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Confessions of a New Councilmember When you receive this issue of the Southsider, I will have been serving as the 12th District council representative for about two months. A lot of people have asked me what it's like to be new on the council. I am addressing this much asked question in this month's column. A Complex Job Even though the council representative is a "part-time" position in local government, it is a complex job. As a newly elected employee who represents the citizens of Fayette County, there is much to do and learn about how our tax dollars are invested. Each councilmember has an office and is administratively supported by the council staff. Marian Zeitlin is the administrative assistant for 11 th District councilmember Richard Moloney and me. Ms. Zeitlin's knowledge and experience have been very helpful during this transition period. Lori Shepard, my executive assistant at Lane Consultants, has also been very helpful in scheduling daily appointments for my two jobs. A Big Government The LFUCG has over 3,000 employees and becoming familiar - in a short period of time - with the chiefs, commissioners and department heads who manage government operations is very challenging. The government's need for money is constant. Requests to approve new expenditures or reallocate approved budgeted dollars are submitted to the council every week. Since your local government expends $340 million annually (almost one million each day), there are many financial issues for council members to review and approve. Priorities for investing the taxpayer's dollars are established by a majority vote of the council. The council and mayor have already begun to work on the budget for the next fiscal year (07/01/05 - 06/30/06). As I reported last month, there are recommendations to upgrade LFUCG's budget process (see this report at www.edlane12th.com). I am committed to improving efficiency in government and upgrading government's accounting systems, budget process, and financial controls. Lots of Committee Meetings In addition to official meetings of the council, there are literally hundreds of government related committee meetings. Each councilmember serves as an official member on some committees; and as an ex-officio on others. I currently serve on the following committees:
Outreach to the District It's important to keep constituents informed. As your council representative, I try to respond to all correspondence on a timely basis. To expedite service to constituents, I would appreciate receiving either a concise letter or e-mail stating your requests, comments and/or suggestions. I am also scheduling visits with neighborhood associations. Here is a list of meetings to which I have been invited and will attend.
I very much appreciate being able to publish this monthly report in the Southsider. Preparing this article helps me focus on and explain issues that are important to you. A Lot To Do Our local government is bureaucratic. There are many areas which need to operate more efficiently. Most of the managers of our local government have impressed me. They are obviously eager to make Lexington the best city in Kentucky and are working hard to improve the quality and efficiency of government services. In some areas, more leadership and initiative from our elected officials will be required. Collaborative Efforts Your new 15 member council team has started this year working together in a positive manner to set priorities for investing our tax dollars. As a new councilmember, I appreciate the help and assistance that veteran council members have extended to me. I am very enthusiastic about serving as a "citizen legislator". With a limited amount of time and much to be done, my approach is to focus on key issues. Issue by issue, I will try to exert a positive influence on making sure the taxpayer's dollars are invested carefully for the long-term benefit of our community. Hopefully, individual efforts by me and other council members will, on a collective and cumulative basis, make Lexington an even better place to live and work. Your comments and suggestions are always welcomed. If you would like to contact Ed Lane, he can be reached via e-mail at edlane@LFUCG.com ; and by letter at 200 East Main Street, Lexington, KY 40507. Councilman Ed Lane represents the 12th District on Lexington Urban County Council. He is the owner of a commercial real estate services firm and publishes a statewide business magazine.
To contact Ed Lane's 12th district council offices, e-mail him at edlane@lfucg.com.
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Paid for by the committee to elect Ed Lane; Ron Switzer, treasurer. |
