Paducah Mayor George Bray makes clear his position on City – County Merger inMcCracken County Judge Executive Race
Responding to concerns expressed through social media, Paducah Mayor George Bray is clarifying his position on merged government stating he will not seek merged government and that is not a reason he is running for the office of McCracken County Judge Executive.
Bray said, “In 2012 the residents made it clear that they do not want merged government with 70% voting no and I respect that decision. I believe the City of Paducah and McCracken County governments should exist separately.”
He added “I feel strongly that more collaboration between the City and County - not merger - is what will serve our community best. As a progressive community it is important to provide a way of life for all; a more rural lifestyle and lower tax thresholds for some, and a more urban lifestyle and greater city services for others.
There is a significant amount of growth potential for our community for the first time in 75 years. The best way to support this growth is more cooperation between the City and County and the sharing of resources – this will drive better outcomes and build a stronger community for all of us.
Without strong collaborative leadership our community will be unable to reach our full potential.
For that reason, my campaign will focus on:
Inclusive and responsive leadership that listens to all voices
Transparency and accountability in government
Responsible and optimal use of taxpayer resources
Solutions that reflect the needs of the entire community
I look forward to discussing my goals for the county and contrasting my positions with the nominee from the primary election, during the campaign leading to the general election in November.”
About George Bray
George Bray was first elected Paducah’s 40th Mayor in November 2020 and was reelected to his second term in November 2024. He has committed himself to economic development and job growth for Paducah and McCracken County. He has helped lead the vigorous recruitment of new businesses at the triple rail site and the Paducah Department of Energy site which has opened exciting opportunities for nuclear energy. In addition, he has supported small business growth and the enablement of entrepreneurs in the broader community. Mayor George Bray has led by driving transparency in the workings of government while utilizing financial resources wisely and diligently.
Mayor Bray is an experienced businessman with undergraduate and graduate degrees in business and more than 40 years of experience leading and working with people of all walks of life. Mayor Bray grew up in Paducah and after graduating from St. Mary High School, he earned a degree in Marketing and Business Management from the Indiana University Kelley School of Business and later earned an MBA from the Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University.
