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As a Metro Councilwoman, I often come to a fork in the road that calls for me to make difficult decisions and cast controversial votes. I always consider what I should do if my sense of the “right” thing to do is at odds with a constituent’s sense of what is the “right” decision.
The decisions I am expected to make on the Council can impact all areas of our lives. They are never simple things like which earrings to pair with a necklace or which color nail polish to choose (which are arguably not so simple). The decisions I make as a councilwoman force me to discern the difference between being right and doing what’s right.
Being right is making a situation about yourself, showing or proving to others that what you think and know is right. It takes less time and effort, limits possibilities and restricts participation and contributions. Doing what is right is about recognizing the needs of a situation above the needs of your own. It includes you, but it is not about you. It’s about being curious, listening, learning, and finding the best solution, not your solution.1
You elected me to learn and consider the issues and make the most informed decisions possible. That doesn’t mean only the easy decisions. It especially means the tough decisions. No one promised me that being an elected official would always be fun, easy, or criticism-free. In fact, no one told me anything about what to expect as a member of Metro Council. Now, with 2.5 years under my belt, I have a very clear picture of what this job entails. Elected officials must make tough decisions, not sidestep issues. Making tough choices is what leadership and ethics are all about.
This brings me to Thursday's Council meeting and the ordinance that was introduced to again allow vehicular traffic in Cherokee Park. The ordinance offered an alternative to closing Cherokee Park, allowing a restricted traffic pattern to continue along the Cherokee Park Scenic Loop from Eastern Parkway to Barret Hill and Cochran Hill Road to Ledge Road. Who would have guessed that a conversation about parks and recreation would be so polarizing? But polarizing it was.
Just the mention of the road closure, and tension flared. Some Council members shared compelling stories about memories of driving a disabled parent through the park, some mentioned how elitist it sounded that persons who live around the park were trying to make Cherokee their own private entity. Councilmembers in favor of the restricted traffic proposal argued that disability organizations did not speak out against the ordinance, suggesting the claim was false that the partial closure was discriminating against persons with disabilities.
To determine how I should vote, I took into consideration every email and phone call I received about the ordinance. (I received more requests to vote against the ordinance than I did to vote in favor of it.) I then listened to all testimony from the Parks Department staff and sponsor of the ordinance during the committee meeting, and closely monitored the debate as it unfolded on the night of the Council meeting. Prior to the meeting, I reached out to the Parks Department and asked for a car accident report comparing incidents the year before the closure and the year after the closure. After a repeated request, one of the Parks employees sent data to me without commentary or explanation. I asked for a summary of what the report revealed and was told I’d have to reach out to the Kentucky State Police because that is how the report was sent to them. I found that directive to be very odd, especially since the data seemed to justify the partial closure. I scratched my head wondering why the Park's Department would not detail the accident report.
One of my colleagues read a different report during the Council meeting that she secured directly from LMPD. That report showed accident rates were less than half of what the Parks Department had shared with us. Another colleague, who is a former policeman, stated that he was familiar with the type of report received from the Parks Department. He recalled that those reports included accidents on streets near (not in) the park and accidents involving cars that may have simply run off the road. In other words, the report submitted by the Parks Department was misleading.
I was trying to find a way to support the ordinance, but was not prepared to do so based on faulty data. Because of the intentional misconception, and due to the majority of residents of District 7 who asked me to vote to open the park up without restrictions, and as a result of my thorough research on park accessibility, I voted against the ordinance.
Decisions should always be based on facts that can support the choice. With each vote I cast on Metro Council, I want to be able to look back on the decision with confidence that I made the best decision after doing research with credible information, and after listening to the will of District 7 constituents who contact me in advance of an issue-based vote.
In summary, good ethics and good politics should not be mutually exclusive. When making tough decisions, I will always listen to my constituents and take responsibility for thoroughly researching issues in order to make good decisions. No politician should allow their decision-making processes to be clouded by their desire for a higher political office or with the focus on being re-elected. There will always be issues that are supported by a majority of Louisville residents yet not supported by the majority of District 7 residents, and vice-versa. At the end of the day I must find balance and make decisions that are in the best interest of District 7 residents and the community as a whole. These are often the most difficult decisions.
