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The Lane Report

Ten Priorities for Lexington

During my 2004 campaign and initial three months of service on Lexington's Council, I have listened to a lot of Lexingtonians and reviewed an abundance of reports and financial data.

Based on this experience, I have compiled a list of ten priorities for local government. The following ideas are not represented to be the top ten. They are merely some of the best ideas that I have identified to date. I hope to have more ideas to evaluate after you send me a letter or e-mail with your suggestions.

Because of space limitations, only a brief explanation for each item is given.

1. A New Accounting System - This is a top priority. Investing taxpayer's dollars carefully and evaluating the efficiency of our government are the first critical steps in making the LFUCG more responsive to the needs of our community.
   
   The LFUCG's current software, hardware and databases are inadequate, unintegrated and inefficient. LFUCG spends $7.5 million annually to collect, budget, audit, spend and account for our government's annual expenditures. We can and must do better.
   
   
2. Increasing Efficiency - Lexington/Fayette is one of Kentucky's most affluent communities yet our local government is almost always short on funds. Conducting due diligence analysis before authorizing a capital expenditure or new government service will allow the Council and administration to evaluate the long-term financial impact a decision will have on the government's budget.
   
   
3. Economic Development - Creating new businesses and jobs expands Lexington's tax base, yet only $50,000 was invested in Commerce Lexington Inc. (our economic development agency) by the LFUCG this fiscal year. The Louisville Metro Government invested $1 million in Greater Louisville Inc. Louisville is not 20 times larger than Lexington.
   
   
4. Water Supply - For over 15 years, no definitive decision has been made on a second source of water for Central Kentucky. A decision must be made soon or Lexington will face a severe crisis when the next drought occurs. Even the perception of a water shortage would be devastating to local business.
   
   
5. Waste Water Treatment - Lexington's waste water treatment capacity will need to be increased soon. Failing to make a prompt decision could cause a future moratorium on commercial and residential construction.
   
   
6. Fire Department Study - Lexington has an exceptional fire department, yet response times and ISO ratings (that influence insurance rates) for some areas of Lexington/Fayette County can be improved. Evaluating existing Lexington Fire Department operations and preparing a master plan for Fayette County can enhance fire and EMS services, lower insurance rates, and save tax dollars.
   
   
7. Traffic and Roads - Man O' War Boulevard is already exceeding its maximum design capacity. A plan to improve traffic flow on Man O' War Boulevard should be a top priority. A substantial portion of roadway improvement costs would be paid by state and/or federal dollars.
   
   Because of fiscal constraints, the LFUCG has not made repairs on many of the city's roadways. Deferred maintenance accelerates roadway deterioration. More funding for repairs will be required.
   
   
8. Police and Firefighter Pension Fund - According to a recent actuarial analysis, the LFUCG has underfunded this pension by $137 million. This is a serious financial issue that needs to be immediately addressed by the Mayor and Council.
   
   
9. Helicopters for Lexington Police - Our police department has suffered the loss of many of its most experienced officers due to past pay inequities. Even with recent pay raises and aggressive recruitment efforts, the Lexington police force remains undermanned. Helicopters would use technology to increase the effectiveness of patrol cars, to improve the response times to rural Fayette County, and to provide infrared vision for night operations. The key question is, how much will this service cost and when can LFUCG afford air support for its police department?
   
   
10. Street Numbers - Local ordinances require every property owner to place the appropriate street number on its property. The failure to properly display street addresses makes Lexington a "business and tourist unfriendly" city. In an emergency, the lack of street numbers is a definite public safety issue. I will encourage enforcement of this ordinance.
    

If you would like to contact Ed Lane he can be reached via at EdLane@LFUCG.com ; and by letter at 200 East Main Street, Lexington, KY 40507.

“I want to conservatively spend our tax dollars,
eliminate waste, and bring sound business ideas
to local government.”

To contact Ed Lane's 12th district council offices, e-mail him at edlane@lfucg.com.