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Clymer and Bray face off at Paducah Chamber Forum
The two men who want to be McCracken County Judge Executive faced off on Thursday at a forum hosted by the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce.
Incumbent Craig Clymer and Paducah Mayor George Bray took the stage together to take a series of questions about issues facing the community, especially in light of the projected growth based on the massive economic development announcements.
Mayor Bray went first with opening statements. He noted the great growth coming to Paducah and McCracken County, adding that the decision as to who leads the county is, as he stated, the most important decision McCracken County voters have ever made. He cited his track record in business and as mayor as a strength and an example of his leadership ability. He also took the first shot of the day at Clymer, challenging him on social media statements about Bray’s switch to being an Independent and the late entry into the race, claims about his views on annexation, and the process of selecting a new mayor should Bray win. Bray described the posts and comments as rants meant to be a distraction. Bray said he is the most qualified candidate for the job, inviting voters to compare backgrounds, resumes, and track records. He took credit for helping to get the Boys and Girls Club legislation across the finish line and chairing the airport board, leading to the new terminal and better air service.
Judge Clymer took his opening remarks to tout his record over the last seven-plus years as Judge Executive. Clymer noted the crowd in the room and the interest in the race, saying that it’s critically important with the coming growth. He cited his understanding of the job from day one since he’s been doing it. He spoke about results, noting the financial situation the county was in when he took office and the positive finances the county currently has, with balanced budgets, reductions in taxes, and bolstering the sheriff’s office and parks. Clymer highlighted his career in public service, not only as Judge Executive, but also in law enforcement and another 23 years on the bench. He said the economic boom that is coming requires relationships, experience, and preparation, not starting over. Clymer highlighted collaborations with the city to get projects like 911 and the sports park completed and operating.
The two sparred over records, with Bray downplaying the county’s role in the 911 project, saying it was one of his priorities upon becoming mayor. Clymer pointed out that being mayor is a part-time job and that Bray has responsibilities outside the city, while his sole focus is on McCracken County. He also noted that there is a roughly $100,000 difference in pay between the two jobs, due to the increased responsibility.
In a discussion about the relationships they would have with commissioners on the Fiscal Court, Bray said he would draw on experience he’s had with the city commission. He said he had molded them into a team to move the city forward, and he would do the same with the county commissioners. He claimed that Clymer had treated commissioners with disrespect, and that is not the way to move things forward. Clymer said the relationships are key, even if you don’t always agree. He said he would not publicly say he did not trust Bray without offering a reason, as he claims Bray did about him.
The men were questioned about how they would work with the city. Bray said he would establish regular meetings between the Judge, Mayor, and commissioners of both entities so that all were on the same page regarding community needs. Clymer said the working relationship with the city is crucial, and he’s been doing it. He said the biggest conflict, though, is annexation by the city.
Another point of contention between the two was the Mayor not being included on the PACRO board. The Paducah Area Community Reuse Organization is an area-wide group tasked with helping redevelop the former Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant. Bray said if elected, he would make the Mayor a permanent member of that board. He said Clymer’s move was political gamesmanship. Clymer said no, not necessarily to having the mayor permanently on the board. He said that mayors have been included, but in Bray’s case there were some political concerns. He noted that Bray wasn’t removed, but rather his term was up, and said the vote to replace him was unanimous.
During questioning about the so-called Triple Rail site just north of the PGDP, Clymer called it a platinum parcel for economic development. He said he would look to package it with the growth underway at the DoE site. Bray pointed out that a rumored steel plant that was well down the road to an announcement was lost in the last week. He said it was not the fault of anyone involved with negotiations, but that part of the land was determined to be in the floodplain. He indicated more work may be needed to have the site ready for development. He called for a disciplined approach to development there.
In closing, the two made their pitches as to why voters should choose them. Clymer highlighted his commitment to public service and to McCracken County. He said he has a full-time devotion to the county and to moving it forward. Clymer highlighted his track record and equated making a change now, with the developments coming, to bringing in the backup quarterback with the game on the line. Bray continued to tout his record with the City of Paducah. He challenged his opponent head-on in the testy exchange. Bray called his leadership style better than Clymer’s. He claimed that Clymer had lost the trust of the commissioners on the Fiscal Court, and that was why change was needed.
Voters will make their decision on November 3rd.
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