The bottom line is this, it is not whether my actions are consistent with what I most deeply believe but whether I have done the hard work of ascertaining whether what I believe is right and true for everyone affected by the decisions I make. Public service is honorable and rewarding, but it is not for the faint of heart.
1Paulson, Robert. (2020). The Difference Between Being Right and Doing What’s Right. https://www.robertpaulson.coach/sign
 At the Metro Council meeting on Thursday, August 26th, there were two major pieces of legislation that were voted on.
ARP Funds
The first was the resolution establishing priority areas for the more than $340 million remaining from American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds. This resolution created the following areas of focus for this influx of federal dollars:
- Homelessness and affordable housing
- Workforce development
- Healthy Louisville/Healthy Neighborhoods
- Public safety
- Premium pay
- Public health contingencies
- Eligible infrastructure
As explained in the Budget Committee meeting last week, this resolution intentionally hits on multiple issues facing our city right now in order to give Council and the community an opportunity to address them. It is important to remember, as I have repeatedly stated, this does not mean this will turn into a watered down doling out of funding as can occur during a regular budget process. I specifically voted against this year's fiscal budget as a challenge to Council to attack problems in our city with inspired, bold ideas. This resolution allows for plenty of room for bold solutions. The resolution passed unanimously.
Cherokee Park
The second piece of legislation was an ordinance to allow for a restricted traffic pattern along the Cherokee Park Scenic Loop. In a 19-5 vote, the ordinance was defeated.
Click here to watch the full meeting and view the agenda.
Mayor Greg Fischer and Ryan Nichols, President of the River City Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), reached tentative agreements on new contracts that bring highly competitive salaries to Louisville Metro Police officers, sergeants and lieutenants, along with substantive reforms to address oversight, enhance supervision and build community trust.
The city and FOP began negotiations in January on two employment contracts: one for police officers and sergeants, which expired June 30, 2020; and another for lieutenants, which expired in June 2018.
The next step is a vote by FOP members to ratify the contracts. If approved, it will be followed by a Metro Council vote, with final authorization by the Mayor. There will be an opportunity for public comment before the Council vote, through the normal Council process. The proposal will be shared with the public when delivered to union members within the next few days. The FOP vote is expected the week of September 6.
The proposed contracts include significant salary increases over the next two years for both rank-and-file officers and mid-level command staff:
- In this fiscal year, starting officers will make just over $49,500. By next year, FY 2023, officers’ salaries will range from $51,000 to nearly $79,000 at career end.
- Sergeants’ salaries will range from $78,700 to $93,500 in FY23.
- Lieutenants’ salaries will be $98,000 to $123,100 in FY23.
The contract would guarantee raises for all union members every two years, so a recruit signing on today, for example, could expect to make nearly $65,000 two years from now under the proposal.
The salary improvements are designed to both retain existing sworn staff and attract recruits. LMPD wants to remain competitive with surrounding communities for the best and brightest talent. The Mayor noted that LMPD has more opportunities for training, experience and advancement than any other police department in the Commonwealth; this contract is meant to further incentivize experienced officers to apply as LMPD re-imagines itself for the future of policing.
The substantive reforms in the proposed contract represent a collaborative effort by LMPD and its labor union to address community demands for greater accountability. The reforms include:
- Enhancements to discipline, oversight, and record retention;
- Mandatory critical-incident alcohol and drug testing;
- Required training to Internal Affairs investigators;
- Retaining past findings of bias, untruthfulness, excessive force, sexual misconduct and other criminal conduct as permanent parts of disciplinary records.
- Recognition of the Inspector General and the Citizens Review and Accountability Board;
- Opportunities to build community relations through volunteerism and engagement.
“These changes align the police department with the best practices of reform-minded police forces across the country,” Mayor Fischer said.
