The renegotiation of district lines in Kentucky has brought about a new Republican primary this year, as incumbent 8th District Representative Walker Thomas and a hopeful Larry Curling, judge-executive for Caldwell County, face each other soon.
During Monday’s Hopkinsville League of Women Voters forum in Hopkinsville, both Thomas and Curling got ample opportunity to voice opinions and concerns about the district and the future of the Commonwealth, while stating their respective cases for candidacy.
Thomas is in his sixth year as state representative, and was a large part of a freshman class that helped flip the state House from Democrat control. He’s the chairman of the Veteran’s Military Affairs and Public Protection, and has maintained a pro-life platform throughout his terms.
Curling is a life-long resident of Princeton and Caldwell County, who for 32 years worked in the Caldwell County school system in a plethora of positions — including administration and coaching. In his fourth year as the county’s judge-executive and his eighth year in county government, Curling noted he was running for state representative because he “understands county needs.”
Both candidates are married and with families.
One heavily-discussed topic in state legislature over the last 50-plus days is the legalization of medicinal marijuana use — both of which Thomas and Curling expressed considerable concerns.
After spending some time in Colorado, where it’s long been legal, Thomas said he needs to see more data. He said some off-the-cuff discussions with dispensary owners and a Colorado state trooper revealed that the common use for medicinal marijuana stemmed to 18-to-24 year old males seeking medicinal cards.
Curling spoke vehemently against it, particularly after he, too, spent some time in Colorado.
Though Governor Andy Beshear has vetoed the “charter school” funding bill, Thomas noted the point of its original passing — and potential override — was to create even more choice for parents.
Curling noted that Hopkinsville already has public and private options, and added that the success of smaller schools should be lauded.
Among the many questions Curling and Thomas were asked came the discussion about the state’s minimum wage. Sitting at $7.25/hour, it’s been a heavily-debated topic at all levels of the state’s government.
Thomas called the minimum wage “arbitrary,” and said the market actually dictates worker value.
Curling said the minimum wage should be established with free enterprise.
The primary election is May 17.
Full discussion:
