-sense framework designed to modernize aging homes, reduce safety risks, support local property owners, and ensure every family in Paintsville has a safe place to live. This plan reflects our commitment to building stronger neighborhoods, protecting local families, and creating a safer, more stable future for our community. Read the full plan here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XZT-dW8AslwMh8xQNJ8V8xgy-_ORlZIRFRSlCdAamMk/edit?usp=sharing
Send Me a Message
Have questions or suggestions? I would love to hear from you!
Campaign Headquarters
609 3rd St, Paintsville, KY 41240, USA