Do you endorse LIFT and the Local Option Sales Tax?
A local option of temporarily adding one penny to the current sales tax for community approved and voted for projects seems to be a good way of funding projects without adding a permanent tax (that as you know, never goes away).
This is a two-step process; first the KY. State constitution would have to be amended to allow cities and counties the right to vote for or against a proposed tax and project. Second the cities and counties would have to pass the proposed project and tax with a majority vote.
The key to this form of generating revenue is that once the project is funded, then the tax goes away. If another project is proposed then the majority of the community would have to vote for it as a separate project and projects would not be allowed to overlap.
In a competitive environment I think it hurts KY if we are surrounded by states that have this option but we do not. Our state does not have the funds for quality of life projects at the local level and I like the idea of local communities deciding on their own local issues.
Whether you are in support of LIFT or not, what projects do you see as a priority that could benefit from community funding?
Perhaps Community Centers / Convention Centers would be better decided on by the citizens than mandated by government with taxes. Other communities have improved their infrastructure with the revenue generated by this local option tax. Perhaps you live in a city that never invested in sidewalks or street lamps, or perhaps you would like to see more parks or other quality of life projects that your general budget doesn’t allow for. This would be a way to make that happen and once it does the tax disappears.
In our community perhaps this would be the way to fund a Y.M.C.A. The proponents for this say everyone wants one, but local and county governments have never voted to fund it (for a variety of reasons) and it doesn’t seem to gain any traction for any extended period of time. The residents of the county could make this decision for themselves if they had an opportunity for their voice to be heard.
Do you see any services provided by both County and City government where it would be more cost effective to combine these efforts?
Police Departments, Jails, Fire Departments, Government Administrations and many other services could be combined in a way to save money; but that doesn’t mean it would improve service or be the right thing to do. It just means it might save money.
I’m not in favor of a Unified Government.
In light of potential 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?
It’s my understanding that after previous rounds of BRAC that One Knox or at least the policy committee of One Knox had been rolled into the Hardin County Chamber. And I assume that if we support the Chamber that we in turn support One Knox.
I think the foremost thing is that all of the communities in our area have one cohesive voice, be substantial in our influence and be results oriented in our activities, which is easier said than done when dealing with the Federal government.
What are you recommending being done to bring new business to downtown Elizabethtown?
There is a great deal of interest in downtown. I believe in the next few months you will see and hear of new development projects and hopefully one success will breed other successes.
I think our role is to create opportunities, to clear any hurdles we can for new ventures and to do all we can to encourage private equity in the downtown redevelopment. For example we now are issuing grants for refurbishing the building facades and we are providing assistance with grease traps for restaurants.
Also, when we talk about downtown we can’t forget the southern area of 31W south of the square and out to the interstates. This should be a part of downtown revitalization.
What incentives should the City make available to existing business to expand and potential new business to come to the downtown area?
For existing business to expand they have to already be successful and have a demand for their service or product. Whether or not the downtown will be a viable option for them remains to be seen.
Being on the front end of downtown re-development is not without risk. You may have a great operation and product but you could starve while you wait for the completion of the revitalization of downtown.
I think we should partner with private equity groups or commercial development companies in refurbishing downtown. We should assist them with the overall concept that we are looking for, and we should partner with them in seeking tenants. Together we will be able to develop downtown much faster which will give all businesses there a greater chance for success.
By forming partnerships we will make sure we are all pulling in the same direction, and that the overall concept and goals are met. We can share in the good fortune to come with a new downtown.
In Owensboro, their revitalization of downtown came with a total investment of $143,000,000. Some of this was from a new tax and some came from private investment. I’m in favor of private investment in lieu of any new taxes.
Do you believe a change to the alcohol regulations should be made to stimulate interest in downtown development?
Alcohol regulations will change in January of 2015 and yes this will help with restaurants, entertainment venues etc.
Will you be a supporter of the Hardin County Chamber of Commerce?
I currently support the Chamber of Commerce and I expect to continue.
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?
Yes, the E-town Tourism Commissions tells us, we are getting them here, but in order to keep them here we will need to improve on our opportunities for recreation, entertainment and other quality things to do. For many of our visitors this is their family vacation.
Do you know if tournament entries are on the increase or decline at the Sports Park and why?
We are a premier sports destination because of the quality of the Sports Park, our location and the efforts of our marketing team. We are near capacity with our bookings and continue to grow with new sport venues played in different seasons.
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 Seth is doing a great job in managing the Sports Park. It’s a beautiful facility and I think we are fortunate to have it. Whether or not you were for it, or against it, it’s here and it is providing a great economic boost to our community and businesses.
Our challenge financially of course is to find ways to recoup our City management expense to operate the park and at a minimum be as efficient as possible in that management.
I believe once the numbers and other demographics of our guest are fully realized that capitalism and entrepreneurial spirit will seize on any business opportunities. This will give us value added attractions for our guest on their visit here.
Do you feel 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 currently serve as the city liaison on the Planning Commission Board. There is quite a learning curve in this area of city government and I feel fortunate to serve in this area. The truth of the matter is that developing a piece of property or building a new company or business is not an easy task. It takes professional expertise, patience and a clear understanding of the city, state and federal requirements. And yes there are fees and paperwork required.
I’ve noticed that the new ventures that communicate with the planning department, have professional guidance and have a cooperative spirit fare much better than those that try to do it alone, don’t seem to care about the area outside of their own boundaries or simply don’t have the resources to see the development through.
Can the planning department streamline things? I’m sure they can and I trust they do so whenever possible but there are many regulations that become obstacles that are not city mandated but are state or federal (E.P.A.) issues.
Yes, Elizabethtown and the Planning Commission are particular about new business developments…and it shows.
Other cities seem to be more lax and adopt minimum expectations…and it shows.
I believe the reason we will most likely set a record in new commercial construction projects this year is because of our planning policies and protocol and not in spite of it.
What is your position on the potential closure of Woodland Drive near the hospital?
We are still doing our due diligence on this issue but I think there are better solutions to the hospital expansion problems other than closing the south entrance to Woodland Drive.
I’m in favor of relocating the intersection of Woodland and Cardinal Drives (to the west toward Helmwood Heights School).
This would maintain the access to the Woodland Drive corridor of residences and businesses, without increasing traffic on small residential streets and at the same time would allow HMH to continue with their expansion plans when they feel the time is right.
I will not vote for the closing of the Woodlawn Drive access unless equal or better access is developed.
