Welcoming the new 2021 City of Paducah Government

The election is over for the new City of Paducah mayor and commission. We are humbled by the opportunity participate in promoting the social welfare of the City of Paducah by working to communicate the platform of each candidate ahead of the election. Our first candidate survey allowed each candidate an equal opportunity to respond to a bank of questions, and the people of Paducah were able to view these responses before casting their ballot. Going into 2021, we will continue to work in advocating for the people of Paducah. Here are some of the final thoughts we received from the candidates. We will continue to work alongside our elected officials and other community leaders to promote progress for Paducah and its people.

George Bray

Final StatementView Previous Answers

The most important election in our history is upon us and I look forward to the opportunity to serve the citizens of Paducah as Mayor. I will be a Mayor who represents all of Paducah. Paducah cannot do well unless we all do well. I will focus on business and job growth, economic development, neighborhood redevelopment., with a long term focus on infrastructure. We have a lot of hard work to do and it won’t be easy or quick. A vote for George Bray is a vote for open transparent and commonsense government. I respectfully ask for your vote.

Raynarldo Henderson

Final StatementView Previous Answers

I am a servant, and my desire is to serve the citizens of Paducah. My unique skills of listening to understand, including others in the conversation, and positive action needs to be at the city commission table. Please vote “positive change” into office by voting for me, Rayarldo Henderson for City Commissioner. I am # 5 on the ballot

David Guess

Final StatementView Previous Answers

Why vote for David Guess for City Commissioner?

Although each candidate seems to have a unique skill that they can bring to the table, experience is a must to get Paducah back on track.

As a business owner and investor, I have steadily grown my portfolio since 1995. Unfortunately, the city of Paducah has not been on the same trajectory over the past decade.

My education and experience with construction as a commercial, historic and residential property developer and former commissioner has prepared take on the unique challenges Paducah is facing today. I have been the city government, I know how it works and I have been the guy on the other side of the counter trying to do business with Paducah.
With my experience, I can hit the ground running on DAY #1.

When elected, I will bring the loyalty and principles that have made me successful in business to the commission and by being an official that you can trust is going to do right by his word. I will be your voice.

• Grew up in Reidland, moved 1980
• Graduated from Paducah Tilghman High School 1982
• Graduated from MSU with Bachelors in Business Administration and minor in Biology 1987
• President/Owner/Operator of David Guess Heating and Air since 1992
• President and Co-owner of Hipp Property Group.
• Served Paducah residents as City Commissioner for two terms 2002 & 2006
• Owner of Clearview Contacts Website, www.clearviewcontacts.com.

#provensuccess

#provenleadership

#provenintegrity

#PositivePaducahsFuture

www.guess4paducah.com

Carol Gault

Final StatementView Previous Answers

First, thank you for the opportunity. If I I could tell anyone one thing about me it is that I listen and will work for them.
If someone were to go to my website, one would see I do not make any promises or campaign claims, simply because I don’t know what the situation will be once those elected are in office. In addition, one person can not make any decisions alone; it takes a majority of three votes so often times it’s more complicated than it seems. What I can say is I will do my best, research, ask constituents and work for our citizens, after all it is our city.

Most candidate surveys have been delivered

Most candidate surveys have been delivered by mail, with just a few still out for delivery. We’re eager to hear back and are hoping to post the results as soon as possible. We’ll be posting results as they come in so stay tuned!

Candidates for Mayor of Paducah:

  • George Bray
  • Richard Abraham
  • Brandi Harless

Candidates contacted for Paducah City Commission:

  • John “Buzz” Vontesmar
  • Sandra Wilson
  • Melinda Winchester
  • Gerald Watkins
  • Carol C Gault
  • Raynarldo Henderson
  • Robert Shy
  • Mike Reed
  • Lakilia Bedeau
  • Shannon Wathen
  • David Guess

Some questions asked of the candidates:

  • In the past, City of Paducah Commission Meetings would allow for open public comments from citizens. This is no longer the case. Do you support allowing citizens to once again freely speak to the City Council at City Commission meetings?
  • There are a growing number of people who don’t support the aquatic center project and don’t want the government to compete with private businesses in the area. Do you stand with the growing number of people in this community and oppose the government competing with private industry?
  • Do you support amending the Kentucky Constitution to allow the voter’s Right to Recall elected officials?
  • Do you support amending the Kentucky Constitution to allow for local sales taxes?
  • If the Kentucky Constitution were to be amended and allow for local sales taxes to be implemented, were you vote to implement a local sales tax in the City of Paducah?

The survey is a comprehensive overview on how our candidates align themselves with the social welfare issues that Paducah United represents. We look forward to hearing from our prospective leaders on their positions on these issues!

CALL TO ACTION – Request for information on small business relief funds

Did your business apply for relief funds and have trouble with the application process? We’re making an Open Records Request, and will publish our findings. Any information on how applications were processed would be helpful in reconciling information! Share this post!

If you have any information to share, send it to

Moving forward!

We had a great event at the Paducah Athletic Club on Saturday! Dozens gathered to show their support of our new movement in holding our elected officials accountable. We had great media coverage and heard from many people of Paducah that feel they have not had their voices heard by the City of Paducah.

Following great turnout at our event at the Paducah Athletic Club, we are moving forward with incorporating as a “501(c)(4)” social welfare organization. This will allow us to operate as a Non Profit and solicit donations from individuals and business. For more information on how we’ll use these funds see our Join Us page.

Huge Turnout at Paducah City Commission Meeting on February 25th 2020

Picture shared by: Mitzi Brett Stuart
Picture shared by: Mitzi Brett Stuart

The room was filled with concerned citizens on February 25th 2020 who peacefully protested and spoke out in favor of pausing the bid process for the construction of the City of Paducah’s proposed aquatic center.

Commissioner Richard Abraham proposed pausing the bid process, and was the only commissioner to vote in favor of this.

Paducah United & Citizens Against the Aquatic Center are meeting February 29th 2020 at 10:45 AM at the Paducah Athletic Club to discuss our next steps.