Lexington, KY - It is my pleasure to write to you for the first time as the new 5th District councilperson. Change can be hard and I know I have big shoes to fill. I appreciate the foundation laid by Dr. Stevens' many years of service. However, I also look forward to plowing new ground and creating a refreshed vision of the future with you. In these difficult economic times, we certainly have our share of challenges. Like they say though, challenges are opportunities in disguise.
In hopes of generating revenue and an estimated 9,000 jobs locally, Mayor Newberry applied for $556 million in projects from the $787 billion made available through the national American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan signed by President Obama on Feb. 17. According to Newberry, Lexington qualifies for a significant portion of funding, particularly in areas relating to environmental quality and energy efficiency, infrastructure, computerized medical records and education. Most project funding will be funneled through state governments and determined by formula with payouts starting in early March. (Click here to see a list of potential projects for Lexington)
In my memory, there has never been such a huge spending bill passed into law in such a short time. I certainly understand the need for stimulating the economy, however, the sheer size of the stimulus package and speed at which this has all transpired should lead us to all be extra vigilant about the money being spent wisely with complete transparency, efficiency and integrity. The mayor has commissioned a task force of local business leaders to oversee this process. I hope you will attend an upcoming meeting and let your voice be heard to make sure each dollar received represents the maximum return on investment Lexington deserves. Meetings take place each Friday at 3 p.m. in Council Chambers at the Government Center (200 E. Main St.) All meetings are open to the public.
A remaining concern is clean up from the record-breaking ice storm that hit central Kentucky in January. Debris removal is ongoing with second sweeps starting March 2. The Department of Streets and Roads is also in the process of repairing potholes resulting from the storm. Please LexCall at 311 to report a pothole in your neighborhood. As long it is a city-maintained road and under normal weather conditions, a crew should be out to do the repair within 48 hours.
If you've visited the shops at Chevy Chase recently you noticed the new parking meters that have been installed. These new on-street, solar powered Pay and Display meters are replacing many of the old single space parking meters. The new meters accept coins, dollar bills, and credit and debit cards. The city hopes with fewer meters per block, pedestrians will have more walking space and restaurants will have more room for cafĂ seating. Please note that the Chevy Chase Merchants' Association is working with the city parking authority to address some important issues. I am confident that we can work together to address concerns and am very happy with the willingness of Gary Means, executive director of the Lexington and Fayette County Parking Authority, to help find a solution.
One of my top priorities is to develop relationships with you and your neighborhood association groups. To that end, as promised in the campaign, I would like to create advisory groups to help shape decisions I make and projects I will spearhead while on the council. If you have a passion for a particular issue, please let me know so we can collaborate and share ideas.
I am working to create an electronic newsletter to update my constituents on a regular basis. If you would like to be added to the electronic distribution list please contact me.
Cheryl Feigel serves as the 5th District council representative. She can be reached at (859) 258-3213 or by e-mail at cfeigel@lfucg.com.