Budgets, priorities and infrastructure were just some of the subjects discussed by the candidates for Christian County Judge-Executive at Thursday’s Hopkinsville League of Women Voters debate forum.
Incumbent Democrat Judge-Executive Steve Tribble will face off against Republican Fiscal Court Magistrate Jerry Gilliam in the November 8 general election, and they both want to keep the county fiscally sound while helping it improve and grow. On the subject on infrastructure funding, either federal or from the state, Tribble says he would like to see that funding go towards expanding broadband internet service further into the county, followed by housing and recreational projects.
Gilliam says he would focus that money towards updating the two-way radio system used by fire departments and law enforcement in the county.
Gilliam says if elected he would expand upon the current budget creation process, and make the budget accessible to the public online.
Tribble says the current budgeting process works well for the county, as it allows departments and agencies a chance to bring their wants and needs to their government and discuss it plainly.
They both agree that something must be done to address the rising homeless population in the county, but also agree that if the answer was an easy one, it would have been done already. They also both felt that conducting pay assessments for county employees to be sure pay rates are being competitive and fair, if elected or re-elected.
Listen to the entirety of their debate below:
https://www.facebook.com/lwvhopkinsville/videos/1294690678019905