District 3

Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council

The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council includes representatives from 12 districts plus three at-large members. All district seats have two-year terms and are up for election this year.

Council Districts

The at-large seats have four-year terms and are not up for election in 2020.

The races are nonpartisan. When more than two candidates file, a primary election is held and the top two vote-getters go on to the November general election.

Only the 3 rd and 9 th districts have more than two candidates (each has four) and therefore a primary election in 2020.

Three districts have two candidates and therefore a contested race in November. Seven incumbents have no opposition.

Go to this website and enter your address to find out what council district you live in:

www.lexingtonky.gov/browse/ government/council

Urban County Council District 3

Hannah LeGris

www.hannahforcouncil.com

www.facebook.com/ hannahforcouncil

Jessica Mohler

jessicafordistrict3.com

www.facebook.com/ VoteJessicaMohler

Charles D Smith

www.charlieforthe3rd.com

www.facebook.com/ charlieforthe3rd

Christine Stanley

www.christineforlex.com

www.facebook.com/ ChristineStanleyLex

Four candidates are running for the District 3 council seat, held recently by the late Jake Gibbs. The top two voter getters will run against each other in November.

District representatives are elected for two-year terms and may serve up to six consecutive terms.

Surveys responses from the four candidates begin on the next page.

Urban County Council District 3

QUESTION:

What do you think are some of the most pressing issues facing Lexington in 2020? What is your vision for Lexington, and how will the lives of Lexingtonians be improved as a result of your time in office?

Hannah LeGris: I believe that affordable housing, responsible development, environmental sustainability, and equity of access to power and policy-making processes are all urgent issues affecting Lexington. These challenges are all interlinked with one-another which is why it is so important to address them holistically, with an emphasis on collaboration and utilizing evidence-based strategies from other communities.

If elected, I will advocate for responsible development, focusing on infill, block-by-block development, and equitable investment. I understand the need for more housing options, especially within the urban service boundary, and I will work with stakeholders in the city, region, and state to ensure that all plans are humane and responsible. It is essential that we as a city incorporate far-reaching green practices, such as comprehensive recycling and waste management, net carbon neutrality, and incentivized low-congestion transportation (including bike and pedestrian infrastructure and reliable public transit) into our current and strategic operations.

Both the government and elected officials have an obligation to be transparent, to share information and to seek feedback from affected residents, and as the 3rd District representative I will create more points of access for both interested and affected groups, especially those who have consistently felt disenfranchised and left out of said processes.

Jessica Mohler: I think the most pressing issue in Lexington is sustainable growth. The city’s growing economic inequality—the gap between the rich and the poor, and the Black-White racial wealth gap––is widening, and as our city grows, so does this disparity. From affordable housing and spatial inequality to the economic segregation of our neighborhoods, schools, and school districts, our city is headed toward more concentrated areas of poverty and affluence than we already have.

“Urban revival” shouldn’t come at the expense of pushing our current neighbors out. My vision for Lexington is a unified city committed to creating vibrant,

QUESTION:

Hannah LeGris: Homelessness and housing insecurity have been ongoing challenges in Lexington for years. These issues remain intractable because of geographical constraints, historical inequity, pricing, infrastructure and development, and municipal servicing. Neighborhoods have been favored or neglected by the city, financial lenders, and utilities over time -- and have changed for good or ill as a consequence. We have learned that communities suffer collectively when they fail to plan and care for all residents.

We also know that Kentucky has a high rate of student homelessness, evidenced by several studies on that issue -- and on housing insecurity in general amenity-rich communities for residents of every income level, regardless of zip code––not one that’s solely focused on creating profits and increasing the quality of life for a select few. Growth is only sustainable when it’s done with an equitable framework in mind. I vow to dedicate my role and responsibility to making decisions and advocating for initiatives that work to decrease economic disparity, and to work to make sure all of the city’s population is served.

