WKU College Heights Herald - Oct. 9, 2024 by College Heights Herald

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Print edition published two times each semester by WKU Student Publications at Western Kentucky University. First copy: free | Additional copies: $5

EDITORIAL BOARD

Price Wilborn

Editor-in-Chief

Ali Costellow

Content Editor

Dominic Di Palermo

Photo Editor

Eli Randolph

Assistant Photo Editor

Shelbi Bale Graphic Design Editor

Jake McMahon

Sports Editor

Bailey Reed

Newsletter Editor

Emmy Libke

Multimedia Editor

OTHER LEADERS AND ADVISERS

Nicole Johnson Cherry Creative Director

Carrie Pratt Herald Adviser

Avari Stamps Advertising Manager and Sales Manager

Keelin Davis Advertising Manager

Chuck Clark Student Publications Director

POLICIES

Opinions expressed in the College Heights Herald are those of student editors and journalists and do not necessarily represent the views of WKU. Student editors determine all news and editorial content, and reserve the right to edit or reject submissions.

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Today is a momentous day for the College Heights Herald. You’re holding Volume 100, Issue 1. Yes, you read that right – Volume 100.

The Herald debuted on Jan. 29, 1925. For a century, the Herald has worked to serve the students, faculty, staff and alumni of Western Kentucky University dutifully and wholeheartedly in its pursuit of truth. Today, I renew that promise and commitment to you. Thank you for supporting the work that we do, which in turn allows us to continue serving you.

As I hope you know, the 2024 election is just around the corner. On the ballot this year is not just one of the most important and consequential presidential elections of this nation’s history, but also important local and statewide races and ballot measures that have the potential to change the future course of Bowling Green and Kentucky.

No matter who you are voting for, I implore you to cast your vote next month. Many of you will say your vote doesn’t matter, but remember that you’re not just voting for president. You’re also voting for races and ballot measures that, with your vote, will help guide the city and state to create your ideal home.

It is our sincere hope here at the Herald that this election issue will help guide you in making your voting decisions, no matter which side of the aisle you land on.

You will also notice that both candidates for Bowling Green mayor have purchased advertisements in this edition of the Herald. This should by no means be seen as an endorsement of one candidate over the other. The Herald is funded completely by ad revenue sold by our stellar Student Publications

Ad Staff. The team offered both parties the opportunity to advertise in this edition. We are grateful to both candidates for purchasing ads in this edition, and we are grateful to our ad staff for working to help this edition come to fruition. While this issue is being published over a month ahead of the election, this is not the end of our election coverage. The Herald will continue to bring you up-to-date election information on our website up to and beyond Election Day.

During this election season, our centennial year and beyond, we look forward to continuing to serve you, our readers, first. Thank you for opening this edition of the Herald, and happy reading.

Price Wilborn Editor-in-Chief

PHOTO BY CARRIE PRATT

HOW WKU STUDENTS ARE APPROACHING THE BALLOT BOX

By Larkin Ivory, Cameron Shaw, Libby Simpson and Abigail Vickers

Even though young voters are shaping up to be the largest voting bloc in the 2024 election, many of them still have doubts about the significance their vote may hold.

According to the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, 41 million members of Generation Z are eligible to vote in the upcoming election. This leaves millennials and Gen Z as nearly half of all eligible voters in November.

Young voters on WKU’s campus are reflecting doubts over the significance of their vote. The Herald found, through an informal survey and in discussions with Hilltoppers, that some students have mixed feelings about how important their vote really will be in the upcoming election.

From Sept. 17 to Sept. 22, the Herald conducted an informal survey of WKU students to gauge voting behavior. The survey was sent to Hilltoppers through a list the Herald compiled of current WKU students, through Herald social media and the use of the university’s faculty-all and staff-all email lists. The Herald requested professors and instructors to share the survey with their classes. Across five days, 355 WKU students participated in the survey.

Of the 355 respondents, 320 said they are registered to vote. Only 251 respondents, however, said they think their vote is important.

Arianna Pierson, a senior criminology and sociology major, said the Electoral College plays a role in how students view their vote. This system, she said, inherently makes an individual’s vote seem unimportant to some.

“They think that if they vote, in the end,

it just won’t matter,” Pierson said.

Scott Lasley, chair of the WKU political science department, emphasized, however, votes can have a greater impact on issues when taken as part of a group.

“Let’s say young people voted at a higher rate than all other groups,” Lasley said. “They’re going to carry more weight on issues that are important to them.”

But this is dependent on the decision to cast a vote in the first place.

In addition to the Electoral College, Pierson also noted young voters feel that the two-party system does not allow enough choice, and should they choose to vote for a third-party candidate, that vote would not matter.

