1. What is your general assessment of LFUCG’s interaction with and support for low-income individuals and families?

I think it could be better. With that said it is a challenge for the city to have a thorough understanding of all the complexities that are involved with this population. In my years as President at United Way 2000-2009 I did witness a growing collaborative approach looking at sources,approaches and resources and LFUCG was at that table

2. Elected officials play an important role in determining utility rates. Would you consider the cost to low income residents as a part of LFUCG’s intervention of utility rate increase cases? How would you lessen the impact?

Yes, that must be part of the discussion as the lower income individual and their families are members of our community and that voice must be at the table and part of the overall conversation. There are programs in place (CAC) and we must look at additional ways to enhance and grow that type of support to lessen the impact of increasing energy costs.

3. The unemployment rate in Lexington is comparably low compared with the rest of the state; however, the disparity of who is unemployed is weighted toward minorities. How will you work to decrease the disparity?

Obviously with my past experience I recognize this disparity and have worked on decreasing it. As we know unemployment is not an an island unto its own. There can be many factors influencing this unemployment status and when the economy takes a downward turn as we have been experiencing our most susceptible population is the most at risk. My web site and stance is based upon a Plomin listens platform which is what we as community must do as we address the needs of our low income community members. We need to listen to them,their challenges and their ideas and engage them in the process of solutions. One of the most recent projects I have worked on was the creation of the Street Voice Council. Working with the Catholic Action Center we saw a great need to give our folks experiencing homelessness a unified voice and a central source for voice and organization. One of our first outreach accomplishments was the recent performance of “Please don’t call me Homeless I don’t call you Homed” and capacity filled crowds could “listen” to the voices of homelessness.

4. Nationally, we are experiencing a “Great Recession.” Research tells us that those with the least resources are the first to feel a recession, hit the hardest, and the last to recover. What are your plans to turn around this recession locally and specifically how to plan to help the low-income people recover?

I have always been a big proponent of a day center for our homeless and others in need where resources could be centralized into a one stop place, user friendly and accessible. ( I suggested this to Southland Christian when they hosted the community forum for the Lexington Mall space) It could provide computers, job related communication and overall environment of support and a recognized process of empowerment. Transportation accessibility is a must. With my knowledge of the United Way 211 information and referral we can have all the resource out there but they must be accessible both physically and in usage. This center would play a critical role in mobilizing our low-income out of the downward spiral of the recession.

5. In the last year there has been a lot of local press on the issue of availability of affordable housing in Fayette County. The data confirm that there is a very limited supply in Lexington. How do you plan to address this great and growing need for low- to moderate-income families to find and sustain affordable housing? Do you support the recommendations of the Affordable Housing Commission

Yes, I do support the recommendations .I believe there is a lot of good work being done in the recognition of the affordable housing needs of our community. But the recognition will not be enough. As a council member I would keep an agenda of meeting this documented need as we move forward in looking at existing and open spaces within Fayette County

6. Recently local social service providers have experienced some NIMBY ism (not in my backyard) in Lexington. The Vineyard Church has faced strong opposition and Southland Christian church has already started receiving some negative feedback about taking the long-standing vacant Richmond Mall off of the tax roles. What is your opinion about these reactions and how would you respond in elected office?

First of all that site has sat empty for so many years without the realized tax benefits so I totally discount that argument. What ever Southland does with that property (and I totally applaud their inclusive approach of discussing with the community!) will be a welcomed visual and functional addition to our community. I am not sure Vineyard would have been a good fit especially when there would have to have been restrictions that went up against the spirit of their mission. NIMBY ism in unfortunate but it exists and always will … we need to listen more to each other and work closer in consensus building and understanding.

7. How would you work in your elected office to improve LFUCG’s effectiveness as a partner with Lexington’s independent non-profit social service community to best meet the needs of Lexington’s low-income individuals and families?

I have had a lot of experience in that area. When Commissioner Helm came into her position as part of the Mayor Newberry team there was a recognition that the city funding to major health and human service non profits needed a more comprehensive allocation and measurement process. She approached United Way who has a very defined and thorough funding process and we worked together to assure that allocations were qualified and accountable to the needs within the community. I believe that this collaborative approach could be expanded into a more community need approach on a city level to assist in recognizing duplication and to maximize our resources especially when those resources are declining.

8. Racial inequity in all aspects has for years been spoken about in Lexington. How will you work to help highlight the various cultures, uplift them and decrease disparities in various quality of life aspects?

