Local Candidates Participate in Forum at WKCTC

The Clemens Fine Art Center of WKCTC was the site for a local Candidate Forum Thursday night, focusing on races in McCracken County, especially the contest between Jeff Hines and Bob Leeper for County Judge-Executive.



The theater was about half-full for the event, sponsored by the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce, and began with brief comments from candidates for County PVA, County Clerk, City Commission and County Commission.



Hines and Leeper then took the stage, and answered one question provided by the Chamber, and six from members of the media. Here are summaries of their answers:



Local Option Sales Tax

The Chamber's question wanted to know the candidates' opinions on a local option sales tax, which would require the state legislature's passage and referendum vote. If enabled, local governments could then propose an additional sales tax on purchases, which would help fund local projects, if passed by local voters.



Hines said, "The simple answer is, 'absolutely yes,' and the reason is, 'why not?' If the people want to impose a sales tax on themselves, I'm not going to stand in the way, I promise you." He said if it was a current ballot question, he would vote for it.



Leeper said he would take an active role in that discussion, which would include effects on business, too.



"Business and industry already pays a 6% sales tax on their electric rates. How will it affect our job creation and our job growth among our current employers when we add one percent tax to their electric rates. I support putting it before the voters, but we need to be honest with the voters on what they're voting on," Leeper said.



Paducah Power System

Even though their office has no say on the matter, county residents are affected by Paducah Power System's financial dilemma and increased rates. Both men were asked their opinion on the utility's best way forward, and if bankruptcy should be considered.

 

Leeper said he thinks it's very important that the folks involved keep all options on the table, and whoever is elected will have to do whatever they can to help.



"Support them in any way we can with information, listen to our constituents, forward that information on to them, and make sure as a community we rally around that issue, because not all of those folks that are affected by this are just city residents," Leeper said.



Hines said he'd have to see the books, and said citizens have very little say in the matter, since PPS is run by a board, but recalled that Big Rivers Energy has gone through bankruptcy twice. He said bankruptcy is misunderstood by some people, and it wouldn't necessarily ruin the community, as some have feared.



"Sometimes your credit's just too good, and apparently ours is real good, because we can borrow $36 million against three (million). I can tell you as a lawyer, I would look at the details, and if it looked like the best option, that's what I'd recommend they do," Hines said.



Generating Tax Revenue

Regarding expected tax revenue losses related to the closure of USEC, both men said they would not promise to not raise taxes.



Hines said if the revenue generated from Fluor Federal Services isn't enough to cover the loss from USEC, an tax increase would have to be examined and considered.



"You can't just make money come from thin air, and to provide services such as the Sheriff's Department, the Jail, the Road Department - sadly, they're tax payer obligations and duties - and so we'll just have to examine it as time goes on," Hines said.



Leeper said the tax discussion leads to another possible solution - economic growth.



"It points to the importance of getting together will all the players in our community and trying to make our economy grow. Spending our money we have now wisely so we can attract jobs, and do that in a way that will preclude the need for tax increases," Leeper said.



Industry

Staying on the topic of growing jobs, both men were asked if there were industries that were under-explored by the county.



Leeper said the marine industry is flourishing, and needs to be helped, promoted and used to benefit the area in an even greater way. As for other industries, he said our community should leave nobody out initially, but then decide where incentives should be offered.



Hines said the entire transportation industry should be explored - freight, rail, and inland waterways - because the potential for growth has existed for several decades, and progress made over the years has resulted in even more opportunities.



Hines added that the county should try to give incentives to existing small businesses, to encourage their job growth and help them through tough financial times.



Animal Shelter

As the county and local Humane Society negotiate how they can restore their relationship and combine facilities, Leeper and Hines were asked for their thoughts on shelter capacity, overcrowding, and euthanasia policy for the proposed new shelter.



Leeper said he is encouraged by steps the Humane Society has taken to improve their facility and practices, including taking some unadopted animals out-of-state where other facilities find them homes. He doesn't have an opinion on how long an animal should be kept before it's put down, but he does believe those issues must be discussed.



"I do not believe we can have a no-kill shelter, I don't believe the taxpayers are willing to fund that. I believe we need to have a euthanasia policy, and I would be willing to be in that discussion. I do not have a personal agenda on that," Leeper said.



Hines said he spoke with a man who recently spent $200 bringing a dog home from the shelter, and that while many are adoptable, euthanasia is the only solution for some. He said he's encouraged with progress so far.



"I'm pleased that the Fiscal Court currently is working with the Humane Society. Bob and I have both met with the President of the Humane Society, and I hope it's resolved before either one of us gets in office, but we'll see," Hines said.



Deputy Judge

When asked if they would hire a Deputy Judge, and what role they would play in the county government.



Leeper said he would probably have a Deputy Judge to share his duties and report back to him, but that person would have to be loyal to the citizens and taxpayers, and have a breadth of knowledge they could share on a multitude of issues.



Hines said he can't say if all three employees currently in the Judge-Executive's office are all needed, but he would probably want some type of administrative assistant. He added that any help he had would not keep him from being on the job full-time, addressing every issue and complaint that comes his way.



Distinctive Experience

Both men pointed out their experience as public servants, Hines as a Judge, and Leeper as a City Commissioner and State Senator.



Hines noted that his experience has all been on a local level, and he knows from being a lawyer and judge that you can't be friends with everyone.



"What I have that is the real distinctive break between us, is my legal background. This county has got some problems, and fortunately I think for my candidacy, the problems are legal, and I think that this county needs a lawyer in that office," Hines said.



Leeper said he would count on the County Attorney to help him with legal matters, and that his experience with budgets on a state level would benefit the county. He added his relationships locally and statewide will help, too.



"Because I treat people fairly, I listen to everyone that comes to the table, make sure everyone's voice is heard, but then I'm also willing to make tough decisions, I think I have a reputation for that. This community has lived through a few of those tough decisions and supported me to go back to Frankfort," Leeper said.