The two candidates for mayor of Hopkinsville debated Tuesday morning in a forum hosted by the local League of Women Voters.
Democrat Wendell Lynch has served since being appointed by city council following the resignation of former mayor Carter Hendricks and he’s opposed by Republican J.R. Knight.
On race relations in the city, Mayor Lynch says there are issues that come up, but he is still planning a unity summit on race and believes open dialogue between groups is crucial.
Knight believes racial issues can be addressed peacefully and says promoting unity would be a priority of his administration.
More than half of Hopkinsville’s residents are renters and Knight says he’d find ways to incentivize construction of affordable housing on vacant lots in all parts of the city.
Mayor Lynch says he wants to encourage additional residential development downtown and he believes many residents aren’t aware of programs already in place that could help them become homeowners.
Lynch says there needs to be further discussions on non-partisan city elections before going that route and he would have to be assured the council would still be able to reflect the racial makeup of the city. Knight believes the question of non-partisan elections should be placed on the ballot for voters to decide.
You can watch the entire debate below and we will air it in its entirety Sunday morning at 9 on Lite Rock 98.7. Debates continue through the day and can be viewed on City TV Spectrum 376, on the City TV website and on the City of Hopkinsville Facebook page.
Photos from City TV
https://www.facebook.com/CityofHopkinsville/videos/246227240165504