District 7 E-Newsletter

Councilwoman Paula McCraney 601 W. Jefferson Street (502) 574-1107
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Councilwoman 

Paula McCraney
601 W. Jefferson Street
(502) 574-1107

paula.mccraney@

louisvilleky.gov


Email Councilwoman McCraney

 

Links

Visit the District 7 Website


Phone Numbers
of Interest

l Air Pollution: 574-6000

Animal Services: 363-6609
or 361-1318

Anonymous Tipline:
574-LMPD (5673)

Brightside: 574-2613

Jefferson County Clerk's Office: 574-5700

Legal Aid: 584-1254

Metro Call: 311 or 574-5000

Metro Parks: 574-7275

Metro Police: (Non Emergency) 574-7111 or 574-2111

Metro Safe: 572-3460
or 574-7111

MSD: 587-0603

PARC: 569-6222

Poison Control: 589-8222

Public Works: 574-5810

Solid Waste Management (SWMS): 574-3571

TARC: 585-1234

Veteran's Affairs: 595-4447

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In this Issue...



Message From McCraney


Hello Neighbors and Friends,

I want to share with you something I read during my weekly stroll through the internet for research on a random topic of interest.  It is information from the Stanford University website about the first draft of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s final book entitled, "Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?"

As I read about Dr. King's manuscript, I couldn't help but liken the Civil Rights Movement of the 60's to the Justice Movement of 2020. Back then, the term "Black Power" was the battle cry, and now, it's "Black Lives Matter." As was the case in the '60's, many people today do not like or embrace the battle cry - regardless of what it's called.  The cries today for justice, humanity, equality, protection against police brutality, and an end to systemic and institutionalized racism - are the same cries of yesteryear.   Here is what my research uncovered:

Where Do We Go from Here was the last book Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. penned before his assassination in 1968. It’s a series of essays in which Dr. King addresses the status of the Civil Rights movement, its progress, what has held it back and what he believes it will take to move it forward.

King’s analysis is of the state of American race relations and the movement after a decade of U.S. civil rights struggles. “With Selma and the Voting Rights Act, one phase of development in the civil rights revolution came to an end,” he observed (King, 3). King believed that the next phase in the movement would bring its own challenges, as African Americans continued to make demands for better jobs, higher wages, decent housing, an education equal to that of whites, and a guarantee that the rights won in the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 would be enforced by the federal government. He warned that “the persistence of racism in depth and the dawning awareness that Negro demands will necessitate structural changes in society have generated a new phase of white resistance in North and South” (King, 12).

King assessed the rise of black nationalism and the increasing use of the slogan “Black Power” in the movement. While he praised the slogan as “a call to black people to amass the political and economic strength to achieve their legitimate goals,” he also recognized that its implied rejection of interracial coalitions and call for retaliatory violence “prevent it from having the substance and program to become the basic strategy for the civil rights movement in the days ahead” (King, 36; 44). Condemning the advocacy of black separatism, King maintained that there would be no genuine progress for African Americans “unless the whole of American society takes a new turn toward greater economic justice” (King, 50). Despite King’s impatience with Black Power proponents, he ended the book on an optimistic note, calling for continued faith in “mass nonviolent action and the ballot” and including his own “Program and Prospects” for black advancement (King, 129; 193–202).

After the book’s publication in June 1967, King used its promotional tour to reinforce points raised in its pages, speaking out on the living conditions of many black Americans and against U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. At a luncheon in his honor, King chided the nation for doing nothing to eradicate slum conditions: “Everyone is worrying about the long hot summer with its threat of riots. We had a long cold winter when little was done about the conditions that create riots” (“Dr. King Deplores”). 


Footnotes

Stanford University, The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute.

Garrow, Bearing the Cross, 1986.

Display ad, Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?, New York Times, 11 July 1967.

“Dr. King Deplores ‘Long Cold Winter’ on the Rights Front,” New York Times, 20 June 1967.

King, Interview on the Merv Griffin Show, 6 July 1967.

King, Where Do We Go from Here, 1967.


So, the question remains: Where do we go from here? Do we want continued chaos or do we want community? 

From boarded up downtown businesses and government facilities to statues being vandalized and ultimately removed, it's time for all of us to have the necessary conversations that will lead our community to live up to the creed we supposedly hold true - that all men are created equal. In order for healing to take place in our community, these conversations must be honest, they must be pure, and they can't be about who's right, who's wrong, or who's to blame. 