Charles D Smith: One of the biggest concerns is the amount of money the LFUCG is spending to maintain its’ old and outdated office spaces. Estimated deferred maintenance costs make it very important that a new Government Center be built: sooner, rather than later. The ultimate savings can be used for other services that will benefit all of Fayette County.

Lextran has the capabilities of being a huge benefit to our community. For many, many years there have been many attempts to encourage people to ride the bus. Mostly those efforts have failed, but Lexington already has the infrastructure (Transit Center, new Lextran garage and offices, and new electric buses) to make bus travel convenient and affordable for everyone. The more riders, the more routes can be run.

Christine Stanley: Some of the most pressing issues facing Lexington in 2020 include: Housing, Environmental Quality, Economic Development & Infra structure.

My vision for Lexington is that together we will be creative and resilient in addressing social and economic challenges in an equitable and sustainable way.

The lives of Lexingtonians will be improved as a result of my time in office because I will collaborate with city council members, local officials and the community to deliver on our responsibility to shared well-being. I will stand resilient in the face of adversity, address the needs of our citizens by advocating for and shaping policies that support their success, and remain compassionate, open &

In 2015, nearly eight hundred students in Fayette County Public Schools were homeless. There is also a severe shortage of affordable housing for people in our community that make minimum wage, even when they are working full time. What will you do to address the problems of homelessness and the lack of affordable housing in our community?

honest every step of the way. -- by the LFUCG and other groups. However, there has been some reticence to act and a lack of decisiveness, for fear of angering constituents. I believe Lexington needs to rally its leadership and work with other invested organizations to determine the resources that are available, internally and externally, to help the housing insecure. As a member of City Council I will work to build support at the neighborhood level to promote, invest, and create affordable housing. This issue is larger than any one district; it affects people of all ages and backgrounds and will worsen unless Lexington addresses root causes and works proactively. answers continued on next page

Urban County Council District 3

ANSWERS CONTINUED: affordable housing …

Jessica Mohler: Homelessness is increasing because of stagnant and declining wages. People do not make enough money to afford Lexington’s cost of living. While I am for increasing the minimum wage, and turning low-wage jobs into family-supporting work, Frankfort, not Lexington, sets our minimum wage. I would like to change that.

The opioid crisis and chronic mental health issues are compounded by rising rents and home prices, leaving many people without permanent housing. As your councilmember, I would continue to work with local existing structures while advocating for harm reduction approaches and permanent supportive housing models for people who experience chronic homelessness due to disability, substance dependences and mental health issues.

Affordable housing is in a state of crisis. People aren’t just being priced out of home ownership, our renters are being pushed out, too. As your councilmember, I would fully finance the affordable housing fund. I would explore new ways to incentivize developers to create more affordable housing, provide more rental subsidy, and work proactively to catch up and close the affordable housing gap. As our city grows and we focus on increasing density we must make decisions with a framework of equity in mind.

Charles D Smith: I would encourage the LFUCG to follow the lead of the University of Kentucky by raising the starting wage for employees to $12.50 per hour. Since 2015 the Office of Homelessness Prevention and Intervention has been funded to try and overcome obstacles to having a home. The most recent count of homeless people in Fayette showed a drop of 12.5% from January 2019 to January 2020. So progress is being made and funding for these programs needs to be kept in place.

QUESTION: and systemic inequalities.

Hannah LeGris: Lexington is a center of diversity within Kentucky and has a long history as a tolerant and welcoming community. I believe the city government should continue to work for all its residents, inclusive of ethnicity, orientation, income, faith, or ability. The LFUCG can work to address some of the structural problems of equity and inclusivity in several ways: 1. Simplifying assistance to existing social service benefits and housing 2. Continuing to work with effective partner organizations like Kentucky Refugee Ministries, KCTC, and Workforce Development to provide aid, education, job training, and assistance to people who need it most 3. Promoting multicultural and multilingual spaces in Lexington through arts funding and public/private partnerships

I recognize the ways that people interact with the government and legal system can be markedly different. Equitable and just treatment is critical to maintaining the legitimacy and trust of the public. We can respect the fundamental right of people to demonstrate and express their opinions, just as we can

Lexington Community Land Trust has plans to build more affordable houses in the Davis Bottom area as soon as the land is turned over to them by the state. These houses maintain their affordability even when the owner decides to sell, since the land belongs to the trust.

