candidate for
Nice, affordable housing is perhaps the biggest asset any community needs. Not only does a well-stocked MLS provide options for current citizens looking to move, but residential choices help attract new individuals and families looking to relocate. As an elected official, it is imperative that incentive packages are available for contractors looking to break ground on new neighborhoods. Whether this assistance includes bringing utilities to a site, deferred tax structures, grants (similar to those put in place for the downtown), or property liens, financial resources are often enough of a motivator to spur growth. In the end, upfront costs often prohibit contractors from even beginning the construction process, and this is an area in which the county must do a better job of reducing time-constraining restrictions, and produce a system that is profitable and equitable to all.
Having served as Director of the Inner City REZ, a member of numerous boards, and owner of local restaurants, I know firsthand the impact that the government, nonprofits, and businesses have on economic development. Neither sector is mutually exclusive from the other, and each plays a vital role in adding to the necessities and amenities of our communities. From the governmental perspective, I have written municipal orders and incentive packages that not only encouraged growth, but also produced partnerships between public entities and private companies and organizations. I would continue to promote multi-faceted buy-in that streamlines processes by removing so much of the "red tape" which stifles growth. As for nonprofits, there are various niches that are best-filled by the expertise and services of charitable entities. As Chairman/Program Coordinator/Fundraising Chair/Board Member of numerous philanthropic groups, I have learned the most productive way to match vital needs with reciprocal services. Making sure all available resources are available would continue to be a goal of mine, as ensuring additional exposure for nonprofits would help fill the void for so many living within our county. As a commerce leader, I also know that small businesses are the engine of our nation. Whether it be funding, supply chain issues, tax burdens, or staffing shortages, the pressure placed on business owners is immense. I would continue to promote and work for additional workforce development initiatives that recruit and retain quality personnel for employers, and provide wages and benefits for employees.
Our area of the county has some of the most unique weather patterns anywhere in the country. This unpredictability often leads to severe storms and tornadoes like those we experienced earlier this year. Elected officials should do everything within their means to match resources with the needs of those affected by such natural disasters. Whether this means providing vital supplies, temporary shelter, cleanup efforts, soliciting additional aid from the state or federal level, or even researching the viability of developing multi-purpose rural storm shelters, I believe we are called to serve.
Employment growth is limited more by a ready, willing, and able workforce than a shortage of opportunities. The plethora of "Now Hiring" signs at virtually every business is proof of this. From my experience, workforce readiness is interrelated to multiple factors, the greatest of which is education. As a former coach and educator, I can attest to the need for learning and structure in our students' lives. Statistically, youth that receive a quality education or not only more likely to seek post-secondary degrees and certifications, but are also more likely to stay in/return to their home towns. This educational progression correlates to a larger, more qualified, more contributing workforce. A perfect example of this is the "Rotary Scholars Program" (unveiled during my Presidential term of the Hopkinsville Rotary Club): Local students were provided unparalleled educational opportunities, and employers with more work-ready employees. Initiatives such as this, in addition to amenities other job seekers demand (housing, tax structure, consumerism, and leisure activities) and employers seek (workforce readiness, workforce retention rates, tax codes, infrastructure, transportation accessibility, and product supply) are imperative to employee recruitment, retention, and growth. A viable workforce is indicative of a viable community. And vice-versa.
Reducing debt should be a top priority for any county. Not only does this relieve a burden from the taxpayers, but it also frees up funds for budgeting, infrastructure, programs, payroll, and savings. This can be accomplished in a couple of ways: raise taxes and/or cut expenses. Coming from a business mindset, I believe in keeping prices as low as possible by managing "controllables." I also know that there are only three ways to generate more revenue without raising prices: Increase existing customer frequency, increase existing customer ticket average, and gain new customers. I don't think this is much different from the government's perspective. Elected officials should try to provide necessary services for their constituents, but should do so in a way that is fiscally responsible. Budgets should be realistic, and mindful of their source. Frivolous spending should be cut, department heads should be held accountable, and any surpluses should be reinvested. This not only creates a solvent system in which officials can operate, but it especially creates a thriving community in which citizens can work, play, visit, and stay. More discretionary income for taxpayers means more purchases. More purchases increase the chance of larger purchases. Larger purchases provide additional funds for businesses. Additional funds for businesses create the ability to offer additional products and services. Additional products and services attract new citizens. New citizens increase the overall tax base, and, in turn, lower the tax burden. The lack of population growth in our county since the last census is unacceptable, I believe that answers must be given and changes must be made to this end.
Our library plays a vital role in servicing the educational, informational, and entertainment needs of many of our citizens. The library is also a perfect example of how public/private ventures can work. The funds from the city and county, coupled with donations from individuals and businesses, allow valuable services and resources to be offered and maintained. I know firsthand about this, as my restaurant has proudly sponsored events for the library, and my family members are frequent library patrons. The newly-awarded Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives grant also highlights the availability of subsequent funding. Additionally, I also serve on the board of another local organization that is currently in talks to potentially provide financial support for future projects in and around the library.
Some other issues I feel need to be/continue to be addressed are countywide internet accessibility and paved roads, water management and mitigation, retail retention and growth, industrial recruitment and workforce development, support for military families and initiatives, and expanding consumer options and leisure opportunities.
