With Kentucky’s 2024 primary election set for May, the Hopkinsville League of Women Voters hosted a Hopkinsville City Council candidate forum on Thursday where Republican Ward Nine incumbent Jamie Lienberger and newcomer Brittanie Bogard shared their stances on local issues.
The pair field questions regarding the responsibilities of a public figure, the Kentucky Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and what their top two priorities are if they are elected to the council.
Bogard shared that she believes a person elected to public office should make it their responsibility to advocate for, empower and educate members of their community. Responding to the same question, Lienberger says it is important to listen to their constituents regarding their needs and complaints to let them know that they are valued.
The pair was then asked about their stance on the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act which establishes statewide accepted terms regarding rent and maintenance on a lease. Lienberger described the act as a slippery slope she is against saying although it serves to hold landlords accountable it can result in more problems.
Bogard also described the act as a slippery slope but says it is imperative that landlords act fair toward their tenants and that tenants take care of the property they are renting.
Concluding the debate, the pair were asked about their top two priorities. Lienberger says her two priorities, are to continue the city’s trend of remaining fiscally responsible with taxpayer dollars and to continue cleaning up the city.
Bogard says her top two priorities are strengthening infrastructure and reducing crime.
Bogard says she is in support of the expansion of radio communications for city and county law enforcement to be able to respond quicker to crime. Bogard also highlighted current Hopkinsville crime statistics and how investing in youth programs now can reduce crime in the future.
By investing in programs such as the Boys and Girls Club, Men2Be and Joy Closet, Bogard says they can work to ensure that children grow up having a support system to decrease the chance of them turning toward crime in the future
The full Ward Nine Republican debate is available on Facebook at League of Women Voters – Hopkinsville, KY. Lienberger and Bogard will appear on this year’s primary election ballot on May 21.