District 17 eNewsletter

Louisville Metro Government sent this bulletin at 08/21/2020 05:07 PM EDT

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markus winkler - louisville metro council - district 17

August 21, 2020

Examining Leadership and the Climate of our City


Earlier this week, Metro Council Republicans filed a resolution calling for a vote of no-confidence in Mayor Fischer and asking him to resign. This resolution is non-binding and would not initiate the process of removing the mayor.

Let me say up front that I share the frustration with the administration. I believe we waited too long to begin holding non-peaceful protestors more accountable. This inaction contributed to a situation where the downtown area is struggling mightily and some residents question whether it is safe to even come downtown. The handling of the Breonna Taylor case and the willingness to be transparent about that case as well as that of David McAtee have raised concerns as well. Many of you rightly expect more from your government. I expect more as well.

The question then becomes what to do about it. We can pass a resolution that will have no substantial impact other than taking focus away from finding real, tangible solutions that benefit those we represent. Or, we can work together to address the actual issues at hand. The Metro Council’s Government Oversight & Audit Committee has already initiated an investigation that seeks answers from the administration regarding the deaths of Breonna Taylor and David McAtee as well as the ensuing protests. I believe this is a more proper way to provide the oversight we’re tasked with and improve practices going forward. If that investigation finds evidence of substantial wrongdoing, I will be the first to lead the charge on impeachment. The resolution before us, however, is an abdication of our legislative responsibility to see that matter through. 

I also know that people are deeply concerned about the rise in violent crime, the economic impacts of the ongoing shutdowns and protests, and the closure of our schools. I am also concerned. I’m sure it is of little comfort to hear that crime across Louisville is actually down 10% and that our tax receipts on earned income are actually up year over year. We see the news every night regarding the spike in homicides felt both locally and nationally, pass by boarded up or closed businesses, etc. and know something has to change. You have my commitment that I am working every day to bring about changes in policy that lead to more positive outcomes. 

In closing, I know many are scared and unhappy with the direction we are headed. I am, too. But I remain steadfast in my faith that these problems can be solved. The challenges before us are enormous. However, we will be able to solve them if we put aside our differences, focus on common ground, and agree to work together for the good of our city. I’m committed to that goal and hope you will join me in helping us get there. 

Contact the District 17 Office

Markus Winkler
17th District Councilman

502.574.1117
markus.winkler@louisvilleky.gov

 

Kip Eatherly
Legislative Aide

502.574.3462
kip.eatherly@louisvilleky.gov

Important Numbers

Animal Services   473-7387
Codes & Regulations   574-2508
EACM   426-2824
Health & Wellness   574-6520
Jefferson Co. Clerk   574-5700
KY Science Center   561-6100
LG&E   589-1444
LMPD (8th Division)   574-2258
Louisville Water   583-6610
Louisville Zoo   459-2181
Mayor's Office   574-2003
MSD   540-6000
NE Regional Library   394-0379
Parks   574-7275
Planning   574-6230
Public Works   574-5810
TARC   585-1234

August 20 Metro Council Meeting

At last night's meeting, the Metro Council discussed several zoning-related issues, appointments to ten different boards/commissions, an annexation request involving Jeffersontown, and legislation regarding a buffer zone around healthcare facilities. In addition, the Council recognized UAW President Todd Dunn and the Ford Ramp Team for their efforts in installing wheelchair ramps (416 since 2012!) throughout Jefferson County. A summary of the meeting is below:

Land Use/Zoning - The Council approved zoning changes in districts 1, 4, and 9. A request for a change in zoning along Westport Road in District 7 was sent back to the Planning Commission for further review. The Council denied a change in zoning planned for property on Old Henry Trail in District 19. Finally, a resolution was passed asking the Planning Commission to review the Land Development Code and develop recommendations for more equitable and inclusive development. Any recommendations would come back to the Council for final approval.

Boards/Commissions - Appointments were made to the Cherokee Triangle Architectural Review Committee (ARC), the Individual Landmarks ARC, the Limerick ARC, the Old Louisville ARC, the Parkland ARC, the Clifton ARC, the West Main ARC, the Louisville Regional Airport Authority Board, the Urban Renewal Commission, and the Kentuckiana Works - Greater Louisville Workforce Development Board.  

Jeffersontown Annexation - An ordinance was approved permitting the City of Jeffersontown to annex almost 200 homes (primarily the Estates at Landherr and Deer Creek Patio Homes) currently in unincorporated Jefferson County.

Buffer Zone - The Council spent most of the meeting debating an ordinance that would have established a 12' buffer zone for those attempting to enter and exit healthcare facilities. In the end, the legislation failed by a vote of 12-13.

For more information on this or any other Metro Council or committee meeting, please click here.
           

New COVID Helpline

COVID


Earlier this week, the administration announced a new helpline to assist with many common COVID-related questions like the ones listed above. If you are interested in other COVID-related information, please click here for information specific to Louisville Metro or here for the state website.
  

Kentucky Science Center's Camp NTI

Science

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