Ward 8 Hopkinsville City Council candidates debate

We conclude our series on the recent League of Women Voters forums with the debate between the candidates running for Hopkinsville City Council in Ward 8.

Incumbent Republican Tom Johnson is facing Democratic challenger Twyla Parris and both say they support sidewalks and additional bus stops on the south end of Fort Campbell Boulevard, though Johnson says the sidewalks will be difficult with that being a state highway.

Asked to name two improvements or changes he’d work to address, Johnson said more affordable housing and population growth.

Parris wants to find ways for the city to support education efforts and agrees affordable housing should be a priority.

Johnson supports non-partisan city elections and while Parris says she sees advantages and disadvantages—she won’t support the change at this time.

Parris says the pandemic is the greatest challenge facing the city at this time and Johnson says growing the tax base and the housing issue are large challenges.

Click here to watch entire debate.