What ideas do you have to increase revenue or to create revenue streams for the city of Wilmore?
Along the lines of creating a small revenue stream might be for the city to generate a road or vehicle registration fee to students and non-community members who do not pay taxes to the city of Wilmore. The big picture would be to begin talks with the larger entities to activate a “User Fee” for city services. Around 50 percent of the city of Wilmore is tax exempt.
Do you feel taking over the Crouse cemetery is a financially beneficial move for the city?
The Mayor seems to think taking over the cemetery is a financially beneficial move for the city. If so, how will the city pay for it: There has been talk about forming a “Cemetery Foundation” and I would be interested to hear more about that. I do not support the implementation of a Cemetery Tax.
Why should the residents of Wilmore re-elect you to city council?
My reasons for seeking re-election are my continued involvement with civic activities for the past 15 years and because I care about where we live and raise our children. My involvement includes taking part in Wilmore’s leisure activities that include festivals, the parades and park improvements. On another note, there are times when the police or fire departments have safety issues and need immediate attention. This holds true for the public works and utilities departments, too. When the department directors come before the council we work through their requests and needs; this is where experience plays a role.
What are the major problems facing Wilmore, and what will you do about them?
Major problems facing Wilmore are continuing to find ways to balance a bare bones budget and cutting expenses or generating revenue to do so.
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?
Wilmore continues to be a safe and quiet town. The city council has several development plans before us, but due to the economy in the past few years the new developments have not happened. It is interesting to me that the existing entities currently have construction. Asbury Seminary is completing several large projects while Asbury University and Wesley Village both seem to making improvements as well. Wilmore has a strong institutional base and an overall excellent quality of life of which we want to continue to care for and protect.
If you could make an uncontested executive decision to change one thing in Wilmore, what would it be?
I would assure that the city would fully support road improvements at the “Y” on U.S. 68 and Ky. 29. By while working with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and other elected officials to make sure the improvements stay within a six-year highway plan, and that the Heritage Pedestrian and Bike Trail from the Thomson-Hood Veterans Center toward U.S. 68 would be funded and then completed.
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?
All of these departments provide outstanding vital services to our community that also include ongoing funding needs. Several years ago I personally helped the city of Wilmore implement impact fees. These are fees generated by growth in our community. The fees are divided equally between all three departments. We have been able to purchase capital items such as police cruisers, fire fighter equipment and improvements to Centennial Park. It will be one of my high priorities to continue to show each department as much support as our resources will allow.
What would you like to see done with the former “Crouse” building recently purchased by the city?
It would be nice to see the Crouse Concrete Building used as a means for Economic Development. The Crouse Concrete Building is in my neighborhood. The Wilmore Fire Department has using it for training, but because of its condition and because it has no significant historic value, hopefully it could be razed and transformed into some sort of new business or commerce center.
