The GOP candidates running for the 8th District State Representative seat fielded questions on a wide range of issues at a forum hosted by the Trigg County Republican Committee Thursday evening.
Candidate Larry Curling said during his introduction that he believes in the consumption tax because finding workers is one of the biggest problems in the area right now.
click to download audioCurling said infrastructure is most important to him because it is the one thing that serves the whole community and not one special group.
Incumbent Walker Thomas in his introduction said he has served 6 years as the 8th District State Representative and currently he serves as chairman of the Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection Committee. He said the 2nd Amendment Rights and Pro-Life Bills came through this committee, which is the last defense for some important issues.
click to download audioThomas also addressed the tax structure and noted that HB 8 was passed this year which originally had trigger mechanisms with a goal to get the income tax to zero.
click to download audioWhen asked why he is more qualified to be the 8th District State Representative, Thomas said he believes experience matters. He added with his leadership position on the committee, he feels he can do some good and fend off some of the “red-flag bills” that the other side is following.
Curling’s said he believes he’s more qualified for the seat because he has more than 40-years working in public service, talking and listening to the people’s concerns along with his work ethic. He noted that he has worked his whole life beginning in high school when he was a block layer building silos.
There was a wide range of questions on a number of topics including maintaining voter integrity in the state, global warming, fossil fuels, and fertilizers, transgenders in women’s sports, long-term care facilities, and the rise in crime.
To hear all of the questions and responses click on the audio below.
