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Metro Council convened its last legislative meeting of the year on Thursday, December 12, 2019. During that session, we passed the following items:
- Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Surplus: We approved moving up a LMPD recruit class, increasing the rainy day fund and allocating $2.7M to the future pension obligations.
- PARC RFP: This measure allows us to examine the possibility of maximizing the use of on-street parking meters. This has the potential to generate much needed revenue for our city.
- One Park Development: We approved the recommendation from the Zoning Board - a $250M investment in our city for a new mixed-use, urban development off Lexington Rd.
I voted "Yes" for each of the three measures.
I am almost one year old as your Metro Councilwoman! In fact, when I resume the e-Newsletter on January 10, I will have celebrated my one full year. I ran for office because I have an affinity for our great city. To call Louisville home is an honor, and I felt it important to give back to the community that has given so much to me - nice jobs, a clean and safe neighborhood, great restaurants, fabulous arts, festivals, concerts and other attractions, and kind, caring neighbors. I will never take my election for granted and I consider myself blessed to have been elected to serve you.
The issues with which I have wrestled and cast votes for - particularly the budget, have strengthened my negotiation skills, enhanced my collaborative gene, and made me realize even more the importance of cooperation vs confrontation. The Metro Council is a give-and-take, win some/lose some, and as much as I hate to admit it, a dog-eat-dog environment. I often tell people who ask me how I like serving on the Council that it's the three "F's." It's FUN, it's FASCINATING, and from time to time (but not too often) somewhat FRUSTRATING.
What's fun about serving on the Metro Council? The constituents I meet at the Muffins with McCraney or Mingle with McCraney events, and the times I get to attend a Home-rule City's annual event - Halloween, city light-ups, 4th of July parades. I love to share, so when I'm invited to speak at an event or serve as a mistress of ceremonies, I have the most fun. What makes the Council fascinating? I enjoy studying the issues and preparing for debates on legislative priorities. The most fascinating issue to date was, by far, the budget. Combing through the prior year's budget and learning its make-up was interesting. But, the challenge of finding $25 million or cutting some services kept my adrenaline going. As you recall, I was a "No" vote on the proposed tax increase. While my vote was not a popular one with the Administration, it was overwhelmingly what you - the residents of District 7 - demanded. And this is what makes serving on the Council a bit frustrating. I'm a "people person" (whatever that means) and I aim to please. It's frustrating to me that I can't please everyone all the time, and that those who aren't pleased with the way I vote, confront me with negative comments and turn others against me. This is not only frustrating, but it caught me off guard and is very disappointing. I don't like being harassed and I don't appreciate anyone who stops talking to me or respecting me based on another human's dislike of me because of a mere vote. It's childish behavior and unbecoming of a citizen in this community we call compassionate.
Oh, don't get me wrong; I love a good fight. But, I like to fight fair, and I like fighting the good fight. I try hard to do what is right, and I use every faculty I have to gather facts, listen to varying opinions, and research issues before coming to a conclusion and casting a vote. This may be naïve on my part, but this is how I feel all elected officials should go about doing his or her job. We represent you, and you deserve our best effort, regardless of how the cookie may crumble. Putting my best foot forward (and utilizing my Business Administration degree, Master's degree and common sense) is all I know to do. At the end of the day, when it's time for me to kick off my shoes and chill a while before preparing to start the process over again the next day, I can enjoy my family, catch a good show or movie, read a good book and sleep soundly when I finally lie down and my head hits my feather pillow.
It has been quite the ride, and I am grateful to you for entrusting me with making decisions about the health and wellness of our city. I could not ask for a better District to represent. I love District 7!
I wish you and your family the happiest of holidays and best wishes for a New Year of happiness in a world of peace. May the spirit of the season conspire to gladden your heart and grant you your every wish.
Warmest regards,
Councilwoman Paula McCraney
Every Who Down in Whoville Liked Christmas a lot...
But the Grinch,Who lived just north of Whoville, Did NOT!
The Grinch hated Christmas! The whole Christmas season!
Now, please don't ask why. No one quite knows the reason.
It could be his head wasn't screwed on just right.
