On The Edge with Whitney McKnight

Andrew Simpson (R) Is On the Edge

This conversation is lively because Berea native and candidate for the state's 81st District, Andrew Simpson (R), has a thorough grasp of land use issues that are most pressing to Madison County, and it was good fun to banter the policymaking possibilities for slowing growth, developing according to community needs not zones, supporting agriculture, and respecting property rights. Simpson is a life-long conservative who came to farming through his wife's family, and who is now a leader in the state's agricultural community, formerly serving as the chair of the Kentucky Farm Bureau's Young Farmers District 8 (farmers age 35 and younger). In this role, Simpson said he learned about the land use pressures facing farmers across the Commonwealth, but especially here in Madison County where two of the nation's fastest growing communities--Richmond and Berea--are located.  Reporting from The Edge of Appalachia in Berea, Kentucky.

Jay Bowman (I) is On the Edge

Inventor, entrepreneur, and sportsman Jay Bowman says it's time for Congress to do its job. And even though he'd rather go fishing and hunting, he believes he can go to Washington to get things done. An admitted poor student, Bowman is a skilled and accomplished inventor and holder of dozens of patents who says he has a demonstrated record of accomplishments done with cost efficiency. His priorities include addressing corporate subsidies to Amazon, Walmart, and others, who pay little taxes, receive various subsidies, but don't pay their employees a living wage.  Reporting from The Edge of Appalachia in Berea, Kentucky.

Greg Plucinski is On the Edge

Greg Plucinski is a successful entrepreneur who says that on an annual basis, he contributes $20 million to the state's economy with his pharmaceutical manufacturing business. The Jessamine County resident is a fan of Andy Barr, President Trump, and anyone who cuts taxes, especially on businesses. Plucinski says if he's elected, his first priority will be to lower the steep drug review fees placed on small drugmakers, which he says drives up the costs of new life-saving medicines. Candidate Plucinksi also says he would lend urgency to formalizing aspects of Trump's agenda, something he said Congress is failing to do.  Reporting from The Edge of Appalachia in Berea, Kentucky.

Anthony Looney is On the Edge

Anthony Looney (D), candidate for State District 81, is On the Edge.  Originally from Pike County, Looney describes the hardships he faced in order to go to and finish college, raise his standard of living, and move to Richmond where he says he loves living. In the interview, we discuss the political divisions in the state, and whether they are real or imposed. We also address smart growth--what does it mean? We also talk about Looney's platform: more funding for healthcare, higher education, primary education, and inspiring people to want to lead by volunteering and running for office.  Reporting from The Edge of Appalachia in Berea, Kentucky.

Donna Agee is On the Edge

Donna Agee makes her first bid for elected office as she runs for Madison County Judge Executive. A former healthcare industry executive, County Department of Health administrator, and visiting nurse, Agee says she can apply her experiences from each of her previous roles to helping create a better life of the citizens of Madison County.  In this podcast interview, Agee and I discuss traffic, the county animal shelter, and her view of how the Fiscal Court should be run.  Visit theedgebereaky dot com for more information.  Reporting from The Edge of Appalachia in Berea, Kentucky.