With Kentucky’s 2024 primary election right around the corner, the Hopkinsville League of Women Voters hosted a Hopkinsville City Council candidate forum on Thursday where the three Democratic Ward Nine candidates shared their stances on local social and economic matters.
Candidates, Ardell Owens, Angelique Victor and Monike Love shared their thoughts on topics regarding how to address homelessness, supporting small businesses and local agencies, housing and more.
When asked if homelessness is an issue in Hopkinsville the candidates all agreed it was. Victor says homelessness needs to be handled on a case-by-case basis, because people can be homeless for a wide range of reasons.
Victor says she would fund and partner with the local Salvation Army to expand the services the nonprofit offers.
The candidates were then asked what their plans were to increase housing as the city’s population increases. Owens said it’s imperative to provide more housing, but that does not mean building brand new homes.
In his ward, Owens said that he recently counted around 250 houses that needed restoration work. Before building new homes Owens said they should work to restore older homes.
Turning toward businesses in the community, the candidates were asked about their opinion regarding economic incentives for small businesses. Love shared that she supports local and small businesses but beyond providing them with financial support, she says it’s important to provide information to business owners regarding how to apply for grants and budgeting.
The full Ward Nine Democratic debate is available on Facebook at League of Women Voters – Hopkinsville, KY. Owens, Love and Victor will appear on this year’s primary election ballot on May 21.