“Even though there’s other parties, everybody’s always like, ‘Oh, I’m either a Conservative or a Liberal,’ and there’s no in-between,” Pierson said. “There’s no ands, ifs or buts. So they always feel like, ‘Even if I’m [a] Green Party, even if I’m a moderate, even if I’m a Libertarian, it

doesn’t matter because my vote is going to be split in two.’”

Pierson also reflected the sentiment that individuals she has interacted with feel that issues do not currently affect them, so young people do not feel an urgency to vote.

“I also think that a lot of people in America tend to be apolitical, especially if they’re not people of color, because genuinely, they’re like, ‘Oh, it doesn’t affect me, so I don’t have to have an opinion about it,’” Pierson said.

Lasley addressed the legitimacy of these concerns while also acknowledging that one vote can impact the results.

“If they’re [students] talking from a strict, technical sense, the odds of their vote changing the outcome of an election is not likely,” Lasley said. “But in a very close election, one or a handful of votes can certainly swing the results.”

While a single voter may not have a strong voice on their own, Lasley said,

A note on the Herald’s voting behavior survey:

Following the distribution of the Herald’s voting behavior to WKU students through the use of the university’s faculty-all and staff-all email lists, the university’s Institutional Review Board requested the Herald take the survey down because it was not approved by the IRB. The Herald and its attorneys believed that the survey was protected by federal law. Following a letter sent to the IRB from the Herald’s attorneys the IRB chose not to object to the use of survey results.

the accumulation of individual voices “have a greater impact.”

The Herald’s survey found that 40% of respondents also cited a lack of knowledge as a primary factor in what challenges them the most in voting. Several student organizations are working to promote civic engagement and literacy across campus to combat this lack of knowledge.

The Student Government Association, while being an apolitical organization, strives to promote engagement in November’s election from Hilltoppers.

“The election is right around the corner,” Student Body President Sam Kurtz said at the Sept. 10 SGA meeting. “We believe that students should express their voices and opinions through democratic measure. There’s nothing more democratic than voting.”

Partisan student groups on campus are also promoting student engagement and encouraging Hilltoppers to vote.

“Voting is the foundation of democracy,” Christian Sander, chairman of the WKU College Republicans and a senior digital analytics major, said. “It’s very important that young people vote and build a future that they want to live in. That really goes for anyone –young or old.”

Sander disagreed with the general stigma that political division prevents people from voting.

“I think that there’s a rise in political controversy, I think that got people more interested in politics,” Sander said. “The lack of knowledge of political candidates and what they stand for is a contributing factor.”

Sander said many people are often distracted by the federal government, and said they should care just as much about local elections.

“A mayor or state senator has a lot more impact on your daily life than a president does in many ways,” Sander said.

Jakob Barker, president of the WKU College Democrats and a freshman international affairs and economics major, echoed this, emphasizing that voting in local elections matters a lot more than in national elections.

He said local elections directly affect community issues but are often overlooked by students.

“Despite what’s happening on a national scale, your vote does matter on a local level,” Barker said.

Barker said a lot of people, at least in WKU’s College Democrats organization, know more about national candidates than local candidates. Since Bowling Green is politically diverse, Barker said that makes it even more important to vote on a local level since those candidates’ decisions will impact the community on a daily basis.

Barker said while the Electoral College does “strip a lot of the individual voting weight of an election” on a national scale, voting on a local level still gives students the power to make a direct impact within the city and university.

“I think as long as students know that their vote matters and that regardless of what they think on the national level, as long as they’re fighting for what matters in their communities, that’s what’s important,” Barker said. “I think voting is the best way to do that, and it’s an easy way to do that. Yeah, it might take time out of your day, but there’s no classes that day for a reason.”

In preparing to cast a vote, Lasley said registration and preparation are key. “Thinking about it [voting] and getting

it done are two different things,” Lasley said.

According to the Berkeley Institute for Young Americans, “Despite increases in voter registration across generational cohorts in recent years, younger generations of voters exhibit significantly lower rates of registration.”

The Berkeley Institute said Gen Z had the lowest rates of voter registration for any generational cohort in 2016 and 2020.

According to the Herald’s survey, 40% of participants said that lack of information was the main challenge student voters faced, while 30% pointed toward time constraints as the main obstacle. Additionally, 53% of participants said they felt somewhat informed about the candidates and issues on the ballot while 39% said they felt very informed.

Lasley said prospective voters tend to “jump to the front line” and first worry about who they are voting for, when instead, they should create a plan for the whole process.

“We forget about the details,” Lasley said. “Before you get to that point, you got to make sure you’re able to vote –which is registration. Then you got to figure out how you’re going to vote – the process – and then you worry about who you’re going to vote for. So make a plan.”

There are several ways to vote in the

upcoming election. According to Warren County voting procedures, mail-in absentee paper ballots, in-person excused absentee voting, early in-person voting and in-person voting on Election Day are available for registered voters to cast their votes.

