My opponent has repeatedly suggested in the past several months that I support merging the City of Paducah and McCracken County governments. I want the community to know that is simply NOT TRUE. I do not support City-County merger.

There is no question that McCracken County is entering a period of significant growth. As I have stated before, the biggest question is whether we are prepared for it and more importantly how do we go about getting prepared.

I believe the people we serve should know what their government is doing, why decisions are being made and, just as importantly, have an opportunity to tell their elected officials what they think.

I’m not just leaving my job as Mayor. I simply want to do more for our community. I want to take the leadership I have brought to the City of Paducah and use it to benefit all McCracken County residents; those that live both in the county and city.

Leadership during this period of growth isn’t about simply enforcing policies or managing day-to-day government operations. It requires someone with extensive business experience who can think strategically, bring people together, solve complex problems, and build consensus around long-term solutions.