From my inbox to the blog. Here are updates from a few campaigns. While in Bloomington on Wednesday, I missed Chris Thieneman's economic development presentation on Wednesday.
In case you missed it, there has been a lot of talk among the campaigns and online about Thieneman's interview with the Courier-Journal editorial board in which he talks about "pay for play" practices in Louisville planning and zoning and how he once was involved in such activity, but has fought to stop it. I asked Thieneman to explain his comments when I interviewed him recently about the FOP endorsement of Hal Heiner.
Chris Thieneman
Louisville has an historic opportunity this November to break with a generation of political malpractice and economic stagnation caused by career politicians. I offer a business-tested plan to create jobs and long term prosperity for Louisville.
This is why I am launching my Jobs Tour this week. I will be visiting businesses around Louisville discussing my plan to create jobs. One of my first priorities as mayor will be to reduce the occupational and net profits taxes; helping to even the playing field between our city and Nashville and Indianapolis which have lower tax rates.
We have opportunities all over Louisville that Mayor Abramson and City Council have ignored. I will build the East End Bridge to relieve congestion and create 10,000 shovel ready jobs.
With Louisville Slugger Field and the new KFC Yum! Center, Downtown has the opportunity to expand. I will create a Downtown Arena District and make Downtown a destination for businesses and citizens alike.
The May 18th primary is right around the corner. There are still a huge number of undecided voters, but people are starting to pay attention to the race. Our campaign is already working hard to make sure thousands of friends like you get to the polls. We start our television commercials soon and we'll be out all over this city.
I am writing to you now to ask for your help.
Can I count on you to get out and vote for me in the Louisville primary election on May 18th?
Shannon White
Over the next 14 days, people from all over the city will start taking a hard look at the current field of Mayoral candidates. Families are hurting in this economy and Louisville needs a different kind of leader with a new perspective.
I am outraged over the current administration’s handling of taxpayers’ dollars. Let us not forget that the recent state audit found 69 problems areas with Metro government mostly due to major accounting problems, including $23.5 MILLION DOLLARS in question.
I am disappointed over the latest ads from some of my opponents, promising an “open and honest government” … promises that the city government will be held accountable. Jim King and David Tandy, are part of the establishment and part of the problem. If we elect one of them to keep doing the same things, Louisville will get the same results.
And, it is becoming increasing clear that some of my other opponents, Greg Fischer and Tyler Allen, don’t even care about serious issues facing Louisville. They didn’t even show up to a recent meeting to hear about the recent State audit of Metro Government; and both were absent yesterday to listen to concerns at the LG&E rate hike hearings.
The tax dollars of hardworking people in our community are being mishandled, their TARC routes are being cut, and now many will have to choose between heat and food for their families because of LG&E rate increases.
I go to work every day just like you and I demand an accountable administration that cares deeply for the people in our city. I am not afraid to stand up against the rich and powerful establishment for those who need a voice.
It is time to ask tough questions about where we are headed.
I am not part of the current establishment and I will put all of my energy into cleaning up the mess that Councilmen King and Tandy let happen on their watch and that Fischer and Allen apparently don’t care about.
We must demand more from city government: more transparency, more accountability, more results. The time for a different kind of leader with a new perspective is now. As Mayor, I will work tirelessly to make sure Metro government works for all of Louisville.
And you can help too, by volunteering with our campaign: call a friend, grab a t-shirt, send an e-mail or make a contribution today! Together, we can make sure Louisville’s best days are ahead.
Join me,
Shannon
Hal Heiner
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Hal Heiner Releases Comprehensive Plan for A Safe, Secure and Vibrant Louisville
LOUISVILLE, KY – Today, Hal Heiner released a comprehensive set of initiatives focused on improving public safety and quality of life in Louisville. The eighteen point plan is considered to be a foundational piece of Mr. Heiner’s vision for building a better community to promote job attraction, economic growth and ensure the city remains a place where people want to live, work and raise a family.
“Our community has so much going for it,” stated Hal Heiner, “but there is much that needs to be done to make Louisville a place where jobs arrive and families thrive.”
The comprehensive strategy has three component parts: initiatives to Enhance Quality of Life, A Commitment to Safe and Secure Neighborhoods and a very specific plan for tackling decaying neighborhoods through redevelopment and investment. Within each of those areas, Mr. Heiner laid out detailed ideas to tackle the challenges facing the community.
Enhance Quality of Life
· Sidewalks to Schools
· Pothole in Your Street? There’s an App for That!
· Invest in Libraries
· Develop our Own “Magnificent Mile”
· Support Metro Parks and 21st Century Parks Plan
· Support for Local Arts
· Sustain Louisville’s Architectural Splendor
· Get Involved!
A Commitment to Safe and Secure Neighborhoods
· Retain “Take Home” Vehicles for Police
· Reward Continuing Education
· Establish a Special Support Team within Metro Police
· Streamline Procedures to Process Criminals
· Establish a “Graffiti Busters” Team in Public Works
· Support Efforts for Rehabilitation and Recovery
Targeting Urban Blight and Decay
· Establish Neighborhood Empowerment Zones
· Capitalize a Public/Private Strategic Property Acquisition Fund
· Establish a “Top 25” List of Louisville’s Most Problematic Abandoned Properties
· Require a 13 Point Inspection Prior to Boarding a Property
“Thriving, safe neighborhoods and streets are what thriving communities are built upon,” Heiner said. “Ensuring that our city's foundation is strong is a commitment we absolutely can and must make.”
Greg Fischer
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WHO: Greg Fischer, Democratic candidate for Mayor of Louisville Metro,
WHAT: will unveil his Merger 2.0: Continuously Improving Metro Government
WHEN: Thursday, May 6th at 1:30 p.m.
WHERE: at the Southwest Government Center at 7219 Dixie Highway
HOW: joined by elected officials, community leaders and campaign supporters.
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