Even before the FOP negotiations began, LMPD had already implemented reforms, including modifying its Standard Operating Procedures for search warrants and seizures; resuming random drug testing; and changing its Professional Standards Unit process regarding cases when a police officer separates from LMPD before an investigation is complete.
LMPD Police Chief Erika Shields said the proposed contract agreements are significant on many fronts. “With the challenges we face on gun violence and staffing, our city needs highly motivated officers, and the competitive salary pieces of this contract will help us achieve that,” she said. “At the same time, it sets clear directives for meeting the community’s expectations for reform. Those too, will make us a stronger force.”
Nichols, president of the River City FOP Lodge 614, said, “Our committee worked relentlessly, during these negotiations, to help ensure the LMPD is a department that is able to recruit the most qualified candidates and retain our outstanding officers. We feel this contract is another step in that direction.”
MEETING DATE: August 30, 2021
MEETING TIME: 1:00 PM
LOCATION: ONLINE - CLICK BELOW:
https://louisvilleky.gov/government/upcoming-public-meetings
For basic details of this case, please click here.
For specific case information, please call or email the listed case manager, Jon Crumbie, at jon.cumbie@louisvilleky.gov
If you have any questions, please contact Planning & Design directly at 574-6230.
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MEETING DATE: August 30, 2021
MEETING TIME: 1:00 PM
LOCATION: ONLINE - CLICK BELOW:
https://louisvilleky.gov/government/upcoming-public-meetings
For basic details of this case, please click here.
For specific case information, please call or email the listed case manager, Jon Crumbie, at jon.cumbie@louisvilleky.gov
If you have any questions, please contact Planning & Design directly at 574-6230.
Click on the notice above to make it bigger.
MEETING DATE: September 13, 2021
MEETING TIME: 1:00 PM
LOCATION: ONLINE - CLICK BELOW:
https://louisvilleky.gov/government/upcoming-public-meetings
For basic details of this case, please click here.
For specific case information, please call or email the listed case manager, Zachary Schwager, at zachary.schwager@louisvilleky.gov
If you have any questions, please contact Planning & Design directly at 574-6230.
Click on the notice above to make it bigger.
Crews are continuing their work to clean up driftwood and high weeds at Cox Park. Clearing the boat ramp for ease of access was a high priority, and much of the driftwood that had piled up on the ramp has been cleared.
Our beloved Cox Park is a place for families and friends to gather and enjoy the outdoors. It is a place for boaters to have access to the river, and a place to fish and get away from the pressures of life. Work is continuing on our river refuge to keep people coming here for river relaxation for years to come.
Did you know that District 7 contains over 20 neighborhoods and small cities? These neighborhoods and small cities often have their own mayors, councils and city departments to provide services to constituents. This means that when issues arise in your area, you can usually start by contacting your local neighborhood or city government. Or, you can always call into the District 7 office, and we can contact your neighborhood or city governments on your behalf.
Calling directly to your city government office, allows faster response times for your concerns since there are more localized departments there to assist you. It also means that there are government officials who are working on your behalf, even closer to your home. I love working with elected officials across District 7 because having a good relationship with them means we can better serve all of you.
I often host community forums and gatherings called, "Muffins with McCraney." You can find these notifications/invitations in this eNewsletter and sometimes in the newsletter or on the website of your home rule city. I invite you to attend these events when you can, and as often as you can. I love meeting and mingling with you!
Also, whenever you need assistance, please reach out to your home rule city government, homeowner association or the District 7 office. We are all in this together, and are here at your service.
Click here for a list of District 7 neighborhoods and home rule cities. If you do not see your neighborhood listed, please call the District 7 office, so that we can correct our website.
We are launching a new installation in the District 7 eNewsletter called "7's Heavens". Each month, the newsletter will highlight a different "heaven" of our district. It can be a park, a restaurant, a pretty view, or anywhere that is a little slice of heaven. Please reach out to the District 7 office with suggestions of places you'd like to see featured within our district. We want to hear from you! This month's 7's Heaven is Thurman-Hutchins Park.