Inclusiveness must be an integral part of our city’s culture. We hear about transparency but what about access? Transparency reminds me of looking through a glass partition. Yes, you can see what is going on but there is glass in between you and that particular conversation. How do you get through that glass and that is called access .We need to do a better job of giving access. From the 80 board and commissions that the city makes appointments we need a better and more inclusive process. Expanding the landscape of voice with an accessible, inclusive and recognized process will mobilize voice and help to decrease skepticism of “They” making all the decisions. As a result of the Racism Summit held in our community over 8 years ago I led UW in launching the Get on Board program which gave access and trained voice to now over 400 individuals who wanted to get to the board table and didn’t know how to “access.” We need to do this on a city level and I believe disparity will be addressed

10. How do you propose to engage Lexington’s Hispanic community and what role do you see them playing in determining Lexington’s future?

Again we need to do a better job of listening to this segment of our population. There is the challenge of the non-legal issue and their reluctance to be visible and accessible for these type of conversations. This same challenge also impacts their presence on the census data thereby skewing their real numbers and impacting the available financial resources back into the community. I would like to see a non threatening process on engagement of the Hispanic population. But there are issues bigger than our community that need to take place such as uncomplicating the legalization process that is a root cause of this unidentified community segment.

Plomin for Council :60 radio

During my years at United Way I worked with nine counties, nine boards, 85 partner agencies and their boards and thousand and thousands of donors and volunteers. I had to be a good listener and I am a good listener. So when I started down this campaign road I adopted the Plominllistens as an ongoing theme through my daily work associated with my campaign. I carry a flip video camera with me and when ‘out and about ‘ I record what people share as to what is important to them within our community. In this enewsletter are a few new exemples just captured this week.Listen yourself or better yet let me listen to you!! After all, Plominlistens.

The days are numbered til the election! November second will be here soon when you will place your vote for three of the six candidates vying for the three available council at large seats. Between now and then I will be out in neighborhoods and community events spreading the word to vote Kathy Plomin for Council at Large. If there is anything you think I should attend in addition to what you see on my calendar please let me know at kplomin@yahoo.com.

Also please share your support with your friends and family. I know many times folks go into a voting booth and will see a lot of names and not know anyone. I believe your support comes from knowing me and witnessing my ability to get things done and to envision what could be done. So help spread the word!! There are a lot of postcards going out on my behalf this next week. If you would like to send an endorsement card to your friends and family just respond to this email. I will even allow you to cover the 28 cent stamp they need. Also, I have more yard signs. I have threatened our younger son Sam that I will wallpaper his old bedroom with the vinyl signs that are left over. So he will be willing to deliver if you let me know you can help by taking some yard signs for youself or your neighborhood.

People ask me all the time  why am I running. Simply put I will do a great job.I have the experience, community knowledge, passion  and vision that will benefit this community as we move forward together. Keep spreading that word!

So why am I running? I remember many years ago someone told me that his philosophy in life was simple: “Lead, follow or get out of the way.” This individual preferred to get out of the way. I remember thinking then, and still think today, that getting out of the way is a foreign concept to me.

I have always wanted to take the lead. From my early childhood days in Girl Scouting to my high school and college days and beyond—give me an activity and you will find me gravitating to the lead role. I like to make things happen. It’s a great feeling of satisfaction to complete a project or a board term and know you have made a difference; And that a particular place in time was made better because you were there!

That is why I am a candidate for Council at Large. I want to take my skills, knowledge and experience to a city leadership role. I think our city is poised for being the best it can be and I want to be a part of that next step in the journey. As they say—“when you’re in the lead, you never tire of the scenery.”

1.  What is your vision for Lexington-Fayette County?

I believe Lexington should be engaged in shared vision for a livable and inclusive community that recognizes, appreciates and builds upon the attributes that has been its enviable hallmark of quality of life.

2.  As a Councilmember, you will adopt the “Goals and Objectives” of the Comprehensive Plan—which governs land-use in Fayette County. Do you support an expansion of the Urban Service Boundary during the next Comprehensive Plan Process?

No, not at this time.  I believe we have to focus on the more immediate infill and redevelopment opportunities that currently exists throughout our community.

3.  As a Councilmember, what will you do to ensure that the land bank authority is properly established? What should be the criteria for awarding parcels for infill-redevelopment projects and/or real estate deals?

I believe the land bank authority is a program that could work well in Lexington.  As a member of Council I would keep it on the front burner and encourage it’s sooner than later relevance.  In moving ahead we can look at the other models including Louisville’s for fitting and successful criteria upon which awarding would be based.

4.  Will you support continuing funding of at least $2 million, annually, for the PDR program?

Yes I will.

