Home » Gray, Beatty to square off in first Lexington mayor TV debate

Gray, Beatty to square off in first Lexington mayor TV debate

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 2, 2014) – Lexington Mayor Jim Gray and former police chief Anthany Beatty will square off Sunday in their first televised debate since advancing to the November general election for who will lead the city over the next four years.

Anthany Beatty copy
Anthany Beatty

The debate, organized by WKYT, The Lexington Herald-Leader and the League of Women Voters of Lexington, will air from 6 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5 on The CW Lexington (channel 27.2) and be simulcast on NewsRadio 630 WLAP.

“We are very excited about the upcoming mayoral candidate forum and happy to be a part of informing the community about their choices for mayor,” said Tammy Fagley, president of the League.

WKYT anchor and political editor Bill Bryant will moderate the debate. Herald-Leader city hall reporter, Beth Musgrave and League board member Lynne Flynn will assist in questioning the candidates.

Mayor Jim Gray
Mayor Jim Gray

“WKYT and our partners have a long tradition of giving voters a fair and up-close look at the candidates running for key offices,” Bryant said. “I’m glad that once again we will provide a look at the issues facing Lexington over the next four years and at the candidates offering themselves for the important position of mayor.”

In a three-way race in the May primary, Gray walked away with 57 percent of the vote, compared to Beatty’s 38 percent.

Gray is now seeking a second term as mayor. From 2006 to 2010, the former businessman served as vice-mayor.

Beatty served as Lexington’s police chief from 2001 to 2008. He currently works as assistant vice-president of campus services at the University of Kentucky.