Despite a belief by many Hilltoppers that their vote is insignificant, campus leaders encourage students to vote in local elections that impact Bowling Green. They emphasize that since local elections more directly impact the daily lives of students, casting a vote is imperative.

News Reporter Larkin Ivory can be reached at larkin.ivory045@topper.wku. edu.

News Reporter Cameron Shaw can be reached at cameron.shaw555@topper. wku.edu.

News Reporter Libby Simpson can be reached at elizabeth.simpson736@topper. wku.edu.

News Reporter Abigail Vickers can be reached at abigail.vickers153@topper. wku.edu.

ALCOTT SHARES VISION FOR BOWLING GREEN

Alcotts and Western Kentucky University share a special legacy in my family. After speech class, a blonde classmate asked me to walk her back to her dorm, continuing the tradition of my grandparents and parents—Deb and I are now the third generation of Alcotts beginning our marriages and careers as Hilltoppers.

Before my junior year, I completed summer basic training to qualify as an Air Force Officer. When I returned home, my mom had lost her sight to a rare optical cancer. As a storm approached Bowling Green, I made a quick decision to rush home on my bike after mowing lawns for extra cash. Just as I arrived, lightning struck, and a massive tree fell on our driveway. Miraculously, I wasn’t underneath it. I called my mom, who was already on the line and she told me she felt compelled to pray for me at that moment. That was our last conversation.

On the day tornadoes tragically claimed 17 lives in Bowling Green, I was with Police Chief Delaney, City Manager Jeff Meisel, and Police Chaplain Bill Wade, navigating the storm’s aftermath. We passed the driveway that marked a pivotal moment in my life, and I knew my purpose had come full circle. Our mission, as individuals and as a community: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” John 13:34.

In response to tragedy, our city has opened a homeless center equipped with laundry facilities, private baths, and now has five nonprofits dedicated to supporting the unhoused. We are breaking ground on a $21 million

mental health crisis intake center and leveraging over $150 million to create more than 700 affordable housing units, ensuring these families pay no more than 20% of their income on housing. Over the past four years, we’ve completed the construction of 2 new fire stations (one on Lover’s Lane, and the other at the Transpark). We are also under construction of a new Public Safety Training Center to house our city’s police and fire academies, as well as rebuilding our fire station on Porter Pike that is expected to be completed in Spring of 2025. When I took office, there were 24 police officer vacancies,

with salaries below $50K. Today, officers earn $63K, and we’ve added 16 new positions, and we are working our way to full complement.

We’re developing new roads, greenways, and parks, including a new one next year along the Barren River and another behind the tornado-damaged Jennings Creek Elementary. Bowling Green has also been recognized as #1 in economic development among cities under 200,000 and #1 in the Commonwealth by the Kentucky League of Cities.

Bowling Green is a welcoming community to everyone, and our collective success reflects the values we share. Our bright future is not only thanks to community leaders but also to the unity and dedication of all our residents. Go Tops! WKU Class of ‘95.

- Todd R. Alcott, Mayor of Bowling Green

Bowling Green is more than just a place It’s where our hearts and our futures lie Meet Todd Alcott, a dedicated teacher, a retired Lieutenant Colonel, and a proven community leader

Todd led with integrity in the U S Air Force, from the Pentagon to combat zones Now, he’s committed to continuing to make Bowling Green stronger and more vibrant

With his command experience and local roots, Todd understands what it takes to lead with vision and dedication Re-elect Mayor Todd Alcott and together, let’s build a future we

A COLLEGE STUDENT’S GUIDE TO THE SWING STATES

By Natalie Freidhof

Political pundits often express the importance of so-called “swing states.” During election years, this term is used often, but rarely defined.

Seven key swing states will likely determine the 2024 presidential election between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.

National polling conducted by the Cook Political Report revealed Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin could give their electoral votes to either candidate, thereby awarding one candidate the presidency over the other. It should be noted that polling results are ever-changing and may vary slightly from day to day, casting more doubt on declaring one outcome.

Both major parties have similar levels of support in the swing states, prompting an unpredictable “swing” in voting outcome. In response, presidential campaigns have heavily targeted these states to one-up their opponent. Though it is nearly impossible to gauge which way these few influential states will lean, understanding their role is vital to understanding the nature of the presidential race.

The electoral college system decides the president by awarding 538 votes. Each state’s individual number of votes

which is based on size and population, as well as its representatives in the United States Senate. For example, Kentucky has eight electoral votes, corresponding to its six representatives in the House and its two Senators. The 528 total electoral college votes are created by 435 House representatives, 100 Senators and three District of Columbia representatives.

A candidate must receive 270 votes to win the election.

