During the Christian County League of Women Voters forum Tuesday night there was a significant discussion between the four Mayoral candidates about the City of Hopkinsville’s path and if it is moving in the right direction.
Democratic candidate Jason McCraw said in no way is he in favor of the current path. He stated we cannot keep borrowing, spending and paying tax on that money for a long period of time.
Incumbent Republican Mayor Carter Hendricks’ rebuttal was he wanted to make sure he made it clear about the insurance premium tax which he noted was debated by Council for about a year and then approved.
McCraw stated that doesn’t seem like a lot but the rate on the money borrowed is at 3.6 percent and can increase up to 6 percent.
Independent Walter Shamble also believes the City is being run to accommodate the wealthy in the community.
Hendricks rebutted by saying the idea that what they’ve been doing is only for a certain segment of the population belies the facts.
Independent challenger and former mayor Wally Bryan thinks there are certainly some good projects, but they are trying to do too much at one time and have incurred a lot of debt and increased taxes. He believes they need to get back to the basics.
Republican incumbent Mayor Carter Hendricks answered the question by stating it was three against one on this particular question or his challengers wouldn’t be running against him.
Bryan’s rebuttal was he had a sad face drawn on his piece of paper because of the increased debt.
Shamble also replied crime is up and crime against property is up.
Hendricks’ then pointed out Bryan’s debt record when he was mayor.
The candidates debated their style of leadership and how its best for the City, and what measures they would take to maintain a vibrant downtown, plans on how to increase affordable homeownership, and how to balance infrastructure improvements, anticipated costs, and their priorities.
