David Kloiber – 2020 General Election Questionnaire

Running for: 6th District Council

Campaign Website: https://friendsforkloiber.com/

1. What do you see as the single most important issue facing your district, and what is your plan to address it?

As with most of Lexington, I feel that the single largest issue facing my district is that of affordable housing. When I am elected to the council I hope to reinforce existing policies like the Affordable Housing Fund and look for partnerships in the community to help address this issue citywide.

2. Given your understanding of Lexington’s long and complicated history around racial injustices, what do you plan to do to directly address inequality and its root causes in our city?

I believe that it is important that we are always forward looking when it comes to the issues and concerns that affect our citizens. As a council member I will do my best to address any and every issue of inequality that is brought before us during my time in office, with an eye towards preventing their recurrence in the future.

3. In recent years Lexington’s budget obligations have outpaced its ability to generate revenue. In the FY 20/21 budget, this has dramatically impacted everything from economic development to social services. What strategies do you recommend to address revenue shortages while balancing spending priorities?

The city budget is a large concern of mine, and I am looking forward to diving into the details. I have not had enough exposure to the daily operations of the LFUCG, but with my experience dealing with funds of this magnitude, I am hopeful that I can find new and creative ways to create a sustainable path forward for our community.

4. Lexington’s 2018 Comprehensive Plan encourages infill and redevelopment as Lexington’s main growth strategy. What specific implementation aspects of the Comprehensive Plan are working and what challenges need to be addressed?


With the cost of living increasing every day, I think it is important that we evaluate all of our policies for both intended and unintended consequences. I do not know of any specific implementations that are at issue currently, but when talking about the growth of our city, I think we should enact policy with an eye towards making sure that our community is a home for everyone.

5. Lexington faces challenges across districts with regard to housing affordability, diversity and accessibility. What is the City’s role in addressing affordable housing and how would you recommend prioritizing policy change to address these challenges?

I think the city should take an active role in planning for its development into the future. To this end we need to enact policies that make sure we protect our most economically vulnerable populations, while simultaneously stimulating economic growth to create the revenue to sustain them.

6. The impact of COVID-19 on local businesses and non-profits will be significant and long lasting. What will you do as a council member to support their recovery and foster their resilience?


I believe that economic growth is the cornerstone to providing more and better services to our community. As a council member I will look to support policies which create lasting partnerships in the private sector that focus on creating and maintaining growth, especially during this time of recovery from the COVID pandemic.

7. In recent months, much of our country’s attention has been directed to issues of systemic racism, specifically as it applies to policing and the justice system. What measures would you support to ensure that Lexington’s policing and justice system is equitable?

In Lexington we are very fortunate to have a justice system that has already implemented the majority of the best practices available. Most of the issues that other cities across the nation are looking to reform have been standard practice here for some time. I believe that if our goal is to increase how equitable our justice system is, we need to ensure that programs like our paramedicine group are given the resources they need to continue to develop in the positive direction they are headed.

8. Revenue shortfalls have made it difficult for the city to continue supporting external social resource agencies at a time when they are needed most. What specific city-level policies do you support to ensure that every resident has access to a basic quality of life?

I strongly support the affordable housing fund and the work it does to ensure that more of our residents have the ability to live and work in our great community.

9. Lexington’s tax revenue base is dependent on a thriving and sustainable local economy. What are your top three priorities for helping the city promote and support economic development?


I will continue to support the Lexington-Fayette County Industrial Authority who is managing the 250 acres in Coldstream to bring new businesses and create more jobs. Workforce development and business grant/loan opportunities continue to be very important priorities in supporting economic development. We need to look into Opportunity Zones to understand Lexington’s potential with this program.

10. LFUCG Council will soon have the responsibility of council redistricting. What is your approach to including public participation in the redistricting process?

Section 4.03 of our Urban County Charter explains the timeline for which a Redistricting Ordinance has to be approved. A committee will be appointed to review the 2020 Census data once that data is released. Each council district has an appointed constituent serving on the committee. I value public participation in all government processes and will review the past redistricting committee process to see where we can improve or change to ensure more public input opportunity.

11. The agricultural sector has a $2.3B economic impact on FayetteCounty, accounting for over $8.5M of the city’s payroll revenue. It is poised to grow with the support of Mayor Gorton’s Administration for making Fayette County a center for ag-tech. As a councilmember, what are your priorities for the agriculture and food system economy?

While the Ky. Secretary of State, Board of Elections and County Clerks have been making the decisions, I have disseminated their information via social media and newsletters. Following the 2016 election, I supported the financial obligation and decision to purchase state-of-the-art voting technology for the Fayette County Clerk which is being used in the 2020 election.

12. Well-planned infrastructure strengthens communities, boosts local economies, expands opportunity, and promotes equitable development. What policies would you support to achieve a more accessible, efficient, and sustainable transportation system in Lexington and the Bluegrass region?

I am supportive of Lexington’s Farm to Table initiative. Also having local agri businesses mentor young farm owners to learn new ways to use their land and manage their farms. We are fortunate to have the University of Ky who plays a key role in helping agri-tech industry realize its full growth potential.

13. Lexington has temporarily suspended public comment in all public Zoom meetings. Meaningful public participation is vital to a responsive local government, and COVID-19 has created a new set of challenges in that regard. What strategies would you support to make ongoing public participation accessible for all?

Public participation is very important as is transparency in local government. I have discussed options with the administration that other cities are using for public comment. I believe the addition of a dedicated phone line to allow pre-recorded voicemail comments plus accepting written comments via email will help reinstate public participation until we figure out the hybrid meeting model where people will be allowed back in the Chamber to speak.