In total, 93 electoral votes are up for grabs in swing states. Based on the summed electoral votes of states each candidate is likely to win, Harris will need at least 44 votes and Trump will need at least 51 votes from the swing states to win, according to NBC News.

The electoral college within most states, except Nebraska and Maine, is “winner-take-all.” For example, if a candidate wins the tally in a state by 1% or more, they receive all of the state’s electoral votes. Candidates wish to win swing states because of the amount of votes up for grabs, especially in states with large amounts of electoral votes, like Pennsylvania.

Each swing state holds the power to make or break a candidate’s shot at the presidency. Even Nevada, with its six electoral votes, could be just the amount needed to push one candidate to victory in a close election.

Swing states’ influence encourages candidates to spend millions on advertising to sway voters. Since the beginning of the election cycle, over $1.6 billion has been spent on ads overall, according to NPR. As of August, Democrats out-spent Republicans $882 million to $721 million.

The majority of television and radio ad spending in this election has targeted Pennsyl-

vanians. Spending in the state as of September was $133 million in total: $77 million for Democrats and $56 million for Republicans, according to The New York Times.

The amount of money sent to each state is primarily determined by its number of votes and voting history. Each state is a unique battleground that requires an individualized campaign strategy.

ARIZONA - 11 VOTES

Voters have consistently supported Republican candidates in Arizona in recent years. However, the 2020 election saw the state’s voters unexpectedly swing Democratic, giving their votes to President Joe Biden.

Polls from FiveThirtyEight and The New York Times showed Trump trending above Harris throughout September. Trump had a one-point or less lead, a small but consistent edge. Narrow leads are common in many of the swing states.

GEORGIA – 16 VOTES

Georgia is another state that uncharacteristically swung for Biden in 2020, considering it had not voted for a Democrat since Bill Clinton in 1992.

Trump led in the Peach State by less than one point in September, according to The New York Times polling averages. Harris matched his lead on a few occasions during the month but has since experienced a wider margin between her and the former president. However, Trump’s lead has significantly narrowed since Biden’s drop from the presidential race in July. Though Georgia has not swung prior to 2020, this election cycle may prove to be the second breakthrough in the state’s history.

MICHIGAN - 15 VOTES

Michigan has long been a blue state but awarded its electoral votes to Trump in the 2016 election. Michigan is rarely a swing state, historically awarding its electoral votes to the Democratic candidates. The New York Times polling released on Sept. 28 shows the two candidates in a onepoint race in the state.

Harris led the state by two points through August and September, according to select polls by Suffolk University, Emerson College and Marist College, among others compiled by The New York Times. Compared to Biden’s 2020 lead of seven points, a Democratic victory is not guaranteed.

NEVADA - 6 VOTES

Nevada’s election outcomes have consistently lied within the margin of error throughout the past two decades. Five of the eight presidential elections in the state from 1992 to 2020 were won by less than three points. This trend continued in the 2020 election when Biden received the state’s six electoral votes thanks to a mere 2 ½ point lead.

Labor unions in the state could potentially throw Democrats out of favor in the state. Biden had their support during his campaign and administration, but the switch to Harris as the leading Democrat on the ballot could shake the partnership.

Polling averages for September by The New York Times showed Harris consistently leading by one point or

NORTH CAROLINA - 16 VOTES

North Carolina, a southern stronghold for the Republican Party, has given rare optimism to Democrats. Harris’s ad spending of $28 million in the state is seven times that of Trump’s $4 million.

Recent polling by sources selected and compiled by The New York Times and FiveThirtyEight revealed fluctuations in the leading candidate in August and September. After a 16-day lead by Harris, Trump led by one point in late September.

Through an appeal to the state’s 37% of non-partisan voters, those who do not affiliate with either party could give Harris a needed boost to win North Carolina’s 16 votes.

PENNSYLVANIA - 19 VOTES

Pennsylvania holds the most votes of all the swing states in this election cycle and is also a historic swing state. The majority of television and radio ad spending in this election has targeted Pennsylvanians. Spending in the state as of September was $133 million in total: $77 million for Democrats and $56 million for Republicans, according to The New York Times.

In the past two elections, Pennsylvania was a wild card. Despite the fight, The New York Times polling averages have shown Harris beating Trump by one to two points since the middle of August.

WISCONSIN - 10 VOTES

Wisconsin’s red swing in 2016 showed a different trend from the state’s previous Democratic support. The state gave its 10 votes to Biden in 2020, but the win was within a less than 1% margin.

Harris led by two points in August and September, according to The New York Times polling. Polling averages compiled by FiveThirtyEight showed just prior to Biden’s withdrawal from the race, Trump led in the state’s polls. In the days after Biden dropped out and endorsed Harris, Trump lost this lead.

