HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – The Hopkinsville League of Women Voters is hosting a series of debates ahead of the upcoming primary election on May 19. During these forums, contested candidates on the ballot are able to discuss local issues within their registered party.
On April 13, current Hopkinsville Mayor James R. Knight faced his two republican challengers, Christian County Magistrate Russ Guffey and former Hopkinsville City Councilmember Natasha Francis.
Questions during the debate were submitted by local residents and reviewed by a closed group to ensure relevance and are kept confidential prior to the debates. Candidates were able to bring a written opening and closing statement.
Mayoral candidates were asked a range of questions from attracting growth to the city to continuing with LGBTQ proclamations. Candidates were also asked about the potential future development on the corner of East Ninth and Main Street, and how they would prioritize collaborating with other local government agencies to utilize community resources.
Democratic mayoral candidate Markeeta Oldham Wilkerson will go head-to-head with the winner of the May primary this November. The full debate can be found on the City of Hopkinsville’s YouTube page.
Mayor James R. Knight
Mayor Knight, a Hopkinsville native, has been serving in his position for the past three years. During his opening remarks, he focused on his dedication to public safety and his Growing Home initiative while in office along with his commitment to not raising taxes. He added that he has followed through with his ideas and promises while serving.
“This is not just where I work, this is my home where I continue to be ‘all in’ for Hopkinsville…my commitment to Hopkinsville did not start when I became mayor. My life has been dedicated to service and the community,” said Knight during his opening statement.
When asked about continuing to observe LBGTQ rights with a proclamation during Pride Month, Knight said, “The 14th amendment says we govern everyone…we don’t get to leave one part of the community out, everyone should receive equal rights across the board, and I will continue this in June.”
Knight spoke about the importance of investing in quality-of-life services for the community and supporting local business owners. He referenced the creation of the Downtown Entertainment District, building the new Rotary Park and bringing in new restaurants and retail stores. He also praised the work of the police department the historic opening of the new fire station while he was in office.
“We have started to clean up downtown, bringing in new investors to build a brighter future for Hopkinsville,” said Knight to wrap up the evening. “We have done the leg work. Hopkinsville, I am here to serve and willing to continue to be your full-time mayor. That is what Growing Home looks like.”
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Magistrate Russ Guffey
“Hopkinsville is home, it is near and dear,” said Guffey to start the debate. “I don’t just believe, I know that no one is more connected, no one is more committed, and no one is more capable of moving, preserving, progressing and promoting our city.”
Throughout the night, Guffey shared snippets of his “earnest and honest” vision for recruiting high paying jobs, improving housing and promoting public safety in various ways if he is elected as mayor. Guffey currently serves on the Christian County Fiscal Court for District 7.
When asked about continuing to observe LBGTQ rights with proclamations at city council meetings, Guffey said he feels the council should reflect the city’s population in regard to all proclamations that are made on behalf of the city. He said, “There is no reason why we can’t get more people involved in these proclamations.”
While addressing housing issues, Guffey said that in his current role as magistrate, he is serving on a committee that is updating the county’s subdivision guidelines which have not been updated since the 1980’s. For future developments in the city, he believes they should be proactive about planning to avoid traffic buildups and prioritize sidewalks in subdivisions.
In conclusion, Guffey added that he hopes to renew interest in the city, address issues like homelessness and panhandling, possibly create a coworking space downtown for entrepreneurs and startups, and incentivize growth while honoring the city’s history with new events.
“I hope that I’ve worked hard for you as an employee, and I hope that I treated you with respect as your employer. I hope that when we sat together in school, when I poured into you as your coach…whatever the organization that is trying to improve our city, I hope that speaks to who I am,” said Guffey at the end of the debate. “We have to have more action and less agenda.”
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Natasha Francis
Francis introduced herself at the top of the debate, sharing that she has lived in the same family home in Hopkinsville since 1994. She briefly spoke on her time serving on the Hopkinsville City Council representing Ward 1, which includes being involved in budgeting for the city.
“We do have incentives for people to come and live here, it’s just we don’t have enough property, homes for them to live…Hopkinsville is a good place to live. It’s quiet and people do like communicating, talking to, and enjoying each other,” said Frances when asked about what essential services or institutions could help attract people to the city.
She went on to explain that local factories and employers have decent wages and city employees recently received a raise which speaks to the quality of life. In regard to a question about potential requirements for developers creating housing in the city, Frances said, “Wherever they decide to put the properties to build these houses, I think it’s probable that they need to accommodate the traffic flow that comes through.”
In closing, Frances said. “As a mayor you must work with city council, judge executive, magistrate and other legislators. I have achieved those in this community these past four years. I have represented my constituents well. Any problems brought toward me, I helped them resolve.”
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