PADUCAH, KY - The Paducah Tilghman High School speech and forensics team hosted a candidates’ forum this morning in the school auditorium.

Mayoral candidate Gayle Kaler participated, along with all eight candidates for city commissioner: Richard Abraham, Jeanie Embry, Mark Foglesong, Carol Gault, Raynarldo Henderson, Allan Rhodes, Lennis Thompson, and Sandra Wilson.

The candidates were given five-minute segments to discuss issues pertinent to young adult voters. Questions were also entertained from the students.

Also, a voter registration table was available so eligible students could register to vote.

Questions asked by students included, "What do you think is Paducah's biggest problem?" That particular question was directed to candidate Mark Foglesong, who responded that he believes debt is the biggest issue facing the city. Foglesong said that estimates of the debt vary, but it's around $28 million. He suggested that a small portion of the payroll tax should be used to pay down the debt.

In terms of encouraging young people to become involved in the community, candidate Sandra Wilson suggested a Youth Ambassador be selected to relate ideas and concerns to city leaders.

Candidate Carol Gault spoke of EntrePaducah, telling students that it's designed to help businesses grow. She said they may choose to leave the area to go to school, but that may also be what makes them want to come back, and use what they learn in their own hometown.

On the Net:

Paducah City Schools website