My heart hurts for our city.  Businesses are suffering, people are enraged, a pandemic is overtaking us and government officials - especially at the federal level - seem to be aloof and politically tone-deaf to the needs of city communities. While they are fighting among themselves, people all across America are losing jobs, homes, cars and in some cases lives (193,000 to be exact).

We're a better America than what we're currently experiences. I know we are. And we're a better Louisville than what you see when you go downtown. The pictures below that I've taken as I go to my office periodically are telling.  Downtown Louisville is a sight for sore eyes, it's a sad testimony of the pain some people feel due to police brutality and other injustices, it's a tell-tell story of why I have determined that I want community --- not chaos.  Dr. King also once said, "We will either learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools,"  I choose living together as brothers and sisters...

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Hall of Justice

(Imagine that!)


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Many downtown businesses, including the Heyburn Building, hotels and offices are boarded up and lifeless.


 

 

Here are a couple of banks, restaurants and other buildings boarded up and desolate.

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Metro Hall - Home of the Louisville Metro Mayor

What is the message when both City Hall and Metro Hall are Boarded?

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City Hall - Home of the Louisville Metro Council



In Remembrance of 9-11-01

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Your Councilwoman in the News

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Mayor Greg Fischer signed an Executive Order today that establishes an Equity in Contracting and Procurement Task Force, which will be charged with working to close the community’s wealth gap by supporting Black-owned and Minority-, Female- and Disabled-owned Business Enterprises (MFDBE) through supplier diversity initiatives, particularly related to capital projects.

Louisville Metro Government estimates that more than $5 billion will be invested locally in public and private capital infrastructure investments over the next five years, including projects from the city, MSD, Louisville Gas & Electric Company and others.  Mayor Fischer wants to see more MFDBEs –  minority, female, disabled, and LGBT business enterprises as defined in the Louisville Metro Code of Ordinance 37.66 – involved in that work. 

The Equity in Contracting and Procurement Task Force will establish ambitious and achievable goals and timetables to increase the level of expenditure with those businesses.

These organizations have committed to joining the Task Force, with the following representatives:  

  •  Louisville Metropolitan Sewer District (Tony Parrott)
  • LG&E and KU Energy (Paul Thompson)
  • Louisville Water Company (Spencer Bruce)
  • Louisville Regional Airport Authority (Dan Mann)
  • Louisville Metro Housing Authority (Lisa Osanka)
  • Louisville Metro Government (Chief Equity Officer Kendall Boyd)
  • Louisville Metro Council (Councilwoman Paula McCraney)
  • Jefferson County Public Schools (Dr. Marty Polio)
  • University of Louisville (Sally Molsberger)
  • Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (Secretary Jim Gray)
  • Louisville Urban League (Sadiqa Reynolds)
  • One West (Evon Smith)
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Councilwoman McCraney speaks at press conference about the new Executive Order establishing the Equity in Contracting and Procurement Task Force.  https://www.facebook.com/MayorGregFischer/



ZONING CHANGE MEETING

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Yvette Gentry Named Interim Police Chief

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Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer announced today that interim LMPD Chief Rob Schroeder is retiring from the department, and former LMPD Deputy Chief Yvette Gentry has agreed to serve in the interim role until a new permanent Chief is installed.

Gentry retired from LMPD in 2014 after serving more than 20 years in investigations, strategic planning, budgeting and patrol; she became deputy chief in 2011. A year later, Mayor Fischer named her as the city’s Chief of Community Building, a role she held until 2017. Gentry is taking a leave of absence from her current roles in philanthropy at the Rajon Rondo Foundation and Metro United Way to serve until a permanent LMPD Chief is in place.

Gentry, who will be the first female to ever lead the LMPD in its 200-plus year history, did not apply for the permanent chief position and said she has no interest in serving longer than it takes to give a new chief a successful transition period.

 “I am taking a pause from positions that have provided me time to heal and enjoy my family,” Gentry said. “I am returning to the high-stress law-enforcement field in large part to help lead a call to action for those willing to do the work it takes to heal our city – and provide truth so we can have reconciliation, and create a system of justice rooted in equity.” READ MORE. 


Give for Good Louisville

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Why should you give during Give For Good Louisville?

The biggest day of local giving returns on Thursday, September 17 when the Community Foundation of Louisville's Give For Good Louisville takes over our community.

The nonprofit organizations supported by Give For Good Louisville represent our community’s priorities – they see vital needs that aren’t otherwise being met, develop forward-thinking solutions and take the initiative to make positive change. We encourage you to support your favorite organizations and discover new ones doing vital work in our community during this community-wide day of philanthropy.

