Gray and Beatty Face Off In Debate At Transy

A gentleman’s handshake and an ovation from the crowd kicked off the debate.

Opening statements allowed each candidate the opportunity to reiterate platforms not uncommon to the ears of those following the race.

"Let me start with three words: Getting things done,” started Mayor Jim Gray. Beatty followed suit with a statement of his own which among other things included, "public safety, public service and fiscal responsibility."

Combined questions from Lexington Forum and the “Transy” student body asked candidates Gray and Beatty to express the most important focus they’d have as mayor. Both leaned toward jobs and the Lexington economy.

"Today we 150,000 people employed in Lexington, 9,000 new jobs created in the last four years,” said Gray.

"Putting together a think tank of folks who could help us create even more jobs and better jobs for our citizens,” said Beatty.

Students then asked about Lexington, with its two universities along with BCTC, being college ‘student’ friendly.

"There’s excitement and entertainment for the students in this area and they certainly take advantage of that as they move around our community, so yes, Lexington is a college friendly city,” Beatty responded.

"Transylvania is actually marketing Lexington and considers it to be a competitive advantage in recruiting its students,” said Gray.

Another question not posed by the Lexington Forum or the student body at Transylvania University, rather, brought up by the moderator was the topic of CentrePointe and the role the mayor’s office should play in the matters.

"Stay within the confines of what the dictates of the office are and certainly allow the zoning, the planning, the folks who do the developing to move along within which the law allows that to happen,” said Beatty.

"So it’s important to both support the project, those who are developing the project and to protect the interests of the city and its citizens,” said Gray.