Controversy surrounds a CNN story about why some people in Clay County don't vote. The story aired Monday night and we went to Manchester to find out why people are still talking about it.

Images of poverty in Clay County in a CNN story about voting made some in Manchester furious. Senator Robert Stivers thinks the network went out of its way to videotape a stereotype of Eastern Kentucky.

"There are a lot more things happening than a building that is dilapidated and is going to be torn down," Stivers said.

Stivers showed us what he calls the true Manchester, with new community buildings like the children's library and the justice center.

"They want to perpetuate an image of Eastern Kentucky and Appalachia that is not good for keeping our people here or drawing new people here," Stivers said.

Stivers says CNN overlooked improvements like literacy programs and cracking down on drug abuse. Others say the spotlight on one of the nation's poorest counties wasn't unfair.

"I didn't think it was that bad," said Manchester Mayor Carmen Lewis.

CNN interviewed Lewis in the story. She says more pleasant pictures don't give Clay County the attention it needs.

"If we're portrayed as we don't need help, then we're not going to get help," Lewis said.

"They're telling the truth, and if this somehow, something positive comes from it, you know that's what we're shooting for," Lewis said.

Senator Stivers invited CNN to re-visit Clay County.

"We know we have our problems, but we are working on them," Stivers said.

So he can show them pictures the rest of the country didn't see.

We contacted CNN Wednesday to ask about their coverage. Calls to the public relations department and the story's producer were not immediately returned.