Be a part of this force for good and #GiveForGoodLou on September 17 between midnight and 11:59 PM at www.giveforgoodlouisville.org.


Give for Good Louisville Participant:

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Here is a link for your giving convenience:  https://www.giveforgoodlouisville.org/organizations/honor-flight-bluegrass-5939d8ae-2e13-4e3e-9f4a-a363f6b06acf


Give for Good Louisville Participant:

SMAM

Help Us Make History 

Have you dreamed of making history? Of course, we all have. And now we have a chance to be a part of the Louisville community's day of giving - an opportunity to unite our community around causes in which we truly believe and help nonprofit organizations connect to the larger community.

We need your help! Families who have never imagined needing assistance before, have reached out over the past 6 months of the pandemic leading to a 25% increase in our services.  Please join our campaign and help us reach or exceed our goal of $20,000 and 90 unique donors. (A “Unique Donation” is defined as one gift of $10 or more to one organization from one donor - separate emails should be utilized if there are multiple donors in a household.)  We need you to tell your friends and family members about the important work we do and ask them to join us in helping to make a difference.

Get ready to give! On September 17th, starting at 12 AM on September 17, visit https://www.giveforgoodlouisville.org and make a donation to St. Matthews Area Ministries.

The Mission of St. Matthews Area Ministries

St. Matthews Area Ministries seeks to unite the resources and people of area congregations to effectively meet community needs. Through St. MAM, area congregations collaborate and partner with government, schools, businesses, and other non-profits to meet emergency needs, to stabilize families in transitional situations, to provide a nurturing and healthy environment for children and youth, and to offer resources for the benefit of the whole community.


Give for Good Louisville Participant:

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Get ready to give! On September 17th, starting at 12AM on September 17, visit our Give For Good website and make a donation to us and/or to any of the great participating nonprofit organizations in the Louisville community.

You will have 24 hours to make your donation, and all giving will end at 11:59PM on September 17.

 

Questions? If you have any questions or would like more information, let us know. Thank you in advance for your generosity!

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Brunch on The Belle

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Join us every Sunday for one of our favorite weekend traditions – brunch on The Belle! Bring your family and friends for a delicious meal onboard the iconic Belle of Louisville. Grab a Mimosa or Bloody Mary from the bar, enjoy your favorite brunch foods and take a relaxing ride down the river – the perfect way to wind down your weekend!

Brunch on The Boat

    • Admission: $43.99 for adults, $42.99 for seniors; $29.99 for children (5 - 14); free for children 4 & under
    • Location: Belle of Louisville Riverboats
    • 401 W. River Rd.
    • Louisville, Kentucky 40202

September is Responsible Dog Ownership Month

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Only 1 of 3 lost pets will be reunited with their owner. Make sure your pet always has a ticket home, if they become lost.  LMAS offers microchipping services for $25 and you don’t need an appointment. Get your pet microchipped Monday-Saturday from 12-6pm, at the LMAS Shelter, located at 3528 Newburg Road.

Is your pet already microchipped but you’re not sure how to update your contact information? LMAS uses microchips from Home Again. To update your contact info, visit homegain.com. You can also check your pet’s adoption records to find the microchip company’s contact info, or visit a veterinary office or the LMAS Shelter, to have your pet scanned for a microchip. For more info, contact LMAS at animalservicesadoption@louisvilleky.gov.


Junk Drop-Off

Saturday, September 26, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. 

Sun Valley Park, 10401 Lower River Road

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ACCEPTED ITEMS

  • Electronics (up to 3 items) - recycled
  • Metal & appliances (no refrigerators or any items containing coolant) - recycled
  • Passenger tires (up to 4) - recycled
  • Household recyclables (follow curbside rules) - recycled
  • Yard waste (follow curbside rules) - composted
  • Large household items - landfill
  • Paper shredding - recycled
  • Prescription medication - disposed properly

NOT ACCEPTED

  • Garbage, loose debris
  • Concrete, bricks, rocks
  • Construction materials
  • Refrigerators or items containing coolant
  • Paint
  • Batteries
  • Tree trunks
  • Light bulbs
  • Boats
  • Hot tubs
  • Household hazardous waste
  • Items from businesses
  • Items on trailers greater than 10 feet in length

COVID-19 POLICIES

  • Staff will wear personal protective equipment, including face coverings, and will stay at least 6 feet away from citizens.
  • Citizens should remain in their vehicle if possible and must wear a face covering if exiting their vehicle.

These events are made possible through a partnership between the Louisville/Jefferson County Waste Management District, the Department of Public Works Solid Waste Management division, and Metro Council. 