As Election Day moves closer, polls continue to fluctuate and polls from swing states continue to make headline news. On election night, voting results from swing states will be some of the closest watched. Candidates’ performances in swing states have been make or break for recent electoral outcomes. The 2024 election is shaping up to be no different.

News reporter Natalie Freidhof can be reached at natalie.freidhof407@ topper.wku.edu

WHAT IS AMENDMENT 2?

By Bradlee Reed-Whalen

While most of the focus of this election will be on the presidential, mayoral and congressional elections next month, an amendment that would pave the way for lawmakers to allocate public education funding to private and religious schools, has also gained attention.

Amendment 2, originally proposed in the Kentucky House of Representatives as House Bill 2, states, “The General Assembly may provide financial support for the education of students outside of the system of common schools.” It was introduced on Jan. 26 by State Rep. Suzanne Miles, R-Owensboro.

Currently, the state constitution does not allow taxpayer dollars to be allocated in any way for private schools. The amendment seeks to change this.

For an amendment to be added to the state’s constitution, it must pass both houses of the General Assembly by a 60% vote. Following passage, it is placed on the ballot, upon which it must receive a majority of votes from Kentuckians. House Bill 2 was passed by both houses of the General Assembly in March.

Amendment 2 would allow the General Assembly to pass legislation that pro-

vides public funding to private schools. Similar legislation has previously been considered unconstitutional by state courts.

The Kentucky Supreme Court struck down House Bill 563 in 2022, which sought to award tax credits for donations to private schools. The following year, the Franklin Circuit Court struck down House Bill 9, which allowed public funding for charter schools and would establish the Kentucky Public Charter School Pilot Project. The project was meant to study the impact of a public charter school within Kentucky’s common school system. The Supreme Court affirmed this ruling.

Amendment 2 has caused much debate and division across the commonwealth’s education community.

Supporters of the amendment argue that it will allow low-income individuals more opportunities to send their children to private schools, greatly improving school choice.

Gary Houchens, director of WKU’s Educational Leadership Doctoral Program, said Amendment 2 is about giving parents the opportunity to choose the

school environment that best suits their child’s needs.

“Kids are just too different and unique in their needs,” Houchens said. “The needs, aspirations and values of families are too great for any given school to be the perfect fit for every kid.”

Houchens was appointed by Governor Matt Bevin to serve on the State Board of Education from 2016 to 2019. He said he is a firm believer that the amendment will improve Kentucky’s public education system.

“In several states like Ohio and Indiana that have school choice options, their students outperform Kentucky’s students,” Houchens said.

Houchens said he urges citizens to look to Florida and other neighboring states with school choice, as he believes their public education flourishes with student choice policies implemented.

Houchens recognizes the division the amendment is causing in the commonwealth’s education community.

“There is a lot of pushback,” Houchens said. “These kinds of policies are fought by the education establishment in every state where they are adopted.”

Opponents fear the bill’s impact on public education. They argue one of the issues facing public schools is inflation.

Leslie McCoy, director of communications for Bowling Green Independent Schools, believes one of the largest issues is recruitment and retention of teachers.

“Over 80% of our budget is with people and positions. So when we can’t keep up with inflation, with our funding, we can’t increase teacher salaries,” McCoy said. “We already know that fewer people are going into education as a major. So it’s really important that we keep up with inflation and offer educators competitive salaries.”

McCoy said she feels this issue also causes a greater burden on local taxpayers, which causes concern in her eyes, especially for rural areas.

Science teacher Susan Howard teaches about eyesight at McNeill Elementary School.

PHOTO BY JACOB SEBASTIAN

According to the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy, a nonprofit that works to analyze and inform the commonwealth on key issues and policies, 80% of Kentucky private schools are within 8% of the state’s zip codes. McCoy feels this will cause the vast majority of Kentucky counties to not have private school options at all.

“I believe that’s concerning because when we talk about funding, we need to fund the public,” McCoy said.

The Kentucky Center for Economic Policy also found if a voucher program like Florida’s was put in place, Bowling Green Independent Schools would face a 15% budget reduction as a result. This equals a loss of around $9.5 million.

McCoy said public school leaders and educators are concerned about the lack of accountability and transparency with private schools since they do not have to follow state guidelines.

“Kentucky public schools will always serve the vast majority of students and those with the greatest needs,” McCoy said in a Facebook post. “Private schools have policies that can deny admission or ask students to withdraw if they are not

making adequate progress.”

Warren County voters will find Amendment 2 on the back of their ballot on Election Day, posed as the following question:

“To give parents choices in educational opportunities for their children, are you in favor of enabling the General Assembly to provide financial support for

Re-Elect

the education costs of students in kindergarten through 12th grade who are outside the system of common (public) schools by amending the Constitution?”

NewsReporterBradleeReed-Whalen canbereachedatbradlee.reedwhalen539@topper.wku.edu.

