On Friday, October 3, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg announced the appointments of David Yates to Jefferson County Clerk and David James to Jefferson County Sheriff. Both local offices were vacant due to the recent passings of their long-time office holders, Bobbie Holsclaw and John Aubrey. Though the appointments are interim, the Louisville Urban League (LUL) and the Louisville Branch NAACP express concerns about the significant matters currently before both offices. 

Jefferson County Sheriff’s Investigation
In August, LUL and the NAACP called for a formal inquiry and public accountability from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office regarding the incident on August 9, 2025, at the St. Joseph’s picnic event. Public videos of the incident show an assault on a Black child by a Jefferson County Sheriff’s officer, with the child’s hair being pulled, her being forced to the ground, and a large officer forcing himself on top of her to restrain her. 

While Mr. James is a former Louisville Metro police officer, it is unclear if he has the experience to lead an office with a different scope and focus or the ability to handle a sensitive and significant internal investigation. Both organizations expect the investigation to remain completely transparent, thorough, and impartial. All substantiated claims of excessive force or misconduct should yield swift and appropriate disciplinary action, such as retraining, suspension, or termination.

“Sheriff Aubrey and his office had been responsive to the League’s requests for updates and information regarding the investigation,” said LUL President and CEO Lyndon Pryor. “I hope Interim Sheriff David James will maintain that commitment, see the investigation through, and ensure that the officer is held accountable.”

Voter Access, Security, and Conflicts of Interest
The Jefferson County Clerk’s Office significantly delayed access to polling stations across Jefferson County during the 2024 Presidential election. A lack of preparedness led to technical difficulties, extremely long lines, and many voters being unable to cast their ballots—an issue of deep concern. The County Clerk’s Office has previously acknowledged this error and pledged to improve training, strengthen guidance, and implement the recommendations from the state’s audit.

Furthermore, Mr. Yates is a candidate for Clerk and will be on the ballot next year. His appointment to the position now raises concerns about his ability to operate impartially and in the best interest of the entire county electorate. It also raises questions of the mayor’s desire to tip the scales. Appointing a candidate who will be on the ballot and has no previous experience in the role affords said candidate an advantage. Additionally, in this case, you are placing a candidate in charge of the very process that will decide the contest. The mayor seemed to understand this conflict in his selection of an interim sheriff, David James, who is not a candidate and has expressed no interest in running for the position. It is therefore curious that he did not take the same approach with the County Clerk vacancy. 

Addressing Concerns
While Mayor Greenberg praised both appointees as dedicated public servants, emphasizing James’s role as the first Black sheriff and Yates’s proven leadership, there remain critical issues regarding transparency and impartiality in the ongoing Sheriff’s investigation and great apprehension about potential conflicts of interest in the County Clerk’s office. The League and NAACP expect these concerns to be addressed with the seriousness and intentionality required to ensure accountability and maintain public trust.

About the Louisville Urban League
The Louisville Urban League assists African Americans and those at the margins in attaining social and economic equality and stability through direct services and advocacy. For more information, go to lul.org or follow us on Facebook, Twitter  (@louisvilleUL), or Instagram (@louisville_ul).

About the Louisville Branch NAACP 
The Louisville Branch NAACP actively works to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights for all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination. For more information, visit lounaacp.org or follow us on Facebook or Twitter (@LouNAACP).