Owensboro native Harley Metcalf has announced his candidacy for a seat on the Owensboro City Commission, saying it’s time for younger residents to take an active role in shaping the city’s future.
“I feel like it’s time for the younger people to start stepping up in the city and running,” said Metcalf, 30. “When I look at the City Commission, I feel they’ve done their job — and it’s time for the younger people to start doing ours.”
Metcalf said his motivation to run comes from a desire to represent Owensboro’s working class and bring a hands-on perspective to local government.
“I’m a blue-collar worker — I literally build Owensboro,” he said. “When the blue-collar workers of Owensboro look at the City Commission, I think it’s time they see somebody who truly represents the hard work they’ve been putting into this city.”
Metcalf has previously worked as a substitute teacher and a factory worker, and he served in the U.S. military. He’s now a union carpenter.
When it comes to community involvement, Metcalf said he’s active in several organizations. He serves on the executive committee for the Chamber Young Professionals, is a member of Owensboro Sister Cities and Regions, and is involved with a local nonprofit that helps the homeless and those in poverty.
“I’m just an active member in the community,” he said. “Anything I can do to help the community, I do.”
If elected, Metcalf said his top priorities would be addressing “brain drain,” attracting manufacturing opportunities, and better connecting urban residents with local farmers.
“I want to stop what I call the brain drain in the community,” he said. “We keep a lot of our youth, but we also have a lot that leave for better opportunities. I see a place where we can build those opportunities for our youth to stay here. With the big push to bring manufacturing back into the United States, I don’t see a reason Owensboro can’t get a piece of that pie.”
He also said the City Commission needs to look at building a better bridge between the farmers in Daviess County and the people of Owensboro.
Transparency and accountability are also key issues for Metcalf. He said the City has made progress but could go further in keeping residents informed about projects and spending.
“I’m all about being transparent,” he said. “… They have a City project board where they tell you when a project starts and when it’s supposed to end — but they don’t tell you the cost going into it, or why it’s delayed.”
Metcalf said accountability is a value he’s learned through his work.
“Being a blue-collar worker is all about being accountable,” he said. “If I mess up on the job site, I can’t look at anybody else to blame — I have to look at myself. I want people to hold me to that same standard. If I’m slacking, I want somebody to say, ‘Hey, you need to do better.’”
When it comes to divisive issues, Metcalf said his approach would be rooted in listening and doing what’s best for the community as a whole.
“I want to listen to both sides because everybody has a different point of view,” he said. “Even if I don’t agree with something, I’m going to do what’s best for the people of Owensboro.”
He also pledged to stay accessible to residents throughout the city.
“My phone is open,” he said. “I’m out and about in the City at almost three or four events a week. Anybody can come talk to me or call me, and I’ll always do my best to help the community and represent everyone.”
While the City Commission race is nonpartisan, Metcalf said that’s one of its strengths.
“That’s what I feel makes it so great,” he said. “You can’t just go in the polls and click all Republican or all Democrat. You really have to go in and see what each person stands for — whether they’re going to stand with you and the future of Owensboro, or just keep things the way they are.”
