ISSUES

Basic Services & Infrastructure are the foundation of good government.

The most basic reason governments are formed is to provide adequate public safety (for example: police, fire, emergency management), good basic services (garbage collection, street lights, street cleaning, parks, etc) and infrastructure (e.g., roads, sewers, etc). For that reason, the needs of public safety, streets & roads, sewers, emergency management, parks, and other basics should be considered in the top tier for funding during every budget cycle.

High Priority for Storm Water & Flooding

For several years prior to 2009 I was the only council member to propose stormwater funding from unanticipated revenues. As the result of a lawsuit by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Commonwealth of Kentucky for violating the Federal Clean Water Act, Lexington had to fix our stormwater problems.

I accepted the challenge to chair the Stormwater Fee Task Force, created by the Council to address the stormwater problems. During the work of that task force, from Dec. 2008 – April 2009, I worked with representatives from the civic, business, and neighborhood communities to craft a funding solution to our massive water pollution and flooding problems. The Water Quality Management Fee, approved by the Council in May 2009 & implemented in January 2010, will be dedicated to fixing our water quality/flooding problems. Currently identified projects total more than $117 million and require a commitment of regular funding.

I support planned growth.

In 1958, Lexington became the first community in the United States to establish an Urban Service Boundary (USB), designating the land inside that boundary for future development. Since then, various other tools have been put into place to help define our planning process. Some of these tools are the Comprehensive Plan for Land Use (reviewed every five years by the Planning Commission), the Rural Land Management Plan (adopted in 1999), the Purchase of Development Rights Program (adopted in 2000), and the Infill & Redevelopment Program. The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG) has also adopted Engineering Manuals, defining standards for building construction.

With all this in mind, the Urban County Council’s role in reviewing the Comprehensive Plan is to review and adopt the Goals & Objectives, which drive the Comprehensive Plan. The Planning Commission has the sole decision-making role in whether to expand the USB during its every-five-year review.

During the Urban County Council’s review of the Goals & Objectives in 2006, I was part of the unanimous decision to reject a new Comprehensive Plan Goal of expanding the Urban Service Boundary. City planners have indicated that undeveloped acreage (perhaps as much as 9000 acres) remains within the current boundary, including Infill & Redevelopment opportunities. Part of the discussion must continue to be how to ensure that there is adequate infrastructure (sewers, roads, etc) to support increased Infill & Redevelopment. Our Division of Water Quality has undertaken a Capacity Assurance Study to determine which of our sanitary sewers can accommodate increased sewer capacity for added density through Infill.

Most importantly, I believe we need to continue community-wide discussion regarding growth in Fayette County. Neighborhoods, business owners, developers, citizens, Commerce Lexington, Bluegrass Tomorrow and other representatives of growth interests need to sit at the table to have meaningful conversations about what we want Fayette County to be like in 50-100 years. A vision for the future of our land will promote continued planned growth, to enable Fayette Countians to preserve what makes our county unique.

Question 1:

What is the biggest challenge and opportunity facing the city of Lexington and your district (if applicable)?

I believe there are three major issues facing our community at this time. First, is the opioid epidemic and related issue of public safety. I have outlined a multi-faceted plan to fight the opioid epidemic in a compassionate and effective way and to make our community safer. Second, work force development is central to our community’s economic health and the well-being of our citizens. I have outlined an economic development strategy that puts people first and focuses on creating a 21st century work force and attracting 21st century jobs. Third, managed growth sets the stage for community development. We must continue to grow in a smart, intentional way that enhances neighborhoods, increases quality of life, promotes appropriate infill and redevelopment, and balances the protection of our natural and agricultural land with the needs of our growing city.

Question 2:

The newly adopted Goals and Objectives of the 2018 Comprehensive Plan prioritize infill/redevelopment as a primary strategy to accommodate our growth needs. In fact, studies indicate there are many infill/redevelopment opportunities throughout the city. What specific recommendations do you have to protect the character and context of existing neighborhoods while pursuing this needed strategy? Would you support a program that provides incentives for infill/redevelopment projects within the Urban Services Area? If so, what specific types of incentives.