Christine Stanley: I believe that safe and stable housing is a human right. No one can be expected to be at their best when they’re worried about where they’re going to sleep that night. Broadly, I would say that the Council needs to take steps to evaluate the effects of gentrification, particularly as it primarily affected people of color.

Moving forward, an effective housing policy would require coordination between city planners, policymakers, and the communities themselves. More specifically, the city needs more affordable housing stock in conjunction with higher density development. High-density mixed-use area benefits everyone: owning a car becomes less necessary, important businesses are easily accessible to foot traffic, and when vehicle traffic is reduced bike safety increases and the city’s carbon footprint shrinks.

Additionally, high-density development lends itself to investing in our public transportation system. Research shows that for every dollar invested in public transportation approximately $4 in economic return are generated through job creation, business sales, and increase in home values. Public transportation reduces air pollution, reduces traffic congestion, increases mobility and independence; especially to those individuals who had to relocate due to gentrification.

High-density development and public transit also facilitates an increased

What is the role of the Lexington Urban County Council in opposing white supremacy, addressing racial inequality and supporting racial justice for Black people, Indigenous people, Latinx people, immigrants, those who are undocumented, and all people of color in our city? Please identify at least two policy initiatives you would propose while in office to address racial

feeling of community by interacting with … answer exceeds word limit prioritize keeping people safe while celebrating our different beliefs. These values are not in opposition. By engaging with people throughout our city, we can make Lexington a safe and welcoming community for everyone.

Jessica Mohler: Racial injustice has been the seminal issue of our country since its inception. I will always listen to and follow the lead of those most directly impacted by racial inequality.

The FBI just ranked Kentucky ninth among states with the most hate crimes. It’s important our city is fully aware of what hate crimes look like and how to identify white supremacy groups that are increasingly preying on college towns for recruitment.

LFUCG sets the tone for how welcoming and inclusive we are. It has always been about the system, and I am committed to fully understanding––and rebutting––our government’s continuing role in facilitating race-based inequality. answers continued on next page

Urban County Council District 3

ANSWERS CONTINUED: White supremacy and racial equity …

I would introduce policy initiatives to: 1. Following other cities, draft an ordinance declaring racism a “public health crisis.” This measure will acknowledge the threat – financially and mentally - racism causes people of color and solidify our commitment to understanding how racism affects communities. Further, the measure would provide tools and programs to address this real crisis. 2. Establish a grants program to support the production and marketing costs of arts events created by and with a focus on communities of color, LGBTQ, and disabled communities.

Charles D Smith: In our current national political climate, it is very difficult to sidestep this issue. The recent removal of the confederate statues from the courthouse is very symbolic that in Lexington we want all people to be comfortable and get respect from their government.

Ending the war on drugs, which has incarcerated an inordinate number of “minority” people, would be a great start. The stigma of serving time in jail makes it very difficult to overcome and get a good-paying job. But ending this war on drugs is not something our local city council could do; it would have to come from the Federal Government. It is very important that Lexington treat all of its citizens and their own LFUCG employees fairly. The ordinances are in place, people must be willing to accept people of all faiths and races. I try to always do so.

QUESTION:

Hannah LeGris: The United States has been a nation of immigrants since its founding, and our community is no exception. Our city government’s first responsibility is to its residents. Therefore, I believe that we should protect people who work, raise families, and contribute to our community in a variety of ways -- and allow them to live responsibly without fear of threats or persecution. Local governments are often referred to as ‘laboratories of democracy’ and Lexington should continually aspire to be an inclusive and accommodating city for people of all different backgrounds.