It could be, perhaps, that his shoes were too tight.
But I think that the most likely reason of all,
May have been that his heart was two sizes too small.
Whatever the reason, His heart or his shoes,
He stood there on Christmas Eve, hating the Whos,
Staring down from his cave with a sour, Grinchy frown,
At the warm lighted windows below in their town.
For he knew every Who down in Whoville beneath,
Was busy now, hanging a mistletoe wreath.
"And they're hanging their stockings!" he snarled with a sneer,
"Tomorrow is Christmas! It's practically here!"
Then he growled, with his Grinch fingers nervously drumming,
"I MUST find some way to stop Christmas from coming!"
To read the rest of the poem, click here: https://www.best-poems.net/poem/how-grinch-stole-christmas-by-dr-seuss.
Speaking of the Grinch --- they are all around us --- At the mall, in our neighborhoods, in the church parking lot. They are aka THIEVES! Don't let a Grinch steal your Christmas --- or your packages, etc.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO:
***LOCK YOUR CAR
***REMOVE ALL PACKAGES FROM YOUR CAR OR STORE THEM OUT OF SIGHT IN THE TRUNK
***GET PACKAGES HELD AT THE POST OFFICE IF YOU LEAVE FOR VACATION
***DON'T SEND MONEY THROUGH THE MAIL
***ARM YOUR ALARM
***INFORM YOUR NEIGHBORS IF YOU'LL BE AWAY FROM YOUR HOME A COUPLE OF DAYS
***BREAK DOWN BOXES BEFORE PUTTING THEM OUTSIDE
***DON'T POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA THAT YOU'RE ON VACATION
***DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PURSE UNATTENDED IN SHOPPING CART
***DO NOT LEAVE A CHILD UNATTENDED IN SHOPPING CART
***DO NOT LEAVE A CHILD OR ANIMAL UNATTENDED IN CAR
***GET TO KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS; LOOK OUT FOR EACH OTHER...AND...
***IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING. CALL YOUR LOCL POLICE DEPARTMENT.
“The holidays are our sickest time of year,” says Sheryl Recinos, MD, who often works with patients who have debilitating diseases. Patients become more depressed about their illnesses around the holidays, she says, because they’re unable to spend the time with loved ones.
Many other people who have depression dread the holidays because holiday to-do lists (buy presents, decorate the house, make holiday cookies for the kids’ party, entertain guests, etc.) can be stressful. “Culturally, we might feel that there’s pressure to do more. The end of November and into December, people have less time for themselves because they’re spending free time doing everything else,” says Amy Alexander, MD, clinical assistant professor at Stanford University’s psychiatry department.
All of the holiday activities leave little time for the self-care that people who have depression rely on to manage their symptoms. Add that stress to emotionally taxing gatherings with family and unrealistic expectations of holiday cheer, and the most joyful time of year can actually be triggering.
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- Make plans in advance, so you know how and with whom your holidays will be spent. Uncertainty and putting off decision-making add enormous stress.
- Shop early and allow time to wrap and mail packages to avoid the shopping crunch.
- Ask for help from your family and children. Women tend to think they have to do everything, when a team effort can be more fun.
- Shame prevents people from being open about gift-giving when they can’t afford it. Instead of struggling to buy a gift, let your loved ones know how much you care and would like to, but can’t afford it. That intimate moment will relieve your stress and nourish you both.
- Don’t allow perfectionism to wear you down. Remember it’s being together and goodwill that matters.
- Make time to rest and rejuvenate even amid the pressure of getting things done. This will give you more energy.
- Research has shown that warmth improves mood. If you’re sad or lonely, treat yourself to a warm bath or cup of hot tea.
- Spend time alone to reflect and grieve, if necessary. Pushing down feelings leads to depression. Let yourself feel. Then do something nice for yourself and socialize.
- Don’t isolate. Reach out to others who also may be lonely. If you don’t have someone to be with, volunteer to help those in need. It can be very uplifting and gratifying.
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Additional resources for veterans
Some offices and VA hospitals offer a "Health Promotion Disease Prevention Program" that includes treatment methods including acupuncture, tai chi, and meditation instead of opioids, and they work with the Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255, Press 1) to provide support and treatment for PTSD and depression, the leading cause of suicide for veterans.
