Only one local race is on the ballot for the 2023 General Election, and it will determine who will fill the remaining term of the late City Commissioner Larry Maglinger. Sharon NeSmith was selected in May the interim and is running to keep the seat. Jerry Ray Davis and Titus Willis are challenging her for the position.
NeSmith will serve through December 31, 2023. Whoever wins the special election will serve the second and final year of the term, which ends December 31, 2024. All three candidates answered a handful of questions about their positions and ideas. Their responses can be found below.
Answers appear in the order of the candidates’ placement on the ballot.
Owensboro Times: What are you currently involved in around the community, and how will you use those connections as City Commissioner?
Sharon NeSmith said she is a board member of the Alliance for a Drug-Free Owensboro and Daviess County as well as the Convention & Visitors Bureau. She has served as board chair of BBQ & Barrels and the International BBQ Festival.
She said her involvement aligns with the mission statement of Owensboro — “to promote economic development, to enhance neighborhood quality and values, and to provide appropriate community facilities.” She added, “I can promote support by listening and understanding all aspects of the issues involved, including what are we doing, why, who benefits, who helps, and when.”
Jerry Ray Davis said he is involved with organizations including CASA of Ohio Valley, the foster home system, the H.L. Neblett Community Center, Girls Inc., Puzzle Pieces, Boulware Mission, The Opportunity Center, and Empowerment Academy. He said he also contributes to the entertainment culture of the community of Owensboro.
“I have been pleased to be involved with giving back to our community by supporting multiple organizations,” he said. “Philanthropic support, especially where children are concerned, is close to my heart. Providing the opportunity for children to have the feeling of family, being heard, safe, and empowered, along with protecting the innocence of the youth, is something I have become very passionate about.”
Titus Willis said he is involved in the Neighborhood Alliances as well as Owensboro’s youth, veteran and senior populations. He currently volunteers with the Community Development Department.
“As City Commissioner, I would use this platform for information gathering to better understand what I need to fight for on the city government level,” he said.
OT: What do you see as a large priority for the City, and how would you help address it?
NeSmith: Owensboro has recently reviewed salary levels and increased pay scales to retain and recruit needed personnel; however, we, like many businesses, are still facing a shortage in critical areas. Our police department is an example of this shortage.
Concerns the city residents have of everyday parking and street issues, along with more serious events, are sometimes answered with, ‘We just do not have enough personnel to handle the situation.’ Other cities are facing the same issues. These cities, like Owensboro, can offer a great place to live and raise a family, an opportunity to work and serve in the community, and competitive salaries. We have to find the differentiator that will bring personnel to Owensboro and be willing to support the changes needed to provide first-class public safety.
Transportation 24×7 with shorter access routes is also a topic I addressed when I was initially appointed to fill the commissioner position in May 2023. This one is going to take a lot of study, fact-finding, conversation, and proof of value; however, it is definitely on my list as a high priority to assist individuals and businesses.
Davis: I believe the community concerns we are facing today can’t be ranked into which has the highest priority. Each sector of our community has concerns that are most important to them, and we must ask questions, listen, and provide answers to each and every one who has a voice. Our seniors, veterans, and youth, along with communication between each other, make the list with serious implications if not addressed quickly.
The Senior Community Center is something that must get on the right path for the City leaders to have an opportunity to vote “yes” on a sustainable plan of action.
Veterans must be heard and not forgotten. They fought for our freedom; they provide a foundation that leads into the future for us all. We must make it a point to show appreciation and ensure we have programs that are designed to make our veterans’ lives as enjoyable as possible.
Youth in our city and the crime adjourning needs special consideration. We must stop kids from killing kids. Gathering our communities together and discussing how we keep guns out of the hands of our children while promoting a lifestyle that doesn’t include drugs and crime.
As an elected official, I will address the workforce shortage in critical City services like our police and fire departments. I will push hard for more funding and training, which will allow lower turnover while promoting the need for longevity. I have plans to address recruitment, career advancement, work-life balance, and partnerships within our community, even working with our schools and youth to begin to address several issues.
Willis: When I’m elected City Commissioner, from the information I’ve gathered, a main priority is crime and cybercrime; also infrastructure development, economic development, transparency and collaboration, transportation solutions, and lowering property tax. I won’t just address these problems; I will assure they are met with great importance, even if it takes me going to the state level.
OT: In what areas do you feel the City can improve?
NeSmith: Decisions are made by City leaders that address an issue or a problem. We look for resources and alternatives to address issues and can substantiate our rationale for why the decisions are made. The decisions make the morning news and appear on social media the next few days. Oftentimes, the discussion and options discussed do not.
The rumors start, and unfortunately, the initial information provided gets lost in translation. Repetition of more controversial decisions — including the conversations that led to those decisions — at later dates may help. Obviously, the more open communications are made available, especially when spending dollars or making changes, the more likely discussions can present all aspects of a decision made.
Davis: Communication. We must start listening to one another. We must open up positive dialog between the City and the County. Talking is a start. Without communication, there will be no progress.
Willis: We could improve on how we allocate our funds and resources. We could improve collaboration and transparency with our residents. We could improve our roads and sewage systems. We could improve our involvement with local business growth. We could improve our regulations and policies relating to zoning and planning to allow more businesses to want to come here instead of surrounding areas while remaining consumer-friendly. We could improve our support to the police department and fire department to allow them to hire more personnel and raise pay, so our current community contributors stay at their jobs to meet our population growth needs.
