Robert Terry Meek

Republican

candidate for

City Council,

Ward 8

Robert Terry Meek, 70, of North Abbey Way, served as a chaplain in three branches of the military (the Army, Navy and Marine Corps) with 33 years of service. He’s running for the Ward 8 seat that incumbent Tom Johnson is not seeking this year.

Candidate website

Which electoral system do you support for the city of Hopkinsville? Why?

Partisan elections. However, I think it is more important to judge a candidate based on their qualifications, character, and track record rather than party narrative.

What plans do you have to address blight and dilapidated structures in the city?

This answer relates to gun violence as well. Communities that invest in their physical environment both natural and built facilities can create a neighborhood where members feel safe and have a sense of pride. Lot restoration and neighborhood clean-up can be a step toward restoring a sense of pride, confidence, and hope within a community. Simply put, owners of dilapidated houses and city officials need to be challenged to bring structures up to code, intervene with ordinances or use some form of remediation.

If elected, how would you help address the housing shortage?

Most communities are experiencing housing shortages. Fixing this issue is also key to new business growth by providing more economic stimulus for a city and its citizens. I would encourage city planners and community builders to look at areas where affordable homes and/or apartments can be built to meet the needs of low to median-income families. We cannot attract new businesses and potential employees to build our city without affordable housing.

If elected, how would you work together with government, nonprofit and business leaders to encourage economic development?

I would encourage leaders in government, nonprofit, and business leaders to look and develop processes and strategies for developing a diverse industry base that creates equality in opportunities and practices that build a strong foundation for long-term growth and stability. This can be accomplished through influencing, developing, and communicating a common vision and strategy for fair and lasting economic growth.

If elected, how would you prioritize the reduction of gun violence in Hopkinsville?

It ranks as one of my top priorities.

If elected, how would you work to revitalize downtown Hopkinsville?

A downtown appearance can be an attractive draw for any city. For instance, on Virginia street remediation of structures and lot clean-up have created a more attractive approach moving towards the downtown areas. Likewise, many of the downtown buildings have been restored. So incentives can help businesses in revitalizing structures along with creating community events in the downtown area to develop pride and a sense of well-being in our city. Also, if these are historical in nature perhaps an incentive or grants could encourage owners to bring them up to community standards. As an example, looking into the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives program to encourage private sector investment in the rehabilitation and re-use of historic buildings.