I am a strong supporter of infill/redevelopment opportunities and efforts. Efficient and strategic use of the land inside the Urban Service Boundary is smart and fiscally responsible. Infill/redevelopment must be done in an intentional way that enhances existing neighborhoods. As we move forward with more infill & redevelopment opportunities, we must be sure to include the neighborhoods in the discussions….they are frequently the people most impacted. I would explore parking incentives and opportunities, as well as streamlined processes for builders and developers who want to pursue infill/redevelopment. I would also support funding of the Public Infrastructure Program created in 2017 to help defray the costs associated with providing infrastructure such as sanitary sewers, public roads, and sidewalks. With the proper administration, this Fund could help provide needed improvements to public infrastructure in our community.

Question 3:

Land use planning and economic development go hand-in-hand. What are the main economic pillars in Lexington and what specific planning policies support their growth? What specific policies do you support to ensure we create 21st jobs that maximize our unique assets?

Lexington-Fayette County is a unique place on our earth. Thanks to the foresight of early planners and leaders, we established the first Urban Service Boundary in the United States in 1958, allowing us to plan growth inside the boundary and allowing our agricultural area to thrive. Our main economic pillars are predicated on strong agriculture, health care, equine industry, higher education, a growing high-tech sector, as well as thriving small businesses and entrepreneurs. I have outlined an economic development plan comprised of the following strategies: (1) Put People First—align skills and education of workforce with needs of employers. Create strategic collaborations between city hall, regional and state partners, educational institutions, workforce agencies, economic development entities, and employers to plan strategies & create opportunities for all citizens. Create comprehensive strategy to address labor gaps, retraining, reentry programs; (2) Embrace Innovation—leverage our strengths to create a healthy environment for high-value, knowledge-based jobs; (3) Harness our Unique Brand— Our beautiful Bluegrass land is an asset we must use to focus on the opportunity for tourism and enhancing our quality of life. We also have great opportunities to attract global agricultural industries.

Question 4:

Why are you the best candidate for the position you seek?

I have the broadest leadership experiences of any of the candidates running for mayor. My leadership as Vice Mayor and Council Member (16 years) established my reputation for honest, inclusive, and transparent public service to the community. Partly due to my skills as a Registered Nurse, I am comfortable and competent working with people and making connections beyond the usual paths. I am not afraid of controversy and make decisions based on facts, input from stakeholders, as well as what is in the best interests of the community. My experience includes extensive budget work, including an understanding of the city budget. As Vice Mayor, I chaired all Council budget meetings after the mayor presented the budget to the Council. My entire adult life I have led civic organizations, using my skills to serve as chair of numerous school-related, UK-related, arts-related, social service-related and other boards. Plus, I am a mother and grandmother, who, along with my husband, has raised children here, so I am heavily invested in Lexington, which I love!

Question 5:

Like the rest of the nation, Lexington’s population is aging. In the next decade and beyond, a majority of households will be headed by someone 65 or older for the first time in our history. Our aging demographic has significant implications for housing and neighborhood design. What specific recommendations do you have to ensure we provide safe, accessible, affordable housing to our seniors in ways that ensure they maintain independence and social connections as they age?

I chaired the Senior Services Commission and this is a great concern that we “get it right” in Lexington to make our city a place that is safe for and welcomes the over – 65 crowd. Considering policies that are pedestrian and bus transportation-friendly, as well as accessory dwelling unit considerations are all areas of important policy. We must consider what affordable housing incentives are successful in other communities. Consider establishing more Senior Citizen Center satellite facilities.

Question 6:

Fayette County agriculture is an annual $2.3 billion industry that supports one in twelve jobs in Lexington. Fayette County farmland is the factory-floor of this industry, which also anchors a burgeoning travel and tourism industry. To ensure continued viability of our agricultural industries, do you support an annual funding allocation to the Purchase of Development Rights Program? Why or why not. What other specific policies do you support to ensure the continued strength and growth of our agriculture industries?

Yes, I support annual funding for the PDR program. I served on the Council when we passed the PDR ordinance in 2000 and understand its purpose and goals. I also am aware of the fact that the program is all about the land and being certain that our community has land, in perpetuity, for food and for other potential agricultural needs in the future. We must be proactive in seeking advanced agri-business, as well as growing our agricultural and equine clusters. I also served on the Council and voted in 1999 to support our Rural Land Management Plan, giving us the framework for planning and using our land going forward.

Question 1:

How would you propose making Lexington Public Transportation more effective and efficient?

