What good things have happened during the past four years in your city? I’ve been very pleased that many stretches of road have been blacktopped in Butler. Good infrastructure is critical in cities of all sizes, but in small towns like ours, poor road conditions are especially noticed by visitors and cause vehicle damage to those of us who frequently drive the same streets. If elected, I would work hard to make sure this progress is maintained and exceeded.
I was also glad to see the opening of two small businesses – The Kentucky Millstone and Ollies Drive-Thru Liquor – that will generate tax revenue through their liquor licenses. These tax dollars will go directly to improving the safety of Butler citizens by contributing to local law enforcement. If elected, I would work to create a better economic development system so we could see even more small businesses opening, thriving, and contributing to our tax base.
It is also great that local festivals, like the Butler Lions Club Cruise In and traditions like the 4th of July fireworks have been maintained. These events help us build a strong community and provide safe and fun family activities for our residents. As mayor, I would love to continue to build on these activities by encouraging sponsorships by businesses so that we would have even more resources to create memorable events.
What goals do you, if elected, wish to accomplish in the coming term? For Butler to compete as a great place to live,we need better recreation facilities. I would love to have a part in upgrading our city park for both humans and our canine companions. Better walking trails, playground equipment and a dog park would be an asset to our community. Additionally, our young people need a safe place to connect with their peers, learn life skills, and have fun. Creating a city-wide teen center would be among one of my first priorities. There are many ways we could do this through grants so that our taxpayers wouldn’t foot the bill.
There are so many non-profit organizations and state resources that I would like to be able to connect Butler citizens to as well. I would also prioritize working with these groups to create local access to health care, job training, and adult education opportunities.
Describe your relationship with council and city workers. It’s a small town and everyone on council and city workers are neighbors you see often, so it can be easy to create personal connections when you look for opportunities. I have always believed that to create the city you want to live in you need to participate in local decision making. I have attended city council meetings and when I can’t make it in person, I read about meetings in the newspaper. I’ve also worked to develop relationships with council members and city workers by participating in community improvement projects and events.
What have you done in the past decade that has benefited our community? I am devoted to community service and local improvement. Through my participation in the Butler Lion’s Club and through personal connections, I try to help my neighbors in whatever ways I can. We are all in this together and need to take pride in our community. I feel a personal responsibility for the present and future needs of the city, and hope the success of our town transcends regionally, statewide, nationwide, and globally.
Describe your vision for the city. I want to ensure every Butler resident feels represented no matter their age or economic status. We need to utilize every resource to make this a community that is invested in a strong future. This can be accomplished through inclusion, easier access, and transparency in the city governance. By improving the community, honoring tradition, and promoting growth we will be well prepared for whatever the future holds.
How do you/would you work with judge/executive in your role as mayor? Having a good relationship with the county fiscal court is important for creating a strong fiscal environment for the city. I’m a proud to be a member of the Butler Lion’s Club, and through this have created a good working relationship with David Fields, who’s an excellent county judge executive for Pendleton County. If elected Mayor, I would work with the judge executive to come up with ideas for creative revenue generation. We also need to work as a team to attract new businesses, while maintaining a balance between corporate entities and small businesses.
What area of city services needs more support? What should be shielded from cuts as much as possible? In my view, we don’t have any city services that aren’t vital to the community. I feel all areas need as much support as possible, and new services need to be added. Currently, law enforcement needs our attention as Butler’s sole police officer is on medical leave. We will need to replace or provide support to Chief Hale so that we have a local law enforcer on watch. We also need to implement neighborhood watch committees and patrols for the safety of our citizens.
What do you see as the most pressing needs for infrastructure or capital projects in the city? There are five things I would like to see the city invest in as mayor: high speed internet hotspots; protecting the Licking River; maintaining the 177 Bridge; establishing and maintaining a new route leading into and out of Butler; and bringing public transportation opportunities to our citizens. These investments will not only support our citizens but will lead to economic development opportunities that will take our city to the next level.