5.  As a Councilmember, how will you address Lexington’s affordable housing needs?

I believe that affordable housing challenges are greater then we have faced in a while.  Although Lexington has not been hit as hard as other cities we as a community are facing more foreclosures, “underwater house scenarios” and heightened unemployment.  As a result as a community we should be involved in collaborative support and services that counsel and educate our own residents facing these downturn consequences.

6.  As a Councilmember, would you change the LFUCG Divisions of Planning, Building Inspection, & Code Enforcement? If so, how?

Yes I would have the composition of the planning commission to be more inclusive with voice representation from more diverse constituents.

7.  As a Councilmember, how will you handle CentrePointe and similar development projects moving forward? How will you implement the Downtown Masterplan and its recommendations?

Although in hindsight I believe we as a community learned from the Centre Pointe situation.  Although the Centre Pointe dilemma a result of a private real estate transaction the “face of our downtown” was dramatically impacted.  As a city we need to be more proactive in dealing with these type of issues and have a plan and process in place as we move forward.

8.  As a Councilmember, how do you propose addressing—in the long term—the student housing issues in Lexington’s established neighborhoods? How will you incentivize infill in the Urban Service Boundary, while protecting the character of established neighborhoods?

Hopefully some of the South Broadway development and movement towards the Red Mile area will “pick up” some of this demand to be close to campus.  Other ingredients to future resolve should be a more active role for UK in the process as well as the idea of a parking place per vehicle provided on property.

9.  Fayette County agri-business and agritourism generate over $3 billion for the regional economy each year. As a Councilmember, how will you promote these signature industries?

I think greater awareness and marketing of this attribute helps in the citizen ownership of these signature industries.  And as a Councilmember would be a strong advocate of this messaging.

1. Question: According to “Destination 2040,” the visioning document the Fayette County community has recently created, “The unusual closeness between the city and the adjacent countryside, commonly referred to as the ‘rural/urban mix,’ helps make Lexington truly unique, and requires vigorous protection for that delicate co-existence of urban and agricultural land use.” What do you see as the main threats to the preservation of this unique ‘rural/urban mix,’ and what needs to be done to protect it? Answer: The main threats I would see to the future unique rural/urban mix is to not safeguard the urban service boundary and the intent of the plan. We need to continue and expand the PDR program to respect and protect the enviable natural landscape of our community.
   
   
2. Question: The Destination 2040 plan calls upon local government to “Revise local planning regulations and building codes to promote or require an ever increasing level of energy efficiency and sustainability in developments and buildings.” What would you do to help achieve this goal? Answer: It is inevitable that we must be more effective in energy efficiency and sustainability. So we must be proactive in our stance and actions both with in our county, state and country. Keeping pace and supporting research in the arena of green technology is the right thing to do.
   
   
3. Question: Since LFUCG is one of KU’s largest customers, it has considerable potential for encouraging/pressuring the utility to diversify its energy mix and move towards increased reliance on energy efficiency programs and renewable energy sources as opposed to coal. Would you support such an effort? Please explain. Answer: While the demand for land use with in Fayette county increases we must be strategic in our approaches to meet this demand for space and land. There is still opportunity for growth within the urban service boundary area with in-fill and redevelopment opportunities with higher density goals. This must take place before expansion outside these boundaries is considered.
   
   
4. Question: In November 2005 Lexington’s Mayor signed the U.S. Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement (the Sierra Club’s Cool City Program). In February 2008, the LFUCG Council voted to pursue climate protection through membership in Local Government for Sustainability (ICLEI) to expand the city’s footprint monitoring and reduction efforts through ICLEI’s software and technical assistance. The program involves the following five steps: 1. Determine our current CO2 (and green house gas) footprint. 2. Determine our target footprint. 3. Develop a local action plan. 4. Implement the local action plan. 5. Measure results. How do you envision the government going forward to implement these steps? Answer: While President of United Way we launched the regional 211, information and referral service for the Bluegrass area. Each month thousands of call would come into our call center for assistance to connect with available resources. Yet the common denominator of the calls was the lack of transportation to access the resources .As a community we need a more comprehensive approach towards transportation and it should not end at county boundaries.
   
   
5. Question: The city has committed to the development of the Legacy trail and the Town Branch trail is starting to take shape. If elected will you actively support the completion of the Town Branch trail and further work to expand an interconnected system of trails for recreational use and alternative transportation options? Answer: As shared in question 2 we must be must be attentive to effective green energy resources and as a community be proactive as we move forward. At this time we have to depend upon current energy sources yet should also encourage other options to consider.
   