As councilmember, I would work with community leaders at both the neighborhood and citywide levels to meet immigrant communities where they are and create spaces of mutual respect and trust. I know that Lexington can also offer more and better access to benefits and resources for the non-english speaking population, including translating materials and city services. In addition, I would partner with groups like CivicLex to promote community-wide education about the reasons for immigration and the roles that immigrants play in our region and economy. When we value relationships with different types of people, we can better understand the human aspects of immigration and appreciate how different cultures enrich us collectively. Christine Stanley: The role of the Lexington Urban County Council in opposing white supremacy, addressing racial inequality and supporting racial justice for Black people, indigenous people, Latinx people, immigrants, those who are undocumented and all people of color in our city is to develop relationships to build trust between the government and the community; to engage individuals, community leaders and organizations in developing specific strategies, programs and policies that explicitly address institutional racism and to expand opportunity and access for individuals by strengthening outreach, public engagement, and access to City services.

First, I would propose the creation of a bank to be owned and operated by the Urban County Government. This institution would allow the LFUCG to streamline the service of its existing debt. Fees that are currently paid to private banks or Wall Street brokerages would be greatly reduced or eliminated, freeing up a substantial amount of money. The council could then use the Bank and its attendant savings to do things like prioritizing low-interest loans for minority-owned businesses or guaranteeing home loans to those who might not otherwise be able to borrow money due to redlining or other discriminatory practices. Secondly, even though the primary purpose of the Bank would … answer exceeds

In recent years, elected leaders in the Kentucky legislature have been pushing for more proactive cooperation with federal immigration agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. What is the role of local city councilors in this conversation about protecting undocumented immigrants in Kentucky?

word limit solely because of their civil immigration status. Likewise, we need to ensure that victims of or witnesses to a crime can feel safe coming forward.

I would continue our membership in the Welcoming America Network. This network provides access to government leaders across the nation who are creating immigrant-friendly, welcoming communities wherein leaders share ideas, goals, and successes.

I would choose public service announcements that have a message of inclusion and welcome to help build economic and social collaboration between newcomers and longtime residents.

Charles D Smith: Once again, this seems to be an issue that our national government needs to resolve. The pictures of children being held in cages along the border make all of us think we, as America, need to be better than that. The knowledge that many potential immigrants wait for months and months on the Mexican side of the wall just to simply have a hearing on whether they can legally enter the country or not is terrible. This system should be streamlined to prevent such hardships.

I, like I think most Lexingtonians do, believe that the vast majority of legal and illegal people entering our country are good people who want a better life, not the kind of people that are described as being non-desirable and detrimental answers continued on next page answers continued on next page

Urban County Council District 3

ANSWERS CONTINUED: immigration policy …

to our country. We need a better, more humane system to assimilate immigrants and potential immigrants.

Christine Stanley: This is an area where my profession and my faith informs my outlook.

The fundamental constitutional protections of due process and equal protection embodied in our Constitution and Bill of Rights apply to every “person” and are not limited to citizens.

Undoubtedly, our nation has unquestioned authority to control its borders and to regulate immigration. But we must exercise this power to exclude or deport immigrants consistent with the rule of law, the fundamental norms of

QUESTION:

Hannah LeGris: Our current economic system and lifestyle are unsustainable; environmentalism must be practiced at both the individual and institutional levels. I am a strong advocate for bicycling, walking, carpooling, and using the public transit system, both as a society and in my personal life. The city’s Comprehensive Plan and the UK Transportation Master Plan will improve bike/pedestrian access and limit single driver traffic. However, both plans can be massively improved and coordinated to influence traffic design and flow. Lexington must cease promoting private automobiles over public transportation and walkability. Recognizing how neighborhood-centric planning, dependable and equitable public transit, and bike/pedestrian infrastructure can greatly enhance livability while reducing environmental impact.

If elected, I will build consensus to incentivize alternative forms of transportation and develop policies that are oriented toward environmentalism and minimizing waste. LFUCG should continue to incentivize green building practices and provide tax credits for energy-efficient practices for residents and business owners, alike. Lexington should create an offset program with Reforest the Bluegrass to plant more trees and shift toward city-wide composting. Education is central to the success of these initiatives, crucial for maintaining a functional recycling system, and necessary for cultivating green practice from an early age. Jessica Mohler: Having two young children, I am most concerned with the world we will leave them. Humans as a whole need to move away from energy sources that produce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases as soon as possible.

