City Council Election '98

What do you feel is one of the most challenging issues facing the City of Wilmore and what steps should be taken in dealing with that issue?

Baier: I believe the most challenging issue Wilmore faces today is that of growth. We live in one of the most rapidly growing counties in the Commonwealth today. Growth is vital to a community and encompasses proper planning and decision-making in shaping the future of that community. We can, however, be selective in how, when, and where we want to grow. I am interested in helping make those decisions and assessing how they will shape the future.

Brumfield: Growth is the most challenging issue facing the City of Wilmore. There has been a large addition in the number of houses over the past few years. We must strive to maintain the current quality of service to all residents, keeping in mind the taxes from the addition of new homes does not necessarily off set the increase cost of providing those services. While some growth is good for the City, we must keep clear the fine line between need and demand.

Cercone: The most challenging issue facing Wilmore is the rapid rate of our current growth. We must insure that plans for further development are handled in such a way that enables Wilmore to remain a close community. One example of this complicated issue is the new elementary school. While there is no doubt it is needed, the issue of sidewalks to the new facility is a priority. This is just one example of our not wanting to lose sight of our home town connection while growth and changes take place.

Deyer: One of the most challenging issues facing the City of Wilmore is growth. How do we stay away from Greater Lexington growth? Good decision making in Wilmore will help us for future opportunities for our youth and seniors. Wilmore is a transient community and the needs should serve us all. "Dealing with the issues" means that more citizens of the community should step forth and voice their opinions through the City Council. We need to educate ourselves for the needs of our community. To get involved means you have to be involved! As a non-incumbent, I'm ready to serve!

Fitch: I believe Wilmore's biggest challenge for the future will have to be responsible growth.

Glover: One of the most challenging issues facing our community is balanced growth. What kind of growth does Wilmore need, how much, and at what rate? We should listen to the opinions of our citizens and be resolved to only approve the type of growth that will bring a real benefit to Wilmore - the right development at the right time for the right purpose. A couple of areas I feel needing our attention are 1) Business growth to serve the growing needs of our families and students and 2) Job opportunities for our present work force which will also offer our young people the opportunity to call Wilmore their hometown.

McKinley: There are several, but the one I feel most strongly about is local taxes. The 2% City payroll tax was passed in 1972 to pay for a 25-year sewer bond project that has been paid for. This tax should now be reviewed with an eye toward lowering it if possible. Some kind of payroll tax is probably needed here, because so little real estate in Wilmore is subject to property tax, which most cities rely upon.

Morrow: The biggest challenge for the City of Wilmore in the future is to seek to retain our small town quality while remaining economically healthy. This requires us to determine the need, set a goal, and plan how we get to that goal and then do it as economically and efficiently as possible. This will necessitate continuing effort in securing outside grants to assist our current efforts.

Southgate: I have done my campaigning this year door to door. I have asked everyone who answered their door to give me a suggestion as to how to improve Wilmore. The most often mentioned response of the residents of Wilmore was a plea to create a place for our young people to spend their after school hours in a positive parental supervised environment instead of roaming the streets and possibly getting into trouble. If re-elected, I would like to begin a new recreation program in Wilmore. This new program will have a pool table, ping pong tables, pin ball machines and other recreational games for Wilmore youth.