Magistrate candidates debate at League forum

Candidates for Christian Fiscal Court were featured Thursday in the local League of Women Voters political forums.

Both candidates running in three of the five contested races were at city hall including in District 2, where Democrat Mark Wells and Republican challenger Josh Turner are facing off.

Turner says he believes it’s time for new leadership in Christian County.

Squire Wells believes the county is on the right track and stands on the record of fiscal court.

The District 3 race features veteran magistrate Mark Cansler and Republican George Barnett.

Both candidates say they’d continue supporting the efforts of the South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council, but Cansler says he would like to see more help for small businesses.

Barnett says the county should be more pro-active in assisting the EDC and others with industrial recruitment.

District 7 will have a new magistrate come January as Republican Russ Guffey and former Democratic Hopkinsville City Councilman Dave Fernandez are seeking that seat.

Guffey pointed out the district’s unique qualities and broad reach and says specializing in encouraging growth in a variety of ways will be important for the next magistrate.

Fernandez says while many of District 7’s flooding issues have been improved in the city, there is still work to be done out in the county.

District 5 Magistrate Rich Liebe also gave remarks, as did District 8 Republican challenger John Bruce.

You can watch the entire forums below:

https://www.facebook.com/lwvhopkinsville/videos/817382479710819