Do you endorse LIFT and the Local Option Sales Tax?
I understand the concept and the purpose for the LIFT tax however I would not endorse this tax. I also know the tax must be voted on but the Citizens of Elizabethtown already pay a 6% sales tax, 4% alcohol tax, 3% hotel tax & a 2% restaurant tax. In addition to these taxes we also have an occupational tax, insurance premium tax, school tax, property tax and a net profit tax so I think we are taxed enough.
Whether you are in support of LIFT or not, what projects do you see as priority that could benefit from community funding?
A convention center would be a great community project and would benefit the citizens as well as generate out of town guest. Since the center would be a draw to the community it should be funded with revenues collected through the hotel and restaurant tax.
Do you see any services provided by both County and City government where it would be more cost effective to combine these efforts?
I am not aware of any services that are provided by both County and City government.
In light of potential additional cuts at Fort Knox, will you endorse funding for One Knox? If not, what are you willing to do to protect the economic contribution of Fort Knox?
I understand there is a Core Committee that receives funding to meet and address the issues facing Fort Knox. One Knox was originally established to assist in the Brac transition. Since the transition is complete, I’m not sure what role One Knox will continue to serve and if funding is necessary.
What are you recommending being done to bring new business to downtown Elizabethtown? What incentives should the City make available to existing business to expand and potential new business to come to the downtown area? Do you believe a change to the alcohol regulations should be made to stimulate interest in downtown development?
A strategic marketing analysis should be completed and it should define our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and outside threats. It should be shared with business owners, property owners and real estate developers. Downtown is the historic core of our community. Many buildings are historically significant and highlight our community’s history. That being said, it is imperative that building owners take “Pride in Ownership” and work to improve their properties. Rundown buildings are not going to attract business owners and will only hamper the revitalization effort. The city could provide tax breaks for those building owners willing to renovate and invest in their property. The ultimate goal for revitalization should be to make our community a “Gathering Place”. Lastly, I understand the alcohol regulations will change as of the first of the year and that will greatly benefit the downtown area.
Will you be a supporter of the Hardin County Chamber of Commerce? For the Mayor office, will you attend the regular Board meetings?
Yes
The Sports Park is now a proven creator of tourism and new economic activity for this community. Do you think that our community needs other forms of entertainment in order to entice these sports teams and their parents to come back to the park in the future? Do you know if tournament entries are on the increase or decline at the Sports Park and why? What needs to be provided in terms of governance of the Sports Park and new entertainment services and amenities for the visitors in our community to ensure the continued success of the Sports Park?
We can always use additional entertainment not just for the sports park but for the citizens of Elizabethtown as well. A downtown park with quaint shops and restaurant’s surrounding it would be a great attraction for out of town guest along with local residents. Likewise we need to do a better job promoting the attractions we currently have, ie, Swope’s Museum of Yesteryear, Hardin County History Museum, Freeman Lake Park, the Etown Nature Park, Veterans Park and the Patton Museum. I believe tournament entries for the Sports Park are up based on the information I’ve read and heard and as for governance of the Sports Park I feel there should be more transparency in the tax dollars collected as a direct result of the restaurant and hotel tax. Local citizens are helping to generate this tax flow as well as out of town guest and these tax dollars should likewise be used to enhance the quality of life for our citizens.
Do you feel the Planning and Zoning Department needs to create a more streamlined and efficient process for both current and potentially new business? If not, what can businesses do to be better prepared for new development plans and applications? If yes, what are your recommendations for improved efficiency?
The planning and zoning department is essential to a community. I do believe we can revise regulations that make it easier to begin and operate a business or invest in property. We need to streamline processes, codes, planning and licensing. It does not mean we sacrifice quality or safety instead we must convey that we welcome business owners, property owners and developers. If it makes sense “Let’s Do It.”
What is your position on the potential closure of Woodland Drive near the Hospital?
Closure of Woodland Drive is a tough one. My platform is to be a voice for small business owners. If closing Woodland Drive effects one business, that’s one business too many. We must support local
businesses as they are the fabric of our community. They support local families, create jobs, support our school systems and they keep their profits in the community. There are many families that live and work in this area as well that would be impacted by this closure. It’s my opinion the side streets connecting to Dixie Hwy could not accommodate the change in traffic flow. Without the knowledge of a demographics or traffic study, I am not able to make an informed decision and as such would not support the closure of Woodland Drive.
