Barren County voters hear from candidates at pre-primary forum

GLASGOW, Ky. (WNKY) – Voters in Barren County gathered Tuesday evening at the Historic Plaza Theatre to hear directly from local candidates during a forum ahead of the May primary election.

The event, hosted by Barrenside, featured candidates running for Judge/Executive, Sheriff, and Jailer. Organizers said the forum was designed to give residents an opportunity to ask questions, learn where candidates stand on key issues, and engage in face-to-face civic discussion.

Community members in attendance said issues like economic development, public safety, and access to local resources remain top concerns as voters prepare to head to the polls.

Sheri Eubank said having direct access to candidates is critical for informed decision-making.

“It’s very important that we have the right leadership,” Eubank said. “We need economic growth… we need to make sure that the public is safe… and there’s many families out here that have a lot of questions about it, and they want answers to them.”

Attendees were also able to hear candidates respond to questions about topics ranging from job creation to law enforcement priorities and jail operations.

Jimmy Stephens said forums like this provide a valuable opportunity to better understand candidates beyond campaign messaging.

“It’s important because the people need to understand what the candidates stand for, and they need to see them as they are,” Stephens said. “This gives an opportunity for the candidates to show the people a little bit about what they are.”

Organizers say events like this are part of a broader effort to encourage civic engagement and ensure voters feel informed ahead of Election Day. The Judge/Executive and Sheriff races will be decided in the May primary, as there are no Democratic challengers in those contests.