PHOTO BY JACOB SEBASTIAN

Kara Jones (left) and Sunny Sanchez use outside light to make an image appear during a retina eye experiment at McNeill Elementary School in Bowling Green, Ky.

HOW TO REQUEST AN ABSENTEE BALLOT IN KENTUCKY

Visit the Kentucky Absentee Ballot Request Portal at vrsws. sos.ky.gov/abrweb/

Fill out the request form. Absentee ballots can be sent to your college address, like residence halls or apartments.

Upon receipt of your absentee ballot in the mail, follow instructions on the envelope to properly fill out your ballot.

Send the ballot back through the United States Postal Service through a local post office.

HOW TO REQUEST AN ABSENTEE BALLOT IN TENNESSEE

Complete the Absentee By-Mail

1 2

Ballot Application and ensure that it is signed and dated. The application can be found at sos.tn.gov/ elections/services/absentee-voting

Return your Absentee By-Mail Ballot Application to your local election office by mail. The application must be received no later than seven days before Election Day. Ballots can be mailed to your college address, like residence halls or apartments.

3 4

Upon receipt of your absentee ballot in the mail, follow instructions for proper completion of the ballot.

Mail your ballot back to your local election office. Ballots must be received by local election offices by 7 p.m. local time on Election Day.

Left: Alcott wears his class ring. He is a third generation Hilltopper and graduated in 1995 with a degree in hotel and restaurant management and a minor in business and military science.

Left: Alcott shakes hands with Congolese Community Advisor Faustin Kaganda after a meeting with Congolese community leaders in his City Hall office on Sept. 23, 2024. Community leaders discussed the Congolese community’s concerns with Alcott and asked for the city’s aid. “I think we can learn from each other,” Alcott said to the group. “We’re proud that you are a part of our community.”

Above: Alcott wears a hat signifying his service in the Air Force before his time as Mayor. “Growing up hearing my dad’s stories as a Naval officer always resonated with me,” Alcott said. “While attending WKU, I was inspired by the Air Force Thunderbirds’ visit to Bowling Green, which ultimately launched my 21-year career as an Air Force officer.”

‘MORE TO ACCOMPLISH’ Incumbent Bowling Green Mayor Todd Alcott campaigns for reelection.

Photos by Dominic Di Palermo

Above: Alcott discusses his accomplishments as mayor and his plans for his next term if he is reelected during a campaign fundraising event on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. “There’s so much more to accomplish,” Alcott said. “Our city is creating $150 million in affordable housing from Team KY and HUD, and we need to attract and recruit thousands for new high paying jobs coming to our Transpark. I look forward to working as a team to solve downtown parking and collaborating with regional leaders to tackle societal challenges, ultimately becoming a beacon to our world on how a hometown can solve global issues.”

“Our purpose on this earth is to learn and serve one another, which I trust as God’s design for us all.”

Above: A collection of challenge coins are displayed in Alcott’s office in City Hall. Challenge coins have been a U.S military tradition since World War I and are used to symbolize camaraderie and achievement. Alcott’s collection contains coins from former President George W. Bush, former Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, coins from local authorities like the Bowling Green Police Department and more.

Right: Alcott figures out where registered voters live before going canvassing on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.

Above: Bowling Green resident Curt Simpson surprises Alcott with a hug after jokingly refusing to shake Alcott’s hand while canvassing on Sept. 20, 2024.

“The most challenging aspect [of campaigning] has also been the most rewarding: knocking on doors,” Alcott said. “In today’s world, people aren’t too keen on opening their doors to strangers unless you’re an Amazon delivery person. Thousands of knocks take a lot of time and energy, but when you’re in someone’s personal space, incredible growth happens. It has helped me understand what people value in their local leaders and community, and I believe it is helping me to become a more engaged leader.”

Above: Alcott speaks to Kelley Paul after her husband Sen. Rand Paul endorsed Alcott as a Mayoral candidate for Bowling Green on Sept. 13, 2024. “Sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow, but working together towards a common goal is how we achieve success,” Alcott said. “This principle is what makes our Armed Forces the best in the world. It’s no different for our community goals; when we care more about outcomes than credit, we all benefit.”

Above: Alcott’s father Greg Alcott, left, opens Alcott’s campaign fundraising event with a prayer on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2024. “Our purpose on this earth is to learn and serve one another, which I trust as God’s design for us all,” Alcott said.

“Becoming Bowling Green’s mayor wasn’t part of my original plan, but a journey of trusting God and recognizing that His plans are far better than our own.”

ALCOTT FOR MAYOR

In preparing its comprehensive coverage of the 2024 election from a variety of different angles, the Herald asked both candidates to answer the same seven questions. The Herald sought to provide each candidate the opportunity to present some of their vision to young voters and the WKU community. What follows are the answers Todd Alcott provided to these questions.

