David Williams And Phil Moffett Will Attend Bowling Green Forum On Wednesday To Discus Kentucky's Tax Code.

Williams and Moffett say tax change would help BG
GOP gubernatorial hopefuls to attend forum Wed. in BG
By ANDREW ROBINSON

Two of Kentucky’s Republican gubernatorial candidates believe the state’s tax structure must change for Bowling Green and Warren County to continue to grow and prosper.

They’ll discuss this region and other topics at 7 p.m. Wednesday at a forum at Bowling Green Junior High School. Candidates Phil Moffett and Sen. David Williams, R-Burkesville, are expected to attend.

Jefferson County Clerk Bobbie Holsclaw is expecting the birth of two grandchildren Wednesday and will not attend, according to her campaign manager, Sarah Reidy.

Moffett, a Louisville businessman, and Williams, state Senate president, both believe with Bowling Green’s proximity to Tennessee, a new tax structure would benefit the city.

“I think Bowling Green is a prime example of local entrepreneurial spirit,” Williams told the Daily News on Monday. “I think collectively we can change things in Kentucky that will allow Bowling Green to continue to prosper.”

Moffett, who’s running with Rep. Mike Harmon, R-Danville, said jobs must remain in Kentucky, rather than going to neighboring states.

“We need to be the better place for companies to grow,” Moffett said.

Moffett said he believes Bowling Green is very important for the GOP.

“Not only has it grown, it also has a large number of tea party people,” Moffett said. “I think we’ve done a good job of putting together a liberty-oriented platform. (Bowling Green) is a big part of our plan for this primary.”

Williams, whose running mate is Commissioner of Agriculture Richie Farmer, said he considers the area an important media market. He has been running radio ads and said he would begin running television ads in the market today.

Williams said he’s familiar with the area, being from Burkesville in southern Kentucky as well as from his time as Senate president.

“I think I have a good chance to carry the area because of the familiarity,” Williams said. “I think a Republican has a great shot of running the numbers up in the Warren County area.”

Williams referred to the fact that several local and state elected officials from the area are Republican. Williams had Rep. Jim DeCesare, R-Bowling Green, sign his filing papers in hopes of sending a signal to the region.

Currently, it appears Williams has distanced himself in the race from Moffett and Holsclaw.

According to a recent WHAS 11/Courier-Journal Bluegrass Poll of likely GOP voters in the May 17 primary, Williams leads with 49 percent, while Moffett and Holsclaw have 14 percent and 12 percent, respectively. Twenty-five percent of those polled said they were undecided.