Graphic by Owensboro Times
Mayor Tom Watson filed to run for a fourth term on Friday, saying he hopes to continue working on the City of Owensboro’s connections at the county, regional, state, and even federal levels.
Before he was mayor, Watson was president and co-owner of Tom Watson’s Prosthetic and Orthotics Lab where he operated for 50 years before retiring. He first served as mayor from 2005-2008; nearly a decade later he ran again and was elected to his second term in 2016, and he’s now serving his third term.
Watson, 73, said that his connections with government leaders in Frankfort, Washington, and Indianapolis are relationships he has fortified over his time as mayor.
“I think you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who’s really established more relationships with Frankfort and Washington and Indianapolis, actually over the past 40 years,” Watson said.
He added that his statewide positions on the Kentucky League of Cities as well as the You Decide! Kentucky board have allowed him to represent Owensboro on a wider scope.
Looking ahead, the big change he envisions is working with the State of Indiana to obtain a connector to the interstate that will enhance Owensboro’s economy.
“We’re kind of put on a cul de sac. (A connector) would really be helpful for economic development and bring more tourism to our community, and easier access to Owensboro,” Watson said.
He said while he thinks a unified City-County government is the best decision for Owensboro, he is really hoping to have more of a connection with the Daviess County Fiscal Court.
With the current financial state of the City, Watson said that should he be elected it would be the first time he didn’t have to combat debt — which he said could open the City up for more developments than he was able to work toward in prior terms.
“There are things on the horizon that may develop,” he said. “There might be a boat dock in the future, you never know. But there are just things that have a clearer view of where we are financially and how we can provide the best community for Owensboro residents.”
