Q&A: Mayoral, City Commission candidates address community issues during OT General Election Town Hall

October 25, 2024 | 12:14 am

Updated October 25, 2024 | 6:50 am

Candidates for Owensboro City Commission and Mayor discussed their views on the top issues facing the community during the 2024 Owensboro Times General Election Town Hall on Thursday. You can watch the entire event here.

The event was held at the Bluegrass Hall of Fame & Museum.

CITY COMMISSIONER

To watch the City Commissioner segment, click here.

Questions asked were:

  • What do you see as the most important role of a city commissioner, and how will you use that role to make a positive impact on our community?
  • Homelessness has become a much-debated issue in recent years, all the way to the federal level. While there’s no simple solution, what are steps that you have taken, or would take, to address homelessness locally?
  • What are your top three budget priorities if elected, whether that be allocating funds or making cuts?
  • What are your priorities for improving the city’s infrastructure, such as roads, public transportation, and utilities, to meet the needs of all citizens?
  • How do you plan to collaborate with non-profit organizations, local businesses, and community groups to address issues in our city more effectively?
  • Do you believe Owensboro is safe? What specifically would you do to support and improve public safety in our neighborhoods?

MAYORAL

To watch the Mayoral segment, click here.

Questions asked were:

  • You’ve both been in public office for years. Over the last few, what have been the issues the public has approached you about the most, and what have you done to address those issues?
  • Homelessness has become a much-debated issue in recent years, all the way to the federal level. While there’s no simple solution, what are steps that you have taken, or would take, to address homelessness locally?
  • If elected, what are your top three spending priorities for the next four years?
  • Is there anywhere you believe cuts could be made without harming essential services?
  • What role do you think private-public partnerships should play in the economic development of the City? How should those private partners be held accountable for projects that may extensively exceed cost or timeline expectations? 
  • What are your priorities for improving the city’s infrastructure, like roads, public transportation, and utilities, to meet the needs of all citizens?
  • With Owensboro having a city manager style of government, working well with the city manager as mayor is important. How do you plan to best work with the city manager to move the city forward?
  • Do you believe Owensboro is safe? What specifically would you do to support and improve public safety in our neighborhoods?
  • How would you ensure law enforcement has the resources they need to effectively do their jobs?
  • What strategies would you propose to address the shortage of affordable housing and help both renters and homeowners in our city?
  • How will you work to expand positive activities and opportunities for youth in Owensboro?
  • How do you plan to engage with and involve residents in decision-making processes to ensure that their voices are heard and they are all represented in city policies?
  • Do you plan to put measures in place to hold yourself and your team accountable to the public?

October 25, 2024 | 12:14 am

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