Let's Build a Thriving Lexington

I am proudly endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police Bluegrass Lodge 4. I respect and understand the decisions police officers are forced to make each day. Police officers must receive the support, tools training and compensation they need and deserve so they can remain safe as they protect our communities. I will have an open dialogue with the Lexington Police Department on how we can work together for the greater good of Lexington. This year there have been over 120 vacancies in the police department. While recruits continue to be trained, not enough are being hired to offset the number of officers who continue to resign and retire. The Lexington community is struggling. Supporting our officers does not have to mean other needs and concerns in the community are not addressed. Lexington residents need access to mental health services, affordable housing, youth services and so much more. I am committed to addressing all of these needs, and am honored to be chosen the candidate our Police believe is best suited to address our public safety issues. 

Juveniles are committing a third of the crimes this year, when Lexington is setting a new record for the number of homicides in a calendar year and crime has increased overall. On June 2nd, 2022 the Herald Leader reported that the percentage of principal visits for skipping class in Fayette county nearly tripled after COVID in 2022 (32.32%) Absences have increased across all grade levels. Failing grades have also tripled in Fayette middle and high schools. Families are facing even more barriers to getting to and participating in class. The emotional toll from losing relatives, economic stress, needing to work to help the family and feeling discouraged because they have fallen behind. It’s worse for students living in low-income communities. ONE Lexington was created by the city to address issues with our youth. However, the individuals who work within the organization cannot do so alone. Lexington needs strong community involvement at all levels. I will work cooperatively with school boards, administrators, organizations both public and private and with our community members to ensure not just quality education, but also reaching the youth who are at risk. 

Affordable housing uplifts residents, encourages social connections, attracts businesses and jobs and lowers crime rates. Access to affordable housing means families can better afford items such as food, medical care and clothing, since families with high rent burdens often must divert resources away from those needs. A recent report stated rent in Fayette county increased by up to 35% in 2022 over 2021 numbers. Affordable housing improves the quality of life of residents by leading to better health, adequate jobs, financial stability and security. I am committed to continue supporting incentivizing creation of affordable housing in Lexington. Affordable housing is not a handout, it is a necessity. 

The focus of economic growth and job creation has many aspects. The four main factors of economic growth are land, labor, capital and entrepreneurship. As our city grows, our development needs to be well planned and solutions should be specific to the needs of our unique city. I owned my own business for the last 8 years. I know the struggles businesses of all sizes are facing due to labor shortages and increased costs. Our city is growing and it is necessary to make sure our growth takes into account the needs our communities have today and tomorrow.