6 2020 ELECTION GUIDE
Messenger-Inquirer Wednesday, October 14, 2020
MAYOR OF OWENSBORO Editor’s note: Mayor of Owensboro is a nonpartisan elected position. Candidate profiles have been edited only for spelling, grammar and punctuation, and otherwise appear as submitted.
LARRY CONDER
DATE OF BIRTH Sept. 3, 1960
Q&A
What is the greatest challenge facing Owensboro today, and what would you do to address it? Ensuring that Owensboro is safe. As mayor, I have a duty to create and maintain a safe community. We tout Owensboro as a great place to live, work, play and raise a family — safely. Recent tragic events reinforce the critical need for strong leadership, with bold action intent on protecting all citizens while insisting on open and responsive communication (to) prevent bias and discrimination. As mayor, I will work to provide police body cameras, institute a Regional Police Academy, and Regionalized Central Dispatch. What are three other issues that would be top priorities for your administration? 1) We must position the city to take advantage of the post-COVID-19 crisis by adapting to changes in the environments of work, education and spending habits, advocating for a plan for community-wide internet access by seeking grant opportunities. “Access to internet creates opportunity.” 2) Address drug and illegal substance abuse and mental health issues with proactive community engagement for real solutions and community education and action. 3) Promote Nor thwest and West Parrish Avenue revitalization ef for ts while encouraging growth and revitalization across the city. How would you describe your style of leadership and how does that style fit with the role of mayor in Owensboro, which has a city-manager form of government? Simply put, I have always worked from the premise that professionals hired to do a job need the freedom and support to effectively do their jobs. My style is not to micromanage, but to be knowledgeable and informed so that I can best support the city manager and departments while promoting the city to the region and beyond. I believe in projecting confidence, trust and pride in all city employees with a genuinely caring attitude. What do you think the mayor’s role is in promoting tourism and economic development? The mayor must project a positive image, collaborate and coordinate with the Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Economic Development Corporation, the Chamber (and) local businesses, and promote the city as a destination, while establishing incentives to locate and grow employment opportunities. The mayor is more than leader, but “cheerleader” for the city — involved and passionate for our community’s future. What do you see as Owensboro’s greatest strength, and what will you do to promote or build upon that? Our greatest strength is our people! Owensboro has a rich history of hospitality. We have strong family values, top-notched educational opportunities, and a willing workforce. As mayor, I will continue to support the local education institutions’ efforts to increase skills training to be attractive to industry. I will make sure every person is welcome to engage in setting the direction of city-funded/-owned organizations by modifying city appointments to committees and boards. I will promote community growth and prosperity and recognize the importance and value of each person is what truly sets us apart, encourages growth and inspires innovation.
ADDRESS 201 St. Ann St., Owensboro, KY 42303 EDUCATION Daviess County High School; Bachelor of Science in business administration, minor in economics, Brescia University; master’s degree in business administration, Murray State University OCCUPATION Director of Operations, Public Energy Authority of Kentucky (PEAK) ELECTED OFFICES HELD Owensboro City Commission (2017-present) SPOUSE/ PARTNER & CHILDREN Wife Rosemary Conder; children Brad Conder, Travis Ratliff, Adrianne Condray, Chantay Taylor, Troy Ratliff, and Eric Conder; 18 grandchildren
