HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – The three Hopkinsville mayoral candidates had an opportunity to discuss their vision for the community directly to local youth during a forum hosted by Men 2 Be.
Nikki Chambers, the moderator of the forum, emphasized that the event was not a political debate, but a dialogue between youth and candidates. The goal was to educate, inspire, and empower children to take active leadership roles within their community, held at Challenge House #7.
Executive Director of Men 2 Be, LaDessa Lewis, said it is important that the youth be involved in local politics so that when they reach voting age, they will participate and not be intimidated.
The candidates were able to speak about a variety of topics, in part addressing the lack youth entertainment in the city and how that connects to crime rates. Young men in attendance asked candidates about a range of topics from their thoughts on crime in Hopkinsville to how candidates plan to improve parks and other public spaces.
How to make Hopkinsville better for young people
One Men2Be member asked the candidates how they would encourage more young people to stay in Hopkinsville after graduating high school or college. Republican candidate Russ Guffey said Hopkinsville must offer young people strong reasons to stay and give those who leave incentives to return.
He noted that many young residents move away for jobs, military service or education, and often find more recreation, retail and entertainment options elsewhere. Guffey said his plans include expanding in these areas, including housing to make the city more appealing for returning residents.
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Independent candidate Desaepa Vansauwa answered the same question, saying he would rely on community‑led events to learn what residents want to see in Hopkinsville adding that local associations can help gauge concerns within different neighborhoods.
Vansauwa said if he was mayor, he would work closely with the city council to identify what communities are misrepresented. He emphasized the importance of conversation and transparency about how residents feel about the city.
Wilkerson acknowledged that what she wanted for Hopkinsville may not match what young people are looking for today. She said entertainment options, including afternoon activities and nightlife, play a major role in whether young residents choose to stay.
Wilkerson, who serves on a board that surveys local schools, said students identified sidewalks as the number one thing kids wanted. As mayor, she said she would focus on adding sidewalks, improving transportation to jobs and expanding other amenities aimed at keeping young people in Hopkinsville.
What Men2Be hopes from candidates
On behalf of Men2Be, Lewis emphasized the importance of education to the candidates and said that without a strong foundation, students will struggle to meet the expectations placed on them. She suggested that more funding should go toward educational resources, including support for teachers.
In closing, the organizer added that regardless of who becomes mayor, education must remain a priority, noting that it will help young people reach their goals and take them further than any park or other amenity.
During the forum, the League of Women Voters was also in attendance to help eligible patrons register to vote. Official public debates will be hosted within the next few months. Christian County’s General Election will take place on Nov. 3, find a full list of candidates that will be on the ballot here.
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