Appearing for the final time as the mayor of Hopkinsville on the WHOP Early Bird Show Friday morning, Carter Hendricks spoke about what he’s proud to have accomplished and what he regrets leaving unfinished.
Hendricks has accepted a position as the executive director of the South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council and steps down as mayor at the end of January. He says he’s proud of what his team has accomplished in his time as mayor, noting the Hopkinsville WINS initiative, including the Sportsplex—which just celebrated a successful first year—sidewalks to make the city safer and more.
Hendricks says a lot of people have been supportive of his decision to accept the EDC position, but he understands why others have been upset. He says he doesn’t have many regrets, but he does regret not being present to find a solution to the rising pension liability the city is facing.
Speaking of economic development, he says the city has already accomplished many quality of life projects that help, but good education, available land and competitive taxes will bring in industry.
Hendricks starts in his new role on February 1st. City council has 30 days after accepting his resignation to appoint an interim mayor, who will serve until a mayor is elected in the November general election.