Kentucky labor leader, Democratic activist dies in Georgetown house fire

By Josh Kegley and John Cheves
jkegley@herald-leader.com

Charles Britton Wells, 52, a longtime state labor leader and Democratic Party activist, has been identified as the victim of a Tuesday evening house fire in Georgetown.

An autopsy was scheduled for Wednesday to determine the cause of death. Scott County Coroner John Goble said foul play was not suspected.

“We think it is just an accidental fire,” Goble said.

The fire broke out about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in one room of Mr. Wells’ home at 156 Lakeview Drive.

In 2008, Gov. Steve Beshear appointed Mr. Wells as a special assistant in the Kentucky Personnel Cabinet, where he was a liaison between the state and the labor groups representing its employees. Mr. Wells held that post until his death.

“Jane and I were saddened to learn of the death of our friend Charles Wells. Charles was a lifelong advocate for working families,” Beshear said. “We extend our condolences to his wife, Sheila, and all of their family, and will keep them in our thoughts and prayers.”

House Speaker Greg Stumbo, D-Prestonsburg said Wells “was a good advocate for state employees and I’m very sorry to hear about the loss. My prayers go out to the family.”

Previously, Mr. Wells was the longtime director in Frankfort for the Kentucky Association of State Employees and the American Federation of Teachers. He sat on the Kentucky Democratic Party’s Central Executive Committee and chaired the party’s Finance Committee.

As a labor leader, Mr. Wells was one of those most critical of Republican Gov. Ernie Fletcher during the investigation of Fletcher’s state hiring practices. Mr. Wells complained that political leaders too often used protected merit-system jobs to reward their friends and campaign supporters.

“Mr. Wells was my mentor,” said David Smith, current president of the state employees association. “He encouraged not only me but all state employees to constantly better ourselves and to give a voice to those who cannot speak up for themselves.”

In early 2003, Mr. Wells was the Democratic nominee in a special election for the Kentucky Senate’s 17th district, which covered Scott, Owen and Grant counties and most of Kenton County. He lost to Damon Thayer, the Republican nominee and the current incumbent.

Born in Paintsville, Mr. Wells had lived in Georgetown with his wife, Sheila, for about 30 years. He earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from Georgetown College in 1983.

Filed Under: Democratic Party • State Government