Do you endorse LIFT and the Local Option Sales Tax?

Yes, I do support LIFT which stands for Local Investments For Transformation. This is an additional one penny tax that pays for specific community projects voted on by the people then the tax goes away.

The Elizabethtown community can benefit by projects that will be here to support the new Sports Park. This would fall under different types of entertainment and activities such as indoor Soccer stadium and places for larger concerts.

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

I believe that it could be more cost effective if the County and City combined the fire protection services. I think that we could also take a look at our trash collection services for the City and County in order to cut down on the number of large trucks driving through the subdivisions.

Planning and Zoning is another service that could be looked at for duplication in services.

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 am not for funding One Knox. I feel that the Core Committee and the Chamber of Commerce should work to protect and advocate for Fort Knox and Hardin County.

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 downtown area? Do you believe a change to the alcohol regulations should be made to stimulate interest in downtown development?

Downtown needs to be made more inviting for businesses. A good way to do this would be to improve the appearance by making cosmetic improvements with plenty of nice street lights, benches, wide sidewalks and convenient parking. The environment needs to be very welcoming to attract new business. The alcohol regulations are keeping some business from downtown but the state laws are changing January 1, 2015. I believe that we will see an increase in businesses interested in our downtown after the law changes.

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

Yes I will support the Hardin County Chamber of Commerce.

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?

Our community does need other forms of entertainment in order to entice these sports teams and their parents to come back to the park. They need to leave our community with a positive attitude and a desire to return.

Tournament entries have been on the increase for the Sports Park and we do need to invest in other activities and forms of entertainment especially for the siblings of the team members. Some examples of activities would be the new Waterpark that is being built by the City and music festivals at the sports park to keep the people interested and engaged in activities at the park. The governance of the park needs to be handled by the City of Elizabethtown Parks and Recreation Department.

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 have spoken with several business owners about their experience in dealing with the Planning and Zoning Department. Most of their comments were very positive and stated that they did not have any problems with the process. They were even complimentary and stated that the City was very helpful and provided guidance and necessary improvements. So my recommendation would be to leave the process as is and not change anything.

Businesses need to communicate what they are trying to accomplish by being prepared with good business plans of their entire project.

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

My position on the potential closure of Woodland Drive near the Hospital is that this street really needs to be closed. It is our duty to make sure that we provide an alternative route to the vehicles so that the surrounding subdivisions are not flooded with excess traffic. However, I am not sure that the location of the Emergency room is in the optimum spot for the Hospital.