The Hopkinsville League of Women Voters held a “Stumpin’ Sweets with the Candidates” event Tuesday afternoon, where any candidate running for political office in Christian County was allowed a chance to speak.
Each candidate was given two minutes to make their case, and all agreed that two minutes goes fast, starting with democratic candidate for Hopkinsville Mayor Alethea West, who says she intends create a program aimed at helping local youth avoid conflict and violence in the community.
Republican mayoral candidate J.R. Knight says he intends to focus on higher paying job creation, which will lead to better population growth in the area.
Also present were both candidates running for Christian County Judge-Executive, with incumbent Democrat Steve Tribble saying expanded broadband internet into underserved parts of the county is going to be a big game changer that he intends to see completed.
Republican challenger Jerry Gilliam says he would focus on improving population growth if elected, and there are ways to do it involving citizen involvement and economic development.
Democrat Walter Cummings is running for Christian County Clerk, and says his long service as County Treasurer gives him the experience needed to run that office efficiently and accessibly.
Republican Clerk candidate Melinda Humphries says her many years of experience coordinating elections and working in the clerk’s office has more than prepared her for the position, and she intends to make sure the office stays up-to-date and customer friendly if elected.
Many other candidates spoke at the event, including those running for circuit court and family court judges, Hopkinsville City Council, Christian Fiscal Court, constable, school board and state representative. We will have more stories coming in the future covering those candidates and their remarks.
You can hear the candidates’ full remarks below, starting with Hopkinsville Mayor.
Alethea West:
JR Knight:
Christian County Judge-Executive candidates.
Jerry Gilliam:
Steve Tribble:
Christian County Clerk
Melinda Humphries:
Walter Cummings: