Incumbent District 7 Christian Fiscal Court Magistrate David Collins and Republican challenger Jerry Gilliam debated at the League of Women Voters forum Monday night.
Gilliam cited his experience in the worlds of business, education and agriculture as reasons to elect him. Collins listed accomplishments of fiscal court during his tenure, his experience as a business owner and his current position at H&R Agri Power.
Multiple entities have expressed interest in constructing a large horse racing track in Oak Grove—something Gilliam says he’d oppose if it’s just a way to bring electronic gaming to western Kentucky—but something he’d consider if it’s a legitimate horse racing facility.
Collins says he’ll have to see the specifics of any proposal before taking a position on an Oak Grove track and he’ll consult with the Oak Grove mayor and city council.
Collins says he’d have an open mind to moving fiscal court meetings to the evening if that’s the public’s desire and Gilliam would support live-streaming meetings and moving them to the evening.
Both candidates opposed the creation of a library tax, citing their distaste for an unelected board with the authority to levy taxes.
Listen to the entire debate below:
https://soundcloud.com/user-350001776/district-7-magistrate-debate-david-collins-vs-jerry-gilliam