Update: Chris Stuchell has withdrawn from the race for Owensboro City Commission, as of January 15.
“I found with this race that I had overcommitted myself in ways that prevented me from running a solid campaign,” Stuchell said in an email. “I’ve decided to go in order of the commitments that I made first, and continue serving in nonprofit leadership positions and on boards until the right time comes for me to consider running in the future.”
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Chris Stuchell has announced his candidacy for the Owensboro Board of Commissioners, saying he hopes to bring a new perspective rooted in nonprofit finance, collaboration, and transparency.
Stuchell, 24, currently serves as the finance director for both the H.L. Neblett Community Center and the Daniel Pitino Shelter, where he said he’s learned firsthand what it means to serve the community.
“I get to work with some great people,” Stuchell said. “They’ve taught me a lot, not only about leadership, but what it means to serve. That’s what’s drawing me to lead, because I witness these great people doing the Lord’s work. I’m a believer, and it’s really moving to be a part of that with the children and families of this community.”
A native of Adair County, Stuchell moved to Owensboro about a year and a half ago after graduating from Lindsey Wilson College. He said he plans to stay in Owensboro long term and wants to help foster continued growth.
“It’s a beautiful city with a lot of potential,” Stuchell said. “I think I can help be a team player for seeing the city succeed.”
Though the City Commission race is nonpartisan, Stuchell said he identifies as a Democrat. However, he emphasized that collaboration across political lines is essential for progress.
“I believe in the power of a nonpartisan race and the power of wanting to improve this community, no matter who you are or what your political beliefs are,” he said. “I’d like to see more nonpartisan discussion at the state, local, and federal levels, because that’s how you improve outcomes for people.”
Stuchell said his financial background would bring a valuable layer of understanding to City decisions, particularly when it comes to budgeting and spending.
‘The City needs more transparency as far as the budget goes,’ he said. “They have all these questions — with this land purchase, with spending, with surpluses or deficits — and I think my background lends itself to explaining those factors. From a financial perspective, [I could say] ‘this is what makes sense to me, and this is why it should make sense to the citizens of Owensboro.'”
Stuchell listed housing as the most pressing issue facing Owensboro, noting that it has long hindered population and economic growth.
“Housing is the biggest issue, in my opinion, and it’s been an issue for decades,” he said. “It’s part of what’s keeping us from growing. I want to see actionable solutions to what we’ve got going on. The Green River Area food warehouse is an example of something that works. We need something like that for housing.”
He said he plans to approach complex issues using a structured problem-solving method, which he learned while competing in a global competition in 2018 where his team placed ninth.
“We identify challenges, look at the underlying problem, develop solutions, evaluate them, and then develop an action plan,” Stuchell said. “That’s how I look at making any decision — breaking it down piece by piece and working together as a team. That’s what I see the City Commission as: a team.”
Stuchell also serves on the Owensboro Human Relations Commission and a local board supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. He said those experiences have strengthened his belief in the power of collaboration.
“I think we are really great about collaborating between organizations, no matter what your political affiliation is,” he said. “We really do like to see this place grow and do better.”
If elected, Stuchell said he plans to stay accessible and accountable to residents.
“I plan on inviting folks to talk to me wherever I am,” he said. “I’m not a politician. I’m an everyman who just happens to want to run and represent. Accountability is in my line of work. When it comes time for a financial audit, I have to have my ducks in a row, and that’s what people are asking for — to know how every dollar is being spent.”
He added that he’s grateful for the community that has welcomed him and hopes to give back through public service.
“I really appreciate the local organizations that help the City thrive — the Chamber, the Leadership Institute, the Economic Development Corporation, and all the local businesses and nonprofits,” Stuchell said. “They gave me a chance, and I want to return that favor by serving this community.”
