Kentucky’s general election is approaching in the fall, and Oak Grove has a full slate of candidates running to be the city’s next mayor.
As Jackie Oliver’s first term as mayor starts to wind down, she has filed to seek reelection. Under her leadership, Oliver says Oak Grove has started on a path toward growth, and she wants to continue that path.
If she is reelected, Oliver says she is focused on improving the city’s infrastructure and creating more housing. With Buc-ees set move in near Exit 89 of Interstate 24 in Oak Grove, Oliver says she is working on getting a new water tower constructed to benefit the city.
In Oliver’s run for reelection, she faces four other opponents. After serving eight terms on the Oak Grove City Council, Janet Edwards tossed her hat into the ring to be the city’s next mayor. Edwards says after her first decade serving on the council she knew she wanted to run for mayor and when she retired from her job in 2024, she decided it was time.
Edwards’ priorities if elected are financial responsibility, economic development and improving public safety. She says all her priorities are linked like a road map. By being financially responsible and generating more revenue through economic development, Edwards says the city could then establish a paid fire department.
Fellow Oak Grove City Council Member John Campbell is also running for mayor. Campbell is currently in his second term and has decided to run for mayor because he believes Oak Grove is in a pivotal position for growth that can define the city for years to come.
If elected, Campbell says he would promote residential and business growth, and with the additional tax revenue, he wants to invest in establishing a paid fire department. Long term, Campbell says he would also like to start a city-run solid waste collection company.
Richard Baker is also serving his second term on the Oak Grove City Council and is running to be the city’s next mayor. Baker says he decided to run for mayor because Oak Grove has been his home for the past 34 years. If elected, Baker says he plans to focus on improving infrastructure and the quality of life for residents.
Baker says he would like to create programs to better engage with senior citizens and local youth.
Duvon Perkins is a political newcomer running for mayor and says he decided to file for candidacy, because he believes he can make a positive difference in his community. If elected, Perkins says his priorities are to make the community more inclusive, invest time in mentoring local youth and improve public safety.
By mentoring and supporting local youth, Perkins says they will be equipped with the skills to be the community’s next leaders.
These five candidates will face off for mayor in Oak Grove in the general election on November 3.
