CONVERSATION WITH BUZ SMITH

IF YOU WERE ELECTED CITY COMMISSIONER, WHAT WOULD BE SOME OF YOUR PRIORITIES?

,I agree with the present City priorities with some nuances mentioned below. I want to emphasize, again that we need to start getting these priorities addressed as soon as possible.

•   New Housing and Revitalized Neighborhoods – As stated earlier, if we are to continue unprecedented city growth, we have got to address the housing shortage. We especially need to focus on the housing needs of young people that are starting off as well as people that want new housing stock. This includes smaller homes, patio homes, zero lot line homes and condos.

•   Southside Development – Southside Enhancements are greatly needed! I was deeply involved with the planning and execution of the Lowertown and planning for the Fountain Avenue revitalization. Both programs were very successful, and Paducah was recognized nationally. The Southside is different but not so different that we can’t utilize some of the basic strategies. This is an exciting project and like the other successful projects I was involved in, I will provide urgency and enthusiasm to get this project going. While planning is occurring, there are things that the City can do now. A drive through the Southside shows trash and other nuisances allowed to exist that are not allowed in other neighborhoods. An easy example is the Southside Kroger’s litter filled stormwater retention area right along Irvin Cobb.  Paducah is in desperate need for new, sustainable housing stock. We should make blocks of property available for new home to infill neighborhoods with various types of sustainable housing. The infrastructure is already in place for such construction.  I attended the first Southside Steering Committee and am anxious to contribute my experience and energy to improve the Southside!

•   Stormwater Project – Much of the city is flat and drainage has long been an issue. There is quite a bit of data that has been collected on the problem. Stormwater is a big problem. I advocate starting NOW, such as the city is planning to do to create a stormwater retention area to relieve flooding on south 24th and 25th streets as well as replacement of the Buckner Lane bridge. We need to have a ten plus year plan in place outlining our stormwater projects. This plan should be updated yearly.

•   911 Services -Technology upgrades are overdue for 911 and a funding source needs to be put in place for this service. There are a tremendous number of calls going through this system. As part of this analysis, I would like to see Paducah benchmarked with similar communities to understand the similarities and differences. There may be opportunities to operate more effectively. Ultimately the 911 system is a core safety service that government should effectively provide.

•   Minority Inclusion -The city’s workforce should mirror our community. There is renewed focus on this with discussion, training, and creation of a diversity inclusion statement. This will take some time. I would like to see diversity targets put in place now for department heads to begin closing the diversity gaps. The targets should be an integral part of yearly evaluations of the department heads. Again, this is something that can begin now.

•   Downtown Parking and Event Space – Many people do not realize that the parking lot that houses the downtown bathrooms and Farmers Market is privately owned. I think it is critical that we start planning today for the eventual loss of that lot. I also believe that we need to develop areas for smaller community events – Dolly McNutt Plaza would be a great place for consideration as an area for events.

•   Outdoor Sports Facilities – This is an exciting opportunity and kudos to both the County and City governments working together on a large project. It is important to offer sustainable recreational opportunities to our residents. I want to ensure that the planning and construction offer recreational opportunities for people of all ages and income levels.

•   Re-evaluate City Owned Facilities – I am a big believer in running the city like a business and a big factor in that success is being fiscally responsible. The city owns and manages a lot of facilities. Some of the facilities that the city operates from are not efficient or economical. I encourage a review of all city owned facilities. If the city has facilities we no longer need, we should question why we should continue to own them. I think we should focus on having functional and efficient facilities that will last us for the long term instead of continually patching substandard facilities.

If you have any additional questions that you would like to ask me, feel free to call 270-994-3873 or email me at VoteforBuz@gmail.com. I look forward to serving the residents of Paducah! Thank you in advance for your support.