Q: You have lived in Bowling Green for decades and served as its representative in the state legislature. What is your vision for Bowling Green, and how has this experience prepared you to take on the role of mayor?

It has been an incredible journey; we’ve faced challenges like COVID, tornadoes, storm s, high inflation, and police shortages. Yet we have remained optimistic and made significant strides. I am proud of how our city team has turned tragedies into triumphs, such as securing $150 million in affordable housing grants and creating tax breaks for small businesses affected by the tornadoes. Our entire city came together to clean

up rapidly and restore power. Additionally, we’ve tackled social issues by investing in a homeless center, securing funding for a regional mental health crisis intake center, and collaborating with citizens to design and build two new parks.

In asking to be elected mayor, in what ways will you support WKU students as they spend their college years in Bowling Green?

A: As a WKU graduate from ’95, I understand how our communities are intertwined. It was surreal to have my first one-on-one with Dr. Caboni, especially when I nervously mentioned my transcript, and he smiled back without answer. We have

already combined our public transportation into one agency, and created an entertainment district allowing open containers, plus we are developing a new park along our riverfront. We’re also collaborating with Beautify I65 and Project PRIDE to display WKU flags during opening week. I look forward to continuing to work with WKU.

Q: Bowling Green has seen massive economic development in recent years. In what wayswill you work to continue this growth? What’s your vision?

Growth itself is not healthy without the support and infrastructure to sustain it. We need to build new roads, connect our parks with greenways, build turf fields for high usage, and hire and train more police officers. Working with our Kentucky local legislators, we landed an unprecedented $500 million state budget authorization for new road and utility infrastructure over the next five years. If we fall behind, we won’t get the full amount, so I want to ensure we stay on target to build a successful city for tomorrow’s opportunities.

IN HIS OWN WORDS

Q: What do you see as the biggest issue facing Bowling Green and campus today? How do you plan to address this issue?

A: Parking was a significant issue when I was a student, and it remains a hot-button topic today. As we design new pedestrian oases, we must be mindful of logistics and safe traffic movement. Successful planning, collaboration, and communication are essential. Sometimes we need to ask the community to “pardon our progress” as we effectively lay out our vision; this takes strong leader ship.

Q: Young college graduates often leave Bowling Green and or the commonwealth after completing their time at WKU. Do you believe it is important to keep WKU graduates in Bowling Green? If so, how do you plan to make this happen?

A: Absolutely, it’s critical for a thriving future. We want every WKU student to have the opportunity to thrive and raise their families in Bowling Green. The WKU Innovation Campus, formerly the old mall, is a powerful hub of innovative startups working side by side to cre ate the next generation of businesses for our community. I have enjoyed and I want to continue working with our Bowling Green Chamber of Com merce, our County government, as

well as the WKU Innovation Campus and Dr Caboni, all like minded leaders working together to help mold and secure our future.

Q: How do you grade WKU’s involvement with the city and the community at large, and why? How can it be improved?

A: I would say the past four years, we have a 3.5 GPA—there’s always room to improve. I’d love to

Q: How has WKU prepared you for taking on the role of Bowling Green mayor?

A: WKU gave me my life: a commission into the Air Force as an officer, a degree in hotel and restaurant management, and friends for life. Plus, I met my beautiful wife, Deb, a WKU ’94 graduate and a multilingual teacher at Bowling Green High School. I have much to pay back, that will help pay it forward.

MINTER FOR MAYOR

Q:You have lived in Bowling Green for decades and served as its representative in the state legislature. What is your vision for Bowling Green, and how has this experience prepared you to take on the role of mayor?

A: I’m running for Mayor with experience--as a mom, as an educator, an advocate, and a two-termstate representative--because it’s time to fix what’s broken in our city. When I was elected to represent Bowling Green in 2018, I worked with Governor Beshear, Democrats, and Republicans to lower the cost of insulin, pass tornado relief and recovery bills, deliver federal dollars for the Bowling Green veterans

center, and I personally secured 3.5 millions dollars for Bowling Green’s roads. Our city is growing but too many of our people feel left out and left behind. As your next Mayor, I will lead by listening and learning from you. I’ll be transparent and make sure you know what your mayor is doing for you and for our city. I will stand up and show up for you every day, like I always have.

Q:In asking to be elected mayor, in what ways will you support WKU students as they spend their college years in Bowling Green?

A: WKU’s involvement with the city and the larger community is good, but it could be much better. As

your next Mayor, I would like to expand opportunities for collaboration to create a greater relationship between the university and the city. There is potential for a mayor with deep roots at WKU to build bridges and create opportunities and deeper partnerships between the university and the city. This would enrich both the WKU student community and Bowling Green residents, and I’m ready to facilitate that conversation.