As Vice Mayor I was a strong supporter of public transportation. During my time as a Councilmember, I supported the LexTran dedicated funding referendum to go on the ballot for a vote. Continue increasing number of routes to connect neighborhoods with main arteries. Continue using transportation grants to fund electric & natural gas fueled buses. Continue to seek innovative traffic engineering & control solutions.

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Question 2:

What is your position on future growth and development issues as they affect Fayette County? What are your ideas about issues related to zoning, sprawl, urban service boundary expansion, historical districts in lower-income neighborhoods, increase in rent, and in-fill development?

As Vice Mayor & Council member, I was a strong proponent of Infill/Redevelopment initiatives, as well as a supporter of Fayette County’s agricultural businesses. It is very expensive for the government to provide infrastructure & services to new development, e.g. roads, sanitary sewers, storm water, fire stations, police facilities, etc, if outside the Urban Service Boundary (USB). I support filling in the vacant acres within the current USB. Fayette County has a long & strong history of planned growth with major input from neighborhoods & citizens. We need to work closely with developers, Housing Authority, neighborhoods & others to determine new initiatives for affordable housing.

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Question 3:

What policies would you include to minimize Lexington’s carbon footprint? Do you support clean energy?

I support a variety of energy sources & recognize that we have only one earth & we need to take initiatives to make it as healthy for people as possible.

Question 4:

Where do you stand on city workers’ rights for collective bargaining? What policies do you support to improve their workplace conditions and standard of living?

My record on Council reflects my support for collective bargaining for police, fire & corrections. Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG) has many safety policies in place to protect workers & provide safe, healthy workplace conditions. I support the efforts to pay LFUCG employees fairly.

Question 5:

In 2015, nearly 800 students in Fayette County Public Schools were homeless. We also have a shortage of housing that is affordable. How do you plan to address homelessness and the lack of affordable housing in our community?

Affordable housing opportunities are critical to helping solve the homeless problem. City's Div of Planning will be an important part of the process of finding ways to incent development of affordable housing. There are several programs already in place related to homelessness & I will review & support them. Linked to the homeless students is job training & retraining for their parents, allowing them to earn a living which will provide housing for the family.

Question 6:

What ideas do you have to create jobs and reduce unemployment in Lexington? What specifically would you do to promote a living wage, minority hiring and support for minority owned businesses?

Lexington-Fayette County currently has a very low unemployment rate, between 3 & 4%, lower than that of the US & lower than Kentucky. First, we need a Strategic Plan for Economic Development & Employment, crafted through collaborative efforts of economic development stakeholders to create a plan for full employment for now as well as the future. We must collaborate with our universities, businesses, & job training initiatives to be sure we can train & hire people in need of a job, anticipating what our community needs based on our strategic plan. I will continue to support the efforts of Minority Business Expo, training & other initiatives currently assisting minority owned businesses & those who want to start a business. We also must elevate community efforts to train or retrain people getting out of prison in order for them to become gainfully employed.

Question 7:

Do you believe Black Lives Matter? What work do you think we have to do in Lexington to address racial inequities inside and outside the halls of government?

It is the duty of all of government to treat all people with respect & to serve without discrimination. In the 1990’s I was appointed to the Fayette County Public Schools Equity County, where I served for several years. I understand that within government we must encourage & model mutual respect & outside government there must also be non-discrimination.

Question 8:

With the recent outpouring of stories from women of their experiences with sexual assault in the workplace, more organizations are making sexual harassment training mandatory for employment. What policies and procedures do you support to protect government workers in the workplace? What else would you do to expand the rights of women in Lexington?

Require LFUCG employees to complete annual sexual harassment training. Convene community-wide forum to address issues of women.

Question 9:

What specific types of legal protections do you believe transgender people should have, and what would you do to ensure those protections?

As a supporter of Lexington’s Fairness Ordinance in 1999, I have demonstrated a history of treating all people with respect. I would like to learn more about the issues & legal protections by talking with transgender people.

Question 10:

What are your plans to address necessary infrastructure repairs in Lexington (sewers, power lines, street repair)?

As Vice Mayor & Council member in Lexington, I have a documented history of leadership in tackling tough infrastructure repairs. I chaired the Stormwater Oversight Committee, as well as the Stormwater Management Fee Task Force, which resulted in compliance with the EPA Consent Decree funding mechanism to fix sewer problems. This was mandated by the EPA & I led this Task Force toward a solution which gained approval from the Council & was signed into law by Mayor Newberry. I will continue to place a high priority on infrastructure improvements in annual budgets.

