The candidates for Kentucky’s state House District 1 seat in far west Kentucky both say job creation and infrastructure are top priorities.
Republican incumbent Steven Rudy faces Barlow-based business owner and Democratic challenger Desiree Owen. Rudy said he expects to see tax reform and infrastructure tackled in the upcoming legislative session.
“I think we need to continue to work on our tax code to create an environment, a tax climate where businesses want to locate here,” Rudy said. “We also need to address our infrastructure needs to be sure that we’re able to get to the jobs.”
Rudy said the opioid epidemic continues to concern lawmakers. He said if elected, he will work to eliminate and reduce “burdensome regulations.”
Owen said people don’t recognize what unique opportunities and issues the district’s river counties face.
“We need more leadership down here to get these folks together and develop a long-term plan or at least a five year plan on priorities on what we need to get done to create jobs through better infrastructure and opportunities for our farmers,” Owen said.
Owen said she wants to increase visibility of the river counties and to inform people that “there is life west of Paducah.” She said the district is “just Eastern Kentucky without the coal” as far as unemployment, job opportunities and infrastructure needs. She said she is concerned about Governor Matt Bevin’s plans to privatize government functions, including the public education and pension systems.
District 1 covers Ballard, Carlisle, Fulton and Hickman counties as well as part of McCracken county.