Additional references for VA material and assistance: www.vetcenter.va.gov or 1-877-WAR-VETS or (lifestyle changes for better health) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YX9fLXrF4fA
There is also a link for sexual trauma: https://www.vetcenter.va.gov/Military_Sexual_Trauma.asp
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According to an article found online at psychologytoday.com, "there is solid evidence that — despite long-held beliefs and often erroneous media coverage — the suicide rate in the United States does not spike around the holidays. According to the U.S. Center for Health Statistics, the suicide rate is highest between April and August. The months of November, December, and January actually have the lowest daily suicide rates."
The suicide rate may be lowest during the winter months, but some people do in fact experience the holiday blues. These individuals may need assistance, and if the situation is ongoing long after the holiday season, they may be worse than you'll ever know. So, in the spirit of brotherly and sisterly love during this holiday season, please share the suicide hotline number below with anyone who appears depressed for weeks at a time and shows signs of hopelessness.
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Party Change Deadline - December 31
Kentucky voters who wish to vote in another party's primary in the May 19, 2020 Primary Election must change their registration no later than Dec. 31, 2019.
Voters can change or update their registration at Kentucky's one-stop online voter portal, GoVoteKY.com.
Under Kentucky law, to be qualified to vote in a partisan Primary Election, a voter must have been a member of that party on Dec. 31of the prior year or a new voter who has not changed their affiliation. Voters who change party affiliation after the Dec. 31 deadline are not eligible to vote in partisan races in the Primary Election.
Voters can verify their current registration status at GoVoteKY.com. To change party affiliation, voters may make the change on the online portal, or complete a voter registration card and return it to their county clerk. Registration forms are available at county clerks' offices.
Registration forms submitted by mail, in person, or electronically must be received by the County Clerk by Dec. 31. The Jefferson County Clerk’s Election Center is at 701 W Ormsby Ave #301.
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This year, we are allowed to include leaves in the seasonal Christmas tree drop-off / recycling program. Starting December 26, drop-off sites will be available for all Louisville/Jefferson County residents at four locations. The Hubbards Lane site will also instantly recycle Christmas trees into mulch that can be kept for your own use. If you wish to keep your mulch, you must bring an appropriate container in which to carry it. Please don't forget to remove all lights and ornaments from trees before you set the tree out or drop it off. As for the loose leaves allowance, containers used to bring leaves to the drop-off sites must be disposed of off-site by residents.
DROP OFF LOCATION: Public Works Yard - 10500 Lower River Road (Enter from Bethany Lane)
Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., (Waste Reduction Center will close at 3 p.m. on Saturdays.)
December 26 - January 31, (All locations will be closed on Wednesday, January 1.)
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Apply for a Property Tax Homestead Exemption
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Kentucky Law and the Jefferson County PVA offers a homestead exemption for property owners 65 years of age or older who own and occupy the property as their primary residence on January 1 of the year in which they apply for the exemption. The homestead exemption for 2019-2020 is $39,300. If you are eligible to receive the exemption, the year’s exemption amount is subtracted from your property’s assessed value, reducing your property tax liability.
Only one exemption (Homestead or Disability) is allowed per household. Once approved for the Homestead Exemption, you are not required to reapply annually. You are eligible for the Homestead Exemption on residential or commercial property as long as you own and occupy the property as your primary residence and meet all other qualifying criteria. If you move, it is your responsibility to notify the PVA Office and reapply for the exemption on your new residence.
For more information, click here.
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DEFIINITION: Unrequited love or one-sided love is love that is not openly reciprocated or understood as such by the beloved. The beloved may not be aware of the admirer's deep and strong romantic affection, or may consciously reject it. The Merriam Webster Online Dictionary defines unrequited as "not reciprocated or returned in kind".
USED IN A SENTENCE: He's been pining with unrequited love.
NOTICE: All Metro Council meetings are carried live on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184 and U-verse Channel 99. The meetings are also available online at the Metro Council home page at http://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council/metro-council-clerk by clicking on the “Watch Meetings Online” button.
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