SJ Issues

I know some people want to own chickens for their personal use, and that it has recently come up for review before the city commission. I have not thoroughly researched this topic, but I believe it is worth consideration.

As mayor, new issues will pop up from time to time, and when faced with these issues, I plan to get input from the city staff, experts in the field and the people of Frankfort. Also, I would want to look to see what can be learned from other communities that have dealt with similar issues.

For this particular issue, I think it would be essential to bring in public health experts into the discussion. In the age of COVID-19, we must ensure the safety of the entire community first.

My politics are informed by my cumulative life experiences and knowledge, and by my faith.  It is in times like these that faith is necessary.  Whether it be worries about the health of a loved one, the financial markets, or social isolation, we must continue to have faith that there is light at the end of the tunnel. 

This country alone has withstood revolution, civil war, other plagues, a great depression, and two world wars.  In hindsight, we got through these difficult times by coming together as a community and society as a whole is stronger than ever.  Fewer people live in poverty than ever before.  Life expectancy worldwide continues to increase.   Literacy rates continue to improve.  New technologies are exponentially advancing health care. 

As mayor, I will represent all citizens no matter their faith or what they believe.  I will continue to have faith in humanity that in times of crisis, we will come together, support one another, and act in the best interest of our community. 

Let me first say that even if I had a negative assessment of the Kentucky Capital Development Corporation (KCDC), I would not publicly air it in the paper or otherwise.  KCDC will be an important partner to help the next mayor implement their economic development plan, and economic growth is a central theme of my campaign to be the next mayor.

Overall, I agree with KCDC’s Mission, Vision, and Goals.  I do prefer a greater focus on recruiting new residents who will bring their jobs/small businesses with them (ex. remote workers who have the choice to live anywhere).  I believe this “bottom up” approach will be more sustainable over the long-term.  I will collaborate with KCDC leadership to work on plans to help Frankfort benefit from rapidly changing economic forces shaping our region and world. 

Frankfort needs to be not only competitive, but the statewide leader in how to get things accomplished.  It all comes down to leadership. If the mayor can establish the proper guidance, framework and tone, the rest is just a matter of execution. As mayor, I will work with KCDC to create our city’s goals, develop a focused plan of action, and monitor our shared progress to ensure Frankfort becomes the envy of the state. 

Yes, it is a welcome change to the downtown traffic pattern and should ease navigation for locals and especially tourists.  Further, two-way Main was recommended in the Downtown Master Plan, and this seems like an easy item to check off the list.

There is a reason why so many other cities nationwide are converting one-way streets to two-way streets, including our neighbors in Louisville and Lexington.  It slows traffic, improves vehicular circulation, and helps tourists get around our downtown core.

I understand the complications of one-way traffic on West Main and potential challenges converting to two-way traffic, having operated my business in the 200 block of West Main for five years.  The City must stripe loading zones in strategic areas and stripe additional parking spaces on adjacent streets.

 I look forward to seeing the results of the City’s parking study currently underway, which will guide this effort. But minor inconveniences are far outweighed by the improved navigation and increased visibility of Main Street businesses. 

Change can be difficult, but people and businesses will adjust quickly.  If we never try anything different, we will never have any progress. Let’s celebrate this small step in moving Frankfort forward.

The Frankfort economy is still too reliant on state government and not prepared to benefit from rapidly changing global and national trends. Don’t get me wrong; Frankfort is fortunate to be the state capital. This distinction has served us well over the years and protected our economy from deep recessions. But times have changed, and we need to as well. As mayor, I will make it a priority to diversify our local economy so that we are not so dependent on state government.

We need to focus on recruiting 21st-century industries and jobs, particularly remote workers, who have the choice to live anywhere. Frankfort’s quality of life and cost of living can be appealing to those coming from more expensive and busier areas of the country. Similarly, empty nesters and retirees can move and live anywhere. Attracting both these groups like residents, coupled with strong tourism, will help support our restaurants and shops. City efforts toward these goals should include: competitive technology infrastructure, support for the school systems, and promoting our quality of life, walkability, arts and culture scene, outdoor activities, and proximity to larger cities.

Additionally, ensuring that business permitting is easy and user-friendly is important. As someone who has lived in a major city, and then decided to move back to Frankfort to start a business, I understand the mindset of those we seek to recruit. Tourism will continue to be an important way to diversify our economy too. (Another issue not widely discussed is our reliance on bourbon tourism and how we will be affected if/when bourbon is not booming).

As mayor, I intend for Frankfort to become the best place to live, work, and visit in the state and will collaborate with our tourism and business development agencies to better diversify our economy.

The proposed plans for Parcels B and C could be a game-changer for Frankfort, with a proposed redevelopment of over 479,000 square feet and investment of over $76,000,000, according to the initial plans presented by CRM Companies and Commonwealth Economics.

There are plenty of positives: over 200 residential units {fronting a block of historic homes}; a new YMCA; the re-opening of Washington Street to connect Broadway to the new development; some office and retail – but not too much; and estimated 10-year tax revenue for the schools of over $4,700,000. Moreover, the proposed plans should result in more people living in Frankfort, which is one of my priorities because more demand for goods and services will create more businesses.

So, what’s not to love? None of the planned residential units appear to be owner-occupied or single-family; still too much surface parking; no connectivity to Leslie Morris Park; and not much detail yet on the hotel property renovation and convention space.

On balance though, the faults are minor compared to the overall good the development could do for our city, and I will do whatever I can do see the plan’s completion. The plans are exciting and could transform Frankfort, but I am sure this was the sentiment of the Capital Plaza urban renewal back in the 1960s-1970s, and unfortunately, that plan proved unsustainable. That is why it is crucial to ask the questions now and get as much input with the developer as we can.

Measure twice and cut once.