Steve Keel

Republican

candidate for

City Council,

Ward 10

Steve Keel, 46, of South Main Street, is a self-employed contractor and former Realtor. He has served on the Hopkinsville City Council since 2021. He is a lifelong resident of Hopkinsville and a graduate of Leadership Hopkinsville (Class of 2007-08), where he served as fundraising co-chair and a construction captain for Project Playground. He has served on the Community & Development Services Board since 2017. He holds positions on the Future Funding Review Committee and the Pennyrile RC&D Council.

Candidate website

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

Nonpartisan elections. My record shows that I have been a supporter of nonpartisan elections since becoming politically active in Hopkinsville around 2015. That being said, as a representative of the people of Ward 10 and Hopkinsville, if this issue comes back around before council I will engage my ward and get their thoughts and opinions before casting a vote.

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

Since being elected I have supported initiatives such as the mass foreclosure and lot next door programs. These programs are designed to address this issue while returning vacant lots and buildings/houses to owners that will keep them up or restore them. While we still have issues throughout our city, we are seeing a reduction in these structures, again, there is no overnight solution and we must continue moving forward on these programs.

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

Addressing the shortage of housing stock locally is not an easy answer. Our builders are selling houses as fast as they can build them, that’s actually a good problem to encounter, however it’s still a problem. Meeting with developers to have an open conversation about their needs for ground, utilities etc. and the role of the city is the starting place.

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

Job growth is a vital part of growing the local economy. Better paying jobs in all sectors including manufacturing, retail and service industries will lead to more amenities locating to the area. Working with industries that are considering locating to Hopkinsville in terms work force requirements and incentives is a large part of this development. When discussing work force it is important to remember that our work force is derived from multiple counties. It is important to be sure we are working with other municipalities to be sure we are all on the same page when it comes to vocational training options.

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

Gun violence is an issue nationally and unfortunately Hopkinsville is not immune from these national trends. Locally I have supported the deployment of the FLOCK camera system, this system has assisted our officers by identifying over thirteen stolen vehicles and led to several arrest that resulted in getting illegal firearms off the street. I am also an advocate for strong neighborhood associations with involved residents to create a culture that doesn’t condone violence on their streets.

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

Downtown revitalization is a continual process. Look no further than 6th St, The Alhambra Theater, buildings currently being remodeled on South Main & 9th St. I will continue to support investments in the downtown area and also continue to advocate for a code department that enforces violations on building that haven’t been kept up.