Located at 3734 River Road, Thurman-Hutchins Park is a sprawling 53 acres. There are paved walking paths as well as nature trails and a pavilion full of picnic tables. This District 7 park is a haven for nature lovers as it is abundant in plant and animal life.
It is also a well-known local spot for people to fish and spend a day by the water. Bass is caught in this pond, as well as a variety of other fish.
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Even if fishing isn't your thing, that's fine! There are recreational fields here to allow for wide open spaces to play any kind of sport. Soccer goals are handy here as well. Or, if you're a parent, this is a great place to let your kids come and wear themselves out. After running around the park for an hour, they will hopefully be ready for a nap. For smaller children there is a playground on the grounds as well.
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This park is indeed a heaven located within our district. If you want wide open green space, a place to play some sports and get some physical activity in, or a relaxing day of fishing, you should give this park a try. That's it for the inaugural edition of "7''s Heavens". Send in some suggestions, and be on the lookout for next month's installation!
The LMPD 8th Division reported two more Theft From Auto cases this past week in District 7 (see crime map under the Crime Report section of this newsletter). These two break-ins come after last week, which also saw two car break-ins. Here are some security tips to help prevent your belongings being stolen out of your car:
1) Keep your car windows closed and keep your doors locked.
This is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself. Even if you are coming right back to your car, it is better to be safe than sorry.
2) Secure your car keys.
Never leave your keys in your vehicle, even if you're just running into a store really quickly. Make sure not to keep your spare key in your car as well.
3) Park in secure areas.
Try to park your car in a secure garage. If you park outside, avoid remote areas.
4) Remove valuables from your car.
If valuables are visible from the outside, your vehicle is more attractive to would-be burglars. Avoid leaving things like your purse, wallet, money, phone, etc. in plain site when you leave your vehicle unattended. If you have valuables in your car, try putting them in the trunk, glove compartment, under the seat, or somewhere they are not visible from the outside.
5) Have a good car alarm.
Most cars today have them built-in, but if your vehicle doesn't, you can purchase one.
6) If it comes down to it, let the car go.
If it comes down to physical harm befalling you if you don't surrender your vehicle, let the car go. The most important thing is your safety.
Click here for more theft-prevention tips from LMPD.
If you are behind on your Louisville Water or MSD bill due to the pandemic, there is now assistance available. You can apply here or visit your local community ministry. Call 211 to locate your nearest ministry.
Above are upcoming mobile missions to get vaccinated for COVID. If you cannot make these times, but still want a vaccine, click here. You can also text your zip code to 438-829. If you would prefer to call, the Lou Health helpline number is (502)912-8598.
Click here for a full list of pop up vaccine clinics.
This weekend, you can partake in a tour around our city to learn about Suffragists who lived here and fought for women's equality in Louisville. This tour is part of the Kentucky Suffrage Project, and is coming right on the heels of Women's Equality Day, which was August 26th. Looking for Lilith Theater Company actors and tour narrators will lead participants to different sites in the city where Louisville Suffragists lived, worked and met. Audiences will experience live performances at each stop.
Dates & Times:
Sunday, August 29
2:30 pm, 6:30 pm, 7:00 pm, 7:30 pm
The Suffrage Driving & Walking Tour will meet in front of the Louisville Free Public Library Main Branch at 301 York Street. Please arrive 30 minutes early for check-in. Each tour is limited to 15 participants, so advanced ticket purchases are encouraged. Click here to purchase tickets in advance. Ticket prices are on a pay-what-you-can basis, with suggested ticket price at $15 per person, and a minimum ticket price at $5 per person.
Click here for more information.
Louisville Free Public Main Library Hosts Exhibit & Panel Remembering September 11th Attacks
Exhibit Opens September 9 at the Main Library, 301 York Street
Following the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center, New Yorkers did something rather unexpected, they took photographs – lots of them. What began as a single photo hung in the window of a SoHo storefront became perhaps the most important crowdsourcing photo exhibition of our time. The resulting collection, here is new york: the september 11 photographs, returns to the Main branch of the Louisville Free Public Library to mark the 20th anniversary of the tragedy.
