Gubernatorial candidates Q&A

Beshear

I’m proud of the progress we’ve made during my time as governor in areas such as broadband, clean drinking water, addiction treatment, funding law enforcement and infrastructure improvements.

Recently, we were able to announce that coal-producing communities will receive more than $74 million in coal severance tax funds – the most money allocated to these communities in 10 years. We’ve also already managed to secure $500 million for clean drinking water, and are pushing for another $500 million for this program that provides funding to every county in Kentucky. And my administration has worked together with lawmakers to secure $100 million for the Kentucky Product Development Initiative, and are working to bring another $200 million into the program for both mega-projects and county and regional site development. All of this work was made possible by strong relationships with county leaders, who serve a vital, indispensable role in helping to guide our Commonwealth toward a prosperous future.

As I continue in this office, my administration will keep recognizing the essential role that counties play, and bring county leaders to the table continuing to foster communication and collaboration between state and local government. We’ve gotten a lot done the last four years, and it is vital we continue to strengthen these relationships for the future of Kentucky. I will continue to promote open communication channels between all levels of government, alongside collaborative decision-making and transparency in allocation of resources to keep building strong relationships with our county leaders over the long term.

Strengthening the partnership between state and county governments in Kentucky requires a commitment to collaboration, transparency, and shared goals. By working together, all levels of government can better address the needs of Kentucky residents.

Cameron

Every county in Kentucky is different and each one is important. From the very beginning of this campaign, I have said that I am running to represent the values of all 120 counties, and I will be a Governor that respects local control over one-size-fits-all approaches handed down from Frankfort. When I am elected, I

will appoint an experienced Department of Local Government Commissioner that shares my philosophy, and I will fully support the ADD districts by relying on their expertise.

In addition to a strong partnership between state government and local governments, it is essential that the executive branch be the first line of defense against federal overreach. As Attorney General, I have taken on the EPA and other federal agencies in defense of what is best for Kentucky. As Governor, I will continue to fight federal overreach, and I will instruct each cabinet to conduct a review of federal rule interpretations to ensure we are doing what is best for Kentucky, not Washington.

Beshear

Facilitating collaboration between counties and the state to address crucial infrastructure challenges like road maintenance and broadband access is vital for the overall development of Kentucky. We’re set to deliver over $2 billion in federal and matching funds to bring high-speed internet to every Kentuckian, along with more than $100 million in funds available to every county in Kentucky to repair roads and bridges. As governor, I will continue to emphasize coordination between all levels of government on these vital projects, and have proposed an additional $50 million in grant funding for cities and counties to make necessary infrastructure repairs across Kentucky. This is in addition to the funding we have secured for the Brent Spence Companion Bridge without tolls, the four-laning of the Mountain Parkway and the I-69 bridge project.

I will also make sure that my office is available and ready to work proactively with counties to get projects completed and assist in any way we can so that counties have a partner in the governor’s office from start to finish. By embracing partnerships between different levels of government alongside the private and non-profit sectors when relevant, the state government can foster a collaborative and coordinated approach to addressing infrastructure challenges with counties. These partnerships will help ensure that resources are allocated effectively and

that essential infrastructure projects are prioritized and completed to benefit all communities in Kentucky.

Cameron

I believe it’s better to have more voices involved with the governing process, not fewer. The staff that I hire in the executive branch, whether in the Department of Local Government, the Transportation Cabinet, or inside the Governor’s office, will prioritize listening to local leaders and collaborating to reach the best outcome for everyone.

Thanks to the leadership of Kentucky’s federal delegation in Congress, we have a once in generation opportunity to make infrastructure improvements. It is critical that these one-time federal resources do not only go to favored areas or flashy projects. We must also make improvements that impact the infrastructure that Kentuckians depend on every day. As Governor, that is what I will do.

Beshear

We will continue to work alongside county leadership on these vital issues, and through grants and funding allocation will make sure local governments have the support they need.

We also will continue to prioritize keeping our people safe. We made historic investments in the Kentucky State Police to recruit, train and retain the essential workforce needed to protect Kentuckians. We ensured all troopers received a $15,000 raise, leading to the largest KSP recruiting class in years. We’ve also put millions into body armor, new facilities and training. Looking forward, we will continue to provide funding for technology upgrades in law enforcement agencies, including body armor, communication systems and crime analysis tools. We will also continue to work to enhance emergency response capabilities in rural counties to ensure law enforcement and public safety agencies can respond effectively to disasters and crises.

Kentuckians should also be able to make their voices heard in every election. We will work to ensure equitable access to polling places, early voting, and absentee

voting options in rural and underserved areas and implement measures to expand voter education programs.

These measures should be developed in consultation with county officials, community leaders, and residents to ensure they align with the specific needs and priorities of each county. Additionally, ongoing evaluation and adjustment of these measures are crucial to their long-term success. By addressing these specific challenges, we can help counties provide essential services effectively and improve the quality of life for Kentuckians.

