The contest to represent Hopkinsville’s Ward 6 will likely be decided by voter’s disposition on how best to advance the city economically if Thursday’s debate was any indication. Candidates appeared to share common ground on the construction of sidewalks, nonpartisan elections, and taxes but differed on how to increase economic opportunity.
Incumbent councilmember and former banker, Wendell Lynch, says he enjoys living and serving in a place where he can make a difference and wants to continue doing so. His challenger, working-class resident Shannon Worden, says he represents a younger generation and is looking to be the change he wants to see.
The pair agreed on the question of whether to press state lawmakers to allow Second Class cities like Hopkinsville to institute a restaurant tax, such as was done in Madisonville and Cadiz. Worden says he would prefer to raise revenue from an expanded industrial base, while Lynch said no flat out.
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The possibility of the city moving to nonpartisan elections but continuing to elect representation from each ward was also put to the candidates. Doing so would remove political parties from the process.
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Worden agrees and says the current partisan process permits people like himself to participate.
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Economics was also identified by both as the biggest challenge to the city. Lynch spoke to the needs of businesses.
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Worden, on the other hand, spoke to the needs of the individual as he touched on the need for affordable housing and living wages.
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A lunch recognizing all candidates and office holders is set for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 18 at the First Baptist Church fellowship hall in Hopkinsville.
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