top of page
As your councilwoman, I will balance the work of solving long-term problems with the important day-to-day concerns of citizens. From timely snow removal to home and vehicle break-ins, I will listen, respond, and take action.
Lexington's 5th District
Lexington’s 5th Council District includes such neighborhoods as Kenwick, Idle Hour, Chevy Chase, Ashland, Ecton Park, Lansdowne-Merrick, Patchen Village, Plainview, Lakeview, and others. The district consists of some of the city's most financially secure neighborhoods, as well as communities that face economic and housing challenges.
Quality of life is what all residents of the 5th district want and deserve. For some that means maintaining the character of their neighborhoods, while for others it means access to affordable housing. Residents throughout the district care about issues like noise, transportation safety, parking, and utility work disruptions.
Priorities
HOUSING
Lexington's urban and suburban core have so much untapped potential to meet housing and lifestyle demands in the next century. My husband and I have revitalized homes and buildings in the urban core, so we understand both the potential for breathing new life into old places and the challenges of historic preservation and meeting parking and design standards.
We have tenants in some of those infill developments and understand the affordability crisis affecting renters. According to Imagine Lexington 2045, the vast majority of renters here spend more than 50 percent of their monthly income on housing costs. This far exceeds the recommended 30 percent and puts Lexington in the same category as major cities. Not OK.
I support reforms that will lead to a housing market built not just by a handful of the city's most powerful builders, but by homeowners and local, small-scale builders. I will advocate for the development of affordable, missing middle housing -- multi-family housing that creates walkable and sustainable neighborhoods with easy access to goods, services, and amenities. Lexington is a city of young people and small households -- two-thirds are one- and two-person households. Young professionals are an important part of our economy and future and demand quality of life in the place they choose to live in.
More sprawl and mcmansions are not the solution to our housing crisis or climate change. Our fertile, beautiful rural land is what makes us a unique mid-sized city. Agriculture is a $2.6 BILLION industry in Lexington, and ag-related employment contributes $12.9 million annually to the local tax base.
I will support measures that address homelessness, especially among women and families.
TRANSPORTATION
The most shocking fact about Lexington to me is that more people die annually in pedestrian- and bicycle-related accidents than in homicides. I am a strong proponent of Vision Zero - a strategy adopted in 2023 by the Lexington Area Metropolitan Planning Organization to eliminate all traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries.
I walk and bike my daughters to school and around the city and have seen it all. Quality of life means getting around for work or play safely and easily.
I will be an advocate of Lexington's Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, supporting traffic-calming efforts, adding safe walking and biking routes, and using data to allocate and deploy enforcement resources. I will seek community input and make sure changes fit into the character and history of our neighborhoods.
Beyond safety, transportation is a quality of life issue, and sitting in traffic is a big quality of life buster. I will push Lexington to adopt new tools and strategies to move people more efficiently, whether in automobiles or in buses.
TRANSPARENCY & ACCOUNTABILITY
As a former journalist and advisor in the State Auditor’s office, I have a track record of demanding transparency and accountability in government. Taxpayers have the right to know how their dollars are being spent at all levels of government, especially when it comes to multi-million contracts.
I will always be transparent, seek input from the community, and communicate my position on issues.
QUALITY OF LIFE
As I have knocked on doors, I have listened to voters share an array of issues that affect their day-to-day lives. I will run a robust constituent service operation that is responsive to residents.
I want to do my part in restoring the public's faith in public servants and government.
bottom of page