I am Holly Blalock-Herod and I was born and raised in Murray, KY. I hold a BS in Biology from Murray State University and an MS in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences from the University of Florida. My education led to a 30-year career conserving fish and wildlife resources across the Nation, a passion that clearly bloomed from growing up in Western KY. In 2025, I retired from Federal Civilian Service and now serve as an Adjunct Instructor at Murray State. I also started a small business as a Realtor (R). From my career, I have exceptional record of public service; developing and improving policy; and project planning, review and implementation - especially when it comes to keeping budgets and schedules on track. I’m running for City Council to apply my public-service, policy, planning, and budgeting experience to support sustainable growth and expand opportunities for local businesses in Murray.
My vision is responsible growth that protects what makes our city special while creating more opportunity. I’ll listen to residents about the businesses they want to see, help connect small businesses with existing city programs, and work to bring new life to vacant storefronts. I’ll support smart investments in utilities, broadband, housing, parks, trails, and green infrastructure—guided by clear priorities and honest cost-benefit analysis.
Your tax dollars deserve careful oversight. Before considering new taxes or fees, we should examine the budget for savings, pursue grants and partnerships, and make sure the public can see the costs and benefits of proposed projects. I’ll also work with our city, county, university, and community partners to find practical ways to improve services and keep Murray safe.
I’m proud of where I come from, and I’m ready to serve the community that raised me. With your support, I’ll bring experience, collaboration, and a steady, thoughtful approach to City Council.
In your opinion, who is the most underserved population in Murray? How would you use your position on the city council to address their needs?
I believe the most underserved citizens in Murray are working families and young professionals struggling to find affordable housing and accessible childcare. To retain a vibrant workforce, Murray must be a city where families can thrive.
On City Council, I will address these needs by championing flexible zoning updates and encourage mixed-use and multi-family developments, expanding housing options without overstraining city services. I will also propose investing in green infrastructure, upgrading community parks, and partnering with local business groups to offer micro-grants for new childcare facilities. Connecting housing to green spaces directly creates a walkable, supportive community that serves everyone.
How would you make yourself accessible to constituents outside your existing personal and professional circles, and how would you ensure their concerns are heard?
True public service means listening first. If elected to Murray City Council, I will remain accessible in which ever way best fits your life. While emails and text messages are incredibly convenient for many, I know some neighbors prefer a direct phone call or a sit-down, conversation. I am completely open to all forms of communication.
To make sure your voice goes further, my plan is to regularly summarize the questions, ideas, and concerns I receive and present them directly to the other City Council members. So we can collaborate more effectively and brainstorm the very best solutions for Murray.
When residents have strongly opposing views on an issue before the council, how would you approach making a decision?
I will approach decision-making with that same proven, structured framework I used in my former career:
Ultimately, my decision-making process will always answer one guiding question: What makes the most sense for the citizens of Murray?
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