I didnt get much from our Lexington Mayoral debate last night, I really expected more. Here are some of the topics (and answers) that were discussed, that are still running through my mind this morning. I dont have much knowledge of non-profits and other organizations that assist citizens or how the city decides where to place monetary support/assistance? Mayor Gray talked about what Lexington has done, while Beatty seem to speak more on the need to assist these organizations with finding a way for them to become more independent and self sustainable, with our local governments money used less. I tend to side with Beatty, but still need to learn more about this overall. As for Centrepointe, Ive come to accept that there is a big hole in the middle of downtown. While Mayor Gray just seem to reiterate that if the current project failed, there is a “bring it back to green” clause that would bring it back to a level grass field, I couldnt find hardly anything in his words that told me he had confidence in the current project. Beatty didnt give me any more or any less. Neither really spoke of or for that matter, were asked, about Rupp Arena. Not in past, present or future context. There was some comments made about “strained relations” between the city and UK, but not much more, that I heard. I see Rupp Arena as an economic resource for the city of Lexington and for that matter, UK too. Ive heard all the talk that the YUM Center in Louisville, though a smaller college basketball venue than Rupp, basically took Lexington out of the music concert game? I heard that people are more inclined to travel from the greater Cincinnati area, to Louisville for concerts and those north and west of Louisville dont have to go farther than Louisville for a show. What caught my attention though, was the number of people in Lexington, as well as east and south of Lexington, that have said that they would rather go to Louisville. It says something about the venue (Rupp) and I think that it should be a priority for our local government. I dont have an answer as to what to do but I think something needs to be done. As for making parts of our city more appealing through development, Mayor Gray spoke of an apartment complex on Codell Drive, a small donuts shop on North Limestone and the east and west neighborhoods that were once Aspendale and Charlotte Court public housing complexes. The biggest problem in all four of these areas that were mentioned, is the crime rate surrounding them and in some cases, existing within them. You cant avoid this issue by just building new structures and venues, hoping “they will come”. Public safety, in my opinion, is top priority and believe Beatty has it as his also. If we are, and I quote “Healthier than we have ever been” and have surpluses the last three years running, we have the money to put towards more public safety. I respect both men for their desire to make Lexington a better place but I believe we need to give Beatty the seat and allow him to make Lexington a safer and better place.
Posted on: Thu, 09 Oct 2014 11:57:15 +0000