Biography
Official Campaign Website
2010 Growth Questionnaire
1. What is your vision for Lexington-Fayette County?
I imagine a Lexington that grows much of its own food and feeds all our people well, that protects our priceless land, air, and water for those who come after us, and has a system of parks whose programs and facilities match in quality the beautiful rural landscape. I imagine a Lexington that houses our people in decent, affordable, environmentally friendly, attractive homes along well-maintained streets, in suburbs and neighborhoods, and on farms, and has a thriving economy based heavily on local entrepreneurship, job development, and sustainable practices.
2. As a Councilmember, you will adopt the “Goals and Objectives” of the Comprehensive Plan—which governs land-use in Fayette County. Do you support an expansion of the Urban Service Boundary during the next Comprehensive Plan Process?
As a former member of the Planning Commission I understand how well the Urban Service Boundary has served our community. While at this time I see no compelling arguments in favor of expansion of the Boundary, any decision about expansion must be made based on the relevant facts at the time the decision is made.
3. As a Councilmember, what will you do to ensure that the land bank authority is properly established? What should be the criteria for awarding parcels for infill-redevelopment projects and/or real estate deals?
I support increased reliance on infill and redevelopment to meet our growth needs. I will work toward incentives and regulations that make such development more feasible.
4. Will you support continuing funding of at least $2 million, annually, for the PDR program?
Yes.
5. As a Councilmember, how will you address Lexington’s affordable housing needs?
I will support the recommendations of the Affordable Housing Tax Force and work to ensure a reliable funding stream and related regulations to support affordable housing. I support creation of a Land Bank Authority to assist with those efforts.
6. As a Councilmember, would you change the LFUCG Divisions of Planning, Building Inspection, & Code Enforcement? If so, how?
I will work for increased transparency for all Building Inspection and Code Enforcement records, including a complete online searchable database, and I will initiate revisions in the regulations that increases fines for those with multiple and repeated offences. I will support increased staffing for Planning to include an urban planner.
7. As a Councilmember, how will you handle CentrePointe and similar development projects moving forward? How will you implement the Downtown Masterplan and its recommendations?
I will work for changes in the zoning text, such as added restrictions in the B2 (downtown) zone, that would prevent incompatible development. I will work to have the details of the Downtown Masterplan adopted by council.
8. As a Councilmember, how do you propose addressing—in the long term—the student housing issues in Lexington’s established neighborhoods? How will you incentivize infill in the Urban Service Boundary, while protecting the character of established neighborhoods?
The council has reached an agreement about changes to existing regulation that would prevent the worst abuses related to student housing going forward. Incentives for infill projects need to be designed for those neighborhoods that will benefit from increased density, including mixed use.
9. Fayette County agri-business and agritourism generate over $3billion for the regional economy each year. As a Councilmember, how will you promote these signature industries?
I will support an emphasis on agri-business in our economic development strategy, both within government and by our partner agencies. I will support a similar emphasis on agritourism by the Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau, including further promotion of Lexington as the Horse Capital of the World.
