Lexington residents filled the University of Kentucky’s Worsham Theater Tuesday night to hear from the city’s two mayoral candidates.
Mayor Jim Gray and Challenger Anthany Beatty squared off in their final debate at WUKY’s Town and Gown Forum Tuesday. The two candidates answered questions from city residents, the audience, and moderator and WLEX anchor Nancy Cox. The subjects were varied, ranging from public safety and traffic to downtown projects and entrepreneurship, but each candidate had a distinct message. For Gray, it was a chance to highlight his government’s efficiency and investment in the city, including dedicated funds for affordable housing and jobs.
“I have said that three words have defined the last four years for me, and will define the next four years, and those three words are “getting things done,”” he said.
Beatty, by contrast, emphasized public safety, and how its success can improve other areas.
“Whatever we take in from your tax dollars, we make the community safe. Everything else hinges on that, what that community becomes, the idea of businesses coming here, you coming here for your education, your entertainment, all depends on how safe the community is, so never every bargain with that," he said.
The two candidates will face off in the general election, which takes place Tuesday, November 4th, while the debate can be heard in full below.
