KEY ISSUES
Our Campaign Priorities & Key Issues
LIST OF ISSUES
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INFRASTRUCTURE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Maysville deserves reliable roads, bridges, water systems, and flood protections that keep our families safe and our community connected. I will prioritize smart investments in infrastructure upgrades—especially in underserved areas—while strengthening public safety through better street lighting, emergency response coordination, and community policing that builds trust and reduces crime. By working collaboratively with residents and officials, we'll ensure every neighborhood feels secure and well-maintained.
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SMALL BUSINESS INVESTMENT
Our local shops, restaurants, and family-owned businesses are the soul of Maysville—they create jobs, keep money in our community, and give our downtown its unique character. I'll champion policies and incentives to help small businesses thrive and compete fairly against big corporations moving in, including targeted support for startup costs, marketing, and fair competition rules. Through partnerships with the Chamber of Commerce, Main Street program, and state resources, we'll foster an environment where small businesses grow, innovate, and succeed—ensuring economic progress benefits everyday residents, not just outsiders.
In a time when large-scale developments and outside corporations can strain local resources and competition, we must level the playing field so our homegrown entrepreneurs can continue to anchor our economy and preserve Maysville's identity. I'll advocate for local procurement preferences, streamlined permitting for expansions, and programs that help small businesses access grants or low-interest loans—drawing on successes like our nonprofit initiatives to ensure that growth supports families, creates stable jobs, and keeps dollars circulating right here in Mason County.
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DOWNTOWN & EAST END IMPROVEMENTS
Maysville's historic downtown and revitalizing East End are assets we must protect and enhance to attract visitors, new residents, and quality jobs. I'll push for targeted improvements like streetscape enhancements, building rehabs, riverfront access, and mixed-use developments that honor our heritage while creating vibrant spaces for events, shopping, and living. By prioritizing community input, historic preservation, and sustainable growth, we'll turn these areas into thriving hubs that unite generations and drive long-term prosperity.
Recent investments, such as the 2025 relocation and expansion of Midwest Equipment Manufacturing in the East End, show the potential for thoughtful revitalization that strengthens our manufacturing base and creates skilled jobs while respecting our historic corridors. Building on this momentum, I'll work to secure funding for facade grants, pedestrian-friendly upgrades, and events that highlight our riverfront and cultural heritage—ensuring these improvements benefit residents first, boost tourism, and create inclusive spaces where families can gather, shop, and build memories for years to come.
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GOVERNMENT TRANSPARENCY & ACCOUNTABILITY
Trust in local government starts with openness—residents deserve to know what's happening with their tax dollars, land use, and major decisions that shape our community's future. I'll advocate for stronger transparency measures, including clear public reporting on city projects, regular community forums, and regulations to prevent the overuse of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in matters involving public resources or decisions.
While I support well-structured public-private partnerships that can bring jobs, investment, and innovation to Maysville, they must be pursued only with full transparency, public input from the start, and safeguards that protect community interests—no secret deals behind closed doors. By committing to these principles, we'll rebuild confidence, reduce divisions, and ensure government works for everyone.
Recent discussions around large economic projects in Mason County have highlighted the frustration when residents feel left out of the process, with concerns over limited details, NDAs, and potential impacts on our environment, resources, and way of life. I'll lead by example—pushing for policies that require early public hearings on significant developments, full disclosure of partnership terms before approvals, and ongoing accountability reports—so that every Maysvillian has a real voice in decisions that affect our future, fostering trust and ensuring that progress truly serves our tight-knit community.
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AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Every Maysvillian deserves a safe, stable place to call home—whether they're young families starting out, seniors on fixed incomes, workers in our growing industries, or those facing temporary hardships. I'll prioritize expanding access to affordable housing options by supporting incentives for developers to build or rehab moderately priced units, partnering with organizations like Maysville Initiatives and the Maysville Housing Authority to strengthen programs such as rental assistance, Section 8 vouchers, and permanent supportive housing. By focusing on workforce and family-friendly housing, we'll help keep our community members rooted here instead of being priced out, while ensuring new developments align with local needs and don't strain existing resources.
Kentucky faces a statewide housing gap that affects rural areas like Mason County, where limited new construction, rising material costs, and competition for land can make it harder for residents to find affordable options—especially as economic investments bring more jobs and potential newcomers. Drawing on my experience with Maysville Initiatives' successful HUD-funded programs that provide rental support, social services, and stable housing for low- and middle-income families, I'll advocate for local policies like streamlined permitting for mixed-income projects, grants for home repairs or energy-efficient upgrades, and collaboration with state resources to bring more units online. This approach will promote inclusive growth, reduce homelessness risks, support our aging population in staying independent, and build a stronger, more united Maysville where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.