Q: Bowling Green has seen massive economic development in recent years. In what ways will you work to continue this growth? What’s your vision?

A: Students will have a strong voice and an advocate at City Hall when I’m elected as their next mayor. I’ve devoted my career to teaching and mentoring two generations of students, providing both educational opportunities and modeling engaged citizenship. From affordable housing to basic human rights, my students have shared with me their vision for the city where they study, live, and work during their college years. We need a leader who lifts people up instead of leaving them out. Our students need someone who will lift up their voices at City Hall and I’m ready to stand up and show up for them. It’s about all of us.

IN HER OWN WORDS

What do you see as the biggest issue facing Bowling Green and campus today? How do you plan to address this issue?

A: When I listen to WKU students and people under 40, affordable housing is their top concern. The Bowling Green Housing Study shows what WKU students already know: there is a lack of attainable housing for people at every income level and price point. The study provides an important road map to help prioritize needs and actions for the immediate future to provide housing for incoming workers, but also for smart mid-term and long-term planning of new development and revitalization of existing housing stock in our neighborhoods. I am ready to work with city/county government, planning/zoning officials, real estate professionals, and community members to develop midterm and long-term strategies to provide desperately needed housing while preserving what we all love about our city.

A: The Bowling Green Housing Study shows what WKU students already know: there is a lack of attainable housing for people at every income level and price point, at every stage of the life span. I am ready to work to develop midterm and longterm strategies to provide desperately needed housing while preserving what

we all love about our city. I also support passing a Fairness Ordinance that ensures that everyone is treated fairly in employment, housing, and public accommodations. As Bowling Green works to attract more well-paying jobs and retain its workforce, the ordinance will help us retain and attract the best employees who would otherwise leave the city or refuse to move here because they fear discrimination. As mayor, I will work to ensure that Bowling Green is a city where graduates want to stay and have the opportunities they need to start careers and raise families.

Q: How do you grade WKU’s involvement with the city and the community at large, and why? How can it be improved?

A: WKU’s involvement with the city and the larger community is good, but it could be much better. As your next Mayor, I would like to expand opportunities for collaboration to create a greater relationship between the university and the city. There is potential for a mayor with deep roots at WKU to build bridges and create opportunities and deeper partnerships between the university and the city. This would enrich both the WKU student community and Bowling Green residents, and I’m ready to facilitate that conversation.

Q:How has WKU prepared you for taking on the role of Bowling Green mayor?

A:As a member of the WKU community for 32 years, my experiences have prepared me well to serve as your next Mayor of Bowling Green. I’ve taught two generations of students during my time on the Hill, and I listened and learned from them as well. As the inaugural Chair of the WKU University Senate and as the elected Faculty Regent on WKU’s Board of Regents for seven years, I made sure that my fellow educators had a say in the decisions that affected our classrooms and I advocated for faculty, staff, and students. I worked with university administrators, my fellow regents and city, county, and state lawmakers on every aspect of university budgeting, growth, and governance. I’m ready to take what I’ve learned at WKU and put it to workfor all of us as your next mayor.

Above: Patti Minter accepts Governor Andy Beshear’s endorsement for mayor of Bowling Green before a campaign fundraiser on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024. “Working with him during my tenure as State Representative to cap the cost of insulin and to obtain tornado relief and recovery funds for Bowling Green to serve my constituents was an honor,” Minter said.

‘LEADING BY LISTENING’

A day in the life of Patti Minter

Photos by Eli Randolph

Right: Dennis O’Keefe (left) speaks with Minter during a fundraising event on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024. “Talking to the people you want to represent is the best way to understand what they need and want,” Minter said. She makes it a point to listen everyone’s opinion she can.

Howard Bailey, former WKU dean of students, holds a campaign sign at fundraiser for the ‘Minter for Mayor’ campaign on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024. Bailey has known Minter since she became a professor at WKU.

Below:

Above: Nora McKinney, 6, shakes hands with Minter while she is out door knocking on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. Door knocking and engaging with the Bowling Green Community is very important to Minter.“I love visiting with the people in my community every single day,” Minter said. “Over the course of her campaigning Minter has knocked “over 13,000” doors.

Above: Minter is running with experience as “a mom, as an educator, an advocate, and two-term state representative.”

Right: “When people tell me that it’s time to fix what’s broken in our city and that their voices are not being heard, I wake up every day ready to lift up the voices of everyone in Bowling Green, not just the few. I’m ready to do this together,” Minter said.

“People have the power and I’ll always stand up and show up to make sure that they always do.”

Left: “After years of studying law, human rights and public policy, it was powerful to put my training and experience into practice as Bowling Green’s state representative at the State Capitol,” Minter said. “I’m ready to put that experience to work for everyone at City Hall as Bowling Green’s next mayor.”