Ward 9 City Council candidates focus on housing shortage, budget priorities during forum

HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – The League of Women Voters is hosting forums for the upcoming election for all candidates in Hopkinsville.

Ward 9 City Council Democratic candidate Angelique Victor, Republican candidate Brittanie Bogard, and independent candidate Duane Shepard attended the forum and debate on Oct. 21.

Angelique Victor

Victor explained that she understands the value of teamwork since she is an active member of the NAACP and the Democratic Woman’s Club of Kentucky along with being part of other community programs like the city diplomats’ program and is also the founder of Walk in My Shoes, which raises awareness for gun violence.

“I’m deeply embedded in the Ward 9 community,” said Victor when asked what makes the candidates qualified for this position. She continued to say she has been in the ward for over 40 years.

Candidates were asked if they would support the possibility of building a sixth fire station in Hopkinsville and how it should be funded. Victor said she would support it, noting that there are always ways to cut back to find funding.

On the topic of the housing shortage in the city, Victor mentioned that module homes on empty lots at affordable prices for first-time buyers would be a good option. She later added that as far as the city budget is concerned, she would prioritize the operations budget and funding for emergency services.

Victor closed out the forum saying, “It was not an easy decision to run for office, but my need love for Hopkinsville compelled me to take the steps. I am determined to see our community thrive.”

Brittanie Bogard

“I am committed to fostering partnerships that bridge gaps, engage our families and cultivate the leaders of tomorrow,” said Bogard during her opening statement. She added how she is the CEO for Teen Talk and is on several boards including the Human Rights Commission in Hopkinsville and is currently pursuing higher education at Murray State University.

During the forum, Bogard said she promises to be an advocate and a voice for what the people need. When asked about the budget and need for an additional fire station, Bogard responded first, saying she would support it being built, but was unable to provide a method for how it should be paid for.

To help combat the housing shortage, Bogard suggested offering incentives to contractors and buildings. Candidates were asked what their priorities for the city budget would be, with Bogard saying, “I would make sure that our Hopkinsville Police Department and fire department are taken care of, making sure we have some incentives for affordable housing.”

During closing remarks, Bogard said her candidacy is not about creating division, but instead about serving the community. She also added that her campaign has resulted in bullying and defamation towards herself saying, “Despite these obstacles I remain steadfast in my commitment to this community and to advocate for positive change.”

Duane Shepard

Shepard opened the forum by saying he wants to represent the ward because the ward is not always seen in a positive light. He believes the area is falling to victim to gentrification and needs to be supported by the city. “I feel like the humanity in this city has been lost,” said Shepard.

Shepard said he represents the ordinary person and does not feel a candidate has to volunteer or serve on boards to be qualified saying, “You don’t have to have any kind of degree, you don’t have to have any sort of anything to represent your community or your country.”

He answered the moderator saying that he would not support a new fire station in Hopkinsville, also stating that adding more government employees would be counterintuitive. His plan for more housing would include expanding the Lot Next Door Program and directly collaborating with Realtors.

When asked about what the city’s budget priorities should be, he said he wanted to avoid “being cliche” by automatically funding emergency services, and believes the budget should be adjusted according to the city’s needs at the time.

“I’m asking you to vote for me because I respect you, because I see every last one of you, because I really believe in change,” said Shepard during his closing remarks. He also added that the ward should be treated with dignity, siting that his anger and passion can help fuel change.

For more

The candidates also discussed the new ownership of Jennie Stuart Health, rising health insurance costs for government officials, and other topics. Full video of the debate, and other debates for the upcoming election can be found on the League of Women Voters Facebook page as they continue leading up to Election Day.