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:

​Do/did your children (if you have any) attend public schools? Why or why not?

Yes, my husband, Charlie, and I have two grown children who attended public schools in Lexington. We are strong believers in public education. I served as president of Glendover Elementary PTA Board, was a member of the Lexington Traditional Magnet School PTA Board, a member of Lafayette High School PTA Board & President & Treasurer of the Lafayette High School Band Association.

Question 2:

Do you support charter schools in Lexington, yes or no?

No.

Question 3:

Describe how you envision charter schools being implemented in Lexington, if at all.

While the Bevin administration and the General Assembly have approved establishment of charter schools, they have not been funded. It is my hope that they will not be funded or implemented here. I’m a member of the board of the University of Kentucky Martin School Board where we recently heard a presentation by Dr. Ron Zimmer, an authority on charter schools. The data he presented revealed that charter schools are failing to educate many children, especially minorities and low-income students. What charter schools do is drain tax money from the public school systems that desperately need it, while excluding some children from the education these schools offer.

If the school board does approve a charter school application, I want to work with them to put families first.

Question 4:

Given reports on how Charter Schools often fail when educating students with disabilities or of minority or low income backgrounds, how can charter schools ensure that all students are given access to quality education?

Let’s be clear that charter schools are ​exclusive ​and may be operated by companies having a profit motive. Their exclusivity means some students are left out, and we know which of our students come with increased cost: those with physical or learning disabilities, and those who need enhanced support, both educational and social. Perhaps a school could be established targeting this particular demographic. Even so, I oppose segregating one demographic of student from another, believing instead that schools, particularly high schools, should find ways to integrate students with all sorts of needs, preparing all of them for a real-world experience.

Question 5:

Has your political campaign taken contributions from charter school companies or investors?

No it has not and I would return any donations connected to charter schools or investors should it occur without my solicitation. I believe the donations a campaign receives are a strong reflection on the candidate and his or her principles.

Question 6:

What safeguards will you put in place to ensure that charter school companies who have donated to political campaigns are not eligible to be in Lexington?

The Mayor has the strongest voice in Lexington as its highest elected official to stand up for and speak for Lexingtonians and I will use it to shine light on bad actors and to raise awareness in order to safeguard the children of families of Lexington.
Since I am opposed to the whole idea of “privatizing” education, I hope to see no charter school companies here in Lexington. However, should the school board enter into such an agreement, I think it would be appropriate to review contributions to supporters of the contract and shine the light of transparency on them. I expect transparency throughout my administration and promote nothing less in others.

Question 7:

Would your administration override a school board decision denying a charter school’s application​?

I can’t see a scenario where I would override the school board. They are the experts and elected officials who make decisions about public education. I have full confidence in the school board and plan to work closely with education officials to do what I can as mayor to support public​ education. To me, that means taxpayer dollars that fund our schools must be used to support our public school teachers, staff and the tremendous needs of our classrooms – support that already has been, unfortunately, diminished by state lawmakers.

Question 8:

How will your administration work to support Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) in general​?

As a member of the Urban County Council, I worked closely with the school system to establish a joint Council/School Board Committee which met regularly to address common issues. When I left Council service, no one continued the committee.​ ​I plan to have regular meetings with the superintendent and members of the school board, in addition to having dedicated personnel and lines of collaboration between members of my staff and the school board on issues that put families first.

Question 9:

How will your administration work with FCPS to support homeless students and families?

Transience is a huge barrier to success for students who are homeless. Under my administration, initiatives tackling family and youth homelessness will focus on keeping children and families in the same vicinity where the children are enrolled in school. That can help eliminate the constant shuffling between schools that some of our homeless students experience and create much needed stability that can increase student success.

Making sure our schools, shelters, and social service programs are synced to ensure no child falls through the cracks in receiving support will be a top priority.

Question 10:

How will your administration work with FCPS to support minority students and English Language Learners?

The Mayor’s International Affairs Commission and multicultural affairs initiatives have been a good start on working with the immigrant community. We are also seeing some initial success with the One Lexington program, which is currently focused on the Winburn area. The Mayor’s Office needs to expand its community relations efforts. That includes working with our District Council Members in areas with large minority or English Language Learner populations, and leveraging the efforts of programs we already have in place, like Partners for Youth and the summer youth employment program to make sure we advertise and provide access to those opportunities for our students.

I also want to audit programs the city has, even if it’s something as simple as our fire alarm installation program, to make sure minority and English Language Learner communities have not been left behind.

Question 11:

As Lexington is on the cusp of becoming a gigabit city, how will your administration work to make sure that the lower socioeconomic students have access to high-speed internet at home?

Students need to be digitally literate to succeed in today’s world. I will work with our current Internet providers to make sure our lower socioeconomic areas are not left behind as more homes in Lexington get access to gigabit Internet. This is really an issue of college and career preparedness and is one of the most important economic development issues we’ll need to address over the next five years.

Question 12:

Is there anything else you would like to add or share that hasn’t been asked?

I see your red and white signs all over Lexington, supporting our teachers and schools. I just would add: Bravo! You are taking your case to the citizens, educating them about your concerns and acting to empower all of us to become more aware and involved. Thank you.

