Hazard Mayor · Nov 3, 2026
Donald "Happy"
Mobelini
Donald "Happy" Mobelini, the incumbent, is running for mayor of Hazard in the Nov 3, 2026 election, against James Logan Fields.
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The race · Mayor
- 01James Logan Fields
- 02Donald "Happy" MobeliniYou’re reading
Background
- About
- Sworn in as Mayor of Hazard in December 2018 after serving as a Hazard city commissioner.
At an April 23, 2026 forum before the May 19 primary, mayoral candidates Donald "Happy" Mobelini, James Logan Fields and Christian McGilton spoke, and candidate Howard Sumner was absent. Hazard Herald · May 10, 2026
On the record: Donald "Happy" Mobelini
7 sourced01Restaurant tax1 sourced position
As quoted by WYMT
Said the city would take the restaurant tax to the Kentucky Supreme Court and called the tax a way to improve quality of life without a huge burden.
We’re trying to improve the quality of life for all the residents. And this is one way that you can do this without putting a huge burden on anybody,”
Own statementWYMT · Dec 31, 2025Link
02Water system3 sourced positions
As quoted by the Hazard Herald from an April 23, 2026 candidate forum
Said he is running for re-election to finish city and county projects, and that the main one is the Buckhorn Water Plant.
we want to see them come to the finish line. Our main one is the Buckhorn Water Plant.”
Forum answerHazard Herald · May 10, 2026Link
As quoted by the Hazard Herald at a September 2025 joint city-county meeting
Said the city had just approved the contract for the new water plant, which he called the first built in Kentucky in 15 to 20 years.
The city just approved the contract for the new water plant and that’s huge,”
Own statementHazard Herald · Oct 1, 2025Link
As reported by the Hazard Herald; not a direct quote
Said the Buckhorn water plant costs $20 million and the transmission lines another $23 million, all through grants.
Own statementHazard Herald · Jun 26, 2025Link
03Jobs and small business1 sourced position
As quoted by the Hazard Herald from an April 23, 2026 candidate forum
Pointed to the Hazard Downtown Incentive Program, which he said has distributed $106,480, and a plan to make Hazard and Perry County the small business capital of the world.
Like Scott Alexander and I have a plan to make Hazard and Perry County the small business capital of the world and we’re on the right track.”
Forum answerHazard Herald · May 10, 2026Link
04Retail recruitment1 sourced position
As quoted by the Hazard Herald at a February 2026 Chamber of Commerce meeting
Said bringing Hobby Lobby and TJ Maxx to Hazard is going to help the city, county and schools.
This is really going to help the city and county and schools.”
Own statementHazard Herald · Feb 26, 2026Link
05Transportation1 sourced position
As quoted by the Hazard Herald at a February 2026 Chamber of Commerce meeting
Said the city is looking at getting a second trolley and wants to run trolleys all day to downtown, the hospital and Walmart.
We want to run these trolley’s all day.”
Own statementHazard Herald · Feb 26, 2026Link
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