Downtown Hopkinsville, community outreach discussed by Ward 12 City Council candidates

Ward 12 City Council Republican candidate Elizabeth Draude and Democratic candidate Samual Goodman attended the debate and forum on Oct. 24.

HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – The League of Women Voters is hosting forums for the upcoming election for all candidates in Hopkinsville. Ward 12 City Council Republican candidate Elizabeth Draude and Democratic candidate Samual Goodman attended the debate and forum on Oct. 24.

Elizabeth Draude

Elizabeth Draude kicked off the debate by explaining her background, saying that she and her husband moved here from Texas in 1997 to raise their family in Hopkinsville and she currently works in healthcare, “I’ve been involved in a lot of volunteer organizations in my time that I’ve been here, and I’m excited to be on this ticket.”

In regard to specific issues the candidates notice in their ward, Draude noted that there have been some concerns in the historic housing community that have prevented people from refurbishing homes and purchasing homes in the area. She believes by making the process of buying and remodeling these homes easier, it will draw more people to the area.

When asked about businesses and housing downtown, she believes every part of downtown should be utilized. Also later touching on the topic of homelessness around downtown, saying that the city could benefit from extra resources and centers to allow people to move on and move out while also receiving care. “I know that homelessness is a problem everywhere,” said Draude.

If elected, Draude said she would find ways to engage with her ward directly that does not involve knocking on every door. She said she would stay connected on social media while also taking advice from other councilmembers on the best way to communicate.

“I’m ready to learn and to take it all in and to do the best that I can,” said Draude during the forum. “I have a heart for the community, and I feel like this is the next step in my life.”

Samual Goodman

Samual Goodman introduced himself to the forum during opening statements, stating that he is originally from North Carolina, served in the military at Fort Campbell for 20 years, and is currently a deacon. “I spend the majority of my time going and helping people or doing what I can for other people,” said Goodman.

Goodman said that if he was elected, he would connect with the community directly and find out what their concerns are. During the forum, he continually mentioning that more committees should be established in the city to focus on specific topics like homelessness and developments downtown. He also suggesting each neighborhood in his ward could create committees to effectively voice their concerns to him if he served as a councilmember.

When asked about housing and businesses downtown, Goodman responded by saying he believes that the city should use what they have and take advantage of several unused buildings in downtown Hopkinsville. In regard to safety on the Rail Trail, Goodman suggested a plan to help residents feel more at ease that includes monitoring cameras more closely to prevent incidents.

During his closing statement, Goodman thanked the community and his wife of 49 years for support saying, “Working together, we can do better. No matter who wins, I’m going to help you.”