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:

​Do/did your children (if you have any) attend public schools? Why or why not?

Yes, my husband, Charlie, and I have two grown children who attended public schools in Lexington. We are strong believers in public education. I served as president of Glendover Elementary PTA Board, was a member of the Lexington Traditional Magnet School PTA Board, a member of Lafayette High School PTA Board & President & Treasurer of the Lafayette High School Band Association.

Question 2:

Do you support charter schools in Lexington, yes or no?

No.

Question 3:

Describe how you envision charter schools being implemented in Lexington, if at all.

While the Bevin administration and the General Assembly have approved establishment of charter schools, they have not been funded. It is my hope that they will not be funded or implemented here. I’m a member of the board of the University of Kentucky Martin School Board where we recently heard a presentation by Dr. Ron Zimmer, an authority on charter schools. The data he presented revealed that charter schools are failing to educate many children, especially minorities and low-income students. What charter schools do is drain tax money from the public school systems that desperately need it, while excluding some children from the education these schools offer.

If the school board does approve a charter school application, I want to work with them to put families first.

Question 4:

Given reports on how Charter Schools often fail when educating students with disabilities or of minority or low income backgrounds, how can charter schools ensure that all students are given access to quality education?

Let’s be clear that charter schools are ​exclusive ​and may be operated by companies having a profit motive. Their exclusivity means some students are left out, and we know which of our students come with increased cost: those with physical or learning disabilities, and those who need enhanced support, both educational and social. Perhaps a school could be established targeting this particular demographic. Even so, I oppose segregating one demographic of student from another, believing instead that schools, particularly high schools, should find ways to integrate students with all sorts of needs, preparing all of them for a real-world experience.

Question 5:

Has your political campaign taken contributions from charter school companies or investors?

No it has not and I would return any donations connected to charter schools or investors should it occur without my solicitation. I believe the donations a campaign receives are a strong reflection on the candidate and his or her principles.

Question 6:

What safeguards will you put in place to ensure that charter school companies who have donated to political campaigns are not eligible to be in Lexington?

The Mayor has the strongest voice in Lexington as its highest elected official to stand up for and speak for Lexingtonians and I will use it to shine light on bad actors and to raise awareness in order to safeguard the children of families of Lexington.
Since I am opposed to the whole idea of “privatizing” education, I hope to see no charter school companies here in Lexington. However, should the school board enter into such an agreement, I think it would be appropriate to review contributions to supporters of the contract and shine the light of transparency on them. I expect transparency throughout my administration and promote nothing less in others.

Question 7:

Would your administration override a school board decision denying a charter school’s application​?

I can’t see a scenario where I would override the school board. They are the experts and elected officials who make decisions about public education. I have full confidence in the school board and plan to work closely with education officials to do what I can as mayor to support public​ education. To me, that means taxpayer dollars that fund our schools must be used to support our public school teachers, staff and the tremendous needs of our classrooms – support that already has been, unfortunately, diminished by state lawmakers.

Question 8:

How will your administration work to support Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) in general​?

As a member of the Urban County Council, I worked closely with the school system to establish a joint Council/School Board Committee which met regularly to address common issues. When I left Council service, no one continued the committee.​ ​I plan to have regular meetings with the superintendent and members of the school board, in addition to having dedicated personnel and lines of collaboration between members of my staff and the school board on issues that put families first.

Question 9:

How will your administration work with FCPS to support homeless students and families?

Transience is a huge barrier to success for students who are homeless. Under my administration, initiatives tackling family and youth homelessness will focus on keeping children and families in the same vicinity where the children are enrolled in school. That can help eliminate the constant shuffling between schools that some of our homeless students experience and create much needed stability that can increase student success.

Making sure our schools, shelters, and social service programs are synced to ensure no child falls through the cracks in receiving support will be a top priority.

Question 10:

How will your administration work with FCPS to support minority students and English Language Learners?

The Mayor’s International Affairs Commission and multicultural affairs initiatives have been a good start on working with the immigrant community. We are also seeing some initial success with the One Lexington program, which is currently focused on the Winburn area. The Mayor’s Office needs to expand its community relations efforts. That includes working with our District Council Members in areas with large minority or English Language Learner populations, and leveraging the efforts of programs we already have in place, like Partners for Youth and the summer youth employment program to make sure we advertise and provide access to those opportunities for our students.

I also want to audit programs the city has, even if it’s something as simple as our fire alarm installation program, to make sure minority and English Language Learner communities have not been left behind.

Question 11:

As Lexington is on the cusp of becoming a gigabit city, how will your administration work to make sure that the lower socioeconomic students have access to high-speed internet at home?

Students need to be digitally literate to succeed in today’s world. I will work with our current Internet providers to make sure our lower socioeconomic areas are not left behind as more homes in Lexington get access to gigabit Internet. This is really an issue of college and career preparedness and is one of the most important economic development issues we’ll need to address over the next five years.

Question 12:

Is there anything else you would like to add or share that hasn’t been asked?

I see your red and white signs all over Lexington, supporting our teachers and schools. I just would add: Bravo! You are taking your case to the citizens, educating them about your concerns and acting to empower all of us to become more aware and involved. Thank you.

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