Cameron

Since Andy Beshear took office, homicides have risen by 30 percent statewide. Overdose deaths have risen by 60 percent. This is a dereliction of duty, made worse by ignoring our biggest challenges, or actively making them worse, and they have added to the strain on county governments. I recently announced the Cameron Public Safety Plan to help address the challenges on law enforcement. My plan provides recruitment and retention bonuses for law enforcement at every level, utilizes technology for hot spot mapping for drug overdoses to better allocate resources, and increases penalties for drug traffickers who kill Kentuckians. I am honored to have the endorsement of the Kentucky Fraternal Order of Police, who supported Andy Beshear in 2019 but have flipped their support to my campaign. As Governor, I will ease the pressure on county governments by taking on our biggest challenges. You can read more about my plan at CameronVisionKY.com.

Beshear

Our commitment to economic growth in Kentucky is unwavering. In my first term, we achieved significant milestones, attracting over $27 billion in private investments, creating 48,000 jobs and achieving the lowest annual unemployment rate in the history of Kentucky. All of this was accomplished while cutting taxes and consistently achieving record budget surpluses.

In my second term, my focus will remain on promoting prosperity and making sure every Kentuckian has the opportunity to succeed. We’ll build on the progress we've already made by providing support to small businesses, attracting more major industries like BlueOval SK and AESC, and capitalizing on our state's natural beauty and unique heritage to boost our tourism sector. Our aim is to cultivate a diverse, resilient and dynamic economy that lifts up all Kentuckians. Every county is unique but we will continue to invest in programs that help everyone: workforce development investments, infrastructure improvements, tourism promotion, agribusiness innovation and regional development plans.

Balancing economic development across counties with varying challenges requires a thoughtful and adaptable approach. It's essential to engage with local leaders and communities to ensure that strategies align with their goals and priorities, promoting both economic diversification and equitable growth statewide. All Kentucky counties should have an opportunity to thrive.

Cameron

Strong collaboration starts with open dialogue, prioritizing partnerships, and valuing relationships. Every Kentuckian deserves the opportunity to live and thrive in their community and enabling them to do so will be a central tenant of my administration. The state’s role in supporting economic diversification begins with doing the fundamental things well, including promoting public safety, improving our schools, and helping get people back into the workforce. During this campaign, I have laid out detailed plans that address all three of these key areas which have been neglected by Andy Beshear. In addition to implementing those plans and tackling those major issues, my administration will empower local governments to make decisions and provide the helping hand of the state at every opportunity.

Beshear

We’ve been through a lot the past four years - tornadoes, floods, heat waves, a polar plunge and the pandemic. I pray we never have to endure that again but we always need to be prepared. Coordination between state agencies

and local governments is crucial to swift and effective disaster response. Our goal is to always have a seamless and well-coordinated response that protects Kentuckians during times of crisis.

To achieve this we will continue to share information and resources between state agencies and counties, conduct regular training exercises, maintain stockpiles of response materials, ensure that first responders have the necessary funding and equipment, and inform Kentuckians about disaster preparedness and warning systems.

We will always work with the local leaders of the communities affected by disasters. We will do post-disaster assessment and recovery planning, developing long-term plans to ensure a comprehensive approach to rebuilding communities. We’ll have regular meetings and updates between state emergency management agencies and county emergency management personnel to discuss ongoing preparedness efforts and address any issues or concerns.

Cameron

The natural disasters that Kentucky has faced have been unprecedented, but our local leaders have been heroic in their response. Unfortunately, the state has failed to be the partner that our local governments and hurting citizens needed, which is why the controversial “Team Kentucky Fund” is now under investigation by the Kentucky State Auditor. When I become Governor, I will support the on-going audit of the “Team Kentucky Fund,” work to track down misappropriated funds, and send administration officials on a listening tour to find ways to streamline our process.

Beshear

We’ve experienced record economic growth in Kentucky these past few years, and we now face the challenges of keeping this economic prosperity and success going for everyone across our Commonwealth. I am ready to work with county leaders to make sure that we can continue bringing good-paying jobs to every corner of Kentucky, and collaborate to find solutions to the unique challenges they encounter at the county-level.

As governor, addressing the different obstacles our communities face will require a comprehensive approach, involving collaboration with state agencies, local governments, community leaders, and residents. It involves setting clear priorities, allocating resources effectively, and fostering innovation to find solutions that meet the unique needs of each county. Promoting inclusivity, transparency, and accountability are key principles in addressing these challenges and ensuring a better future for all of Kentucky's diverse counties, and I am ready to continue the work we’ve done to solve the issues our counties face during my next term in office.

Cameron

Kentuckians are hurting under the weight of staggering inflation and a shrinking workforce. Every day, the news of higher gas, grocery, and mortgage prices put more pressure on our economy. Today, there are fewer Kentuckians working than the day that Andy Beshear took office. Every day, the EPA and Department of Energy plot new ways to restrict our domestic energy production, placing the reliability of our grid and every single community at risk. The Biden-Beshear economic agenda is unsustainable for every Kentucky county.

I have a fundamentally different economic vision than Andy Beshear and Joe Biden. Andy Beshear looks for every opportunity to make people more dependent upon government and dimmish the value of work. I will be a governor who builds a culture that rewards and respects work.

I believe we need more people working, not less. I believe we must tackle the learning loss in our schools head on, and get our students reading and doing math at grade level again. I believe every Kentuckian has the right to feel safe in their community. If we do not address these problems, regrettably, Kentucky will be worse off four years now than it is today.