You know its officially election season when the Hopkinsville League of Women Voters puts on their candidate forums, and the two women facing off on the Republican ticket for Hopkinsville City Council in Ward 9 met in debate Monday evening.
Incumbent Brittanie Bogard is facing a familiar opponent in Jamie Lienberger, who served as the councilmember for Ward 9 before Bogard was elected that position in 2024. The two once again fielded questions from league members, answering questions about mental health support, housing, economic development hopes and especially fiscal responsibility and budgeting.
When it comes to a budget, Bogard says community members should have a bigger say in what goes into a budget, while making sure to maintain those necessities.
Lienberger says budgeting has nothing to do with feelings—it all comes down to data and facts, and if you have good information, you can more responsibly budget in a way that benefits all.
They were both questioned on whether they would support raises that go above the cost of living adjustments for council members, and Lienberger was firm with her no, saying she disagrees with arguments made for them.
Bogard says the city has already spoken where it comes to this matter, but in the future, she would leave that decision up to the will of the people.
Bogard and Lienberger will face off on the ballot on May 19th’s Primary Election, and whoever wins, will go against the winner of the Democratic primary in the November General Election.
You can watch the forum in full on the League of Women Voter’s Hopkinsville, KY Facebook page.