Oak Grove Mayoral Candidates Looking To The Future

Growth continued to be the main topic of conversation for mayoral candidates for the city of Oak Grove during a forum Thursday evening.

Candidates were asked what the city should do to increase tourism. An idea of hiring a marketing director has been circulating, but incumbent Bea Burt doesn’t think it’s a good idea to hire someone for the position.

Incumbent Bea Burt

Candidate Jan O’Brien is also against the idea of hiring a marketing director and says they shouldn’t have to pay for something the city should already be doing.

Jan O’Brien

Theresa Jarvis says she’ll be a better negotiator and an advocate to sell the city to new businesses.

Theresa Jarvis

Richard Baker says the city needs to clean up areas that are overgrown near Interstate 24 exits 86 and 89 so businesses would want to locate in the city.

Richard Baker

Richard Lestienne Jr. wants to hire a marketing director and says the city needs to build to attract people off the interstate.

Richard Lestienne Jr.

All candidates agree the city needs more jobs for the over 7,600 residents and support the potential horse racetrack coming to Oak Grove.

The Christian County League of Women Voters hosted the forum at the Oak Grove Community Center.