Lexington is currently powered by LG&E KU’s Brown Station in Harrodsburg, which, unfortunately, is a coal-fired power plant. Until we can turn our city into a 100% renewable energy city (which should absolutely be our goal), I will support policies that require increased efficiencies in new and existing construction and provide incentives for solar and wind power. LFUCG should also be doing more to install renewable energy technologies in existing city buildings, and to incentivize other businesses to do the same.

As your councilmember, I would support smart investments in solar hot water, solar window tinting, and green roof tech. These steps would go a long way humanity and the requirements of the Constitution.

When the government denies legal rights and due process to one group, everyone’s rights are at risk.

The book of Matthew also gives two clear instructions: first, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Second, “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” Given the current outlook on immigration enforcement, I believe the LFUCG should decline to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement insofar as that is possible. Besides the obvious harm of splitting up families

The science on climate change is more robust than ever, and many agree that we are in a critical moment for the future of our planet. What has you concerned about climate change? What will you do as a city councilor to minimize Lexington’s carbon footprint?

and sending people to be held … answer exceeds word limit toward reducing the city government’s own carbon footprint while providing a blueprint for businesses and residences in the 3rd District to follow suit.

I support investments in public transportation to help reduce vehicle emissions, increasing our bike-friendliness, and working to make LexTran an efficient and convenient alternative, even for Lexingtonians who already own vehicles.

Charles D Smith: I am very concerned because so many think climate change is a hoax or a farce. I do not. I think it is very real and needs to be addressed globally, nationally, and locally.

While I am on the council I will encourage ridership of our LexTran buses, as they transition to an electric bus fleet. Making downtown and our neighborhoods more walkable will also encourage less use of automobiles. I wish there was an inexpensive way to separate bike paths from automobiles; many people do not feel safe in the bike lanes on heavily traveled roads. Lexington is finishing many dedicated bike/walk trails and that is a start. Many people are working to increase Lexington’s tree canopy which I totally support.

All of these things are important. For Lexington, many of these problems could be solved with more money, but apparently that is in short supply.

Christine Stanley: My concerns about climate change are: that our farms and city will have new pests, heat waves, heavy downpours, and increased flooding which damage or destroy our agriculture; plant and animal species will become extinct; and allergies, asthma, and infectious disease outbreaks will become more common due to increased growth of pollen-producing ragweed, higher levels of air pollution, and the spread of conditions favorable to pathogens and mosquitoes.

I think local governments have a great deal to contribute to the fight against climate change.

As city councilor I will continue and support the work to PLANT MORE TREES!

Continue and support the work of the Hickman Creek Conservancy to improve and sustain water quality. answers continued on next page

Urban County Council District 3

ANSWERS CONTINUED: climate change …

Advocate for an optimized and expanded public transportation system.

Continue and advocate for recycling and composting.

Advocate for reducing/eliminating the use of single use plastics.

Support and advocate for cyclist with bike protected intersections, i.e., corner refuge islands; protected curb extensions for bicycles; forward stop bars;

QUESTION:

Hannah LeGris: Budget development is an important part of the council’s responsibilities, though community participation is very low. As a councilmember I will propose a more intensive outreach effort to attract input from people who have not historically been included in the budget process. It is important to generate dialogue across community groups and through a wide range of channels. LFUCG can partner, accordingly, with civic groups to create additional citizen budget workshops

While tax credits and incentives can be useful for attracting certain economic interests, I believe some of the best ways to develop the city’s revenue base are by developing the city. Broadband internet, public parks and greenspace, livable neighborhoods, and thoughtful development all contribute to quality of life within a city and attract a variety of people. We can reduce brain-drain and increase entrepreneurship with a range of people-centric incentives, which would be the focus of my budgetary priorities. However in order to bridge spending gaps and avoid shortfalls, additional taxation might be needed to generate revenue. By working in conjunction with a long-term commercial plan, Lexington can minimize the possibility of disruption and provide a good quality of life while protecting its future budgetary requirements. Jessica Mohler: It should be noted that the Lexington city budget is developed by the Mayor and her budget department, and then set by the Council. I believe the more unified we are, the more resilient and vibrant Lexington will be. I support creating a model for citizen participatory budgeting from outside organizations, not just partner agencies.