   
6. Question: What transportation related initiatives would you support to reduce fossil fuel use? Answer: As a regional community we must work collaboratively to address our transportation needs.There are many excellent models that other cities and regions have put into place involving light rail that have connected communities as well as lessened the environmental impact. Flickr photo by earthsaver77

Team Plomin has been hard at work on the campaign trail. Volunteer committees are diligently working on fundraising, event planning, yard signs distribution and developing additional ways to increase our visibility throughout Fayette County. I have been out and about, meeting with individuals and groups such as the Homebuilders’ Association and as a part of Bluegrass Tomorrow ’s strategic planning team as well as corresponding daily through Facebook, our website and by email to get a pulse on what you and other valued members of our community feel are the most important  issues we face today and tomorrow.

In order to be the best community we can be  we must always seek and engage new ideas and new approaches to ensuring our quality of life. I have and will continue to bring that innovative skill set to the community tabIe—and I need your help to make this happen. With less than eight weeks until the primary election, here are several ways in which you can help the campaign:

Kathy at the 2008 United Way Volunteer Awards

First and Foremost, I need financial resources to support campaign expenses. Any amount you would be willing to donate is greatly appreciated. Or if you can’t assist us financially, there are other ways to help:

• Spread the word through Facebook. Suggest my Facebook page to friends.
• Sign up to distribute yard signs or request a sign for your yard
• Send me your thoughts and ideas at www.plominlistens.com
• Sign up for door-to door canvassing in your neighborhood. We’ll get you a t-shirt. (Let us know your size)
• Host a “get to know the candidate” gathering
• Help to get me scheduled in front of various groups and neighborhood associations

If you’ve been thinking about how you can help make positive change in our community, now is the time to get involved. I need your help as we move into the final stretch to the primary election and on to win in November. Again, I want to thank you for your support and remind you that I am available and eager to listen to your feedback and ideas.

Thank you!

I am a strong believer in consensus building and one of my ongoing priorities as an elected official is to foster an environment of shared vision among our community’s leaders. It is imperative that we set aside our own agendas and focus on the greater good for all.

Like many local governments today ,we face a large budget deficit. Currently our tax base comes primarily from occupational tax, and with the current rate of unemployment, a strain is placed on our city’s revenue. Our city needs an innovative and inclusive  mindset in thinking about the future. I pledge to seek support and be an integral part of creative thinking for out of the box ideas and revenue generating models, including new partnerships in the public and private sectors, to generate new revenue sources.

Part of creative thinking involves new ways of addressing the issues already at hand. As part of our current master plan of improvements, two way streets, would provide easier orientation and improved visibility for storefront businesses, increasing business and economic success in retail and restaurant establishments. Other priorities should include the revitalization of the Distillery District and addressing the Student Housing issues within our community.

But we can’t stop inside our own city limits. In order to be fully effective and progressive, Lexington needs to be a driver on inclusive regionalism. We need to engage and empower our neighboring communities, with effective strategies and resources to take our partnerships to the next step. We have to work together in order to grow together.

I have ideas, and I am open to new ideas, on all these issues and more.  I look forward to working with all in our community to ensure that Lexington becomes the best it can be through doing the right thing for the right reasons.

The newly formed Street Voice Council will be giving those who are or have experienced homelessness a unified voice within our community. Three “out of the gate” projects are in the works. Learn more here: SVC_PressRelease

What promises to be a beautiful new entrance and welcome to visitors of Lexington is planned just off Newtown Pike and will be revealed just in time for the World Equestrian Games. What do you think? click here for article

As the old saying goes, “all work and no play” make Kathy a dull candidate. I’m excited to make my second debut in the Lexington Children’s Theatre’s Celebrity Call on April 24th. This year’s theme will be Wicked. Mark your calendars: http://www.lctonstage.org

Any local governments today, we face a large budget deficit. Currently our tax base comes primarily from occupational tax, and with the current rate of unemployment, a strain is placed on our city’s revenue. Our city needs a new mindset and new way of thinking about the future. I pledge to seek support and be an integral part of creative thinking for out of the box ideas and revenue generating models, including new partnerships in the public and private sectors, to generate new revenue sources.

Part of creative thinking involves new ways of addressing the issues already at hand. As part of our current master plan of improvements, two way streets, would provide easier orientation and improved visibility for storefront businesses, increasing business and economic success in retail and restaurant establishments. Other priorities include the revitalization of the Distillery District and Student Housing.

But we can’t stop inside our own city limits. In order to be fully successful and move forward, Lexington needs to be a driver on regionalism. We need to engage and empower our neighboring communities, with effective strategies to take our partnerships to the next step. We have to work together in order to grow together.

I have ideas, and I am open to new ideas, on all these issues and more.  I look forward to working with all in our community to ensure that Lexington reaches its highest potential. Together, we can turn our dreams into a reality.