Do you endorse LIFT and the Local Option Sales Tax?

Yes, I am in favor of LIFT and feel a local option sales tax is a viable option for not only Elizabethtown, but other communities across our county.  I feel it’s a unique opportunity to raise funds for much-needed and desired projects.

 

Whether you are in support of LIFT or not, what projects do you see as a priority that could benefit from community funding?

I support LIFT because it allows a community and its citizens to select their priorities and support projects that have meaning for them.  The projects can also be completed fairly quickly and because the tax will have a definitive beginning and end, progress is easily measured.  I feel our community desperately needs a convention center and this is one project that could be supported and created utilizing a local option sales tax. Other potential projects could be:  a skate park, amphitheater, or improvements to Freeman Lake Park.

 

Do you see any services provided by both County and City government where it would be more cost effective to combine these efforts?

As someone who was on the front lines of a major community merger, I know how difficult it can be to build community support for change, especially on a grand scale.  I think our city and our county agencies work well together and run as efficiently as they can.  Perhaps some services could be combined, but I would take my cues from the citizens of our city and the city employees who work in the community each day.  I think the recent agreement with the Hardin County Water District will set the tone and provide the evidence for merging services and entities.

 

In light of potential additional cuts at Ft. 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 have always been and will continue to be a supporter of One Knox. One Knox is a very valuable asset to our region and has been the driving force behind the numerous transitions with the Installation; from showcasing our area to the thousands of HRC employees moving here, to working to secure funding for the infrastructure projects that were necessary to welcome thousands of people to our community. As the face of Fort Knox changes, the One Knox Council will be instrumental in helping us brace for those changes and work with the Army to produce the best possible outcome for Hardin County and the Lincoln Trail region.

 

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?

I would like to hire an Economic Development Officer to work on recruiting businesses to not only the downtown area, but the south end of Elizabethtown as well.  We need an Economic Development expert who has experience in business recruitment, revitalization, marketing and management.   This person can work in partnership with the Heritage Council and its new director (once the vacancy is filled), the Elizabethtown Industrial Foundation, Hardin County Chamber of Commerce, the Innovation Center and current business owners to build a network of support and a foundation for more growth.  In the past, the City has partnered with local banks to offer incentives for downtown revitalization and investment.  Those incentives need to be offered once again and targeted to specific industries that would thrive in the downtown environment, such as cafes, retail shops and small businesses. The City could offer incentives such as waived fees, utility assistance or lease to own options for potential business owners.

I do believe that a change in the alcohol regulations could stimulate interest in downtown development, however, it must be controlled and done carefully.  As we have seen by the success of several downtown events, alcohol is an “attraction” and expected by many.  However, alcohol can create new challenges. I feel there is plenty of opportunity for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic events as well as businesses that can provide or not provide alcohol.  We must have options that appeal to as many of our citizens as possible. Our Council will need to decide if we want our downtown to be an entertainment district, business district, government district, antique district, etc.  It will be our responsibility to help design the face of downtown Elizabethtown.

 

Will you be a supporter of the Hardin County Chamber of Commerce?  

YES! I’m actively involved with the HCCC as well as the Meade County Chamber. I am a past president of the Radcliff Chamber of Commerce. I firmly believe in the vision of the Chamber and will continue to volunteer with the Chamber and work hand in hand with them if elected to the Elizabethtown City Council.

 

The Sports Park is now a proven creator of tourism and economic activity for this community.  Do you think 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?

I believe our community has many things to offer visitors, such as the Hardin County Schools Performing Arts Center, Hardin County Playhouse, the Historic State Theater, shopping, restaurants galore, historical sites, walking trails and Freeman Lake Park.  The new water park will be a huge draw in my opinion, and it’ll be utilized by visitors and residents alike.  I believe we need more quality hotels on the south end of town for visitors. I think an RV park or campground closer to the Sports Park would be of interest to folks and provide another option for travelers.

The Sports Park is a huge draw and stays busy throughout the season. Tournaments are on the rise and it is being used for a variety of sports, as intended, and I feel the number of tournaments and activities will continue to increase. The Sports Park provides jobs and opportunites for our children, such as NFL pro football camps and exposure to different sports and cultures from across the nation.

If currently not in place, a community advisory board could provide governance and support for the Sports Park.

 

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?

I feel the Planning and Zoning Department is a very professional department, staffed by professionals and volunteers who are experienced and knowledgeable.  The process for new development is efficient and effective.

Potential business applicants should take advantage of organizations such as the Small Business Development Center and the Innovation Center for guidance on preparing business plans.  I think mentors from the Planning and Zoning Department can also be assigned to new or inexperienced entrepreneurs to help them maneuver the application process.

 

What is your position on the potential closure of Woodland Drive near the hospital?

I am not in favor of closing Woodland Drive.  I feel it is not the best option for the majority of our citizens and other solutions need to be explored.