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And yet these small projects largely go unnoticed, particularly when working. They do not make interesting news, there is not a forum for their celebration, and when an elected spotlights them on social media they are often accused of self-promoting or greeted with a barrage of other things not working. The best and most recent example I can give involves the Southern Pkwy/Woodlawn landscaping bed project near the Beechmont Clock. For years the Council Office has received complaints about its condition - and rightly so. It held invasive plants and was perpetually overgrown. Recently, it was improved after months of collaboration with the neighborhood association, Metro Parks, Olmsted Parks Conservancy, Metro vender Action Landscape, and the Louisville Water Company. Rachel Roarx did tremendous work to coordinate and secure funding. Despite the investment of effort and money spent to improve the landscape beds, it is worth noting how many calls were received to acknowledge the improvement. You guessed it- Zero! Make no mistake, we deserve that type of local government that identifies a problem, leverages available expertise, and produces results. And yet a responsive local government comes at a cost and I am not just referring to the monetary (although I could write endlessly about those needs). I am referring to the need to start noticing the small things that are working. This is not for the sake of an elected official - although we are people too and motivate in much the same ways. It is for the benefit of our partners to feel recognized in their work that everyone sees how city life offers the opportunity to pull together the collective power needed for solving problems and building trust.
I plan to carry this approach for noticing the small things into my next role serving Louisville Metro in Mayor Elect Greenberg’s Administration. I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to serve District 21 on the Metro Council, for all the connections made and exposure to what is working in local government thanks to the collective power known as Louisville.
Gratefully,
Nicole George
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Hello District 21!
It has been an honor to serve you these past four years as your Legislative Aide. We have done so much together, from picking up litter and digging shopping carts out of ditches to helping you apply for new trees in your area. I got to see big and small wins every single day and each day offered me something new and different. I acknowledge that sometimes the things you want to see in your neighborhood take time - after all government is intended to be slow at times - while other times things can happen very quickly!
If I have any parting words before I end my shift today, it is this. Always pay attention to your community. Get to know your neighbors or just wave to them hello. Show up to the zoning meetings. Ask lots of questions! Make the 311 report with the nearest address when you see something that needs fixing. Assume positive intent. Be kind to those who take your calls.
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We are all human.
I am blessed that I had the chance to serve in a capacity that I got to listen to your frustrations, concerns, crisis', and fears. It helped me to acknowledge those feelings and respond with what I can do in that moment in this role. Giving folks realist expectations is essential to restoring faith in the civic process. My hope is that you feel that I did those things for you whether you agreed with the outcome or not.
I look forward to continuing my public service as State Representative to District 38. Trust that I carry your concerns and frustrations to Frankfort to elevate those needs and propose solutions!
Please check on me and send words of encouragement. I, like you, need my battery recharged at the end of the work day.
It is an honor to be the youngest woman elected to the Kentucky State House of Representatives! My door is always open.
Sincerely,
Rachel Roarx
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