ISSUES

Basic Services & Infrastructure are the foundation of good government.

The most basic reason governments are formed is to provide adequate public safety (for example: police, fire, emergency management), good basic services (garbage collection, street lights, street cleaning, parks, etc) and infrastructure (e.g., roads, sewers, etc). For that reason, the needs of public safety, streets & roads, sewers, emergency management, parks, and other basics should be considered in the top tier for funding during every budget cycle.

High Priority for Storm Water & Flooding

For several years prior to 2009 I was the only council member to propose stormwater funding from unanticipated revenues. As the result of a lawsuit by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Commonwealth of Kentucky for violating the Federal Clean Water Act, Lexington had to fix our stormwater problems.

I accepted the challenge to chair the Stormwater Fee Task Force, created by the Council to address the stormwater problems. During the work of that task force, from Dec. 2008 – April 2009, I worked with representatives from the civic, business, and neighborhood communities to craft a funding solution to our massive water pollution and flooding problems. The Water Quality Management Fee, approved by the Council in May 2009 & implemented in January 2010, will be dedicated to fixing our water quality/flooding problems. Currently identified projects total more than $117 million and require a commitment of regular funding.

I support planned growth.

In 1958, Lexington became the first community in the United States to establish an Urban Service Boundary (USB), designating the land inside that boundary for future development. Since then, various other tools have been put into place to help define our planning process. Some of these tools are the Comprehensive Plan for Land Use (reviewed every five years by the Planning Commission), the Rural Land Management Plan (adopted in 1999), the Purchase of Development Rights Program (adopted in 2000), and the Infill & Redevelopment Program. The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG) has also adopted Engineering Manuals, defining standards for building construction.

With all this in mind, the Urban County Council’s role in reviewing the Comprehensive Plan is to review and adopt the Goals & Objectives, which drive the Comprehensive Plan. The Planning Commission has the sole decision-making role in whether to expand the USB during its every-five-year review.

During the Urban County Council’s review of the Goals & Objectives in 2006, I was part of the unanimous decision to reject a new Comprehensive Plan Goal of expanding the Urban Service Boundary. City planners have indicated that undeveloped acreage (perhaps as much as 9000 acres) remains within the current boundary, including Infill & Redevelopment opportunities. Part of the discussion must continue to be how to ensure that there is adequate infrastructure (sewers, roads, etc) to support increased Infill & Redevelopment. Our Division of Water Quality has undertaken a Capacity Assurance Study to determine which of our sanitary sewers can accommodate increased sewer capacity for added density through Infill.

Most importantly, I believe we need to continue community-wide discussion regarding growth in Fayette County. Neighborhoods, business owners, developers, citizens, Commerce Lexington, Bluegrass Tomorrow and other representatives of growth interests need to sit at the table to have meaningful conversations about what we want Fayette County to be like in 50-100 years. A vision for the future of our land will promote continued planned growth, to enable Fayette Countians to preserve what makes our county unique.

Question 1:

What is the biggest challenge and opportunity facing the city of Lexington and your district (if applicable)?

I believe there are three major issues facing our community at this time. First, is the opioid epidemic and related issue of public safety. I have outlined a multi-faceted plan to fight the opioid epidemic in a compassionate and effective way and to make our community safer. Second, work force development is central to our community’s economic health and the well-being of our citizens. I have outlined an economic development strategy that puts people first and focuses on creating a 21st century work force and attracting 21st century jobs. Third, managed growth sets the stage for community development. We must continue to grow in a smart, intentional way that enhances neighborhoods, increases quality of life, promotes appropriate infill and redevelopment, and balances the protection of our natural and agricultural land with the needs of our growing city.

Question 2:

The newly adopted Goals and Objectives of the 2018 Comprehensive Plan prioritize infill/redevelopment as a primary strategy to accommodate our growth needs. In fact, studies indicate there are many infill/redevelopment opportunities throughout the city. What specific recommendations do you have to protect the character and context of existing neighborhoods while pursuing this needed strategy? Would you support a program that provides incentives for infill/redevelopment projects within the Urban Services Area? If so, what specific types of incentives.

