What ideas do you have to increase revenue or to create revenue streams for the city of Wilmore?
I introduced the council to Municipal Revenue Solutions and so far they have brought in $20,000 of uncollected revenue with another $30,000 projected — $50,000 total. What they are also doing is training our folks to recognize vendors that are working in our town, with the seminary or university, and ensuring those net profits are coming to the city. That would be new money. So they are an organization I want to move forward with along with PILOT (payment in leu of taxes).
Do you feel taking over the Crouse cemetery is a financially beneficial move for the city?
I’ve talked to several people, including funeral directors who have said to stay away from it. But I think we’re going to end up having it anyway. The mayor is pretty passionate about it, but right now I would vote it down and he knows that. If we’re going to take it over I want to have a way to pay for it. We’ve talked about a foundation, we’ve talked partnerships, and I think we should get that in place and have the money there before we go into this. There is no rush and personally I’d like to see someone who is in that kind of business take it over.
Why should the residents of Wilmore re-elect you to city council?
Not only have I already served through eight budget cycles but I have a love and commitment to this city. I love to being a part of shaping its future. Right now I serve on three boards — parks and recreation for Jessamine, Habitat for Humanity and Leadership of Jessamine County, because I care about this community deeply. This is the place my kids have been raised and my family has put roots here so it’s important for me to have a voice and be a voice for the community I live in.
What are the major problems facing Wilmore, and what will you do about them?
Some of the issues that we have is that 50 percent of the properties are not taxable — tax exempt. This is were I think the PILOT program can benefit the city. These are the discussions we need to have because there are people who are not property owners and receiving benefits the city of Wilmore provides and I think there are ways we can overcome that.
What is a strength and/or highlight of Wilmore that you want to encourage, and what do you plan to do to nurture its growth?
I think the festivals are great and the parks are the perfect places for family and kids. Both of those really add to the quality of life in Wilmore.
If you could make an uncontested executive decision to change one thing in Wilmore, what would it be?
I would love to see the downtown revitalized. I think our store fronts are too small and I’d like us to get a grant that would pay for a midway.
What government department (fire, police, parks & rec, or other) do you feel needs the most attention, why, and what do you propose to do to address it?
I think fire is very important. Jimmy (Powers) has done a great job but they have some needs, such as a new ladder truck. There are several things, and looking over the budget we’ve had to ask the question, “What do we need this year?” So I’m really hoping we can get some grants to support Jimmy and his guys.
What would you like to see done with the former “Crouse” building recently purchased by the city?
Tear it down and start all over again. I would like to turn that into a professional building, by working with the university, and create a downtown area with higher paying jobs that could support the businesses. The Crouse building is at the center of the Deerdorf plan, the long-term plan to group that area into one, and develop it.