Join us for an opening reception and panel discussion, United We Stood: Memories of 9/11, at the Main Library on September 9 (6:30 p.m.). Moderator Melissa Swan and panelists will recall their first-hand experiences during and following the attacks.
The panel discussion and exhibition are free and open to the public. Special thanks to Louisville native and here is New York co-founder Charles Traub, who gifted a set of this collection of photographs to the Library.
The annual Labor Day weekend events, WorldFest and the Mayor’s Hike, Bike &Paddle, presented by Norton Healthcare and Coca Cola Consolidated. Festivities will take place in-person with updated COVID-19 protocols in place.
WorldFest
The 19th annual WorldFest kicks off at the Belvedere on Friday, Sept. 3 and runs through Monday, Sept. 6. This year’s WorldFest will showcase three stages and a Global Village, representing more than 20 countries, including Louisville’s Sister Cities.
The four-day festival will feature more than 40 food vendors and nearly 100 booths offering global cuisine and culture. To learn more about the event, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/city-events/worldfest
Hike, Bike & Paddle
Louisville cyclists, paddlers and walkers will be on the move again at the Mayor’s Hike, Bike & Paddle Monday, Sept. 6 as it returns for another Labor Day at a new location at the Community Boat House at 1325 River Road. All portions of the event have been reworked to ensure participants will be socially distanced.
To learn more about the event, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/city-events/mayors-hike-bike-and-paddle.
City and its partners making plans with special COVID-19 precautions
- All vendors, volunteers and staff dealing with the general public will be asked to wear a mask and provide proof of vaccination or negative COVID test within 72-hours of opening.
- The Parade of Nations annual parade through Downtown has been canceled.
- Confined gathering areas like the children’s area and the World of Information tent have been removed.
- All attendees are encouraged to wear a mask while in common areas. Youth and adult masks will be provided by the city’s Special Events Office, courtesy of Ford Motor Company and UAW.
- Water refill stations will not be available. Attendees are encouraged bring their own water to stay hydrated.
- Fountain Stage will be positioned to allow additional space for 60+ world music acts and performances.
- Live performances will alternate on the stages in an effort to help keep performers moving, clean the stage and set up for next performance.
- Hand sanitizer will be readily available throughout the event.
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Starting August 31st, the Louisville Bats will be at home until September 12. Enjoy an evening or afternoon out at beautiful Slugger Field and watch some baseball!
Click here for ticket & schedule information.
Can you answer these trivia questions? Answers at the bottom of the newsletter!
1) What is the most played sport on Earth?
2) What is the largest ocean on Earth?
3) Havana is the capital of what country?
4) What is the most consumed manufactured drink in the world?
5) What sweet, naturally occurring food never goes bad?
6) What does "www" stand for in a website link?
7) What was Muhammad Ali's birth name?
8) What is the name of the largest desert in the world?
9) What is the only letter of the alphabet not to appear in the name of any US state?
10) What is the largest state in the US?
Metro Louisville now has an interactive map that will allow you to see what is happening in your neighborhood as well as others across the city. The map updates daily and if you choose you can receive alerts for your area by subscribing using the red receive alerts button on the page. Click here to try it out: Interactive Map to Track Crime.
Subscribe to Louisville Metro's Covid-19 e-newsletter for the latest news!
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
Click Here to: View All Agencies
Click Here to Visit Website for Laws, State Legislators, Watch Bills, etc
Click here for more info.
*District 7 Disclaimer: By taking part in District 7 events, you grant Councilwoman Paula McCraney full rights to use the images resulting from photograph/video filming. Councilwoman McCraney will have the right to any reproductions or adaptations of the images for inclusion in her e-Newsletter or other Council publications. This might include, but is not limited to, the right to use them in printed and online materials, social media and news releases.
If you do not wish to be photographed, please inform logan.fogle@louisvilleky.gov prior to event attendance.
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