Our nonprofits and community organizations serve communities that are often left behind in the budget. Having their direct input on the needs and services most requested from their communities will help better identify and fill the holes in government services.

Councilmembers also have discretionary money allotted to them each year for projects specifically in their district. As your councilmember, I will host neighborhood meetings and roundtable discussions at various locations and times to listen to your needs. I will meet my constituents at their table so I have a setback bike crossing; a buffer zone between bikes and car traffic and bike-friendly signal phasing; special lights to indicate when bikes should cross; and raised bike lanes.

Promote, preserve and protect our farms.

How would you include constituents in your district and across Lexington in the development of the annual budget? What area(s) of the budget would you prioritize funding? What revenue increases would you propose to meet our city’s future budget needs?

Finally, work to find a way to … answer exceeds word limit clear understanding of how I can best advocate for a fair and equitable budget for the people in the 3rd District. Together, we will flourish.

Charles D Smith: Lexington needs to do something to broaden its stream of revenue so it is not so dependent on payroll taxes.Additional revenue could be used to solve a host of problems, environmental and otherwise. I would propose that the LFUCG create a citizens fee that would be paid by each resident of Fayette county over the age of 18. I think something in the $5 to $10 per month range with a sunset provision that would end it in 5 years. Revenue raised (based on Fayette County’s population) would be in the $15 to $40 million range. These additional funds should be split equally among the 12 council districts, where the people in the each district could decide to fund one or two projects per year.

Christine Stanley: I support the implementation of participatory budgeting in Fayette County. I believe that ordinary citizens can and should contribute directly to formulating the spending priorities of the Urban County Government. We can look to cities in other countries, namely Brazil, for compelling evidence that participatory budgeting results in more equitable public spending, increased transparency and accountability, increased levels of civic engagement among all citizens—but especially by marginalized and poor communities, and a greater level of civic knowledge across the board. Implementing participatory budgeting across Fayette County would require some work on the part of the Council, but I believe its long-term impact would be extremely positive.

I believe priority should be given to vital government services, including education, housing (particularly the Lexington Affordable Housing Trust), and mitigating the harm done by market forces, such as gentrification.

To meet our city’s future budget need I would propose to revise pricing models. For example, fines for speeding are broadly linked to the income of violators and how far over the speed limit they were traveling when caught. This approach has the potential to not only fairly penalize offenders and reduce instances of speeding but also to generate more revenue.

I would … answer exceeds word limit

Get involved with KFTC to help turn out the vote in June and November, and to continue working year round to improve life for everyone in central Kentucky.

Join our Central Kentucky chapter www.facebook.com/CKYKFTC Instagram: centralkentuckykftc Meredith@kftc.org • (859) 380-6103

Urban County Council District 3

QUESTION:

Important meetings in the local government are often held during hours when many working folks are at work or unavailable. What specific initiatives would you enact to make local gov ernment more accessible to those who may not have the time or resources to participate?

Hannah LeGris: Lexington already holds open meetings for city council but few constituents attend; part of the issue is the lack of civic education and the isolation of city hall from other aspects of public life. Increased civic engagement is key to my campaign and to the practices I will promote as a city council member, especially in regard to transparency and accessibility.

LFUCG could develop more robust partnerships with CivicLex and other organizations to increase familiarity and access to the processes of governance. Rather than simply providing more public education, city government could actively encourage involvement through a citizen-participation program. Given the possibility of more accessibility for young constituents, diverse perspectives, renters, students, the city government could encourage these organizations and establish a stronger relationship with related civic groups.

