Chris Logan- 2018 Candidate Questionnaire

Running for: Urban County Council- District 7

Short Bio:

As a life long Lexington resident, I understand the problems and challenges of Lexington. More importantly, I realize the opportunities and potential of this great city.
I am currently managing partner for Central Kentucky Solutions, where I work with farmers throughout our state providing solutions to the decimated tobacco industry through industrial hemp. I have also served this community as a Pastor for the last twenty six years.
My parents moved to Lexington believing it was a place of great opportunity. Here they found good jobs and a great place to raise their family.
I want to make sure my four kids have the same opportunity. I will work hard to keep our families safe, provide a more efficient and responsive government, support local companies, and attract new businesses to Lexington. I will fight for fiscal responsibility and focus on smart, sustainable growth.
I believe we can make Lexington an even better place for our families.

1. Do you support prioritizing infill/redevelopment as Lexington’s primary growth strategy? Under what circumstances would you support expansion of the Urban Services Boundary or Rural Activity Centers?

Being a good steward of the land we already have available ensures a smart growth plan for Lexington. Infill and redevelopment must be a major part of that plan. Expansion of the Urban Service Boundary should only be considered after all other options have been exhausted and certain growth criteria are met.

2. What specific recommendations do you have to protect the character and context of existing neighborhoods while diversifying our housing stock to meet the needs of our community?

Many decisions are made with little concern or input from our neighborhoods. Often, they are the ones that are impacted most. Any future planning must take into consideration the impact on neighborhoods and work at preserving their unique character.

3. What specific recommendations do you have to address Lexington’s affordable housing issue?

We must make sure that affordable housing is available to everyone. Our growth needs to be balanced with options that achieve this goal. One way to accomplish this is for Lexington to provide incentives for development projects designed to create affordable housing to our elderly and disadvantaged residents.

4. The number of households headed by someone aged 65 or older is projected to increase significantly over the next decade and beyond. What specific recommendations do you have to meet the needs of our growing senior population?

We need to make sure our comprehensive plan recognizes this growing population. We must increase services that help provide mobility and independence for seniors. We also need to focus on strategies that will allow seniors to stay in their homes longer. Lexington needs more options for senior living, options that might be explored through P3 alternatives. We should also look at ways to amend zoning regulations that would allow more options to families with seniors, like auxiliary housing units.

5. Do you support an annual funding allocation for Lexington’s Purchase of Development Rights Program (PDR)? Please list your specific ideas to support the continued strength and growth of our agricultural and tourism industries. 

I do support an annual funding allocation for the Purchase of Developmental Rights for several reasons. First, Lexington has a rich agricultural heritage and our city is surrounded by some of the most picturesque and quality farmland in our country and we must protect it. Also, agriculture and agritourism have a huge economic impact on our city.

6. Citizens have noted frustration with traffic congestion. What are your specific ideas to address traffic congestion? 

Traffic continues to be a major concern for all Lexington residents. Past planning did not adequately address Lexington’s future traffic needs. Man O War is a prime example. With no shoulders for damaged our stalled vehicles, and with little opportunity to widen, it has become one of our most congested roads. We must demand better and I will work to find solutions to this growing problem.

7. The 2018 Comprehensive Plan for Lexington includes a goal to create “a new process for determining long-term land use decisions” involving the Urban Services Boundary and Rural Activity Centers. If you support the creation of this new process, what are some of the elements that should be included? 

Balancing a growing city and maintaining our signature industries is important to everyone and we must have a process that includes thorough input from all. Moving forward, infill and redevelopment must remain a top priority and be done in a way that enhances our existing neighborhoods. We must also ensure that there is rural land designated for long term preservation.

8. What is the biggest challenge facing your district? What are your specific recommendations to address that challenge?

The biggest challenges facing the 7th district are crime, much of which is fueled by the opioid crisis, and traffic. I believe the most important job of local government is to ensure the public safety of its citizens. I will work hard to have fully staffed and trained police force and provide them with the tools necessary to respond to today’s challenges.