Following the announcement of challenger Russ Guffey, incumbent Hopkinsville Mayor J.R. Knight officially announced his re-election campaign Wednesday morning — in what he hopes is a “reaffirmed dedication” and a commitment to vision in the community.
Knight is citing a four-point plan, following what he calls “meaningful progress” in key areas under his previous tenure.
For public safety, Knight said the Hopkinsville Police Department is fully staffed, six new school resource officers have been funded, 34 “unsafe structures” have been removed to improve neighborhood safety, six new fire stations are under construction, and six new EMT-certified firefighters have on-boarded.
For economic development, Sweden’s Cinis Fertilizer and Australia’s Kitchen Food Company are bringing more than 990 new jobs and $178 million in city investment, Altria and Huhtamaki have added more than 225 jobs, and the Small Business Commission is underway.
For quality of life and cleanliness, there are new playgrounds at Trail of Tears and Westside parks, two new downtown groundskeepers have been funded, six properties have been transferred through the “Lot Next Door” initiative, and the “Downtown Entertainment District” was launched.
For supporting city staff, pay grade increases had helped with inflation and retention, the 2023-24 Paramedic Course had a 100% pass rate, and expanded mental health support has been provided through the Fire Department chaplain and Peer Support Team.
Knight wrote that being mayor “isn’t about holding a title, it’s about service.”