Publishing minutes and other public information on the LFUCG website is another positive way to increase the availability of information for interested residents. The website for the LFUCG could also be updated to improve navigation and include more translated materials. Finally, the government could consider resident participation when reviewing its own internal processes. For example, council members could host ‘open houses’ several times throughout the year after 5pm to engage more citizens.

Jessica Mohler: I know firsthand how work and family obligations make it difficult for everyday people to have an active role with civic engagement. The government and how it functions should be easy to understand and access, but we all know that’s not the case. I work full-time during the day and have two young children whom my husband and I want to spend our free time with. It is hard to make it to Council sessions and even more difficult to attend committee sessions.

I have found CivicLex to be a great resource. This organization stays current on relevant city issues and provides a host of resources, including free budget workshops. I would make it a priority to identify and fund organizations like this which prioritize transparency over closed-door politics and hold councilmembers accountable.

Along the same lines as accountability, I would commit to creating an in

QUESTION: bullying and discrimination?

Hannah LeGris: We are fortunate to live in an accepting community for people of all backgrounds and orientations. One way to protect the rights of trans and queer people, however, is to ban conversion therapy with an ordinance and to work with state legislators to implement similar protections at the state level. In addition, the city should work with the school board to promote anti-discrimination and anti-bullying policies specifically for queer and trans-identifying individuals. An additional part of the solution would be to ensure that a wide dispensable monthly Council report. This e-newsletter will provide constituents a meaningful recap of what the Council has been doing, a collection of archived video links of Council and committee sessions, and a schedule of upcoming meeting times. I would follow with reviews of the report at neighborhood association meetings.

Most importantly, I will always make myself available. As your councilmember, I work for you and I will never forget that.

Charles D Smith: One of the main reasons I decided to run was because of the frustration I had felt when attending zone change hearings, where the neighborhoods are at a tremendous disadvantage.

I am proposing the government lease or allow space to be used for a Neighborhood Resource Center. Two or three government employees could work at the center, which should have ample parking and space inside for mid-size meetings. Ideally the center would be open some evenings and citizens could get copies of documents necessary at cost. They would be able to hold meetings with developers there or meet with other government officials or council members. The center would be equipped with the technology to make presentations.

The resource center could also house the Fayette County Neighborhood Council which could continue to offer training classes for neighborhood associations in a central location.

Easy parking, some evening hours, and the ability to access documents concerning neighborhood changes would increase the transparency of government.

Christine Stanley: I would support moving meetings to times that are less likely to conflict with work schedules, increasing the use of internet streaming and supporting the ability of citizens to submit written questions or comments online during meetings, perhaps via social media. The internet offers a myriad of ways to increase citizens’ access to their government and access to the internet on our public transportation system would also be beneficial to capture the time to and

Transgender students are more vulnerable to bullying than their cisgender peers. (Cisgender is a term for people whose gender identity matches the sex that they were assigned at birth.) What protections or policies would you propose or support to protect trans youth in Lexington from

from work. range of constituents are included at the table, and that coalitions are formed that give more space and voice to LGBTQ+ citizens in the system of governance. LGBTQ+ issues are central to my platform and I am invested in getting Lexington’s Municipality Index Score up to 100, which means both maintaining and increasing services and protections for LGBTQ+ individuals across our community.

Urban County Council District 3

ANSWERS CONTINUED: protecting trans youth …

Jessica Mohler: Every student deserves a safe environment to learn. As your councilmember, I would continue the LGBTQ police liaison task force, and investigate all reports of bullying and hate crimes against trans youth and follow-up on recommendations. I would report such incidents as hate crimes to the FBI and provide a liaison to the Board of Education Equity Office and Equity Council Committee ensuring all policies pertaining to trans youth are fully implemented.

While councilmembers have no direct authority over school policy, we can provide leadership to engage schools in conversation that brings visibility and understanding to issues transgender students face. Most Fayette County Public Schools have a Climate Committee that addresses bullying and other social issues. I would support an annual forum for Climate Committee members, transgender students, their families, and other allies.