OT: How do you plan to work alongside the other Commissioners and the Mayor should you be elected?
NeSmith: Each person’s viewpoint deserves to be heard and respected. Questions should be asked if you do not agree with someone to ensure you truly understand the other point of view and the value it can bring to the table. Often, your good idea can be even more effective with additional input from others. The bottom line, as a team of leaders, we should work together to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government services and be willing to agree to disagree when necessary.
Davis: The City Commissioner is an elected official who serves on the City’s governing body. The City Commission is responsible for setting policy, passing ordinances, voting appropriations, and developing an overall vision for the city. … The Mayor, who is also a part of the City Commission, often serves as the public face of the city government. The Mayor’s role is to preside over City Commission meetings and represent the city at official functions. The Commissioners are to support the Mayor, and the Mayor shall support the Commissioners to ensure communication and action is being taken by our City Manager and staff.
Willis: When I’m elected City Commissioner, I will be remembered as a team player, someone who believes the best decisions are made with collaboration and transparency. I will never be a victim of political manipulation of any kind. Those who seek to fulfill a secret political agenda probably will not like me behind closed doors but call me a true friend face to face because, frankly, that is the world we live in. I hope to leave the office better than when I entered.
OT: What valuable skills will you bring that will help the City?
NeSmith: My background, in any of my occupations or positions, is asking myself and others involved how I can help the organization, the employees, the business, the individual, or the community. I will listen and ask questions (and probably ask some more questions) to understand concerns or requests. I am aware there is more I do not know than know. I will reach out to people and organizations that are more knowledgeable in areas than I am to find possible solutions or answers to help me make informed decisions for our community.
Davis: Running a successful business here in Owensboro: I am a local business owner of Jerry Ray Davis Chrysler, Dodge Jeep Ram since June 2020. Currently, we employ 52 hardworking people with great-paying jobs while providing several local companies with sublet work, which increases job opportunities and strong wages for all.
I am a business leader in a complex business with several moving parts, where I feel it is important to invest wholeheartedly in my community. Our employees are from all walks of life, where I not only sympathize but empathize with their daily needs and struggles. Life is not easy, and making tough decisions to improve those lives is what I do best, not only considering what is beneficial for one individual but for everyone.
Willis: The skills I possess include science, theoretical physics, real estate, money history, debt, taxes, OSHA 10 certified, contactor certified, and seeking first to understand then to be understood — meaning I listen and take responsibility for my action and will tell you I was wrong, something a lot of people have a problem with in today’s world. I’m a team player. I’m determined to complete my mission with little to no mistakes by going through the proper procedures and handling my due diligence according to what needs to be done. I fight for you, not for me, and I’m always available to hear your voice and help come up with solutions to problems, not just write them down and keep going.
OT: Is there anything else voters should know about you?
NeSmith: I care about our community and the many people who live here. This is an awesome place to call home, and I want to contribute what I can to help all who live here. I am irrationally optimistic and believe individuals can spark change. Inclusiveness is not just a word; it is an action, and we are very fortunate to have a diverse population in our small area. How can we help each other? How can I help as your commissioner?
Davis: I am dedicated to our community, to our growth and future. I am a highly motivated and result-oriented individual. I am confident I will make an impact, and together, we can make a difference while making Owensboro a better place to live for everyone.
Willis: I truly care about you and your children. I care about the quality of life you live. I care about our future. I care about our city. This Commissioner race is not just about city government, it’s not about how much money you have or what class you are. It’s about wrong and right. If we lose this election, Owensboro loses, not me. I want to see Owensboro win together in unity, collaboration, and transparency.
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The rest of the races on the ballot are state-level, most notably for the office of governor. A sample ballot can be found here.
Early voting will occur November 2-4 at the Owensboro Sportscenter from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Early Voting is open to all registered voters in Daviess County, with no excuse needed.
Election day will be November 7 with hours from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Voters are able to cast their ballot at any of the polling locations. Similar to past years, precincts are no longer used for voting. Locations are:
- Owensboro Sportscenter -1215 Hickman Avenue, Owensboro
- H.L. Neblett Community Center – Gym – 801 W 5th Street, Owensboro
- Owensboro Christian Church – Entrance E – 2818 New Hartford Road, Owensboro
- Third Baptist Church – Gym -527 Allen Street, Owensboro
- Daviess County Middle School – Cafeteria – 3901 Fairview Drive, Owensboro
- Audubon Elementary School – Gym – 300 Worthington Road, Owensboro
- Legacy Church (Former Malco Theater) – 5333 Frederica Street, Owensboro
- Yellow Creek Baptist Church – Gym – 5741 Highway 144, Thruston
- St. Martin’s Parish Hall – 5856 Highway 81, Rome
- Masonville Baptist Church – 6601 US 231, Masonville
- St. Mary Magdalene Parish Hall – 7232 Highway 56, Sorgho
- Whitesville Baptist Church – Fellowship Hall – 10167 Highway 54, Whitesville
- Mary Carrico Catholic School – Gym – 9546 Highway 144, Knottsville
- Utica Fire Department – 146 Highway 140, Utica
