Sanford seeks return to City Commission

Jeff Sanford, who served several terms as Owensboro city commissioner before losing his seat in 2022, said he will focus on bringing manufacturing and industrial development to the city if reelected this year.

“We did a good job with having the downtown situation done, and having Northwest revitalization,” Sanford said. “We’ve done a pretty good job on tourism with the Bluegrass (Music Hall of Fame), the (Science and History) Museum and the Botanical Garden, but where we have been lacking is industrial. We’ve done decent growing businesses that are here, but we haven’t landed any new manufacturing in a long time.”

Sanford, a real estate agent, said the city needs an industrial park.

The city, in conjunction with Fiscal Court and agencies like the Economic Development Corp. should identify land for industrial development, Sanford said.

“We all need to be on the same page, and that’s where experience pays off,” Sanford said. “I think mixing in good, experienced, solid people that understand business and the way it works with new ideas. I think it’s healthy.”

Regarding an industrial park, Sanford said, “There are places we could go. What we don’t have in place is the communication with everybody.”

Regarding homelessness, Sanford said services should only be used for people who want to be helped.

“A lot of (homeless) people are here from other counties, and other states,” Sanford said. “When you have people who come for services and they don’t follow the rules, (they) take up resources that should be spent here.”

Sanford said, “a lot of people won’t let you help them,” and that, “sometimes, you have to say ‘no.’ ”

Sanford said he would work to create more housing opportunities in the city.

“I would like to see us ... have a fund for rehabilitation and construction on empty lots,” Sanford said. “

A city fund for home construction and rehabilitation would benefit the city, by creating livable properties that would be taxed, Sanford said.

“There are a lot of homes that need home help, and they sit there all over the city,” Sanford said. Through property taxes on rehabilitated homes, “you get your money back. The taxpayer gets their money back.”

Sanford said Churchill Downs’ decision to build a gambling facility in the county rather than at Towne Square Mall hurt south Frederica Street.

Churchill switched plans after city commissioners tabled a Churchill Down request to amend the city’s smoking ordinance, to allow smoking in a portion of the facility.

“Sometimes, you have to make tough decisions,” Sanford said. “If Ford Motor Co. came here and did the same thing, what would we do?”

Churchill Downs would have created jobs and attracted businesses, Sanford said.

“It just doesn’t look good losing something like that,” Sanford said.

Sanford said he would be able to work with various officials, and that his experience would be a benefit.

“I feel I have a ton of City Hall experience and a ton of business experience,” Sanford said. “That’s why I feel I’m one of the most qualified candidates there are.”

James Mayse, 270-691-7303, jmayse@messenger-inquirer.com, Twitter: @JamesMayse