Curtis Maglinger has officially announced his campaign for re-election to the Owensboro City Commission, saying he’s eager to continue the progress the City has made through what he calls “smart growth, strong partnerships, and opportunities for everyone.”
Maglinger said his original inspiration to run for public office stemmed from watching his late father, who served on the commission for multiple terms.
“My father and mother have always taken care of people through our business — they did the right thing,” Maglinger said. “When he passed, it really hit home that I needed to give back. Owensboro has been so good to our family and our business. I just wanted to make a difference.”
Maglinger, 51, said it has been “an honor” to serve and that collaboration has been the most rewarding part of his first term.
“It’s really been exciting to listen to people and work together,” he said. “I’ve had it pretty darn good, and I just want to leave something even better behind.”
Maglinger said key priorities moving forward include addressing affordable housing, attracting high-tech and advanced manufacturing jobs, and expanding career opportunities for local youth.
“I think acquiring the Colonel House is going to give us a good opportunity to create affordable housing and innovative redevelopment,” he said. “And we’ve got 120 acres on the west side of Owensboro ready for industrial growth — high-tech, advanced manufacturing, whatever we can bring here. The potential is there.”
He also emphasized the importance of ongoing partnerships with education and workforce groups to attract and retain talent.
“Every community faces this challenge,” he said. “But by working with our high schools, colleges, and business community, we can help families build a future here.”
Among accomplishments during his first term, Maglinger cited his support for increasing funding to the Green River Community Food Warehouse, advancing riverfront tourism with the Owensboro Air Show and Illuminate Light & Drone Show, developing the Pickleball Complex at Ben Hawes and opening the new SportsPlex, and backing the creation of incentives for a Family Entertainment Center.
He also noted the redevelopment of the former KY 54 Day Treatment Center, the opening of Owensboro’s third downtown hotel, and the city’s growing presence in the entertainment industry through the Kentucky Sound Stage. Other highlights included promoting job re-entry partnerships with inmates and supporting a moratorium on group housing to ensure responsible community planning.
Looking ahead, he said he will continue to focus on public safety, fiscal responsibility, and community-wide cooperation.
“Owensboro succeeds when we work together — City, County, business, education, and citizens,” Maglinger said. “That’s how we grow responsibly and make sure our success is shared.”
Are you a candidate? Here’s how to be featured.
If you’re planning to run for office in 2026, we want to hear from you. Email us at [email protected] to set up an interview.
There’s no cost to be included. We believe voters deserve equal access to candidate information, and that begins with giving you space to share your vision.
