Council District 12

My professional background is that I am a business owner here in the 12th district. I own a restaurant located in the 12 th district, named Boonedogs Restaurant; it is located in a rural setting surrounded by horse farms. I also own a thoroughbred breeding operation called Wimbledon Farm also located in the 12th district. My life is located here in the 12th district, my kids are in school in the 12th district, our future is in the 12th district. I am the most qualified candidate to represent our 12th district because I live and breathe what makes Lexington special every day. I understand what it takes to be a farmer, I am one. I understand what it takes to be a business owner. I believe the Urban County Council needs someone to represent the people that make our great city unique. Our land is our economy, and we must protect that, I will stand by protecting our green spaces surrounding Lexington for generations to come. I have no previous political ties pulling me one way or the other, only the determination to do what is right by our district and all our constituents.

I believe the highest priority issues facing our district is the Urban Service Boundary expansion, and industrial solar. I believe the push for expansion is not irrational, however, I believe there are ways to protect our farms and prime soils from destruction in the process. There are policies and zoning laws that make it very difficult for developers to work on infill and redevelopment projects. With more financial incentives and zoning flexibility we would be able to achieve a denser Lexington. Looking at our communities around Lexington there are lots of underutilized spaces that could be built up for the benefit of all the people.

Industrial solar I believe can be good projects, however on Fayette county farmland I believe to be a wrong location. Our farmland in Fayette county is one of our main identities as a community. If we put solar panels all over it, we are damaging what makes us unique. Fayette County and Central Kentucky have an extremely unique ecology allowing for beautiful rolling hills with lush fields of grass. Let us save what makes Lexington special.

I believe it is very important to get as many residents involved in local government as possible. I believe public hearing sessions are very important and should be not only broadcasted live but also promoted to the public. I find that a lot people don’t know what is going on at city hall and or what the plan or schedule is. I believe Civic Lex has done a great job with getting the information out to the public and would support them to continue on their mission. Anyone who is interested in local government should know they are welcome to come to meetings and work sessions to first learn, then share thoughts and ideas.

My vision for Lexington is quite simple. I believe that between our Horses, High-tech, and Healthcare, Lexington is growing in the right direction. I believe one attribute that sets us aside from other growing cities is our landscapes, our land, our farms. I know that tourism has grown significantly in the past few years and foresee that trend to continue. I would hope for Lexington to become a destination worldwide for travelers looking for beautiful horse farms and bourbon distilleries. Preserving what makes us special is always important to remember as we grow. Other cities that have mountains or water restricting their sprawl, all find a way to grow. I look at our farms and prime soils with that same mind set. The Urban Service Boundary was set into place as a way to restrict urban sprawl and to protect our land, metaphorically acting like the water or mountains. I believe Lexington has a bright future and hope we can preserve our identity for generations to come.

I am a lifelong Lexingtonian with deep roots in the 12th District.  I was born on Southland Drive area, and moved to the rural Fayette County when I was only four years of age. Since that time, I have resided within three miles of my childhood residence with my forever home just a few miles down the road. I currently owns two farms in the 12th District, both of which are PDR Protected, with one serving as a land donor to SeedLeaf, a local non-profit community gardening organization focused on providing accessible farming options in rural and urban areas.

Early on, I worked for the family business, spending much of my career assisting in the renovation and revitalization of multiple Lexington buildings, notably focusing on an area known as the Warehouse Block. I have a great deal of passion and experience in architecture and historic preservation, as well as an appreciation for the nuts-and-bolts of a project.

I currently serve as Chair to Lexington’s Vacant Property Review Commission, appointed by former Mayor Jim Gray, as well as the Board of Adjustments, appointed by Mayor Linda Gorton. Formerly, I served on Lexington’s Homeless Prevention and Intervention Board as well as the Short Term Rental Committee, led by Council-members Liz Sheehan and James Brown.

Along with my wife Jill, I am co-owner of The Engine House Pub and Pizza Parlour in the neighboring town of Winchester, where I served as the former President of Main Street Winchester, and act as a community advocate for its downtown. As an art lover, I have completed several privately funded art installations in both Lexington and Winchester. I'm an adventurer at heart, a pilot, a licensed real estate broker, and proud owner and steward of chickens, ducks, geese, dogs, cats, six goats and a 12th District born mini-Jersey cow named Clarabelle Michelle.

Early into my campaign, I came up with the "Three P's" as a guide for my direction for Council:  Preservation, Planning and Partnership.  Preservation of Lexington's precious farmland and signature horse farms is priority one.  Planning speaks to my love of renovating old properties, and seeks to streamline the process for infill and re-development projects, allowing Lexington to continue to focus on building up, not out.  And finally, Partnership.  As the hub of Central Kentucky, Lexington has a tremendous opportunity and responsibility to partner with surrounding communities like Paris, Winchester, Danville and Versailles.  By collaborating with businesses of bordering counties, the 12th District representative will be at the forefront of fostering those relationships that benefits everyones future.

As the 12th District Representative, I believe communication is key.  I plan on establishing a newsletter that would assist in keeping residents up to date on various City issues.  Additionally, a pilot program for a podcast would be established that would allow residents to receive quick updates on items on the horizon.  And last, I would host several open-forum meetings explaining the various boards, their role in the City government, and upcoming openings.  I want everyone who lives in the 12th District to understand where our borders are located, what the City districts mean, and how their government works.

Above all, I love Lexington.  I have no plans of ever leaving my hometown.  Although it has changed substantially since I was a child, I believe every change or alteration to our town needs to be one we can all enjoy.  Too many times, Lexington sets parameters only to have those guidelines broken or destroyed.  I do not believe in growing simply for the sake of growth.  This election will help determine the future of our homes forever.  I am proud to call Lexington my home, and honored to have the opportunity to serve its citizens.  My vision for Lexington is a cohesive, collaborative community that takes a hard, honest look at its future without manipulation from anyone other than its individuals.