I am a strong supporter of infill/redevelopment opportunities and efforts. Efficient and strategic use of the land inside the Urban Service Boundary is smart and fiscally responsible. Infill/redevelopment must be done in an intentional way that enhances existing neighborhoods. As we move forward with more infill & redevelopment opportunities, we must be sure to include the neighborhoods in the discussions….they are frequently the people most impacted. I would explore parking incentives and opportunities, as well as streamlined processes for builders and developers who want to pursue infill/redevelopment. I would also support funding of the Public Infrastructure Program created in 2017 to help defray the costs associated with providing infrastructure such as sanitary sewers, public roads, and sidewalks. With the proper administration, this Fund could help provide needed improvements to public infrastructure in our community.

Question 3:

Land use planning and economic development go hand-in-hand. What are the main economic pillars in Lexington and what specific planning policies support their growth? What specific policies do you support to ensure we create 21st jobs that maximize our unique assets?

Lexington-Fayette County is a unique place on our earth. Thanks to the foresight of early planners and leaders, we established the first Urban Service Boundary in the United States in 1958, allowing us to plan growth inside the boundary and allowing our agricultural area to thrive. Our main economic pillars are predicated on strong agriculture, health care, equine industry, higher education, a growing high-tech sector, as well as thriving small businesses and entrepreneurs. I have outlined an economic development plan comprised of the following strategies: (1) Put People First—align skills and education of workforce with needs of employers. Create strategic collaborations between city hall, regional and state partners, educational institutions, workforce agencies, economic development entities, and employers to plan strategies & create opportunities for all citizens. Create comprehensive strategy to address labor gaps, retraining, reentry programs; (2) Embrace Innovation—leverage our strengths to create a healthy environment for high-value, knowledge-based jobs; (3) Harness our Unique Brand— Our beautiful Bluegrass land is an asset we must use to focus on the opportunity for tourism and enhancing our quality of life. We also have great opportunities to attract global agricultural industries.

Question 4:

Why are you the best candidate for the position you seek?

I have the broadest leadership experiences of any of the candidates running for mayor. My leadership as Vice Mayor and Council Member (16 years) established my reputation for honest, inclusive, and transparent public service to the community. Partly due to my skills as a Registered Nurse, I am comfortable and competent working with people and making connections beyond the usual paths. I am not afraid of controversy and make decisions based on facts, input from stakeholders, as well as what is in the best interests of the community. My experience includes extensive budget work, including an understanding of the city budget. As Vice Mayor, I chaired all Council budget meetings after the mayor presented the budget to the Council. My entire adult life I have led civic organizations, using my skills to serve as chair of numerous school-related, UK-related, arts-related, social service-related and other boards. Plus, I am a mother and grandmother, who, along with my husband, has raised children here, so I am heavily invested in Lexington, which I love!

Question 5:

Like the rest of the nation, Lexington’s population is aging. In the next decade and beyond, a majority of households will be headed by someone 65 or older for the first time in our history. Our aging demographic has significant implications for housing and neighborhood design. What specific recommendations do you have to ensure we provide safe, accessible, affordable housing to our seniors in ways that ensure they maintain independence and social connections as they age?

I chaired the Senior Services Commission and this is a great concern that we “get it right” in Lexington to make our city a place that is safe for and welcomes the over – 65 crowd. Considering policies that are pedestrian and bus transportation-friendly, as well as accessory dwelling unit considerations are all areas of important policy. We must consider what affordable housing incentives are successful in other communities. Consider establishing more Senior Citizen Center satellite facilities.

Question 6:

Fayette County agriculture is an annual $2.3 billion industry that supports one in twelve jobs in Lexington. Fayette County farmland is the factory-floor of this industry, which also anchors a burgeoning travel and tourism industry. To ensure continued viability of our agricultural industries, do you support an annual funding allocation to the Purchase of Development Rights Program? Why or why not. What other specific policies do you support to ensure the continued strength and growth of our agriculture industries?

Yes, I support annual funding for the PDR program. I served on the Council when we passed the PDR ordinance in 2000 and understand its purpose and goals. I also am aware of the fact that the program is all about the land and being certain that our community has land, in perpetuity, for food and for other potential agricultural needs in the future. We must be proactive in seeking advanced agri-business, as well as growing our agricultural and equine clusters. I also served on the Council and voted in 1999 to support our Rural Land Management Plan, giving us the framework for planning and using our land going forward.

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