Taxation of restaurants and alcohol sales, restoration of voter rights, helping people get back in the workforce, and addressing drug addiction were among topics discussed the first Legislative Town Hall Meeting hosted at the Hopkinsville Municipal Center Friday morning.
3rd District State Senator Whitney Westerfield was joined by State Representatives Myron Dossett, Walker Thomas, and Jason Petrie for the forum that drew officials from Hopkinsville, Oak, Grove, Pembroke, and other communities in Christian County.
When asked about changing laws to allow cities the size of Hopkinsville to enact a restaurant or alcohol tax representative Myron Dossett said he would be in favor if proceeds were used for specific purposes.
click to download audioWhen asked about supporting the Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children program and restoration of voting rights for convicted felons, Senator Westerfield said he is on board with both issues, but some questions remain on voting rights.
click to download audioFollowing a question from the audience about ways to transition workers off social assistance programs back into the workforce, Representative Walker Thomas said it is a tricky road for those involved.
click to download audioIn response to an audience question about laws that can be passed to help fight drug addiction, Representative Jason Petrie said the solution is not neccisarily in a law.
click to download audioLegislators also discussed homelessness in Hopkinsville and across the state, transportation issues, ways to encourage development of housing for workers, and other topics. The forum was hosted Hopkinsville Mayor J. R. Knight, City Administrator Troy Body, City Executive Assistant Diane Turner, and was moderated by WKDZ-WHVO News Director Alan Watts.
