Advertisement

NAACP Hosts Candidate Forum

NAACP Hosts Candidate Forum
Advertisement
By Mike Cooper, West Kentucky Star Staff
Sep. 19, 2018 | PADUCAH
By Mike Cooper, West Kentucky Star Staff Sep. 19, 2018 | 12:48 AM | PADUCAH
A forum that included candidates from congressional, state, and local races was held Tuesday by the Paducah-McCracken County chapter of the NAACP.

The candidates had an opportunity to speak briefly, and then were asked questions. A.J. Martin was the moderator for the evening at the Robert Cherry Civic Center.

In the First Congressional District House of Representatives race, Paul Walker, (D)-Murray said, "I am running in order to return respect and civility to our government, as best I can." He stressed that all should be covered by health insurance, and have access to good jobs and good education. Walker's opponent, incumbent Congressman James Comer, (R)-Tompkinsville, was not present.

In the First District-State Representative race, Desiree Owen, (D)-Ballard County said, "the Commonwealth of Kentucky is not up for sale to the highest bidder." She also said, " we need to create more opportunities, not create more problems for our low and middle class families." Owen's opponent, incumbent Representative Steven Rudy, (R)-Paducah was not present.

In the Third District-State Representative race, Martha Emmons, (D)-Paducah explained that she had done much for Paducah, including serving 10 years on the State Transportation Commission for Bicycles and helping the Paducah Tilghman speech team grow from six members to over 60. Her opponent, Randy Bridges, (R)-McCracken County, said that he understands the crisis with the pensions and promised that he would protect them. When asked how they would address the unique challenges of this region, Emmons said she feels the biggest problem is poverty. She said that 25% of all children, and 44% of african-american children, in McCracken County, live in poverty. She feels that a good education for them is necessary to change this. Bridges said the state needs to be competitive in order to bring good jobs here. He also said the state needs to be more like Tennessee, and to do so will require comprehensive tax reform, and directing more funds into education.

In the Second District-State Senator race, incumbent Senator Danny Carroll, (R)-Paducah, stressed that he is a strong leader and has made tough decisions. He explained that he had sponsored over 20 pieces of legislation, including laws to protect children and seniors. He feels the Kentucky economy at this time is the best it has ever been in history, but that the unfunded pension liability of 40-60 billion dollars has been ignored by previous administrations, and must be dealt with. His opponent, Julie Tennyson, (D)-Paducah, said she believes that start ups and small businesses are the backbone to our economy. She said that promises to teachers must be kept and that a pension is a contract. When asked what the biggest issue is for this legislative district, Carroll said he believes it is to have good paying jobs. Tennyson said the answer would be economic development and better use of state incentives, with the ability to get the funds back, if the contracts don't work out.

In the Second District-State Representative race, Charlotte Goddard, (D)-Graves County, spoke of how poorly education is funded and that families are struggling. She also believes that right to work and reduced workers compensation benefits have created problems. Her opponent, incumbent Representative Richard Heath, (R)-Mayfield, was not present.

In the Sixth District-State Representative race, Linda Story Edwards, (D)-Benton, explained that Kentucky is at a crossroad. She stressed that affordable health care is needed for all, education needs to be on equal grounds, and pensions are a promise made that must be kept. Her opponent, Chris Freeland, (R)-Benton, was not present.

In the McCracken County Jailer race, David Knight, (R)-Paducah, explained that he had 6 1/2 years working in corrections. He said he would always stand up for what's right and would take charge of things. His opponent, Dan Sims, (D)-Paducah, spoke of his serving five terms as the McCracken County Coroner, and that he is a problem solver, and would treat everyone with respect. When asked how they would improve the jail, Knight said he would try to educate the inmates that there is a better way to do things. Sims said he would address the personnel problems at the jail by being a true leader.

In the Paducah City Commissioner race, Richard Abraham said he is passionate about the job, loves the city, and has been consistent in his decisions. He feels it is important to help those in poverty. Sandra Wilson said she is passionate about Paducah and wants to give back. She said 
that Paducah needs to do a better job of selling itself, and bringing good jobs to the area. Raynarldo Henderson spoke of the poverty issue in Paducah, that 23% of the population lives in poverty. He stressed quality education and affordable housing as being needed, and that he is a visionary leader. Gerald Watkins stressed that good jobs is a number one priority. He feels that a recreational complex will help population increase, and he pointed out that Paducah had gone from the 5th largest city in Kentucky, to 17th. Scott Jackson stressed that he believes that areas, other than art, need to have incentives, in order to see needed growth. He says the area needs good jobs, and to create "wins, every 90 days", which is a strategy to improve every three months. Mike Reed explained how he believes that he can work for the betterment of the community, and that Paducah can be a center of influence. He said he is motivated to protect civil rights, and feels that churches can play a vital role in the community. Candidate Sarah Holland was not present.

In the McCracken County Commissioner race, (Fiscal Court), Jeff Parker, (R), said everything starts with creating good paying jobs. He feels work needs to be done to bring young people back to McCracken County, and also that a sports park is needed. Jerry Beyer, (D), explained how he believes the people of McCracken County can do anything asked of them. He stated that he spends county tax money as if it were his mother's tax money. Bill Bartleman, (R), told of how, since being a county commissioner, he has helped increase funding for sheriff's deputies, and increase funding for PATS. He wants to continue his public service to McCracken County. Eddie Jones, (R), told of how he wants to help solve problems for individuals and is very much interested in economic development. Candidate Mark Scott, (D), was not present. 

Corbin Snardon, Education Committee Chair and J.W. Cleary, Chapter President, both with the NAACP, stressed that the organization does not endorse any candidate, but does endorse voting.
ADVERTISEMENT
Advertisement


Latest Western Kentucky
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Western Kentucky

Advertisement
ADVERTISEMENT