Staff Report:
MANCHESTER, KY (October 26, 2020) - The "Meet the Candidates" Manchester City Council Forum conducted on Thursday evening October 22, 2020 provided a number of opportunities for candidates to share their thoughts and ideas about how to move Manchester forward over the next four years. Dr. James M. Davis who served as moderator posed various questions to the candidates about downtown beautification and revitalization efforts, economic development and jobs, as well as requested updates on eco-tourism/adventure tourism related to the Y-Hollow property in East Manchester and other venues such as the Big Hickory Golf Course at Beech Creek.
Note: Background noise in videos is from the ventilation system at the facility.
Earl Owens, Eddie Smith & Barbara Colter
Mr. Earl Owens provided insightful comments regarding ongoing efforts to create economic opportunities and expressed that the Teleworks USA was locating in Manchester and should provide a number of new jobs in the customer care industry for local citizens. Additionally, Mr. Eddie Smith shared meaningful and substantial commentary about the need to increase communications with local citizens and engage them in community development activities such as downtown beautification, park preservation, and preferring that the Telework Hub locate in the downtown area as a way to revitalize the heart of the city. Mrs. Barbara Colter spoke eloquently about her love for Manchester and her being prideful in the recent community improvement momentum with Project Hope, Stay in Clay, and litter control and clean up activities support by the Clay County Detention Center.
Mr. Smith further indicated his support to offer more diverse tourism activities such as a community fair ground, equestrian trails, as well using the Y-Hollow for off-road sport vehicle events. Mr. Owens also spoke of recent developments with regard to the development of a lake in Clay County and that slow, steady progress was being made to navigate the arduous process from feasibility studies to engineering design, property acquisitions, and construction. The lake project could provide a municipal water resource as well as a tourism opportunity for sport fishing and recreational boating. Mrs. Colter added that the Tourism Commission has an established schedule for meetings and a process by which activity proposals can be submitted for funding requests for worthwhile projects. Mr. Owens shared information regarding recent developments with the removal of the old Creech Building and the plans for a Farmer's Market and downtown venue for community events such a music festivals and other social activities.
Other community leaders spoke of their fondness for Manchester, Clay County and how they are actively engaged in community development and are always looking for new ideas and volunteers to join in. Mrs. Vanda Rice, who recently won an award for community leadership, spoke of Stay in Clay and the projects that were successfully completed and those that are in development related to swinging bridge preservation and cultural appreciation. Mrs. Danielle Collins spoke of Project Hope and the downtown beautification efforts and her pride in community and appreciation for those that consistently support and participate in the activities. Mr. Ralph Hoskins, candidate for State Representative, noted that the success of Manchester and Clay County are integrally linked and that he has observed a more collaborative spirit in recent years between the governmental entities and that leveraging that cooperation to include more citizens throughout the entire county in communications and activities is likely to yield even more positive outcomes.
Election day is Tuesday, November 3rd and if you need to learn more about the voting process or how to vote early contact the County Clerk, Mrs. Beverly Craft at the County Administration Building in downtown Manchester. Our community is stronger and our elected officials are more accountable with increased voter awareness of the issues and their willingness to participate in the process. #MakeManchesterGreat
