How can Evansville grow in business? Mayoral candidates discuss

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) - People had the chance to hear from the City of Evansville Mayoral candidates on Wednesday.

Republican Natalie Rascher, Libertarian Michael Daugherty and Democrat Stephanie Terry took part in a moderated discussion over breakfast.

The event will be hosted by the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership (EREP).

Daugherty was a late entry to the debate, not invited until Monday evening due to communication issues with EREP.

“I obviously had a little bit less time to prepare than the other candidates,” Daugherty said. “I was just really excited that Tara Barney extended an invite to me and I was able to participate.”

Daugherty took advantage of the platform, encouraging voters to get to know the candidates for their ideas, and not the party affiliations.

With the focus of the day on business, he pushed for accountability in creating and maintaining attractions.

“It’s all well and good to plan and build a bunch of great things, but if you cannot maintain them, then it’s going to go to the way of society,” Daugherty said.

Terry says it’s the place, not the job that attracts a business or an employee to a place. She believes investing in the city’s amenities will lead to growth in the business sector.

“I’m running for mayor because I care about this city and the forward progress of this city, but more importantly, I care about the prosperity of its people,” Terry said.

During the discussion, Terry mentioned she wants to help the city take the next step forward.

“I look forward to utilizing my experiencing that I’ve had over the years in leadership in our community to continue taking this community to the next level,” Terry said.

Republican Natalie Rascher has been on the campaign trail the longest, being the only candidate with a competitive primary.

As a remote worker, she could live anywhere but chooses to stay in Evansville because of the people.

“I want to take my skills and talents and apply them here, so that we can help grow our community,” Rascher said.

With a background in the private sector, Rascher says she’d take a team first approach to running the city.

“Whenever we’re looking at the opportunity for businesses to grow and succeed, allowing them to have a place to go where they can discuss ideas with local government, I think that’s a recipe for success,” Rascher said.

Three candidates, all from the city, with unique takes on how to guide its future.

Election day is November 7th.

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