As election day draws near, candidates for Hopkinsville City Council’s Ward Nine seat, Angelique Victor, Brittanie Bogard and Duane Shepard, debated multiple local matters at Monday’s Hopkinsville League of Women Voters debate forum.
Victor was elected as the Democratic candidate for the seat after defeating opponents Monike Love and Ardell Owens in the primary election. Bogard was elected as the Republican candidate for the seat after defeating incumbent Jamie Lienberger in the primary election. Shepard is the independent candidate for the seat and had no opponents in the primary.
The trio were asked about the housing shortage, health insurance for city employees and what challenges they want to address in their ward.
When it comes to addressing challenges, Bogard says around 400 cases of theft have occurred in her ward this year and she would like to relaunch a neighborhood crime watch association to reduce those numbers.
In response to the same question, Shepard says he would like to form a better relationship with law enforcement and receive support following harsh weather. Victor says she wants to strengthen community involvement and help residents understand the purpose of the city council.
Concerning the housing shortage, Victor says she would like to see modular homes constructed on empty lots and sold at affordable prices to first-time buyers.
In response to the same question, Bogard says she would like to create incentives for contractors to build homes in Hopkinsville. Shepard says the Lot Next Door Program should be expanded to include renters and the city should create a program where first-time home buyers can apply for loans.
The city recently received a report stating that health insurance costs are drastically rising and action needs to be taken. Shepard says the city’s budget should be reviewed to see if any funds can be reallocated toward insurance. Shepard says the city could also shop around for a more affordable provider.
In response to the same question, Victor and Bogard both agreed that health insurance for city employees is vital and that other options should be considered to ensure its continuation.
The full debate is on Facebook at the League of Women Voters – Hopkinsville, KY, and election day is November 5.