Council District 7: Primary

“My professional background is as a business development and product manager, primarily in the aircraft industry with companies large and small that create, make and market products for every type of aircraft. I served in program management, product management and sales and marketing roles for 37 years. Before that I was an officer in the US Army with service in Vietnam and domestically. I have an engineering degree from the US Military Academy, West Point, NY and a Master of Education degree from NC State University.

I was raised in a home that emphasized public service and observed my mother serve on our local planning board, the board of elections and in our congressman’s home office.

Having lived in seven states and over twenty communities I have seen the impact of local government on people’s lives. Poor planning or allowing variances for the benefit of one entity invariably has a negative impact on everyone. A community must have a standard of what it wants to be. Flexibility is important but only when it fits within the plan.

I believe my years of observation and community involvement in various locations provides me with a unique perspective to judge and guide the development of this combined city- county entity.”

“Our highest priority is accommodating the growth of the area while preserving the essential nature of the Bluegrass Region. People want to come here for what they see when they visit. To pave it all over to accommodate the need for housing and commercial development is a betrayal of both the existing and the new residents. Alternatives to single family housing and large apartment complexes must be found.”

“It seems easy now. It does take some effort but not an insurmountable one.

Currently all Council meetings and Planning Commission meetings are live streamed and available to all. The libraries have computers one can use if you do not have one at home. The meetings are also archived and available on demand. Each Council member has an office manager that can serve as a first line of communication for all residents, and Council members are well known for follow up. Meetings are open to all. A number of ad hoc committees exist on which residents can serve or give input.

The meeting times are not always convenient for working residents, but they are established to balance the needs of Council members that have other jobs.

Any resident that wishes to participate can communicate with the appropriate council member and offer their services. I will gladly listen to any ideas.”

“I am an attorney that specializes in immigration and family law. I was born and raised in Lexington. I graduated from Paul Lawrence Dunbar in 2006, went on to the University of Kentucky to graduate with my bachelor’s in communication in 2010 and then raced on to law school. I graduated with my Juris Doctorate in 2013 and immediately opened my own law firm. My firm is a small business that caters to the underserved and vulnerable populations when they are in need of legal assistance. Most importantly, I am a mother with two high energy young kiddos ages 4 and 8 that both attend school in Lexington. As a professional and a working mother, I have a unique, nonpartisan and multifaceted insight into the issues facing our community.”

“As with many other cities, affordable housing and transportation are some of the most pressing issues facing our district. If elected, I will listen to our community in order to create a concise and effective solutions based on reasonable steps that can be completed sooner rather than later. Cost effective solutions that help with infill and restoration while also acknowledging our need for expansion and growth. Growth is the catalyst for change and we must be willing to grow in a responsible, smart way while maintaining the beauty and culture of our wonderful city. Fighting against change and growth would be a vital mistake.”

“We need to focus on accessible and inclusive participation from our community and some ways to foster that would be with user friendly websites, community outreach programs that would include community liaisons that communicate with city council, civic education programs that are fun and informative, meeting times that are flexible and reasonable for the working individual to participate in amongst many other innovative solutions.”

“Having diligently served within the corridors of state government since 2017, fulfilling the critical role of IT Coordinator for the Kentucky Department for Public Health Emergency Response and Preparedness Branch, I bring a depth of administrative acumen to the forefront of governance.

Concurrently, my steadfast commitment to spiritual leadership over the past 19 years, currently as a Pastor at The Gate Church Lexington, offers a unique vantage point into the fabric of our community. My tenure on the board of directors further underscores my dedication to enhancing the welfare of our constituents.

The amalgamation of my extensive governmental experience at both state and local levels, fortified by over 18 years of honed leadership skills and training, positions me as a formidable candidate poised to navigate the intricacies of public service with adeptness and foresight.”

“At the forefront of my district's concerns, as well as those of Lexington at large, lies the imperative of bolstering Public Safety and ensuring equitable access to affordable housing. These twin pillars are not merely issues; they represent the very bedrock upon which the prosperity and well-being of our community stand. As a council member, I will be steadfast in my commitment to addressing these paramount challenges head-on, leveraging strategic partnerships and innovative policies to forge a safer, more inclusive future for all Lexingtonians especially District 7.”

“Engaging our residents in the vital workings of local government necessitates a concerted effort to communicate unequivocally that their voices are not only valued but indispensable to our collective progress. Leveraging targeted marketing campaigns to foster a sense of inclusivity, coupled with strategic incentives aimed at incentivizing participation, serves as a potent catalyst in galvanizing civic engagement. Moreover, in the digital age, the creation of accessible virtual platforms serves as a linchpin in democratizing the discourse, ensuring that every Lexingtonian has a seat at the table, regardless of physical barriers or constraints.”

“In the fall of 1984 I was elected Student Council President for my senior year at Lexington Catholic High School. Next I was sworn at ROTC Officers Basic camp at FT Knox KY. I attended LLC and served in the KY Army National Guard as a Platoon Leader in the 401st Combat Engineering Battalion in Cynthiana. In 1989 I was on Councilmember Lesile Trapp staff and Publisher of the #10 District wide newsletter. We started the Clay Mill Road expansion Project in the District. In 2002 I served on Mayor Teresa Issac's campaign staff. And later was appointed to her transition team. I have been a campaign staffer for Sheriff Kathy Witt. Coroner Gary Ginn. Mayor Jim Gray, State Rep CherLynn Watley Stevenson, State Rep James Kay ( now County Judge Woodford County). Member of the Fayette County Democratic Executive Board from1998 to 2018. Also I am retired from Federal Service. Honorably discharged US Navy and US Army, Founded a national Law firm Harris Federal Law Firm with over 8000 approved claims”

“Public Safety is my most important duty once elected as District 7 councilmember. Working with the Mayor and administration I will offer ideas and proven solutions to recruit retention of our Public Safety team. Police Fire and Emergency Services are critically important in the 7th district. To preserve and protect the Intergrity of our wonderfully diverse neighborhoods. My first assignment would be to keep Renea Buckles as my councilmember Aide. I have know Renea Buckles her husband Attorney Joe Buckles for many years . Renea has tremendous instituation knowledge since being at city hall working with my friend Councilmember Preston Worley. On important issues like the fentanyl epidemic in our community. Affordable housing is very important.”

“Yes, by bring the local government to our neighborhood. As a retired letter carrier. I see the impact good government may have on individuals when it is accessible at there own residence. By better using Lex Call 311, Lexingtonky.gov website, and Lex TV our community will be better informed and engaged on all the critical topics we are discussing here in this survey. Also by having more neighborhood engagement, Block meetingis etc. Where the residents know and work with their elected officials and civic employees for a better quality of communication. Which will lead to a more effective city government. Immediately I will start the #7 newsletter free of charge to the residents of District 7. And use this platform as a way to directly engage.”