Owensboro natives Jim Ivey and Titus Willis are official write-in candidates vying for seats on the Owensboro City Commissioners. Both candidates discussed their distinct motivations and backgrounds for their campaigns, aiming to address community needs and encourage generational engagement.
In Kentucky, write-in candidates must file a declaration of intent by a specific deadline before the election. This step officially registers them as candidates, ensuring any votes cast for them will be counted. Ivey’s and Willis’s names will not actually appear on the ballot (see a sample here), but votes can be cast for them using the “write-in” line in the Owensboro City Commission section.
Ivey is a longtime educator and the son of a former police officer. He shared that his interest in city government began during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although he initially considered running when former commissioner Larry Maglinger’s position opened, Ivey ultimately chose to wait, feeling it wasn’t the right time.
As the write-in deadline approached, Ivey said he decided to proceed with a campaign, stating his commitment to public safety, economic development, and fiscal responsibility.
Ivey said he believes his “diverse background,” which includes coaching, community engagement, and various local jobs, gives him a unique perspective.
“I feel like I can bridge the gap between generations,” Ivey said, citing his experiences across age groups, from the Greatest Generation to Generation Alpha.
Ivey has taught and coached multiple generations at Owensboro Catholic High School. He said he’s also delivered papers, bagged groceries, worked in construction, and much more.
He said his focus is on ensuring public safety, supporting economic growth, and maintaining a balanced, frugal budget.
“I want to contribute to this community,” Ivey said. “Owensboro deserves leadership that values responsible spending while addressing the needs of future generations.”
Willis, a lifelong Owensboro resident, noted that his motivation for running stems from a desire to retain local talent and prevent residents from seeking opportunities outside the city.
“I’m just tired of seeing people leave Owensboro to spend or make money elsewhere,” Willis said.
He expressed a desire to create family-oriented businesses and reduce young talent leaving the city limits. He said his focus is on improving infrastructure, reducing crime, and enhancing opportunities for young people.
In addition to his community work with organizations such as the NAACP and neighborhood alliances, Willis said he has experience in various blue-collar jobs and real estate. He said he hopes to bring attention to issues such as cybercrime, an area he feels is under-addressed locally. Willis stated he wants to work collaboratively within the City Commission to bring forward ideas often overlooked.
“There’s so much potential here, but we have to act on it,” Willis said. “I want to make sure Owensboro is a place where families can thrive without feeling the need to look elsewhere for opportunities.”
Early voting runs Thursday through Saturday at the Owensboro Sportscenter from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Election day is November 5. Daviess County residents can vote at any of the 14 local polling places from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. that day. (Note: Only City residents may vote for City Commissioners.)
