At the Bowling Green Mayoral Forum on Tuesday, a large portion of the conversation was spent on Bowling Green’s economy — specifically on how to keep WKU graduates in town.

“It’s unfortunate that so many good people leave Bowling Green who graduate from WKU,” said candidate and current mayor, Joe Denning. “We need to get commitments from individuals who have interest in moving into Bowling Green after graduation and let employers know we want those people.”

Candidate Brandon Peay, a sophomore at WKU, agrees that the graduates are an asset to Bowling Green, adding that they’re intelligent and could start new businesses in the city.

Bruce Wilkerson, candidate and current city commissioner, said that he thinks the city does well in bringing jobs to the community. Wilkerson cited that the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce was named the 2009 Chamber of the Year.

However, Wilkerson also said jobs would be his number one project if elected to the mayor’s office.

“With quality jobs, the community will grow — not stagnate,” he said. “With quality jobs, families will be secure in finance, and with quality jobs, Bowling Green’s future will be bright.”

The next mayoral forum is set for Oct. 20 at Bowling Green Jr. High School.