By Rebecca Feldhaus
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkms/local-wkms-930663.mp3
Murray, KY – Most are dressed in pink at the Weaks Community Center's Thursday lunch in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month. The menu consists of pork chops, lima beans and corn bread. On the discussion docket: local politics, including the mayoral race. Of those who say they are voting in the city election many don't want to comment. But, two long-time Murray residents give their views.
35-year Murray citizen Nancy Manning says she's made up her mind about the race. She'll vote for Bill Wells on Election Day. In Manning's opinion Wells has a stronger and more vested interest in the city.
"Butch is, he is, he's a good person, but I just think that Bill Wells will do better for Murray than Butch will."
Manning is one of the few seniors who pointed out the distinguishing characteristics of Seargent and Wells. Ann Cohoon, a life-time Murray resident, says from what she's gleaned in the local newspaper, she doesn't see a whole lot of difference.
Current Murray City Council member, who is seeking re-election Jeremy Bell feels the same.
"Each of them knows their part. Mr. Wells has been on the finance committee for a number of years, I think he's very knowledgeable about what goes on in the city's finance end. Mr. Seargent is on the planning and engineering side, so he knows kinda the planning end, I think both men are going to serve this city well and they're enthusiastic."
Bell has worked with both men on the city council for the last four years and seen the way they work with city government. According to meeting minutes from 2010, Wells and Seargent voted the same way on a high majority of city ordinance proposals. One thing to consider, however, is that the city council was in agreement a majority of the time, with just a handful of close votes.
At Wednesday's debate, the candidates did dissent on some key issues. When asked about reinstating the city manager position, Seargent said yes.
"The administrator oversees the daily operation of the city while the mayor represents and takes a stand for the people."
Wells did not give a clear yes or no, but had this to say.
"Running the city is all about the people, not necessarily the position. The position is not the question, it's getting the best people in the city to work for our citizens."
Wells and Seargent went on to differ in their view of the biggest issue for Murray in the coming years. Seargent named operating within the budget as his biggest concern.
"I will plan today for future large expenditures so as not to accrue additional long-term debt."
Wells sees healthy growth and expansion as Murray's biggest consideration. In his closing comments he named the five principles under which he would operate as mayor including plans to make Murray a "regional hub."
"With the proposed addition of a better highway to Paris, Tennessee, on 641 South, we will have four-lane highways in every direction to and through Murray."
Back at the Weaks Community Center, Ann Cohoon says she isn't too worried about the election.
"I don't really know. As I say, they're both fine gentlemen it seems like. Either one would make a good mayor. I think it will be a close race."
The City's Governing Elected body could look completely different after the election. Along with the mayor's race, citizens choose 12 from the 24 candidates for Murray City Council.