By Angela Hatton
Paducah, KY – Paducah Mayor Bill Paxton and McCracken County Judge Executive Van Newberry both emphasized economic development and improved finances during the annual state of the city and county addresses today. Paxton, who is term limited, outlined his agenda for his last two years in office. He wants to complete a new hotel at the former Executive Inn site, begin work on a Riverfront development project, and finish the city's Greenway Trail.
"And more than anything, the city county merger being on the ballot in November. It can take us to the next level. It can be a wonderful thing for Paducah-McCracken County, and to extend the life of the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion."
Newberry also included the PGDP on his list. He says lifting the moratorium on nuclear power in Kentucky this year is a top priority. Building an additional jail facility to relieve overcrowding topped the Judge-Executive's list. The county plans also to finish construction on a building to house its Emergency Management operations.