A good crowd was on hand as three of the four candidates running for Mayor of Hopkinsville in the November General Election took center stage Thursday night for the Hopkinsville Young Professionals Engage or HYPE debate.
Incumbent Republican Mayor Carter Hendricks, and Independent challengers Walter Shamble, and former Hopkinsville Mayor Wally Bryan shared their goals if elected mayor. Bryan said his three goals are to get a handle on spending, job training, and helping people buy homes again.
Mayor Hendricks stated his goals are a transparent non-partisan government and investing in the quality of life.
According to Shamble, his main focus is improving the quality of life for the citizens in the city and county.
Candidates also strongly debated several other topics, including ideas for attracting and retaining young professionals, efforts toward creating a workforce, plans to bring businesses into Hopkinsville, and what city government could do to increase residential housing.
During closing statements, Hendricks said he will continue to be positive.
Shamble stated that the community sent a message in the Primary Election that it’s time for a change.
Bryan said building hope is a key thing for the poor and middle classes.
The fourth candidate for mayor, Democrat Jason McCraw did not attend the debate.
The HYPE debate was held in the auditorium at Hopkinsville Community College.