Organizations like GLSEN, Lambda Legal, and the National Center for Transgender Equality offer educational materials that can guide our efforts. GLSEN’s Safe Space program is an example of something that, with the support of a single Climate Committee member in each school, could make a meaningful difference for transgender students. I believe increased opportunities for LGBTQ representation within our city’s leadership structure is an important step.

Charles D Smith: The Lexington Fairness Ordinance was passed almost 20 years ago. I continue to believe that Lexington is at the forefront of making sure everyone’s rights are protected. I personally have always had a live and let live attitude

QUESTION:

Hannah LeGris: Development is not a universally positive process. Neighborhoods are the fundamental unit of community -- and redevelopment can be destabilizing and disruptive. I support using assets-based models when creating redevelopment plans to recognize and celebrate the character and diversity of neighborhoods. I will bring residents into the conversation and make space to promote development without displacement. Proper execution of this vision involves public agencies, business owners, tenants, landlords, and homeowners, alike, and generating neighborhood plans that place positive human relationships, and not just economic interests, at the forefront.

It is critical the city creates and funds options for low-income housing within the master housing plan. Home ownership is important for developing household wealth; the city should set-up a commission to encourage home ownership as part of the Comprehensive Plan. But many Lexington residents will continue to rent, and it is also important to protect their interests. I strongly support tenant rights and cooperative housing. Space is at a premium in the city; we need to promote engaged development while disincentivizing irresponsible, unjust ownership. Vacancy taxation and additional scrutinization over the eviction process are possibilities, as are investment in a wide range of housing types and infrastructure to address larger housing issues. and try to give everyone equal respect.

As a council member I would have to develop a clearer understanding of what kind of action the Urban County Council could take to help with bullying or discrimination.

Christine Stanley: I support strengthening and enforcing the current Fairness Ordinance. Currently, the Ordinance does not explicitly protect transgender individuals; I would support amending it in order to include transgender people.

To address the epidemic of transgender violence: I would propose LGBTQ liaisons in the police department to ensure that the police are more accountable to the LGBTQ community and more aware of the ways in which the LGBTQ community’s concerns about interactions with the police are unique (pronouns and & legal name use). A liaison can be called and provide context about the social conditions that make transgender people particularly subject to discrimination and violence.

Other policy recommendations address anti-transgender discrimination to alleviate the discriminatory pressures that can push transgender women, particularly of color, toward situations like survival sex work which put them at extreme risk of violence. These recommendations include passing non-discrimination laws, ensuring health care coverage includes gender-affirming care, focusing on transgender-specific employment placement and training programs, and working with school boards to educate them about the importance of LGBTQ inclusive

What is your plan for ensuring that long term residents are not displaced from neighborhoods that are undergoing redevelopment? What is your position on Tenants’ Rights ordinances that seek to protect renters from unjust evictions? Please explain.

anti-bullying policies. Jessica Mohler: Like many of you, I’ve seen my neighborhood go through immense change in the last decade. I have struggled and celebrated with our great city simultaneously.

I’ve attended meetings of the Task Force on Neighborhoods in Transition and believe it’s possible to create communities where our current residents feel protected and our new neighbors feel welcome. I want positive development that works with the neighborhood’s vision, not displacement. We should value our long-term residents by exploring options such as freezing property taxes in certain situations and other initiatives.

The use of code enforcement to bully our residents, especially our older neighbors, is unacceptable. Who can file a code enforcement violation and when an enforcer is allowed to enter someone’s home should be regulated. People shouldn’t be cited for not having a fresh coat of paint on their house while a landlord gets away with not providing heat to their tenant. I would prioritize ordinances that put safety over aesthetics. I support strengthening more comprehensive tenants’ rights. Tenants and homeowners, alike, need to have clearly written rights, so both their property and their livelihoods are safeguarded.

Choose me in May and I promise to offer meaningful discussion and thoughtful analysis. answers continued on next page