VOTING! VOTING! VOTING!

VOTE DAtes

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE ABSENTEE BALLOT PORTAL: https://vrsws.sos.ky.gov/ovrweb/govoteky

or click on link below:

GoVoteKY.com

Prepare to Vote!

  1. Absentee Ballots - Want to vote absentee in the November election because you are concerned about contracting or spreading COVID-19? The portal to request an absentee ballot is now open and can be requested through the website GoVoteKY.com
  2. Registration - Also, you can register, change your registration or just check to make sure you are registered at GoVoteKY.com.  The deadline to register online to vote in the 2020 General Election is October 5, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. local time.

Consider being a poll worker! - The Jefferson County Clerk is seeking both Democrats and Republicans to fill positions on November 3, in order to have more polling locations open for people who will vote in person.  More information is here.

 

There are three ways for Kentucky voters to cast their ballot for this November’s election:

  1. In person early before Election Day beginning (Oct. 13–Nov. 2)
  2. In person on Election Day (Nov. 3)
  3. By absentee ballot (return by mail or ballot dropbox) 

Visit Kentucky's Voter Information Portal to register to vote, request a mail-in ballot, find a ballot drop-box, find early voting locations, and access additional information about the upcoming election.



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Update from the Governor

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Governor's Update on COVID-19

COVID-19 Case Information

As of 4 p.m. Sept. 11, Gov. Beshear reported that there are at least 55,704 cases in Kentucky, 948 of which were newly reported Friday. One hundred fifty-one of the newly reported cases were from children ages 18 and younger, of which 24 were children ages 5 and under. The youngest was a 1-month-old from Jefferson County.

“This is the third highest number of positive cases we’ve ever had in a single day,” said Gov. Beshear. “Our positivity rate is also going up.”

Unfortunately, Gov. Beshear reported nine new deaths Friday, raising the total to 1,044 Kentuckians lost to the virus.

“Remember other people’s health and lives are on the line and we need you to do your part,” said Gov. Beshear. “Do your patriotic duty. Wear your mask. Social distance. So little is being asked of us in this crisis. It just takes a little bit to be a hero right now.”

As of Friday, there have been at least 960,430 coronavirus tests performed in Kentucky. The positivity rate currently stands at 4.70%. At least 10,822 Kentuckians have recovered from the virus.

For additional information, including up-to-date lists of positive cases and deaths, as well as breakdowns of coronavirus infections by county, race and ethnicity, click here. To see all recent daily reports, click here.

Information about COVID-19 and schools is also being made available. To view the reports, click here for K-12 and here for colleges and universities.

Unemployment Help
After Gov. Beshear pushed for the additional help for unemployed Kentucky workers, the Office of Unemployment Insurance on Friday began processing the first week of FEMA’s Lost Wages Program for the weeks of July 26 to Aug. 15. Kentuckians who are eligible will begin receiving those funds in their accounts in the next two to three days.

“COVID-19 has caused the loss of millions of jobs across the nation, and unfortunately Kentucky is no exception,” the Governor said when the state’s application for the aid was accepted. “I am committed to fighting for every dollar to help our people survive this global pandemic and our workforce return to full strength.”



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Puzzle #1

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Puzzle #2

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Puzzle #3

What is the name of Penny's 5th Child?

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Puzzle #4

Can You Find the Panda?

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Have an Issue Government Should Solve?

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Tune in to View Metro Council Meetings

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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. (Click here and click on the “Watch Meetings Online” button.)  

OR access prior or current meetings here:

http://louisville.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=2.

TO ACCESS MEETINGS THROUGH FACEBOOK: CLICK HERE

Agendas for these meetings can be viewed using the following link:

http://louisville.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=2


State Government Website Information

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Click Here for State Government Website

Click Here to:  View All Agencies


Kentucky General Assembly

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Click Here to Visit Website for Laws, State Legislators, Watch Bills, etc

Click here for more info.

Anwers to Puzzles

Puzzle #1 - Answer:  3 and 4

Puzzle  #2 - Answer:  7

Puzzle #3 - Answer:

If your answer was “Penny”, you were wrong.!! If your answer was “May”, you were wrong again!!

Let us tell you the fact that there is no question asked here. This is just for your information that name of the 5th children is “What”. If you are still not sure, just read the riddle again. “What is the name of the 5th.”. Riddle itself says that name of the 5th children is "What" and there is no question mark at the end. That riddle is strange, isn't it?  Who has ever heard of a person named "What"?

Puzzle #4 - Answer:

Look at bottom of picture, count up about five rows and then look to the far right...there's the panda!